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Issue 105, July 2014
120 PAGES 50 packs of Megapegs and 10 discount cards up for grabs P118 FIVE chances to win the new edition of Narrow Boat P64
Carrying coals to… promote the Ashby Canal
TACKLING THE BCN 24 HOUR CHALLENGE P5
Heading south on the Coventry Canal, coming from the Etruria Festival, are motor boat Aquarius, with owners Glyn and Rosemary Phillips and butty Ilford, with owners Roger and Teresa Fuller. They are carrying 36 tonnes of English coal from the Minorca mine, donated by UK Coal and loaded on the Ashby Canal on April 17 and are visiting various events to promote the next phase of the restoration of the Ashby Canal. PHOTO: PHOTO:WATERWAY WATERWAY IMAGES
A DIRTY WEEKEND IN BIRMINGHAM
Stop changing the rules – boaters’ plea to CRT
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10 TOP TIPS FOR YOUR BOATING HOLIDAY P56
BOAT REVIEW: GOING DUTCH
BOATERS are fed up with changes to rules in respect of overstaying on visitor moorings and enforcement according to a survey by the National Organisation of Boat Owners (NABO) of its members. Such was the concern, it attracted a much higher response than anticipated with 78% feeling there is no real problem of overstaying on visitor moorings, 69% on the general towpath and an overwhelming 91% that there
World conference plans
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INVERNESS will host the World Canals Conference in September 2016. Delegates will travel to the Highland capital from 20 countries across the world following the success of the Scottish bid with the event expected to inject £300,000 into the local economy. The venue is still to be decided but Scottish Canals says that every opportunity will be taken to showcase the Caledonian Canal and highlight partnership achievements including the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel and Pinkstone Watersports Centre.
500 BOATS FOR SALE Starts on
were insufficient Canal & River Trust patrol officers actually operating out in the field. “We were surprised by the speed and sheer number of members that responded especially our many continuous cruising members,” said Mike Rodd, NABO chairman. The survey followed a meeting convened by CRT in March to discuss visitor mooring strategy with the national boating associations.
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Partnership chairs sought
THE chairs of four of the Canal and River Trust’s Waterway Partnerships (Manchester & Pennine, North Wales & Borders, South Wales & Severn and West Midlands) plus the Museums & Attractions Partnership, are coming to the end of their first volunteering term. Each is eligible to apply for reappointment for a second term as part of an open recruitment process. Positions will be advertised during July with shortlisted candidates invited for interview in early September. Appointments will be effective from November 2014.
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Walton Marina
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Norfolk Broads
It became apparent that everybody felt that enforcement was the main issue that needed to be addressed and it was agreed that the group should meet again but that the focus should be purely on overstaying and enforcement. Recognising that these were still wrapped together in many boaters’ minds, NABO decided to carry out a very quick survey of its members to get a flavour of where they stood on the issues of overstaying and enforcement.
On the subject of enforcement, the main findings were: 35% thought CRT should just focus on boats that don’t move; 26% thought CRT should employ more patrol staff out talking to boaters; 20% thought CRT should move boats if they were obstructing water points, lock landings or visitor moorings and only 6% thought CRT should introduce more flexibility schemes like the Kennet & Avon pilot. Continued on page 2
Museum gets thumbs-up
PLANS for a Thames Heritage Boat Museum at Beale Park have received outline approval on appeal. Inspector Ken Smith referred to the benefits that the museum would bring to an established tourist attraction and the local area. The Child Beale Trust and the Consuta Trust are delighted by this result and are keen to continue work on developing the project which they hope will attract further partnership funding required for a Heritage Lottery bid. For information visit www.consuta.org.uk
4 NEWS
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Good trade at Crick – despite the weather A SQUELCHY start to the Crick Boat Show and Waterways Festival did not deter the visitors, with traders reporting a good trade over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. According to the organisers, the final count revealed that 25,921 people visited the show over the course of the long weekend, only fractionally down on last year’s record attendance. Although a freak hailstorm late on Saturday afternoon sent showgoers scurrying to the beer tent, the band played on as more straw was spread over the already sodden ground. Show director Peter Johns said afterwards: “Despite the wet weather, which made vehicle movement on to the site very difficult at times, an
Showgoers voted Shackleton, exhibited by Boating Leisure Services of Heyford Fields Marina, Bugbrooke, as their favourite boat of the show. Pictured with their trophy and bottle of bubbly are: Dave Flowers, Gary Manning and James Attwood. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES
intrepid group of staff and volunteers kept the show open when many other events across the country had to close. “We are very grateful to them for all of their hard work and for the patience of visitors, Crick Marina moorers and local residents in helping us to put on this terrific showcase for Britain’s wonderful inland waterways.” He added that many of the 250 exhibitors reported strong sales. Entertainment at this year’s show included performances from pop icon Toyah Willcox and Paul Hopkins’ tributes to Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Describing Saturday as a “sensational night”,
Visitors take a closer look at some of the boats exhibited on the marina. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON Toyah tweeted: “At Crick, omg the rain… mud bath! But great spirit. You know that great British determination to party… it’s so wet it’s fun.” As well as the live music, the show offered visitors free boat trips, dozens of boats on the marina to look round, a real ale marquee, free children’s entertainment and a large variety of food and drink stalls.
Enjoying the sunshine on Sunday afternoon. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
The event was organised by Waterways World in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina. ● Next year’s show dates will be May 23-25. For more information visit www.crick boatshow.com or call 01283 742950.
Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry, right, chats to Andy Munro of Fernwood Boats which enjoyed a successful show.
PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES
A rare glimpse of sunshine on the Saturday afternoon gave showgoers an opportunity to look round the boats in the marina.
PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
The line-up of historic boats at the Crick Boat Show and Waterways Festival. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Brightening the day with their smiles are the team from Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Poole head office who were backing up the Northampton RNLI branch stand. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES
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BCN Challenge weekend a huge success – despite the rain! By Polly Player
THE Birmingham Canal Navigations Society’s BCN Challenge event over the weekend of May 24-25 has been hailed as a huge success by all involved, despite torrential rain on the Saturday testing the resolve of the various crews. Designed to encourage boaters to explore the lesser-used sections of the Birmingham Canal Navigations over the course of a 24-hour pointscoring competition, the challenge is now in its fourth year under the stewardship of the BCN Society. It was previously hosted by the IWA for a 10-year run between 1992-2002, with a gap of several years before the event was resurrected. Beginning at 8am on the Saturday, each team begins the challenge at a point of their choosing on the BCN network and works to earn points by means of transiting locks, covering different sections of the network and answering quiz questions along the route. The challenge finished at 2pm on the Sunday, with crews having completed a maximum of 24 hours’ boating with a mandatory six-hour rest period scheduled into the timings. The teams finished this year’s event at Hawne Basin, a restored basin in the Halesowen area managed by the Coombeswood Canal Trust. A total of 39 boats with crews ranging from singlehanders to large teams took part, all converging on Hawne Basin on the Sunday afternoon to enjoy a celebratory party and the excellent hospitality offered by the team at the basin. Once the points data had been collated and checked, the top three teams were revealed as follows: 1 Team Clover, captained by Michael Pinnock, 454 points; 2 Team Tawny Owl, captained by Richard Powell, 416 points; and 3 Team Indigo Dream, captained by Sue Cook, 409 points. The top-scoring teams will be invited to a presentation event at the BCN Society’s AGM in November.
