Number 139
Spring 2009 Edition
WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST
The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.24O957 Affiliated to the Inland Waterways Association Ltd.)
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Dredging of Millness Wharf in a February snow flurry. This will now allow the Trust to bring Waterwitch alongside for maintenance purposes.
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Contents Letter from the Editor
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Chairman's Report
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Liverpool Canal Link Talk
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Trip Boat Training
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British Waterways update
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Narrow gauge tramways
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Hincaster Tunnel Restoration Progress
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100 club prizes & Events diary
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Quiz Answers
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Working Party Report
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Hello’ - A Welcome to New Members
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Waterwitch’s ‘Brew’
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Letter from the Editor Dear Members You will see that the Magazine has undergone yet another metamorphosis. Our long serving and very efficient Editor, Pat Clapham, has decided that she wished to relinquish the task after many years in the role. We are indeed very sorry to see her go and I am sure I speak for all members when I express the Trust’s thanks for all her work, commitment and a job well done. She will of course be continuing in her role as Organisor of Recruitment & Promotions . So, having to find a new Editor at short notice, and having one other quarterly magazine that I already edit, I volunteered to take over. I hope the transfer goes smoothly and Pat, Adrian and company will still be helping out with the proof reading & envelope stuffing as usual. In this edition we have, I feel, some interesting articles to keep you all up to date with events. There is progress being made on the restoration, as mentioned in BW’s update. The Trust under Paul Shaw’s professional eye has carried out much useful work this past winter on Working Parties and Frank Chalmers has made remarkable progress in the re-training, under the new MCA rules, of our trip boat steerers for this coming season. I hope you enjoy this Spring edition.
Regards
David Currington
Front cover picture: A perfect "Bank Approach" by Bill Dixon - Steerers’ Training Day 3
Chairman’s Remarks British Waterways, but equally we are ready to give praise when it is deserved. This last winter has certainly caused BW’s staff some headaches, a major one being the Lune Aqueduct where a major maintenance programme planned for next winter has had to be brought forward to this year due to the discovery of major leaks in the structure which has left the canal closed and the aqueduct dewatered for much of the winter. On top of this, BW has had to contend with a spate of vandalism resulting in stonework being dislodged from the parapet and further cost being added to the project through having to employ security staff, not to mention the additional cost of repairs to the stonework.
There’s a new kid on the block! When, at the March meeting of the Executive Committee, Pat announced that she would not be seeking re-election as Editor at the AGM, David Currington offered to produce this issue. Fortunately our Secretary is no stranger to this sort of thing as wearing another hat he produces a newsletter for the Westmorland Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. As I write I have little idea of what will be appearing elsewhere in this issue, but don’t be surprised if you find pub reviews, beer festivals and brewery updates whilst CAMRA members and the public out in the pubs could be reading accounts of working parties and where the stand has been – which could be no bad thing as we need to bring our campaign to as wide an audience as possible.
Elsewhere, a further spate of bridge strikes has occurred, most recent being Kellet Lane near Carnforth and yet another to Crooklands. I feel the latter vindicates the Trust as we said we didn’t have much confidence in Cumbria County Council’s solution and we have been proved right. If possible BW will try to recover repair costs from the vehicle’s insurer where the owner can be traced, a lengthy and costly process in itself, but more often than not, this is not possible, leaving a cash strapped BW to pick up the tab for repairs.
Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut! When we had the official launch of ‘Lancaster Canal Trail’ last year in Levens Park it was agreed that we would provide tea, coffee and biscuits for the invited guests. A picture of the marquee with Trisha in charge of the brews appeared in the Autumn 2008 edition of this magazine. What we hadn’t anticipated was that we also be serving brews to the general public who happened to be in the park at the time – and collected a sizeable amount in donations to boot. I casually said to Hal that perhaps we should do this more often; - to which he replied, “then why don’t you!” The President had thrown down a challenge! How could we not respond – and ‘Waterwitch’s Brew’ was born. Read elsewhere of our first outing!
