Towpath Talk January 2025 issue **FREE TO READ**

TO

Thewaterislike amirror,perfectly reflectingnarrowboat Alpha asthe goldenhuesofwintersunshineonbrickcontraststarklywiththevessel’s deepbluepaintwork. Alpha wasmooredalongsidetheAshbyBoatCompany’sStokeGoldingboatyard. PHOTO:GRAHAMNUTTALL

Waterwaysneedcashorriskclosure–warning

APRESSUREgrouphas calledonthe Governmenttogivemorecash to maintaintheUK’swaterways –warning alackoffunds mayforce some rivers andcanalstoclose.

FundBritain’s Waterways(FBW), which represents awide rangeof riverand canalbusinessesandusers butnot Canal& RiverTrust,a charity part-fundedbythe Government,has calledonLabourtoreverse what the

groupsaysisunderinvestment and urgedittostump up realfundingto ensure infrastructuredoesn’tfallinto disrepair.

The organisation,which has50,000 signatureson apetitioncalling for change,isunhappy therewasno mentionof specificfundingfor waterwaysinthe autumn Budget, despiteits‘intense’ lobbyingprior to the statement.

Anderton Boat Lift celebrations

SPECIAL celebrations will mark the 150th anniversary of the Anderton Boat Lift this year The Canal & River Trust will be transporting visitors back in time to 1875 by hosting a spectacular Victorian Fair over the anniversary weekend of July 25-27 with boat trips and events throughout the rest of the summer season The trust is developing an ambitious Engineering the Future project to revitalise Anderton Boat Lift and Visitor Centre

It fearsalackofinvestmentwillsee waterwaysbecomeunnavigableand some mayevenbeforcedtoclose.

LesEtheridge,chair ofFBW, said: “TheGovernment must interveneto help reversethe currentdeterioration ofBritain’sinland waterwayswhich is increasingly impactingbusinessesup anddown thecountry. Unlessfunding arrangementsarereviewed and improved,wefearthat Britain’sinland

Volunteerspraised forsupport

APRESTIGIOUS awardwasgiven to volunteersfor supportingthe restorationof awaterway. The branch of Wilts &Berks CanalTrust receivedthe TonyDavy Award. The crystalprizecelebratesthe team withthe mostsupporthours andthecanaltrust’smembers donated10,124hoursthrough variousactivities. ChairmanHowardWilsonpraised the volunteers. Recentfocus hasbeenonthe restored stretchnear Lacockwhile majorprojectsincludedcompletionof the waitingwall at Pewsham Locksand anewbridge.

waterwaysandthe many benefitsthey provide will be in seriousjeopardy.” Rachel Reeves’Budgetincluded £400mfortree plantingand peatland restoration to protectsoils,riversand biodiversity,andcontributetoclimate mitigationand resilience. In addition, £2.4billion waspledged to support flood resilience.

The Bridge That Connects

COMMUNITIES within the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct UNESCO World Heritage Site were celebrated at a festival of art, performance and culture in November The event was part of a year-long community art placemaking project, exploring the vibrant cultural heritage of Trevor, Froncysyllte, Cefn Mawr and Chirk The project, The Bridge That Connects, is being delivered by Glandŵr Cymru and has shared stories, places and vibrant community voices with residents across Wrexham through art, storytelling, a unique project newspaper and film

Welcometothe

Januaryeditionof TowpathTalk

THIS edition will go outoverthe festiveperiod,as many of youwill be tuckingintomince pies,sipping on yourfavourite tippleand perhaps stokingupthe burner withanextra logortwo.

So,ratherthancommenting onwhat seemslikealandslideof increasing costsin everydepartment oranendlessbarrage of weatherrelateddamage, I’lllet you read about that for yourselves,while Iinstead keepthingsasfestiveandupbeatas possible…andtakeamomenttowish allof ourvaluedreaders, advertisers andeveryoneontheUK waterways,a very merry Christmas.

In keepingwiththisfestivetone, take alookatour What’s On section (p16); youwill seethatFather Christmasandhiselves have teamed up withthe Canal& RiverTrust for somefestivefamilyfun, at the NationalWaterways Museum and theAndertonBoatLift, on allthree weekendsof Decemberleadingup toChristmas, plus Monday 23and ChristmasEve.

You’llalsosee,onthe same page, that the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct will make itsbigscreen debutinthenew Wallace &Gromit movieon ChristmasDay.Soundslike the perfectviewingmaterialafter abig turkey dinner!

Howeveryou spend your Christmas, mayitbemerry one. Enjoythe edition.

Waterwaysneedcashor riskclosure– warning

•Continuedfrompage1

DEFRAhas stated the Governmenthaspledged £401mfrom2027 to support the work ofthe Canal& RiverTrust.

FBW, whichhas 140 memberorganisations, includingBritish Marine, the Inland Waterways Associationandthe National AssociationofBoatOwners, believesitwon’t be enough to make alltheessential repairsand restorethe centuries-oldinfrastructure.

It highlightsthevalue the waterwaysbring to the ecosystem,tourismand jobs.AccordingtoFBW, inland rivers and canals contributed £7.6billion to the economyin2022/23.

In addition, it claimsit supports41,000 jobsdirectly ratedtoinlandwaterways and afurther300,000jobs indirectly.

Aspokesman said:

“Theincreasing fragility of the infrastructurewhich supportsBritain’s 5000 milesofinlandwaterways, combinedwith evermore frequentepisodesof extreme weather,means thereisnow an urgent need to invest to save thenetwork.

“Whilethe underinvestmentinthe network isallowedto continue, we aregetting ever closer to thetipping pointwhen waterways will be forcedtoclose, directlyhittingjobsand wider tourism,and wasting themillions of hoursof volunteertimeandmillions of pounds of publicmoney that hasbeendedicated to regenerating this great nationalasset.

“Thereisample evidenceof the need to increase funding, withallthe main navigation authoritiesopenlyadmitting

Climatechange contributesto £85mbill

THE Canal& RiverTrustspent£85m inthe last financial yearon waterway maintenanceand repairs, emergency worksfollowing floodsand storms, andupgrades to reservoirs.

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In itsannual Boater Report,the charityrevealeditspent atotalof £208.6m in 2023/24 outofincome of £237.3m.That included£49m on maintenanceand repairprojects, £27mon reservoirupgradesand£9m onemergencyworks.

Withnoincrease in government funding, CRThas hadtoincrease incomefromotherareas, such as ariseinboatfeestakingeffect this yearandmorechargeable moorings inthe Londonarea.

Anincrease indonations and utilitiesand waterdevelopment helped boostthe incomebutit stated expenditurehadalsorisen by £7.1m. Alongside statutoryworkand plannedmaintenance,CRT hashad to deal with waterway emergencies fuelledby climatechange. Storms andfloodinghavecauseddamage running into the millions.

The report said: “Our changing climatecontinuedtohavea massiveimpacton ourwaterways. The successionof namedstorms wreakedhavoc on ournetwork. Thousandsof treeswereblown down,towpaths were washedaway, banksand culverts collapsed,and landslidesoccurred.”

Following its annual Boater Survey,the charityhaspledged to increase boater satisfaction from 46% to 75% by 2030. Issues raised includedkeepingcanalsopen, ensuringlocks andbridgeswork, improvingfacilities,combating flytipping andimproving communication.

UsingArtificial Intelligenceto help withbridge repairsisbeing trialled, with anAI CCTV system

they have insufficient funding to deal withall thegrowinginfrastructure challenges. Todaythereare longperiodsoftimewhere sectionsofthenetwork are closed forextensiverepairs andother sections become unreliableduetomore frequentand unpredictable closures caused by failing infrastructure.All this is havingaheavyimpact onthe holiday hireboattrade,which in turnimpactslocaljobsand widerassociated tourism.

“Theleveloffunding required to restoreand retainBritain’sinland waterwaysistinyin the overall termsof government spendingand yetitiscriticaltoavoida morerapiddeterioration ofthenetworkwhichwould onlyfurther burdenthe public purseand jeopardise the many businessesand communitieswhichrelyon

beingusedtowatch bridgesand takeimageswhen collisions occur.

The camerassendthephotostoCRT, who canthen pursuedriversand claimanyrepairsvia theirinsurance.

CCTV hasalsobeenusedin London to combatfly-tipping. The camerasallowstafftomonitortrouble spotsand respondimmediatelyif thereisaproblem.They have also helped the CRTprosecute offenders.

“Thefirst ofthesesites to go live was Little Venice.Prior to theinstallation ofthe CCTV,itwasoneofthemost expensiveand problematic sites on ournetwork.Waste (armchairs, electrical appliances, rubble, containersofoil,etc) wouldtypically be dumped in thebin store, blocking thebinsandpreventingservicing by ourcontractor. Within24 hours tonnesofexcessrubbish would build up on site,costing hundredsand sometimesthousandsof pounds to remove.Thisalsoattracted vermin whichposed ahealth hazard.

“Since the CCTV hasbeen installed, ourstaffareabletomonitor conditionson site remotelywhile undertakingothertasks.Wenow canand do respondtoany fly-tipping

havingsafeand navigable waterways.”

ADepartment for Environment,Foodand RuralAffairsspokesperson said:“We recognisethe wide rangeofbenefitsthat our inland waterwaysbring,and we arecurrently providing the Canal& RiverTrust with anannualgrantof£52.6 million to supportthat.

“Wehaveagreedtoprovide substantial newgrantfunding for thetrustof£401 million over 10 yearsfrom2027, reflecting the continued valuethatweplaceon our inland waterways.”

Defraalsopointedout, accordingtoanagreement betweenthe charityand the previous government, that theCRTwas only due funding–atotalof£740m –until 2027.From then on,itwould become more self-sufficient,theprevious administrationsaid.

immediately,preventingsmall issues from becomingbiggerproblems. We better understand wherethe wasteis comingfrom, whichled us to restrict accessfromtheadjacentroad.”

Boat licensingbringsin11%of the charity’sincome,and it has nowmergedsix regional teams into one national task force,which canrespond to customersand take action againstnon-payers.Thereare more than35,000 licensed boatsand nextyeartheywill be subjecttoa 4% rise in fees.

Accordingtothe report, enforcementisunder waywith 1563 unlicensed boatswith ahome mooringand1605 unlicensed boats whichcontinuously cruise.

“While mostboaters follow theirlicence terms, thelicensing, complianceand enforcementteam supportsthosewho have difficulties gettingaboatlicenceormeeting the requirementsof continuous cruising.

“Whereboaters areunable or unwillingtomeettheir licence terms, or whereaboatisabandoned, the teamwill takeaction to resolve unpaid debtandensurethe canals arefairand safeplaces for allboaters.

Newcharity will save money andboost navigation

ANEW charitywillhelp the Chelmerand Blackwater Navigation in Essexstayinuse and well maintained.

TheInland Waterways Association hasrunthe navigation since2005, after the previous ownerswentinto administration. Nowithas set up anew charitytotakeover much of therunningofthe waterway.

IWA’strusteesandthe board of EssexWaterways Ltdsay the newcharity will assume ownership ofEssexWaterways Ltd,taking over its charitable activities,while non-charitable operations will remain within EssexWaterways Ltd.

The newstructurewillsimplify fundraisingefforts andreduce administrativecosts,making it easier to attractfunding, donationsand legacies.Plans areongoingtoimplementthe newstructure andarrangements by spring.

Mike Wills,IWA national chair,said:“Theseproposed arrangementscome from ajoint reviewbybothIWA’strusteesand thedirectors of EssexWaterways Ltd. IWA’sworkinrescuing andrunningthe Chelmerand Blackwater Navigationthrough EssexWaterways Ltdiswidely celebrated as oneof the great success storiesofthe inland waterways. It istimefor anew chapter, allowing theoperation to grow andachieve greater financialstabilityforfuture investmentinthe waterway corridor.”

Since 2005,the navigation hasbeensuccessfullymanaged and sufficientlyrestoredsothat much greateruse of this historic waterway hasbeenenjoyed by many,whilealsoproviding significant employment.

“Our boatingwelfareteam canoffermorehelp to themost vulnerable peopleonthe canals and rivers.They supportthose whoarestrugglingwith money, healthandotherissueswhich mayaffect their abilitytopay fortheir licence ormooring. In recentyears,moreandmore people aremakingtheirhomes onthe water. Ourwelfareteam will help supportboaters who arestruggling so theyare alsolesslikelytofallintoour enforcementprocesses. Among otherthings,our welfareofficers canand have supportedboaters to applyforhousingbenefit to help thempay theirlicencefees, resultinginfewerunlicensed boatsandlessfinancial worry forthe boatersthemselves.”

To readthefull report visit theCRTwebsite:www. canalrivertrust.org.uk

RoyChandler,chair ofEssex WaterwaysLtd,said:“Our operation on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation hasgrown each year,and thewaterwaynow provides significant employmentinthe area,bothdirectlythrough Essex WaterwaysLtd’s ownoperations andthatofwaterside businesses.

“With the supportoflocal authorities, loyalvolunteers andlocalbusinesses, especially Essex&Suffolk Water, we have providedasteady programme ofimprovementfor navigation, recreation, wildlifeand general amenityuse.Wehavedonethis whilepreservingthe waterway corridor’s importantheritage.

“The proposed restructure willallowgreaterefficienciesof operation andhelpus to attract charitablefundingdirectforthe first time.Our roots,however, arewith IWA, and we will alwaysbeanIWA successstory. The continuingsupportofIWA ChelmsfordBranchremains very importanttous.”

It’snomystery –Toyah’s

Navigation Trust

CHARTstarandactressToyah

Willcoxisthenew patronof Avon Navigation Trust, with part of her role to trytobring youngpeople to the waterways.

The Worcestershire-based star, who hasshoneon stage, screen, inthe popchartsandmore recentlyonBBC’s StrictlyCome Dancing, hastakentime outto sprinkleher magiconthe river thathasforeverflowedthrough herlife.

SheisheadliningitsANT Squad,whichencourages young people to love andprotectthe waterway,justlikeshe does.

“I am proudtobeapatron,” said Toyah, who’s outonthe Avon everyday she’satthe Pershorehomesheshares with husband, King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp.

“Thereare three passionsin my life…music,myhusband andthe RiverAvon, withall itshistory and wildlife.This amazingriver hasservednature and mankindfor hundredsof years. Todayitneedsour nurture andprotection.

“Itisvitalthat youngpeople experiencethe same senseof adventure andconnection to this remarkable riverasI waslucky enough to have hadinmyyouth.”

Birmingham-born Toyahgrew to love the Avon, becauseher dad Berichad aboatthere. “It wasthemostwonderfultime,so theconnections to this riverare

reallypowerful.”

TheANT Squadisthe brainchildofthetrust’schief executiveCliveMatthews, who alsogrewuponthe riverthanks to his dadDudley,who worked onthe Avon restorationand was afoundermemberofthe trust.

ClivelaunchedtheANTSquad to inspirenew generations to learn to enjoy and servethe river.

Thegroupof15– andgrowing –meets weekly to learnnew skills, includingb and riversafety volunteeronli festivalsand am events.

“Wehopethatg alovefor the riverw apsychologicalgr fortheirfuturew and lives,”addedC Multi-award performer Toya whosecareerspa 48years,15top40 singles,29albums, 45movies,40 playsandfour books –releases alimitededitionEPof theGregLake classicI Believe in Father Christmason ChristmasEve.

After ayear that also includedher

second Glastonburyappearance, she reportsshe’s already booked upfor2025,includingagueststar role when thetourofNOW That’s What ICall AMusical stopsoffin Edinburgh in February.

Toyah Willcoxisthe new patronofthe Avon NavigationTrust.Shewill focusongettingyoung people involved on thewaterways.

BOATERSonthe Monmouthshire &Brecon Canalshouldfind navigation easierthanks to the completionof asix-weekdredging programmebyGlandŵrCymru,the Canal& RiverTrust in Wales.

The work sawinthe regionof 300 tonnes of sedimentremovedfromfourdifferentlocations alongthe canal. It is part of acomprehensive programmeof maintenance.

The dredginghas improved the depthin the canalatLlangattock,Talybont, Pencelli and Brynich, while also benefitingboats mooringin theseareas andusing nearby windingholes–the area of acanalused by boatsfor turning around.

Paul Fox, senior projectmanager at Glandwr Cymru, said:“We identifiedfromboaters’ feedback andour surveysthatdredgingthese sections wasahighpriority, so we aredelightedto have madetheseimprovements.Dredgingispart ofthe maintenance we carryout to keep canals openand available,and boaterswillbenefit from better navigationand easiermooring.

“The MonandBrec is such akey featureofthe stunningBannau BrycheiniogNational Park.As acharity we aredoingwhat we can, fighting the challengesofthe ageofthe canalandthe impactof climatechange, to keepthecanal alivefor boatersandthelocal communitiesit runsthroughfor yearstocome.”

The canal, whichhas beeninexistencefor

over200 years, is populartoday with boaters andholiday hirecompanies and contributes £17 million ayeartothelocaleconomy. Dredging isanimportantpartofthe Canal &RiverTrust’sworkacrossits 2000miles of waterways, costing£8m ayear.

Thiswinter, Glandwr Cymruisdeliveringa series of maintenance improvements to the canalaspartofthe charity’sannual winter worksprogrammewhichincludes making repairsatBreconBasin,Llanfoist Embankment, Llanoverand Llangattock.

GlandwrCymru, the Canal &River Trust in Wales, hascompleteda six-week dredgingprogrammeonthe Monmouthshire&BreconCanal to improve the navigationfor boaters.

MPsformgrouptoraise awareness of waterway importance

THEimportance ofthe nation’swaterways could move higher up thepolitical agendathankstothe formationof anew cross-party groupofMPs in Westminster.

The WaterwaysAll-Party ParliamentaryGroup(APPG) hosted itsinauguralmeeting in parliamentrecently, chairedbyLabourMPfor Sefton CentralBill Esterson.

TheInlandWaterways Associationhopesthe 21-strong groupwillincrease the chancesofmore government fundingfor rivers and canals.

Mr Esterson said: “Itisnot just boaterswho make useof ourwaterways.Canalsand rivers areavaluable resource forleisure, activetravel, industry,energy,and even inthe case ofthe Leedsto LiverpoolCanalas asourcefor water-bornedistrict heating.

“The tranquillityoftime spentbythe water, alongwith the wildlife that thrivesaround

cleanwaterways,istruly somethingtobecherished andenhanced. Allthese interestscan coexist, andI look forwardtochairingthis influentialall-partygroupand highlighting, bothin parliament and beyond, theimportance of waterwaystoour nation’s economyandenvironment.”

CharlieNorman, directorof campaignsand publicaffairs at the Inland Waterways

Association, said:“The IWAwarmlywelcomes Mr Esterson’sappointment as chair of theAPPG.It’s clearthat he reallygrasps the importance, value,and relevance of theUK’sinland waterwaysand the need for adequate funding. We look forwardtoworking both with himandanalmostentirely newslate ofmembersover the course of this parliament.”

Pictured(fromleft) are:Ruth Jones MP (Newport West), WendyMorton MP (Aldridge andBrownhills),Bill Esterson MP (SeftonCentral), Lord German andAdam ThompsonMP(Erewash). PHOTO: CHARLIE NORMAN

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

‘Atrisk’aqueductsavedfrom disrepair by essential works

AN AT-RISK aqueduct hasbeensaved from falling into disrepairafter GlandŵrCymru,the Canaland RiverTrust in Wales,stepped in.

TheGrade-IIListedAberbechanAqueductonthe Montgomery Canalhas hadextensive repairswhich shouldensureits survivalforthe next200 years.

Theaqueduct carriesthecanal over Bechan Brook, atributary of the RiverSevern, andisvital forsupplyingwater to the southofthe canalfrom theSevern.

Madeupofthree arches,theaqueductfeatures unusual stone cutwaterswhichhelp to deflect debris andallowwater to flowunderneathsmoothly.Over the years, riverfloodingandleaksfromthe canal have takentheir tollon the ageingstructure.

Asubstantial grantfromCadw,the Welsh Government environmentservice andfunding from GlandŵrCymru meant theessentialrepairs couldtake place.

Ma rk Ev ans, regionaldirectorat GlandŵrCymru, said: “AberbechanAqueduct wascompleted in 1821 and stillplaysavital role in supplyingwaterfor the MontgomeryCanal.

“These extensive masonryrepairs will

secure thestability oftheaqueductfor yearstocome andremove thestructurefromthe Buildings at Risk register. Ourcharity iscommittedtopreservingthe amazingheritage of thecanalsinWales,keeping themopenandalive, andthisis atremendous result.

“The Montgomery Canalisalsoa havenfor wildlife,and we’vetakenthis chance to preserve andimprove these habitats.Our ecologists removed largeamounts of theinvasive Himalayanbalsam fromthe site and made sure noprotectedspecies were disturbed.Theproject will bringabout several biodiversity enhancements,whilethecontinuing waterflow alongthe canalwill ensurehabitatfor rare wetland wildlifeis maintained.”

Aberbechan

Boaterslobby Parliamentin campaignagainstfeesurcharge

BOATERSworried abouta rise incosts have takentheir case to Westminster.

TheNational Bargee Travellers’Association (NBTA),whichrepresents2000 boaters, isangrythatboaters without ahomemooring payhigherlicencefeesand claimsthat the Canal&River Trustdiscriminates against continuouscruisers.

TheNBTA held adrop-in session at theendof November to publiciseits case.Itwas hosted by BaronessJenny Jones,agroupofMPsand members ofthe HouseofLords.

Nick Brownfromthe NBTA and aboater, Christine Hemsley,who claims shehas suffered an abuseofher rights, madepresentations to MPs.

TheNBTAclaims boaters withouthomemoorings pay fees30%higher,addingthese mayrisebyupto130% by 2028. It fearstheincreasesmay force many boaterstoleave the water. It addsthatits casework teamhashelped inmorethan 1000 situationsinwhichitsays boatershavebeenunfairly targetedbecause theydon’t have apermanentmooring.

BaronessJones said:“The CRTisacharity createdin2012 as ahybridbodytoreplacethe formerBritish Waterways, and managesmostofthe inland waterwaysofEngland and Wales.Thetransferofthe waterwaystotheCRTremoved

anyministerialoversight or accountability.TheCRThas noeffectiveregulator,making itunaccountableandthisis reflected initstreatmentof itinerantboatdwellers.”

ACanal &RiverTrust spokesman said:“Weadvocate forboaters’rightstogovernment, localauthorities,andother agencies.Thetrust isthe only navigation authoritytohavea dedicated boater welfareteam, whichwehaverecentlymorethan doubledinsizetoincrease our supportoffertoboaters.Inrecent years,moreandmorepeopleare makingtheirhomesonthewater, and ourwelfare team supports thosewhoarestrugglingwith money,healthandotherissues,

includinghelpingboaters apply forappropriate benefits to help them paytheirlicencefees.

“The trusthas an equality policywhichsetsout our approach to making sure everyone canaccessanduse ourwaterways.Wealsohave aspecificprocessfor making ‘reasonable adjustments’, under the EqualityAct2010, which caninclude adjustments to our normal cruising regulationsfor disabledboaters.Weurgeanyone facingdifficultiestoget in touch.

“Thetruststronglydeniesany abuseofboaters’human rights and welcomesdetailsof these allegations so that theycan be looked into and respondedto morespecifically.”

TheNBTAheld adrop-insessionattheend of November topubliciseitscaseagainstthetreatmentofboaters.It washostedbyBaroness Jenny Jones, agroup ofMPs andmembersoftheHouseofLords. PicturedareRex Waldenof the ResidentialBoatOwners’ Association, BaronessBakewell,Baroness Jones, Pamela Smithand Nick Brown(bothNBTA). PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Afterthetroughoftheaqueduct wasdrained, repairsweremadetothe bedofthe canalwhich showed largevoidswhere waterwas beinglostfrom theaqueduct.Brickwork repairshavealsobeen carriedouton bothpiersand abutments.

Jack Sargeant MS,ministerfor culture, skills and social partnership forthe Welsh government, said: “Ourhistoriccanalsareimportantremindersof Wales’industrialheritageand theengineering achievements of previous generationsaswell as beingasourceofpleasurefor visitorsand local communities today.

“TheGradeII-ListedAberbechanAqueduct has been a‘buildingatrisk’ for severalyears due to damagefromcanal leaksand riverflooding.It’s greatnewsthat essentialrepairwork, partly funded by Cadw’s Historic Buildings Grant, will ensure

this historicaqueductcan continue to servea vitalrole in maintainingthe watersupplyfor the MontgomeryCanal foryears to come.”

Coun David Selby, PowysCountyCouncil’s cabinet memberfor amoreprosperousPowys, said: “Theaqueduct is aconsiderable distance from the area where the rest of the repairsand MontgomeryCanal restorationworkistakingplace, near Llanymynech,but is very importantdue to its conditionandbecause ofthe roleit playsinkeeping thecanal stockedwith water.

“Weare lookingtobring the Montgomery Canalbackintouse in anumberofdifferent ways that willhelp to boostthe tourismeconomy andimprove the well-being ofthe peopleliving alongsideit,whilealso workingtoenhance the ecology ofthearea.”

Canaland RiverTrustincreases licence feestohelp keep waterwaysopen

THE CANALand River Trustistoincrease boat licence feesas it bids to keep the waterwaysopenand infrastructure in good condition.

Thecharity announced an increase of 4%in boat licencefeesfromApril 1for both private boatownersand boatingbusinesses. Surchargesfor boatswithouta home mooring and widebeam boats, announced last year,will be appliedinaddition to thisrise.

Thenewscomes aftertheCRTasked for donations to help it tackle stormand flood damage,which last year cost itan additional£10million on topofits regular maintenance and repairprogramme onthe2000-mile network.

RichardParry, chiefexecutiveat the Canal&River Trust, said:“Boat licences contribute anessentialone eighthofthe income we have available each year to maintain our250-year-old canalnetwork. We’recommittedto keepingthe canals open for navigation and, by purchasinga licencetocruiseour waterways, boaters areplayingan importantpart.

“But ourcharity is facing acombination of more extreme weatherbrought by climatechange, an ageingnetwork that iscostly to fix, withhigher material

pricesand reducing governmentfunding.

“We’llcontinue to secure as much incomeas we canthrough our commercialand charitableactivities and focusonthose priority worksthat supportnavigation. On topofthis commitment,we’ve recentlyintroduced ourBetterBoating Plan to tacklethe smaller-scaletasks that make life hard forboaters,such as broken paddles and overgrown vegetation.Thefunds we receive from boat licences supplement ourother income streamsandhelpus to carryout this vital work.”

Thetrust isalso workingtogenerate morecommercial income which underpins much of the investment in canalmaintenance. Thisisalongside the targetofgrowing annualfundraising income from£6 million to £60m and fundingfromlocal authoritiesand other thirdparty funders from£18m to £28m over thenext decade.

Theautumnbudget included£400m for tree plantingand peatland restoration to protectsoils,rivers, andbiodiversity, and contributeto climatemitigation and resilience.In addition,it pledged £2.4 billion to support flood resilience. In addition, Defra hasstatedthe governmenthas pledged£401m from

2027tosupport the work of the Canal& RiverTrust. However, storms and floodinghave putextra pressure on the charity, whichhas launched its first fundraising campaign to ease the financial burden.

It says last wintera successionof ‘named’ storms caused almost £10mofadditional and unforeseen repairs, includinga majorlandsliponthe OxfordCanalwhere 4000 tonnesof mud slipped 18metres, completelysevering oneof the busiest and oldest canals in the country. Just south of Leicester, asectionofthe Grand Union Canal bankand towpath waswashedaway, whileinLancashire, abreacheddam caused atowpath to collapse,and there waswidespread flood damage across thecanals inthe East Midlands.

