Number 151
Autumn/Winter 2013/14
WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST
Swans tending to their eggs at Crooklands The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.240957) Corporate Member the Inland Waterways Association http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk/
Contents Chairman's Report AGM Trust Report Membership Secretary’s Report Hullo Boat Operation Managers Report Heron Hill School Boat Trip Country Fest Review Working Party Report The Lovely Lancaster Visit to Barton Swing Bridge‌. Cumbria Woodland Hincaster Report Public Relations Report LCT Volunteer Opportunities A Caledonian Experience Canal & river Trust Update Planning Matters Old Towpath VIP visits Preston City Link Matters Westmorland Show 2013 Carnforth Coke Ovens
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The Annual Report of the Executive is again included on the following pages in response to the wishes of many members Ed. 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 2
Chairman’s Report We are approaching the 50th anniversary of the Lancaster Canal Trust this autumn and although we won’t be celebrating with a flotilla of boats to Kendal, we do need to remind ourselves of some of the achievements over that period of time for which the Trust can claim at least some of the credit. We have seen the canal become ever more popular with increasing numbers of visiting boats, thanks to the development of the Ribble Link. Marina & mooring capacity has expanded, hire boat numbers have grown, major structures have been conserved and improved. And it’s not all about boating; the towpath has been improved in several areas and its many users include walkers, runners and cyclists for leisure and commuting purposes. The wildlife in, on and beside the canal attracts all sorts and all ages. We have built up good links with schools, particularly in Lancaster and Kendal, who are using the canal in a variety of lessons and projects. North of Tewitfield we can be proud of the fact that we do still have a canal line to work on and more than half of it has still got water in it. Plenty of events could so easily have ended up with further abandonment but by constantly keeping the canal in the public eye we have maintained the interest and support of the authorities that can help achieve our goal of restoration. That support may be purely nominal at times and at the moment when local government is being squeezed till the pips squeak, it’s understandable that the canal is not highest on their list of priorities. Over the years we have worked on towpaths, added new benches, controlled vegetation, installed signposts, repaired listed bridges and won awards for the work, conserved historic canalside buildings, improved the Horse Path, assisted visiting rowers and canoeists, controlled vegetation again, picked up litter, dragged unspeakable rubbish out of the cut, dug out to reinstate the channel, helped BW & CRT in various ways, monitored planning applications for developments affecting the canal, appeared at numerous shows and events and won awards for our stand, given canal talks to a huge variety of other organisations, carried literally thousands of people on our trip boat, the list goes on… So now we need to take a deep breath and revitalise our efforts to keep the canal alive and reopen what’s been closed. As the economy shows some early signs of recovery there might yet be the prospect of finding big money for the restoration. So please think about what part you can play in the Trust’s activities. There is always scope to put to good use whatever experience and skill you can offer. Richard Trevitt 3
Lancaster Canal trust AGM. Nether Kellet, 18th July 2013.
Around 50 members were welcomed by President Hal Bagot, of Levens Hall, who reminded them that the Trust was close to its 50th anniversary. The society was healthy, and it was pleasant to see so many people from a wide area at an AGM, particularly in the present heat wave. Officials elected were Hall Bagot, President. John Gavan and David Slater Vice Presidents. Richard Trevitt, Chairman. Helen Thomas, Vice Chairman. David Currington, Secretary. Peter Jones, Treasurer and Frank Sanderson Public Relations Officer. A talk was given by Chantelle Seaborn the newly appointed NW manager of Canal and River Trust followed by an illustrated presentation by Treasurer Peter Jones on progress on the current canal restoration at Stainton during the past twelve months. Also shown was film of 55 children from Heron Hill School, Kendal, on a fact finding nature mission on the canal. Executive Committee report for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 Executive Committee changes There were two resignations from the executive committee during the year: Trisha Buzzard and Mike Macklin. We thank them both for their contribution to the running and development of the Trust over several years. Both continue to be members of LCT and the CRT NW Waterway Partnership. Claire Chapman and Maureen Olley were co-opted onto the committee to share the role of Fundraising Officer. Frank Sanderson was co-opted in the role of Public Relations Officer. Membership At the end of this 12 month period our membership stood at 421. This figure masks a significant number of overdue subscriptions which create a lot of extra work for the Membership Secretary. We must urge all members to renew their subscriptions promptly on 1st January, preferably by bank standing order, and if you already have a standing order please ensure that your payment matches the current scale of subscription rates. Fundraising & Sponsorship The 100 Club is one of our on-going fundraising activities. A £12 annual subscription gives you a chance of winning one of the monthly draw prizes of £20, £15 and £10. There are several numbers currently available. So if you are not already in, do join up and have a flutter and help the Trust. Another way in which you can help the restoration work is by remembering the Trust in your Will. Our new Fundraising Officers have been busy identifying numerous potential sources of grant funding and during the year we have been successful in applying for grants totalling £11,000 from organisations including IWA & Co-op. (Continued on page 5)
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We are grateful for generous support from L&W Wilson (Endmoor) Ltd in supplying reclaimed limestone for restoration work at Stainton Bridge. Publicity Events Successful coffee mornings were held in Garstang in April and in Sedgwick in October. Our display material was on view at Country Fest in May and at Westmorland County Agricultural Show in September attracting a lot of interest, generating several new members and many passengers for boat trips. Kendal Torchlight procession was not held in 2012. We have been fortunate to benefit from CRT help in acquiring six new roll-up display panels, incorporating refreshed content and design. These were on view at a static exhibition in Carnforth Station in January & February. Talks have been given to 25 groups, reaching nearly 700 people from Preston to Penrith, Garstang to Grange, Blackpool to Yorkshire. Communications Our website www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk continues to present a lively view of the Trust to the outside world and is a channel for numerous enquiries to the Trust. This is complemented by an email newsletter available to all members. The magazine ‘Waterwitch’ is a high quality publication to members and related organisations. Spare copies are made available to potential members at shows, displays, talks etc. The 5th edition of The Complete Guide to the Lancaster Canal published last year has proved to be as popular as ever and sales are doing well. Our new Public Relations Officer has achieved significant press and radio coverage for the Trust in his first few weeks in the job. Activities on the navigable canal LCT assisted IWA Lancashire & Cumbria Branch in organising and running the Canal Festival associated with the 2012 Preston Guild. The event was marred (but by no means ruined) by very wet weather. LCT has had a continuing involvement in the steering group for the Lune Aqueduct enhancement works. The major works are now complete and were formally opened on 2nd July 2012, but elements of the oral history project, landscape management, environmental improvement and interpretation works are still on-going. The Lune Aqueduct project has been awarded the Transport Trust’s Red Wheel and in the 2013 Waterway Renaissance Awards, the project was the winner of the Historic Environment class and was commended in the Recreation & Tourism class. One of our members is active in a small group currently researching the coke ovens at Thwaite End, Carnforth. This site is being investigated for its significant industrial archaeological interest and its potential for restoration. Trip Boat ‘Waterwitch’ Despite a very poor season for weather only 3 days were totally rained off, with several more curtailed. Over 1100 passengers were carried. Major maintenance took place over the winter with the boat out of the water, painted inside and out with a new livery based on the castles and coats of arms of Lancaster and Kendal. (Continued on page 6)