In the last issue I berated BW for the continuing problems with the pump out facility at Moss Lane in Garstang. Bob Seed has been our guinea pig whilst BW have tried to sort out the problems, but Bob now reports that these have been rectified and it is now working perfectly. So well done BW for resolving this. I must also thank our ‘dirty weekend’ mem-
We are always ready to throw brickbats at
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bers and our friends from the Waterway Recovery Group who have been showered with praise from BW regarding the work on the Hincaster Horsepath. This has led to us being asked to assist BW carry out repairs to Braithwaite's Bridge, identified as being ‘at risk’ by SLDC. I feel it is recognition of the high standards of craftsmanship and professionalism which our volunteers possess that BW can ask us to help and we are pleased to assist.
years of operating ‘Waterwitch’ and her predecessor, we have to put people to this trouble, but that’s the world we live in! Finally, our Annual General Meeting will take place on 2nd July and I am making my usual appeal for more members to come forward and play an active part in Trust activities. I am conscious that everyone has pressures on their free time – but this is no different for those who are active now. But perhaps the main reason why members don’t come forward is that we are not providing enough information as to what they are letting themselves in for, so to this end we are holding an ‘open day’ where you will be able to learn about what running a campaigning body involves.
On other matters, we have completed dredging the wharf at Millness to provide a new winter berth for ‘Waterwitch’ and to provide a facility for us to lift her out for the all important below waterline maintenance of the hull. This project has provided us with more than our fair share of bureaucratic nightmares and we must thank Richard Trevitt for his So if you have been thinking about it, but are gritty determination in managing this project. hesitant to make that final commitment, then come along. Remember, ‘think not of what Crew training for the trip boat crews to meet your Trust can do for you – but what you can the new MCA requirements is underway do for your Trust’! thanks to Frank Chalmers and the boat will be operating this year. Again, I find it irk- Regards David Slater some that given our safety record over many
Hello! The Lancaster Canal Trust extends a very warm welcome to the following new members and we hope to see you at some of our events: Mr Mr Mr Mr
P Acland N Wilkinson G White K Birch
Oxenholme Preston Kirkcaldy Salford.
Mr C John Miss B Tyler Mr A Lomas Mrs. N Turner
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Melrose Shrewsbury Prestwich Lytham St Annes
The Liverpool Link
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n the Midland & Furness Hall, at the Carnforth Station, an open meeting was arranged by the Trust on 19th March. It was given by Richard Longton, of British Waterways, the Project Engineer for the new Liverpool Link.
through the main waterfront past the ‘Three Graces’, whilst all around other new and massive structures were also taking shape, was a formidable challenge.
The audience watched a fascinating PowerPoint presentation and talk from Richard. It demonstrated the fact that although only a relatively short length of new canal (1.6miles) was being built the engineering problems in taking new channels right
As can be seen from the Map the purpose was to link the Stanley Lock Flight at the original end of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, (and which was well outside the new tourist and shopping areas for visiting boaters), to the Albert Dock area.
Pier Head by Day
New lock in Princes Dock.
Richard pointed out that the link is NOT a new canal, it is a series of Docks connected by two new sections of cut. Funding totalling £17 million was found and after Planning Pier Head by Night
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Consent was gained in December 2005, work progressed such that the Pier Head section was opened in June 2008 and the Canal link was opened at the end of March. It is hoped the Link will eventually encourage a regular 4000 boat movements per year from a current 500 using the previous terminal of the L&L. Left above: The new channel that links the northern end of West Waterloo Dock with Trafalgar Dock and Salisbury Dock
Left: The Pier Head, looking northwards, with the Three Graces (the Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) on the right and the new cruise liner terminal on the left.
Right: 22 new floating pontoons, costing ÂŁ120K, have been installed at Salthouse Dock in readiness for the opening of the Liverpool Canal Link in spring 2009.
To see more splendid photos visit http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/ liverpool-canal-link/aerial-photography 7
So you thought you knew how to steer a boat, did you ????
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ew regulations (Maritime Coastguard/Small Passenger Vehicle Code/Inland Waterways/Royal Yachting Association and a few more besides …) required us (the Trust) to review the way we run our passenger boat, nb Waterwitch. These regulations came into force on 1st October, 2008. So for the coming season, we skippers (some of whom have been running the boat for the last 15 years or more) now have to be "certified". Thus, (with a little trepidation), a happy band of 15 or so took to the water on a cold blustery weekend in March
for that purpose - under the guidance of Wendy Beamont, an examiner recommended by the high and mighty at IWA (who now oversee the training scheme). Each skipper was taken out individually by Wendy to perform several manoeuvres - half attended on Friday and the other half were assessed on the Saturday. Those who came on the Friday were very lucky….it was a pleasant day in early spring - we even had some sunshine. Unfortunately, the wind had picked up on Saturday morning and by Saturday afternoon the heavens had opened … and the last three on the schedule got rather wet. Manoeuvres completed, we all attended on the Sunday for a full day of first aid, evacuation and man overboard exercises. The weather was fairly kind - the hail storm was only quite brief… and the wind had
" Trish Buzzard - the ladies not for turning?", (Continued on page 9)
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ence of most, few can remember having to deal with quite so many emergencies in such a short space of time and few "passengers" have been quite so unco-operative and hysterical!!
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dropped to gusty from strong. On the Sunday afternoon Waterwitch gamely went out to deal with a fire on board, evacuation and man overboard - twice….. I think in the 15 or so year’s experi-
However, the "man" who went overboard on such a cold weekend was very well behaved - being a 13kg gas bottle in a buoyancy aid ……...
“Les Perry under assessment by Wendy Beamont"
We all learned a lot and now believe that at least 15 skippers can handle any likely situation which may arise during the trips on Waterwitch. So congratulations to those who are now "qualified" and many thanks to all those who made the weekend enjoyable. There are potential skippers ready for the next training session, but we could always use a few more so if you are interested, please contact me. Frank Chalmers, Boat Operations Manager (015396) 23638
" a fire on board (mock) - boat evacuated safely". (Continued on page 10)
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If a man is to be obsessed by something, I suppose a boat is as good as anything, perhaps a bit better than most. E. B. White
Above: "Trish Buzzard brews up for Alan Mather & Elddis" Right: " Alistair, Ian, Chris, Lesley, Wendy, MOB & Neil, about to effect a rescue".
Left: Back to the Classroom!
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B
ritish Waterways
The project will be defined during the spring then presented to potential funders, marking a significant step towards engaging private sector developer capacity.
Update……….
Work on the Kendal Canal Head Area Action Plan is to continue under the direction of South Lakeland District Council.
CANAL HEAD MASTERPLAN MOVES INTO A CRITICAL PHASE
Public consultation will continue to form a strong aspect of the project, following the examination of preferred options for regenerating the Canal Head Area. Responses have been assessed, with a draft submission document the next phase. This will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, as part of the South Lakeland Local Development Framework. Meanwhile, work on the plan will:
The three year master plan to progress development of Kendal’s Canal Head is complete – now the project is ready to move into a new phase. The completed phase included a thorough assessment of engineering works and infrastructure requirements to reinstate the northern canal section from Canal Head toward Natland.
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The Project Development Group of the restoration partnership’s next phase. 'Delivering the Canal Quarter' focussed on Canal Head, will define the works required to: • •
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create the delivery aspect of the Area Action Plan; address how existing functions currently based at Canal Head could be relocated; further assess demand for employment and housing, work premises for high value knowledge based businesses, examine how a joint venture/ private sector developer partnership can be created to deliver a fully re-integrated canal within the development at Canal Head.
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Consider consultation responses and address development proposals accordingly; Consider the economic modelling of development proposals in context of this economic downturn, examining potential changes; Evaluate the outcome of the Kendal Transport Study. Revise spatial plan accordingly; Draft policy sections of the plan; Carry out a sustainability appraisal on the draft submission document.
A further round of public consultation will be held prior to the plan’s submission to the Planning Inspectorate. Likely key diary dates will be: • public consultation on draft submission – December 2009; • submission to the Planning Inspectorate by March 2010;
The new project phase marks an important shift from emphasis on planning for regeneration to defining how it will be delivered.
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• Planning Application fee: this has caused concern by increasing tenfold from £2k to £22k. Partners are working to address the resultant shortfall in funding.
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public examination during summer 2010
DRY WATERWAY STRETCH AIMING TO MAKE A SPLASH! Re-watering of the canal between Natland and Canal Head is closer to becoming a reality as partners draw up a detailed planning proposal.
Good overall progress is being made on these critical issues and it is hoped funding will soon be in place. A speedy resolution of other outstanding issues will soon be resolved, enabling an Application to be submitted in late spring.
British Waterways and South Lakeland District Council are drawing up framework proposals to deliver this exciting part of the project in conjunction with the Area Action Plan for Canal Head.
BRIDGE STRIKES CONTINUE TO BLIGHT CANAL PROGRESS Canal bridges continue to be a costly casualty of traffic congestion and rat run truckers, with emergency repairs diverting funds and resources from important long term projects.
The application comprises a wide range of factors which must be integrated prior to submission: • Environmental Statement: final draft awaits comments and finalisation.
Three strike damaged bridges were repaired in December 2008 within programme and budget: Bridge 49 on New Lane south of Garstang, Bridge 135 Borwick, and Bridge 164 at Millness.
• Planning Statement: final draft awaiting approval following discussions with the Environment Agency.