Convoy
Heavy rain throughout much of the Saturday, and in some areas hail, did little to deter the crews determined to cover large parts of the network and gather a good haul of points, with nine boats at one stage all involved in traversing the Anglesey Branch in convoy. One of the more recognisable crew members taking part in the challenge was Richard Parry, the
Team Tawny Owl, followed by Team Muskrat, entering the basin.
Loughborough festival attracts the crowds THE sunshine brought out the crowds to the Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival over the early May bank holiday weekend. Visiting boats provided a colourful spectacle along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal which was also lined with trade stands and stalls. Nursery rhymes was the theme for the event in its 17th year.
How does your garden grow? Nursery rhymes was the theme for this year’s event. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON LEFT: This boat dog was dressed in a sailor suit to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. BELOW: The colourful scene along the Grand Union Canal towpath.
Team Dove entering the basin in fancy dress.
PHOTOS: LAURIE BOOTH
Canal & River Trust’s chief executive, who took part in the entire weekend as part of the crew of Team Tawny Owl. Mr Parry told Towpath Talk: “It was good to see unfamiliar parts of the BCN, including the Wyrley and Essington Canal, and how extensive the network itself is. Travelling with experienced boaters has allowed me to gain some new insights into the issues that boaters may face around the Birmingham Canal Navigations, such as some anti-social behaviour on the Walsall flight and maintenance issues around other parts of the network.” The BCN Society is already working hard to plan next year’s challenge after the resounding positive feedback that it received after this year’s event. A representative told Towpath Talk: “The BCN Society organises various events to encourage boaters to use all of the 100 miles of the BCN. We were particularly pleased with the way the entrants of the 24-hour challenge got into the spirit of this event by decorating their boats and in some cases themselves and making it such fun. Roy and John, our main organisers, were thrilled to have doubled the number of boats this year. How many next year?” ● Any boaters who are interested in finding out more about the BCN Challenge or the work of the BCN Society can make contact via the website at bcnsociety.com
Mike Bryant on historic boat Reginald at the finish. Reginald’s hull originated at Stewarts & Lloyds Tube Works in the Halesowen area, near to Hawne Basin.
Sunny day at Shrewsbury Canoe taster sessions on the River Severn were among the many attractions which brought crowds to Shrewsbury’s River Festival on June 8. Town mayor Beverley Baker released thousands of elvers, provided by the Severn Rivers Trust, to help restock the river, before awarding prizes to the best dressed young pirates. Meanwhile the Inland Waterways Association helped hundreds of people decide where to enjoy canal and river boating this summer. PHOTO:ALAN WILDING
12 COMMUNITY BOATING
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Ladybird Boat Trust flies into action
New wheelyboat launched at Galloway Activity Centre
THE recently formed Ladybird Boat Trust has been officially launched by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly, at Hartford Marina near Huntingdon. It has been set up to ensure that the services successfully developed over the past five years by Waterwing, part of St John Ambulance, can continue to provide river trips on the Great Ouse to disadvantaged members of the community.
The boat Ladybird is wheelchair accessible and accommodates up to 20 passengers in a large heated cabin complete with kitchen and toilet facilities. A group of 24 volunteers give their time and skills to crew the boat, running about 100 trips each year from April to September. Trips, which are free of charge, are open to groups of disadvantaged or disabled people of all ages.
Annette Gray, boatmaster on the day of the launch ceremony, with local MP Jonathon Djanogly.
Guests attending the launch of the Ladybird Boat Trust prepare for a short river cruise on the Great Ouse after the opening ceremony.
Alan Worth, chairman of the Ladybird Boat Trust with Mr Hugh Duberly, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, cutting the ribbon. PHOTOS: GERRY METCALFE ● For more information visit www.ladybirdboat.org.uk
A WHEELCHAIR accessible Mk III Wheelyboat specially designed for disabled people was recently launched on Loch Ken at Galloway Activity Centre. Loch Ken is southern Scotland’s largest loch and is largely inaccessible to disabled people. However, Galloway Activity Centre’s new Mk III Wheelyboat will provide disabled people, their families, friends and carers with safe and independent access to the water. The centre’s director Richard Herman said: “There are other wheelyboats in the area, however this is the first one to be used for wildlife spotting and pleasure boating. My aim is to be able to share the wonder of the wildlife, including red kites, otters and lots of seasonal birdlife, as widely as possible and being out on the water is a really special experience.” The Mk III Wheelyboat is boarded via a drop-down bow door for roll-on, roll-off access. The deck is open and level throughout with room for eight adults, including wheelchairs. It has a drive-from-wheelchair console giving people even with severe impairments the ability to helm the boat themselves.
Director of The Wheelyboat Trust Andy Beadsley with Richard Hermon and Jennifer Tobin at the boat launch on Loch Ken. With thousands of acres of navigable water directly accessible from the centre, the wheelyboat will be used for pleasure boating, nature watching, coarse fishing, power boat training and instruction and as a support vessel for other activities. It will provide the centre’s disabled visitors with a level of independence and freedom unavailable in any other craft. The Wheelyboat was formally launched by Jennifer Tobin, founder and chief executive officer of South West Scotland RnR, a charity that provides adventurous holidays for injured service personnel. Funds for the project have been raised by The Wheelyboat Trust from: Scotbelge Charitable Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, W A Cargill Fund, Barfil Charitable Trust, JTH Charitable Trust, RKT Harris Charitable Trust and Sylvia Patterson
● Galloway Activity Centre: www.lochken.co.uk ● The Wheelyboat Trust: www.wheelyboats.org
Students stir up new ideas for trips BEDFORD College students have been helping to stir up new ideas for trips on board the award-winning John Bunyan community boat for the 2014 season. In its maiden year the boat carried 4000 visitors but is expected to take thousands more in 2014 as private charter and business bookings have boomed. Bedford College was one of the local organisations which helped to fund the boat – it gave a donation of £5000 on condition its Travel & Tourism students could have a real input into sales and marketing. In 2013 students put together the Town & Anchor Cruise package taking people from Bedford to Great Barford. In 2014 they have come up with something new – a link to local schools to take curriculumsupporting trips. Graham Mabbutt, chairman of the Bedford Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, which runs the boat, said: “It has been great to get so many people thinking about
the benefits of the river to tourism for Bedford. Our long term plan is to see the waterway linked to the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes. The John Bunyan Boat is helping to promote that idea. “The boat has been welcomed and supported by so many people – but we always need more volunteers to keep us afloat.” The busy schedule of public and charter cruises includes the Bedford River Festival in July, for which more volunteers are urgently needed. The trust asks for a commitment of two to four sessions a month from April to October for crew, and a couple of hours a week for shore team members. Vacancies include: afloat – cabin and deck crew, helms, trainee and qualified boatmaster; ashore – graphic designers, display and bookings team members, maintenance and cleaning team members, scheduler, recruiter and interim sales director.
Community boating roundup This month National Community Boats Association chairman Derek Stansfield brings us some news from around the network. A YOUNG volunteer working with Swinton Lock Activity Centre, an Accredited Training Centre of the NCBA, has received an award for his outstanding contribution to people and communities in Rotherham. Nathan Garner, 13, was nominated for the Young Volunteer Award after undertaking a training programme to work on narrowboats which enables wheelchair users to enjoy the experience of the canal trips. He had been the victim of bullying, both in and out of school, and his role at Swinton Lock has helped him enormously with his self-esteem and confidence. He has now been able to advise and support other students
at the centre on how to deal with bullying issues and where to seek help. As well as gaining his own qualifications, Nathan has gone on to deliver training talks to other groups at the centre. He has shown an overwhelming commitment to helping others, both young and old, giving up evenings and weekends to assist groups of disabled adults and children. He has recently been involved in the establishment of a volunteer group and a voice and influence group to enable other disadvantaged young people to develop the skills to work in the local community, and now assists the staff team as the lead young volunteer.
● You can see Nathan volunteering on the Swinton Lock narrowboat on Youtube. (Nathan Garner young volunteer award Rotherham) For further Information on Swinton Lock Activity Centre please contact the centre on 01709 578778 For information about volunteering at other NCBA projects, details of these can be found on the NCBA website at www.national-cba.co.uk/members LEFT: Nathan Garner with his award. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
The John Bunyan community boat has vacancies for volunteer crew. PHOTO: B&MKWT ● If you can help please contact Chris on christine.tilneybmk@gmail.com If you would like to get aboard the John Bunyan boat as a passenger, volunteer or learn more about the
Bedford Milton Keynes Waterway, visit www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk Prices for trips start from £8 for adults, £6 seniors and £5 children or £20 for a family.
Meeting with the Canal and River Trust
NCBA chairman Derek Stansfield and company secretary Bob Ratcliffe recently met CRT chief executive Richard Parry at Peel’s Wharf, Fazeley. The early part of the meeting allowed both parties to acquaint each other with their aims and objectives and to clarify where they are at the moment in their development.This was followed by an open and frank discussion on issues including boat licensing and volunteering which are relevant to both the NCBA and CRT.
HS2
The Canal & River Trust recently published its concerns over the detrimental impact that the current route of HS2 may have on the waterways and in particular on some proposed regeneration projects. The NCBA supports this statement in principle and is contacting members in order to collate specific issues where the HS2 will directly impact on them.
Trainers’ courses
There will be at least three courses leading to the NCBA trainers’ qualifications that will be held towards the end of the season. Details of these should be available by the time of the next Towpath Talk edition and will be posted on the news section of the NCBA website as soon as they are arranged.
Trainers at one of their courses.
Refresher courses
NCBA trainers must update their qualifications every five years to bring them up to date with any changes within the NCBA training and qualifications structure as well as being able to discuss and experience new practices. It is also an excellent medium for disseminating ideas and methods. Three courses were held over the winter and spring season and further ones are planned towards the end of the current season. Again details of these will be posted on the NCBA website.
Annual general meeting
Next year’s NCBA AGM has been scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2015, and will once more be held at the Forest Arts Centre, Hawbush Road, Leamore, Walsall WS3 1AG.
Board of Trustees
Trustees to the board are elected at an AGM and serve intially for a period of three years. They are eligible for election for a further three-year period at the end of which they must step down for at least a year. Of the current trustees, Derek Stansfield and Bob Ratcliffe were still serving their elected terms of office; therefore there were several vacancies on the board and the following volunteers were elected for a three-year term: Lee Davies (The Sobriety Project), Patrick Titman (Accessible Boating Association), Paul Unwin (Chesterfield Canal Trust) and Neville Ward (The Wharf Narrowboat).
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BOATYARD & MARINA NEWS 53
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Holidays Food & drink Boat review
Engine firm revs up for move to new premises
In their new base at Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina are Karen Sivewright, Mick Sivewright and Marzipan.
CHESHIRE Marine Equipment, based at Middlewich for many years at King’s Lock Boatyard, has now moved to new premises at Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina. Specialising in Vetus engines and equipment, the business is still owned and run by Mick Sivewright, his daughter Karen Sivewright and David McAllister providing the same, attention-to-detail, service as always. Mick said: “Moving to Aqueduct Marina has helped us to extend our business in the way that we wished. The excellent facilities and ease of access helped us to make the choice. Our change of name to Cheshire Marine Equipment reflects the move and development of our business plan.” Robert Parton, director of Aqueduct Marina said: “Having Cheshire Marine Equipment based here at our marina complements our business very well. We already have a chandlery and boat repair section along with our boat painting and DIY storage yard so Mick, Karen and David’s expertise makes
Boat trips in demand at Trinity Marina open day
Products & reviews What’s on Bits & Bobs
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New faces at inland marinas CASTLE Marinas Ltd has a new manager and assistant manager at its marinas at Wigrams Turn and Ventnor in the Warwickshire countryside near Rugby. New manager Lee Cooper-Blair and assistant manager Karen Hughes bring with them a wealth of business and customer relationship experience. As a teenager Lee worked for the Black Prince Fleet at Napton Marina then went on to study Engineering at University, followed by jobs with Massey Ferguson and Calor Gas where she met husband Dave. The affinity with canals continued as they live in the local village and regularly walk dog Phoebe on the towpaths, helping out with locks. Lee’s more recent career moved into the field of business consultancy and troubleshooting for small businesses. She came back into the marina environment 18 months ago providing some admin support in the Wigrams office parttime and jumped at the opportunity to go on to apply for the manager’s position. “It’s a case of ‘business consultant stops advising and starts doing,’ she commented. “I love the marinas, their positions are perfect as there are so many
cruising routes to take from both marinas. Plus having your car so close to your boat is an added bonus especially at Ventnor; it’s really not difficult to see why there are so many long term moorers at both marinas.” Assistant manager Karen made a life-changing decision four years ago, selling her house and moving with husband Frank and Jessie the dog to a 62ft semi-trad narrowboat, without even setting foot on a canal boat before! Mooring at Overwater Marina for the last four years – they are both ‘hooked’ and Karen’s role as assistant manager combines her love of canal and boats with her experience of office management, customer service and administration. She has previous experience in customer service and administration with Mars and the National Health Service. “I am so lucky that I have been able to find what I think is the perfect combination of hobby meets work,” she said. “Wigrams is a great place to be and work and Ventnor is the most beautiful setting in the Warwickshire countryside with access to so many fantastic waterway possibilities.”