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Restoration and Working Party Activities Waterway Recovery Group were with us in strength for 2 weeks in July & August, a weekend in December and again for a week at Easter 2013. Some 16-20 volunteers each week were accommodated at Sedgwick village hall. The bulk excavation of the First Furlong was carried out along with various aspects of restoration of Stainton Crossing Bridge (172). Our own monthly working parties have also been largely focussed on Stainton. A significant amount of tree management work has been carried out at Hincaster Horse Path under our 5 year maintenance agreement with English Heritage and CRT. A group of 8 members undertook a training and refresher course on power tools in December sponsored by CRT and a First Aid course was run in conjunction with the WRG NW weekend in December, funded by a grant from IWA. LCT continues to be an active member of the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership. Progress on the Kendal canal head scheme has been seriously hampered by other seemingly unrelated development proposals in Kendal. However, LCRP has resolved to apply itself to progressing those elements of the overall restoration that can have a reasonable chance of finding grant funding in the present difficult economic climate. Related Organisations July 2012 saw the official launch of the Canal & River Trust to replace British Waterways. Several of our members assisted in the rebranding of canal-side signs with the new CRT name and logo. During the Autumn of 2012 the Preston City Link Trust was wound up and absorbed into LCT. In Conclusion A word of thanks to all those who have been involved over the course of the year in running the affairs of the Trust, in organising events and activities of one sort or another and in attending and supporting those events. I won’t name names, it’s too risky to cause offence by omission from a long list. But you all know who you are and thank you for your time and energy. July 2013
By way of a very low key event - (there is still very much to achieve) - the occasion of 50 years campaigning by the LCT was marked by members attending the AGM with a slice of cake! Back in March 2013 the Heysham to M6 link road was given the go ahead. Richard Trevitt will l maintain contact with Lancs CC over details of the canal crossing between bridges 111 & 112. Since then it has been bogged down with legal challengers. To keep up-t-date go to http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?siteid=6092&pageid=35076&e=e 6
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT It is pleasing to report a slight upswing in recruitment and a greater proportion of family memberships however with deaths, resignations and people changing address without advising the Trust memberships still hover about the 450 level. Included in this figure are six local members of parliament, they are not full members but do receive a copy of Waterwitch. NEWS LETTER In October members who have email will receive an experimental News Letter, unfortunately due to the prohibitive cost of postage the News Letter will not be sent by Royal Mail. The first edition issue of the News Letter will be mailed by a member of the Trust’s Recruitment and Promotion Committee. Further editions will be mailed by me. Waterwitch Magazine will continue unchanged and dispatched by Royal Mail. (or whatever follows after privatisation! ED). WALKERS; I recently had the pleasure of meeting new members The Right Reverend Peter Hullah and Mrs Penny Hullah who together with a small group of walkers were participating in a sponsored walk along the Lancaster Canal Towpath to raise money to train young women as teachers in Africa. The tow path has been busy with walking groups this summer. There are many walkers and a few walking groups who are members of the trust. WRONG ADDRESS Please do not forget to advise me of changes to your postal address, for every issue of Waterwitch one or two are returned by the Post Office marked “No longer at this address. There was recently an incorrect report that I had resigned as Membership Secretary I expect to retain this post for some years. Alan Mather. membership@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Our Webmaster Mike Valiant has set up some shortcuts for email to some Trust Officers which can be used for future contact. dpr@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk = PR Officer (Frank Sanderson) tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk = Boat operations manager (Alan Mather) help@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk = General Info (Helen Thomas - this one is used on marketing materials) workparty@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk = Work Party Organiser (currently Richard Trevitt) funding@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk = Funding Officer (Maureen Olley) membership@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk = Membership Secretary (Alan Mather) 7
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: Mr Robert D. Mason Mr Nigel Pallett Mr & Mrs Peter & Shelagh Cooney Mrs Jackie Kenny Mr & Mrs Richard & Felicity Arrowsmith Mr& Mrs Tim & Laura Wilcox Mr & Mrs Peter & Jean Taylor Christine Mathews &Paul Witherington Nigel Cowls Mr & Mrs Bradley Mr & Mrs Hill Mr & Mrs Leybourn Mrs Brenda Smith Mr Philip Benzie Mr & Mrs Webster Mr Norman MacPherson Mr J. D. Smith Stella Charnley & David Barker Mr Philip Campbell Councillor Ron Sands David Birnie Miss Fiona W Jackson Wright & Butterfield Ltd. Mr Allan Marshall Mr Ian J Taylor Mr P Horbury Mrs Joan E. Furness Mr & Mrs Robert Burgess Mr H. Pickett Mrs Susan Premru Dr Peter J Best Edgbaston, Mr Brian Colling Mr John Trowe John & Joan Helme Stephen MacEwan & Melanie Weston Paula MacConnell Nigel Wilson Rt. Rev. Peter & Penny Hullah
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Silverdale St Annes Garstang St Helens Kirby Stephen Carnforth Carnforth Over Kellett Millom Carnforth Galgate Don’t know till I get home. Hathersage, Derbyshire. Ormskirk Morecambe Poulton le Fylde Heversham Garstang Kendal Morcambe West Kirby Leeds Kendal Penrith Blackpool Kirkby Lonsdale Bolton le Sands Kendal Bolton le Sands Arnside Birmingham Stockport Belper, Derbyshire Kendal London Burton in Kendal Kendal Twickenham
Boat Operation Manager’s Report The boat has run well all season, reliable and without mechanical problems and for this I extend thanks to Trust member and engineer Neil MacGarry. As is usual late Summer weed is a problem and together with increased shallowness of the canal has cau sed increased fuel consumption. WINTER MAINTENANCE; The season ends on October 6th when Waterwitch will be taken to Millness Yard. Overwinter maintenance will include an engine service, touch up of exterior above waterline paintwork, removal of engine room doors for specialist art work, re-fitting of two difficult to reach sheet attachment points. The old boat cover will be used to make an auxiliary cover to protect the cabin sides and roof. The boat will not be lifted from the water, this is not due until October 2015. CREW; We have two new skippers from August this year, Paul Baxter of Hest Bank and Roger Thompson of Kendal. Unfortunately we also have three retirements Frank Hodson, Leslie Packwood and Audrey Shaw. I offer my thanks and appreciation to them and all volunteer crew. Stephen Lafevre and Will Warburg have been in hospital and are not yet well enough to return to boating, I wish them a progressive recovery. THIS SEASON Although better than last year the weather has not been kind to us with several early
finishes and the 15th September cancelled. However the August Bank Holiday Weekend was most
successful and with £370 paid into the Trust’s funds, there were also many happy trippers, new members and walkers taking an interest in the canal. The boat was busy with 14 special trips including charters and promotional trips. It was a great pleasure to be host to Heron Hill School, Kendal when 55 ten year olds and five school staff had boat trips and half a day learning about the canal as part of their history project. (See pictures on next page) NEXT SEASON; Easter is late, Good Friday is April 18th, our boating season will start on Sunday April 20th. WESTMORLAND COUNTY SHOW It was a poor day for the boat with few trippers, no sunshine and afternoon rain. The show was well attended but people seemed less interested in boat trips compared with previous years. It is intended to make the boat operation more noticeable for future shows. Alan Mather-contact for Alan is tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk 9
Thanks again for a great day – you’ll see again how much the children enjoyed it when you watch the video! Elspeth O’Neil Teacher
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A note from Teacher
Hello there. We made the canal topic our focus for our recent class assembly – I made a video of our day at Crooklands and thought you would like to see a copy (we now have it ED). The children seem to have a renewed interest in all things natural and have been enquiring about plants and flowers we’ve seen on our walks, as well as using the binoculars I have brought in from home to keep track of the birds coming to our feeding station!
Vipers Bugloss
HERON HILL SCHOOL, KENDAL BOAT TRIP Back at school recollections of the day were given by the pupils and painting lessons on canal art, with Baked bean cans being used as suitable receptacles. Not content with that the teacher in charge, Mrs Elspeth O’Neil took a video of the proceedings with shots such as flight of a Heron, happy groups of children and the beautiful scenery along the canal bank. A copy of the video was given to the Canal Trust and was much appreciated. A memorable day out used to the maximum. Well done to Heron Hill School FS
Teachers can sometimes come in for a deal of criticism these days, but perhaps few people fully realise how much work can be put into a specific subject. This summer Heron Hill School, Kendal organised a boat trip for 55 twelve year olds on our Trip Boat ‘Waterwitch’. sailing from Tewitfield to Stainton. 11 children and one teacher took turns on Waterwitch (max 12 passengers allowed) and the remainder were engaged in nature studies, canal dipping, wild flower identification, (Vipers Bugloss being one such find), and taking in the history of the canal from members of the LCT. 10
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Our Lancashire Canal Trust volunteers once again attended Countryfest on the Show ground at Crooklands in pleasant weather on Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd June. Alan Mather, our Boat Manager together with Sheila and their team of boaters had the stand erected by the Friday tea time and then continued to successfully run the Trip Boat over the two days of the event. Sadly Helen Thomas was not fit enough to attend but had arranged for the stall to be
Country Fest Crooklands Showground, 25th May 2012 manned by stalwarts David and Sheila Slater, Peter Jones, Beryl Bowcott and, on Sunday, Richard Trevitt our Chairman. The team assisted by our new publicity Officer , Fra nk Sand erson, answered the many questions from visitors to the stand, sold items from our sales stall and enrolled five new members - a good weekend's work! Once again, thank you to Alan for the use of his Caravan and to Sheila for the traditional and tasty bacon barms which were very well received by all the volunteers. A big thank you to all our helpers.
Friends of the Maritime Museum, Lancaster Another of Ken Broadhurst’s very well organised trips took place on 25th May last with a visit to both the Llangollen Canal and then the nearby steam Llangollen railway. After a super canal boat trip from Llangollen to cross the Pontcysyllte viaduct we all returned for a steam train return ride of some 7 miles each way s to Carrog. To round of a splendid day we stopped for tea & sandwiches at a nearby pub. Grateful thanks to Ken for yet another ‘grand day out.’ A few pictures are on the rear cover. Regards Ed 12
Working Party Report Peter Jones During this past summer season our working parties carried out the following work. The original plan for two weeks work was reduced to one for reasons beyond the control of the Trust. This meant that no profiling work or lining was carried out. Material for lining was received during the course of the camp and has been stored at Millness. However, in the one week available much detailed work was completed Site Preparation The area was pumped out prior to the camp and was kept relatively dry by short pumping sessions each morning. A hand pump was also used around the bottom stop plank, with mixed success. When clearing out the area it was found that the timber base around the bottom stop plank extended for about 3m to form an apron. The timber appeared to be separate planks running along the bed and rather loosely fastened to the bed (if at all). Stop Planks Some of the old timber was removed from around the stop plank grooves using a breaker. Shuttering was built on both sides to allow concrete to be poured through a 'letter box' at the top. This shuttering was braced across the bed using 3 'Acrow' props. Concrete was then poured and consolidated using a vibrating 13
poker then hand filled at the top. After being left to set for about 2 days the shuttering was removed. It was found that the concreting was OK except for some narrowing of the gap half way up each side. The gap is still wide enough for a stop plank but the concrete could be ground down if it is thought necessary Coping Stones The renewed Stop Plank grooves
Missing coping stones on both wing walls were to be replaced. The stones were delivered from the stonemason and unloaded by the gate next to the bridge before they were moved closer to the walls be the excavator. Here they were remeasured and numbered for installation; The earth was cleared around the final positions where it was found that although all the (Continued on page 14)
Transition Walls These walls had either disappeared or partially collapsed so were dismantled and rebuild on both sides. Stone was provided by Wilson's for only the cost of transport (to whom we express our grateful thanks to their Alan Wilson), and in fact 15 tonnes was delivered. The wall was to be built on a 'dry' basis and hence a d v i c e from local dry stone wallers was sought and provided The stone was offlo a d ed through the gate.
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stones had been cut to size there were some variations in stone depth, particularly on the off-bank. These differences were readily overcome with different depths of mortar and a final level installation was achieved
Starting to rebuild the transition walls
Above: Nearly all the team working on the walls 14
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The existing stonework was removed from the transition walls, and only well shaped stones were retained for later use. Then the required profile was cut into the banks, at one end to match the wing walls and at the other to give a slope Laying a French Drain
of about 1:1.5 to match the earth bank. A backing sheet of geo-textile was laid against the earth and the walls were built up in stepped rows, using large stones in-filled with smaller, under the guidance of Brian. The wall is to be regarded as a protection against erosion rather than a retaining wall and so is not triangular in section (as it would be for normal dry stone walling practice) Near the top the geo-textile was folded over, the upper layers filled with earth with an earth layer on the top. Pointing of Stonework Pointing was carried out on the wing
walls, but Pointing was not started on the bridge due to the cold wind and exposed position. French Drain behind Off-Bank Transition Wall It was decided during the course of the work that a drain was required behind the off-bank transition wall as water penetration was the probable cause of collapse. The drain was to run from near the top of the bank adjacent to the bridge down to emerge into the bank on the left of the transition wall (as viewed from the front). An existing length of perforated pipe was used set into smallish stones and wrapped with geo-fabric. The work was completed as per the design but the exit pipe has been left dangling pending completion of the profiling and detailing of the exit arrangement Drain from Sellet Hall Spring As part of a discussion with Sellet Hall it was agreed that we would install a drain from the spring on SH land (at the top of the original canal bank) into the canal bed. This would prevent the build-up of water in the ditch between the current bank and the SH fence. The drain would be a solid pipe spigoted onto the spring outlet and led, over ground, through (Continued on page 16)
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the SH fence. A trench was dug through the profile and further pipe lengths laid. A sufficient length of pipe has been laid such that the water is led into the canal but the final exit detail needs to be determined, probably after further profiling Stainton Aqueduct We needed to raise the lip of the exit weir adjacent to the far bank next to the undermined abutment. This would divert flow away from the abutment. Re-profiling of the bed at the aqueduct entrance was necessary to deepen the channel, reduce flooding of the footpath and scouring of the other side. This required access by the small excavator through a field PJ
Above top The Finished job Above: The timber base around the
bottom stop plank extended for about 3m to form an apron.
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Whych Way’s Saga Continues Part 3 - The Lovely Lancaster In previous Water Witch issues, you travelled with us on the first two stages of our 2012 epic. This final instalment gets us to the jewel in the crown! Getting onto the Lancaster Canal had been a long-held dream, now finally close to fruition. Approaching the Rufford Branch, we made an inauspicious start with a stuck swing bridge at Parbold and difficulty tracking down a cunningly concealed water point at the junction. A stiff swing bridge guarded the Rufford entrance, the first two locks were tough to wind and we were longing for lunch but shallow edges meant we had to wait until after Lock 4 to pull in. After a very late snack we continued on through the remaining locks and moored by the marina complexes at Rufford. A bright and dry morning next day cheered us and we caught a bus to Tarleton to scout ahead. With no towpath on this top section we had a tough trek back across country through shoulder-high grass in heavy drizzle. Our Ribble passage was booked for Wednesday morning so, this being Monday afternoon, we decided to move the boat up to
Tarleton and watch the locking out the next day to pick up some tips. On arrival, the legendary Harry
appeared to check our details and we prepared the boat, eyeing with trepidation the forecast which promised heavy rain and high winds for Wednesday. At 8.30 that evening Harry phoned to offer a slot available next morning if we would like to bring forward our trip and we readily agreed. Four boats had gathered by first thing Tuesday as the local team operated the swing bridge and lock and we came out in pairs to meet the incoming tide on the River Douglas. Mike was confident, Fran was petrified, but Whych Way performed well as we passed each marker and rounded the Astland light onto the Ribble. The green light (Continued on page 18)
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at Savick Brook was a welcome sight and we made our wide turn to come into the entrance. The contrast between the wide river and the narrow winding brook could not have been greater. CRT were on hand at the rotating sea lock and assisted at other locks where they could, dropping back to also help the remaining two boats. Fran found the new Guild Wheel cycle path excellent for walking between the locks and Whych Way and Kershez arrived at the staircase in Preston with instructions to approach the flight backwards to avoid a sandbank in the basin. We moored at the top for a late lunch – we had arrived on the Lanky! In the shallow water it was slow going but already the beauty of the canal was weaving its spell and we moored up on the first quiet spot away from the urban area. Next day found us at Bilsborrow near the thatched pub, but we opted for dining aboard on an excellent fish supper from the local chippy. Stopping at Garstang to sample the lively market day, we learned that the annual Agricultural Show was to be held the following Saturday. That decided us to stay on, so we explored the surrounding area on foot on Friday before a very
enjoyable day at the show, made even better by the hog roast and local sausage hot dogs for lunch. Having visited the Glasson branch by car previously, we were looking forward to seeing it from the water so we moored at Galgate overnight to access the service area and were ready to tackle the locks next day. Heavy rain had saturated the towpath but we had sunshine as we worked the first lock. Our Ribble Link partner Kershez turned up conveniently so we locked down the remainder of the flight together, roping up on the visitor moorings in line astern. Glasson was fabulous, the light reflecting off the tall graceful sailing boats in the marina, and lots of activity around the docks with (Continued on page 20)
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Branch again. The visitor moorings were occupied but there was space on the wharf so we had a different view from our windows. We caught a bus to Cockerham, walked back along the Lancashire Coastal Path and made several forays through the country park up towards Conder Green. Reluctantly leaving Glasson behind we moved down to Garstang, enjoying more excellent fish and chips at the Royal Oak. The Bilsborrow moorings were full as we passed through next day but we found a scenic rural spot near Bridge 43 for our last night before making our way to Preston for the Guild Canal Festival. About forty boats had arrived at the IWA Campaign Rally, which was also celebrating 10 years of the Ribble Link. We met up with colleagues Trish Buzzard and Janet Dunning and got our instructions for next day, when we joined the LCT team to set
up the gazebos, displays and sales items in readiness for the show. Saturday saw 30mm of rain in Preston but the stand was busy, and we continued to do well over the next two days. After five exhausting but enjoyable days we left Preston behind and returned to our rural mooring at Bridge 43 to chill out and catch up with the washing and cleaning. Back to Garstang for another couple of days and a meal out at Th’Owd Tithe Barn then it was our final turnaround to get to Preston for our return Ribble crossing. We had fair weather again and it was much less scary the second time, though the gates opening at Tarleton Lock were still a welcome sight. We may be biased but we think the Lanky is the loveliest canal we’ve yet encountered and we can’t wait to come back some day. Who knows – next time we might be able to get further up towards Kendal! M&FV
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ships being unloaded. An obligatory visit to the smokehouse supplied us with plenty of goodies! Next day we watched yachts locking down to cross the sea gate at high tide. Each evening we had spectacular sunsets and we felt we could have stayed at Glasson much longer but there was still plenty to see on the main line so we locked back up the next day, mooring at Galgate again overnight. Stopping in Lancaster briefly for shopping, yet another treat awaited us at Hest Bank and we had perfect weather to appreciate the incredible views across Morecambe Bay. We enjoyed a late evening stroll down on the shoreline and another glorious sunset. Pausing at Carnforth, where Fran spotted a kingfisher, we found a p e ac e f u l o v e rn i gh t mooring on the Capernwray Arm before moving up to Tewitfield. The moorings were busy but a boat moved off as (Continued on page 21)
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we arrived so we speedily filled the gap. Taking a picnic, we got a bus to Holme and walked from there to Crooklands to meet the LCT crew running the Heritage boat trip up to view the results of the WRG camp at Stainton. Back at Tewitfield we found
ourselves longing for the day when the Northern Reaches are restored and we would be able to cruise the remaining 14 miles to Kendal. We had arranged to meet Helen Thomas for Sunday lunch at Longlands Hotel and spent a very enjoyable day with her,
taking an afternoon trip to Capernwray and back with her aboard. The next day it was back to Carnforth for more LCT socialising where we met David and Sheila Slater at Pat and Gordon Clapham’s new home and were treated to a delicious tea of summer salads and fruits. Carnforth also provided a useful rail link for a quick trip home to Yorkshire. Back at Hest Bank bad weather was forecast so instead of cruising on. we decided to don our waterproofs and go into Morecambe. In fact, the morning was dry and warm and we had a lovely walk along the paved promenade, Fran having her photo taken arm in arm with the statue of Eric Morecambe. At Galgate, we couldn’t resist the temptation to turn down the Glasson
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A visit to the Barton Swing Bridge Aqueduct the Institution of Civil Engineers. We were accompanied by two very knowledgeable guides: local historian and author Glen Atkinson and retired Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Manchester Ship Canal Jim Cordiner. The Barton Swing Bridge Aqueduct carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal at Barton-upon-Irwell in Manchester. Opened in 1894, in conjunction with the widening of the River Irwell Navigation to construct the Manchester Ship Canal, it was designed as a swing bridge to allow the passage of vessels on the Ship Canal and has the distinction of being the only swing bridge aqueduct in the world. The Bridgewater Canal originally crossed the River Irwell on a ma son r y aq ued u ct constructed in 1761.
Those boaters who have crossed the Ribble Link and made the transit between the Lancaster Canal and the rest of the English canal network are likely to have passed over the Barton Swing Bridge Aqueduct. By contrast, those who have experienced the Manchester Ship Canal cruise will have passed under it – or more accurately, seen it swing open and passed beside it. One Sunday in June this year I was fortunate enough to see the aqueduct in some detail on a visit organised by the Historical Engineering Group of
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Glen Atkinson took us through the history of this pioneering structure including the tale of the scale model constructed out of cheese which the Engineer James Brindley demonstrated in the House of Commons to get Royal Assent for its construction! The structure was the first canal aqueduct over a river and the embankment on the northern approach contained another first the first canal aqueduct over a public road. It is therefore understandable that it was considered a ‘Wonder of the Waterways’ at the time. The masonry structure was demolished following construction of the swing bridge aqueduct; however some original elements remain. Glen guided us around the key features which can still be seen on the downstream side of the present
crossing, including the 150m long northern embankment. Here the stonework still bears the masons’ marks which identified the work of each individual mason. We were then taken on a tour of the swing aqueduct by Jim Cordiner, whose wealth of knowledge gave us a fascinating insight into this unique structure. Designed by Sir Edward Leader Williams and built by Andrew Handyside of Derby, the structure comprises a box girder truss containing a steel trough to carry the Bridgewater Canal, which pivots on a central pier located in an island in the middle of the Ship Canal. Intricate gates and seals close off the ends of the trough and the canal to contain the water. The island also houses the central pier of the swinging road bridge located some 100m to the west. (Continued on page 24)
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The design of the structure was complicated by the decision to swing the aqueduct whilst still full of water adding some 800 tonnes to the weight and necessitating an ingenious arrangement of gates and seals at each end. The aqueduct could have been emptied prior to t h e s w i n g o p e r a ti o n a n d replenished with water from the Ship Canal but there were serious concerns at the time about contamination of the Bridgewater Canal by the polluted water from Salford! Jim explained the history of the hydraulic power systems; the steam powered pumping station for these was originally located on the north bank, but is now replaced by an electrical system housed within the island itself and linked to the original hydraulic engines made by Sir Armstrong Mitchell. The
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original cast iron roller bearings on which the structure turns were replaced with steel in 1927 following serious wear and settlement in the early years. These ‘new’ bearings remain in service and the aqueduct is still operating without a hitch several times a day almost 120 years after its opening. The visit culminated with a visit to the top of the control tower which was built to a height of four storeys to facilitate views of approaching vessels. From here, we viewed a demonstration of the opening of the aqueduct set against the backdrop of the Manchester skyline which provided a dramatic conclusion to what was a most enlightening day. Richard Trevitt with acknowledgements to Denis O’Gara, HEG
CUMBRIA WOODLANDS WOODLAND ADVISORY SERVICE - HINCASTER HORSEPATH REPORT Managed now by the Lancaster Canal Trust, there is a group of volunteers actively involved in the upkeep and management of the horse path. The section that is the subject of this report is the length that begins where the A591 breaches the canal; the canal then enters the Hincaster tunnel and the footpath follows the old horse path that goes up and over the top of the hill above the tunnel (Tunnel hill) and meets the canal as it emerges at the Sedgwick end. There is no evidence of deer browsing and no grazing apparent. At the start of the section adjacent to the A591 there is a small single age plantation of larch trees of about 50 to 60 years old these are mixed with ash and some understory species of hawthorn and elder. Ivy is very thick and the undergrowth is tangled with brambles. At the far end there is a small copse of elm and
Ash in the hedge
ash with an occasional oak. Some of these trees are growing out of the retaining walls adjacent to the tunnel and as such are inappropriately placed. In between these two small woods there are wooded hedges either side of the horse path one of which is kept trimmed by the neighbouring farmer and the other mainly left to grow tall with a number of large multi stemmed ash trees that have been laid in the past and the stems grown up on old and unstable stools. Other species in the hedges include oak, elm, hazel, blackthorn, sycamore, elder, holly, willow, hawthorn, dog rose, honeysuckle. Ground flora includes celandine and dogs mercury, herb Bennett, ferns. Some tree work has been done with some unstable ash cut down; these are showing healthy coppice regrowth which has no signs of browsing. New planting could be w i th m or e l ar ch , although these trees are vulnerable to Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden oak death) which has been found at a number of sites in Cumbria. C onsider alternatives such as Scots pine, oak, or a varied native mix with (Continued on page 26)
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keen to carry out those parts of the
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shrubs and flowering/ fruitin g trees for maximum wildlife benefit. The elm show no signs what so ever of Dutch elm disease and include some of the best specimens of elm that we have seen in quite a while. These and any mature and stable ash trees should be retained wherever possible. The ash will be vulnerable to Ash dieback Chalarafraxinea if and when this reaches our area. Mature trees may prove more resilient than trimmed hedge trees, so bear this in mind when managing the ash in the hedge. The hedge would be benefit from laying. Retain any sound ash, oak or elm trees as standard trees and cut the remainder low down to the wall to allow new growth that can be laid into the hedge in future years. One limiting factor on this site is the access. It is possible to obtain small scale timber moving equipment which can help with this issue. This report, commissioned by the Trust with money obtained by a Grant for the purpose, will be considered by the Executive. Trevor Cotton who is on of our fully qualified chain saw operators is 26
Tunnel from the east side with mature larch plantation
Previous work on removing dangerous growth
report that are agreed by the Trust Exec with C&RT as owners & English Nature as part of our agreement to maintain & improve the Horse path, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The three year agreement, which has just expired, has been renewed by C&RT with the consent of English Nature. More reports we hope in future editions. ED.
Public Relations Report Frank Sanderson Public Relations Officer. Frank delivered the following report to our AGM in July. He has been busy in the first few months in the job. Lancaster City & Kendal council coat of arms approved and completed. Alan and I have invited SLDC & both councils to a free trip at 2pm, 14th June. SLDC Chairman and both Mayors accepted Sent out Press Release re start of ‘Waterwitch’ trips and Country Fest 1st and 2nd June trips and WRG camp. Several responses: BBC Radio Cumbria. Outside broadcast by Interviewer Martin Lewes on ‘Waterwitch’ 8am Wednesday 7th May. Alan Mather organised Peter Simmonds to move boat to Crooklands landing stage. Good publicity. Contact with freelance journalists Lynne Woods and also Anthony Coppin of Garstang. (member) who will send details of local Media sources and any stories. Contacted SLDC. Trips, walks etc. ‘Waterwitch’ trips now on activities-water site with link to our website. www.exploresouthlakeland.co.uk/activities-south-lakeland/on-water Written to several Ramblers Ass. with details what we offer re walks and Boat Trip. Will continue wider area. Collecting info on Walks. Mayoral Trip extended to SLDC chairman. Press notified School parties being contacted re ‘Waterwitch’ trip boat Please pass on any media in your area or radio commentaries to Frank at pr@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Possible Trip Boat Festival 2015 It is early days yet but the Trust has been in negotiations with the Westmorland Agricultural Society (WAS) with a view to staging another Trip Boat Festival in 2015 at their Showground. Neil McGarry is taking the lead on this for which we are very grateful. This time, to avoid the Trust needing to raise considerable sponsorship, the WAS are very receptive to combining it with their 2015 Country Fest event. This would, in effect, give us much of the infrastructure needed without charge, would give participants a great time out at the Fest and provide entertainment in the evening. There are hurdles yet to be cleared including approval from the IWA, a name for the event, etc. but we will keep you all informed of progress. DC/ 27
THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS Working party Supervisor Urgent contact Richard Trevitt workparty@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Minutes Secretary for monthly Executive Meetings Urgent contact David Currington dadcurrington@hotmail.com Committee members for the Executive Committee contact David Currington dadcurrington@hotmail.com Helpers for setting up and staffing events contact Helen Thomas help@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Committee members for the Recruitment & Promotions Committee contact Helen Thomas help@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Two clerks for tripboat operating day from Spring 2014 contact Alan Mather tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Three trainee skippers / crew/ helpers for the trip boa from Spring 2014 contact Alan Mather tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Person to maintain the grass and hedges at Crooklands Base contact Alan Mather tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Several persons to join the working party volunteers in practical canal restoration, with or without previous experience. from late 2013 contact Richard Trevitt workparty@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Heritage Afternoon - Carnforth Station Saturday 9th November 2013 2.00pm A Heritage Afternoon is to take place at Carnforth Station Visitor Centre starting at 2.00 p.m. There will be a talk from the Trust's Secretary, David Currington, about Recent Restoration Activities, with a chance to ask questions. After refreshments, the second half of the afternoon will be a talk from a member of the Station Trust entitled "A History of Carnforth Station - Resplendent: Redundant: Revived". All welcome - members and non-members! 28
A Caledonian Experience By Brian Crawley As an alternative to the usual canal system in England we wondered how different a trip through the Great Glen in Scotland would be. Although being called the Caledonian Canal the waters to be traversed include rivers and lochs as well as the canal sections and accompanying vessels include sea going craft and cruise ships. Because of our previous sailing experience on Scotland’s we st -coa st the possibility of taking out a sailing boat was considered but a
comfortable 4-6 berth motor cruiser was decided upon for my sister and husband, my wife and myself and our four small, very well-behaved dogs. The boat was booked with West Highland Sailing & Cruisers at Laggan Locks at the northern end of Loch Lochy and with the confirmation arrived an attractive and informative DVD. This gave us a useful insight into the slightly unusual features of locks, bridges and moorings. The DVD also tuned up the anticipation for the magnificent scenery with which we were already reasonably familiar. The drive up through Scotland did not fail to live up to expectations and the last few miles along the shore of Loch (Continued on page 30)
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Lochy made us look forward to the forthcoming views from on the water. A very efficient takeover of the boat was accomplished and we began to appreciate the different and interesting layout of the Osprey class boat. Split level living and galley/bedroom areas with two heads had an accommodating feel and, together with the indoor steering position, promised to provide for an enjoyable holiday. Following a very informative talk with the adjacent lock keeper – all the locks are keeper operated with a limited time period - we negotiated our first lock to spend our first night in the canal section joining L o c h Lochy to L o c h Oich. A little care is needed with pronunciation especially the obvious ‘loch’ and ‘lock’ needing to be mastered. Again, different to the usual canals, moorings on the Caledonian are provided at specific locations only, but very tidy. A converted Dutch barge moored opposite us at Laggan 30
provided a very apposite restaurant and bar. Studying the chart that came with the boat and t h e N i ch o ls o n g u id e w e determined that we were already at the summit level – 33 metres of the route from the west to the east coasts of Scotland. This 1.5 mile section – Laggan Avenue – is a wholly man-made canal section with steep banks on both sides dug through the rock watershed by the constructing navvies. After a very comfortable night we navigated north through Laggan Avenue to our first canal/road crossing. Most crossings are substantial swing bridges again operated by BW staff and it was
intriguing to watch the road vehicles halting at the traffic signals as we approached the bridge. Entry into the wide spaciousness of Loch Oich was a lovely experience but we soon realised that this was the most restrictive (Continued on page 31)
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of the lochs as we came up to the first navigation buoys. It is safer to navigate the dredged, buoyed channel than risk the vagaries of the water level and bottom conditions away from it. Moorings at the south end and mid way along the loch give access to shops and hotels but we pressed on to the next road crossing at Aberchalder at its north end. Just before the swing bridge the main water flow goes over a large weir on the left side into the River Oich. The boating channel follows another canal section down two locks leading eventually to the head of the staircase lock flight at Fort Augustus. After a short wait for the upcoming traffic to clear we were taken down the wonderful flight of five locks through the heart of the village to an excellent overnight mooring on the access to Loch Ness. Superb
choice of shopping or evening refreshment is very convenient. The next morning gave access to the big one, Loch Ness. We were fascinated that the view along the loch gave a sight of only the hills at the north end, the curvature of the earth erasing the shore. Moorings are non-existent along the southern half of the loch but those at Foyers on the east shore were used for a very pleasant lunch halt. A brief walk from the mooring took us past the old hydro-electric power station to view the beautiful waterfalls. After lunch, Urquhart Castle, on the west shore, is a spectacular sight, even more so from the water, and has access moorings. There are also more moorings only another mile north allowing a walk along the main road to the delights of the shopping and the monster exhibition and visitor centre at Drumnadrochit.
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A buoyed channel at the north end gives access to the River Ness but after only 1.5 miles a huge weir on the right takes the river into its own separate course whilst we continued along the adjacent canal. At Dochgarroch, after being instructed to stay well to the right together with two other boats in the lock, 10 metres wide, we were overawed as we were joined by the Jacobite Queen cruise ship towering above us. It was quite strange to be alongside such a large vessel on a canal. A mooring just beyond the lock was convenient for the night halt. Here we found ourselves next to a converted Dutch barge hotel boat taking more affluent customers on the canal cruise. The boat is equipped with bicycles, small sailing boats and canoes allowing a choice of transport method, including walking, between overnight bases. A gale prevailed overnight and prudence determined that we would not return along Loch Ness the following day. Instead, we had a leisurely cruise on to Tomnahurich swing bridge on the outskirts of Inverness which is the base from which the Jacobite Queen plies her excursions onto the Loch. Visits into the city are possible from Tomnahurich but 32
we just had a quiet lunch and took the dogs for a walk before returning to Dochgarroch. Fortunately, the wind had abated and the following day was spent on a bouncy journey back to Fort Augustus on the remaining swell reminding us of our previous west -coast sailing holidays. We had made the right decision the previous day! Just before entering the foot of the loch we had been passed by another cruise boat that does high-speed day-trips the full length of the Loch and back! We saw it returning again at speed on the loch later in the day. A quick passage back to Laggan Lochs and we then made our cruise of the third open stretch of water, Loch Lochy, to overnight in the southern stretch of canal at (Continued on page 33)
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Gairlochy. A couple of the hotels on the shore of the Loch, as well as some on the other lochs, have their own jetties and moorings and serve fine Scottish cuisine, sadly we did not partake. A passage down the canal the next morning took us to the head of ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ at Banavie Top Lock. It was much simpler to do the trip of the eight staircase locks down to Caol and back on foot rather than on the water and the dogs appreciated it too. Only less than one mile from here the sea lock at Corpach gives access to the tidal Loch Linnhe and the open sea. At the head of the flight we had a very fine view of two fishing trawlers negotiating the start of the direct route from the fishing grounds of west Scotland to the North Sea in preference to the long sea voyage. The view of the adjacent Ben Nevis was slightly marred by the top cloud cover but in some ways it added to the majesty of it. After lunch we cruised our final length of superlative canal and magnificent stretch of open loch to return the boat the following day. The choice of location for the holiday certainly did not disappoint, having given us many new waterway experiences. Almost the whole of the 58 plus miles of this amazing waterway had been navigated each way adding another wonderful set of memories of this superb country. Even the weather had been relatively kind to us considering that Fort William has some of the highest recorded rainfall in Britain. Perhaps we’ll take a sailing boat next time to be a bit more environmentally friendly. © Brian Crawley 2009
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Canal & River Trust Update ... Lancaster Canal Towpath Taskforce volunteer group has completed some excellent work over the last few months. Tasks have included Himalayan Balsam removal, litter picks, access repair and interpretation post installation. The group meets every other Thursday with David Hennessey sending an email out on the Monday before to give details on the forthcoming work party. Several summer community events have taken place. These were: Boat trips and arts and craft activities staged in partnership with Lancaster Library and Lancaster Maritime Museum Bat Walks Wildlife Walks Guided history walk and free boat trips, which were staged as part of Heritage Open Days. The new Lancaster Canal audio trail has now been launched. Listening posts are installed along the Lancaster Canal from Aldcliffe Basin up to the Lune Aqueduct. The new Lune Aqueduct habitat creation project is almost underway. This will transform the old Lune dredging site into a nature area comprising a 400m path, habitat 34
scrapes, outdoor classroom and sculptures. Work will begin on this in October. LUNE AQUEDUCT RESTORATION PROJECT WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
The project to restore the 200 year old Lune Aqueduct in Lancaster was crowned winner in the historic environment category at the recent Waterways Renaissance Awards held in Birmingham. Led by an independent panel of experts drawn from across the engineering, environmental, architecture and regeneration sectors, the Awards are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the waterways. They aim to recognise and reward exceptional projects that have turned inland waterways into desirable places for living, learning and leisure. Costing £2 million, the restoration of the Lune Aqueduct included the repair of the canal channel, vegetation and graffiti removal, repointing and masonry repairs and improvements to public access to this historically significant site. Other improvements included creation of a new access ramp and a new visitor car park. A 600 metre stretch of towpath was also upgraded. (Continued on page 35)
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Helen Carey, Chair of the Awards’ Assessment Panel: “This aqueduct is a hugely impressive work of pioneer civil engineering and neo-classical architecture. The restoration has been achieved imaginatively with sensitive designs and well-executed channel-repair and access improvements. The project also shows impressive collaboration between the partners, who involved the community from a very early stage.” Stephen Higham, enterprise manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “We are extremely proud of the fact that the Lune Aqueduct project has been named as the winner of the historic environment category of the Waterways Renaissance Awards. This is the culmination of four years of hard work by a range of partners all working towards the common goal of restoring this magnificent structure to its former glory.” Coun Eileen Blamire, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “We are delighted to see this fantastic project named as a winner at the Waterways Renaissance Awards. The Lune Aqueduct is a historic structure that the people of Lancaster can be proud of, while the restoration scheme is of considerable benefit to the local community due to its improved sustainable transport links.” These awards recognise a wide range of projects through eleven different categories. Previous winners range 35
from multi-use developments, nature parks and educational projects that h av e c h an ge d t h e l i v e s o f disadvantaged young people, to innovative engineering schemes and the restoration of historic canal structures and buildings. The project to restore the aqueduct was funded and supported by the Canal & River Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster Canal Trust. Our summer events attracted over 200 people. We recently had an excellent feature published in Lancashire Life, which gave a report on the Lune Aqueduct project to date. With regards to our education explorers, Education coordinator, Katie Jackson, reports C&RT have recruited a group of volunteers who have just completed their training. We are hoping they will be going into local schools in the near future. Anybody wishing to volunteer should call our national team on 0303 040 4040 option 2 or email volunteer@canalrivertrust.org.uk Light up Waterways takes place on the 29th and 30th October. It is a lighting and performing arts festival at the Lune Aqueduct. The Lune Aqueduct will be illuminated, with a variety of performers providing the entertainment. There also will be a display of artwork done by local schoolchildren over the past 12 months. Please contact C&RT 07500 606030 to find out more Dave Hennessey
stage the party were impressed with the work already completed, mostly by volunteers, and looked forward to seeing the project complete and in water. The wildlife, flora and fauna of this beautiful stretch of canal was also appreciated. The party were presented with specially designed folders containing photographs and details of the work so far. Lancaster City Councillor Ron Sands said “it is impossible for me to find adequate words to express my overwhelming admiration for all the Trust members and volunteers who have done such outstanding regeneration work. I wish to keep in touch with your truly exceptional work and my application to join the Lancaster Canal Trust will be in tomorrows post.”“ Waterwitch sails under new livery with Nether Bridge, Kendal and Lancaster Castles and the coat of Arms of Lancaster and Kendal painted by a group of artist
VIP Visits to our Canal this Summer Kendal, Lancaster, District and County Councillors The canal narrow boat ‘Waterwitch’ was the venue for a delightful trip of Kendal, Lancaster, District and County Councillors to see the excavations and restoration of the canal at Stainton. The party includes:Chairman of SLDC, Councillor E v e l y n W e s t w o o d , an d M r Westwood, The Right Worshipful Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor June Ashworth, Kendal Mayor, Councillor Sylvia Emmott Also County and District Councillor Roger Bingham. Lancaster Councillors Ron Sands with Coun Eileen Blamire, (leader), C.Coun. Janice Hanson. They were met at Crooklands landing stage by Hal Bagot, President, and Richard Trevitt, Chairman, of the Canal Trust. Disembarking at Stainton landing
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Old Towpath Upgrade The old towpath alongside the dewatered stretch of canal from Natland Road, Kendal to the watered section at Stainton was discussed at a recent Lancaster Canal Regeneration Project meeting. The towpath is now a footpath under the control of the Cumbria CC. With the lack of progress in Kendal due to matters outside our control, it was agreed to approach the Footpath Officers at CCC to see if they could help estimate the cost of upgrading this path so as to allow easy access to all members of the public, of most ages & ability. Guy Timperly, of the CCC, was extremely enthusiastic about this and agreed at modest cost, to produce a fully costed feasibility study. It will be ready in the next few weeks for discussion the LCRP group. If acceptable, then our Trust will need to access the not inconsiderable funding, a necessary evil in these days of austerity. We think it ticks many boxes. It is a community based project, giving many benefits to the local community and other groups. The many obstructions on field boundaries & poorly maintained surfaces currently making for a difficult journey for all but the fittest will be made fully access friendly. It will help to keep the public aware that a Canal used to exist there and let them see in what a wonderful setting it existed. We hope to report on progress in the next issue DC (Continued from page 36)
members. who have done such outstanding regeneration work. Walking the Lancaster Canal Wildlife corridor is becoming more and more popular. St Patricks Church, Preston Patrick, Sunday 25th August saw the annual walk by St Patricks Church, Preston Patrick, that started on the canal at Millness then proceeded north on the towpath before cutting across on a circular route via the old tramway and following the canal feeder from Pease Beck, (tributary of the River Bela) that runs out of Killington Lake. The historic commentary given by Tony Mason was much appreciated by about 15 walkers. 37
Right Reverend Peter Hullah A similar group, led by Right Reverend Peter Hullah and his wife Penny, of Twickenham, started on Saturday walking from Lancaster to Garstang, Sunday Garstang to Tewitfield Locks, and arriving early Monday, at Crooklands, where they met up with the Lancaster Canal Trust narrow boat ‘Waterwitch’ and were given a boat ride to help them on their way to Kendal. Commenting on the glorious weather and lovely and peaceful scenery, the Right Rev Peter explained they were enjoying sponsorship for their walk in aid of Together for Sudan and hoped to raise £2,000 to educate young women as teachers. (See www.undertogetherforsudan.com) .
Westmorland Show,Thursday 12 September 2013. County Showground, Crooklands, Kendal. The vast amount of work entailed organising this one day show can only be estimated. Transporting heavy machinery, all the farming equipment, the marquees, tents, toilets, garages gazebos etc, but also the individual effort put in by schools, (which the visiting Countess of Wessex found fascinating), local organisations, church groups and many many others. One can only look on and admire such effort by so many people working to make it a success. Working together, the Lancaster Canal Trust was looking after the canal entrance ticket stall for the organisers, at the same time running their Trip Boat ‘Waterwitch’ alongside their attractive informative & well attended stand. However, when bringing Waterwitch to the showground, they found a good deal of Yew clippings, recently dumped in the canal, blocking their path, which had to be cleared before they could moor the boat and commence trips. Whilst we were not blessed with a visit by the Countess, we were inspected by the show’s President Hall Bagot, (our own President). It can only be described as a tremendous success and even the weather was friend ly. The Trust sold just short of £150 from the sale of books etc and enrolled several new members FS.
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Progress has been slow on the restoration of the row of five coke ovens adjacent to the canal at By Brian the south end Crawley of Carnforth since the last newsletter but it has been a glorious summer providing a number of distractions! However, there has been some progress. Investigations into the ownership of the land around the ovens is proving fruitful with the discovery of a couple of books by Marion Russell giving comments of communal picnics and brass band concerts that used to take place in the ‘Spring Field’. Some interesting old photographs of the site are also in these books. A visit to the site by the Tree Officer from Lancaster City Council resulted in approval for some tree removal. This is a very important first feature of the restoration project as the trees are quite large and the roots have already caused considerable damage to the structure. A proposal for the tree clearance is being put together along with suggestions for the use of the timber that is produced. Some will be used to make picnic tables and benches, fencing and perhaps a artistic feature relevant to the Spring Field. I am hoping to be able to perform some charcoal making for barbecues especially one of the traditional
Carnforth Beehive Coke Ovens
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charcoal making “earthburns” that used to be a big industry in south Cumbria. There is some relevance to the similar conversion of coal to coke that obviously used to take place here. This would be a community project as will some of the other woodcraft work that would involve local schoolchildren, possibly also making artist’s drawing charcoal! Some replanting of replacement trees will also be necessary. After the clearance, the restoration work of digging out the ovens and rebuilding the damaged stonework will commence with, hopefully, some considerable local volunteer effort. Clearance of the old adjacent canal boat wharf, probably by Canal and River Trust personnel, will enable a pontoon to be installed for temporary visitor boat mooring. Interpretation boards, giving some information about the use of the ovens, will be installed in the Spring Field and on the towpath on the opposite side of the canal. A comprehensive heritage assessment document for the restoration of the ovens has been produced by the Canal and River Trust. This is reproduced overleaf. Anyone with any knowledge of the ovens or interested in helping in any way with the project is asked to contact me on 07721007379. The accompanying photograph is a general view of the Spring Field. The canal, just south of bridge number 127, is immediately behind the tree
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and shrub growth which also conceals the coke ovens on the right of the picture. Brian Crawley Sept 2013
blacksmiths. Worried for their survival local residents contacted the Trust last year to highlight how the Carnforth ‘caves’ are at a high risk of being lost forever if nothing is done to save them which would mean the loss of precious local history. Terry Halliwell volunteer Heritage Assistant took on the project with great enthusiasm. Firstly he produced a comprehensive heritage assessment which involved gathering a wide range of historical information, maps of Carnforth and as much information about the Beehive Coke Ovens as he could find. This document now is being used to inform the repair and future maintenance of the ovens. Along with local residents Terry is leading the project with the support of the North West waterway. Their aspirations are to reveal the ovens by removing vegetation and carrying out minor structural repairs. The aim is to also provide on-site interpretation so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy their story. This is another great example of volunteers working together to safeguard canal heritage.
THE FIVE LITTLE CAVES Audrey O’Connor C&RT Heritage Officer On the Lancaster Canal, just on the fringe of Carnforth town, almost completely buried under heavy vegetation you would be forgiven for missing the ‘five little caves’. These mysterious beehive shaped coke ovens have stood here since the 1850s. Marion Russell grew up in the town described her childhood memories of the ovens in her book ‘A Childhood in Carnforth’. Local r e s id en t s w ou l d gath er f o r community picnics next to the ovens back in the 1920’s whilst listening to the brass bands. Nobody ever told the children what the mysterious caves were or what they were used for so they put their own history to them and called them the ‘five little caves’. During the 1800’s coke ovens were peppered along stretches of canals but nowadays they are a rarity. Small groups of ovens like these were built primarily to supply coke to local businesses such as forges and 40
100 Club Prizes: 1st £25; 2nd £15; 3rd £10. Winning Numbers since last Issue 1st
2nd
3rd
THE LANCASTER CANAL
IMPORTANT NOTICE We still have some 16 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
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LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee 2010/11 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 membership@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Public Relations Officer Frank Sanderson, 015395 66967. M 0790 186 5353. pr@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Waterwitch Editor David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 dadcurrington@hotmail.com Working Party Organiser vacant Grants Officers Claire Chapman Maureen Olley funding@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & OTHER TRUST OFFICERS
Sandra Henstock (L.C.B.C. Representative) (01253)764171
Alan Mather Boat Operations Manager (01204) 521031 tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Affiliated Members 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.
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
Corporate Members Arlen Hire Boats
CARP Ltd
Waterwitch is copyright 2012, 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 April 2013 will be 9th March 2014 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
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AROUND
LLANGOLLEN BY CANAL BOAT AND STEAM TRAIN
Above: The motive power for the trip to Horseshoe Falls is blindfolded & lead off to work
Above: Waiting our turn to cross the Aqueduct. Left: A very tight fit! Below: The busy terminus at Llangollen Station
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