Senior Engineer for British Waterways North West Colin Blain said work was carried out to a high quality despite the cold December weather.
• Design & Access Statement: completion due to accompany planning application.
“We used special lime mortar and new masonry where necessary. New sandstone and limestone blocks had to be quarried and hand dressed to match the existing masonry,” he said.
• Assessments: Talks with the Environment Agency and Natural England over a range of issues are currently being addressed, with a meeting planned to ensure all the parties are on board.
Although the repair costs of around £56k are being recovered from drivers insurance companies, this has proved to be a lengthy process to complete.
• Drawing work: some work remains to be completed on Howard’s Embankment, an important part of the application as a necessary holding site
Yet bridge strikes are a recurring problem. Three other bridges on the Lancaster Canal (Continued on page 13)
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word from HLF informing the project partnership that they are very interested in funding a scheme of this significance, and that HLF will award us £50,000 to develop the project further, enabling us to strengthen our case for a full grant award of £1m. Over the coming months, a full project application will be developed by the project partnership with a view to submit in early 2010.
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have been badly damaged in the last six months: Bridges 78 and 79 south of Galgate and Bridge 114 Hasty Brow north of Lancaster. “Unfortunately we have neither culprits to pursue for compensation nor any available budget in this current financial year for the repairs. Hasty Brow bridge could alone cost £30k, with the others approx £6.5k each,” said Mr Blain.
The funding application is underpinned by British Waterways plan to invest approximately £2m in the long term protection of the structure. The scheme to restore this 200 year old architectural giant will deliver:
All repair works would require road closures and traffic management, and possibly divers to recover masonry from the canal. “We will be meeting with Lancashire County Council to improve the traffic signs and road markings at these bridges, with a view to undertaking the work in May or June this year,” said Mr Blain.
• A relined canal channel; • New corroded trench sheet wash walls; • Re-pointed aqueduct stone lined trough; • Re-pointed open joints in masonry arch; • Rebuilt walls along edge of turning basin south of bridge; • New drain plug in bed of canal basin; • Vegetation removal and re-graded slopes for easier access.
LUNE AQUEDUCT HLF BID UPDATE British Waterways has recently received exciting news from the Heritage Lottery fund with regards to an ambitious funding application that was submitted in late 2008 to widen the appeal and accessibility to the magnificent Lune Aqueduct. Over the last year, British Waterways has been working with the Lancaster Canal Trust, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council on a £1m funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of ambitious plans to develop Lancaster Canal as a key visitor centre and economic generator for the North West. The plans will make the aqueduct – which carries the picturesque Lancaster Canal over the River Lune – more accessible and visually appealing to visitors, in addition to underpinning the structural integrity of the aqueduct for decades to come.
A range of additional enhancements will then be funded by the HLF grant that will not only improve access to the site, but also further promote community and visitor engagement with John Rennie’s historic masterpiece. This additional vision comprises: • A range of DDA compliant access improvements to enhance linkages between canal and Millennium Cycleway; • Towpath upgrades; • Ecologically friendly structural lighting • Interpretation and signposts, providing information in relation to
Just last week, British Waterways received
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taken.
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the structures development and historical significance; Ecological improvements including vegetation management and preparation of a landscape management plan; Additional safety features; Provision of a new visitor car park at Caton Road.
The installation of safety fencing enabled the towpath across the River Lune to be kept open, maintaining this key route in and out of the city centre for walkers and cyclists. However, the Aqueduct was subjected to anti-social behaviour during the repair works which resulted in repeated damage to the safety fencing and parts of the original stonework. This caused delays to the works and also added additional costs to the programme.
As part of the on-going development of the scheme, a number of consultation events will be held over the coming months which will give people the opportunity to help develop the project and also help shape the next stage of the funding application.
Debbie Lumb, British Waterways' general manager, commented at the time: “The Lune Aqueduct is one of the iconic structures on Britain’s waterways. Following
The development grant will be predominantly spent on survey works both on and around the aqueduct in order for the project partnership to assess both the feasibility and costs of the proposed improvements listed above 200 YEAR OLD CANAL AQUEDUCT RE-OPENS FOR NEW BOATING SEASON The 18th century Lune Aqueduct which carries the Lancaster Canal over the River Lune was closed in December following the discovery of a pronounced leak at the southern end of the aqueduct. As a result of this significant flow of water from the structure, emergency procedures were implemented and unfortunately the canal had to be closed until a full investigation was carried out.
initial assessment, a programme of repairs has been identified and we are working towards a permanent solution to restore the Aqueduct. However, we were shocked and dismayed to discover the levels of vandalism suffered in this area which has delayed the works and added unforeseen costs.” Built by canal engineer John Rennie between 1794 and 1797, the Grade I listed Lune Aqueduct is architecturally the finest aqueduct in North West England, carrying the Lancaster Canal over the River Lune on five semi-circular arches each of 70ft span. But the 200 year old Lune Aqueduct has a history of leakage from the bed of the canal
British Waterways' engineers worked quickly to identify a method of repair and their costings so that works to rectify the problem could be completed as soon as possible. The canal over the Aqueduct was de-watered almost immediately allowing detailed investigative work to be under-
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Narrow gauge railways and the Lancaster Canal
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arrow gauge railways, also referred to as tramways, tramroads, or waggonways, often connected with canals as well as with the standard gauge rail network. They were used to bring materials of various kinds from mines or quarries, often from higher ground and across difficult terrain, at the beginning of a journey which then continued on the canal. Being lightweight, such railways could be laid relatively cheaply, on all sorts of ground; wagons could be manoeuvred by hand, by horse, or by cable haulage, as well as by means of locomotives.
shire's industrial heritage, and recording their existence as best we can before they are completely forgotten. Two of us, myself and Graham Fairhurst, have set ourselves the task of compiling a gazetteer of all narrow gauge railways existing or known to have existed within the former boundaries of Lancashire. A preliminary section for West Lancashire has recently been published as a special issue of our journal, The Short Axle. To succeed in this task we need all the help we can get! Members of the Lancaster Canal Trust know the Lancaster Canal better than anybody. Can you help us? I have listed below the relatively few sites where we believe a narrow gauge railway operated alongside the Lancaster Canal. Can you add to or correct this information? Can you confirm what if anything remains to be seen at any of these sites? Are there any other such sites which we have so far overlooked? Do you know of any old photographs or documents which would tell you about the railways at these sites?
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal, linking industrial Lancashire with industrial Yorkshire, and passing through hills and valleys from which coal, fireclay, and stone were obtained in quantity, was served by many adjoining narrow gauge railways. The Lancaster Canal, running through most of its length through more rural scenery, was served by fewer such sites, but there were some – maybe more than we think? In days gone by narrow gauge railways were everywhere, having been used far more extensively than most people realise; but being light and more or less temporary, most have disappeared without trace. At the West Lancashire Light Railway at Hesketh Bank, a group of enthusiasts is dedicated to preserving at least some evidence of this aspect of Lanca-
You will see at once that I have not included the Lancaster Canal Tramway from Preston to Walton-le-Dale which is perhaps the single most notable narrow gauge railway in the county. Rest assured that we know about it and that its story and remains will feature in our gazetteer. (Continued on page 16)
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site is to be redeveloped.
Capernwray Wegber Quarry This limestone quarry was served by an arm of the Lancaster Canal (known as 'Lover's Creek'). A narrow gauge railway ran around the site. Remains of loading cranes can be seen close to a caravan site. Quarry workers' houses were at New England, nearby.
Preston Stocks Brick & Tile works Narrow gauge tramway alongside Lancaster Canal, terminating at Eldon Street. Richmonds near Potters Brook, s. of Galgate, SD 485 523 A small basin can still be seen in the Lancaster Canal, to which a narrow gauge tramway brought stone from a nearby quarry.
Gatebeck SD550859 Gunpowder mill. A three (?) mile long horse-drawn narrow gauge tramway fol-
If you can provide any information relating to these or other relevant sites, please contact me, Philip Pacey, at philandgill.pacey@blueyonder.co.uk, 21 Cadley Avenue, Preston PR2 3LG. (We would also be delighted to hear from anyone who might be able to provide similar help with regard to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal).
lowed Peasey Beck and then the roadside, linking the works to the canal at Crooklands and to the standard gauge railway at Milnthorpe. Preston Cottam Hall Brick & Tile Company, Ingol A tramway, probably hand-operated, carried clay from a clay pit; track was also embedded in concrete around the kiln and led to a wharf on the adjacent Lancaster Canal. The track beside the kiln remained visible until a year or so ago and has been buried, not removed; the whole
Some details of the Gatebeck gunpowder works tramway to Milnthorpe Tramway have been recorded in the Kendal Library from where these two photos have been copied. We hope to include a more detailed article on Gatebeck in a future edition ED
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Hincaster Horse Tunnel Restoration Completed
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In order to build up the parapets it was necessary to remove several of the very large coping stones. In fact several of these had already fallen off the parapet
hen the Hincaster tunnel was constructed the builders took the economic option of building the tunnel only wide enough to take the boats. There was no room for the towpath and consequently the horse would be walked over the top of the tunnel while the boat was legged through. The horse path dissected local farmer's fields and, as was common practice on the canal itself, accommodation bridges were provided over the horse path so that the farmer could have easy access between the different parts of his land.
These bridges were originally provided in two locations and Above: The completed eastern face of the at both the western and eastwestern Accommodation Bridge. ern end of the path they had Below: How it looked in September 2008 fallen into disrepair. Later a before work began! tunnel was also built at the eastern end to carry the railway over the path. A contract was signed, after negotiations by the Trust with both British Waterways and English Heritage (as the horse path is a scheduled Ancient Monument) for the restoration of the whole path over the next few years. A start was made on the western end and several LCT work parties, and a weekend with the Waterways Recovery Group in October 2008 enabled exten- onto the path itself and had to be resive work to be undertaken to restore covered by the work parties. With the (Continued on page 18) this historic structure. 17
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assistance of a professional stonewaller (kindly subsidised by a grant from the Cumbria County Council) the parapets were reconstructed using both stone from the site and additional carefully selected stones from a local quarry. The work was overseen by Andrew Tegg, the Heritage Advisor from British Waterways, to ensure the correct materials and methods were used. The coping stones however, were too heavy to be lifted back by hand and needed mechanical assistance. This final stage has been completed in the last few weeks by British Waterways restoring the horse path tunnel to its former glory. The photos of the completed accommodation bridge restoration as well as pictures taken at the beginning of the restoration process showing just how badly the work was needed.
Above left: The rebuilding of the western parapet in progress Mike Valiant Above right; The dry stone wall is finished &work on lifting up the materials for the parapet continues.
Above :The finished wall & parapet Above:The dry stone wall and broken parapet after the tree & much vegetation had been removed. 18
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Some Before & After Photographs
The western parapet
The eastern parapet
The adjacent dry stone wall (Continued on page 20)
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Some problems at the eastern end ready for next winter’s working parties.
100 Club Winning Numbers since last Issue
December 2008:R Trevitt; Blank; Blank. January 2009:
K Broadhurst; G Clapham; K Broadhurst
February 2009: R Ogilvy; Blank; J. Davenport March 2009:
Blank; M Treanor; J Bailey
LCT Events Diary 2nd- 4th May (May Bank holiday) Skipton Water Festival Coniston ’Green’ Boating Event 24/25th May Country Festival Westmorland Show Ground 6th June Members’ Morning, Over Kellet (see advert p.23) 2nd July AGM, Carnforth Station. ( see notice P 22) 5th July, Distington Vintage Rally 11/12th July Lakeland Rose, Garden & Craft Show, Westmorland Show Ground 25th July Riversway Festival at Preston Dock 29th to 31st Augustn IWA National, Red Hill, Radcliffe-on-Soar Volunteers for this event please contact : Pat Clapham (01524) 781489
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A quiz for Christmas
Here are the answers to the Christmas Quiz in the last issue:
Towpath Telegraph We would like to set up a canal path watch scheme from Preston to Kendal just to keep an eye on what is going on: litter, vandals, fallen trees, boats coming off their moorings, injured birds, dead fish etc etc etc ..... or more positively: bird spotting, commercial trends, restoration progress!!
1.1843 2. William Strickland 1526 3.Oliver Cromwell 4. Melchior 5. Frost Fair on Thames 6. 364 7. Indian Ocean 8. A pig 9. George V - 1932 10. A Cake (alt. spelling—stolen 11. Christmas Eve(24th) 12. Holiday Inn 13. Crackers 14. Almonds 15. Mistletoe
We would like to hear from you if you live along the canal or use a stretch of the towpath frequently and which you could "monitor" on a regular basis. Then, if you identify any developments of interest or potential problems you could contact us direct and we would take up the matter with the appropriate authorities, ie BW, RSPCA, local councils etc etc. at an early stage. If you are interested please contact Trisha Buzzard by phone on 07802 438412 or e-maiil:pbuzzard@o2.co.uk and we shall try to put together a bush telegraph system along the towpath. Many thanks for your help.
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the summer boating season. At Cinderbarrow, we removed trees along the water’s edge on the non- towpath side and moss from the coping stones. Walkers on the towpath now have a view of what the wharf used to look like. The cut down trees have been used to create habitats for wild animals. In addition, a large amount of ivy was removed from the walls of the bridge adjacent to it. This will prevent future damage to the walls if the ivy managed to get into the joints.
Working Party Report
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he working party season has now drawn to a close, and I think it’s fair to say that it’s been a very successful one. Since the last report, we’ve tidied up the area around the stables, as well as the wharf at Cinderbarrow, and helped BW to repair the parapet walls at Braithwaite’s bridge.
In March, we worked together with BW staff repairing the parapet walls on Braithwaite’s Bridge. Although this bridge looked to be in good condition from the canal itself, some of the stones had fallen away from the internal faces of the North parapet, and it had got to the stage where it was listed on the ‘buildings at risk’ register, for a grade 2 listed structure. Hopefully the work done at the time is sufficient to remove the bridge from this register.
At the stables, the steps adjacent to the stables have been improved immensely, and the picnic area has been cleared. Now that some of us are authorised to use brushcutters and hedgecutters, we’ll be able to keep the area tidy during
I’ve mentioned in previous reports the work that’s been done on the horsepath over Hincaster tunnel, so I won’t dwell on that other than to say that we’ve had very positive feedback both from BW and English Heritage for the work that we’ve done. The Stables clearance. Where would we be without a bonfire! 22
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As well as the work itself, we’ve achieved self supervising status, and various members have received training in use of powered hand tools, working near water, dry stone walling and working with lime mortars. This will help us to carry out various repairs to other parts of our bit of the canal network in future years. Above: Training day for powered tools I’d like to say a big thank you to all who have helped in any way with the work- hope to be working on in the ing parties throughout the season. autumn and next year. See the next issue of Waterwitch for more details of projects we
Paul Shaw
Braithwaite Bridge before restoration
…..and at the end of the day
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OFFICIAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given to all members of the
LANCASTER CANAL TRUST of the
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to be held
Thursday 2nd July 2009 at
Furness & Midland Hall Carnforth Station Commencing at 8.00pm Further details regarding any other associated activities will appear on the LCT Website Apologies to: D Currington Hon. Sec 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal Cumbria LA96AD or to dadcurrington@hotmail.com
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A new exhibition by Lancashire Museums Museum of Lancashire, Preston 30 May – 12 September 2009 Lancaster Maritime Museum 26 September – 23rd January 2010 For more details and opening times please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums
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Would you like to know more about what’s going on in your Trust? How do we raise awareness of our aims? What’s the inside story from our key players at events, boat crews and working party volunteers? You are cordially invited along to a
Members’ Morning at Over Kellet Village Hall on Saturday June 6 from 10.00 a.m. until 12 noon. Come and meet the team and find out what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ at the LCT. Light refreshments will be served. 25
The above three leaflets were originally issued a decade ago and have subsequently proved so popular that stocks are now exhausted. The Lancaster Canal Trust is therefore to re publish each of the above three leaflets which were based on interesting and varied walks each starting from the Cinderbarrow Picnic site owned by the Lancashire County Council. The leaflets have been completely updated by Mairi Miller who was responsible for the original text, illustration and graphic design on the first issue and who was ably assisted by Geoff Dunn, to both of whom the Trust wish to record their thanks. These leaflets will be issued in a few weeks, they are at the printers now, and will be available at all Trust events, talks and at Tourist Information Centres etc.. The leaflets will be available to & the general public at a cost of 50 pence each or all three for a ÂŁ1 Members can obtain a free set by sending a 22cm x 11cm s.a.e. to: David Currington Hon Sec. LCT 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6AD 26
T
Waterwitch’s Brew
he idea of a brew tent was conceived at Our thanks to Hal Bagot for allowing us to use a the opening of the Signpost Trail last corner of his land. year. Then, It was suggested guests to the that a Sunday unveiling cerewould be a betmony were ter day for meettreated to coffee ing larger numand biscuits in a bers of people. field belonging True. Unfortuto Levens Estate, nately the limcourtesy of Hal ited number of Bagot. We volunteers atstarted extendtending at the ing the hospitalevent also have ity to passers-by other interests on the footpath. and commitIt seemed like a ments on Sungood way of days such as talking to a difOpen and ready for business; Beryl awaits the first passers by. working parties ferent set of or running the people to publicise the Trust, the Lancaster trip boat or sales stand. We need more volunCanal and its restoration. teers to do the job properly. If you wish that So on the 21st March in the early spring sun- you could do something to help the Trust and shine a merry band from the Trust landed in a the restoration project but are not happy with physical work or boat field in Cumbria near to handling, would you be what ought to be the able to drive a tea urn or Lancaster Canal, set up hand leaflets about the a brew tent and acSignpost Trail to walkcosted footpath walkers, plying them with ers? hot drinks and biccies. Waterwitch’s Brew is Thus “Waterwitch’s planned for Saturday Brew” was launched. 18th April and Saturday The tally counter 16th May. If it is asshowed a total of 40 sessed as worthwhile visitors but some may and if we have enough Time for more water in our brilliant gas fired water have been missed at people to run it, R&P boiler busy times. The donacommittee plan to contions box contained over £43. All those people tinue with the project on the third Saturday in are now a little better educated about the Lan- the month. If you feel you could help for two or caster Canal Trust and its aims to restore the three hours please contact me on 01257 231861. Northern Reaches. It was generally agreed to Madeline Dean be a successful day
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tion was developed to construct a permanent reinforced concrete lining repair to the transition between the aqueduct structure and the adjacent embankment. This approach will provide a long term and durable solution to the leakage by allowing a robust seal to be achieved on the various masonry structures present at the end of this aqueduct. The south end of this repair solution has been detailed such that any future relining scheme to the main embankment could easily be tied into the concrete lining.
(Continued from page 14)
– particularly at each end where the aqueduct joins the soil embankment. A three month programme of repairs was carried out to the structure in March 2006. Allowed to persist, the current water leakage could have threatened the stability of the aqueduct and the embankment which would force the closure of the canal for a much longer period and also threaten local businesses. Following the initial investigation, a solu-
Over the last fortnight, the aqueduct has been rewatered for testing to check its ability to hold water again, and the repair appears to have been successful. The contractors have now removed the clay bunds from the aqueduct, and navigation has now recommenced .
Stephen Higham BW Ed: Thanks to Stephen Higham BW
The new concrete bed at the southern end of the Aqueduct
Stop Press
The Trust has just funded a replacement of the badly water damaged Information Board at Sedgwick Aqueduct. It is a slightly updated copy but with enhanced colours and a more durable finish. It should be ready by Easter.
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LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee President
C.H.Bagot J.P. F.R.I.C.S.,D.L Vice - President
John Gavan Chairman
David Slater 91 Cop Lane, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 9AH. (01772) 746914 Vice - Chairman
Richard Trevitt 2 Fern Bank, Lancaster. LAI 4TT (01524) 846303 Hon. Secretary
David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 Hon. Treasurer
Adrian Hughes “Ilex", Keasdale Road, Carr Bank, Milnthorpe LA7 7LH (01524) 761879 Hon. Membership Secretary
Adrian Hughes “Ilex", Keasdale Road, Carr Bank, Milnthorpe LA7 7LH (01524) 761879 Hon. Public Relations Officer
Trisha Buzzard 07802438412 Hon. Waterwitch Editor
David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 Hon. Working Party Organiser
David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 Hon. Grants Officer
Helen Thomas 7 Bay View, Over Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1DR (01524) 735504 29
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Other Trust Officers Trisha Buzzard 07802438412 Trip Boat Committee
Pat Clapham Recruitment & Promotions 54, Morewood Avenue, Burton-in-Kendal
Alan Mather Trip Boat Committee
LA6 1NE (01524) 781489
Sandra Henstock (L.C.B.C. Representative) (01253)764171
Paul Shaw Working Party Supervisor
Affiliated Members Lancaster Canal Boat Club Kendal Civic Society Natland Parish Council Newton with Clifton Parish Council Preston Patrick Parish Council Ramblers Association (Preston Area) South Lakeland District Council
Arlen Hire Boats Australian Canal Society Beetham Parish Council Burton - in - Kendal Parish Council Bury & District Anglers Association Catterall Parish Council Holme Parish Council
Westmorland & North Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Assoc Waterwitch is published by and is copyright 2009, The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No. 240957) c/o David Currington, 12 Sedbergh Road, Kendal, LA9 6AD The Lancaster Canal Trust may not agree with the opinions expressed in this magazine but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy, or an official announcement, unless so stated - otherwise the Trust accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine. The editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication. Printed by Kent Valley Colour Printers, Kendal. (01539)741344
The deadline for contributions to the next edition of Waterwitch will be June 30th 2009 Contributions may be e-mailed to dadcurrington@hotmail.com Or by post to David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6AD 30
Back cover Braithwaite's Bridge Nr Holme Top: The Works of Chairman David Bottom: A suitable picture to go at the bottom as we all get a little behind with our work.
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