Beware of bogus boat ads
By Harry Arnold
FOLLOWING the successful first 2013 Open Day at Hinckley’s Trinity Marina, this year’s event was somewhat disappointing in both layout, the number of attractions and apparent visitor attendance. Last year much use was made of the area of grass between the pub and the road and the adjacent Ashby Canal frontage, which made quite a busy spectacle; whereas public attractions this year – which appeared to be less anyway – were rather tucked away in the marina mooring area and the adjacent car park. The centre of attraction in the marina basin was the activities of the Hinckley & Bosworth Model Boat Club with a continuous display of radio controlled miniature scale ships and boats; everything from the Titanic (fortunately there were no icebergs), through battleships and tugs to high-speed power craft. Perhaps appropriate for a waterway event – and one of my favourites – was a model of Symington’s pioneer 1802 Forth & Clyde Canal steam-powered canal tug Charlotte Dundas, which probably performed more efficiently than the original: Certainly with less
Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina unrivalled locally for the comprehensive boat care service we can offer, bringing our aim to be a onestop-shop for all boat repairs and servicing to fruition.” The popular Bow Thruster Service Centre is also available, through the marina chandlery, where customers can bring their thruster motors and operating equipment for testing and repair. Designs of engine rooms with the correct calculations for propellers and engine size are continuing and include visits to boat builders and moorings. Recently, propulsion with hydraulics has become very popular. The design is important and can include bow thruster, stern thruster, winch and generator. Vetus has a massive range covering everything up to the size of a Dutch barge and all now available at Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina through Cheshire Marine Equipment. This move does not affect Kings Lock Chandlery, which continues to operate on the original site in Middlewich.
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Model of the1802 Forth & Clyde Canal steam-powered canal tug Charlotte Dundas built and controlled by a member of Hinckley & Bosworth Model Boat Club.
PHOTOS:WATERWAY IMAGES
wash which was one of its drawbacks. Public boat trips – again run by Ray Bowern and Dusty Miller – were in popular demand but due to boat turning problems took some time, although each party of 10 had their money’s worth. A pity that the basically good central site couldn’t be used as well as previously, especially as the sun shone, and it was one of the first events badged by the British Marina Federation in its 2014 ‘On The Water’ programme.
A WARNING has gone out to potential boat buyers to beware of fake adverts which have appeared recently on sales websites. Paul Lillie of Pilling’s Lock Marina told us: “Many of our own adverts have been copied very recently on websites like ‘FridayAd’, ‘Loot’, ‘Gumtree’ and ‘Preloved’ – there were even some on local Bristol and Huddersfield websites. “It is not the fault of these websites, the sheer scale of advertisers and email only contacts mean that it is almost impossible to stop this kind of activity. But what we can do is publicise the problem and it may deter the criminals involved.” He advises: “If the advert is fraudulent, it seems the boat in question is usually underpriced, for quick sale etc, to encourage potential viewers into sending a holding deposit to hold the vessel before viewing it.” One example is a boat currently advertised on the ‘Loot’ website which was sold from Pilling’s Lock in January 2014 for £14,000 – some £8900 more than the current asking price.
Boat buying tips:
● Always go and see a boat before handing over any money. ● Ask to see documentation – previous bill of sale, CRT licence data/correspondence with owner, BSSC, Mooring bills, boatyard bills… ● Ask owner for photo ID (passport or photo driving licence) and evidence of address details. ● Or buy via an approved Marine Broker/Boatyard/Marina.
The clay plug is removed to open up the entrance to the marina.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
New marina takes bookings THE new Bosworth Marina is taking shape alongside the Ashby Canal. A newly constructed towpath is now open and rises up and over the new bridge to give an impressive view of the marina. The clay plug has been removed and the new entrance to the marina is now fully visible. Roads and car parking spaces are being stoned up and services will be dug in shortly. Keller Construction is on schedule with the facilities building and the view across the marina from the first floor balcony is stunning. The cedar cladding for the exterior walls has been ordered and will be added soon. The internal walls for toilets, showers, laundry, Elsan disposal, reception and boaters’ lounge are now up. ● The marina is now taking provisional and firm bookings. Contact Helen Trivett telephone: 07775 688552 or email helen@bosworth-marina.co.uk www.bosworth-marina.co.uk
More room to moor at the Brayford Pool VISITING boats can now moor in the Brayford Pool, Lincoln, for the first time in many years, writes Les Heath. The Brayford Trust now has eight pontoon visitor moorings which can be booked in advance on 01522 521452. The mooring charges are £10 a day and electricity is available. A free Canal & River Trust visitor mooring near the entrance to the Brayford Pool has room for only two or three narrowboats. Canal trips were again very much in demand by visitors.
RIGHT: Lincoln’s Brayford Pool now has eight pontoon visitor moorings. PHOTO: LES HEATH
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“ODIN” beautiful 38ft Eggbridge cruiser stern, 1982, 26 berth, BMC engine, many modern improvements, stove, shower, inverter, calorifier. New survey & recent BSCC. £17,995 ono. Tel. 01243 790923. W Sussex.
26FT SPRINGER BSC 2017, 4 berth Honda outboard, recently serviced, good starter boat, £7500 ono. Tel. 01908 613086. Bucks.
50FT CRUISER Nicely refurbished live aboard, built in 1974. Engine: Lister SR3, sale price £15,000 ono. Tel. Craig on 07984 329969. Warks.
BOAT refurbished 40’, new kitchen, floor, repaint etc. BSS 5/17, Lister SR2, £24,500. Tel. Ade 07852 999601. Staffs.
BURLAND 26ft, new CoC, new licence, 4-berth, 1.5 BMC diesel, 12v TV, 1000w inverter, d/g cabin door, high quality boat, well worth a look, owner retiring from boating, moored at NCCC Club, Stockport, £7000. Tel. 01663 764838. Cheshire.
CAGGY HISTORIC BCN TUG Lister JP3 shot-blasted in and out, painted 2 pack hardwood fit-out, bottle stove, open to sensible offers. S/C 2018. Tel. 07710 343773. W Mids. 60FT NARROWBOAT to rent for 6 months, currently moored near Daventry in a lovely quiet marina, currently our permanent home but we want to travel abroad for 6 months, 2001 boat with new showerroom c/h log fire, lovely boat, interested? tel. 07847 733889 to discuss cost and terms. Northants.
CORACLE This is the more elongated shape traditionally used by wild fowlers, has undergone some repairs and has been previously used and loved, however, it is fully functional, £250. Tel. Ade on 07852 999601. Staffs.
CRUISER STERN NARROWBOAT 60ft, 1992, Morsco stove, Mastervolt Inverter, new cratch, cratch covers and pram hood fitted 2011, BSC 2013, licence til Sept 2014. Lying at Lyons Boatyard B’ham. £28,000. Tel. 0753 2016222. B’ham.
CRUISER STYLE 55ft, fully equipped for - Summer/Winter short or extended cruising or ‘live aboard’, sleeps 2+2, full size double bed, domestic oven, hob and washing machine, multi-fuel stove, microwave, fridge, 240v Pure Sine wave inverter, shower, cassette toilet, £38,000. Tel. 01780 470599. Email: dave. fortytwo@tiscali.co.uk Northants.
FAIRLINE 32 for sale with extended flybridge, 4/6 berth, sound boat but needs tlc and servicing. Your chance to upgrade it to your own taste. Absolute bargain at £15,000 no offers Tel. 07906 870112 for full details. Lincs.
FREEMAN 22 Mk 2 narrow beam canal/river cruiser, 1970, BSC 2018, original woodwork/gel coat, 3 berth, recently serviced, Watermota petrol inboard, s/s tanks, gas hob, blue velour interior and light blue vinyl external cushions, wc fenders, warps, boat hook £5500. Tel. 01676 534874. Warks.
BIRCHWOOD 33 CLASSIC twin Perkins diesel, 6 berth, centre cockpit, original gel coat, rear d/bed, ensuite two toilets, shower, 3-way fridge cooker, £22,000. Tel. 0114 2510098.Yorks.
GOOSEMOOR 50ft liveaboard, trad narrowboat, GT hull, 1990, super, professional repaint last summer, stove with back boiler, 1.8 inverter, 240/12v, fixed double. Tel. 07717 670690. Berks.
HERON 2003, 57ft x 10ft 6” wide beam canal boat including residential mooring Driffield Navigation, East Yorkshire, 4 berth (2 cabins) 2.2L Isuzu engine, Shore mains and water, gas c/h and log burner, fully equipped, immac cond, many extras, too much to list, £69,000. Tel. 07817 771690. E Yorks.
KASHMIR 1992, ideal hideaway, beautiful traditional 50ft narrowboat, tug style deck, port holes, vintage Ruston 2YWA engine, bathroom, galley, lounge, s/f stove, furniture, d/bed, BSC (2012), moored BD23 3NT, £43,500 or £5000 as part of 1/10 share syndicate. Tel. 07795 504072. W Yorks.
LADY AVON 32ft wooden cruiser built by J H Taylor, Chester 1960. Extensive refit 2009, original BMC Vedette petrol engine, sleeps 4, galley with sink, stove, fridge, auto bilge pump, side canopies, overall cover, Thames Licence 2014, BSC 2017. Located Thames, Henley, £28,000. Tel. 0779 9090567. Berks.
NARROWBOAT TUNNEL TUG 40ft, 2008, BSC, Bukh., 20hp, cooker, shower, wc, soild fuel, fully repaint, open to offers, may take p/x, £27,950. Tel. 01455 822389. Leics. ARTHUR VERDUN tug style, 1987, Phil Jones, 1948 Armstrong Siddeley 3 cyl, blacked and 4 new anodes 2013, BSC 2017, Morso Squirrel gas stove, 4 ring cooker, shower, porta potti (new 365), boatman cabin at stern with Epping range, fold-down double, full size double, in main cabin, useful ply and canvas covering over front deck, characterful live aboard, licensed to Oct. £23,000 ono. Tel. 077520 76434. Southsea.
NORMAN 23 Engine and canopy need attention hence low price, new Morse Nov 13, solar panels charging battery for interior lights and sockets, voyager cooker with auto gin, double skinned with original Norman fit-out, £750 ono. Tel. 0770 8055070. Cheshire.
SHETLAND FAMILY FAVOURITE Cabin cruiser 1997, one owner from new, 2012, 20hp Honda, hardly used, sleeps 4 (2” cabin 2 in cockpit), on roller coaster 3.5 trailer, fully equipped with gas hob, £10,000 ono. Tel. 07908 937649. Berks.
VIKING 20 fully equipped and ready to drive away, loads of storage space, cooker, porta potti, new curtains and many extras, Honda 15hp outboard, 4 to 5 berth, good condition with hard top, very clean and tidy, £4750 ono. Tel. 0752 3069286. Lincs.
R&D NARROWBOAT 1989, 60ft narrowboat, 4 yrs BSC, blacked, new annos, 28.4.14, RCR paid till Apr 15, full cooker, gas and elec fridge, £25,500. Tel. 07802 717078. Derbys.
SPRINGER NARROWBOAT 32ft, diesel, inboard engine, 3 berths, cooker, toilet, shower, water heater, fridge, s/f stove, blacked annually, BSC 2017, beautiful boat, £12,500. Tel. 01733 232595. Cambs.
VIKING 20 20 length 20ft, beam 7ft 4in, built in 1985, 4 berth, cooker, hob, sink, cold water system porter-potty toilet, all original gel-coat not painted, recent hood, marina 15hp, 4 stroke engine, moored on Paddington Arm, Grand Union Canal, £3960. Tel. 0208 8669581. London.
SEA OTTER 41 2006, SE with 5 (6) berths, 553 hours on engine, Bowthruster, good condition, overhauled in factory Sept 2013, £55,000. Tel. 07887 456957. maria.theander@gmail.com for more details and pics! .
SEAMASTER Perkins diesel engine, Safety Certificate 2018, toilet compartment, new canopy, upholstery, cooker and sink, moored Hest Bank, Lancaster canal. £6500. Tel. 07906 473253. Lancs.
SEAMASTER 23 4-berth, PA108 heating cooker, portapotti anti-fouled Z-drive, overhauled Mar 14, new BSC, large inventory, M50/M5 jct, ready to cruise, River Avon mooring available. £7250. Tel. 01432 351948. Hereford.
SEMI-TRAD NARROWBOAT 45ft, professional built by Bourne BoatBuilders in Cheshire, beautifully maintained, 2009, only 500 hours on the clock, Vetus 35 engine, £43,000. Tel. 07979 102927. W Yorks.
STOKE-ON-TRENT 60ft trad, Joshua bow and recessed panels, fitted out in ash wood, sophisticated electrics, full specification on application, price has been greatly reduced! £86,000. Tel. Roger 07855 255389. Devon.
TRAD STYLE NARROWBOAT 55ft, 4 years old, Isuzu diesel engine, 4 berth, fitted out in oak, full size shower, Thetford cassette flush toilet, 12v fridge with freezer compartment, multi fuel fire, c/h, excellent condition, reason for sale not been used. Moorings at Lower Park Marina, Barnolswick, W Yorks. £54,850 ono Tel. 01706 825006 or 07941 429229. W Yorks.