Mr Parryadded: “Asweheadinto winter,we’re bracing ourselves formore costlydamagefrom extreme weather but alsoworking to make theseagedformer transport routes, andthe wildlifethey support, as resilient as possible. Our specialistteamsof skilledworkers and volunteerswillbe giving long hours, carrying outheritage conservationworks, and fightingto respondtothestorms thatare becoming evermorecommon.

“Keepingthe

canals openand safe requires millions of poundsand ayearround effort. We’re talkingtogovernment aboutthe need foran activepartnership, and we’recallingon people to donateand help us safeguardour canals and rivers for thefuture.”

TheCanal& RiverTrust is about to startworkona winterprogramme ofim po rt ant repair,heritage and conservation tasksat159 sites acrossEnglandand Wales.129new lock gates, handcraftedin the charity’sspecialist workshops, will be installed, while other work includes masonryrepairsto centuries-oldbridges and tunnels,workto fix leaksand preserve waterfor navigation, andinspections of importantageing infras truc tu re. Thecharity isalso usinginnovative techniquesand materials to make the canals stronger and moreresilient. Boaterscan find outhow much their newfeeswill be on theCRTwebsite. Thetrust says it will continueto supportboaters strugglingtopay theirlicence fees on acase-by-casebasis. This mayinclude arrangingflexible payment plans andsignposting to relevant servicesand benefits,forexample the Waterways Chaplaincy,local authoritiesand Citizens Advice.

Aqueduct, savedfromfallinginto disrepairafter GlandŵrCymru,theCanal &River Trustin Wales,stepped in. PHOTO:SUPPLIED.

BroadsAuthoritytoincrease boat feesby5.9% next year as fears riseoverstateof waterways

THOUSANDSofboatowners and NorfolkBroads waterway businesseswill payanextra 5.9% in navigationfeesthiscomingyear.

TheBroads Authorityagreed the rise buthas setabudgetwhich willmean cutsinits ownservices.

It hascontacted the EnvironmentMinisterSteve Reed forhelp,sayingits currentmodel of fundingis“unsustainable” for anarea thatattracts7.5million people ayear.

The rise infees willaffect 11,500 boatsthat usethe 125-mile Norfolkand Suffolk Broads,butelectric dayboats and sailingvessels willnot pay anyincrease.

ABroads Authorityspokesman said:“The authorityisacutely awarethat inthecurrent economic climateany increases to the chargeswillcomeas ablow to privateboatownersandhire boat operators. Currentlytheonly meansoffundingthe navigation ofthewaterways oftheBroads is throughthesecharges.

“The authorityisofthe viewthat the currentmodel of fundingisunsustainableand haswritten to the Secretaryof Statefor Environmentexplaining thedifficultiesand requesting central governmentfundingto contributetonavigation. To date we have not received areply.

“Theincome raised through tollsfundsthe maintenance ofthewaterways (including dredging, waterplant cutting andmoorings),fuel, rangers, maintenance staff,tolls staff

to administerthe chargesand chasenon-payers… to name but afew. All thesecosts have been consistently risingwayabove the rate ofinflationwhichisnot basedonalltheseitemsorindeed rawmaterials such as wood and steelwhichare extensivelyused by the authority.Thiscomes at atimewhenincome isfalling.”

Thenews willnot come asa shock to the Inland Waterways Association whichhaslong argued that the Norfolkand Suffolk Broads need proper funding. Itsaystourism intheBroads contributes£775million to the Norfolkand Suffolk economies andsupports over7000 jobs.

The Broads receives £3.4m of National Park Grantfundingfrom Defraayearand generallythe governmentmoney cannot be used for navigation costsunless the work benefitsthewholeof thenavigation.Thismeans it reliesheavilyonincome from boat fees to carryoutessential repairsand maintenancework.

SueO’Hare, chairofIWA’s navigationcommittee, said: “Through FundBritain’s Waterways, theIWA is campaigningfor adequate nationalandlocalgovernment fundingforallBritain’snavigable rivers andcanalstoensurethat futuregenerations cancontinue to enjoytheir many benefits.The circumstancesofthe Broadsare unique butthe need forfunding isuniversal.”

TheIWAhasalsolobbiedthe Government, citing the well-being

benefitsand value to wildlifeof maintainingthe Broads.

TheBroads Authorityisthe onlymajor inland navigation authoritythatdoesnot receive government fundingtosupport maintenanceof navigation. Governments have argued that useofthe Broads waterwaysisa privatebenefit whichshouldnot be funded,accordingtothe IWA.

TheIWAsaid: “The IWAwillnot letthe network fall into disrepair againandfor this reason joined with partnerorganisations in June 2023 to launch theFund Britain’sWaterways action group, withthe single purposeof campaigningcollectivelyforan increase in governmentfunding ofBritain’s inland waterwaysto averttheirdecline, and to promote awarenessofthe huge economic, environmental and social wellbeingvaluethey provide.

“Todate, morethan140 waterway and non-waterway organisations representing hundreds ofthousandsof waterway usersand supporters have joinedFundBritain’s WaterwaysandtheIWA continuestoplaya leading roleonthe steering group. Canalsand rivers arevaluable assetswhichcontributetothe country’seconomicrecovery,as highlightedbyour Waterways for Todayreport, so itisvital that we actnowtoprotectthemfor futuregenerations.”

To find outmoreaboutthe IWAcampaign, go to:https:// waterways.org.uk

GoingundergroundinStaveley

ByLucy Wood

ASpart ofits Staveley Town Deal project, theChesterfieldCanal Trustcommissioned York Archaeologytocarryout anarchaeological digonthecurrently derelict canal at theendofBellhouseLane.

The intention of the digwas to investigate theremainsofa railway bridge that wasdemolished many yearsago and to find what wasleft oftheold Bellhouse canalbasin.This will inform plansfor the designofthe canal in the area which will be restored and putbackintowater nextyear.

Theprofessional team wasonsite preparingfortwo days,including overseeingadigger whichwasexcavating to adepthof about fouror fivefeet.A bandof volunteers then came to help forfour days,each dayseeingateamof eightworktouncover what laybeneath.

Thetowpath side abutmentwall ofthebridge was completelycleared, revealingsomeholes that mayhaveheld iron supportsfor theoriginalgirder

railway bridge.Also uncoveredwerethe stone walled narrows that ledintoashort armofthe canalbuilt to servethe gasworks once sitedright nextto the canal. It is believed that coal wasprobably broughtfromthe nearby Hartington Colliery, formerly NewHollingwood Colliery.

Thenarrows were capped with largecopingstones thathadrandom holesinthem;itis thought that they wererecycled from anotheruse. The groovesthatheld stopplankstohold waterbackfor maintenance were as clearand cleanas theday they were cut into thestonework.

Beyond the narrows, alength ofdressedstone wall wasuncovered, beingthe bank of theshort arm. Part of the wall of the canalbasinitself was

discovered,aswasa landdrainwhich led into acastironpipe. Therewerealsoa fewfinds of pottery, bottles andcoal. The final dayofthe digwas designated an open dayfor guided toursofthe site with the archaeologists. About250 people attendedand many shared tales from their childhoods whenthe basinstill held water.

Aspokesperson

forthe Chesterfield CanalTrustsaid:“The volunteersranged from schoolchildren to pensioners.All worked reallyhard, saidhowmuch theyhad enjoyed theexperience,and wanted to know when theycould come back formore.

“The excavation wasthen filledin again. It will reappear whenthe canalis restored herein abouta year’s time.”

The archaeological dig at Staveley.

Amap showingBellhouse railway bridge. PHOTOS: SUPPLIEDBY CCT.

PicturedattheceremonyareDerekLordfromtheLichfieldand HathertonCanalsRestorationTrustandPersimmon Homes West MidlandsmanagingdirectorDanielHassall.

Lichfieldland giftadds impetusto WestMidlandscanalscheme

ADEVELOPER hasdonated aparcel of landin Lichfieldwhich will speed up canalrestoration.

The land –owned by Persimmon Homes,whichiscreatingits St John’sGrangecommunity in the Staffordshire city –willnow belong to Lichfieldand HathertonCanals RestorationTrusttomanage, enabling it to restoreakey junctionand make themovementofcanal boatseasier forthosepassing throughthearea.

The handoverwas marked by avisit to the canalbyPersimmon Homes West Midlands managingdirector Daniel Hassall.

Daniel said: “Handingoverthis land to theLichfieldandHatherton Canals RestorationTrustisthe latest example of oursuccessful partnership with the localcommunityaroundwhichwe build ourhomes.”

DerekLord, planningand technicaltrustee at Lichfield and HathertonCanals Restoration Trust, said:“Weare so grateful to PersimmonHomes forthis generous landtransfer,which will enableus to continuethe restorationofthe Lichfield Canal. Thisfollowson from thetwo culvertsthat Persimmon Homesfunded to allowaccessover the canalintothe St John’sGrange development, showing the positive differencethecompany makesin addition to housebuilding.”

Danielconcluded: “Itwasgreatto meetDerek Lord to seethe positive impactthis land transfer will have on thetrustand the widerarea.

“We’llcontinue to work closely with ourlocal partnerstoensureour investment makesa positivedifference to communities.”

Montgomery Canal restoration work completed early

DEDICATEDandhardworking volunteersfromthe ShropshireUnion CanalSocietyhavefinishedmorevital work onthe MontgomeryCanal –five monthsaheadof schedule.

Usingfundingfromthe Rural Prosperity Fund grant, they completed atowpath,canal channeland hedge-laying.

Workingnearthe Crickheathand SchoolhouseBridges,the volunteers

completed thetowpath andbank, channelprofiling andhedge laying.

The finishedchannelisnowfilling with waterand itis expected that the stopplanksbyCrickheathBridge will be crackedopenthis month or Februarytoequalisethe levels with thoseinthe nownavigableCrickheath Basin.

Furtheralongthe sitetowards SchoolhouseBridge, work continuedto

profilethe channel. In thearea worked, no liningandblockingisrequired andanimpressive 70metresisnow complete.

Just beyond thisarea in thedirection of SchoolhouseBridge, hedgelaying pickedupfromwhere work had finishedlastwinter. Over twodays and with anumberof‘newhands’ available,23metres wascompleted–alsoimpressive.

PoetpensdealwithMidlandscanal trust

CANALLaureateRoy McFarlane has becomeanambassadorfor Lichfield and HathertonCanals RestorationTrust (LHCRT).

Birmingham-born Roy,known for his evocativepoetryanddedication to exploringthe culturalandhistorical significanceofBritain’swaterways,will helpthetrustraisefundsandawareness ofitsprojects.

THE trusthopeshisprofilewillhelp bringinnew volunteersandbringthema step closer to reconnectingStaffordshire

andthe West Midlandsthrough these historiccanals.

Roysaid: “I amdelightedtobecome anambassadorfor the Lichfieldand HathertonCanalsRestoration Trust. Canalsare not just waterways; they arelivinghistories that tell thestories of ourpast. Ilookforward to working withthetrusttoensurethesestoriesare preservedand celebrated.”

Thetrust’songoingprojects, including thecreation of the DarnfordMoors Ecology Park andthe Gallows Reach Tamworth Roadproject, will benefit fromhisadvocacyand creative contributions. Hisinvolvement is expectedtodrawattention to the ecologicaland culturalimportanceof thecanals,encouragingmorepeople to supportthetrust.

Carole Mills,chair of LHCRT, said:“We arehonoured to have Roy McFarlanejoinusasanambassador. Hisdeepconnection to canals and his abilitytocapture theiressence through poetrywillundoubtedlyhelp usin ourmission to reconnect our vital waterwaystothe Birmingham CanalNavigations.”

Royisadistinguishedpoet, playwright andformeryouthand communityworkerwho livedfor many yearssurroundedbycanalsin

RoyMcFarlane, theCanalLaureate, hasjoinedLichfieldand Hatherton CanalsRestoration Trust(LHCRT) as anambassador. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

the BlackCountry. The National CanalLaureateanda formerBirminghamPoetLaureate, he wasalsooneofthe BardsofBrumwho performedinthe openingceremony forthe Birmingham Commonwealth Games2022. Hispoetrycollections include BeginningWith YourLast Breath,TheHealing Next Time and LivingbyTroubledWaters.

Volunteers fromtheShropshireUnionCanal Societycelebrate success. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Restorationwork on the MontgomeryCanal wascompletedfive

Shropshire Union Canal Society.

West Yorkshirereservoirto receive multi-millionpound upgrade

ByLucy Wood

HILLTop Reservoir, known locallyas Slaithwaite Reservoir, is beingupgraded by the Canal& RiverTrust to meet safetystandardsand withstand climate change.

Situated inthe villageofSlaithwaite, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, the reservoir was opened225 yearsago. Renowned engineer Benjamin Outram builtit to supply water to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal,andit remainsanimportant waterfeedtothe canal as wellas beingawellused leisureresource.

TheCRT looks afterthe reservoir and Huddersfield Narrow Canaland hascommissioned civilengineering companyJNBentley to undertakethe workstoensurethat historicreservoirs likethisaremeeting present-daystandards as required by the 1975 ReservoirsAct. Essentialmaintenance andupgrade worksare required to strengthen

Volunteerspitchin to save bridge

Sean

McGinley, Yorkshireand North

thecenturies-old structureagainst the impactsof climate change andimprove the performance ofthe reservoir by increasing thecapacity ofthe spillway to holdmorewater andreduceleakage. Themainproject isexpectedtostart in spring,with construction work due to begin subject to the permitted de ve lopme nt applicationbeing agreed.Completion is duein autumn2026. Theprojectispart of awider scheme to protectreservoirs aroundthecountry; inthe last financial year,morethan£27 million wasspent on resilience worksat19 of thetrust’s 71 large reservoirs.

East regional director at theCRT,said: “Our reservoirs feed our canals andmaintain waterlevelsalong the inland waterways. Their function is proving increasingly important to help us manage waterlevelsduring morefrequentextreme weatherconditions broughtabout by climatechange, with driersummers and wetter winters.

“O ri ginally constructed in the late 18thcentury, this reservoir,like much of ourhistoric network, requires ongoingmaintenance andupgradingto meet present-day standards.Our charity is undertakinga significantprogramme ofinvestment to improveour large reservoirs aroundthe country. This work will secure thelongterm futureofHill TopReservoiras an importantresource fortheHuddersfield Narrow Canal.”

Du ri ng the constructionphase therewillbetimes whenthe water levels in the reservoir will be significantly reducedfor safety reasons,andthis will be carefullymanaged andmonitored.There willalsobetemporary footpathclosures in place.

Latest updateswill be shared through onsitesignage and online at www. canalrivertrust.org.uk/ slaithwaite-reservoir

VOLUNTEERSworking withtheCanal &River Trusthavegiven aproject to restorea historiccanal bridge in Braunstonaheadstartbyhelping to repaircenturies-oldbrickwork–thankstoa£160,000 donation.

They will work alongsidea contractor to repairandimprove Bridge 91A at the entrance to BraunstonMarina, made possible thankstoa generouslegacygiftfrom localresident, PeterAndrews.

On completionoftheworks the bridge will be renamedPeter’s Bridge.Anew bridge number plaque,reading 91A, Peter’sBridge, will be fitted,providinga lasting tributetoMrAndrews’generous gift to his localcanal.

LinnyBeaumont,regionaldirector forthe Canal&River Trust, said: “The volunteershavemadegreatstridesin repairingsectionsofthebridge, and gainingvaluable skills inheritage restorationalongthe way.

“Theintentionwasalwaysto putMrAndrews’verygenerous legacy gift to good useand bringin specialistcontractors to complete some of the bigger aspectsof the works. Thevolunteers’ efforts have helped tackle some of the preliminary worksand putthe projectinagreat position ahead of contractors gettingonsite.

“Witheverythinginplace we’re lookingforward to themainworks startinginthe spring as temperatures rise andseeingthe final restored bridge providinga fitting tributeto Mr Andrews’ memory.”

Withthe volunteers hard at work on site thetrust hasalsobeen workingtocomplete preliminary surveys, obtain thenecessary listed

buildingconsents,sourcebricksand train thevolunteer team.

Limemortarcan’t be used in colder temperatures so,withconditions becomingmorewintry, the brickwork repairsare abouttopause untilthe spring.Exposed brickworkwillbe coveredinhessian over the winter to protectitfromfrost damage.

As wellas repairingthe brickwork, contractors willalsoberesurfacing the bridge deck with aresin bonded anti-slip surface, improvingthe approach rampsand cleaning the cast iron elements readyfor volunteerstorepaintthem. The contractor workswilltakearound fiveweeks andtheintentionis to have all workscompleted in time for the BraunstonHistoricBoatRally in late June.

In total3500 reclaimedbricks areexpectedtobeusedonthe restorationandoncerepairsare completed the brickworkisset to be left exposed,without renderor paint, takingthebridge back to its originaldesign.

Afterathorough tendering process, thetrust will soon appointa contractorwho will be on site in the spring restoringbrickwork on the northern side ofthebridge,which faces outontothe canal.

Whilethis processhas been takingplace the charityhas enlisted thehelpof volunteersand members of the localcommunity to carryout preliminary works. The teamhavebeencarefullyremoving loosemortarandcrumblingbricks from the southern side of the bridgebeforestartingrepairswith reclaimedbricksand traditional lime mortar.

SlaithwaiteReservoir. PHOTO:CRT

THE EnvironmentAgency hasrecentlyannouncedthat eventhough alarge majority of customersdidnot support theproposal,it hasdecided to increase boat registration fees by 9%.

TheIWA acknowledges that the Environment Agency’sfundingposition hasleftitin adifficult position,consideringhow inflation hasimpacted on itscosts such as building, materialsand repairs. However, asshown by the consultation response, the majority sentimentamong members whousethe EA waterwaysisthatthe9% increase is toomuch.

Thisis largelydue to the impactson navigationof increaseddelaystoplanned winter maintenance works, with more andmoreworks encroachingonsummer boating. In particular,access betweentheGreatOuse, Middle Levels andRiver Nene wasprevented due to delayedwork. Through passage onthe Nene was not possibleuntil June1, Denvercrossing wasclosed until June10,Brownshill Lock wascloseduntil June 17 andBrandon Lock remains closed at thetime of writing.

Otherconcernsinclude asignificantincrease inthe numberoflock failures,the

numerousweirsblocked by debrisand abandonedboats which increasesthe risk of floods, variousinvestment decisionsthat fail to prioritise navigation,lossofincome throughfailureto enforce regulations,andfailure tomaximisecommercial opportunities.

TheIWAisalsoconcerned that theEnvironment Agency’snavigationteams have lostmanyoftheir moreexperiencedstaffwho hadin-depthknowledge andunderstandingof the waterwayswhen communicatingwith businessandleisure customers. More effective management will require moreresponsiveand well-informed operation managers.

The EnvironmentAgency hasstatedthatthe rise in registrationfees will be used to improvetheexperience ofusers.Aswesaidin our consultation response, theseare someof theaspects whereIWA wouldliketosee improvement:

Greaterreliabilityfor navigationand better facilitiesfor boaters

Speedier attentiontofaults andshorter stoppagetimes

Streamlining and ra tionalisin gE A’s procedures includingits very

complicatedchargingregime

Increasing revenueby betterenforcementof unlicensed boats(many of whichwill be uninsured and without Boat SafetyScheme certificates)

Reviewingthecriteria for issuingandliftingstrong streamadvice

Improvingreliability of existingequipment (particularly gear boxesand electrical systems at locks)

More efficientuse of staff, includingsubcontractors, forthe winter maintenance worksprogramme.

SueO’Hare, chairof IWA’s Navigation Committee, said: “Itisunderstandablethat the Environment Agency hasfelttheneed to make asignificant increase to boat registration fees,but itis disappointingthat its fundingposition hasmade thisnecessary. Through Fund Britain’sWaterways, IWAiscampaigningfor adequate nationaland localgovernmentfunding for allBritain’snavigable rivers and canals to ensure that future generations cancontinue to enjoy their many benefits.Atthe same time,itisincumbent upon all navigation authorities to ensure that theirfunding isused effectivelyand efficiently.”

Inmemoriam:ChrisHowes

Former IWAdeputynational chairmanand long-standing volunteerand enthusiast Chris Howeshasdied.

In addition to hisnational role, Chrisalsospent time serving inthe rolesofEastern Region chairmanandPeterborough Branchchairman. He spent much ofhislifelivingonor neartheRiver GreatOuseand wasaknowledgeable enthusiast forthe area,havingwrittenthe Imray guide to The RiverGreat Ouse and its tributaries.

Chrisalsowrote the new Imray guidetothe fenland waterways, whichcoversthe MiddleLevels and boththe Oldand New Bedford rivers.His navigation notes areenrichedwith narrative and photographs to inspire

IWA’sLondon Region Committee is looking foradedicated and enthusiastic person to manage theadoption and restorationof the Hanwell Flight of Locks, aseriesofsix locksonthe Grand Union Canalinthe London Borough of Ealing, currently listedonthe English Heritage At Risk register.

more boaterstoexplorethese fascinatingnavigations.

Chriswasinstrumentalin helpingIWA Peterborough Branch to organisea series of campaign cruisesinrecent years. These cruisesinvolved repeated attempts to reachthe historicWelches DamLock, on the OldBedfordRiver.The lock isoneof20Silver Propeller

Locations,havingbeenselected to supportanIWA campaign to reopen navigationthrough Welches DamtoHorsewayLock. Some of the campaign cruises reachedWelches Dam althoughother attemptsproved less successful. In April2023,a build up of silt preventedChris from passingthrough the gates leading to OldBedford River. His efforts were notinvainhowever, as thechallengeshefaced demonstrated howalackof fundingcan resultin waterways becomingimpassable.

Chris’ familyhaverequested that donations,ifdesired,can be made to CancerResearch UKor Fund Britain’sWaterways Campaign either online or c/o RJPepper&Son Funeral Directors, 14 PrickwillowRoad, ElyCB7 4QT(Tel: 01353665300).

GUARANTEE

Therole will involveworking closelywitha range of keystakeholders, including theCanal &River Trust(CRT), English Heritage, EalingCouncil and others.

Th ej ob description says that thesuccessful candidatewill need to lead efforts to restorethe locksandimprove theircondition, ulti ma te ly removingthem fromthe At Risk register.

The details are:

Responsibilities

ProjectManagement: Ta ke ov er all responsibilityfor managing the adoption and restorationof the Hanwell Flight of Locks Collaboration: Work with multiple contact points withinthe CRTto agreeontheadoption processand coordinate restorationefforts St akeholder

Engagement: Build and maintainrelationships with English Heritage,

WorkParties

EalingCouncil,and otherrelevant bodies whowillhavean interest intheproject

Wo rk Pa rty Organisation: Planand manage work partiesfor hands-on restoration tasks.The first stage will be clearingout some side ponds to assess theircondition andwhat is required to getthem back into operation Ongoing: Overseethe restorationprocessfrom starttofinish,ensuring compliancewithheritage andenvironmental standards.

Requirements

Project management skills

Comm unic at ion : Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Organisationalskills:

Abilitytocoordinateand manage work parties, meetingsand restoration activities, sometimes whenfeelingsare runninghigh

Flexibility: Willingness to travel to London as required (you do not need to be basedin London)

Interest in heritage andrestoration:

An interest in canal heritage,waterways and historicalpreservation ishighlydesirable, whilenotnecessary. What’sonoffer

The chance to takeona significant and exciting heritage restoration project

Be able to makea tangible impact on thepreservationofan importanthistorical site

Supportfromthe IWAand the Canal& RiverTrust to guideyou through the process. If you’reinterested to lead this project andplay avitalrole in therestorationof the HanwellFlightof Locks, pleasecontact theLondon Region chair: paul.strudwick@ waterways.org.uk

PLEASEcontactthebranch to registeryourinterestifyouwouldlike to attend aworkparty.Itisadvisable to wear stout shoes, old clothing, andto takewaterproofs. Apackedlunchandrefreshmentsarealsoadvisable.

January 5and21

NorthamptonBranch Work partiesare usually heldone weekdayand one Sunday amonth alongthe NorthamptonArm.Thetasks usuallyinclude vegetation clearance,weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Contact Geoff Wood:geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk January 10 &24-10.30amto 2.30pm BurslemPort Regularworkparty on the BurslemArmoftheTrent and Mersey Canal, runin partnership by IWANorth

Staffordshire and South CheshireBranchalong with theBurslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke Street,Burslem. Alltools and equipmentwill be provided. Volunteersare advised to wear oldclothes, stoutshoesand to bring waterproofs in case of rain and apackedlunchifstayingall day. Please contact Dave Broome beforeattending: 07974966253or dave. broome45@gmail.com January16 CheshireLocks Monthlyworkparty on the CheshireLockflight

of theTrent and Mersey Canal, betweenKidsgrove and Wheelock.Meetatthe BroughtonArms, Rode Heath, Stoke-on-Trent. We will meet as usual at 10am andworkthroughuntil 3pm.Ifyou areable to stay all day, please bringapacked lunchand adrink.Besureto wear old clothesthatyou don’t mind gettingdirty andmarked with paint. Stoutfootwearis appropriate and bringalonga waterproofinthe eventofrain. Contact Tony Walker:07708 320470orwalker.tony31@ gmail.com

ChrisHowes (left) in Hull. PHOTO: SIMONJUDGE

CharactersoftheCut

KarenBent–

savedbyGrace

ByAliceElgie

IT WASbackin2018that KarenBent, at that timea self-employedyogaand Pilatesinstructor,began to firstexperience symptoms of stress butitwasafter her mumdiedin2019,andthen 2020happened, that theneed to make adramaticlifestyle changebecameincreasingly apparent.

“Mybodyhadalwaysbeen strong and reliable,Ifelt invincible,someonewhoothers looked up to andcould turn to forhelpandadviceinany situation,andthen Ibecame someonewho Ididn’t recognise. Iwasmentallyandphysically consumedbyanxietyand I’ve neverbeensofrightenedand felt so vulnerable.”

With husband, Rob, infull supportofa newdirection, thecouple decidedtoselltheir houseand everythinginit andcommission anew-build narrowboat. “Thethoughtof spendingour retirementdoing jobsaroundthehouse, maybe volunteeringsomewhereand havingcaravanholidaysfelt likeaslowroadtowardsdeath. We needed anadventure while we were fitenough to have one and as Robhad always saidhe wanted to ‘getoffthe world’ we hadthisfeelingthatifwedidn’t doitnow, we’d regretit.”

Havingonlyspent three days on anarrowboatsix yearspreviously,some might sayitwas aprettyimpulsive decision, butKarenand Rob were readyfor achallenge.“I trustRobimplicitly. He’s very practicalandalthoughhe had noknowledge of boats, he’s anengineerand candopretty much anythingsoIfelt very secure knowing he canfixstuff!” Their boat is named Grace andis a60ft semi cruiserstern whichtheytookdeliveryofin June2021. “Robdesignedthe interiorofthe boat to ensureit metall ourneeds. The galleyis longerand we hada longerbed builtas we’rebothtall.”With solarpanels,astronginternet set-upand adiesel-fired bubble stove, thecouple were all setup tochange directionandcreate alife whereKaren,particularly, would be able to delvedeeper into herselfandperhaps reach some kindof clarityabouther breakdown.

“Livingonthe boat hasgiven methetimeand space to reflect on my life.I wanted to change andhaveadifferentlife,which means Ihavetounderstandthe patternsof behaviour Iusedto

Karenpractisingher Pilates. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

KarenandRobenjoying theirnewlifestyle. Astunninginterior.

live by.I’velearnedso much aboutmyselfandI couldn’t have donethisif I’dcarried on livinga ‘normal’ life.” Karenand Robcontinuously cruise, usuallymovingfor just 2-3hours betweenmoorings.

“We bothlove history and walkingsowe research what thereistosee anddowherever we go.” Theirfavouritecanal is thePeakForestand they love NewMills.“Beingable to catchatrain to the PeakDistrict National Park in15 minutesor so isheavenforus.” The peace andquiet,beingclosetonature, and paceoflife,are allthings theyloveabout boating, notto mentionalltheplaces they’ve been able to explore. “We’ve been able to visitplaceswe’d neverhavevisited if we lived in ahouse and we’reveryhappy pootlingaround together,even after39years!”

This year,theirfourth winteronthe boat,they’ve made some changestotheir cruisingpattern, opting to stay in amarinafor awhile.“We’ve booked acottage in Norfolkfor aweekand amonthin Tenerife too. We want to dodifferent thingswhile we’refitand well.”

At 67 and72respectively,

theyare certainlyflyingthe flag forfitnesswiththeir active life on thecut,along with regular yoga practice. “Havingtaught Pilatesfor over20 yearsand yoga forsix we trytodoan hour’s practice three timesa weekon the towpath/outside, weather permitting.”Thecouple alsotaketime to meditate every day. “Lastweekanother boater said Ididn’tmovelikea67-yearold so allthe yoga andPilates clearlypaysoff!”

It’s obvious that aperhaps impulsivemovefromland to waterhas been instrumentalin Karen’srecovery,andputting pentopaper hashelped with herhealing, too. “I’vealways lovedlanguageand reading, buthad neverwritten before butI thoughtwriting about my experiencesmight help someoneelse.”Thepopularity of Karen’sblog, Savedby Grace,demonstrates that herwordscertainlybring supporttothose goingthrough something similar.Itremains to be seenhowmanywillbe inspired to sell everythingand move afloat!

Blog:karenbent.substack. com Facebook:BoomersonBoard

Tuk-tuktransformed by canal boat artist

RENOWNED canalboatartistAlanBaillie rose to anew challenge whenhe wasasked to paint atuk-tuk.

Achance meetingonthe Coventry Canal betweentuk-tuk owner Gary CrossandMr Baillie ledtohim takingontheunusual jobofpainting the Indian Bajajautorickshaw.

Afteraconversation, Gary gave the artistfree rein to transformthe vehicle.

Gary said:“Theresultswerespectacular, resultinginatruly cultural crossover, featuring Indian elephant gods,traditional canalroses, arampagingtiger,aNepaleseeye and local representation with astunningimage of Tamworth CastleandLadybridge.”

Both were delightedwiththe results,with Gary reservingsome spaceon histuk-tuk forareturn visit from Alan soon.

“I canunderstandwhy peoplebecome addicted to body artthrough tattoosasaway of expressing themselves,” he said. “Instead, I’m usingmytuk-tuk to expressmyloveofcanal artandAsianculturebyusing Alan’s amazing craftsmanship, andI’malreadythinkingoffuture jointprojects!”

Alan,who hastravelledthe canalnetwork fordecadescreating stunningartwork,was also responsible forpaintingthe Aqueduct pubmural at Llangollen, NorthWales.This attracted nationwidemediaattention,due to

construction.

AliceElgieis awriterandyogi who shareswords about hernomadic life alongwithmindfulness courses toinspire self-reflectionandhealing:slowintotheseasons.substack. com;slowintotheseasons.etsy.com

Lastmonth’s articlewhichstatedStephane Chaudatwas known as Noyshould have said that the name wasFrenchfor Noah,not ‘knower’.

itsthree-dimensionalrepresentationofa Welsh dragon pulling anarrowboatacrossthe World Heritage Site

GaryCrosswithhistuk-tuk aftercanalboat artistAlanBaillie transformed it. IMAGESUPPLIED

ArtistAlan Baillietransformingthetuk-tuk owned byGaryCross. IMAGESUPPLIED

ArtistAlanBailliewiththe finished tuk-tuk owned byGaryCross,whichhe transformed after achance meeting on the CoventryCanal. IMAGESUPPLIED

Takingin abeautiful sunsetaboard Grace.

£1.1mupgradefor LancasterCanaltowpath

Workisunderwayon aprojectto improve afour-mile stretchoftowpathonthenorthern reachesoftheLancaster Canalandmakeitmoreaccessiblefor residentsandvisitors.

ByLucy Wood

THE Canal& River Trustworkedwiththe LancasterCanal

Re ge ner at ion Partnershipand Westmorlandand FurnessCouncil to secure fundingforthe £1.1mproject, which willformpartofthe newLancasterCanal TowpathTrail between KendalandLancaster.

More than four miles of towpathfromField EndBridge169,near Stainton, to just north of HolmeVillage will be enhance dby engineeringcontractor CPCCivilsGroup.

The works, due to be completed thismonth, willinclude widening and resurfacingthe towpathusing locally sourcedself-binding gravel,whichis designedtofit in with the ruralenvironment, provide ahardwearing surfaceand reduce mudand puddles.

CRT’sNorth West directorJon Horsfall

said:“This towpath upgrade projectisa fantasticexampleof howwecan work together to make our canalsmorewelcoming and attractive. This much-neededworkwill significantlyimprove thetowpath’s usability, offeringopportunities for residentsand visitorstoengagein activetravel, walk,cycle and run, andtakepart inleisureactivities.”

Theprojectisfunded by Westmorlandand Furness Council, throughtheUK Government’sShared Prosperity Fundand RuralEnglandProsperity Fund,as wellaslegacy grantfundingfrom CumbriaCounty Council and South LakelandDistrict Council,anditis being driven by theLancaster CanalRegeneration Partnership. The works have beenplannedand co-ordinated by theCRT. Coun JonathanBrook,

leaderof Westmorland and FurnessCouncil, said: “Animportant part of ourvisionfor Westmorlandand Furnessissupporting accesstothe outdoors and opportunities to live wellandenjoy our wo nderful surroundings.

“Weallocated£8.1 millionfromthe Government’sUK

Shared Prosperity and Ru ra lE ng la nd Prosperity funds to 22 projects,focusingon boostingcommunities andplace.Itwas fantastic to seefirsthandthe results ofthe granttoCanal &River Trustona projectwhich willdeliverfar-reaching benefits to ourarea.”

TheLancasterCanal TowpathTrail,which aims to be fully accessible,will celebrate theheritage of the canalandfollowthe original towpath, in boththe wateredand unwateredsections,to

promotewalking and cyclingroutes.

Helen WatsonMoriarty,fromthe LancasterCanal Re ge ner at ion Pa rt nersh ip, added: “TheLancaster CanalRegeneration Partnership was delightedtowork alongside Canal&River Trustand Westmorland and FurnessCouncil to secure thisfunding and becomethe deliverypartnerfor theengagementand promotion aspects of the widerproject.

“Itisthe perfect opportunitytolaunch the TowpathTrail brandand tell more people aboutthe trail andthe numerous wellbeingopportunitiesit provides.Everyone is welcome at the events we aredelivering, and we encourageeveryone to checkoutthe recommended loop walksonthe new TowpathTrail website.”

Severaleventshave already been held to promotethe newtrail, includingtwo Pie and Paddle sessionsandthe Crooklands‘Canalathon,’ whichsaw competitors paddleboardingand either runningorwalking alongthe towpathtohelp raisefunds towardsthe improvementworks.

Fromleft areNickCotton andHelen Watson-Moriarty,from Lancaster CanalRegenerationPartnershipCIC; SeanMoran, CPC’ssitemanager;RachelDaley,projectmanagerat Canal &RiverTrust;andCounsJonathan Brook andDougRathbone, from Westmorland andFurnessCouncil. PHOTO: CRT

For further information,visitwww.lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk

HEDGESalongside theGrand Union Canalare to be restored withtraditionalcraftsthanksto a£27,500 grantfromthe Drax Foundation,the charitable entity of renewableenergy company DraxGroup(Drax).

The projectwill seethe Canal &RiverTrust’slocal volunteers outonthe towpaths alongside specialiststobreathe new life into centuries-oldhedgerows, keepingtheminshape while making themhealthier and more attractivefor wildlife.

so that overtimetheygrow horizontally andintertwine, forminga thick, bushybarrier.

Many stretchesofcanalside hedgerow aremorethan200 yearsold andare thecanals’ oldestestablishedhabitat. Theywould originallyhave been plantedby18th century privatecanal owners to protectthe towpathfrom cattle andother livestock.

andensuretheyare protected for generations to come.

“Asacharity we’regratefulfor thesupportofDraxFoundation whichwillhelptokeepthis ancientcountryside skill alive and reinvigorate the hedgerows, making the canalhealthier, stronger and better for someof ourbestloved species.”

Theaim of the current projectistohavea trainedteam of volunteersthatcanlookafter the rejuvenated hedgerowson an ongoingbasis.

Workswillbetakingplace at sitesincludingBugbooke, Braunston, Long Buckby, StokeBruerne,Gaytonand ontheNorthamptonArmof theGrand Union Canal.

Hannah Booth, environment managerfor the Canal& River Trust, said: “Thegrowing threat of habitatlossmeansthat our waterwaysare anincreasingly importanthaven for wildlife, and canalsidehedgerowsgive many of ourmostcherished species avaluable lifeline.

Volunteerswillbetrained in thetraditionalcountryside skillof hedgelaying, which involves cuttinghedgerow stems andbendingthem

“Canalhedges areoften as old asthe canalitselfand this projectforms animportantpart of ouroverall work to keep our historicnavigable canals alive

Jane Breach,UKcommunity and education managerat Drax,said: “Draxiscommitted to beinga goodneighbour and havingapositiveimpact in the communities where we operate, andthis projectwill have ahugeimpact on the diverserange of wildlife that rely on canalsidehedgerows forfood and protection.”

Tributes to waterwayssupporter andactor TimothyWest

THE Montgomery Wa te rw ay RestorationTrust has paid tributetoits vice-president, actor TimothyWest, who diedrecently.

bridge in Shropshire Timand Pru supportedour fundraisingappeal, describingthe Montgomery Canal as oneof ourmost beautiful and historic canals.

Mr West,awellknown canalboat enthusiast,had visited theMontgomery Canal,whichisafocal pointofthe group, on anumberofoccasions and hadsupported th eg ro up’s fundraising appeals.

TimothyWest during avisit withthe Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. Thelateactorwas avalued supporter of thetrust.

Michael Limbrey, chairmanofthe Mo nt go mery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “Timothy West wasa greatfriend ofthe waterwaysfor so many years. Withhis wife,PrunellaScales, they cruisedmanyof ourwaterways and othersfurtherafield for the popular GreatCanal Journeys TV series.

“Their journeys showedwhy so many enjoy ourwaterways fortheir peaceand tranquillity,the heritage of locksand bridgesfroma pre-industrialage, andthe trees, plants andwildlife you can seealongany canal.

“Weweredelighted to welcome Timand Prutothe

Montgomery Canal with boat tripsat LlanymynechCanal Wharfand ona member’s unique steamlaunch, which Timlatertravelledon at therenowned Historic Narrowboat Festival at Braunston inNorthamptonshire.

“When we came to rebuildthe last blockedhighway

Theappealwas hugely successful and the newbridge wascompleted earlierthis year. Withthebridge finished,they continued to supportfundraising, asking fordonations to help our volunteers to reopen moreofthe canal towardsthe Welsh border:the derelict section we call the ShropshireGap.

“Our waterways have lostagreat supporterand we send oursympathies to Timothy’s family andfriends.”

PHOTO: JULIE ARNOLD, WATERWAY IMAGES

Leeds andLiverpool Canal lockdrainedforurgent repairsasfundraising appealcontinues

Essentialwintermaintenance is takingplacein theheartofLeeds citycentre.

ByLucy Wood

Builtinthemid-1770s at theendofthe canal basininGranary Wharf, LeedsRiver Lock 1was theeastern terminusofthe Leedsand Liverpool Canaland providedagateway for thepassage of goodsdownthe RiverAire, before goingonto east coastports.

It wasawarded GradeII*-listed status andprotection by Historic England in 1993due to itsarchitecturalandhistoric meritandisin aconservation area. The Canal&RiverTrustisdrainingthelockto enable repairstobecarried outtobothsetsof woodenlock gates,thelock floor,stopplank grooves, ground paddlesand thelockwalls.

DanTimbers,project manageratthe trust, is overseeingthe repairprogramme.Hesaid: “Built by hand about250 yearsago,ouramazinghistoric waterwaysrequireconstantmaintenance.The conditionandeffectivenessofthislockhas been deterioratingoverseveral yearsanditnowrequires urgent andimportantrepairstohelp reducethe lossofwaterfromthelock chamberwhich makes it difficultfor boaterstoraise thelevelsinthe lock andloses valuable waterfromthe canaltothe river.

“Takingplaceduringthe wintermonths,whenthe waterfront area will be quieter,weaim to minimise impactonthelocalcommunityand boatersand arekeentoreopenthe navigationandfootbridge as soonas possible.Weare hopeful that this projectwill be completed before Christmas.”

Thetrust hasstartedworkonawinter programme of importantrepair, heritage and conservationtasks at 159sites in Englandand Wales.

Atotalof129newlock gates, handcrafted inthe charity’sspecialistworkshops,willbeinstalled, whileother work includes masonryrepairsto centuries-oldbridgesand tunnels,worktofix leaksandpreserve waterfor navigation,and inspectionsofimportantageinginfrastructure. The charityisalsousing innovativetechniques andmaterials to make thecanalsstrongerand more resilient.

Spanning2000milesacrossEnglandand Wales(320milesin Yorkshire&North East region) anddatingbacktothe 18thcentury, thefree-to-visitcanalnetworkisbusierthan

ever,with10.3millionvisits everyfortnight and moreboatsthan at theheight ofthe Industrial Revolution.Thesehistoriccanals,including thousandsofcenturies-old hand-crafted bridges, locks, tunnels, embankments and aqueducts,needaction to ensurethattheyare notirreparably damagedbyclimate change,the CRThas warned.

Aspreviously reported,the charityhas launcheditsfirst campaign to raisemuch-needed supportinthe faceofthe rising costofrepairing stormand flood damage.Lastwinteralone,a successionof namedstormscausedalmost £10 millionofadditionaland unforeseenrepairs.

RichardParry,thetrust’schiefexecutive, said: “Britain’sageingcanalsarea national treasure,and while the canalnetwork is cherishedbytoday’s society,itisalsofacinga perfectstorm,withcosts rising and supportfrom governmentreducing.

“Asweheadintowinter, we arebracing ourselvesfor morecostlydamagefromextreme weather butalsoworking to make theseaged formertransport routes,andthewildlife they support, as resilient as possible.Our specialist teamsof skilledworkers and volunteers will be givinglonghours,carryingout heritage conservation works, andfighting to respond to the stormsthat arebecomingevermorecommon.

“Keepingthe canalsopen and safe requires millionsofpoundsand ayear-round effort.We aretalking to theGovernmentabout theneedfor anactivepartnershipandarecallingonpeople to donateandhelp us safeguardour canalsand rivers forthe future.”

Open Days

Insupportoftheappeal, abehind-thescenes open daywasheldatLeeds River Lock 1inNovember,whenvisitorssaw first-hand thework beingundertaken to keepthe canal open andalive.

Twomorewinteropendays aretaking placeatCaenHillLocks, ascheduled ancientmonument on theKennetand AvonCanalandoneoftheSeven Wonders ofthe Waterways,onFebruary8,andat the‘Stairway toHeaven’ Hatton Lockson theGrandUnionCanalonFebruary15 and16.

Findout moreathttps://canalrivertrust. org.uk/open-days-2024-25

An aerial viewofLeedsRiverLock1. PHOTO:CRT

GerryHeward: moving forward

Jonathan Mosse’smonthlylook at freightdevelopmentonthe inland waterways.

ONCE raised,the twopans –mentionedatthe conclusionof last month’s Part 1introduction to Gerry’scolourfuland varied waterwayscareer –weresoonmusteredbehindhisgirlfriend’s narrowboat that wasconvenientlypassing downstream.

The tow, soonoppositeBrentfordandtheGrand Union, wastaken up by asurprisinglyco-operative Shetland pony thathadtheaddedadvantage (and agility)of beingable to hop aboard when negotiatingtowpathobstructions!

Back at the rudimentarybasefor Gerry’sfledgling company –Springwell Farm,nearHarefield–thesetwo craft went on to form the backbone ofwhat might(inits earlydays) be described asanengineeringcompany,underthe name of the Tailored EngineeringPartnership,willing to undertakejobsthat others(sensibly) passed up! Includedinthis category were amobile200-seat grandstandfor apolo outfitand,inspired by the horse-breaking philosophyofthethenfamous‘horse whisperer’, acircularbreakingpen that,with flared sides,prevented the rider suffering kneecap injuries.

Ingenuityunquestionably aboundedinspades, evenifdirectedawayfromthe waterways. What Gerrydescribed ashis‘brainstorm period’was clearlynotlettingup, despitestill beingtiedinto academiaona part-time basisasadissertation supervisorandassignmentmarker.

By nowalimited company,Wood,Hall &Heward (asit hadbecomeknown)comprisedGerry,Tim Wood –discovereroftheoriginal sunken pans –and Charles Hall,who ownedSpringwellFarm. It wastime to move beyond ‘people turningupwith abroken thing’ to somethingofgenerallymoresubstance. Fortunately,this was1997andthe Fibreway Projectwas reallystartingtotakeoff. Tentatively launched in 1994,this wasa jointproject with British Waterwaystolay morethan300miles of

fibre-optic cable in the towpath, in afigure of eightconfiguration, linkingtheUK’smajor cities with Birmingham at thecentre. Following trials in Scotland,together with afew shortruns in the NorthWest andaround London, Telewest(acable TV company)agreedto buyand maintain anationalnetwork whichiswhereWHH managementsaw their break, asconventional equipmentwas toolarge and cumbersome to negotiateatowpath.

Acrane barge, atug and four67ft x13ft Dutchbarges soon joinedthefleet, which steadilyexpandedasa divestmentpolicywas thenrife throughout bothBritish Waterwaysand the EnvironmentAgency. Waterborne equipment wasdeveloped,largely thankstotheengineering

99, Horncastle,LincsLN9 6LZ

£28(Credit/DebitCard/Cheque)

£35(Credit/DebitCard/Cheque)

£42(Credit/DebitCard/Cheque)

skills of TimWood, upon whichtomount winches, handle cabledrums,cableducts andthe materials required to build manholes.

Whenneed andtime permitted, further vessels wererefurbishedandmodifieduntilthe fleet numbered closeon50craft:someconsiderable distancetravelledfromthe good officesofMr Papadopolis,theGreekowner of twosunken flats, who washappy to dispensewiththeminexchange fortheirpromptremoval!

Another outcomeofthepassage of timewas stricter Health &Safety(H&S) requirementsand welfareregulations outlawingtheonsiteportable toiletsinfavourof purpose-built welfarecabins that needed to be cleaned, servicedandcertificated, requiringtheirown dedicated barges.

Infrastructuremaintenance went on to largely supersedefibre-optic cabling, with barge-mounted HIABcranes mimicking eight-wheelgrablorries, enablingWHH to handlelock gate replacement andthelike. Largedatacentres startedtodemand their ownindependentmultiplepower supplies so cable layingdidn’taltogether go away,whileBritish Gas, NationalGridandThames Wateralsowanted alookin.

Despitethe2008 crash, construction work is asteadyearner with re-cladding apriority following the Grenfell Towerfire andthere is still theregular weekly Camden rubbish run featured in the May2023 issueof TowpathTalk WHH wastaken over in2019, leavingthe threepartners to focus onotherthings.Gerry hastaken ontheroleof chair oftheIWA Freight Groupwiththe stated missionof‘finding the rightsetof wordsthat

land withthe rightset of people’inpromoting the environmental benefitsofwaterwayfreight. Now72and retired, apartfromthe oddbit of H&S andconsultancywork, one thingthathasn’t gone away isthedelightful,25ftex-fishingboat, Beatrix,thathas been in Gerry’spossessionfor around 20 yearsnow.Theplanwas to complete her refurbishmentandmotor around Britain’scoast, puttingintoall thosewee harbours that onehas heardabout,but nevervisited.

So,Gerry,dorememberthat one shouldnever putoffuntil tomorrow,that whichone should be cracking onand doingtoday…

WHH’s Everton loadedwith excavated materialinLittle Venice bound for Powerday for disposal.

Gerry in the wheelhouse doorway of Beatrix.

CamdenMarket waste boundforPowerdaypassing KensalRise.

WHH’sEverton against thebackdropof abusyCamdenstreet sceneasit takes excavated materialtoPowerday.

MuseumFocus:Exploring ahistoric steamtugonanEssex quayside

NicolaLislevisitsthe80-year-oldsteamtug Brent,currentlymooredon theRiverBlackwaterin Maldon,Essex,and findsoutaboutambitious restorationplans

MALDON’Squay,The Hythe,wasonce abusy industrialport, home to thrivingboatyards anda fleetof bargestransportinggoods to Chelmsford and London. Todaythe remainingbargesare an iconic sightalongthe waterfront,andinsteadof carryingcargoestheyare nowusedfor boat trips and charteredcruises.

Sincethe1970s,thishistoricquayside hasalso beenhome to the steamtug Brent,the onlysurvivor ofthe Port of London Authority’spostwar fleetof steamvesselsandnowa popularattraction along thewaterfront.

Originallycommissionedbythe Admiralty for warservice, Brent wascompleted in1945 by Sunderland boatbuilder WilliamPickersgill& Sons,but just toolatefortheconflict.Instead,it wastakenon by the Port of London Authority(PLA) inthedredgingdepartmentatGravesend in Kent beforemovingtothe RoyalDocks inthe early1960s and spendingnearly adecade towing cargo-laden lighters fromships to thewharves.

Withthegrowthofcontainershippingduringthe 1960s,andthe subsequentdeclineof London’sdocks, much ofthe PLAfleetwasconsignedtothe scrapyard –allexcept Brent,which wasrescued in1971 by Ron and JanetHalland, afterextensive renovation, was the family boat formorethan20years.

During thistime,the Halls took Brent to boat ralliesand steamboatfestivalsaround theUKand cruised twice to the Netherlandswhere,in1984, theytookpartinthe Medemblik SteamFestival. Brent alsoappearedinthe ThamesClipper Regatta

in1975and QueenElizabeth’s Silver Jubilee celebrationsin1977,as well as winningaBest KeptCraft awardfromthe LondonBorough of Greenwichin1973.

By the1990s though, Brent wasshowing itsage, andproblems withthe boilerbroughtits steamdays to anend.

In 2002 Brent wasmoved to its currentberth at CooksYard,The Hythe, the formerpremises of bargemaker WCook&Son.Sincethen, volunteers have been carryingoutongoingpreservationand maintenance.TheSteam TugBrent Trustwas establishedin2010 to ensure Brent’s preservation asanhistoricvessel,andJanet Hall donatedthe boat to the trustin2011.

Brent is regularlyopentovisitorsduringspring and summerforopen days,exhibitionsandother events,allgivinganinsight into its historyasa

workingtug andasafamilyhome andholiday boat.

Nowthetrustees have bigplans for Brent, includinganextensiverenovation programme to restoreittoworking condition, more visitor engagementwithexhibitions andboattrips,more communityinvolvement, and the creation of apprenticeshipsin steamand maritimeskills.

The trust’svisionalsoincludes buildingajetty and pontoon,enabling Brent to navigate away from its currentberth,and to add alighter barge to be used as ahubforthetrust. The latter will also reinforce thehistoricconnection between Brent andlighterbarges.

Allthis, ofcourse,will costa huge amountof money. Step forward the National LotteryHeritage Fund, whichinMay 2024grantedthe trust£97,488 in resilient funding, providinganinvaluablefirst step towardsits goal. Thisfundingwill enable trustees to exploretheirplansindetail,andensure that theyare fullycostedand sustainable well into the future.

Successful completionof this18-monthproject –whichendsinDecember2025– will hopefully be followedbyfurther fundingfromthe National Lotterytobring thoseambitious planstofruition.

Meanwhile,you cansee Brent at anytimealong thewaterfrontand findout more aboutthe boat,

Visitorinformation

Steam Tug Brent: The Hythe, Maldon, EssexCM9 5HN

Website: www.steamtugbrent.org

Times: Available to view fromthequayside atall times. Check thewebsitefor details of visitor opendaysand otherevents. Parking: Limited parkingatThe Hythe; several carparksinMaldonwithin walking distance. Details: www.visitmaldon.co.uk/ parking

Travel: Gettingthere:From M25,take junction28,follow A12toChelmsford, thenA414to Maldon.

forthcoming open days andthe work of thetrust. It’s alsoworth having astrollaroundthe historic quaysidewithitsinformation panels,fleetof Thames sailingbargesand severalcafesandpubs alongthe waterfront.Don’t missthe11thcentury St Mary’s Church,which stands high abovethequay. Knownasthe fisherman’schurch, itstower has guidedmanyasailor safely into port.

Close-up of Brent inher berthat Maldon. PHOTO: NICOLALISLE

Models of Brent in theexhibitionspace.

PHOTO: NICOLALISLE

Brent in steam, 1974. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDBY JANETHALL, STEAMTUGBRENT

Aftervisiting Brent,it’sworthtaking alook aroundTheHythe. PHOTO:NICOLALISLE

AllaboardforSanta cruises onCheshire’swaterways

ByLucy Wood

FatherChristmasandhis elves haveteamedupwiththe Canal &River Trustfor somefestive familyfun.

SANTAboatcruises aretakingplace at the National Waterways Museum,inEllesmere Port,andtheAnderton Boat Lift,inNorthwich, onall threeweekendsof December leadingupto Christmas, plus Monday 23and ChristmasEve.

At the National WaterwaysMuseum familiescan enjoya 45-minutetripalongthe ShropshireUnion Canal, fullof carols,games and stories,beforechildren areshown into amagical grotto to meet the man himselfand choosea

gifttotakehome. The fullexperiencecosts £11.50,orfor£8 children canenjoy thegrotto experienceonly. Tickets alsoincludeaccessto theWaterways Museum, historicboats,cafeand playground forthe day.

AndertonBoatLift and VisitorCentrewill runtripsalongthe River Weaver towards Northwich. Everyfamily will have the chance to pose with Santafor photosand each child over12months will receiveapresent. As an

FamousUKaqueduct

settobe Christmas filmandtoystar!

THE world-famous PontcysyllteAqueduct will make itsbigscreendebutin thenew Wallace &Gromit moviethis Christmas–and with yourhelpitcouldalso be anew Lego set.

Thenewfilm,Wallace &Gromit:Vengeance Most Fowl fromAardman Animations,isset to appear on BBConChristmas Day andthen Netflix.Itfeatures anaqueductwhichboaters believe ismodelledonthe 38metrehighstructurebuilt by ThomasTelford,which is aWorld Heritage Site.

It isunderstoodthe PontcysyllteAqueduct was oneof many that thefilmmakerstookinspirationfrom whendesigning thefilm.

And, withthefamous1785 structuretofeature on the bigscreen,itcouldalsobea new Lego setwhichyou can build yourself.Forthe toy brickset to become areality the publicneedstovoteforit onthe Lego website.

Iftheaqueductinthe newmovieismodelled on PontcysyllteAqueduct, its appearanceon TV andNetflix will boostthe chancesofthe Lego vote reachingthe magic10,000 whichmay seeitlikelyto become areality.

Fran Read oftheCanal &River Trustisdelighted withtheconnection,she said: “It’sgreat fun to see what ispresumably meant to be Pontcysyllte Aqueduct featured inthe newWallace &Gromitfilm –although I’mrelievedtosay that our regularboaters have amuch steadier handonthe tiller!

“Thisiconic structure wasbuilt by oneofBritain’s greatest engineers, so it’s onlyfittingthatitplaysa part inthis filmaboutoneof today’sbest-known fictional inventors. We hopethe film willinspiremoreboaters and visitorstocomeandcross the‘stream inthesky’, and supportour charitytokeep theseincredible placesalive.”

JamesAnelay,ofRoam and RoostCanal Boat Holidays, believes the aqueductfeaturedin AardmanAnimations film isthe Llangollen attraction. He said: “The canal aqueductthat appearsinthe trailercertainlyresembles it. Crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,which isthe highestcanalaqueductin the world, cancertainly feel alittlenerve-racking so Ican seewhy theywould choose that aqueduct. “Whetherit’s Pontcysyllte

extratreat before the cruise,familiescanalso join Santafor acooked breakfast, served in the caféfrom10am. Joint ticketsare available for£20 each or£12 (adult)/£15 (child) for thecruiseonly.

AniSutton,the Canal&River Trust’s destinationand attraction manager, said:“Christmasisa specialtime at both our wonderful waterway heritage museumand boat lift visitorcentre. Ourbrilliantteamsof

elves reallygototown withthefestivities, givingfamilies amagical experienceandaperfect starttothe Christmas celebrations.”

To bookticketsfor the EllesmerePort NationalWaterways Museumexperience on December21,22,23or 24,visit https://tinyurl. com/ellesmereSanta. To reservea seat on the SantaCruiseatthe AndertonBoatLift on December21,22,23or 24,visit https://tinyurl. com/AndertonSanta

Aqueduct or another canal aqueduct,I’m thrilled to seeour historiccanal networkgetting some much-deservedpublicity onwhat will surely be one ofthemost-watchedfilms thisChristmas.”

Thesix-foot Lego model of Pontcysylltehas beencreatedaspartofa communityartsprojectin Wrexhamandorganisers hope it willinspirepeople to visit thearea and vote for theproject.

Mark Evans,regional directorfor WalesatGlandwr Cymru, said: “Pontcysyllte Aqueductisoneofthetrue icons ofthe waterways, and the possibilityofitbeing addedinto Lego’s global collection with boththe historiclinksithas to this part of Walesand thepopularity Lego’s hasworldwide is incredibly fitting.

“Theaqueductdraws in thousandsofvisitorsevery year whocometosee this

captivatinglandmarkwhich carries theLlangollen Canal across theRiver Dee. We want people to getbehind thecampaigntosee it incorporated into the Lego’s collection.”

The modelof theUNESCO WorldHeritage Site is on displayatTyPawbin Wrexhamandneeds10,000 online votestosee itincluded as thefirst Welsh landmark intheworld-famous Lego’s collection. At presstimeit hadjustshortof400 votes.

IanBancroft,CEO at WrexhamCountyBorough Council, and UNESCO WorldHeritageSiteBoard chair,said:“Wrexhamhasa longhistoryofbeinghometo innovation,heavyindustry and manufacturing;the Lego’s factorywas amuchlovedemployerproviding jobsin the area fordecades.”

Themodelandthe miniaturised aqueduct hasbeencreated by Welsh-based@ Minibrickarchitecture, sometimes referredtoas Lego’s Banksy,whichhas createdseveralother Welsh landmarks.Whenithas finisheditstimeondisplay at Ty Pawb,itwill be part of Glandwr Cymru’slearning resourcesinthenew Education Resource Space nexttotheaqueduct.

To vote for Pontcysyllte Aqueductvisit theLego website:ideas.lego.com/ projects.Oncetheproject reaches10,000 votes, it will be reviewedbyLego expertswho willthendecide whether it becomes part of itsrange.

WHAT’SONINJANUARY

Ifyou want your event listed in ourfree monthlyWhat’sOnsectionemail your entryto editorial@towpathtalk.co.ukorusethe eventsformatwww.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Pleasecheck withorganiserswhetherthe eventisgoingaheadbefore settingouton your journey.

UntilJan6

Stafford riverway linkartefacts exhibition: The display of artefacts unearthedbySRL volunteers. Codsall Library(South Staffordshire District Counciloffices, WolverhamptonRoad, Codsall, Staffordshire, WV81PX)from Monday,November18throughout December, until Monday,January6.

January1

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice, Camden.MeetKing’sCross (meet by taxisign,nexttoPreta Manger) at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions,students and accompaniedchildren 16 andover £15;8-15£5; under8sfree. Prior booking recommended. Contact London Walks: 02076243978or email:london@walks.com

January5

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: Islington, Kingsland Road. MeetAngel at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions,students and accompaniedchildren 16 andover £15;8-15£5; under8sfree. Prior booking recommended. Contact London Walks: 02076243978or email:london@walks.com

IWALichfield: NewYear’sDay guidedwalk.

January14

IWANorthamptonbranchsocial meeting: TimCoghlan -Twenty yearsofTheHistoricNarrowboat

RallyatBraunston.2.30pm. Conference Room,1st Floor, The Boat Inn, StokeBruerne, NN12 7SB. Carparking and moorings are available,andthe meetingroomis accessible by ramp andstairlift. Allmeetingsare on thesecond Tuesdayofthemonth.

IWAChesterandMersey Branch: Talk by IanWilsonon the beginningofthe restorationofthe Montgomery Canal. 7.45pmon thesecond Tuesdayofthemonth. Holiday Inn, LowerMerseyStreet, EllesmerePort, CH652AL.

January17

IWALichfield: Waterwaysofthe Low Countries by John Pomfret.Darwin Hall, HeathcotPlace,Lichfield WS136RQ, 7.15 for7.30pm.

January19

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Limehouse, Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLRbycycle hire point) at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions,students and accompaniedchildren 16 andover £15;8-15£5; under8sfree. Prior booking recommended. Contact London Walks: 02076243978or email:london@walks.com

January22

IWAChilternBranch illustrated talk: TimLewis:London Canals. Batchworth Lock CanalCentre, 99 Church Street,Rickmansworth WD31JJ -Canalside meetinghall, start7.30pm.www.waterways.org. uk/chiltern

The Legomodel ofPontcysyllte Aqueduct which is claimed features in thenew Wallace &Gromit film, VengeanceMostFowland maybecome aLegoset youcan buildyourself.

PHOTO:LEONBOWEN

Braunston Marina

28thand 29thJune 2025

Artsbarge‘built with kindness’ takes shape

Plans to transform aformergrainbargeintoanartsvenue arewellunder way.SallyCliffordpoppedbytocheckprogress on thehistoric Selby Tony.

THEdelugefromtheprevious days’downpourshas to be dealt with beforetools canbeturnedtothe jobs in hand.Removingwater from thetarpaulin protectingthedeck housesoworkcan beginis nothingtothe hands-oncrew,consideringthe scale ofthisambitious project.

Watchingon, Hannah West,co-directorofthe scheme to transformthehistoric SelbyTony intoa publicartsfacilityinYork, talksaboutthiswonderful work inprogress.Consideringthisventure is being ledbyunpaidsupporters andvolunteers, many of them like Hannah jugglingthe work withfull-time jobs,demonstratesthe strengthofcommunityspirit and teamworkbythosewithasharedvisionofthe benefitsthisold bargeisgoing to bring. Thereisnoend date to thecompletionasfunding is sporadic. The work nowbeing carried outon thedeckhouseisverymuchthankstoa recent

crowdfunder whichraised £5000 forthe materials to make thenextstage oftheprojectpossible.

The bargeisearning itskeep, as Hannah explains theyhaveheld some pop-up eventsandhave partneredwithfestivals in York.Beingpartofthe eventsalsohelpstoraisetheprofileofthearts barge andwhat they aretryingtoachieve.

Hiddengem

“Wereallylikeitherebecause itisin aquiet corner anditismoreofahidden gem,”saysHannah, referring to the barge’slocationin the Foss Basin. Theaim, Hannahexplains,istobuildthedeckhouse roof,coverit withglassfibreandthenfitthedoors and windows.

Dryspells have been fewand farbetween of late and, anticipatingwinter, volunteersweremaking the mostofthe sunnySeptemberweather on the

Saturday morningwhen Ipopped by.

“Theplanistobuild itas much as we can beforewinterand put thetarpaulin back on, and inthespringstart finishingthe roofoff,” says Hannah. Thereare still some internal jobs to finish offandtheyare keen to installanaccessible lift,toiletand baby changingfacilities. “Thecrowningglory will be theaccessible lift,”saysHannah. Insteadofworking to atimeframe,Hannah

says theyare managingthe projectstepbystep. “Thereisnobodyworking on it that is getting

paid at all,”saysHannah,who appreciatesall the supporttheprojecthas receivedsofar.“It isall built with kindness.”

Thetransformationof the SelbyTony is awork inprogress,but seeingthe volunteersatwork –ona weekendwhen many mayhaveother commitments –demonstrates howtheprogress and, ultimate completion,of thisprojectis very much alabouroflove.

“Ithastaken so long–weboughtitin2013 and we arenow in year11 butitwould be folly

manufacturer) in Selby. The103ft longbarge waspartofa smallfleet of barges built to carry animalfeed,grain and other goodsbetween Hull, Goole,Selby, Leedsand York.Hannah explainsthe barges were all namedafter the children of thecompany’s area managers.

Theart therapist says theywere looking fora base for theirarts projectand turned their attentions to afloating venuetotakeadvantage of the riversetting. Hannahexplainsoneof

thefoundermembers hadexperience of running abusiness on aboatand, withthe helpof agrant, they were able to purchase SelbyTony.

It wastugged from Waddingtons in Swinton, from whereitwas purchaseditandwhere it underwent someof the work in drydock, to York whereithas remained, apartfromitstime at HirstBoatbuilders in Knottingleywhenit underwent steelwork.A crowdfunderwas setupresulting inthe£15,000 required to insulate thebarge,but only afew events took place due to the Covidlockdown.

Hannah says momentumisnow picking up and theyare lookingforward to making further progress. to saywhenthiswill be done by,” says Hannah.

Smallfleet

SelbyTony wasbuilt in1957 by Dunston’s shipyard in Thorne andcommissioned by BOCM(British animalfe ed

“Peopleare rocking up andputtingthe time in –it’swhat they do for fun,”saysHannah.

To getinvolved with the projectortofind outmorevisit:www. artsbarge.com or search Arts BargeProject on Facebookor @artsbarge on Instagram.

TheSelby TonyartsbargemooredintheFossBasinin York. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

Thedeck housecurrently underconstruction.

Hannah West,who ispart of theteam involvedinthe arts bargeproject.

The arts bargeis acreative place forthe community. Theperformance space withinthearts barge.

Afamily ownedmarinasetinrural Worcestershire, butminutes away fromthe M5, givesallboaters great travelopportunities.

The238berthmarinaislocatedontheDroitwich Canals, ideally situatedfor greatcruisingalbeit forashortbreak orlongholidays.Itiswithineasy walking distanceofthe Spa Town of Droitwich.

Thismarinaoffersyou

■ Securityfor youand yourboat

■ Fulllengthjetties,inanon flood environment

■ Firstclassfacilities,including luxuryshowerblockand launderette

■ ShopandChandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout,Diesel,Water

■ Boat Blacking options available

■ Hardstanding,ServiceArea, andCranage Padfacilities

■ Calor GasStockist

■ CaravanMotorhome CLsite Amarinathatoffers

Blisworth Marina

Discoveryourdreamlifeonthewater withLakelandLeisureEstates

Imaginethe freedom of cruisingthe waterways, exploring scenic routes and embracing atranquil life on the water.

Whetheryou’redreamingofyourfirst narrowboat, readytoupgrade toa

spaciouswidebeam or after acustom build,wecan helpyou make ithappen.

TattenhallMarina,Cheshire

SEEALL BOATS available here

We’ll evenhelpyou find theperfect mooring to suit yourlifestyle!

With brokerageservices available at our marinasand partnermarinasUKwide our expert team will guide youthrough every step of theprocess,ensuring you find your dream vessel.

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Ournationwide marinasareset against breathtakinglandscapes andcome equippedwithexcellent facilitiessuchaselectric andwaterhook-ups, secure parking,and more -all managedbyour friendly,professional team, and competitivelypricedtoboot!

Asanannualmooreryou’ll qualify forour RewardsClubandenjoyexclusive perks,from discountson luxurylodgestays anddelightful dining experiencestoexcitingadventures across our portfolio.

We also offer annual moorersthe flexibility to Roam Free™acrossall our UK-basedmarinasatnoextra cost.

Love whereyoumoor,andenjoysomuch moor withus!

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

•250berthslocated on river Avon

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•LakelandLeisure boatbrokerage T: 07714095005

E:shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

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•248berthslocated on Kennet &Avoncanal

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T: 01380827062

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NORTHWICH QUAY

• 50berthslocatedonriver Weaver

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Land For Sale

Plotofland 1/3 ofanacre -Freehold Off Bakers Lane,KnowleSolihullB938PT.

Situatedonthenontowpathsideofthe GrandUnionCanal,against a1 metre depthof Water and concreteplinth.

In apicturesquelocation,suitablefora varietyofuses(subjecttothe necessary consents)with gatedaccess froma privatedriveway,and walkingdistance from acountrycanalsidepub. Electricity andwateronsite.

£90,000nooffers

156950

Ourboatyardfacilitiesarelocated canalside, on the main lineoutsidethe Distillery

SherborneStreet,BirminghamB168DE 0121 4556163 /01214545367 www.sherbornewharf.co.ukor email@sherbornewharf.co.uk

Primemooring’s in the centre ofBirmingham’Canalsystem. Securesite, withallservices available,andeasyaccess to thelivelycityofBirmingham. Just a2 minuet walk,tothe fantasticnightlifeofRestaurants,clubsandbars, Placesofinterest, theInternationalConvention Centre,also knownastheICC, off the famousboardstreet,inBirmingham,thenewlibrary, the Cresenttheatre, TheIkon galleryforart, alljust ashort walk away,3-4 minutes, Allpublicservicesareavailablefromthestreetsoutsideand youcanjumponthetram fromBoard street.Wolverhampton,or to newstreet.Thechoiceisyours. Mooringinsherbornewharf, isquietandpeaceful,withlong term residents,whohave establisheda life here in theMarine. We areanestablished Company, whohave been hereinBirmingham forover30yrs,friendlyneighbourswhoget togetherandenjoy summereveningsonthe towpathsocialising,sharingtheeveningsunand adrink, responsibly, Service’sare basedonthemainlineoutsidethe roundhouseandDistilleryPub,witha smallchandlery, coal,diesel, Gasandpumpout availabeon adailybasis,pleasenote pump outsarenotallowedafter 11.30am,thefacilitiesaresmallbutcansupply you withwhatyouneed.

We have noonsite parking,howeverparking canbefound,torentwithintheaccess to thesiteand aroundthe Marinaprivately.

Boat services,wehaveadry dock that canbehired,forblacking,surveys,ormechanical work required.Wehavethe contactforboatsurveys’gas inspectionsand repairsshouldtheybe required.

ANCHOR YOURRATE

Continue to cruisewithoutthe worry of cost increases, all whilereceiving the:

SAME PrivilegeSchemeoffers anddiscounts

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With premiummarinafacilitiesand fantasticlocations,wehavetheperfect placefor youand your boat. Getonsiteaccess to premiumfacilitiesand awarm,friendlyboating community at our narrowboatmarinas,basedon theRivers Thames, GreatOuseand Wey.

Allideal fornarrowboats,widebeams, bargesand rivercruisers, wewelcome everyone to start or continueyourboating journeywithTingdeneand freezeyour mooring tarifffor up to twoyears.*

Contactustoday to seehowwecanhelp youcutthecost of boating.

HillFarm Marina

SouthStratfordCanal

The View Restaurant is now fullyopen www.theview-eat.co.uk

• •Enjoyprivate access to atraditional 200acrebeefandsheepfarm

• •Dogsrunfreeindesignatedareas.

• •Watch thechangingseasons,thewildlife and theanimalsonthe farm

• •Enjoythe completepeace,freedomand tranquillityofbeinginthe countryside

• •Accesssome greatlockfreecruising forday trips,weekend orlonger voyages

• •Easyaccess to motorwaynetwork, busesand trains

• •Onsitelaundry,Hairdressers

• •Membersbenefit with adiscountatour popular Restaurant

It goeswithoutsaying....

• •A secureplacetomoor yourboat,andpark yourcar

• •Luxuriousshowers,communalareas, pump out andfueletc.

• •FreeunlimitedWIFI

• •Electricityand water connections

• •Pump-out,fuel,coal,woodandgasavailable

Pleasewatch theprogress www.hillfarmmarina.co.uk emailinfo@hillfarmmarina.co.ukorcall David on 07971118953

HAREFIELD MARINA HAREFIELDMARINA

Bridge 180, GrandUnionCanal, Harefield UB96PD Tel:01895822036 muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Facilitiesinclude:-Chandlery -Slipway (up to 65ft) -Covered wetdock -Waterandelectric points -Diesel -Pumpout -Boat sales/ brokerage -Engineinboard/ outboardrepairs -gasandcoal

EASTMIDLANDSBOATSERVICES -WILLOWMOORINGS

Moorings Availablefor cruisers andnarrowboats at £4.60perfoot,permonth. Residential moorings availableat £325.00permonthfor Narrowboats only. Poweredslipwayforboatsupto40foot anda secondslipway for small boats. Slipway can behired for DIYworkorweoffer services for Antifouling, Painting and General Servicing. We also havea BoatSafetyExaminer on site.

Locatedonthe A6, adjacent toTheOtterPublic House. 01509672385

www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk Kegworth, DE74 2EY

FULLYSERVICEDCRUISING ANDRESIDENTIALMOORINGS ANDFULLBOATYARDSERVICES

•Iver(SloughArm)andNortholt (Paddingtonarm)

•Securesiteswithprivateparking

•Deliveryofgas,solidfuelanddiesel directtoyourboat

•Electricity, water,elsanandpumpout

•Showersandlaundry

•Chandlery

•Mechanical,electrical,andcarpentry workundertaken

•Craning,gritblastingandblacking

•Two partepoxyhulltreatment

•Fuelpolishingservice

sales@high-line.co.uk 01753651496 www.high-line.co.uk

FORSELLERS

•Freemoorings

•Saleslocationwithestablishedfootfall

•Open 6days /week

•TradePlatesforunlicensedcraft

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FORBUYERS

•Freeguidanceandadvice

•Comprehensivehandover

•Secureclientsbankaccount

•ABYAqualifiedbrokeragestaff

•Industrystandarddocumentation

PRIVATEBUYER’SSERVICE

•Ifyouarebuyingprivately,wecanoffer thefollowingservices:

•Advice on allaspectsofpurchase

•Provisionofdocumentation

•SecureClientsbankaccount

•Bespokeservice –asmuchoraslittleas youwant,pricedaccordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk 01753652502/ 07860480079 www.vcmarine.co.uk

Telephone01543414808/07824848444 office@streethaywharf.co.uk www.streethaywharf.co.uk

BottomBlacking |FullDIYserviceavailable 3dayslip,undercoverplus3000psihotwash£350

Seagoing Saildrives Inland WaterwaysMarineGeneratingSetsSpares &Support

36yearsofcustomercentredfocus,listeningto needsanddeliveringlongtermvaluesolutions. Specialistsincustomeradviceandsupportatall pointsof aproductslife.

Superbafter-salesserviceviaournetworkof approvedengineinstallersandsparesstockists.

14to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithmechanicalorhydraulicgearboxes.Full hydraulicdriveoptionavailable.

Supersilentacoustichousings,3.5or5.0kVAtravel powerandbowthrusteroptionsavailable.

REDUCECO2 BY90%! Compatibleforcontinuoususe withHVOfuel.*

IfotherFAMEbiofuelsareusedormixedwestronglyadviseuseofouralternativefuelkit option.Availableforneworretrofit-abletoexistingengines.

5yearself-servicewarranty,recreationaluseonlyterms &conditionsapply.

43to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithsingleortwin48vhybridelectricdrive motor/generator(s).

NEW Beta14E-Drive,14kWconstantelectrical propulsionpower.

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Needa Survey or Boat Safety Examiner? BOBHURST

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&Timbercraft

Ultrasonic Testing

PhoneChrisHolmes 07860 254369 01784464899

surveyors@cetecmarine.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

AreasCovered 10,12, 13,14, 15

Services

isanindependentcompanyproviding professionalandcomprehensivesupport servicestoNarrowboatsandInland Waterwaysvessels.

BasedinNorthamptonshireweare ideallyplacedtoofferourservices.

Ourservicesinclude:

•Hull condition, Pre-purchase,Insurance and Valuationsurveys. (AccreditedYDSAmember)

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Northamptonshireand surroundingareas.

AREACOVERED:5,6,8,9,10,14 07903945196

boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

RHYSKILLIN

Tel07748861795 rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

All classesofvessels examined Landlords’GasSafety Certificates Caravans,RV’sand domesticproperties MARK EDWARDS MABSSE Boat Safety SchemeExaminer

Tel07970384047

Areascovered:2,4,5

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• No travellingCharges- Allareas coveredNorthamptonbased 01604858868 07944856351 info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

Over25yearsexperience onthe inland waterways MarineSurveys &BSS Examinations For aCompetitiveQuote &PromptService

PHONE/TEXT: 07860943714

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BasedBridge69 Trent& Mersey Canal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

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•Fullpayment on completion only

•Minimaldepositrequired to secureorder

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•Offers forassociatedmarinasand boatbuilders

•ExceptionalCustomer care

• Full vehiclefleet so warrantyworkisquicklyaddressed

•Our ownrange of after-market covercare

•Paymentplansnow available

“DesignandCraftsmanship to be proudof.“

The Ullmate Hull Proteclon Solulon

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Thislatest heater is now in stock. 4.3kWoutputandonly 1.3kWatlow,ideal for narrowboats. Kitsfrom£1795.00

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Maritime VolunteerService royalpatron,HRHPrinceMichael of Kentand MVS presidentAdmiral Lord WestofSpitheadpicturedwithguestsatthe service of thanksgivinginLondon. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

MaritimeVolunteer Servicecelebrates 30 years

THEMaritimeVolunteer Servicemarkedthree decadesofhelp to communitiesandvitaltraining with acelebrationin London.

More than100 MVS guestsandmembers gathered at All Hallowsbythe Tower, theoldest church intheCityofLondon,for aspecial thanksgivingservice.

The service,whichbrought togethermore than100distinguishedguestsfromindustry, government, parliament, localgovernment, port and harbourauthorities, maritime organisationsand MVSvolunteers from across theUnitedKingdom,was attended by MVSroyal patron,HRHPrince Michaelof Kent and MVS president, Admiral Lord West of Spithead.Also in attendance wasthe theLordMayor of London, AldermanProfessorMichael Mainelli,who duringthe servicewasinstalledbyLordWestas the MVS honorary regionalcommodore forthe CityofLondonand widerRiver Thames area.

MVS is arecognised national maritime

trainingand communityresilienceorganisation foundedin1994afterthedisbandmentofthe RoyalNaval AuxiliaryService(RNXS). It has20 activeunitsaroundthe United Kingdom and providesnauticaltrainingtonationallyand internationally recognised standards.Italso serveslocalcommunitiesespeciallyintimes of need oremergencyandtakes part in resilience exercisesbothashoreand afloat.

The serviceofferedafittingtribute to the MVSvolunteersand theworkthat thecharity hasundertakenin safeguardingourcoastaland inland waterwaysoverthe past 30 years.

Lord Westsaid: “Allofthe successesand achievements overthe past 30 yearswouldnot have been possible withoutthededication and skillof ourvolunteers. Eachand everyoneof you who hasansweredthe call to stepupand serve deservesourthanksandgratitude forthe role that youhaveplayedand will continue to play inthe serviceofour cause.”

Aquavista scoops regional businessaward

THEUK’slargest marina operator Aquavista wonthe Lloyds Small to Medium Sized Businessofthe Year Awardat the Lloyds BritishBusiness Excellence Awards.

The LBBE Awards is theUK’s largestandmostprestigious businessawardsprogramme that celebrates thecreamofthecrop in Britishbusiness. Smalland medium-sizedenterprises(SMEs) accountfor morethan5.5 million businesses in theUKand are responsible for theemployment

of60%of the UK workforce.

AquavistaistheUK’s largest marina operator with 29 marinasinlocations across England, five ofwhichare coastaland24 areinland.The marinasofferresidentialand leisureberths,nationwide boat sales,floatinghomesand marine services.

AquavistaCEOSteve de Polo said: “I am incredibly proudof what ourcompany andall our fantasticpeople have achieved to helpus receivethis level of recognition. This awardis atestamenttoour collective hard work,dedication and commitment to excellence. While Imight have pickedupthe trophyatthe eventlastnight,it trulyisfor us all. I’dliketothank ourcrewfor their continuedhard work as we create abusinesswe canall be proudof.”

The latest awardcomes after the company wontheEast Midlands BusinessMasters 2024 MediumSized Business of the Year award.

BlackPrincestrikessilver at national travel awards

MIDLANDScanal boat holiday company BlackPrince Holidays scoopedasilver awardatthe prestigiousBritishTravel Awards–votedfor by thousandsofmembers ofthe public.

BlackPrince, whichis headquarteredonthe Worcester& Birmingham canalinStoke Prior,was aprizewinnerinthe Best Company forUK ShortBreakscategory, gainingsilverinthesmallcompany classification.

The awards celebrate excellence acrossthetravelindustry, with 400,000members ofthe public castingmorethan1.2million votes inthis year’s event.

BlackPrinceoperates narrowboat holidaysfromnine basesacrossthe UK,inspiringguestsfromtheUK,US andacrossthe worldtoexplorethe UK’scanalnetwork.

Leighton Jones,Black Prince Holidaysdirector, said:“We’re incrediblythankful to everyone who votedforusintheseawards, especiallyasitwas the first year we have taken part.Thisunderlinesthe incredible hard work from ourteam throughout the year,aswestriveto providethe very best canalholidays for guestsfromtheUK andbeyond.”

In 2024thecompany launched new boatsfromits popularSignature Range, createdatits boat-building facilityatStoke Prior.

BlackPrincealsoannouncedthe launchofabrand-new boat stylefor 2025,withaninnovativedesignthat willshowcaseanewinteriorlook and layout to addextraspaceand conveniencefor guests.

Boatbrokerage marks 30 years inbusiness

ABNB Boat Brokerage, oneof theUK’s leadinginland waterwaysbrokers,is celebrating30years in businessthisyear. Since its founding in 1995,ABNB has offered brokerageservices to buyers and sellersalike from its base at NorthKilworth Marina in Leicestershire.

Emma Green, managingdirectorand co-owner,said:“Reaching30years isa tremendousmilestoneforABNB.Itreflects notonlythe trustand loyaltyofour customers butalsothe dedication of ourteam, all of whom Iwouldliketothank,bothpastand present, in providinga first-class service.

“Aswelooktothe future, we areexcited to continue growingand evolvingwhile stayingtruetothe valuesthat have made ABNB what itis today.”

To mark itsthree decadesABNBwill be hostinga series of celebratoryevents, offersand discountsthroughout 2025. The festivities will kick off this monthwitha generous30% discountonbrokerage fees (terms andconditionsapply),available throughoutthe month.

ABNB Boat Brokeragespecialisesinthe brokerageofnarrowboatsandwidebeam vessels from allaroundtheUK, providingexpert guidanceand apersonalapproach to boat sales.

Pictured fromleft are: Alex Turner,managing director, TheBusinessDesk;DeborahHunt, Aquavistasales and marketing director; Steve de Polo,Aquavista CEO;RossFaith, Aquavista chief finance officerand PhillippaBaileyfrom FreemanClarke, whosponsored the category.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

LeightonJones,secondfrom right,and the Black PrinceHolidaysteamcollecttheirBritish Travel silverawardfortheBestCompanyfor UK ShortBreakscategory.

TheBritishMarinestandwasbusywithplentyofvisitors.

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Going Dutch: Metstrade2024

Eachyear,thegreatand thegoodofthemarineindustrygather at the RAICentreinAmsterdamtoexhibitthelatestequipment forthemarine industry. PhilPickinvisitedto seeiftherewasanythingofinterest to waterways users.

THEmove away from fossilfuelsaffectsalmost everyaspectofourlives, andthe marineindustry isnodifferent. However, aftera longbreakfrom attendingthe Metstrade eventinAmsterdam,the industry’s move towards decarbonisationwas particularly evident. This move wasnotonly apparent on the exhibition stands but alsoreflected inthe aw ardsand commend at ions presentedatthe DAME Design Awardsfor marine-related design, whichwereheldduring

the event.

Forthosewho’veneverheardofMetstrade(often referredtosimplyasMets),itis said to be the world’s largesttradeexhibitionfor equipment,materialsand systemsforthegloballeisuremarineindustry.The eventisorganisedbyRAIAmsterdam in co-operation

wi thICOMIA

(InternationalCouncil of Marine Industry Associations)and hasa target audience of yacht bu ilders, naval architects,refit yards, distributors, dealers, wholesalers, captains, marina ownersand marine equipment ma nu fac tu re rs worldwide. This year,theshow received 31,824visits from19,779unique visitors, whichwas a6% increase on the2023 event. Thesevisitors came from134 countriesand, buoyed

by theincrease invisitor numbers, theorganisers arelooking to expandthe 2025 eventbyadding another10,000 square metresof space.The2024 eventwasthe36thshowand attracted almost 1600 exhibitorswith245ofthosebeingnewforthe 2024 show.Itissadly ironic that theMetstrade event

came aweekaftertheannouncementofthe cancellation ofthe BoatLifeexhibitionatthe NEC. Despitethetarget audiencesofthesetwo events beingdifferent, it wasnonethelesssad to learnthat alltheplanstheorganisershad forBoatLife were to come to nothing.

Mets is theplace whereyou arelikelytosee for thefirst timetheproducts youmight well seeon offer laterinthecoming season. It’s alsothe place wheremanufacturerslooktobuild relationships with retailers,soitcan sometimes providean indicationastothe latest trends in the market.And thisyear’strend, if therewas one,was towardsthe nextgenerationofmotorsfor awide rangeofboats. The number andthe varietyofelectricmotorswere significant. Fromsmalland compactmotorsthat produce,insomecases,manyhundredsof horsepower, through to tiny andcompactelectric outboards. In fact,onlyacouple of standsexhibited petrol outboardsatall.

With someoftheshowbeing dividedintocountry pavilions,itwasunsurprisingthattheBritish pavilion, whichhad 36exhibitors, washeadedbytheBritish Marine stand,whichfrequentlysaw largenumbers of visitors, so it wouldseemtherewasplenty of interest in ourmarine sector.BetaMarineand Wave International were just twoofthe familiar names who were promotingtheirproductstoaninternational audience.LesleyRobinson,CEOofBritish Marine,said: “Metstradeisanunmissable eventfor ourmembers. It’s theidealplatformfor themtoconnect with key internationalstakeholders, forgenew partnerships and drivebusinessgrowth. This show is critical for the industryasitbringstogether the latest marine equipment, technologiesandtrendsfromacrossthe world, making it ahubofinspirationand opportunity.”

Sadly,despitethe locationof the eventbeingso closetothefamous canalsof Amsterdam, theinland waterwayssectorseemedtobeunder-represented. Yes, there were many differentproductson showthat could be used acrossa number of boat types, but there didn’t seem to be anythat were specifically aimed at thewaterways sector.Products like new toiletsfromThetford,electricmotors from ePropulsion andthe latest in on-the-water clothing from Henri-Lloyd were onshow.

Metstradealsoincludesthe DAME Design Awards,highlightingthe most outstandingmarine technology designs. In therunning were anumber ofBritish companies,includingGNEspace Galley SolutionsLtd,Cyclops Marine Ltd, Garmin, Raymarine,Henri-Lloydand Flexiteek. Sadly,none of theseweresuccessfulbut it wasencouragingto seeanumberofelectric propulsionunits gaining awards andspecialmentions.

Despitethe many yearssince my last visit,the main aimof Metstrade continues to be networking andnow that is beingdone against thebackdropofa changing world, one in whichallareasofmanufacturinghave to change.With2025 beingAmsterdam’s 750th anniversary, it would be nice to seemoreofspecific interest to thewaterways community.Itremains to be seen if this will come to fruition.

Visitorsarrivingat the RAIin Amsterdam forthe openingofMetstrade 2024. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Plentyoftechnicalequipment on showto visitors. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Anew25kW Combihybridunitonshow. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Comingtoa marina near you, anew style recharging point. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Oneofanumberof small butpowerful electric motorson show. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Metstrade seenfrom above. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

EnergisingBritain’s waterways

PhilPickinattended aninterestingandoccasionally entertainingBritishMarine Midlandsannualmeeting.

WORCESTERSHIRE

County CricketClub once againplayed host to theBritish Marine Inland Conferencein mid-November. The annual eventwas sponsored by Haven Kn ox -J ohns to n, Barrus, Hoseasons, ProMarine Finance, Aqueduct Marina, WaterwaysHolidays andInlandand Coastal Marina Systems with theaimofbringing together amixof industryleaders, decision-makersand stakeholdersfor aday ofnetworkingand discussions.

More than 100 attendeesrepresenting 57 co mp an ies attended withtheaim of highlighting “the growingmomentum within theinland boatingindustry”.

Themed Energising Britain’sWaterways, it featured an agenda of keynotespeeches,

expert presentations andtailoredbreakout sessionscovering awide rangeof subjectareas.

Theconference includedtheBritish Marine Midlands AGMand ajoint British Marine Inland Boatingand Inland BoatbuildingAGM.This also sawthedissolution of bothassociations to formthenew British Marine Inland Association.

Speakers included Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, alongside Richard Parry,CEOofthe Canal&RiverTrust andAndrewPearce, deputydirectorofasset managementsystems at theEnvironment Agency.Theyshared updatesonindustry de ve lopm en ts, includingthe latest regulatory changes, de ca rb oni sa tion initi at ivesand opportunitiesfor

growth acrossthe inland boatingsector. Themorning’s Navigation Authorities Update featured presentationsfrom Gareth Stephens (Canal &RiverTrust) and Julian Kennard (EnvironmentAgency), providinginsightsinto thefutureofwaterway management. While NigelStevens,from ShireCruisers,delivered an interestingsession entitled Jeopardy:For Canals –OrFor Boating Businesses,which focusedontheCRT’s funding shortfalland the importance to the industry ofCRTbeing able to fillthefunding gap. Nigelexplored the CRT’suse of jeopardy to gainmore donations, buthealsopointedout thedelicatebalance required,notingthat suchtechniques could risk unintended negativeimpactson the industry.

Decarbonisation

Ed Tuite, head of technicalatBritish Marineand JonWhite, general managerofThe Ya chtHar bour Association (TYHA), concludedthemorning sessionscoveringa wholehostoftopics, includingthe new and revised ISOstandards beingdeveloped, up date son de ca rb onis at ion acrosstheindustry and guidance on lithium batteries. Theafternoon breakout sessions provideddelegatesa chance to divedeeper into topics,manyof whichhad been outlined by theearlier speakers.Subjects includeddigitisingthe hireboatexperience, majorcraftconversion andother regulatory clarifications,aswell as theupdatesonthe redraftedTYHA Code of Practiceandthe

latest on VAT implicationsforthe inland sector.Ross Wombwell (British Marine consultant),Ed Tuite(British Marine), JonWhite(TYHA)and JimSuswain(PKF Francis Clark) ledthe sessions, many ofwhichsparked ‘lively’ discussions amongparticipants. The formalconference programmeconcluded with closingremarks from Robert Parton, presidentofBritish Marine,who emphasised theimportance of collaborationand innovation withinthe industry. Reflectingonthe event, Lesley Robinson, CEOofBritish Marine, said:“The British Marine Inland Conference remains acrucial platform forthe exchange ofideas, strategicdiscussionsand businessdevelopment. The strong turnoutand en th us ia st ic

Moreefficientsolar panelsunderdevelopment

THEREareanumberofobstacles to overcomeif boatownerswanttobe more independentwhenitcomes to generatingtheirown electricity. The UK’slackofsunshineiscertainlya majorproblem,asisalackofspaceon theroofoftheir boats, so to optimise the space available,efficientsolar panelsarethe waytogo.

Theproblemis,mostofthe solar panels currentlyavailableareonly around20-22%efficient, so to make anyappreciableamountofelectricity, youneedalotof panels -andwhen youhavea limited amountofspace, that canbeanissue.Soitwas good

to find outthat, accordingtosome newresearchpublishedinNature, monolithicperovskite/silicon tandem solarcells canachieve efficiencyofup to 34%.Thismay not seem alot,but whenitcomes to squeezingevery last bitofenergy outofevery panel, a14% increase is worthhaving.

Accordingtoreports,thisincrease in efficiency,ifusedina domestic settingofa rooftopinstallationona typicalproperty intheUK,would see a27%increase in savingson atypical electricitybill. Withfeed-intariffs being so lownow,the best waytomakefulluse of anysolarinstallationis to storethe

engagement at this year’s eventunderscore the indus try’s commitment to advancingBritain’s wate rw ay sa nd enhancing thevisitor experience.”

Knowledge

Paul Knox-Johnston–HavenKnox-Johnston, oneof theevent sponsors,commented: “Welovebeing here as part of this event. It’s well attended, so youget to seesomanypeople, andthereare so many greatopportunities for everyone to gettogether and shareknowledge.”

DanLewis of ABC

LeisureGroup added: “Theinlandconference isalways really useful, it’s aninformativeday that keeps allthe marina operatorsand businessesalike in the industry up to date with currentlegislation, any changesthatare on the horizon, so it’s alwaysa valuable dayfor all of us to attend.”

From themarina sector,Janet Morn of OverwaterMarinasaid theevent was“an enlightening and informativeevent bringingtogethermany colleaguesfromthe inland industry”.Phil LangleyfromAqueduct

Marina added: “It’sbeen good to listen to the EnvironmentAgency and Canal& RiverTrust to hear aboutthe challenges they are dealingwithand how they aredealingwith thesechallenges,and thetechnicalinsights. It’s good to be able to getan insightintowhere our industry is at,whatis coming down theroad and what everyone else isexperiencing.”

Another eventsponsor, Barrus’s Phil James,said: “Thisis aboutthe fourth time I’ve been to this event, anditgetsbigger, better andmore informativeevery year.”

energy and useityourself.Ifyou didthis usingthenextgenerationof panels,the savingscould rise from more than £550 peryeartomorethan£700.

As we know,the majority ofthe currentrange of solarpanelsis madefrom silicon. However, silicon’s efficiencyisapparentlylimited to 29%. So,toovercomethislimitation, scientists have stackedtwo materials on topofeachotherinaneffortto capturemoreofthe sun’senergy and convertitintoelectricity.This new sandwichusessilicon andperovskite materials,the latterofwhichissaid to have onlybeendiscovered20years ago, themainbenefitofwhich is its abilitytocapture lightinthe bluepart ofthevisible spectrum.

Efficiencies

Withenergy prices beingsohigh and climatechangebeingsuchan importantsubject,the scientific communityhas been puttingin asignificantamountofeffortto develop solarpanels with higher efficiencies,and it seems that their effortsarepayingoff. Butbeforeyou startbeating apathtoyourlocal chandlerytobuy thesenew panels,

scientificand engineering communitywill work hard to overcome theseissues.

it’s worthmentioningthat, as yet, thisnew technologyisonlyatthe developmentstage.A company calledOxford PV hasannounced thefirst sale of thesenew panels,but this is very much a‘work in progress’ situation.

In addition to the technical challengesofdevelopingthesepanels, thereare alsoissuesrelatingtothe materialsusedtomanufacturethem. Perovskite solarcellsaresaid to contain lead, carbon, iodine andbromine. Hardly environmentallyfriendly elements andtheirmanufactureis, at themoment, highly energy intensive. Buttheseare earlydays, andno

The primarymarkets forthese new panels will be fordomestic and commercial installations ttheywillundoubtedly become ailable to other markets as time goesby. Forwaterways usersthis could make all the differenceas itcould enable significantly more powertobegenerated from the panels ontheroof. More powercoupledwith better storagemay encouragemore ownerstoopt for electricpropulsion, as the combination could overcome thedreadedrange anxiety.If nothing else, when the nextgenerationof panelsdoesmakeittothe market andon to the roofof aboatnear you,itcould mean that theuse of supplementarygeneratorswill be reduced. Loweremissions andless noisemustbegood forall usersof the waterways.

Untilthen, we will just have to put up withthelessefficientbut more affordable panels nowonoffer.But with currentpanels lasting25-plus yearsand the currentrange ofdiesel engines lasting, in some cases, even longer, thereistimefor thenewpanels to enterthe marketplaceand,almost

doubtthe

more importantly, come down inprice.

A sizeable solar installation makingthemostof some good weather.

RobertParton,MD ofAqueductMarina and president ofBritishMarine, outlining thevarious breakout sessions onofferto attendees. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

BritishMarine MidlandsAGMinfullswing. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Jon White,general manager ofThe YachtHarbourAssociation (TYHA), hosting oneofthe breakout sessions. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Morethan 100 guestsattended the event. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Bestspringcanalboat holidaysfor2025

BRITAIN’S beautifulinland waterwaysare agreat place to visitinthe spring.Thecountrysideis burstingintonewlife,withblossomonthehedges and watersidetrees. Birdsare busy rearingtheir young, lambsare playinginthefields and bluebells flourishin waterside woodlands.

Drifters(www.drifters.co.uk)offers thechoice of more than500self-drivecanal boatsfrom40 locationsacrossEngland, Scotlandand Wales. All Drifters operatorsprovide hires with boat steering tuitionand canalboatholidays arepetfriendly.

Drifters haspublished aguide to thetopeight spring canalboatholidaysfor2025:

Travel along thepeacefulAshby CanaltoShakerstone

On aweek’sholiday fromDrifters’ Braunstonbase ontheGrand Union CanalinNorthamptonshire, boaterscanexplorethe beautifulAshby Canal. With nolocks, andmileuponmileofcountryside to enjoy,this peaceful 22-mile-long waterway passes thepretty town of Market Bosworthandthe site ofthe Battleof Bosworth Field.The journeyto Shakerstone andbackpassesthrougheightlocks (foureachway)and takesaround37hours.

Cruisethroughthe

ScottishLowlands to Edinburgh

FromDrifters’ base at Falkirk, EdinburghQuayis an11-hour,32-mile journeyalongthe UnionCanal, perfectfor aweekaway.The journeystartswith atripthroughthe world’sfirstrotatingboatlift, the FalkirkWheel. Boatersthen pass through two tunnelsand, soonafter,acrossthe magnificent Avon Aqueduct.Thenit’s onthroughthehistoric lowland villagesof Linlithgow,Broxburnand Ratho.Visitor mooringsareavailable at Edinburgh Quay,justa five-minutewalkfromPrincesStreetand many of the city’s topattractions.

Exploretheancient woodsatSkipton Castle

On ashortbreakfromDrifters’narrowboathirebase at Silsdenon the Leeds&LiverpoolCanalin West Yorkshire, boaterscantravel to thehistorictown of Skiptonin NorthYorkshire,withitsmedieval fortressandancientwoods to explore. The journey to Skiptonand back takesaround sevenhours,

travelling13miles withno locks. The routetakes boatersthroughthe beautifulAireValley.

GlidethroughtheBreconBeacons

Isolated fromthe main canalnetwork,the beautiful Monmouth& Brecon Canalrunsthroughthe Brecon Beacons National Park and offerscanal boat holidaymakers incrediblemountainviews. There areplenty of wooded sectionsfull ofthesound of woodland birds,and aseries ofhistoricvillage pubs to visitalongthe way. On ashortbreak from Drifters’ base at GoytreWharf,nearAbergavenny, boaterscan cruiselock-free to Llangynidr andback, passingthe Lion InnatGovilonandtheBridge End HotelatLlangattock.

DriftthroughprehistoricVale of Pewsey

FromDrifters’ base onthe Kennet& Avon Canal at Devizes, it takesaround20hours, travelling27

milesthrough53lockstoreach the historic town of Hungerford –perfect fora week afloat. Along the way, boaterstravelupthe spectacularflight of16locksinarow at Caen Hill and cruise through thebeautiful Vale of Pewsey,passing closetoprehistoricAvebury andalongthe edge oftheancient SavernakeForest, fullofbluebells in thespring. Once at Hungerford, narrowboat holidaymakers enjoy eatinginachoiceofpubs and cafes,andbrowsing in the town’s numerous antique shops.

BoattoBrewoodandback

the DeeValley,this incredible300-metre-long structureconsists of acastirontrough supported by 18 enormous pillarsand19 elegant arches.On reaching Llangollen, boaterscanenjoyvisitingthe town’s independentshops,pubs andrestaurants, as well as its SteamRailway andHorseshoeFalls.

VisittheoldmilltownofHebden Bridge From ourbaseatSowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, canalboatholidaymakers cantravelalongthe leafy Calder &Hebble Navigationthrough the Calder Valley to theold mill town of Hebden Bridge, wherethe BBC’spopular HappyValleydrama wasset.Climbing through woods, fieldsand small stone towns, the journey therecoversseven miles,passesthrough 10 locksand takesaround five-and-a-half hours– perfectfor ashort break. Once at Hebden,boaters canenjoy avariety of independentshops,cafes, restaurantsand pubs, as well as scenic waymarkedwalksinthe valley and the surroundinghills.

FromDrifters’boatyardatGailey on the Staffordshire& WorcestershireCanal,it takes aroundfivehours to reachthe historicvillage ofBrewood, withits half-timberedcottagesand Georgianhouses.The13-miletrip, whichpasses through just onelock,takes boatersthrough beautiful stretchesof Shropshirecountryside, and passesthe waterside Anchor InnatCross Green. On reachingBrewood,there’sa choice of pubs,restaurantsandtea rooms to sample somedeliciousfood,including the canalside Bridge Inn. The journeytoBrewood is perfect for arelaxingweekend away.

Float across ‘The Streamin theSky’

From Drifters’baseatChirk on the LlangollenCanalin NorthWales,the EisteddfodtownofLlangollen on the edge ofthe Berwyn Mountains canbereached on ashortbreak,with the WorldHeritage PontcysyllteAqueduct to travelacrossalong the way. Standingat38metres high above

Formoreinformation aboutDriftersboating holidayscall03449840322 orvisitwww.drifters. co.uk

Formoreinformationaboutvisitingthe canals go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Skipton Castledominatesthetown’s HighStreet. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD

ThestunningPontcysyllteaqueduct. PHOTO: JANETRICHARDSON

The awe-inspiringapproachtothe FalkirkWheel. PHOTO: JANETRICHARDSON

Winteronthecut

ByKevinThomas

SOMETIMESyou knowwhenwinterannounces itsarrival beforeyou have even steppedoffyour boat. Perhapsit’sanearly morningdustingoffrost or agossamer curtainoffog over thewaterand, although barely discernible,the silhouettesof moored boats.

Outonthe water, aloneblack-headedgull floats patiently,onlyitknowswhat it’s waitingfor…most likely,though,merelythe warmingraysofa late rising sun.

More noticeable,though,isthe chillfactor.Asa boat dwelleryou quicklylearn to dressaccordingly, and wisely;layersare the keyasyou embracethe cold weatherexperience with positive language such as “Isn’titinvigorating” or “Thisis whyI love winterssomuch.”Mostnarrowboaters arehardy folkand love nothingbetterthanabracingwinter walk along the towpath.

Asanamateurphotographer Iprefer winter to anyother seasonexcept, possibly,the golden hues of autumn. Shortdays, andthebitingcoldaside, mean gettingout alongthe towpathwithcamera in handis energising. The sheercontrastinthe canal’sconstantlychangingscenic panorama, following the avalancheof seasonal colourthat spells autumn,givesme adeeperappreciation of nature’sways.

Isee beauty in tree silhouettesstandingstarkat thefrozen water’sedgeorinaniced-overpound betweenlocks.A moored narrowboat coveredin frostadds asilentstatementtothe bigger story. By sharingthese photos,Ihopeitwill encourage morefolktoget outalongour beautiful waterways and canals.You don’t have to owna narrowboat to enjoyour waterways, thebeautyofthese sights and soundsareavailable foreveryone.

Happiness is mymoka pot

ByKevinThomas

EVERYnarrowboatshould have amoka pot, eitheronthe gascookeror atop the rawfuel stove… andespeciallysoona cold winter morning!

In 2014 we went to Sicilyfor our youngestson’sweddingandit was therethatIwasintroducedtoreally good espresso.Closefamilyhad teased howperhaps my love ofespresso was becauseour maternalgrandmother was Italian,although it hadnothingtodo withthat.Itwasall aboutlikingespresso. More interestingly,Isaw forthe first time what isuniversallyknown as amokapot. Somemonths later, for my birthday,I wasgiven amokapot.TherealMcCoy.For

twoyears thereafter,I wondered whythe espresso Iwasbrewinginthemokapot on ournarrowboatcookerwas so bitter. Icouldnot getmydouble-shot espresso brews to emulatetheexquisiteespressoI wasenjoyingatespressobars. Fora while IgaveupaltogetheruntilIeventuallydid some research andfoundtheanswer. Moka potstracetheir roots back to Italy,wherethey’reanalmostobligatory kitchen appliance.Simplisticasthey are,and lackingthe sophistication of atraditionalespresso machine,they certainlyget thejob done.Granted, perhapstheendproduct isn’t an espressointhetrue sense, and may not have thecrema or smoothness of abarista-style espresso;however,fora

Outoftheirbreedingplumage,during mid-November, black-headed gulls rest in apoundalongtheCaenHill Flight.

device that only usesheat andpressure, itdoesthe job.

To brew acoffeeusing amokapot:

1. Unscrewthe base ofthemoka pot, remove the basket andfill thebasewith hot waterjustoff theboil. Ensure thewater level doesnot coverthe valvewhich is situated in thesideof thebase.

2. Fillthe mokapot basket with groundcoffeeuntillevelbut not tampeddownorcompacted.I grind my owncoffeebeans to the consistencyofsand,and not too fine.Place the filledbasketback into the topofthe water-filledbase.

3. Screwthe topand bottom halvesof themokapot together, ensuringthere arenocoffee groundsonthe rim. Do not

overtighten, anddonotusethe pothandle to tighten.

4. Placethe potonthe cooker on alow to medium heat and keep the lid open. If usingagas cooker,ensurethe flameisn’t climbing up the sidesofthe mokapot.

6. Once theupper chamberisfilled with coffeeextract,immediately remove the moka potfromthe heat source,givethe coffeea gentle stir with ateaspoon, and then pour and enjoy.I usually have aglass of cold waterwith my mokapotespresso,aswater helps to neutralise the acidityin thecoffee.

7. Youcan buycoffee specifically formokapots,eitheralready ground or in roastedbeanform. Havingdecided to take my moka potcoffee drinkingenjoyment further,Imoved on from buying ground coffeeand purchased coffeebeans.

5. When the waterreachesalmost boilingpoint,turntheheat down.Atthispoint thehoneycoloured coffeeextract should already be flowing smoothlyout of thefunnelandinto the upper chamber. Ifit suddenlyspurts and splutters itis toohot and yourcoffeeisguaranteed to have abitterflavour. If this happens remove the potfromtheheat andruncold wateragainstone side of thebase. Ifthe tophalf is not yetfilledwithcoffee, place the mokapot back on the cooker butcontrol theheat.

bitter.

Anice warmingshot ofmokapot espresso. Agreat start to awinter’s dayaboard anarrowboat.

Eveninwinter the towpathsaffordan energising walk.

Periodically becomingice-bound goes with livingalong thecut.

Wheen s snoowfaalls s inwintterit t adds a surreeal beauty to life e aloong g the canal a and adjacent t to it t

Get readyfor 2025!

ByBenSutcliffe-Davies

BACKin2022, Iwas involved with aset of‘winterwebinars’ with HavenKnoxJohnson,givingloadsofusefulhintsand tips forwinterand spring preparation. If youhaven’t seenthem,you can find themonthecompany’s website or my YouTubechannel:The marine surveyor’s notebook. Spring won’t be far away nowand gettingafewimportant jobsdoneis agood idea.

Hull

If you thinktheunderwaterareasneed cleaningoffand re-blacking,now is certainlythe timetocall yourlocalyard and bookyourboatin.The lack of yard facilitiesonthe systemisnoticeable, with many ofthe yardsunderpressure and reportinga three-month lead time already,whichreallyhighlightstheneed for beingaheadofthe gamewhenit comes to maintenance.

Oneofthemostobvious cluesthat steelcraftneedssome TLCisfromthe developmentofwaterlinecorrosion. It’s oneofthe hardestareas to protect as steelhatesthefrequent andconstant repetitionof wetandthendry.If you arelucky,you maybeable to seethe conditionof your anodes too. If in doubt abouttheircondition youcanalways hang afew overthe side bonded into thehullwherefenderfittingsorlugsare locateduntil thecraft canbechecked outofthe water.

Many ownersare nowtakinghull protectionmoreseriously andare havingepoxy coatings appliedtoall underwaterareas.It’sessentialthe hull isdeep cleanedand back to bright metal beforeapplication. Epoxycoatingsare certainlyfar better,Ialsopreferwhen blacking to seethe base plates cleaned back andprotected. It’s very noticeable in my lineof work howtheissuesof steel qualityandthefactof so many craft

onthe systemusingshorepowerand generators arecausing some interesting platedamagethatcan be better protectedwithanepoxycomparedwith the moretraditionaltar coatings.

Engine

Hopefully, beforegoing into thedepths of winter,you have changedtheoiland ensured theantifreeze is of suitable strengthandnotmorethanthree years old. Doinga regularturning-overof theengineisalsoagreat ideaand

Here’sone oftheworst gas lockers Ifound; ithad abit ofply dropped in thebasetohidethe problem!

runningitfor agood 30minuteshelps too. Butwatch outforthedrivepulleys developingcorrosion beforeyou start, asthat canshred abeltinafewminutes.

Shaftandsterngland

Beforestarting to usethecraft in spring it’s always agoodmovetocheck the

shaft turnsfreelybefore puttingthe craftin gear,especiallyifshe hasstood at aberthfor some time.Every yearI deal withinsurance claims wherelogsor debris have tuckedthemselves into the back ofthepropellerand willdo some significant damage when the engineis engagedahead.

Generally,thereare twotypes of sternglands used:the traditionaltype with agland packingand greaserthat does need some regularattentionof greasing andoccasionalpulling down ofthe packinggland. Thisinitself can be an artbut careful pullingdownof thegland, once you understandhow it works, isn’t toohardtodo. Repackingis abit moreinvolved andideallyshould reallybedone in adockifyou aren’t sure what you aredoing!Preferablyget aprofessional to do itif youare unsure. Oneofthemostimportant things to knowabout stuffing glands isthat once repacked theydooften need abit ofan adjustmentinthe first 30 or so hoursof useastheywillneed to bedin. I’ve put apostonmyYouTube channel about thistoo.

Themorerecenttypeofglandisthe onethathas alip seal on theshaft; many ownersprefertheseastheyare generallymaintenance-freebut should nevertheless be replaced at around sevenyears of use. Some have abreather pipetoensurethe shaftstays cooledin thestern tube.Alwayscheck thehose and stern tube fittingisingoodorder andnot blocked! Some also have asmall DZRbrass ball valvethatshould again be checked. If itis very stiff or corroded, change it as soonas possible.

Engine compartment

Do checkthatthe deck drainage, guttersand overboardfreeingmethods areall in good orderand that yourbilge

RiverCanalRescue’ssolution to astickysituation

PROBLEMSassociated withthe storageofdieselfuel over winter have often caused boat owners numerousproblemswhenthe new season starts.Toovercome this,RCR hascomeup witha strategy that it hopes will help boatowners.

In abid to reducethe numberof casesofsticky fuel, RiverCanal Rescueisadvising boaterstochangetheir winter fuel storagestrategies.Sticky fuel is unrelatedtothe usual fuelcontaminantsand causes injection pump rackstoseize, fuelinjectorandfilterhead plungers to fail,andreturnlines to block.

RCRsaysacommon denominatorinall reported casesistheuseoffuel treatments.They arenot at fault, says RCR, buttheremay bea link betweenfueland chemical breakdownwhenthey’ve been stored forawhile.

Withfuel suppliersadvising dieselonlyhas ashelflife ofaround sixmonthsand chemicals startingtobreak down afterthistime,RCR is urgingboatersto takenotice of thisnewinformationandtake thefollowing action.

ManagingdirectorStephanie Horton says:“Over winter,where previously Iwouldadviseto fill

tankstoprevent condensation build-up,bestpracticenow is to leavethememptyandupon return,drain offany water build-up,treat theremaining fuelandthenadd fresh.

“Ifusing afueltreatment, givenwe know chemicalsstart to breakdownwithin sixmonths andwe believe this isoneof the contributingfactors,use it within sixto12 monthsof purchase.”

Identifyingstickyfuel

Oneoftheproblemsfor boaters istheabilitytoidentifysticky fuel, so to help boatersidentify this type offuelproblem, Stephanie suggeststheytake afuelsampleandleaveitina clearglass jaronawindowsillin

thelight. Initially, the fuel will be clear, butafter acoupleof days, if it is affected, it will go from cleartocloudy.

Shecontinues:“If youare worriedabout yourfuelor have symptoms consistentwith sticky fuel,doingthis test first mayprevent you from havingto dumpwhat’s in yourtank.”

Fuelremoval

If thereisanissue,RCR recommendsfuelremovaland disposal, usinga franchise company that removesthe ‘wrong fuel’fromvehicles, such as Fuel Doctoror Wrong Fuel,etc. Thesecompanies have largecontainersinvansand longhosesandcan attendthe

same day.Thecostis£150-£180, with20 litres offuel delivered, andmorecan be requested. Ifaccessibility is aproblem, RCRsuggestsusing aboatyard facilitytopumpitout.

Stephanie concludes: “Once thetank’s refilledwith fresh fuel, leaveany treatmentsfor awhile asfresh fuel appearstoclean any residuein thefuel system.Winns injector cleaner is also good at clearing signsofstickyfuelin thesystem, howeverinmost cases, thefuel will stillneed to be removed.”

Background

Back in December2020, River CanalRescuereporteda rise inthe numberof calloutsacross the UK forfuel-relatedissues, unrelated to the usual fuelcontaminants.

Engineersfound casesof seized injection pump racks withblockednozzles,fuel injectors andfilterheadplunger failures.Theculprit wasfuel that hadleft asyrupyand sticky residueinthefuel system, cloggingcomponents.

RCRreportedthat it was ‘contaminationnot seen before’, andfuelsamples taken from boatsweresentawayfor analysis.Bafflinglythe samples were clear–itappears theonly indicationofcontamination is

Typical lip sealsystemwitha breather valve.Watch the ageof the glandand regularlycheck the valve andhose condition.

pump and float switch both work. Likewise,it’sagood time to ensure that all isnice, clean, dryand well painted out, andthat batteriesareingoodorder and suitably fittedand strapped in.

Gaslocker

Lastly don’t forgettoregularly check thegas lockercondition at thestart of theseasonand beforeusing,pay particular attentiontothelocker base and ensureitcan’tallow gastoenter the accommodation. Aquick trickisto do abuckettestand seeifwaterflows into the hull, andcheck when the flexihosesatboththe bottle andappliance end were last changed.

Doinga fewofthese little jobs at the startofthe season will, Ihope, give someenjoyableand trouble-free use forwhat Ialsohopewill be another lovely summerof adventureson our system.

asmellof turps/paint thinners. Thisis due to anyresidue in thefuel beingsosmall it is not able to be collected. Engine distributorBarrusalso confirmedthe samples it sent off werereturnedwithnoissues. However, overthe past four years, RCRhas been workingtoidentify solutions to this protracted residue build-uptoprevent it clogging upengine components.

RCRengineershave, however, seen fuelrelatedcallouts(injectors/ pu mp s/con ta min at ion etc) continuetoriseand believe it’s directlyattributedtosticky fuel-related issues.

Beintheknow

The companyhasnoted that sticky fueloccursinall types ofengines,anywhereinthe countryand with boaters usingarange of differentfuel suppliers; localfuel supplyis not theproblem.They advise that youdonot storefuel for morethansixmonths and not to store/usefuel treatments for morethanayear. They also suggestthatyou leave yourtankempty over winter, and ifthereare issues withthe engine runningandno clear cause, treatwith Winns injector

treatmenttoclear suspected signsofsticky fuel.

Sticky fuelvs contaminatedfuel

Sticky fuel looksclearandhas no signsofcontamination, andthe filters areclean,but injectorsand injectionpumps collect astickyresidue that stops themfromoperatingcorrectly, producingsimilar symptoms to contaminated fuel.Itcanalso affectotherelements,suchas return lines, filterplungersand liftpumps.

Contaminated fuel is typicallydieselbug,butalso water, rust and debrisin thefuel.Thefuel willlook cloudy and have clearsigns of contamination, causingfilters, pipes and pumpstoblock and engines to runroughor cutout, causingvibration and smoke.

Recently many have advocated theuseofHVO fueldue to the reported lack of dieselbug problems when usingthe fuel. RCRsaidthat “therewas one case reported to RCRwherethe boater said HVOappearedtodo the same thingasfresh diesel–i.e.cleanthe system and getrid of contamination. Butasthis is only oneinstance, RCRwouldlike to seemorecases before confidently advisingthis as asolution.”

FocusesonbuildingbespokeHDPEcanalboats

Pioneeringthefutureofcanalboating,one boatat atime

H NOWINTHE WATER H

Thesizeis40`x10`andbuiltusing20mmfor thebase of theboat15mmforthesidesand12mmforthe uppersections.

Theprocesstheyuseis calledextrusionwelding

whichistypicallydoneonthermoplasticsduetotheir responsetoheating.Unlikeothertypesofplastics whichburnwhenheatisapplied,thermoplasticsliquefy andhardenagainupon cooling.

Extrusionweldingistypicallyusedtojoincomponents suchastanksandpipes.Intrenchlessconstruction, sectionsofthermoplastic(mostoftenpolyethylene) can be extrusionweldedtogethertoforma monolithic pipe structuretobeinsertedintothehostpipefor rehabilitation.

Inotherapplications,extrusionweldingisidealfor applicationsthat requirelengthyweldsto bemade

Speak to ustodayto

in asinglerun.Althoughmostcommonlydoneon HDPEsheets,extrusionweldingcanbeperformedon otherthermoplasticssuchaspolyvinylchloride(PVC), polypropylene(PP),andpolyvinylidenefluoride(PVDF).

Thiscanalboatis readytobe asail away,atpresent theinteriorsarenotallcomplete,forfutureprojects formationplastichavethehelpandexpertiseof amulti award-winningyachtandnavalarchitect

BEAUTIFULBOATS BUILTTOLAST

Establishedin1974,Colecrafthavegainedtheexperience andexpertisetoensurethattheboatwebuildforyouwill lastforyearstocome.

Allourboatsarecustomdesignedandbuiltto individual requirements. Boatsarebuilttoordertoanystageofcompletion –froma barehullorsuperstructuretoluxuriouslyfittedand finished. We buildnarrowbeamandwidebeam boatsforprivateand tradecustomersandarepossiblythelargestsupplierof steelshellstootherboatbuilders/fitters.

OurlatesttripboatsincludeCrusaderComunity(Widebeam withHybridpropulsion -fullMCAcertification), Electra(Narrowbeamwithelectricpropulsion -12passengers) andKingfisherMark(Widebeamwithelectricpropulsion12passengers).

OurweldersarecodedtomeetMCA requirements.

FIN DT HEONE

There’splenty of choiceatAquavista BoatSales. With over130narrowboats, wide beams,dutch bargesand cruisersforsale nationwide, you’llfindtheone!

AMBERBO AT S5 8’

Name: FlyingMongoose Moored at: Sawley

CO LECRAF T6 0’

Name: TheAdmiral Moored at: Sawley

CO LECRAF T6 2’

Name: Hazelwood Moored at: Cropredy

ORION

NARR OW BO AT S6 3’

£59,950

BURSCOUGH BO AT S6 0’

Name: Hyacynth Moored at: Sawley

Name: LadyMickfee Moored at: Sawley £59,950

Name: AmyJackamaz Moored at: Cropredy

£58,500

PRICE FA LL OW S5 8’

BOATYARD SERVICES

•Engineand Heating Servicing

•Breakdown Calloutand Repairs

•Gas,ElectricalandPlumbingSpecialists

•BSC’s &SafetyExamination Work

•Engine SalesandInstallation

•Traditionalboatpainting

•SpecialistsinHistoricenginesand craft

•BoatBrokerage

•Diesel Tank ScrubbingandBugRemoval. MOORINGS

•MarinaMoorings

•LongandshorttermMoorings

•Coal,Gas,Diesel &Pumpouts

DRYDOCK

•HullBlacking

•BasePlate Blacking

•2 PackEpoxy Coating

•Microbiological Hull Treatments

•Anode Replacement

•Cabin Painting

•Welding

•Surveys

SIGRID £48,500

48ft,2007,Viking Afloat.JustArrived,very well maintainedcraftwith aversatile2 +2 berth layout.Idealfamilyboatorfor acouple.

SHUGLEY £49,950

57ft,1991,North WestNarrowboats. Areluctantsale ofa verywellcaredforcraft,oneownerfromnew. Mitsubishiengine,solar panels,centralheating, recenthullsurvey.10/6/4steelspec.

TRANQUILLITY£29,950

42ft Trad 4berth,1981 by Colecraft.Excellent condition,Hullshotblastand 2packepoxy, BSS expires:11/2025. 1ownerfrom newvery reluctant sale!

JustArrived.45ft,1988, Eggbridge, traditional, BMC1500,2berth, project boat.Fullinternal picturesandspeccoming soon,now availablefor viewing.

TA-RA-A-BIT£38,500

50ft, 1997, CharlieFox.Cruiserstern. Just arrived,be the first to see.

SARAHJANE £64,950

57ft,2003Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marineengine,Victron energyinverter.

RAIN DOG £37,950 45ft, circa 1997,RonLloyd, traditional.

RUFUS 3£49,500

60ft,1992,Jonathan Wilson, Trad narrowboat withBeta Tugengine. Good Hullsurvey from Feb2024.

RE10572

REF10580

REF10577 -Tilly HoJo.

BURSCOUGH 70' X12' 'BlackRose' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £144,950 AQUALINEBOATS60' SEMI TRAD 'Weyward Lady’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £69,950 SEAOTTER51' ‘ForgetMeNot' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £61,950

COLECRAFT60' X10' 'Freya' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £129,950

PENDLENARROWBOATS 60' 'Elegant Fowl' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £119,000

COLECRAFT60' SEMI-CRUISER‘ 'Spark' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £99,950

SEAOTTER SE41 'Irma’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £64,950

BRIDGEWATER BOATS67' ‘Vigornia' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £59,950

ownmooringanywhereinthe UK, or fromour base at NorthKilworthMarina,LE176HY

NEW- “HIGHGROVE” -£229,950 58FT CRUISERSTERN |ROYDONMARINA

“HEWIS” -£59,995 50FTTRADITIONAL |TATTENHALL MARINA

“POUSTINIA” -£24,995 31FT CRUISERSTERN |SAULJUNCTION

UNREGISTERED -“LILYPAD” -£99,500 60FT CRUISER STERN |SAULJUNCTION

“CRAZYDIAMOND” -£129,995 60FTWIDEBEAM |ROYDONMARINAVILLAGE

“XEMXIJA” -£39,000 65FT SEMITRAD| BARTONMARINA

“DERBY RAM” -£89,000 70FTTRADITIONAL |ROYDONMARINA

“SHATTERED” -£45,000 50FT CRUISER|GREATHAYWOODMARINA

“LITTLE BEASTIE” -£175,000 70FTWIDEBEAM |ROYDONMARINA VILLAGE M350 -£199,500 FLOATING LODGE|BARTONMARINA

BUYINGA USEDBOAT

Soar Valley-GalaxyClass60 –201860 x12Soar Valley SteelBoats GalaxyClass Widebeam. Vetus65hp. Constructedinstandard10-6-4steel,thisliveaboard cruiserisideal fora coupledownsizing. £139,995

DunstonsofThorne -61Sheffield Keel –1952 Sheffield KeelbyDunstonsofThorne. Poweredbya 4cyl4LBMCwith aPRM Gearbox. Over-platedinFeb 2024,sheispresentedandan idealliveaboardproject £29,999

SouthWestDurhamSteelcraft30’Widebeam. Unique vessel with smallwheelhouseand Lister Diesel inboard. Smallproject boat with great spaceaboard. Well worthviewing,located StanilandMarina. £19,995

SalterBros -30Sedan –WellpresentedSalter Brothers30’ex-broadscruiserwith 32hpBMCDiesel engine on hydraulicdrive. Believed commissionedin 1980,this30’sedanisspaciousandidealfor afamily forholidays £19,995

PECKHAMPOPPY -abeautifullycrafted68ft TradbyKeith Wood,perfectforliveaboard andleisurecruising. PoweredbyaBarrusShire45hpengine,featuring awarminteriorwith centralheating,hotwater,andsolarpower.Thegalleyboasts acooker,5-burnerhob,fridge,and microwave,whilethebathroomincludes apump-outtoiletandshoweroverbath.Accommodating uptofour,itoffers afixeddoublebedand asaloonsofabed. Well-maintained,PeckhamPoppyis youridealhomeawayfromhome,with aBSCvaliduntilJuly2028

KETTLE-abeautifullycrafted60-foot TradbyDaveClarke.Poweredby areliableBMC1.8 engineandfeaturing aRinnaigasboilerforhotwater,itincludes acozysolidfuelstove.Enjoya comprehensiveelectricalsetupwithsolarpanelsforeco-friendlyenergy.Thegalleyisequipped with aShorelinefridgeandBekocooker,whilethesleepingareaoffers aflexiblequeen-sizebed. Thebathroomfeatures ahipbathwithshower.Recentlyblackedwith 6anodes,Kettleis readyfor adventurewithavalidBSCuntil2025.Experience ahomely retreatonthewater!

JADE OTTER -anexquisite30-footCruiserbySeaOtter,craftedfrommarine-gradealuminium alloy.Experiencecomfortwithanimmersionhotwatersystemandcentralheating.Equippedwitha Kubotaengine, Vetusbowthruster,andcomprehensiveelectricalsupport,thisboatensuressmooth sailing. With cozysleepingfortwo, aconvertibleseatingarea,and afullyequippedgalley,JadeOtter isperfectfor relaxationandadventure.Comeswith aBoatSafetySchemecertificatevaliduntil2028. Own asought-aftermodelfromtheaward-winningSeaOtterrange—JadeOtterisnotjust aboat; it’s alifestyle!

SHUNDRAW -astunning45ftCruiserfromMidlandCanalCentre.Poweredby adependable BetaMarineengine,itofferseffortlesscruising.Enjoyon-demandhotwater,cozywarmthfromthe Kubolastoveand Webastoheating,and awell-equippedgalleywithSmevovenand4-burnerhob. Sleepcomfortablywithanadaptableseatingareaandtwosinglebunks.Thebathroomfeaturesa hipbathandThetfordcassettetoilet. With avalidBoatSafetySchemecertificateuntilApril2028, Shundrawis readyforyournextadventure

StanilandMarina BoatsFor Sale

TimTyler 50’Narrowboat. Louis &JoshuaLinedand owner fit outingoodorder.2berths,ideal forcouple to cruisethe waterways. Blacked September2024, ready to go!LocatedBoroughbridgeMarina. Viewing essential! £47,995

P& DBoats -Sea HunterViper –INSTOCKBrand New2023 P&DBoats SeaHunterViper rigged witha Tohatsu30hp outboardandsnugly satonagalvanised roadtrailer. £14,995REDUCEDTOSELL

Four Winns205Sundowner. 1997. Single VolvoPenta 5.7 V8.Excellentconditioncuddy cabincruiser,perfect forweekends away,currently lying Boroughbridge Marina. £13,995

Colvic- 26 Northerner –VeryWellpresentedColvic Northerner26’RiverCruiser.Refurbished in 2020 toa high standard, this well respectedcruiser hashad very littleuse inits50 year history! PoweredbyBMC 1.5 Diesel on shaft. £12,995

/17 38m Cruiser 2010, Hull by Orchard Boat Builders, Fit Out by Orchard Boat Builders, 2/4 Berth

NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE,

T:07721382619E:davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

Quality Riverand Canal Motor Cruisersare available to view by appointmentatour Leicestershire indoor showroom.Over20years experienceand2,500boats sold.

Berths, cooker,fridge, shower, toilet,hot and cold watersystem, warmairheating, 12and 240voltselectrics,poweredbya Honda45Hp 4strokeoutboardengine, Bsc 2029,alloriginalgelcoat(notpainted), hullandsuperstructurefullypolished,new antifouling,includesnewmooring ropes, clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERYwithin 250milesorlocalmooring available

NEWVIKING23NARROWBEAMNOW IN STOCK FORIMMEDIATEDELIVERY 4Berths, Hiline Spec boat with Foldingwindscreen forlow bridges,cooker with 2ringhob, grilland oven,fridge,hot andcold water system,shower, electric flushcassettetoilet,12 and240 voltselectrics with batterycharger,powered bya20Hp 4strokeoutboard engine

Length 53ft,Beam 6ft10ins,Built 2010 by Dursley&Hurst, Cruiser stern,poweredbyaVetus M4Diesel engine, standardlayout,solid fuel stove,diesel heating, rear pram cover,

60 x12ftWidebeamBoatonsiteandinbuildnow. Pleasecallfor price &level of fit out. Severalboats onsiteatany onetime.Viewings welcome! CallDarrenon07480248021

Email:info@newconceptboats.co.uk www.newconceptboats.co.uk ActonbridgeBoatyard,Cheshire, CW83QB

ASHBOATS

NEW CONCEPT BOATS– NEWRANGEFOR2025

NEWCONCEPT57 P.C. ASTANDARDSPECBUILTBOATFORTODAY’SMARKET.ALLINCLUSIVEPRICEOF£110,000

Forall enquiriesplease ring StephenHarral07771510154. www.ashboats.co.uksteve@ashboats.co.uk

Nevershyatcomingforwardwith aradicalnewconcept,New ConceptBoatsare launchingtheir latest standard 57ftcruiser style narrowbeam, with all thatisneededfor acomfortablelifeafloat, builtto their acceptedveryhighquality,ataprice forthemodern era.

Includedinthestandardboat:‘HappyStern’withwrap around seatingandtable; Reverselayout,aft galley,central living, showerroom, bedroom; BarrusShire 38engine; Webastoheatingplusstoveinlounge; Victron3.0kwinverter/charger;engineered oak flooring; fridge/freezer andButler sink and butchers blockworktop;exteriorpaintworkin 1colour plus coachline.Range of extras at sensibleprices.Boatno.1availableearly2025.

NEWCONCEPTBOATS –EX-DEMONSTRATOR60X10FT UBERCOOLANDVERYSTYLISHFULLYFITTEDLIVEABOARDBOAT, OFFEREDWITHVERYLITTLEUSEASANEX-DEMONSTRATOR.ALL WARRANTIESANDCERTIFICATIONINCLUDED. OFFERSINVITEDCLOSETO£145,000

Theinterioristhemedinblackandwhite,withcontemporarylighting, blackgraniteworktopsandhigh levelofequipment.BarrusShire 50hpengine; WebastoheatingwithSquirrelstove;under floor heating; Victron3.0kwinverter/charger;Galley withwashing machine, integratedfridge/freezer, Dishwasher,Butlersink; doubleblinds throughout;under gunwhalelighting;contemporary blackradiators.Layout with aft livingarea, centralgalley and showerroomandforwardbedroom.Extensivecupboards, drawersandstorage.

BOATBUILDER

BOATPAINTERS

BOAT SAFETY

BOATSWANTED

ForSale

NARROWBOAT fullyelectric

43’TraditionalStern 2019 build, 5yearsold,fullyoff grid!Made byThree BZBoatBuilders, sprayfoam insulation,Esse Ironheartstove,990lstainless watertank,8kWelectricengine w/panelsandbattsDec21. VictronMultiplusIIGXformains andshorecharging.Blacked 22.BSS23£66,800Tel.07717 474456.

NARROWB OAT 59ft Traditionalliveaboard,excellent opportunitytopurchasea homely, wellmaintained narrowboathomeforthe bargainpriceof£46,500,seeing isbelievingTel.07905911322. Brauston.Email.jo.davies9@ gmail.com

NORMAN 18,Conquest, newishTohatsuengine,diesel heater,solarpanels,original gelcoat,ingoodcondition,new cockpitcover,rearcabinmodel, £4500 onoTel.07887622170.

KERRYLEIGH KerryLeigh, 52ftnarrowboat,cruiserstern, 6berth,allseasoncruising/ liveaboard, fixeddoublebed, shower,pumpouttoilet,fullsize cooker,fridge, 240V inverterand shorepower,solidfuelstove; dieselCH,built1984,Creighton Boats,Lister Petterdiesel engine, muchlovedandcared for,usedmainlyas liveaboard since2001,OundleMarina £49,000Tel.07970803092. Email.jifirm@hotmail.com

LAMPREY 1991,48’6”beam 6’10”draft2’ max, traditionalstyle narrowboatbyRWDavis &Sons, boatman’scabinwithstove, engineroomwithJD3tugengine, bathroom, atwobenchdinner, galleywithstoragesonboth sides,woodstove,£55,000 Tel. 07769707594. Email. graham@ countycommunications.co.uk

NARROWBOAT 50ft semitrad D&D Engineering,Leeds, projectboat,live aboard refurbish,openplanandready for re-wire,re-plumbing, Hull verysolid,engine goodand recentlyoverhauled, boat safetyuntil2026,inverter, batteries,solar,inverter, butler sink,jacuzzibath,bed,storage, burner,dry,BotanyBay Boatyard,Leeds &Liverpool Canal Email.redbobcat99@ outlook.com

NARROWBOAT Amanda II,42ftsteelnarrowboat,tug stylewithGardner4LKengine, P.R.M 160gearbox, twinprop ‘sleipner’ 7HP BowThruster, traditional boatsmancabin, toilet, shower, handbasin, recentsurvey, £28,500Tel. 07860166810.

NARROWBOAT Dreamcatcher 58ftbyColecraft(1999), launchedin 1999, it features aspaciouslivingarea, fully equipped kitchen, sleeps5, heating by fire,Solarpanels,a reliableengine, andtransferable mooringmakeitideal for cruisingorlivingaboard, £52,995Tel. 07801208533. River ThamesatRadcot,near FaringdonEmail. dredger. brasses0y@icloud.com

VULCAN 60ftsemi-trad6 berth, 3xdoubles,1 fixed,2 convertable,middlegalley, Nanni diesel, privatesyndicate owned,4weeks pershare, 1shareavailableat £1997, monthlycontributions£90, contact forfurtherdetails, DunchurchPools Marina Tel.07971297751.Email. perrythemason@live.co.uk

WATERLINE 18ft, length 20 ft overall,Tohatsu9.8HP2022, recentlyprofessionallyserviced, diesel heater,solarpanelsand two batteries,original whitegel coat,ingood condition,lying Chirkmarina,£4500oroffer Tel. 07887622170.

Parts For Sale

VOLVO PentaMD5A marine engine,inneed of sometlc andfettling, turns overbut missingfuel injectorsocannot testifitisrunning,comes on atemporarystandand witha workshopmanual, collection fromCambridgeshire,low pricedue to all ofthis,opento sensible offers,£150 Tel. 07936 538605.Email.arnie_stewart@ outlook.com

NARROWBOAT windows fullset: 5x36×21 and 4x15” portholesverygoodcondition, one windowhas Perspex instead of glassasthe glass broke on removalofwindow, selling as afullset£400,these aresingleglazedTel.07909 224541. Peterborough.Email. estelle.lomax@hotmail.co.uk

PAIR ofaluminium framed forward sidecabin windows withtoughenedglass for anold Norman 23GRP canalcruiser, standardsize 231/4”by11”, £30 the pair Tel. 07974966253.

Wanted

NARROWBOAT wanted 45 to 55 foot inlengthsemitrad preferred but Iamopen minded will consider aboatin need of work/ finishing must have agood hull andengine,pleasecontact with details Tel. 07944276227.

Miscellaneous

MORSO multifuelstovewith backboilerstove,canbeused withorwithout boileralmost new,£700 Tel. 07484648873. THETFORD 4burnerhob inperfect workingorder, complete withelectroniclighter, installation manual,almostnew £100 Tel. 07484648873.

DestinationLough Gill

AstheNationalTourismDevelopment AuthorityofIrelandturns itsattentionstowards the countyofSligo,AlisonAldertontakes acloserlook at LoughGill, thecounty’s largestlake,and discovers awealthofbeautywaitingto bediscoveredby themasses.

LOUGHGillliestothe south-eastof Sligotowntowhichitisconnected by theGaravogue Rivertothe sea.

Situated 7m abovesea level,this limestone lake is8kmlongand2km wide,featuresunderwatercliffsand islistedasaprotected site underthe EU HabitatsDirective.

Severalprotected speciesof lamprey, as well as the rare whitefish,pollen, inhabitthe lake whichalsohasan early runofspringsalmon.

Thelakeshoresare surrounded by ancientwoodlanddominated by oak, rowanand willowbutalso home to othertree species such as yew, strawberry tree,rockwhitebeamand the rare birdcherry.

Thelakesupports apopulation of winteringwaterfowl primarily comprised of tufted mallardand goldeneye duck. Asmallcolony of common ternsnestsonislandsin the lake and kingfishers arealsopresent. Otters arethrivingwith an established communityofpine martensinthe surroundingwoodlands.

Ofthe20or so islandsonthe lake, the best known isthe IsleofInnisfree madefamous by William ButlerYeats’s poemofthe same name.

Church Islandishome to theruins of asixthcentury abbeyfoundedbySt LommánofTrim,whileanotherofnote is CottageIslandwhichwasinhabited untilas recently as1949.

The O’Rourke clan ruledthearea from aboutthe seventhcentury up to thetimeof OliverCromwell.Parke’s Castle,aplantationfortified houseonthe northernshore, wasbuiltinthe early17th century by Captain Robert Parkeonthe site of aformer O’Rourke towerhouse. Havinglainderelictfor over200 years the castle wascompletely restored in the1980susingtraditional17thcentury carpentrytechniquesandisnowopento the publicon aseasonalbasis.

In the late 18thcentury plans were laidfor acanalofGrandCanal barge dimensions to connect Sligotothe Shannon. Thisenvisaged improvements

to theGaravogue River, linkingthe lough through Sligotowntothe seausing asea lock,alockinSligo inthevicinityofMill Weirand anothercontrolling thewater levelinLough Gill. A20kmcanal from LoughGillsouth-easttoLough Allen would have exitedthelough nearwhere the RiverBonetflowsintothe eastern endofthe lake.

Following the valleyofthe Bonet it would have headedsouth-eastfor 3kmto Dromhairewhere,asthe largest town on route, therewould have been asmall stoneharbour.Then from Drumleaseitwould have lefttheBonet valleyclimbingtowards Drumkeel2km south-westof Belhavel Lough(60m abovesea level)whichwould have suppliedthe9km longsummitlevel which would have been mainlyina cuttingsome52m abovesea level.

FromthevicinityofLiscoghil, the canalwould have descendedthe valleyofthe Diffagher Rivertoenter thenorth-westcornerofLough Allen 3kmnorthofSpencer Harbour.

Duetothe height gained in reaching the summitlevel18lockswould have been required with afurtherfouron thedescenttoLoughAllen.Several smallaqueducts wouldalsohavebeen required to negotiatelateral streams crossing the pathofthe canalroute, butowing to the lack of roadsinthe

Hazelhatch clean-up

BOATERSmooredatHazelhatchon theGrand Canalwereinformed,ina marinenoticeissued by Waterways Ireland, of aclean-up operation just weeksbeforeChristmas.

Marine Notice 127of2024stated that WaterwaysIreland(WI) would shortlybeconductinga clean-upof thenorthern bankoftheGrand Canal at Hazelhatch,CoKildare, clearing the bankfor maintenance andaccess.

area fewbridges would have been required. In theend,probablydue to the largenumberoflocks required (most likely22between Lough’s GillandAllen with afurtherthree betweenthe seaand Lough Gill)the projectnever materialised.

However, thisdidnot stop boating activityonthe lake andin1843 the paddlesteamer Lady of theLake starteda servicebetweenSligo and Dromhaire, wherepassengerscould transfer to carriages to joinup withthe boat service at Carrick-on-Shannon. Paddle steamerscontinuedtoprovide excursions onthe lake throughoutthe late 19thand early20th centuriesuntil replacedbymotorboatsinthe 1920s.

Fromthe1990s aboattourwas reestablished around Lough Gill. The Rose of Innisfree cancarry 72 passengers initsfullyenclosed heated lounge and hastwo startingdestinations:Eitherits Lough Gill base at Parke’sCastle from EastertoOctoberorduring the summer months fromthequayonthe Garavogue RivernearDoorlyPark(aseven-minute walk from Sligotowncentre).

In 2024, Fáilte Irelandlauncheda new five-yearplantohelpdriveand sustain tourismin County Sligothat aims to create asustainable tourism destinationbyprogressing arange of keyinitiatives.

The notice went on to read that: Theaccumulationof materials alongthe canalbank hampersbank maintenance and compromises staff safety.

Objectstoberemoved include non-native/invasive plantsand herbs,tarps,wood, stoves,makeshift structures,decorativeitems,paving slabs,benches, canoes,rafts,bicycles, signageandlightingnailedtotreesetc.

Someof the items pose afire risk,withanassociatedriskofloss of habitatand trees. Allflammable materialsanditems includingstoves andfire pits will be removedfromthe bank to eliminatethis potentialrisk

to the canalhabitat, and its users. WI providedthree weeks’ notice of the plansandadvised that any items ownerswishtoretain should have been removedtostorage either on theirvesselorelsewhere before December16. It wasalsostatedthat WI wouldfacilitate boat ownersby retainingitems removedfromthe canalbankfor 30 days forcollection, before disposing of them butthat removeditems maynot be returned to the bank.

Thisclean-up beingconducted by WaterwaysIreland isin accordance withtheprovisionsof S.I. No.247/1988 -Canals Act, 1986 (Bye-Laws),1988. WaterwaysIreland finishedbythankingcustomers for theircooperationinthis matter.

As this area is home to anumber offull-timeliveaboardboaters,and beingundertaken overthefestive season,this hasprovedamajor disruption forsomeand comesata timewhen thosechoosingthistype of lifestylealready feel that they are beingpenalisedinthe revisionof the canalbyelawswhichare currently awaitingapproval.

New leaseoflife for the Newry ShipCanal

ACANOEtrail that could be developed on the NewryShip Canalhas beendescribed asa ‘massive stepforward’ in water recreationfor thedistrict.

As part ofthis,Queen MaeveSquare hasrecentlybeenrefurbishedto create an attractivepublicspaceand central hubfor Sligowhichwill serve asan outdoorvenueforconcerts and eventsandencouragevisitorsto learnmore, stay longerand explore the wider region.

AlthoughLough Gill maynever be connectedtothe navigable inland waterways it remainsa valued asset, adding substantiallytothe tourist destinations ofthe wider Sligoarea.

TheInland Waterways Association of Ireland(IWAI)is to takeonthe planningphase of the projectwiththe Newry andPortadown branchofthe association designingthe canoe trail. Thiswill stretch alongthe 20 mile lengthofthe waterway and include three launchand recovery locationsforthe boats. Three potentialareas of development areVictoria Lock,WIN Industrial Estate andanareabehindSt

Colman’s College. Whilethe localcouncil’s economy, regenerationand tourism committeehas agreed to theIWAI’s involvementinboththe planning andfunding of theproject as the canalisa scheduled monument, anyproposedworks must firstly meet withtheapproval of the Historic Environmental Division. Thedevelopmentofthe waterway as arecreationalareafor thistypeofwater activitywillbring anew leaseoflife to thecanaland perhapsaid further development of the routeinland whichalready benefitsfroma popularcycle and walkingroute.

Moored boats atHazelhatch. PHOTO:ALISONALDERTON

TheNewryCanalat Scarva. PHOTO: HENRY CLARK -CCBY-SA2.0

ParkesCastle. ALLPHOTOS:DANIEL WATERS

Rose of Innisfree

Sailboatsatanchor.

Anislandfor waders An island for

OverrecentyearsIrelandhasseensuccess in effortsto conserve its population,both residential andmigrating,ofwading birds,particularly thecurlew.Now it hasbeen announcedthatthestateistopurchaseanislandonthenorthernreachesofLough Reefor thestrategicmanagementofbreedingwaders.AlisonAlderton reports.

LOUGHRee,the second largestof the RiverShannon’sgreat lakes, isa designated SpecialProtectionArea and aSpecialArea of Conservation and was recentlyidentified asthemostimportant site in Irelandfor breedingwaterbirds. Perhapsthenitcomesasnogreat surprisethat the MinisterofState for Nature, Heritage andElectoral Reform, Malcolm NoonanTD,recentlymade the announcementthat it washisintention to purchase Clawinch Island to protect threatenedwading birds.

The 50-acreisland,whichislocated around500mfromthe westernshore ofthe lake,has beenidentifiedasa keysitebythe National Parksand Wildlife Service(NPWS)asitishometo breedingcurlew,lapwing, oystercatcher, redshank,ringedploverand snipe, as wellas variousduck,gulland tern species. White-tailed eagles have also been recordedroostinghere.

Theannouncementaddstothe footprintoflandsalready beingmanaged for nature by theNPWS on Lough Ree, following last year’s acquisitionofthe nearby BlackIslands,and willhelp to ensurethattheirvulnerablebreeding wader populations canbesecured into thefuture.

MinisterNoonansaid: “Underthis government, we have invested heavilyin the National Parksand Wildlife Service, increasingitsfundingby170%.Wehave createdtwo new national parksand have invested inthe strategicacquisitionof keysites of ecological importance. We have alsocontinuedtofund and supporttargetedconservationprojects

such astheBreedingWadersEuropean Innovation Partnership(EIP), a€25 millionproject, co-fundedbytheNPWS andthe Departmentfor Agriculture, Food andthe Marine.”

Minister Noonan went on to say: “In 2023, Ialsoannouncedapledgeofan additional€5milliontodrive targeted conservation measures and strategic acquisitions for breedingwaders. Today, Iamproud to announce my intention to furtherincrease the state’s portfolioof landholdingsfor nature to includetheacquisitionof the beautiful islandof Clawinch. Theopportunity to purchase anisland site likethisis rare,and it’s particularly valuablefor breedingwaders. These birds nestonthe groundandareparticularly vulnerable to predators. Becauseit’sanisland, Clawinchissomethingofahavenfor them.I’d liketo thankthecurrent ownerforhis willingnesstosee thissite conserved forits ecological importance into thefuture.”

Lough Reeisalsoanimportant migratorystoppingpointand wintering site for many other species,withgolden plover,whimbrel, dunlin,turnstone, commonsandpiperand both blacktailedand bar-tailedgodwitconsistently usingthe site forfeeding androosting. Clawinch island,meanwhile,has some wonderful wet-grassland habitat, with species such as watergermander, Teucrium scordium,inabundance. Otters arealsorecordedinthe waters around theisland on aregular basis.

Many ofthe larger Islandson Lough Reebecameuninhabited in themid

to late 1900sand,oncertainislands, this hasseenthe levelofagricultural activitydecrease. Reducedgrazing and less intensivelandmanagementhas ledtoscrub encroachment becoming anissuefor some species.Ownership of Clawinch willallowthe NPWS and the BreedingWadersEIP to implement measures to restorehabitat where necessary.

Owen Murphy, senior project managerwith theBreedingWaders EIP, stated:“Thisacquisition is hugely exciting fortheprojectandshowsthe commitmentofgovernmenttoinvestin sitesofstrategicimportancefor breeding waders.Islandsaresuchimportant sitesforground-nestingbirds,asthe protectionoffered by the surrounding watergreatly reducesthe risk of nestand chickpredation by mammals.

“Thisneed for scrubmaintenance, andother habitat restoration measures, showsthe dependencythatwaders such as curlew, lapwingand redshank have on sympathetic agriculturalactivity. These birdsneed farmers, and Iwant to complimenttheamazingworkbeing donebylocal farmersinmanaging lands to supportvibrantbreedingwader populations,aswell as maintaining productive farming models.Thisshows howfarmersandconservationprojects such astheBreedingWadersEIP can work collaborativelyfor nature.

“‘Collaborativeconservation’ is the keytochangingthe fortunes formany, many Irishspecies.Itisonlywhenall stakeholdersand interested parties work togetherthat meaningfulactionscan be

taken to avertourbiodiversity crisis.”

While the purchase of Clawinch Island will go alongway in helpingto protectour bird population, itis yetto seewhat,ifany,impactthe continued purchase of LoughRee’s islandsis to have on the well-establishedboating fraternity, many of whom have enjoyed free access to the waters surrounding

theislands andindeed,sometimes the islandsthemselves formanyhundreds of years. As we allmove towardsa more eco-friendly environmentlet’s hope that boatersare not forgottenandthat theyformpartofthe ‘collaborative conservation’ discussions and plans whichare likelytoensue.

Asnipe enjoyingthehabitat. PHOTO: PAULWHITE/BWI

Lough Ree and its islands

PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Newcharityboat on theUnionCanal

THEBridge19–40UnionCanalSocietyhasreceivedanearly Christmas present inthe shape of anew narrowboat.

The society’snewcraft was delivered andcranedonto thewater at Stewartfield, Broxburnon acold day towardstheendof November.

Describingitselfasthe ‘smallestandfriendliest canalsocietyonthe Lowland Canals’, the volunteer-run charityoffers popularboat tripsforthe public.Starting lifeasthe Buchan Societyin

1994,the charitychanged its name in1999. The groupisnamedafter the stretchofcanalonwhich it operates –betweenbridge 19 at Port Buchan,the first bridge in West Lothianand the society’sbase, andbridge 40, just west of Philpstoun. The namealsoconveys itsrole as abridgebetweenthelocal communitiesalongthe canal.

Thesocietyhas been fundraisingfor anew boat since itstripboat Bluebell became tooexpensive to repairfor useasa passenger boat.Fundersinclude members,local trusts and committees and the National LotteryCommunityFund Scotland. Thepurchase of thenew sailaway,built by Howard DayofHD

Narrowboats, will allow thesocietytooffermore volunteeringopportunities, restartthe popularcanal trips,re-engage with local communitygroupsandtake part in eventsonthe canals.

Thenew boat will be named Heatherbell,following the society’stradition of namingits boatsafter flowers. Heatherbell will be painted adeeppurplewithcream trim,thecoloursechoingthe flowerofits name.

As asailaway,there’s still much work to be done before Heatherbell is ready foraction. Thesocietyis urgently lookingforhelp with theplumbing,wiring and general fittingout.

Followthe societyon Facebookor getintouch at www.bridge19-40.co.uk

Sustainablesurfingusescanal water

LOST ShoreSurf

Resort,Europe’s largestwavepool, recentlyopenedin Rathoandit’s using waterfromthe Union Canal.

Don’t worryif youdonotfancy immersing yourself in canalwater –the waterisprocessed to drinkingwater standards with water treatmenttechnology. Fromtime to time, whenthecove needs to be emptiedfor maintenance,the waterwill be returned to the canalcleaner and oxygenated viaa sustainabledrainage

system.Thecoveuses 30,000–50,000m 3 of water, aboutas much asan Olympic swimmingpool.

Thesurfresort hasbeencreated in disusedCraigpark Quarry,a brownfield site locatedjustsouth ofthe canal. Yearsago, cobbles forpaving were extractedand sent into Edinburghon canalbarges. Thearea surroundingthe resort is beingdeveloped asa country park withnew wetland, woodland andgrassland habitats.

RonnieRusackFlotillaof Lightsdrawsthe crowds

CROWDS flocked to the Union CanalinEdinburgh to enjoy the annualRonnie Rusack Flotillaof Lights on Saturday, November 9.

Organised by theLowlands CanalAssociation(LCA) and association member Pierre Potel,the processionof boats, ledbyilluminated modelboats, ranbetween Harrison Park and LochrinBasin and Leamington Lift Bridge in thecitycentre. Musicians aboard the boatsprovidedlive entertainmentand sweets were (gently)thrownfromthe boats to people displayinglightsand lanternson the towpath.

Atotalof 19 boatstookpartin this year’s flotilla, the weekend startingwith acelebratorybonfire forboaters,familyand friends at theAlmond Aqueducton the Friday evening. Fundraisingahead of the eventhelped the LCAprovide financialsupporttoboaters forfuel andsweets.

The quaich for Best Decorated Boat wasawarded to Valerie Lyon and Ross Samsononboard their narrowboat Evelyn.Valerieand

Ross have been on the canalfor little morethanayear, arriving on the waterway just ahead of last year’s flotilla. Theirunique decorations were basedarounda washingline hung with aselection of1950s home-knit jumpers. Valerie’s mother-in-law,Mary, knittedhundredsof jumpers fromthe same1953 patternfora short-sleeved, round neck sweater andtheystarred in this year’s decorations.

The popularflotilla,heldeach year in early November,isnamed afterthe late Ronnie Rusack MBE, apopularand prolific charity fundraiser and strong supporter of Scotland’s canals. Ronnie wasinvolvedwith many canalorganisations and campaigns; he wasmadean MBEfor his contributiontothe conservation andrestoration of theUnion Canal.

Th er esort welcomes every level of surfer,from completebeginners to professionals,as wellasnon-surfers.

Up to 1000 wavesper hour canbegenerated withtheWavegarden

technology being used,adjusted at the touchofa button to suitall levels ofexperience.

Thesiteoffers accommo da tion,

Vikinglongboatprojectwins funding

LARGSVikingFestival, in partnership with theScottishMaritime Museum,has been awardedfunding to build areplica longship –thelong, narrow Vikingwarships poweredbyoarandsail.

Theprojectwilluse the museum’s expertise –home to theScottish BoatBuildingSchool–to constructthe vessel, enabling apprentices to learnanddevelop transferable skills.

Thesea-going longshipisseenas avital part ofthe festival’s future, with its closeassociation to the seaand Scotland’s maritimehistory. It’s envisaged that thelongship will be activelyusedbylocal groupsand volunteers duringthefestival anddisplayed at the museumthroughout the rest ofthe year.It

couldalso be loaned to other maritime andhistoricalevents aroundthecountry.

TheScottish Boat BuildingSchoolwas establishedin2014 to provideeducation andqualifications intraditionaland modern boat building andrepair.Theschool providesitstrainees withtransferable skills andthe museum with asourceofincome, throughcommercial boatbuildingand repair.

There maybe many centuries betweenthe

Vikingsand Scotland’s inland waterways, but there’sacanal onthe Isle of Skye believedtohave beenconstructed by theVikings.Discovered at Rubh an Dunain,a headland southofGlen Brittle,astone-lined canalruns between asheltered inlet to asmall lochan.The channelisin waterat hightideand would have allowedboats to be movedinland to twosubstantial ‘noosts’ or ‘nausts’,stone-lined trencheswhereboats were pulledout of

the water. On Orkney, aseriesofViking waterwayshas been identified connecting the NorthAtlanticand ScapaFlow.

TheannualLargs Viking Festival marks the1263 BattleofLargs, the last mainland battle betweenthe Scotsand the Norse. It celebrates thehistory and heritageofthe Vikings, hostingthousands of visitors fornine days of re-enactment, traditionalcraftsand festivities.

Thefestivalis organisedbyvolunteers and thereare lots ofopportunities for volunteeringonthe LongshipProject. Next year’s festival willtake place betweenAugust 30and September7.

Visitlargsvikingfestival. co.ukto findoutmore.

abar,caféand restaurant.Ifyou prefer gettinginto thewater rather than boatingonit, visit www.lostshore.com for details.

Newattractionatthe Kelpies, straightfromthe horse’smouth

AN EXCITINGnew attraction hasbeenlaunchedatthe Kelpies,the world’slargest equine sculptures sitting besidetheForth &Clyde Canal in Helix Park,Falkirk.

The Kelpies Experience will challenge participantsof all ages to tackle a25metreaerial climbofBaron (thehead-up Kelpie),takingthem straight to thehorse’s mouthand stunningviews of the canal, Helix Park and,on aclear day, thedistant hillsand the town of Falkirk.

Scottish Canals hasteamed up with Zone Events to develop this challenge whichinvolves ascendinginsidethe Kelpie, usinga seriesof ladders, cable crossings, suspendedplatforms andnetsbeforedescending by abseil or quickflight,an optionthat givesthe feelingof free falling beforebeinggently loweredtotheground.

All participants will wear full body harnessesand helmets, and will always be connected to safety cables.Along theway, the expertguides will sharethe

historyofScotland’s canals andtellthe fascinatingstory of the Clydesdale,thehorse that providedthe inspiration forthe Kelpies. The Kelpies Experience will provide aunique experience and theopportunityto generate much needed income forcharitiesand other organisations.Initially, it will onlybeavailable to largegroup bookings or by signingupto supportoneof Scottish Canals’ charityfundraiserevents. To launch the experience, Scottish Canals teamedup withtheBeatson Cancer Charitywhichalsocelebrated its10thanniversary in 2024 (theKelpies’10-year celebration washeld in Aprillastyear). Scottish Canals isactively seeking morecharitiestopartner with.Find outmoreatwww. scottishcanals.co.uk

Heatherbell safelycranedontothecanal. PHOTO:ALLANDUNGAVEL

Narrowboat Evelyn andthe winning decorations. PHOTO: CHARLIE ROHAN

Anaerial view of the resort. PHOTO:LOSTSHORESURFRESORT

Inthe horse’smouth, at thetop of the Kelpie Baron. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS

AWeeLongshipprovedpopular during previousfestivals. PHOTO:LARGSVIKING FESTIVAL.

Days Out- Preston

Ourseriesisdedicatedtoshowcasinguniquedays outnearspecialcanals. Whether you’reinto gongoozling(watching boatingactivities),leisurelytowpath walks, wildlifespotting,boattripsoreven retailtherapy,ourcanalsystemhas somethingforeveryone.Thismonth,we’re shining thespotlight onPreston, with closelinkstothewaterwaysandacitythathasplentytooffervisitors.

By SallyClifford

IT BOASTS thelongest stretchof lock-free cruisinginthecountry.The LancasterCanal,linkingthehistoric market town ofPrestontoKendal,is oneofthecountry’sfewcoastal canals, a41-mile-longwaterwaybuiltalongthe naturallieofthe land.

Preston’slink to the canalnetwork cameinthe18thcentury and,along withthe RiverRibble,thedocks andthe railway,wereintegraltothe town’s development. Preston’searly progressionas atradingportwas made possible by the RiverRibble. Subsequenteconomicprogress was broughtabout largelybythegrowthin cottonproduction,although wood and pulp were importantcargoes passing throughPrestonDocks.

Launchedin1892,it wasthe largest singledock inthecountry– thefirst to introduce roll-on roll-offtraffic

andferry transportand,in the Sixties, earned it therecordfor handling the largestamountofcontainerandferry traffic. However, useofthe dock became limitedasthe size of shipsincreased and eventuallyled to theredevelopingofthe site inthe Seventies.

The construction ofthe RibbleLink in 2002created what is understood to be thenation’sfirstpurpose-built canalinmorethana century linking theLancasterCanal to the Ribble. This wasn’ttheonlyfirstfor Prestonwhich, in lateryears,would becomethefirst Englishtownoutside London to be lit by gas. It alsoboasted thefirst motorway, thePreston Bypass,whichlater became part oftheM6motorway.

While waterwaysplayedanintegral part inthe town’s fortunes, mills, engineering works, housingand railwaysalsochanged the landscape of Preston, whosenameisderived from ‘Priest’sSettlement’ or ‘Priest’sTown’ afteritsfounder,StWilfrid.The town wasalsothe birthplaceof SirRichard Arkwrightand John Kay’sspinning frame leadingtothe developmentof cottonmills.

Todayvisitorscan retracePreston’s past through museums,including the HarrisMuseumandartvenue, and discovermoreaboutthetown’s

importantlandmarks andlongstanding celebrations andtraditions,including thePrestonGuild,acelebration with food,musicand processions taking place every20years,withthe nextone scheduledfor 2032.

Embark on the Blue Plaque trail to findout moreabout Preston’simportant buildings,and thepeopleassociated withthem –the suffragette Edith Rigby andthenovelistCharles Dickens,who stayed inPrestonin1854,areamongthe notablesmentioned.Amid the historic locations,art lovers canindulge inthe muraltrailwhichhas transformedsome ofthe town’s buildingsinto colourful worksofart.ClosetoPrestoncentreis

St Walburge’s Church,whose 309ftspire is believed to be thetallest of anyparish church in Englandand understoodtobe thethirdtallestintheUK.

Forthoselooking for selfiesnaps duringtheirstay,theWallaceandGromit benchfeaturing Preston-born animator Nick Park’s popularcharacters, cast in bronze outsidePreston Market Hall, is theperfect place.

Youcanalso captureanotherof Preston’sclaims to fame on camera–the rowofcastironGrade IIlistedred phone boxes, believedtobethelongest continuous rowofkiosksinthe country, whichare part of arefurbishment projectenabling their futureuse for creativeinstallations.

The town alsohas ahistorichostelry. Situated on Friargate, theshopping quarterclosetoStGeorge’sshopping centre,the BlackHorse puboccupiesa Grade IIlistedbuildingand is believed to be theonlypub inthecountrywith three entrancedoorsfromthree streets. Withinthetraditionalsetting aretiled and mosaicfeatureswhile realfires bringwarmthtotwo cosysnugs.

Forthosekeentoexplore Preston’s naturalsurroundings,The Guild Wheel, a21-mile cyclingand walking route, isthe perfectway to savourthe picturesque surroundings.Preston’s parklandsare also anaturaldraw to thosewanting to explore. The awardwinningWinckleySquareGardens isthe settingfor events,heritage walksand tours, andAvenhamandMiller Parks arethe locationsfor Preston’sannual egg-rollingevent.This EasterMonday traditionincludes workshops,street theatre and livemusic.Preston’slargest

ThelandmarkNelsonbell-boat buoyoffRiverswayatPreston Docks. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD BoatsmooredinPrestonDocks. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

Wonderful water viewofPrestonDocks. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD

PHOTO:

Preston’srowof redtelephone kiosks. PHOTO: PRESTONCITYCOUNCIL

park istheGradeIIlisted,GreenFlag accredited Moor Park.

Home to acafe,sportsfacilitiesandthe Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory,the venue attracted the starswhenithostedBBC Radio2 in theParkinSeptember2024.

Sting, York band Shed 7, PetShop Boys, Gabrielle,PaulHeaton,Pixie Lott and Kim Wildewereamong theperformerswho took to the stageoverthe weekend.

So whynotfollowthe starsand make Prestonyournextdestination…

FACTFILE:

Thingstodonearby: RibbleSteamRailway: www.ribblesteam.org.uk

BillyBob’sParlour: www.billybobsparlour.com

TheBeeCentre: www.thebeecentre.org

FlowerBowlEntertainment: www.theflowerbowl.uk

WildDiscovery: www.wilddiscovery.co.uk

BritishCommercial VehicleMuseum: www.britishcommercialvehiclemuseum.com

Royal Lytham &StAnnesGolf Club: www.royallytham.org

LythamWindmillMuseum: www.lythamwindmill.co.uk

Hoghton Tower: www.hoghtontower.co.uk

SamlesburyHall: www.samlesburyhall.co.uk

LowtherPavilion: www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Usefulwebsite: www.visitpreston.com

The Towpath Anggler

Our monthly look at the anglingscene

ByDavidKent

WRITING the finalarticle each year seems to come aroundalltoo quicklythesedays.

With regard to anykey points in 2024,I guessthe Canal&River Trust’semphasis hasremainedonfuturefundingand,in turn,the impactthis will have on its many differentstrandsof business.

From what Ihaveheard recently,I believesome progress hasbeenmade butgiventhe anticipated reduction whenthe Governmentgrant is adjusted thereisstill alongway to go.

As we allknow,atstakehereis the trust’sabilitytoensurethe longtermfutureofour waterwayswhose contribution to ourverysociety,their invaluable contributiontothehealth and well-being ofall whouse them and their value as fabulous ecologicallyrich corridors, even in urbanareas,iswidely acknowledged, so there is alot to lose.

Of course even more personal to myself,asananglerfor morethan60 yearsand avolunteerinthefisheries and anglingconstituency, firstly with British Waterwaysandnowthe Canal & River Trustforalmost40years,our canals are very closetomyheart.Wemustnotlose ourcanal fisheries.

Since attendingCRT Council afew weeksago Ihavebeeninvolvedin acoupleofconversationsaboutthe outcomesfrom the Boater Satisfaction Survey.I mentionedthatpeople Ihad spoken with at councilandsubsequently were allof theview that the proposals are generallyprettygood butthat thefocus hastobeonafull collaborationtoensure that theapproach is balanced across the spectrum andalsotoensurethatthe aforementionedecologicalvalueof our waterwaysisnotcompromised.

Last week sawthe autumn meeting ofthetrust’sFisheriesandAngling Advisory Group. Alarge chunkofthe morning session revolved around thedevelopmentsregardinginvasive non-nativespecies (INNS). The representativefromNatural England presentedadraft papershowing aclear setofguidelines whichnooneshould struggle to understand. It re-emphasises theneednot to breakthe lawand advises anglerswho maybeindoubt to contact the fisheryowner.Therewas thena presentation aboutthe trustand social media. It is clearthatanglingis‘topof the charts’intermsof followers.

TheLet’s Fish update showed that almost 6000 youngsters had participated in 2024 andreportedon thehugelysuccessful nationaland global celebrationsinvolvinghundredsofyoung people.That saidthereisalwaysroomfor improvementand there aresome really good ideas inplacefornextyear.

There wasanupdateontheAngling Participation DevelopmentStrategy, whichprovidedalivelydebatewith some

goodrecommendations beingidentified. Finally, therewasan update on the TowpathGroup.Ihad participated ina previous meetingwithrepresentatives of some of thetrust’s anglingclub customers. Topics ranged from vegetation managementtooverstayingboats,antisocial behaviourand generalmooring issues -all of whichmassively impact the abilityofthese customer clubs to enjoy the fishingrightsfor whichtheypay (not inconsiderable) annualfees.

InterestinglyIwas workinginmyfront garden oneafternoon last weekwhena lady,whom Ihad nevermet before, walked by with alittle dog. Shesaid that thedog nowstruggles with humans it doesnot recogniseafter beinghitalongthe local towpathbya high-speed cyclistwho then chased thedog onto themainroadwhere, thankfullyitwas rescuedbya passer-by. The cyclistjustcarried on his way. Although we arenow into the meteorological winter theweather continues to be quiteunseasonal. Long periodsofhighpressurewithlittlewind and nearfrosts overnightare immediately followedbyAtlanticstormsand allthat they bring. Ihavenot hada lotoftime to ring around some of my contacts but, asan example of howthis weather is affecting fishing,I know ofoneclub whichpostponedamatch becauseofthe potentialdangers of fishinginastorm. Anothermatch wheresomevery competentanglers were taking part was wonwith one fish weighing10ounces.This is normallya prolificcommercial fishery. My ownrecentformhas been non-existent;since writinglasttime Ihave been mega-busyinthe office so just doing weekends.I still seem to be able to catch the oddfish or two, butresult-wiseI am nowhereatthe races.One real bonusfor me nowisthatI have no match organising to do until Aprilso, at leastwhen Idoget out, Ican simply turn up,drawmypeg and go andfishjustlikeeveryoneelse (except theorganiser of course). As usual, at thistimeofthe year,the maggotis nowthe preferredhookbait. ThatsaidIhaveseenone or twoanglers ‘secretly’usingbread,especially punchedbread,togreat effect. Worms tooare beginningtofind afew fish.Keep warm andsafe.

Tightlines.

Changes to pre-bookablemooringsfor winter

UPDATEStoLondon pre-bookable moorings have beenannouncedby theCanal & RiverTrust. New, chargeable overnight moorings were introducedatfive locations earlierthis year,allowing boaterstoguaranteesomewhereto stopforthenightinCentral London. These include iconic locations such as Little Venice,whichwas namedone of 10 Marvels ofthe Modern Waterways in a2022 public vote.

Following areview ofusage, the pre-bookablesatCamdenVisitor Moorings have been returned to seven-day towpathmoorings. This meanstheyare available on afirstcome,first-served basistoall boaters

with alicence at noadditionalcost. Allother pre-bookablemoorings willcontinuetooperate year-round, butwiththeintroductionof winter pricing, at acostof£20 pernight through November,December, Januaryand February.

CRTnational boatingmanager Matthew Symondssaid: “We introduced pre-bookable moorings in responsetodemand from boaterswho wanted to be certainofsomewhereto stopforthenightwhen travellinginto London.Thenew (reduced)winter rate offersboaters thechance to set off withconfidenceandvisit someof themostpicturesque canallocations in the world.”

PrestonMarket is avibrantshoppingarea. PHOTO:PRESTONCITYCOUNCIL

MoorParkDeepdaleStadiuminPreston. PHOTO: PRESTONCITYCOUNCIL

Ride therailsatRibbleSteam Railway. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

TheWet Web

ByHelenGazeley

ANYONEwhois organised hasprobably gotone by now. However, forthose ofus challengedin theforward-thinking department, the realisationis just dawningthat2025is here. Andifthere’sone thingthat those ofus lackinginanticipatory abilityneed,it’sa calendar.

When Iwas younger, itused to bemuse me that my parents receivedcalendarsas presents,oftenfrom friends abroad.Now,I rather regretnotonly thediminutionof contactsinfar-flung places butalsothe lack of amonthlychange in stunninglandscape,

andthe very visual reminderofthenext appointment.

Time to remedy theproblem,supportyour favouritecanal societyandenjoy viewsofthe network throughoutthe year.

Aquickperusalofwhat’s onofferreveals avariety ofdesignsbutit’s apitythatmoredetail isn’tgiven aboutcalendar layoutonmostofthe websites.Any societies readingcantake thisasapleaformore detail, so that one cansee howthemonthsare shown.Acalendarisdefinitelynot ‘just’a calendar. What best suits you?

BasingstokeCanal Societyhasincreasedthe size of its2025 calendar to A4,all thebetterto enjoy theimages,whichwerechosenfrom its Facebook calendarcompetition.This boasts aninternational audience,withone Facebook enthusiast sendingitasfar afieldas NewZealand forthecomingyear. £8.50includingp&p: basingstoke-canal.org.uk/shop

Chesterfield CanalTrust’s calendar(A4,opening to A3)offers13monthsfortheprice of 12,as January2026isincluded. It startsthe weekona Monday (“I’ve hadlotsofgriefforthat,”saysRod Auton,thecompany secretaryofthetrust)and

hasa grid layout.It’s illustrated withphotos taken by members and supporters.£9.40 incp&p: chesterfieldcanal-trust.org.uk/ shop/2025-calendar TheIWA calendar is longand narrow, so spacefor jottingis limited,but it offers extravalue,asits pictures doubleas detachablepostcards. £6.99. waterways.org. uk/sup po rt /shop/ iwa-calendar-2025

TheA4-sized WendoverCanal Trust’scalendar has beenimproved this year to includemore roomfor appointments inits listlayoutand features some rather lovely donatedimages oflocalwildlifeas well as seasonal scenes.£9.95 inc.p&p: wendovercanal.org.uk/ the-2025-wct-calendar

Other societiesand trusts to checkoutare the Cotswold CanalsTrust, withan A4 landscape formatfoldingout to A3:cotswoldcanals.org/ shop andthe Pocklington CanalSociety:www. pocklingtoncanalsociety.org/shop

Grantham CanalSociety hadintendedtoproduce acalendarbut,due to abusyperiodoffundraising, hasput it back to 2026. It isalready callingfor photosof theGranthamCanalandyourpetsor wildlife.Find outmoreonthe society’sFacebook page:www.facebook.com/granthamcanalsociety

Allcanal societycalendarsare produced with thehopeofraisingfunds.You couldgiveyour favourite groupaboost throughoutthe year,as explainedonthe websiteofthe ShropshireUnion: shropshireunion.org.uk/give-as-you-live

Registeronthe Give As YouLivewebsite, choose acharity (a search for‘canal’ will bringup alistofrelevant organisations)and shoponthe websiteofyourchoice(thereare awide number of participatingstores, includingmajor supermarkets, fastfooddeliveryservices,John Lewis, utility companies and much more). It doesn’t costyou any extrabut could add asmallamounttoasociety’s coffers everytime youdo:www.giveasyoulive.com

SustainableBoating: Powerusage

IWASustainableBoatingGroupmember Jonathan Mossecontinueshisseriesonoff-gridboating.

WE’VE madeit;we’ve stored it;we’ve distributed it;now it’s time to burn it! Just howmuchelectricitywe’ve gottoburn, together withthemost economicalway ofdoingso, iswhat we’lllook at nowgiventhat Ihave literallygothour-by-hourconsumption and PV solaroutputdata, goingback over considerably more than afull year.

Underchallengingconditions, thehorizontalpanelsare considerably moreefficient, absorbingdiffusedsunlight.

First, areminderof the equipment andtheground rules foroperatingit.

Ihaveatotaltheoretical output from my four,rigid, roof-mounted panels of1760 watts. Isay theoretical becausetheyare bifacialandtherefore pick up reflected sunlight, whichcan provide somethingbetween15and 30%ofadditional power. I’ve certainly experiencedshortburstsinthe order of a20% increase.

In the summermonths Ihaveseena total dailyoutputofmorethan10kW, although7kW would be moretypical, remembering that I’mmooredpretty much inthecentreofScotland with allthat this northerlylatitude implies. Rightnow,around the shortest dayof the year,I’mlucky to averagemuch morethan1kW.

Giventhatmyaverage daily consumptionis1.2kW,thereisclearly achallengetobe met for sixtoeight weeksofthe year,and rightnow my greatest ally is alarge 30kWbattery bank,specified formyultimate conversiontoelectricpropulsion. Typically, Iwill find myself0.1 –0.2kW down onwhat Igenerateeachday and itis thebatteries that will providethe

Some moderninverterscan beprogrammedtominimise parasitic power consumption.

‘padding’ to getmethrough andinto the longerdaylighthours.

What Iwouldn’t be able to do is to cruise (assumingmyelectricdrive wasfitted)and expecttomeetmy domestic requirements withoutplacing considerable relianceonan external electricitysource, be that landlineor generator.

Thesefiguresreflectthe worstcase

scenario given my latitudeand the fact that,inthe last month,Ihave changedmooringsfromone witha very open southerly aspect,having an orientationlessthan10° from duesouth,toone shadedbymature treesand at least30°fromtheideal.I have still to logsufficientmeaningful, comparativedatafor thetwo locations but, unsurprisingly,panel output is clearlydownbyatleast 30%.

It’s probably also worthrepeating, in the interestsofremindingreaders ofthefull picture, that no inland waterwaysvesselislikelytobeable to field asufficientareaofPVpanels to meetthe cooking, heatingand hot waterrequirements of aboatthrough the winter months,Novemberto March. It isforthis reason that Irely onan HVO-fuelledDickinson stoveto remain toasty warm,wellvictualled and odour-free!

I’mwell past the agewhenI want to rough it on adailybasis,somy approach is task-by-task,meal-bymeal, to findthemostenergy-efficient andgenerallyacceptable wayforward.

As astartingpoint I’ve triedto eliminatetheinverterfrom day-todaylivingas, operationalornot,itstill consumes acertainamountofparasitic power, typically40-50W perhour… or 1kWaday.Modern,sophisticated machines canbeadjustedtoreduce this to 11-15W perhour, buttheyare still relativelyfewand farbetween.

Withthe inverter outofthe equation, what things,essential to acomfortable existence,aren’t goingtofunction? In my case that’s just three devices:A largedesktop computer,its printer andthe washingmachine.Oh, andthe microwaveforwhichthereare plenty of acceptableworkarounds.Mywork ispredominantlylaptop-based,which Irecentlyrealised wasconnected to its powerbrick viaaUSB Cplug, so with suitableheavygauge wiring to my arrayof12V sockets Inow rely upon, a100W connector (nothing lessfora laptop,please) keeps meoperatingon batterypower.

With awee bitofexploration,it will be foundthatveryfew devicesthat apparently require‘mains’electricity actuallydo, oneofmyrecent‘coups’ beingtostumbleacross an electric shaverthat chargedfromaUSBA outlet. This simply leavesme withthe need to turn on theinverterfor the weekly clothes wash (0.5kW)and to powerthe printerforanaccumulated jagofhardcopy.

In the next piece Iwill drill down into cookingindetail but, inthemeantime, Isuggestviewingwww.youtube.com/ watch?v=oKan-noNYZAwhichisan excellentoverview of theelectrical system on anarrowboatput outby MothershipMarine,long-time builder of electric craftand worthy winner of theIWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable BoatingAward

TheChesterfield Canal Trust2025calendar. PHOTO:CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

Similarto other canal societycalendars,Chesterfield’s photos aretaken by keen members and supporters. PHOTO:CHESTERFIELD CANALTRUST

InDecember,stocksweresellingfastofthe BasingstokeCanalSociety’scalendar. PHOTO: BASINGSTOKE CANALSOCIETY

Apassageintime

There’smoretotunnelsthanmeetstheeyeonourcanal network.John Souter continueshisnew series,exploringthewondersofourextensiverangeofcanal tunnels.

TO FACILITATEtheefficientworking of the canalnetwork,around42milesof tunnels were constructedinEngland and Wales,ofwhichabout halfarestillopen. Thisismorethanthecombinedlengthof

Bridgewatertunnel –Worsley Mines: 81,000yd,opened 1761.

Originallythe Duke of Bridgewater’scoalwas transported by boat alongthe Mersey andIrwell Navigation, as wellas overland by packhorse.Rivertransport wasproblematicdue to the uncertainty of riverconditions, and packhorseswereonly capableof carryingavery limited amountofweight.

Having seen theCanal du MidiinFranceandthe Sankey canalconstruction, the Duke decidedhis solution to thetransportationproblem wasanunderground canal at Worsleyconnectingto asurfacecanal that would runtoSalford.This view was alsosharedby John Gilbert, theDuke’sland agent, who also feltthat it waspossible to connectthe Duke’s underground coalmines at Worsley to theBridgewater

allother canaltunnelsin the worldand doesn’t includethe extraapproximately 47milesofunderground canalatWorsley as part oftheBridgewaterCanal. As wellas583locks, 2963bridgesand

canal. Whenfinished,the canal/tunnel served 47 milesofundergroundcoal mine-related waterways constructed onfour different levelsandconnected bya water-poweredinclinedplane and variouslifts.

WorsleyDelph wasthe entrancetotheunderground NavigableLevels,asthe canal wasknown,andthisisnow ascheduledmonument. The initialtunnel hada height of8ftwitharound4ft water depthand 4ft headroomand couldnotbebuiltin astraight line asitneededtochange course inordertoavoid trespassingunderthe land of neighbouring landowners. Thefirst workable seamof coal wasreached in1761, about770 yardsfromthe tunnelportal. At onetime,morethan onemillion tons of coal were transported through theseunderground tunnels and to relieve theassociated congestion asecond tunnel wasdug.Thetwo entrances

337aqueductsthereare also55tunnels, ranginginlengthfromjust25yards to overthree miles,alongthe 2000-plus milesofour inland waterways. Let’stake alookatthismonth’s offering…

were built afew years apartand were specifically designedfortheboatsthat were used here. Theentrance tunnels were 30 yardsapart andwereexcavated in the rock face withone beingfor loadedboats,the other for empties.The twoparallel tunnels converged inside after about500 yardsandthe waterwaythencontinuedwith alarge numberof subsidiary linesgoingoffatright angles following thecoalseams. Thewidth variesgreatly throughoutthenetworkdue it beinginterspersedwith variousloadingbays, wharves and caverns.

Almost twomilesofcanal knownasthe UpperLevel was35yards abovethe main system,andinitially theminedcoalwasmoved betweentheselevels by verticalshaftsuntil,in 1795, the constructionofan inclined planewas started whichwas completed in 1797. The planewas 453ft longand raised orlowered boats106ft.Tomakeuse of theplanethereweretwo locksonthe UpperLevel from whichtwo separate railwaylinesdescendedto thelower main level. Boats would enterthe upper locks andbeseatedonwagons. The lockswerethendrained andthe weighted boats would descend theincline, beingcounterbalancedby otheremptyboatsascending the parallelline.Theincline continued to work until1822. The boatsinuse herewere double-endedand were typically47ftlongand4ft6in wide with acarryingcapacity of 7-12 tons.They came to be known as ‘starvationers’ due to the massiveinternal ribs showingaspartof theirconstruction. When

beingtransported through thetunnelthe boatswere linked 6-20 at atime and were hauledout andback with ropesorleggedbyboys usingthe tunnelroof. It’s been said that one boyagedjust 17 worked 21ofthese boats single handedlywhich, ata weight of seventonseach, made atotal weight of147 tons!

The last loadof coal was carriedin1887andthe workings have remained largelyastheywerewhen closed.Therehavebeencalls to openthe workstotourism butsofar to no avail.

CALDON CANAL-

Froghalltunnel:76yd, completed1785,no towpath.

Thetunnelarosebecause ofthedesire by Josiah Wedgwood to have his Etruriapottery linked with the town of Leek,thisaim beingsupportedbythe Trent &MerseyCanal Company whichsaw itasanadditional watersupplyfortheir main summit, as well asgiving accesstolimestonequarries aroundthe Cheddletonarea. Interestinglythe tunnel itself wasneeded due to the inefficiencyoftheexisting horse-drawn railroad. Between1778and the 1840s fourdifferenttramroads were built, withthe earlier ones beingbeset with various problems,inparticular the steepness ofthe land, therebymakingthemalmost impassable with wagons beingpulled by horses in icyconditions.Inaddition, the very unevensurface also caused thebrittle rails to breakregularly.

Aftermanyfinancially

Your chancetowriteto us onanytowpathtopic: Towpath Talk,POBox 99, Horncastle, LincsLN9 6LZ oremaileditorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Somewhereovera rainbow…

Dear TowpathTalk, We have ayacht basedatCaley Marina on the Caledonian Canalin Inverness. Recently,wesailedfrom theretoCromartyand Lossiemouth

andthen back again. We took this photographwhen we arrivedback at base.It’ssucha lovely imagethat Ithoughtyou mayliketouse itin yournewspaper.

Kind regards JulieMaloneand family

successful yearsbusiness declined,the last tramwayfinallyclosed in1920and thelinks to Froghall and Leek were declared unnavigable. Fortunately,the existenceofthe canal continueddue to its usefulnessasawater supply.

In 1963 supportfrom enthusiasts, including the relevant local authorities,saw revival

startedwith repairsto thetunnelbeing done in 1972, although this has not helped anyboaters who choose to ignore the heightgaugesatFlintmill Lock 17or the tunnel entranceandwho, becauseofthe very low headroom(maximum 5ft),findthemselves bangingtheirheadson thetunnelroof. It’s alsoworthnoting that the tunnel beam

is onlyabout 6ft8in so fendersdefinitelyneed to be raised or removed to avoid the possibility of gettingwedgedinside the tunnel betweenthe walls! Althoughtheheight restriction makesfor very limited passage throughthe tunnel,the effort, if you canmakeit, is well rewarded by good mooringfacilities inthe restored visitors’basin.

Mining sculptureatWorsleyDelph. PHOTO: DAVIDMARTIN -CCBY-SA 2.0

Floatingbookshop making waves

BySallyClifford

FORbookloverandformerlibrarian

Victoria Bonner,setting up abookshop wasanaturalmove to make.

Beinga floatinghomeowner for many yearswithher husband Chris, transformingtheformercoal barge, MarjorieR,hasopened up awhole new chapterforthecouple.

The repurposingofthe 77-year-old former workhorse ofthe waterway built by Hargreaves Boatyard,Knottingley,into afloatingbookseller hasalready received recognitionwithanaward from National Historic Ships(NHS-UK) last year.

NowHold Fast Bookshop, launched in November2022and christened after the nautical saying oftentattooedacross sailors’ knuckles to holdonin stormy seas, hasreceived further recognitionasoneof the sixwinnersofthe BookerPrizeIndie Bookshop Spotlight competition.

Moored amidthe trendysettingof LeedsDock, formerlya commercialdockclose to the routewhere the57ft by 14ft vessel oncetransported coal betweenFall Ings,Wakefield and Thornhill Power Station, the floating bookshop wasselected alongwith The Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh;Fourbears Books, Reading; Bard Books, London;The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergusand BooksUpstairs, Dublin.

Recognition

As Istepontothe bow,theconversation soon turns to books. Victoria says they were delightedtobeamongthe winners and appreciate therecognitionfor MarjorieR inher roleas abookshop.

The vessel wasnamedafter Marjorie Reed,the wifeof Reginald Reed,acoal boardemployee.

“It’sreallynice to be recognised as well.The last awardfor MarjorieR was for beinga boat, whereaswith this award she is abookshop. The last awardwas forthehistory ofthe boat andthisisthe future,”saysVictoria.

Thecompetition,nowinits second year,invited independentbookshops andbooksellersfromacrossthe UK and

Newchapter:book loverscanbrowsean extensivecollection intheformercoal barge. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

Ireland to celebratethisyear’sBooker Prizeshortlistbyassemblinganin-store displayofthetitles nominated forthe prizeand postingimagesoftheiractivity ontheir socialmediachannels.

“The Booker Prizeissucha great conversation starterintheshop –people have beenhearingabouttheshortlisted books and authorsonthe radio,onTV andonline andthereisa real buzz aroundthe selection. Sometimesthere isnothing better than alonglingering browse in abookshop,andothertimes youjustwantsomeone to giveyoua bookand say: ‘Readthis,it’sgood.’

The BookerPrizeisa shortcut readers need whenfatigued by choiceor too time-poor to wandertheshelves,” says Victoria.

The booklover is agreat advocatefor readingand championingindependent bookshops.

“Havingtheshop haschanged our tasteinbooks –readingmorewidely hasintroducedusboth to new genres we neverwould have pickedupbefore.

Chatting

“Ifthereisanythingbetterthanchatting aboutbooks all day, we have yettofind it andit’s such avital part of independent book selling.It’sgreat to seeinteractions in abookshop –customers often start chatting toeach other aboutwhat they have readorenjoyed.

“It’salsoimportantfor readerstosee arange of booksofall kindsof genres. Ithink mosthavemorecourage and asenseofadventure with theirbook choicesthan thedreadedalgorithm would evergivethemcredit for.”

ForVictoriaand Chris, runningtheir floatingbookshop,which alsooffersan upper deck seatingareawhere people canreadonfine weather days,isthe perfectprofession.

“Wecouldn’t be happier.Wehavesome reallylovelycustomers, some regulars whocomeinand have achat andpeople

Success:Chris andVictoria Bonner, whose floatingbookshopwas one oftheBooker Prize IndieBookshopSpotlight competition winners. PHOTO: THE BOOKER PRIZES

whoarepassing through Leeds, alotof visitors and tourists,” says Victoria.

Locatedinsuchalandmarklocation, MarjorieR is rapidlycapturing attention, especially whenvisitorsrealiseher role.

“Thereare still some people whoare surprised that itis aproperbookshop. Ithink theyimaginethere will be alittle

bookcasewith 10 books on,”saysVictoria. “Peopleoftenaskwherewegot the idea to setupabookshop on aboat– in truth, we have lived and worked onthe waterfor 22 yearssoitnever reallyoccurredtousto tryand find ashopondry land.”

Plansfor this year include launching abookclub.Watch this space…

Newyear, same oldfinancial concerns…

NABOgeneralsecretary PeterBraybrook commentson some moretopical issues.

IT HAS been abusymonthfor members ofthe NABO council. The AGMwasheld andwe welcomedonenew Council membertotheline-up butour treasurer, although keeping this role,has steppeddown from Council. Herservice over the last decade reminded me ofthethousandsof volunteers who beaver away quietly inthe background. Their essentialworkkeepstheir organisationontrackwithout anyfuss. Thank youtothe treasurers,secretaries,editors, webmasters andadmins who

work tirelesslyand sometimes unacknowledged.Our chair was particularly diligentat our AGMto acknowledge the work of each Councilmember in herreportand it provideda recordofjusthow much isdone behindthe scenes.

CRTforums

Canal& RiverTrust,aspart ofitsefforttoengagewith boatersinameaningful wayto improveboatersatisfaction, has published aprogrammeof both nationalandregional meetings andforums.NABOwill be at everyone to make sure that the boat owners’ viewisheard.Of course,wearealreadyatasmany meetings as we can. November sawmeetings ofthe Boat Safety Scheme,Environment Agency, FundBritainsWaterways,and theGrand UnionWater Transfer Scheme,toname afew. We alsoattendedameeting ofthe RudyardReservoir local interest group, who arehoping to return thefeedersofthis importantresourcetotheir original designwhich will help alleviatealocalflood risk and improvewater supplytothe Caldon Canal. Unfortunately, thetrustcould notattendon this occasion.

In today’ssociety, volunteers doanimmenseamountof

work. The‘third sector’of not-for-profitorganisations, charities,associationsand clubs is agrowing part of our economy.And many work at thesegoodcauseswithout anydemandfor pay. Canal& RiverTrust nowhasanarmy ofmorethan4000 volunteers taking on everykindoftask fromassetinspectionthrough boat moving to vegetation controland waterway rangers. The charitynow advertises for voluntary roles.Thetrust does acknowledge that it cannot provide thenecessary labour to fulfilits duties as navigation authorityand landowner withouttheaidofthis workforce.

Weatherincreases financialburden

Theweather is stilltaking atoll. Namedstorms, the latest as Iwrite beingBert, bringfloodingand damage that leaves anew andeverincreasing financial burden onthe navigation authorities. Excesswater overtopped dams at some winter workssitesand damagedlockwashwalls,canal banksand culverts.Thedeluges sweepsoilfromfieldsinto the canals,addingtothe silting of the channelsanddrains.This leads to furtherfloodingasthe

water cannot getawaytorivers andestuariesquicklyenough. Thenationalimportance of waterwayscannotbe understated. Everyweather eventhighlightstheneed foranefficientsystemof waterwaystoprovideefficient dischargeofsurplus water to the sea. Dredgingtakes money. Financialconstraints continuetoaffect everypartof the waterwaysand ourefforts to highlightthis to politicians must not stop.Drinkingwater demandisalsoincreasing. Thenew housebuilding programme bringsthisand other demandslike thedrainage from theroads,roofsandother landnowcovered over to the ditches,streams andriversrather than filtering through farmsor woodland. Foul waterdisposalis required foralready overloaded sewers anddrains.Newdemand for cleanwaterbrings strain on existing reservoirs andtreatment works. Thesenew homes arenot always wheretheexistingcapacity is locatedand thecanalsare envisagedtobea wayofgetting waterfromthemiddleofthe countrytothe SouthEast. Water transferfrom the RiverSevern to Bristolvia theSharpnessCanal hasalready broughtserious silting problems to theGloucesterDocks whichled to alarge dredging bill.

Someofthefinancial burdens will be directlymet by boaters asthe above-inflation risesto licencefeescontinue.Thereisa shiftinthe wayboats arebeing used.Ananalysisofthe lock usage in recentyears hashighlighted that many boatsare beingused forshorter, more localcruises ratherthanlongerones.Lock usagehasdeclinedoverthe last 10 years. There hasbeenanincrease in thenumberofregisteredboats so indications arethatmany are beingboughtashomesor as aretreat, rather likeacountry cottage.Manyare stayingon theirmarinaberthor in alimited localityforthewhole year.

Environmentalimpact

NABO alsotakes an interest in other “green” issues.Alongside othercontributorstothe greenhousegas effectboaters must considerwaystoreduce theimpacton the environment of ourengines, fires and heating systems.Hydrogen-treated VegetableOil(HVO) is aviable carbon-neutralalternativeto dieseloil. It hasbeentried and tested as adirectreplacement. Iuse itin my vintageBMC1500 diesel and canattesttobetter fueleconomy, lesssmokeand no problems with it.HVO has alower freezing pointthan diesel so isideal forwinteruse.

It is not prone to ‘dieselbug’like previous biofuel alternatives andisdirectlyinterchangeable andmixable with dieseloil with no changestotheengine whatsoever.Itappearsto be thedream ticketexcept that the Governmentclassifiesit as afuel oil in the same wayaspetroleum derivativesand taxesitassuch. This makesitmoreexpensive than reddiesel. Obviously,this is agreat discouragementtothe majority of the boatingpublic who findtheir budget stretched by rising costsonall fronts.I seeitasthe responsibleway to go.Icannotafford to replantmy 40-year-old boat with ahybrid drivechain oran electrical motor system.ThechangetoHVO was easy andinthe longrun, will be acheaper waytocontribute responsiblytoreducing harmful emissions. Iverymuchhopethat otherswill agreewithme and anincreaseddemand for HVO amongthe boatingcommunity emerges. This will encourage marinasandfuelboats to keep stock. Currently, the minimum quantitythatI canpurchaseis240 litreswhichmeans that Ihaveto runthetanksdowntoverynear emptybeforeIreplenish them from20-litre‘fuel boxes’. Iwish you all averyhappy newyear. No doubtitwill be another busy one.

Floating bookshop: MarjorieR mooredamidstthe trendy setting of Leeds Dock. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD