The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users
112 PAGES
Issue 108, October 2014
Historic boats gather at Alvecote
LIFEBOATS PARADE AT SAUL IWA PAGEANT P5
TRIP BOATS RETURN TO OLYMPIC WATERWAY P14
Seen from the Samuel Barlow pub, historic narrowboats pack Alvecote Marina for the 2014 Annual Gathering. Report on page 4. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES
HAVE A GO AT STEERING A 70FT NARROWBOAT P62
Towpath Talk tops the poll in Canal & River Trust’s boater survey
NEW SERIES
By Janet Richardson
THE first results of the Canal & River Trust’s new BOAT (Boat Owners Attitude Tracker) survey are in and Towpath Talk was found to be boaters’ favourite read. BOAT, which started in June, aims to keep the trust up-to-date with boaters’ thoughts and feelings three times a year. Views of around 1000 randomly selected boaters will be gathered each
Restoration raffle’s £5000
P110
THE IWA’s Waterways Restoration Raffle has raised more than £5000 since it was launched in August. It aims to raise at least £10,000, with 100% of the profits going towards supporting restoration projects run by IWA corporate members, and a volunteer-led moorings improvement project on the Cheshire Ring. Proceeds have so far exceeded £5000 due to a combination of over 2000 ticket sales and some generous donations. The raffle will be drawn on January 16, 2015, at IWA’s Head Office in Chesham. Visit www.waterways.org.uk/raffle
520 BOATS FOR SALE Starts on
time, with invitations sent out by independent research agency BDRC Continental, which is conducting the survey on behalf of CRT. Over the next two years, it is expected that all boaters who have registered their email address with the boat licensing office will have been invited to take part. In his September waterways press briefing, chief executive Richard Parry reported the results of a survey
P15
More locations, more choice Stourport Marina Tel 01299 827 082
Racecourse Marina, Windsor
Stourport on Severn
Tel 01753 851 717
River Thames, Windsor
Thames & Kennet Marina
Walton Marina
Tel 01932 221 689
Boat sales at seven Marinas with over 150 boats for sale
Visit:
www.tingdene.net
Upton upon Severn
Walton on Thames
Brundall Bay Marina
Tel 01189 477 770
River Thames, Caversham
Upton Marina
Tel 01684 593 111
Tel 01603 717 804
Pyrford Marina
Tel 01932 343 275 River Wey, Surrey
Norfolk Broads
into the most read waterway related publication. In answer to the question: “Which, if any, of the following waterway (paper) publications do you read?” 70% of responders named Towpath Talk. Other publications listed were: Waterways World 45%, Canal Boat 34%, Waterways (IWA) 24%, Waterfront (CRT) 11%, other 11%, None of these 15%. Figures for online waterways forums showed visits by 27% of responders with the
Trust’s planning ahead
THE Canal & River Trust has launched a consultation about how it plans to manage essential water resources over the next 35 years. It is keen to hear from people and businesses that enjoy the waterways to help provide guidance and practical advice on the strategy. The deadline for people to give their views is November 4, 2014, and the full consultation including the survey and a summary, can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk – click on ‘consultations’. See story on P103.
Canal World Discussion Forum heading the table with 11%. Giving an update on CRT’s progress this year, Mr Parry reported a strong start to 2014-15 with projected expenditure of £90 million, up £7 million from 2013-14. Additional customer service works of £1.4 million have also been detailed. “We are looking to see if we can do even more,” he added. • Continued on page 3
Riverbed is investigated
GROUND investigations have started on the Haven riverbed at Boston to determine the design of defence walls as part of the proposed £90.2 million flood barrier which will be situated downsteam of the Black Sluice Lock. As well as reducing the risk of tidal flooding, during the boating season it will also manage water levels to create a safe and reliable inland navigation link between the Grand Sluice and Black Sluice Locks. Construction is expected to begin in 2017.