TRADITIONAL NARROWBOAT 70ft, luxury live aboard, 4-berth, professionally fitted out in Iroko and American oak, Perkins 3HD, 46hp engine/ PRM gearbox, Aquaflex coupling, Dakar Combi 12/2500w, inverter/ charger, Morse and reflex stoves/black boiler, 5 radiators and hot water, elec immersion heater, Waeco 240/ 12v fridge, washer/dryer, s/s water tank and filtered water, loads of storage. Tel. 07971 694114. Cambs. NORMAN CONQUEST 20ft, 1977, 9.9 mariner outboard, recent survey, BSC Aug 16, transferable mooring on River Wey, Surrey. £2775. Tel. Dave 01444 239366. W Sussex.
VIKING 23 New 9.9 Mariner, 4 stroke engine, new canopy and full repaint, new steering system, new refit to int including water heater to much work done to list all. £12,000 ono Tel. Lee 07814 543150. Staffs.
VIKING 26 Centre cock pit, 6 berth, re-lined, new carpet, reupholstered cockpit seating, sold as nearly completed project inc unfitted oven & water heater, £7500. Tel. 07713 465791. Cambs.
WIDE BEAM AMBER ‘Lily The Pink’, professional fit-out, 5 years-old live aboard, 2 berth, beautiful, solid ash interior - fully fitted galley with granite work surfaces, large bathroom, Quadrant shower, separate corner bath, double bathroom, with ample storage, wood floor throughout, wood burner in large open plan sitting room, c/h, pumpout toilet, bow thruster, 65hp Barrasshire engine, new BSC Apr 14, rural residential mooring available, 4m outside Bath - 6m Bristol, reluctant sale, £99,500. Tel. Carolyn 07792 450289. Bath.
WIDE BEAM 40ft x 10ft, 1.84 diesel engine, BSC May 2014, being sold fully furnished with all usual kitchen appliances, large open plan saloon with bed settee, solid stove, front doors lead on to front deck area, one bedroom with wardrobe, bathroom with bath, over bath shower, sink and porta-potti, water supplied by calorifier, wheelhouse with space for large single or small double bed, laying on Grand Union, £48,000. Tel. 07831 274399. Yorks. NAUTICUS 27ft, beautiful condition, refurbished, cockpit, all reupholstered, new curtains/washroom toilet/BSC 2018 navigation licence/ready for cruising. Mooring Warwickshire, £7500 ono. Tel. 01564 793818. Warks. NAUTICUS 27 1970, twin trailer, BSC 2017, refitted hull/Shore power/new wiring/ shower room/new cassette toilet, new upholstery, hot water, new Leisure batteries x2, water, heating, ready to go, £12,995. Tel. 07703 294485. Lincs.
Parts and spares WIDE BEAM BOTTOM BARGE 48ft x 9ft, 4 berth, bedroom with double bed, bathroom with shower, kitchen area with gas cooker and 12v fridge/freezer, gas heating, stainless steel water tank, Lister engine, Bridgwater docks, Somerset. Quick sale required. £49,950 ono. Tel. 01278 685087. Somerset. CRUISER STERN, 46ft steel hull, Isuzu engine, survey and work done, BSC 2018, hull blacked 2014, fitted double bed, fitted kitchen, 240v & 12v boat on hard standing at North Kilworth Wharf. Tel. Rachael 01858 881723. Leics. FREEMAN 22 Mk 1, 7ft 6" beam, blown air heating, anti fouled, 4 berth, solar panel, TV & DVD player, BSC Jul 17, licence till Sept 14, £5500. Tel. 07599 283706. S Yorks.
17 X 12.RH PROPELLER 11⁄2” shaft, excellent condition, £150. Tel. 01283 810005. Derbys.
NARROWBOAT WINDOWS X5 one 96cm x 73cm; one 96cm x 73cm (missing hopper glass); one 98cm x 73cm missing hopper glass); one x 79cm x 73cmone x 91cm x 73cm; £45 ono. Tel. 07702 853910. Notts.
READER ADVERTS 107
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NationalNarrow boats W anted For C ash
0800 3895325 PAIR OF ADJUSTABLE FENDERS to suit narrowboat rail, £10. Tel. 01270 368285. Cheshire.
RH PROP 19 x 14 11⁄2” shaft very good condition, £120. Tel. 07873 223131. Wilts. CJR PROPELLER never used, r/h, 20" x 15", 11/2" shaft but c/w adapter sleeve for 11/4" shaft, £250. Tel. 07973 763987. Oxon. CLAXON lovely, brass and copper, 12v, £195. Tel. 07717 500755. Cornwall. SEVEN BOAT WINDOWS secondhand, dull brass, hopper style, six, 32" x 21"; one, 21" x 18", £130 ono; Provence clueless gas stove, 6 months old, £200 ono. Tel. 07938 780347. Notts. SPLIT SCREEN four part fits narrow boat/cruiser, heavy duty perspex rubber sealed aluminium trimmed with clip studs for weather cover, (not supplied), good condition, £175. Tel.Alan 07861 394538. Beds. WEBASTO diesel central heating boiler with all fittings, reservoir, pipes, electrics, never used - tested only. £600. ono 07445 913547. Cambs. FIRE ENGINE SEARCHLIGHT 12v and mount, spare bulbs, adjustable beam, £250. Tel. 07971 694114. Cambs. FOR SINK whale pump, Mk IV, unused, £20; Rule binge pump 360, used, £12; 3kg anchor and chain, £10; metal windlass, £10; mini dehumidifier, £20. Tel. 077910 34695. Cambs.
RUTLAND 913 turbine inc. regulator, mast & straps, good condition, £225 ovno; domestic porcelain toilet base for pump out, l/h flush will not fit my tank top, hence unused, £85 ono. Tel. Jim 07873 269671. Shrops.
Engines
w w w .nationalnarrow boatsforcash.co.uk
Canalia
LARGE BOAT LAMP made by anchor, (one in the centre), £40 ono. Tel. 0777 2046129. Notts.
PETTER PH2W ENGINE and Newage gearbox, both reconditioned and run in, electric or hand start. Can be seen running. £3300 ono Tel. 07879 076309. Leics.
KABOLA Old English stove, c/w chimney, flue, collar and manual, £150; brown leather, two-seater reclining sofa, good condition, £150. Cannot deliver. Tel. 07576 268080. S Yorks. WOOD BURNER Little Wencock refurbished multi-fuel grate, ready to install, £275. Tel. 07760 115966. Derbys.
Equipment SR3 LISTER ENGINE with Lister hydraulic gearbox, can be seen running. £2100. Tel. 01283 810005. Derbys. BRIT MARINE 2 cylinder petrol engine, good condition, not run for a few years, will require recommissioning, ideal for classic/vintage boat, £220. Tel. Peter 0117 9867518. Bristol, Avon. YAMAHA ENGINE 4-stroke, 4hp, longshaft outboard motor, FNR gears, very little use, can be seen running, £375. Tel. 01902 743828. Wolvs. YANMAR MARINE DIESEL ENGINE YSM 12g, single cylinder 850cc, raw water cooled 12hp with unit construction 3-1 reduction gearbox complete, £450. Tel. Alan 07861 394538 or text will call you back. Beds. WOLF GENERATOR Wolf 850 watt, 240 vac petrol generator, little used, £99. Tel. 079220 96686. Cheshire.
