Waterwitch #150 Spring 2013 by Lancaster CanalTrust

Number 150

Spring 2013

WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST

The Restored Section looking towards Stainton The rain has done a good job of filling the channel - whether we wanted it to yet or not!

The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.240957) Corporate Member the Inland Waterways Association http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk/

A notice to all members of the Lancaster Canal Trust

THE LCT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held Thursday 18th July 2013 at Village Hall, Over Kellet, Commencing at 7.30 pm The Agenda will be sent out at least one calendar month before this date. Apologies please to: D Currington Hon. Sec 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal Cumbria LA96AD Tel: (01539) 732599, or to dadcurrington@hotmail.com Speaker yet to be confirmed Details will be posted on the Trust Website and in the agenda to be sent by post shortly before the AGM David Currington Hon. Secretary

The Trust has been informed that the Canal & River Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Chantelle Seaborn as Waterway Manager, North West, who will start with us in early June. Chantelle joins the C&RT from the National Trust where she has been managing a number of historic properties and estates in the north west. Prior to joining the National Trust Chantelle held a number of senior property and regeneration based roles and brings a range of skills and experience which will be of real benefit to us. We look forward to meeting Chantelle in the near future. 2

Contents Obituary Chairman's Report Whixall, Tixall and Engine Rattle Carnforth Beehive Coke Ovens A Volunteer’s Story Boat Manager’s Report Membership forms Membership Secretary’s Report End to End by Bike via Canal and Railway Vacancies-come and help us Canal & River Trust Update Warwickshire Walkers Hullo to new Members Members’ Correspondence Beryl’s Conundrum Part II

4 4 8 16 17 19 20 22 23 27 28 30 33 34 35

The front cover photograph courtesy of Martyn Clapham taken on 23rd December 2012. A warm welcome to all our Trust members. As we go to press we must all be wondering if Spring will ever start. Luckily, the actual length of our Canal has not, so far, seen too much in terms of snowfall as in other parts of the UK, but more is possibly forecast, so fingers crossed. Work on the restoration at Stainton is continuing over Easter, they will need to wrap warm; reports next issue! My thanks again for all those whose contributions have gone into this 150th edition. It all started back in the sixties and has since gone though several sizes and formats. Gone are the days of messy duplication and black & white hard-to-see pictures. The technology today is such that even a rank amateur, like me, can type into a computer, insert a few pictures and manoeuvre them at will. Then all is downloaded onto a tiny memory stick and, hey presto, the printer produces the full colour copy. This issue features our Chairman's exploits on his Lands End/ John O’Groats charity cycle ride, (where does he find the time?) Mike & Fran’s far flung voyage into the great unwashed Southern lands plus stories of Coke Ovens and Warwickshire Walkers. In addition there are all the usual reports and some interesting replies to last Beryl’s Conundrum featured in the last issue. It is good to get responses from our valued members and if any of you have some interesting canal related article, stories, or just snippets of information please email them to me and I’ll gladly use all I can. Here’s hoping for a much better summer after last year and a swift end to this artic weather. Finally a great big thank you to Adrian & Kathleen for their impeccable proof reading, (Except this intro.) David Currington. Editor 3

Bill Ball 1923 – 2012 It is with sadness that we learn of the death in September of our member, Bill Ball. Bill and his wife, Yvonne, joined the Trust having acquired the hire boat business based at Swillbrook Wharf, Catforth – the ‘Jolly Roger’. From the late 1980’s Bill and Yvonne served on the Committee for a number of years, first as co-opted then as elected members. Their experience of running a canal based business and their relations with British Waterways at the time proved invaluable to the Trust in dealing with issues relating to the cruising length. During the summer months Bill and Yvonne often organised social events for Trust members down at the ‘Jolly Roger’, usually in the form of an outdoor barbeque. I recall those summer evenings, sitting on the side of the canal, enjoying the peace that pervaded this area of the canal, whilst Bill was busy cooking all manner of goodies. I still carry fond memories of the sausages that Bill barbequed to within an inch of becoming charcoal yet tasting absolutely scrumptious. Bill and Yvonne left the committee when they decided it was time to retire, settling in Longridge. Bill contributed much to the work of the Trust, but his greatest legacy is that he sowed the seed for ‘The Complete Guide to the Lancaster Canal’. Bill was concerned at the inadequacy of information about the Lancaster provided by the commercial waterways guides available and suggested that the Trust produce its own guide to the canal which it could sell to raise funds. We had no idea of how to publish a book, but undaunted, Lesley Blundell, Martin Main and myself prepared the text and maps while Mike Wilkinson got everything ready for the printer using his computer. The first edition of ‘The Complete Guide to the Lancaster Canal’ was published in 1989 in glorious black and white. And the rest, as they say, is history. Now in its fifth edition and in colour, the Guide goes from strength to strength. Would we have done it without Bill’s prompting; probably not! So thank you, Bill for your inspiration and encouragement; we’d never have done it without you. I’m sure you will all wish to join with me in sending our condolences to Bill’s widow, Yvonne. 4

Chairman’s Report The work of the Trust doesn’t stop over the winter. We may not be entertaining visitors on the trip boat Waterwitch, or flying our flag at country shows, but the Trust has been making its presence felt in a number of other ways. We have had another successful exhibition at Carnforth Station, with some smart new roll-up information panels on display. We have also been supporting the Canal & River Trust on the Lune Aqueduct scheme. While the main e ng i nee r in g ma in te na nc e an d improvement works are no w complete, the community i n v o l ve me n t p r o g ra m me a n d lan dsca pe manage men t w or ks continue. We have had volunteers conducting interviews for the Oral Heritage project, which is now about to go live along with an artwork trail. We have got our excavator drivers lined up to help implement the new wildlife habitat area below the embankment between Caton Road and the River Lune. In Lancaster some of our members have been involved with the Towpath Taskforce and in planning other works to smarten up the image of the canal through the city centre in partnership with CRT and the City & County Councils. Our representation in the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership has recently helped refocus the aims of 5

the Partnership. A lot of time and effort has been expended in recent years trying to make things happen in Kendal, but so far to no avail. The canal there seems to be too intertwined with a number of seemingly unrelated developments which in these cash-strapped times are not able to move forward. What we can do is to take more direct action on some of the easier elements of the overall restoration projects. The Trust’s own First Furlong is one such. And a scheme to develop and improve the towpath t r a il h as m e t wi t h ea r l y encouragement from all parties in LCRP. New rules from HM Revenue & Customs for Gift Aid will affect the Trust and the income we get from this scheme. Elsewhere in this edition you will find further details of the new declaration required. The gift aid income is a vital part of our financial stability. So please do not ignore the new declaration form; fill it in and return it promptly so that the Trust can continue to benefit fully from the scheme. Please also look at the Situations Vacant panel in this edition. We do need to mobilise the expertise of more of our members to help further the work of the Trust. If you’re not sure about taking on a specific role, then how about joining (Continued on page 6)

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the main committee or one of the specific sub committees where you can help in a general way? Richard Trevitt The previous edition of Waterwitch covered in some detail the major works undertaken last summer with Waterway Recovery Group. Over the autumn and winter our monthly working parties have been carrying out some of the less dramatic and less obvious tasks at Stainton which are also essential to completion of the First Furlong restoration. Things like ensuring that the stop plank facility at Bridge 172 is fully functioning and can be used as a temporary dam when we come to make the connection between the existing canal and the newly restored section. An old photograph recently came to light showing these stop planks in action before the earth dam was placed in the bridge passage. A small team has been extremely busy behind the scenes ensuring that the next WRG can go ahead productively. Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside the control of the Trust, it is has not been possible to have a full two week camp this Easter. This is now reduced to seven days and the lining, for which we have received a grant, will have to be postponed until, it is hoped, later this year, once certain difficult and unforeseen work on ground pr ofi li ng ha s tak en p lac e. Nevertheless, there is plenty to do

Working Party Report with our WRG friends in the r e m a i n i n g se v e n da y s . T h i s particularly relates to extensive rebuilding of the wing wall under Stainton bridge and on completing the stop plank installation. We hope to have a full report in the next edition. Another task, on several occasions over the winter, has been tree management work at Hincaster Horse Path under our 5-year maintenance agreement with Canal & River Trust and English Heritage. Several members have undergone new or refresher training in First Aid and in the use of strimmers and hedgecutters. We were successful in gaining grant assistance for both these training sessions. Do join in the working parties as and when you can. If you are already on the email contact list for working party information, you will get a message with details of each forthcoming working party. If you would like to get these details and join in please send your name and (Continued on page 7)

email address to trevittr@hotmail.com with the subject line ‘w/p please’. Richard Trevitt. Acting

wo rki ng organiser

p arty

An old photo of the very stop planks in operation at Stainton which it is vital we restore

Heysham to M6 Link road gets the green light One of Lancashire's top priority transport projects has received the go-ahead, heralding a new era for economic growth and better transport on the Morecambe and Heysham peninsula. Construction of the Heysham to M6 Link road is set to begin this summer after the Secretary of State for Transport granted approval for the project following a lengthy planning and public inquiry process. The new road will connect the Heysham and Morecambe peninsula directly to the M6 and provide improved access for residents, businesses and tourists to the area. As well as easing congestion in and around Lancaster, the project will also deliver on a number of associated improvements, including a park and ride scheme with buses running into the city centre. Chairman Richard Trevitt keeps in close contact with Lancs CC over details of the canal crossing between bridges 111 & 112.

A Challenge! Experiment – How many folk can we interest in the Lancaster Canal during a day’s manned exhibition in Carnforth Tesco? We’ll tell you the answer in the next Waterwitch, or, come and join us on Saturday 27th April between 10am and 3pm and find out. We would love to see you there, especially if you can help us. Ring Helen Thomas on (01524) 735504 7

Whixall, Tixall and Engine Rattle – Whych Way’s 2012 saga continues L e e ds - L iv e r pool, r e quir ing minima l hy dr a ulics -a ss ist e d windlass winding rather than the m u s c l e s of a n O ly m p i c weightlifter. It be ing Dia mond Jubile e weekend, we put up some token bunt ing , but our fe s t iv e appearance was dampened by a rainy passage through the Grindley Brook flight. Whitchurch was a pleasant stopping point, though the town shops are a lengthy walk from the canal. We amused ourselves at evening drinks time watching newly released hirers from the Viking base exploring the hedgerows Coming into Llangollen where the as they developed their tiller horse drawn boats operate technique. Moving into the sci-fi landscape of Whixall Moss we were bemused by the amount of road traffic over the lift bridge before the Prees Arm. The mystery was solved when we spotted a large carbreaker’s yard and spares emporium located seemingly in the middle of through effortlessly. Lift bridges nowhere. Its massive car park, on the Llangollen compare very (Continued on page 10) favourably with the swings on the You left us moored at Swanley Bridge Marina on our trip home to see our Canadian visitors, which coincided with the sunniest week of the year thus far. Cloudier and cooler weather greeted our return to Swanley Bridge to pick up the boat. Despite waterway traffic beginning to build up we encountered none of the delays which can mar the Llangollen, though people coming the other way told of three hour waits at Grindley Brook and long queues at locks. Approaching Wrenbury we found the lift bridge already raised, and glided

Helpful Maps

Finish

For the lost & bewildered – like me! Ed

Start Here

Extracts from GEO Projects (UK) Ltd excellent publication Britain’s Waterways - Cruising Rings & other things

we finally moored up at Maesbury after a long day and took a late evening walk to see some of the recent work on the unrestored section past Gronwyn. The Monty has its restrictions, with a speed limit of 2 mph in some areas and narrow stretches cordoned off on either side by pilings to allow wildlife to flourish, but it is gloriously peaceful and worth the diversion. Wet weather dogged our return up the lock flight and the engine had developed a mysterious rattle but both weather and noise had a ba t e d ne xt day a s we approached Lion Quays where we were due to meet some friends. An excellent lunch at the Lord Moreton pub was followed by a

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complete with burger van, suggested that this was a mecca for the mechanically minded. Glimpses of meres through the trees led us into Wales and out again. The junction by the Ellesmere Arm was bustling and we searched the spur for a space resignedly, but were fortunate to find a gap right at the end and moored up in pole position outside the entrance to Tesco. Next morning we arrived at Frankton and turned onto the Montgomery for our booked passage down the lock flight. A planned lunch stop at Weston Wharf found that mooring full so we ploughed on and had started The Montgomery Canal under restoration near Maesbury

Friends steering the boat over the Chirk Aqueduct

to rope up onto an edge lined with gabions when we read the instructions handed to us by the lock keepers at Frankton which told us not to moor to gabions! We dutifully unhitched and had our sandwiches on the go. Turning at the limit of navigation

cruise up to the Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel and back. The fa mous Pon t c y s y l lt e Aqueduct loomed ahead and we went across in high wind. Looking (Continued on page 11)

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out across the boat roof gave t h e impression of being suspended

The Pontcysyllte from below

other way but we got up to Llangollen without any problem, despite having heard of difficulties for deeper draughted vessels. The excellent basin had water and power and we spent three days in this scenic haven, walking up to Valle Crucis Abbey and Castell Dinas Bran and in space but otherwise the exploring the tiny town known experience was less scary than across the world for its friendly anticipated. Through Trevor Basin welcome at the International and into the narrow sections it Eisteddfod held there every July. was useful to someone walking Family joined us for the return ahead to warn boats coming the across the Ponty, my vertiginous sister managing very well on the boat but hating every minute of walking back to their car at Trevor! Bypassing Ellesmere we came onto one of our loveliest moorings, with a spectacular view across Blake Mere, framed by trees. We were lucky again with no Mooring in the basin at the end of the queuing at Grindley Brook Crossing the Pontcysyllte - don't look down!

Llangollen Canal

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boat up through the locks, and had an interesting walk to mooring at Telford’s warehouse Marbury to view the tilting church to walk down for a look at the tower. There was hectic activity Dee branch entrance. From an at the Hurleston Locks with boats overnight stop at Mollington we coming the other way and got up to Ellesmere Port and mayhem at the bottom as boats moored awkwardly between two turning in to queue caused an boats at the Museum entrance. obstruction for others aiming to After lunch the others moved off slip past towards Nantwich. so we were able to shunt up Our next target was the Chester more comfortably. The views Branch and although we didn’t get were superb across the Ship into a ‘Bunbury shuffle’ we did Canal and Liverpool Airport.. have some trouble with a stuck Our daughter and her fiancé lock gate. On up to Beeston joined us next day so we took where we walked around the foot Shad and Worcester coming into Ellesmere Port Waterways Museum of the castle hill and had lunch with visiting family at the Shady Oak. BW advice for Chester was to moor at (Continued from page 11)

Ellesmere town basin during Queen's Jubilee

Moored at Ellesmere Port Waterways Museum

Christleton and use the Park and Ride which proved a useful option. Mike took advantage of a lift home in his brother’s motor caravan while Fran took the bus to explore the shops and Roman ruins. On Mike’s return we moved the 12

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their wider views across water to the Cheshire countryside. Our guests left us at Anderton, where we toured the boat lift complex and cast a longing glance at the Weaver, hopeful to have time to cruise the river later on our Landslip in Woodeaves Cutting on the journey. Shropshire Union Canal Going through Nantwich for the umpteenth time on the trip, we this time carried on through the Hack Green locks, past the intriguingly signposted

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them round the Boat Museum and were lucky to be down at the lower lock as the century-old Shad and an accompanying Bollinder-engine d tug were

coming through on their way back fr om a fest ival appearance. Jamie accepted Mike’s offer of a turn at the tiller as we left the port and could not be prised away from it for the rest of their stay! We paused again in Chester for our visitors to sample its cultural and retail delights and moored up back at Christleton for a lovely meal at the Cheshire Cat. The sun came out at Beeston and we had a hot walk up to the castle, chilling out at the Shady Oak pub in the evening. We took the Middlewich Branch to the Trent & Mersey and moored up the following evening on a flash, always interesting with 13

The ‘Shroppie Fly’ on the Shropshire Union Canal

Secret Nuclear Bunker, and down to the Audlem flight with its rocky walls and bywashes like rapids. It was slow going through Adderley locks but we emerged into the well-kept moorings at Market Drayton and walked into town to visit the street market. We found the Shropshire Union generally pleasant but a little bland with its long straight stretches and (Continued on page 14)

depressingly wet summer was unrelieved views across flat evident as we rejoined the Trent farmland. Woodseaves Cutting & Mersey at Great Haywood, made a change, an almost tropical ra in f ore s t environment with steamy vegetation and landslips, but, p r e - w a r ne d b y t h e Nicholson Guide that after heavy rain the towpath was impassable, Fran eschewed her usual walking alongside the boat. Norbury Junction was very crowded and we The famous Packet House at Worsley on the squeezed onto the bank just Bridgewater where it all began past the end of the designated moorings. with sandbagged windows at the Heavy rain hampered our houses in Weston-on-Trent and exploration of Brewood but by Franâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes frequently under the time we arrived at the most water on the towpath below southerly point of our journey at Sandon Lock. The peculiar engine Autherley stop lock the sun n o i s e s w h i c h ha d b e e n greeted us on our turn up the intermittently worrying us since Staffs and Worcs. We found this a the Montgomery became louder beautiful waterway full of interest so we paused at Stone to and we paused the next day to investigate but found the boatyard view the line of the old Lichfield too busy as we approached, so and Hathe rt on Ca na l. An decided to carry on. obligatory stop was Midland We always remember the Stoke Chandlers but we were surprised locks as being worse than they to find very little mooring actually are and we came up there available here and had to settle quite easily. Harecastle Tunnel for Fran holding the rope while was safely negotiated and it was Mike popped in for a quick look back to the rhythmic routine of round. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find any trace Heartbreak Hill for the second of the water point at Milford but time in the season. Once more fetched up on a pretty mooring through Middlewich and up to (Continued on page 15) just above Tixall Lock. The (Continued from page 13)

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Anderton but sadly we hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t time for the Weaver so moved on to Stockton Heath and Lymm to moor up by the one gap in the trees providing a straight-on view of the stately home at Dunham Massey. The urban sprawl of Manchester was ahead. We came briskly through Sale and Stretford onto the Leigh Branch and had lunch on the go crossing the Barton swing aqueduct. The moorings at Worsley were full but, as we rounded the bend by the Delph Arm, a boat moved off and we quickly reversed into the gap. Pausing at Bridgewater Marina the next day (Saturday) for pumpout and diesel we spoke to engineer Jim who could fit us in for a service and an investigation of the recurring engine rattle on the following Thursday. Accordingly we spent the next few days pottering up and down around Astley Green [treat the Chinese

chippy with caution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fran was ill the next day!], Leigh and Plank Lane, and nipping home to collect post and wash our accumulating linens. Jim did a full engine service and found nothing wrong but tightened everything up so we felt r e a s s ur e d t o ta c k le our forthcoming Ribble crossing without fear that something would fail on the way over the estuary. Our journey up the Rufford Branch and onto the Lancaster is a story in itself. Join us for the next thrilling & final instalment in a forthcoming Waterwitch! MV

Have you thought of making a Will to include a legacy to The Lancaster Canal Trust ???? Such a legacy would provide a long lasting memory of your association with this beautiful part of Cumbria and Lancashire, linking their history through the present and into the future. For further details please contact: Richard Trevitt Chairman LCT 2 Fern Bank, Lancaster LA1 4TT (01524)846303 15

Carnforth Beehive Coke Ovens The coke ovens were probably built around the 1850s to convert coal, brought by barge from the Lancashire coalfields, to coke to provide a clean fuel for iron smelting, lime burning or other processes. Other coke ovens are known alongside the canal such as the set at Holme on the northern reaches, some at Bolton Cinder Ovens Bridge No.125 that are no longer t here and a recent ly discovered set close to the Lune Aqueduct. A major operation of the restoration wil l be the cl ear an ce of a considerable tree growth from the ovens, the roots of which have already caused damage to the structure. Use of the timber for some sort of site features and some replanting is being investigated. Clearance of the adjacent canal boat wharf could provide temporary mooring for visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boats and the provision of picnic facilities would enhance local use of the site. I nte rpretation boards will be installed by the ovens and on the towpath on the opposite side of the canal. There is easy access to the location via a canal

A proposal has been made by a community group in Carnforth for the restoration of a set of beehive coke ovens adjacent to the Lancaster Canal at the south end of the town. The site of the row of five ovens is on a triangle of land in the ownership of the Canal and River Trust who have visited the site and have produced a comprehensive heritage assessment document. At a recent meeting at the coke ovens site between the representatives of the local community group, the Canal and River Trust and the Lancaster Canal Trust, a general agreement of the benefits of the restoration and associated work was made, and further investigations into the details of the project will take place.

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A volunteers story – Grant Funding Not all volunteers are able to do the heavy lifting and digging, and I found myself a couple of months ago thinking I wanted to do a bit more than just pay my membership subs, so agreed to offer some help (but not the heavy lifting digging sort!!! ) Anyway after volunteering to help in any way that could be useful I found myself having lunch with Helen Thomas and Claire Chapman discussing finding grant funding organisations that could help the Lancaster Canal Trust. What Claire & I now do is collate information about the funding that the Trust could or is obtaining and if it is for a specific project. I find a few hours each week to search on the internet for any grant funding that is being advertised that may be suitable for projects the Trust and its partners are undertaking or planning to undertake, and after the Trust executive provide us with all the necessary technical and financial information Claire uses her expertise to put together an application for the Trust executive. So far this year the Trust has obtained the following funding: £7000 - An anonymous donor; the funds to be used for canal lining at the current restoration. £5000 – IWA N. Lancs & Cumbria funds to be used to purchase stop planks for use at the current restoration. £2000 – Co-operative Community Fund for general funding. £750 – IWA funds to be used for training purposes, including first aid training. Current projects: The Trust is a member of the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership which is focused on the Kendal end of the Northern Reaches and for the immediate future the Trust and its partners are going to concentrate on upgrading the towpath which is recognised as a public right of way. A number of options have been looked at initially but we do need to work with Cumbria County Council, Canal & River Trust (for the horsepath at Hincaster), local parish councils and landowners. Funding is also going to be needed for the re-watering of the canal and (Continued on page 18)

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working parties have made a start at Stainton to Sellet Hall. A reapplication to the Heritage Lottery Fund will need to be put together for funding for the canal restoration at Well Heads Lane. There are lots of ways you can volunteer, do you have any skills you think would be useful? If so please contact Alan Mather, Lancaster Canal Trust Membership Secretary. alan.mather7@ntlworld.com The canal is for all of us; the boaters, the walkers, the fishermen/ women and all those live close by it is a fabulous place we must look after and preserve for our children and grandchildren so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shy, just get in touch and get involved. Oral History - at Trust talks we often get to hear of very interesting stories from equally interesting members of the audience. We need a volunteer to contact the C&RTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lune Aqueduct group to check how they received funding for their recent Oral History scheme. C&RT could perhaps also help such a volunteer to try to get funding for our Trust. The C&RT could pass on the training/correct method to such a LCT volunteer who could then collect these histories we are hearing, then add it into a project so it becomes a shared history of the whole canal. Maureen has a case study to help explain just what can happen. Give her a ring on (01253)727453 or email molley3007@aol.com Ramblers Association - Maybe a volunteer(s) who likes walking is fairly knowledgeable regarding; local history/nature could contact the Ramblers Association to organise a walk/boat trip along the canal. This could also tie in with the Northern Reaches towpath upgrade. There is also a young persons rambling group. Again, good evidence and outcome of community involvement is needed and maybe an opportunity to get more members and active volunteers? Any ideas would be very welcome. Maureen Olley Fund Raising Officer

BOAT MANAGER’s REPORT Alan Mather Waterwitch is resting on timber supports in the yard at Millness. The hull has been p r e s s u r e w a s h e d , scraped, wire brushed and given four coats of bitumen blacking. It is pleasing to report that the red lead applied 3 years ago is still in good condition and there is no further pitting or corrosion. The engine has been serviced and new

bearings and seals fitted to the propeller shaft. New sheet fixing points have been fitted, a few inches higher t h a n previously, now the sheet is easier to fasten or unfasten without risk of trapped fingers. Work has started on the painting of the upper hull and cabin but completion has been delayed by bad

Charters So far we have two charters booked for this summer, plus several enquiries.  Do you belong to an organisation or local group?  Are they looking for a special day out? Do you want to disembark at Stainton to view the restoration works so far?  Do you fancy taking refreshments at the Old School Tea Rooms at Crooklands?  Then why not use our Charter Enquiry Line 07504 710351 and make a date (Continued on page 22)

Membership Application Form If you wish to become involved and/or be kept informed on the restoration progress of the Lancaster Canal then why not join the LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Fill in the membership application form below and post, together with the appropriate membership fee to: Mr Alan Mather , LCT Membership Secretary 15, Claughton Ave, Bolton, Lancs, BL2 6US Individual

£14.00

Family - 2 adults plus up to 3 children at one Address. Please provide Partner’s name

£20.00

Concession - over 60 & students

£10.00

Affiliates—Public bodies and Non-profit making organisations

£14.00

Life

£150.00

The Lancaster Canal Trust Membership Application Form Reg Charity No 240957

Additional Donation

………..

I/We enclose cheque/cash for Title:

…………………….………………...…………

Surname:

……………………..……………………………

Forename(s):

……………………..……………………………

Partner’s Name :

…..………………………...…………………..

Address:

…………………………..……………………... …………………………...……………………...

Post Code:

…………………………………...……………..

Tel. No:

…………………………………………………..

Email address:

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£ ..…..…

Please tell us if your details change

GIFT AID DECLARATION FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE DONATIONS THE LANCASTER CANALTRUST REGISTERED CHARITY No 240957

Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made today and in the future. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year and it is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every pound that I have paid. Donor’s Details Title………. First name or initials…………………….. Surname…………………………… ….. Full Home Address…………………………………………………….. …………………………………………Postcode……………………... Date………………………. Signature………………………………... Please notify The Lancaster Canal Trust if you:  Want to change the declaration.  Change your name or home address.  No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. Please complete the declaration and post to:

Mr A Mather LCT Membership Secretary, 15 Claughton Ave. BOLTON BL2 6US (Continued from page 16)

bridge and public footpath from the towpath and A6 main road through Carnforth. It is envisaged that much of the restoration work could be carried 21

out by volunteer labour and it is requested that any suggestions of a ddi t i o n a l co n s i de r a ti o n s o r knowledge of history of the site or process be communicated to the Secretary. Brian Crawley

Membership Secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report The last six months have seen a noticeable decline in the number of new members joining the trust, but I am hoping this trend will be reversed as the new canalside leaflet dispensers at Hest Bank and Bolton le Sands are helping to promote the canal and the Trust. We have recently gained several new members from these sites. GIFT AID HMRC have introduced new regulati ons for Gift A id donations. Existing members who ticked the gift aid box on the membership application when they

joined may need to make a new Gift Aid Declaration. Please note that the above does not apply to Affiliated Members or existing Life Members. New members joining via the application form in Waterwitch, we hope you will take up the Gift Aid option, it boosts the trusts income from subscriptions by 25% and costs you nothing. Alan Mather, LCT Membership

Secretary

the canal on Saturday 13 April. weather. Dry mild days and frost Boatcrew, There are four less free nights are required. boaters this year but our volunteers Painting, is to be dark green to upper are keen and pleased to be doing hull and cabin roof, lined out in red. extra duties. There are no trainees The signwriting on the cabin sides is and there will not be an assessment in good condition and will be this year. Boat trips will start on retained. The cratch board and Sunday 5th May. AM engine room doors will feature Kendal Coat of Arms, Lancaster Coat of Arms and Kendal Photos courtesy of Phil Molyneux Castle. The top of the hull just below the gunwale will feature white star: this style of traditional decoration was popular on Lancaster Canal working boats. Old photographs of boats May, Express, Herbert and Kendal show this. Waterwitch is scheduled to be lifted by crane and returned to (Continued from page 19)

End to End by Bike via Canal and Railway Richard Trevitt When I first mentioned my plan to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG in cyclists’ parlance), our Waterwitch Editor immediately pounced on the idea, saying “I hope there’s an article for the canal magazine coming out of this venture”. My initial response was that this is a cycle ride, nothing to do with my canal activities. However, a little time spent on internet sites such as Canal Junction and Jim Shead and Wikipedia soon revealed the full extent of the possibilities to look out for canals (either wet or dry) as we covered the country, plus a few railway paths to include for good measure. So this account makes scant reference to the wonderful and varied scenery, or the many fascinating people we met, the regional food and ale or the places of interest that caught our attention. My brother-in-law Peter is also a keen cyclist but, living at opposite ends of the country, we don’t get many opportunities to ride together. So after the notion of doing LEJOG had come up in conversation for the umpteenth 23

time we said ‘are we going to do this ride, or just talk about it into our old age?’ Thus dates were agreed, plans were made, training programmes were implemented and in early May 2012 we met up on the train to Penzance. The short ride from Penzance to Land’s End gave us a sharp introduction to Cornwall’s hills and then the journey began in earnest, following the north coast, up and down, up and down all day long. What a pity the magnificent coastal scenery was lost to us in low cloud and drizzle. We left the coast at Tintagel and turned inland, before we got chance to look for traces of the Bude Canal and its several inclined planes. Approaching Okehampton, we climbed a steep link path onto the magnificent Lake Viaduct to follow the Granite Way for several miles along the route of the former railway line skirting Dartmoor. Then near Tiverton we passed within a few miles of the Grand Western Canal but a detour to check it out would have added (Continued on page 24)

detour up and down the Gorge, we joined the ex Strawberry Line railway path for 10 miles to Yatton. We crossed the River Avon alongside the M5 and then the mighty Severn alongside the M48 on the ‘old’ Severn Bridge. Both were challenging in their exposure to strong winds and traffic noise. Once into Wales we left Chepstow heading for Monmouth. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal was rather too far west,

(Continued from page 23)

rather too much to an already long day. Such a detour would in fact have taken us to the spot where, 6 months later, there was to be a devastating breach which left the canal in two halves. It’s good to know that funding has now been secured for the repair to start later this year. So our first canal was the Bridgwater & Taunton where we cycled on the towpath for a few miles and were lucky enough to see the electric-powered trip boat Future Perfect, run by S o m e r s e t W a t e r wa y s Development Trust. We crossed the Glastonbury Canal which once linked Glastonbury and the River Severn. It was engineered by (Sir) John Rennie – son of ‘our’ John Rennie – and its commercial life was only 20 years. It is now an integral part of the South Drain and the rhynes of the amazing Somerset Levels. On leaving Glastonbury, we made for Cheddar where, after a short

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Electric trip boat ‘Future Perfect’

and the Hereford & Gloucester too far east for practical diversions to see either. A day or two further on we also passed by the Montgomery Canal away to the west. But pa s s ing be t we e n Shrewsbury and Telford, a short detour took us to Longdon-on-Tern to see the Shrewsbury Canal aqueduct, now standing isolated across

Shrewsbury Canal, Longdon-on-Tern Aqueduct

(Continued on page 25)

Preston and across the Ribble was a field. This was Thomas Telford’s on the traffic free route of the old prototype for the much larger canal tramway. and more famous Pontcysyllte Leaving Preston, we followed the aqueduct. We chatted to a group Lancaster Canal for a short of cyclists from Shrewsbury as we stretch past the Millennium Ribble sat in the dry canal bed for our Link and crossed the main line lunch stop. three times en route to We then encountered our busiest Lancaster. waterway day with the Shropshire Refreshed and eager to press on, Union, the Middlewich Branch, we crossed the canal twice more the Weaver Navigation and the as we left Lancaster, joined now Trent & Mersey – first separately for a couple of days by another and again together at the brother-in-law, John. Kirkby Anderton Lift. Then the Lonsdale, the Howgills, the Lune Bridgewater, Manchester Ship Gorge and Penrith were soon Canal, the tiny section of the be hind us . The ne wly Runcorn to Latchford still in constructed Carlisle western water (aka Old Quay canal or bypass includes a dedicated cycle Black Bear canal), the River lane, which took us swiftly round Mersey and the Sankey or St the city and across the line of the Helen’s canal. Quite a tally for short-lived Carlisle Canal. These one day’s riding! r e c e nt r oa d wor ks ha ve Now we were getting into more obliterated what little evidence familiar territory (for me at least) there might have been of it. and looking forward to a rest day Into Scotland now and enjoying at home. We crossed the Leeds & one of the few prolonged spells of Liverpool at Appley Bridge and passed through Eccleston hoping that Wiggo would come out and cheer us on. We must have gone by too fast for him or maybe he was out training for Sustrans Route 75 in Renfrewshire, One of Sustrans’ creative sculptures. the Tour de France (Continued on page 26) and Olympics! The run into (Continued from page 24)

Clyde to Kilcreggan, too far west sunny weather of 2012. North of now to see anything of the Forth Dumfries, we stopped Caledonian Canal, Neptune’s Staircase at the smithy at Keir Mill to pay homage to Kirkpatrick Macmillan, inventor in 1840 of the first pedal driven bicycle. Nearby is Drumlanr ig Cast le, home to the Scottish Cycle Museum. As we left there after lunch we (Continued from page 25)

& Clyde Canal. Gare Loch, Loch Long, Loch Lomond all gave us some s p e ct a c u lar scenery, while over the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor we were so thankful for sunshine, rather than wind and horizontal rain. On via Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy lock, unlocked! Glen Coe to Fort realised that we still had most of William, these long Scottish hills our day’s route still to do, so we held no terrors for us now after were quite late arriving at our our baptism of fire in Cornwall farmhouse B&B near Kilmarnock. and Devon. North of Kilmarnock we joined Our final canal was the certainly the Lochwinnoch Loop Line, a the biggest if not the best. The Sustrans ex railway route, which vast lock chambers of Neptune’s we found to be such an Staircase on the Caledonian Canal interesting, smooth, easy gradient, dwarfed anything we’d yet seen; traffic free path, that we amended another masterpiece by Thomas our route plan and stayed on it all Telford. The Great Glen cycle the way to Gourock. There we (Continued on page 27) caught the wee ferry across the 26

(Continued from page 26)

route follows the canal towpath, forest tracks and thankfully little of the busy A82 to pass through some fine Scottish scenery. We couldn’t resist a dip to cool off in Loch Lochy, but I have to admit that the cooling was pretty rapid and the dip very swift! The final stages took us away from Loch Ness at Drumnadrochit and headed due north via Dingwall, Bonar Bridge, Lairg and Strath Naver to meet the north coast at Bettyhill. Just

as our first day leaving Land’s End had been spent in low cloud and drizzle, so our final day began similarly, though it did improve by the time we reached John O’Groats. We added the couple of extra miles to visit Duncansby Head, the true most northeasterly point of mainland Britain. And we treated ourselves to a day trip without bikes to see some of the sights of Orkney before cycling to Wick for the long train journey home. Richard Trevitt

Job Vacancies (or Situations Vacant)

Working Party Organiser We urgently need someone to take on the job of directing and developing our working party activities. At present the work is targeted on Northern Reaches restoration activities at Stainton, on fulfilling our ongoing maintenance agreement at Hincaster Horse Path and assisting CRT with various maintenance and development schemes along the navigable reaches of the canal. Press and Publicity Officer It is important to keep the name of Lancaster Canal Trust and our various activities in the public mind if we are to grow and meet our objectives. This job needs someone who can build on our existing contacts in local press, radio & TV, national waterway periodicals etc and ensure that our stories get air time or page space. Planning Monitor The Trust is regularly alerted by most of the local planning authorities covering our canal when planning applications are submitted for sites close to the canal. This job needs someone who can investigate these applications and advise the Trustees in cases where it may be appropriate for us to comment during the consultation process. For all these vacancies please step forward and speak to any member of the Executive Committee (see back pages) if you can offer your skills and experience for the benefit of the Trust. Guidance is always available. RT 27

Canal & River Trust News Update ... With the restoration of the Lune Aqueduct now complete, 2013 will be focused on a range of community activities and events. These are:  Saturday April 20th, 7am, guided nature walk with wildlife expert, Russ Hedley  Monday 27th May (Bank Holiday) – free boat trips along the Lancaster Canal to the Lune Aqueduct  Sunday June 16th, 7am, guided nature walk with wildlife expert Russ Hedley  Canoe taster sessions, school summer holidays  Guided Bat walks, August/September  Phoenix from the Ashes II - canal festival, October  Installation of an interactive heritage trail along the canal running through Lancaster We are also running volunteering events every second Thursday, which will focus on conservation tasks, repairs, vegetation clearance etc. A major project is about to take place, to turn the old dredging site at the Lune Aqueduct into a wildlife/nature park, comprising habitat scrapes/sculptures, circular path and an outdoor classroom. Attached is a plan of the proposed habitat area – it is just an outline design at the moment. The site is between the new car park and the riverside – it can be seen through the car park mesh fence. It is at the bottom of the canal embankment on the north eastern side of the Aqueduct Again, if anybody wishes to volunteer that would be much appreciated and they should contact me to register their interest. (See layout plan on back cover). We are currently recruiting education volunteers, who will lead primary school classes on trips along the canal and to the Lune Aqueduct. (Continued on page 29)

(Continued from page 28)

Last year, we appointed interpretation consultants, ‘inHeritage’ to undertake a research project to gather memories from local people regarding the Lancaster Canal and Lune Aqueduct. They interviewed lots of people and recorded these recollections, which will soon be featured on an audio trail running along the Lancaster Canal through Lancaster. This should be installed in the next month. The contact for enquiries for all of the above is below. David Hennessey, Lune Aqueduct Project Officer Enterprise Team North, Canal & River Trust Waterside House, Waterside Drive, Wigan WN3 5AZMob: 07500 606030; Landline: 01942 405745. Ext: 4545

C&RT Heritage News from Audrey O’Connor C&RT have just started the next cohort of NVQ 3 Supervisors Conservation Skills with 3 candidates who have joined from the NW. This is great news for the NW as it underpins the waterways’ commitment to having fully trained heritage champions managing and working on our historic structures. I now have working with me 3 volunteers, 2 of whom are fully qualified historic building conservationists and one who is an undergraduate hoping to do her Master’s in Historic Building Conservation next year. Terry Halliwell is carrying out heritage assessments of coke ovens on the Lancaster Canal, Steve Little is producing a character appraisal and management plan for the Liverpool Docks. And Leyla Green has just started and is delivering a project for the heritage section of C&RT website. Also, I am forging a good productive relationship with the tutor and students of the Master’s degree course at UCLAN. I have organised next month a practical lime day with them on one of bridges on the Lancaster Canal. A O’C 29

Warwickshire Walkers 2012 Anne & Tony Martin In 1988 me mbers of the Warwickshire branch of the IWA formed a walking group which would meet for a weekend in November to view a variety of waterway restoration projects all over the UK. Since its inception, the group has grown larger and has visited many well known and s e v e r a l le s s we ll k nown

At the end of the London walk the “poison chalice” of organising the next expedition was passed to Anne and myself along with our friends Jane and Tony Hodgkison. Our brief was to organise an inspection of the Lune Aqueduct. Several planning visits were made through the summer when it was realised that, though extremely

Across the fields to Sedgwick

restorations including the prerestoration Huddersfield Narrow, Rochdale canal and the Falkirk wheel. In 2011 the waterways adjacent to the nearly complete Olympic site were explored. Naturally, venues chosen included comfortable accommodation and careful selection and consumption of the local ales! 30

impressive, the aqueduct would not hold everyone’s attention for the entire weekend so further sorties would have to be arranged. Anne and myself could see that it would also provide us with an excuse to arrive and explore the Lancaster canal afloat. Accordingly we also brought our n/b Albion up from Coventry and after a (Continued on page 31)

Wakefield Wharf, Crooklands

(Continued from page 30)

memorable Ribble crossing arrived at Tewitfield marina providing us with a winter mooring relatively close to our home in North Yorkshire. The plan was to undertake a programme of winterisation and doing a list of “jobs” through the winter. The weather has put paid to that plan and we are still waiting for a weather window hopefully before the return voyage begins. Our first task was to find a local contact and here we struck gold meeting The Lancaster Trust and W ate r witc h e dit or , Dav id Currington at the Crooklands Hotel for a planning session and a visit to the Northern Reaches. We decided that day on dividing the outing into two, the first day devoted to Lancaster and the aqueduct and the second a walk from Millness Slip to Sedgwick on 31

the Sunday. The Longlands Hotel at Tewitfield provided excellent accommodation and food while your writer opted to stay on Albion. This proved a poor choice for us as Albion’s hitherto impressive reliability record was broken by heater failure on the Friday, a particularly cold day and night. A run into Lancaster where a heater was bought from Curry’s partially solved the problem. The boat heater was investigated by myself and repaired Happily, nearly all the group found the hotel without too much trouble and enjoyed a good meal at Longlands on the Friday evening. After a short address by myself, not well received by some less intrepid walkers, dismayed at the early starts necessary because we were using public transport to return to Lancaster on Saturday m o r n i n g , Da v i d g a v e a (Continued on page 32)

(Continued from page 31)

presentation which was extremely informative while being both amusing and entertaining. Our thanks to David. The Trust is lucky to have such organised volunteers to call on. Saturday did not start too well as, despite exhaustive investigation the planners had failed to appreciate that service 55 at Hest Bank was only a single decker which meant standing room only for some into Lancaster. I have subsequently learnt from a walking friend that there is a book entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;55 Walks from the 55 Busâ&#x20AC;? That might have been useful. In spite of this hiccup Lancaster was reached without trouble. The walk started with a visit to The Quay to view the nice ly converted warehouses, the Millennium bridge and then a walk through the city to the canal. A

walk along the towpath to White Cross where the Pub had been opened early just for us for morning coffee. By now the weather had improved and the party enjoyed a gentle stroll to the aqueduct which was best viewed from below where many photos were taken. Onwards from here to Hest Bank. On this stretch your writer confidently identified a group of Redwings feasting on berries on the other side of the canal. That must be a first! Another excellent meal in the evening at Longlands but the planned early start the next morning was a bit chaotic because directions to Millness Slip were misinterpreted by some, delaying the start. At Millness we met our guide for the day John Akers, another mine of information from the Trust. He

Coffee is taken at Stainton

(Continued on page 33)

(Continued from page 32)

led us along the Northern reaches of the canal with an unscheduled coffee stop at Stainton, as far as Sedgwick Aqueduct. From there our cars were picked up amidst more directional confusion and all eventually arrived for a good lunch at the Strickland Arms. The

weekend was judged a success by all but this was in a large part due to the assistance of the two Socie t y me mbe rs Da vid Currington and John Akers. Our thanks to them both. TM

Hello! The Lancaster Canal Trust extends a very warm welcome to the following new members who have joined since the last issue of Waterwitch, and we hope to see you at some of our events: John Sandford Millom Alan Mohring Wigan Ian Gaston Telford Ronaldo Bell Kirby Stephen Dr Ronald & Susan Jones Nether Kellett Stewart & Ros Jones Kendal William & Margaret Johnson Heysham Stuart Killip Grange over Sands David Roffey Preston Francis Latham Preston David Howe Carlisle David J Cox Chorley Alan Carson Stockton Benjamin Drew Hoylake Peter R Townsend Heversham Claire Chapman Galgate Brian & Louise Crawley Bolton le Sands Malcolm Taylor Lancaster James Davis Lancaster Jeff Parr Blackburn Prof. Trevor Curnow Hest Bank Liz Russell Kendal Gavin Fay Haydock Mr & Mrs Fitzherbert- Brockholes Claughton on Brock, Lancashire. 33

Members’ Correspondence An Email from Alf Giliker It was my good fortune on a fine day Oct 27th 2012, to walk the Northern Reaches. I intended walking halfway then complete the section to Canal Head at a later date. The path was so well maintained and the waymarking excellent I managed to complete in the day. Many thanks for a terrific day out. AG

Followed a few days later by: Further to my recent post, I have recently completed the canal from Canal Head to Aqueduct St in Preston. I was lucky enough to select "windows" in the weather and found it a very rewarding experience. Without the need of OS Maps, the Lancaster Canal guide was sufficient. As conditions force me to set my sights "lower" these days Canals are a perfect answer. I aim to attempt the Leeds/ Liverpool in 2013. Maybe for charity, the effort could benefit someone less fortunate. Regards Alf Giliker [Many thanks Alf for your emails, we are pleased the Trust’s information proved to be of assistance. If you manage some or all of the L&L this year then there must surely be an article to share with other members. Ed] A cutting from the Westmorland Gazette, sent in by John Clark, one of our new speakers. If you want to become a speaker of want us to come to your local organisation then ring Helen on (01524) 735504

FOR SALE SEAHOPPER CRAFTY SCAMP + ELECTRIC ENGINE, BATTERY and OARS £350 ono A folding wooden boat which at 6ft 10in fits into a medium sized hatch back car. Phone Helen on (01524) 735504 or email helen@thepikes.co.uk

Beryl Bowcott’s Conundrum Readers may well remember the article in the last issue relating to Beryl Bowcott’s Conundrum. Well, it elicited several replies, luckily all broadly agreeing with each other. Here they are, with thanks to the senders. From Trevor Curnow. Having only just joined the Lancaster Canal Trust, I've only just seen the summer/autumn 2012 issue of 'Waterwitch'. However, if you have had no responses to the conundrum on page 16, then I would suggest that it is a kind of jack used for lifting, probably designed for use with some kind of agricultural machinery. PS I very much enjoyed reading my first issue of the journal. TC Other replies were collated by Beryl as follows: Janet and Bernard " Bernard, being an engineer, and his mate who was here when Waterwitch arrived, reckon your mystery object is a portable jack most likely of agricultural origin, we'll check with our neighbour who may know" Reg Phillips "I have asked around the National Waterways Museum and have been told that this is a horse cart jack. The chain is a safety device to hold the lever firmly when under load. I am told there is an example at the museum." Jim and Judy "Seems to us like a device for lifting (perhaps) something a very short distance. Mention in Waterwitch of "stop-planks" made us wonder how one would hoist one enough to get lifting chains under (say) each end in turn. Could "BB's C" do that from the edge of the stonework? The device is obviously intended to lift just an inch or two." And finally perhaps the definitive version from Stephen Appleby It is a “jack” or lifting device used by farmers and wheelwrights when repairing farm carts’ wheels. I married the daughter of a master wheelwright, (Continued on page 36)

(Continued from page 35)

and lived in the Yorkshire Dales without gas, electricity, running water in the house, and no tractors were used in the Dale. The most common farm cart was the tumbrel – a “utility vehicle” for turnips, manure, hay – anything. It had two wheels about four foot diameter or more, a tipping body and cratches – like large clothes horses at front and back which could be fitted when needed to increase the load capacity of corn or hay, etc. The heavy axles were hardwood pointing downward slightly so that the wheels would run up toward the body rather than coming off. The wheels were dished like a saucer so that below the hub they were vertical, but splayed outward above it to allow for a wider body. They were usually pulled by a strong shire horse – sometimes two. The jack was used to support the axle and lift it when it was necessary to retyre a wheel, much like modern jacks used for cars. When the axle was lifted the wheel easily slipped off. The wheel was made with a stock or hub into which was morticed a number of ash spokes. These, in turn, were morticed into a number – usually about eight- “fellies”. These were curved segments of ash or oak which together formed the circumference of the wheel. The blacksmith then made the tyre – an iron ring the same circumference as the wooden wheel. Four inches by three eighths of an inch iron strip would be bent and welded (by heating on a hearth and hammer-welded – not by gas or electricity!) until it was the exact size. Then followed the spectacular bit! Outside his forge, the blacksmith usually had a large dished iron plate, larger than the wheels he shod, with a hole in the middle for the stock or hub. The wheelwright knocked the wheel-joints together on this whilst the blacksmith on a nearby hearth heated (and expanded) the tyre until it was red hot all round. Then four men with special tongs about three foot long would lift the red hot rim, lower it round the fellies, drop their tongs and use sledge hammers to hammer the tyre down round the wheel. The tyre quickly cooled and contracted whilst the men dowsed it all with buckets of water to stop the wood burning. The joints would all creak as they tightened up to make a good wheel. There were no second chances. It had to be right the first time! Then they all rested and emptied the ale the farmer had provided. The wheel would be painted, the axle well greased with tallow and the wheel wheeled into place. As the wheel was pushed on, the jack was gradually lowered, and, perhaps in eighteen months’ time, the farmer might manage to pay his bill – perhaps with potatoes; perhaps with cash." SA 36

100 Club Prizes: 1st £25; 2nd £15; 3rd £10.

Winning Numbers since last Issue 1st

2nd

3rd

October

November

December

January

February

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March

100

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THE LANCASTER CANAL

Congratulations to all.

IMPORTANT NOTICE We still have some blank numbers in our 100 Club Draw. If you are not in the Draw and would like to join please contact Cath Davenport for full details of how and when to join. Contact details are; Cath Davenport (100 Club Organiser) Tel (015395) 67250

LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee 2012/13 President

C.H.Bagot J.P. F.R.I.C.S.,D.L Vice - Presidents

John Gavan; David Slater Chairman Richard Trevitt

2 Fern Bank, Lancaster. LAI 4TT (01524) 846303 trevittr@hotmail.com Vice - Chairman Helen Thomas

7 Bay View, Over Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1DR, (01524) 735504 helen@thepikes.co.uk Secretary

David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 dadcurrington@hotmail.com Treasurer

Peter Jones 14 Blencathra Gardens Kendal LA9 7HL (01539) 739105 peter@cpsj.me.uk Membership Secretary

Alan Mather 15, Claughton Ave Bolton BL2 6US (01204) 521031 Public Relations Officer Vacant Waterwitch Editor David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 Working Party Organiser vacant Grants Officer Claire Chapman c.chapman2105@btinternet.com Asst. Grants Officer Maureen Olley molley3007@aol.com (01253) 727453

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & OTHER TRUST OFFICERS

Sandra Henstock (L.C.B.C. Representative) (01253)764171

Alan Mather Boat Operations Manager (01204) 521031 alan.mather7@ntlworld.com

Affiliated Members Beetham Parish Council Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council Bury & District Anglers Association Catterall Parish Council Kendal Civic Society Lancaster Canal Boat Club Natland Parish Council Newton with Clifton Parish Council

Preston Patrick Parish Council Ramblers Association (Preston Area) South Lakeland District Council Water Farm Boat Hire Yealand Conyers Parish Council Westmorland & North Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Assoc.

Corporate Members Arlen Hire Boats

Waterwitch is copyright 2013, published by 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 .

Visit LCT website at:

http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk

The deadline for contributions to the next edition of Waterwitch in early October 2013 will be 20th September 2013 Contributions may be e-mailed to dadcurrington@hotmail.com Or by post to David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6AD Printed by Kent Valley Colour Printers, Kendal. (01539)741344

Proposed planting

Remainder of site to be meadow grassland

Secure compound

Disabled compliant ramp to allow access

A Clay lined ponds; other scrapes unlined ponds

Ponds/Scrape Jetty/Dipping platform Land reformed from Spoil Crushed stone path Secondary path through grassland Willow st ructure Art structure Stone boundary wall

}