Selling your boat is
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LABGEAR satellite finder meter, find the best elevation settings for satellite dish installation, with variable audio signal and analogue meter, £5. Tel. 07712 370306. Oxon.
MARLEC RUTLAND 913 windcharger with HRDX voltage controller, both unused, still boxed, £450 ono. Tel. 07761 446753. Shrops. Email: deniseakeen@btinternet.com
Make
Insta n A lw at C ash A vail y s able
WALLAS DIESEL COOKER as shown, 11 years old, gwo, last serviced Nov 2012, £400 cash. Tel. 07713 513873. Coventry canal near Lichfield. PUMP-OUT TOILET and holding tank, domestic Sealand porcelain pan, tank dimensions 5ft 7" x 15" x 10", used, good condition, buyer to collect, £200. Tel. 07896 199109. Northants. THETFORD C250 toilet cassette, still in box, unused cost £90, sell for £65; Ross HD digital receiver in carry case, with manual etc, cost £60, sell for £30; navigation lights, one green, one red, unused, £5 each; blue bilge pump, float switch, 12v/24v/32v, unused, £4.50; immersion heater 1.2kw, unused, c/w spanner and approx 5m 1.5mm, heat resistant cable, £28; 50 round, 12v, LED red dot rocker switch, unused, £18; 2x 5 ltr cans black Bitumen, unopened, £10 each; 1x 5 ltr Paintmaster dark grey gloss RAL7021, unopened, £25; pick up preferred. Can be posted or couriered at extra cost. Tel. 07842 261407. Northampton. LAB GEAR Satellite finder, £5; digital satellite receiver, £10; Beko 15" LCD TV and stand, in silver, £10.Tel. 07712 370306. Oxon. EX TRAVEL SAT complete with dish, magnetic base, slx satellite finder, compass, all cables inc spares, used one season only plus new sky boxand remote, £199. Tel. 01666 503992; 07881 505396. Glos.
Model
SOLAR PANELS 2 x 95 and 1 x 180 watts, used on boat, £75 each ono. Tel. 07445 987887. Leics. MATTRESS FOR SALE brand new, never used, pocket sprung, 64" wide x 71" long x 8" high, with fold at 24" head to foot, (north south), cost new £650, good quality mattress, £500 ono. Tel. 07890 956750 or 07506 736944. Herts. WEBASTO C/H BOILER for sale, this was fitted by an approved fitter but has not been used.I am using a back boiler in the Morso, everything included, elecs, fuel pipes and reservoir. Tel. 07445 913547. Cambs.
I'M LOOKING FOR A LIVEABOARD with the option rent to buy please. Anything considered. Tel. 07554 445122. Staffs. LOOKING TO HIRE a boat for a trial as considering a live-aboard soon. Don't mind paying a fee, which will help you out! 2 Yorkies coming along, well behaved. Tel. 07809 241531. S Yorks. SMALL OUTBOARD WANTED max hp 2-2.5 to power inflatable dinghy, must be good runner and good condition. Tel. 01785 254358. Staffs. WANTED: HAND STARTING HANDLE and cylinder head, c/w valves for SABB diesel twin 2H or why? Tel. 01254 202341. Lancs.
Wanted
Parts Wanted
2-BERTH BOAT wanted, we are two people, with 2 cats, looking for a 2 berth boat to have for a long let in West Yorkshire? Tel. 01484 643089. W Yorks. ANYTHING E & H ROBERTS Deanshanger Iron Works wanted, name plates, implement seats, catalogues, bill headers, spanners, etc. Tel. 01908 561434 eves. Northants. CANAL CRUISER 25-27ft wanted for first time buyer, must be in good condition, 46 berth with shower, cheap as possible and near Merseyside please. Tel. Syd 0151 2844995; 07707 701327. Merseyside. GARDNER ENGINE WANTED ex-used, 4LK boat engine, anything considered, leave message. Tel. 079511 83106. Chester. NARROWBOAT WANTED will consider a boat needing work, tlc etc. Tel. 0790 6019299. Norfolk. SEA OTTER 41 wanted. Tel. 07948 389008. Cheshire.
ARDIC CABIN HEATER diesel, 12v Diesel pump wanted, Toyoset diesel cabin heater, remote control wanted and other spares. Tel. 07990 785288. S Yorks. WANTED: 12V FRIDGE to suit 23ft GRP cruiser, must be in good working order, based in Tamworth, can collect within reasonable distance (30-40 miles), sensibly priced. Tel. 01827 767485; 07946 664749. Staffs.
Price
Miscellaneous
CEILING LIGHTS 24 chrome recess, c/w halogen bulbs (+ 6 spare bulbs), will take 2 pin LEDs. 71.5mm outside dia., 50mm for recess, 20mm front to back, majority as new, all vgc, £120 plus post. Tel. Jim Dows 07712 771140. Staffs.
2 SINGLE ARMCHAIR/ BEDS exc cond, £200 each; collect from NN6 area, £200 each. Tel. 07771 911892 for details. Northants.
2 TRENT CHAIR BEDS pale blue/grey, vgc, from pet free and non smokers boat at Maghull near Southport, 33” wide x 34” high, 34” deep, £175 each or both for £300 Tel. 07789 766485.
BRASS FURNITURE KNOBS not plated, hollow cast, 30mm diameter, set of 20 off, £15. Tel. 07811 314112. Leics. CYCLONE TYPHOON 3 adult life jackets, as new, £25 each; 12V electric coolbox, never used, £45; B/W TV/Radio 12v, 5.5", £10. Tel. 01205 280254. Lincs. ELECTROLUX CAMPING FRIDGE Uses 240v, 12v or gas, good working order, £60. Tel. 01625 871928. Gtr Man. SEATING/BEDDING CUSHIONS 5 large, total length approx 22ft, high density deep foam cushions with matching backrests, upholstered muted tapestry material, exc cond, little used, ideal for refurb project, £100 the lot. Tel. 07715 581957 for details. S Yorks.
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108 NEWS EXTRA
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Council backs campaign to retain residential lock-keepers
Grafton Lock is one of those which would be affected by the changes. PHOTO: ELIZABETH ROGERS By Elizabeth Rogers
MEMBERS of West Oxfordshire District Council have voted unanimously in favour of a motion in support of the retention of resident lock keepers at locks along the River Thames. The river forms the southern boundary of the district, and there are eight locks along this 26-mile stretch of water, starting from Buscot Lock near Lechlade. The Environment Agency has been considering changes in the employment of lock keepers, among other means of cost reduction. District councillors believe resident lock keepers play an important role in the life of and safety of the River Thames and are calling on the Environment Agency to retain the present system of lock-keepers, in particular along the remote stretch which includes the locks at Buscot, Grafton, Radcot, Rushey, Shifford, Northmoor, Pinkhill and Eynsham. The motion was proposed by Couns Peter Kelland and Steve Good. Coun Kelland said that the locks and their onsite residences are of importance from both the vital safety aspect and also that of our national heritage. He recalled the role that lock-keepers had played during the floods of recent winter, providing valuable advice and assistance. In summer they are a direct point of reference for boaters, some of whom may be inexperienced in handling craft, and who may need help in passing through a lock, he added. Coun Kelland also detailed some of the historical associations of the local locks and added: “The locks are part of our English heritage – they have to stay”.
Linear village
Coun Good emphasised the value of a permanent resident lock keeper posts. “The locks are like a linear village, passing information between the keepers from lock to lock,” he said. “They have knowledge of flood-control, when weir gates need to be closed, and can post navigation warning notices when necessary.
“Because they are often hidden away in remote locations many people may not be aware of them – but they are doing a great job. “We felt it was important to stand up for them, and we wanted to show our support. There is a real need for these lock keepers”. A spokesman for the Environment Agency, waterways manager Andrew Graham, has said: “We remain committed to having lock and weir keepers and we value the work they do. “While we may not be able to provide assisted passage at every lock every day, we have enough permanent lock-keepers to allow us to manage water-levels, to permit navigation and to reduce the risk of flooding. “Occasionally, boaters will encounter a lock which is not manned, but we have made sure that all of them can be operated when a lock keeper is not present. “We make sure that the busiest and deepest locks are manned as a priority”. On current staffing issues, Mr Graham said: “This year we have been able to recruit fewer seasonal staff, but the number of permanent staff is not affected.”
Historical associations
St John’s Lock at Lechlade, where the statue of Old Father Thames from the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace now stands. Buscot – where the lock was given by local landowners, the Cook family. Grafton – which is close to Kelmscott Manor, home of William Morris, one of the pioneers of the arts and crafts movement. Radcot – where a battle in the Civil War was fought nearby. Rushey – where a lock house was once let out as a holiday home and occupied by famous names from the world of films. Pinkhill, from where the aviator Amy Johnson took off on a flight in 1935.
Best practice shared at restoration workshop THE first annual workshop aimed at helping restoration groups across the country has been declared a great success. Over 60 representatives of restoration societies and canal trusts from across the country attended the workshop, hosted by the Canal & River Trust and The Inland Waterways Association at The Bond Warehouse, Digbeth on May 10. It also marked the launch of a report into the many benefits that restoration can bring to communities. Carried out by the University of Northampton, it re-examines the benefits arising from seven specific canal restoration schemes (including the Kennet & Avon Canal, Liverpool Link, Rochdale Canal, Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Millennium Link and Chesterfield Canal) helping to demonstrate how similar schemes may benefit their local communities. Both the trust and IWA hope that the report, along with a new video, can help to inspire more people to get involved with canal restoration efforts. The day also saw speakers from groups including the Cotswold Canal Trust, the Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership (covering the Wilts & Berks Project) and the Herefordshire & Gloucester Canal Trust sharing some of their experiences. There were also sessions on the practical considerations facing restoration groups such as securing funding and making the most of training opportunities. Speaking by video link as he was taking part in the Montgomery Canal Triathlon, CRT chief executive Richard Parry said: “We’ll be launching a campaign in early summer to try and inspire people to do just that; to find out more about the history of their local canals, the work of their local restoration group and, importantly, how they can help.” IWA national chairman Les Etheridge said: “To ensure the long term success of future restorations it is essential that future running costs are built into the restoration plan. Presentations on how this is being achieved by both the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust and, from a different perspective, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway were very thought provoking and informative. As it has for many years IWA remains committed to the sustainable restoration of our inland waterways.” ● A copy of the University of Northampton report and the ‘Water Adds Value’ video can be found at http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/restoration/the-benefits
Boater saves the day after alarm failure By Bob Clarke
WHEN vandals damaged paddle gear on the top lock of the Delph Flight on the Dudley Canal on April 23/24, the water level dropped by over three feet in the Merry Hill Marina and about a mile of canal back as far as Blowers Green Lock. But when local liveaboard boater Peter Dufficy called the Canal & River Trust emergency number – operated out of hours for CRT by the West Midlands Ambulance Service – there was no response. And although the Scada warning system – which gives the alarm when there is any drop in water levels – was working and alerted the duty supervisor he didn’t realise the seriousness of the problem and did not despatch a hit squad to the site.
Consequently Mr Dufficy raced round the pontoons and loosened mooring ropes to prevent boats being hung up and possibly sinking when water levels were returned to normal. CRT maintenance manager Ian Darby said the vandals had opened other paddles down the flight which prevented the flight being flooded. Of the failure of the Trust to respond to the Scada alert, he said: “Basically we didn’t get it right and we got caught out. Thankfully there was no real harm done.” Regarding the complaint of no response on the emergency number, Mr Darby said: “I will pass this on as we have on occasions found them slow to respond when very busy but they have always responded eventually.”
Man jailed for causing £15,000 damage
A BOAT thief has been jailed for eight months after being caught out by DNA evidence on a discarded cigarette. Unemployed Bernard Smith, 51, admitted theft at Gloucester Crown Court which heard he caused an estimated £15,000 damage in his efforts to repaint nb Cushie Butterfield after stealing it from moorings in Sharpness.
Lancaster Canal to host 2015 National Trailboat Festival THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has announced its 2015 National Trailboat Festival will take place at the Westmorland Show Ground, Crooklands, Cumbria, on the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal over the weekend May 30-31. The festival, which is to be hosted and organised by Lancaster Canal Trust, will be part of the ‘Country Fest’ show, an annual canalside event. Activities for the whole family, as well as a variety of food and drink providers, exhibitors, food demonstrations, trade stalls, music and dance, crafts and a beer festival are planned to entertain visitors over the weekend. IWA’s annual Trailboat Festivals are usually held on isolated stretches of inland waterway, and aim to promote the restoration or development of local waterway, a feature on it, or to promote an under-used waterway.
This year’s IWA National Trailboat Festival was held on the land-locked Grand Western Canal at Tiverton, in Devon, over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Forty trail boats attended and thousands of visitors enjoyed the boat parade entertainment, which included a hot air balloon, lanterns, samba band, disco and boat handling competition. The event has been acclaimed a great success. Although a wet Saturday necessitated an early closure that day, sunny weather on both the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday brought out the Devon crowds. The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate completion of repairs to the breached embankment at Halberton, and for visitors to express their appreciation of Devon County Council’s investment in the waterway.
The National Trailboat Festival was last held on this site alongside the county showground in 2006. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES