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Issue 164, June 2019

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Summer in the city

IWA AWARD FOR MP

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AROUND THE REGIONS ADNAN SAIF

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Narrowboats moored on the Paddington Arm near Sheldon Square strike a contrast with the newly built blocks beyond.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

SUNSHINE GATHERING

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GALA QUEEN OPENS NEW CRUISE BOAT

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WIN A GREAT PRIZE IN OUR WEBSITE TREASURE HUNT

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BOATS FOR SALE Turn to

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£4m grant will see ‘missing mile’ restored

By Sarah Spencer

A £4 MILLION grant will help reinstate a ‘missing mile’ of Gloucestershire canal that was lost to road builders 50 years ago.

The huge project will take the canal straight through a major roundabout in the process.

Cotswold Canals Trust has been awarded the vital funds by Highways England to restore parts of the Stroudwater Navigation, including waterway, locks, bridges and wetlands, which were destroyed when the A38/ A419 roundabout and M5 were built in the late 1960s west of Stonehouse.

A five-mile section of canal between

Anniversary landmarks

NEW milestones made of local sandstone will be erected along the Lancaster Canal to help celebrate the bicentenary of the opening of the main channel, writes Geoff Wood. Twenty-four milestones are currently missing between Lancaster and Garstang.

Many were removed when it was feared in wartime that an invasion force might use them to navigate their path. Lancaster sculptor Alan Ward, helped by students, has been commissioned to erect new milestones and as part of the project will be visiting local schools with anniversary organisers to teach the skills of marking them.

Boat count

Thrupp and Stonehouse has already been restored and Stroud District Council, Cotswold Canals Trust and partners are working on connecting that stretch to the nation’s inland waterway network at Saul.

After winning £872,000 of development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund last year, the project will find out early next year whether it

THE Canal & River Trust’s annual national boat count shows that licence compliance on its waterways remains high with 96.5% of boaters holding a valid licence (2018: 96.9%). This is the tenth year licence compliance has remained above 95%. The count shows trends across the country, identifying a 2.3% increase in boat numbers, with all regions except the North West seeing small increases. London & South East was the only region where licence compliance was under 95% (at 94.1%). Completed in March, the survey is used to support the trust’s day-to-day work.

will receive a further £9 million to fully restore the stretch between Stonehouse and Saul.

The £4 million from the Highways England Environmental Designated Funds Scheme was welcomed by Jim White, Chair of Cotswold Canals Trust.

Fish passes

• Continued on page 2

SCIENTISTS on the River Severn have recorded the year’s first sighting of one of Britain’s rarest fish. A vital research phase of the Unlocking the Severn project got under way in Worcestershire in May, examining the lifecycle of the twaite shad, which each spring begin migration to their natural spawning ground of the Severn’s upper reaches, only to be prevented by manmade structures. The aim is to restore the shads’ access to 158 miles of the Severn north of Worcester by providing fish passes at a series of weirs that currently they cannot swim over or around.

2 NEWS/COMMENT

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WHEN the sun is out – and I am writing this on another beautiful May morning – it gives us that feelgood factor which is enhanced when enjoying our waterways whether on board, walking the towpath or gongoozling from a bridge.

This was certainly the case when I went to the National Waterways Museum for the Easter Gathering of historic boats – see reports on pages 110 and 111. One of the things that really impressed me was the amount of places – whether they be stripey deckchairs, garden chairs or simply grassy slopes – where people could sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

The weather wasn’t as fair when I visited Birmingham to meet the Canal & River Trust’s West Midlands regional director Adnan Saif – see interview on page 14. But his enthusiasm and passion for the city and surrounding area shone out and I hope I have reflected this.

There has been more in the news this week about the health benefits of dog ownership, one of the more obvious that they get you out and help you keep active. Check out Barge Beagle on page 16 for Loxwood Walk 3 along the Wey & Arun Canal to Drungewick Aqueduct.

The festival season is now in full swing and we have reports from the Canalway Cavalcade and Norbury Canal Festival, see page 10, while canal artist Melanie Clare puts the finishing touches to her work for the canal-inspired Welcome to Yorkshire garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

If you have picked up this paper for the first time at Crick Boat Show, I do hope that you find features and articles that interest you and that you will continue to be a reader. You can either pick up your free copy from one of our many stockists around the country or have it delivered straight to your door (or postal address if you live on board) for the cost of postage, details on page 18. And you can also catch up with the latest news online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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IWA launches £100,000 legacy grant scheme at Westminster reception

LEICESTERSHIRE MP Andrew Bridgen has been named by the Inland Waterways Association as its Parliamentarian of the Year for his support of the Ashby Canal, particularly through his work to limit the impact of HS2.

The award, for which he was nominated by the Ashby Canal Association and Ashby Canal Trust, was presented by IWA national chairman Ivor Caplan during a reception held on the terrace at the Houses of Parliament.

He said Andrew had supported both organisations in what would have otherwise been very difficult circumstances. He had also worked with the district and county councils to help resolve progress issues and has also been instrumental in securing funding for the project. “We are seeing more MPs getting involved in waterways restorations and really appreciate all the help and support they provide,” Ivor added.

The event was attended by 45 MPs and five members of the House of Lords along with representatives from more than 30 waterways restoration societies and other supporters.

Five other MPs were also commended for their high level of support for the waterways within their constituencies: Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon

Andrew Bridgen MP, right, receives the Parliamentarian of the Year award from IWA national chairman Ivor Caplan.

PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON

(nominated by the Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire Canal Partnership); Lee Rowley, MP for NE Derbyshire (Chesterfield Canal Trust); Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton SE (Bradley Canal Restoration Society); PM and Maidenhead MPTheresaMay(MaidenheadWaterways) and speaker and Buckingham MP John Bercow (Buckingham Canal Society).

The House was sitting and neither the PM or speaker were present.

The event began with a warm welcome from host Lord German followed by a presentation from Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, who not only highlighted the significant funding that has already been made available to canal restorations in the UK but also assured attendees that the waterways are an area that the fund is keen to support moving forward.

IWA trustee Mike Palmer introduced the Waterways in Progress report and stressed the importance of the two-way relationship between restoration societies and their MPs. He then announced the launch of IWA’s new £100,000 Waterways in Progress Grant which is being funded through IWA legacies. Details on how to apply can be found at www.waterways.org.uk/ waterways_in_progress_grant.

Commenting afterwards, Ivor added: “This was a new format for our Parliamentarian of the Year event and offered attendees a welcome opportunity to network. Having so many MPs in attendance is further proof that support for our waterways is on the rise.

“Reports such as Waterways in Progress help to emphasise the many benefits that a waterway can bring to an area and hearing from Ros Kerslake that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is a firm believer in canal restoration is certainly heart-warming. Now is an exciting time for the UK’s waterways.”

This is the tenth year that the IWA Parliamentarian of the Year award has been given to a Member of Parliament who has shown unwavering support for the waterways. www.waterways.org.uk.

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk

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National Lottery Heritage Fund chief executive Ros Kerslake: “Now is an exciting time for the UK’s waterways.”

Waterways restoration group supporters networking with MPs and other guests during the reception.

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• Continued from page 1 He said: “The Highways England award is extremely welcome and will significantly progress the overall project by bringing forward several of the major engineering tasks in the programme.”

The work will enhance the cultural heritage and historic features near to the M5 and A38 and increase biodiversity with more than 30 hectares of wildlife habitats and improved flood prevention measures.

Much of the work will be done by an army of volunteers.

Cotswold Canals Trust estimates that the wider Cotswold Canals Connected (CCC) project, to which this scheme is linked, will use about 700,000 hours of volunteer work and support new apprenticeships through contractors.

Sean Walsh, route manager for Highways England, said: “We are delighted to support this project which will restore the missing miletothenation’sinlandwaterwaynetwork.

“When the work is finished there will not only be a restored canal, but also

a great walking and cycling route, and environmental improvements, all of which will attract more visitors to the area and so help the local economy.

“Our designated funds programme was developed so that we can invest in improvement projects like this, which go beyond traditional road building and maintenance and have a positive impact on people and communities, as well as protecting cultural heritage and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.”

The Cotswold Canals Trust aims to restore the Cotswold canals as a navigable route from the River Severn to the River Thames. The ‘Missing Mile’ at Junction 13 of the M5 forms part of the larger four-mile long project, Cotswold Canals Connected.

This was awarded a Stage 1 National Lottery HeritageFund(HF)grant in2018to prepare surveys, detailed designs, costings and project plans.

A Stage 2 grant application will be prepared in autumn 2019. The overall project cost is estimated to be £23.4 million.

A visual of how the A38 roundabout with the canal running through it will look.

PHOTO: STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL

NEWS 3

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It’s time to spread the love for Watt a celebration of science at Crofton! flourishing towpath gardens THE public are being encouraged to discover the gardens along their local canal or river in what looks like being one of the blooming loveliest summers on the waterways.

In a celebration of blooms by the water, the Canal & River Trust is encouraging people to relax among the blooming boats, hedgerows and gardens, get involved in some community gardening or spread the love by sharing photos.

Canal and garden lovers also have the chance to get inspired at two of the biggest gardening events of the year, as both Chelsea Flower Show (until May 25) and Gardeners’ World Live (June 13-16) have canal-themed gardens.

The CRT has teamed up with Welcome to Yorkshire to create a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, featuring genuine lock gates in a display by award-winning designer Mark Gregory (more details on page 11).

And similarly the CRT has joined up with award-winning garden designer Chris Myers and volunteer lock keepers to create a ‘Making Life Better By Water’ garden for BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2019.

There are also some inspiring examples of volunteers creating beautiful and innovative spaces along our waterways, for example at Lock 15 on the Audlem flight, where ecological methods have enhanced the area as a welcome point for visitors, at Stonebridge Lock on the River Lee which has had an extraordinary makeover, with the trust and local volunteers turning it into an edible community garden, and a ‘grazing garden’ featuring fruit trees at Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Matthew Symonds, relationship, policy and strategy manager at CRT, said: “Walk

along any towpath and you’ll come across a boat or a garden that lifts your spirits with its beautiful blooms.

“We want more people to feel the benefits of being by the water, and summer is the perfect time to see the waterways bursting with colour and life.

“Plants don’t just look pretty – flowers provide food for bees and butterflies, fruit trees feed animals and people alike, while tended spaces fend off weeds.

“Gardening can also make a tremendous differencetoforgottenspaces,transforming unloved areas into somewhere special to come and sit for a while. There are some fantastic community gardens strung out along the canals, breathing life into city centres, and providing a place where local

people can make a real difference to both the waterways and their own well-being.”

He continued: “This summer we’d love people to come along and discover the secret – and not-so secret – gardens of the towpaths, admire the floating floral displays found on so many boats, and let other people know about the blooming brilliant towpaths by joining in and sharing photos celebrating blooms by the water.”

People can share their photos at canalrivertrust.org.uk/bloomsbythewater, the Canal & River Trust Facebook page, or by using #bloomsbywater on Twitter.

Readmoreabouthowthewaterwaysare blooming at canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoythe-waterways/canal-and-river-wildlife/ waterways-in-bloom

CROFTON Beam Engines is teaming up with leading experts to present a science fair and celebration of the work of James Watt – the designer of the magnificent 200-year-old pumping engines.

Billed as Crofton’s ‘most exciting weekend ever’, the three-day event takes place over the bank holiday, May 25 to 27 (10.30am to 4.30pm).

Crofton has teamed up with Badminton School, The Institute of Physics and Bristol University to showcase the life of the famous engineer James Watt and demonstrate some fun science.

Badminton School will be demonstrating ‘Life in the Freezer’ with some amazing experiments using liquid nitrogen and superconductors, while the Institute of Physics will be showing and talking about special engines that run on heat alone.

Crofton has the privilege of presenting talks by two eminent experts – Dr Sally Dickson will give talks on the life and work of James Watt and his association with the Lunar Society,

plus there is a homage to James Watt by Dr Malcolm Dick, entitled The Power to Change the World – James Watt: A Life in 50 Objects.

Crofton has been working on applying new science to James Watt’s engine designs to better understand how they work. This weekend provides an opportunity to see the results so far and plans for the future. Two hundred years ago James Watt could only dream of this capability.

The magnificent coal-fired pumping engines will also be at work and volunteers look forward to showing visitors around.

Over the three days there will be lots of science interactive demonstrations and talks. It is a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to learn more about our world, with free entry to the grounds, talks and demonstrations.

More details about the events, including the times of the talks, can be found at www.croftonbeamengines. org or Facebook croftonbeamengines for up-to-date details on what is happening at Crofton.

Seven cygnets about to go a-swimming Volunteers working to create a greener Birmingham.

The lush Llangollen Canal is a feast for the eyes as the trees, shrubs and flowers burst into life. PHOTOS: CRT

CANAL enthusiast and keen nature photographer Sonia King captured this family of seven cygnets only moments before they took to the water for the first time.

Their parents had successfully nested for the second year in one of Braunston Marina’s set-aside nature reserves next to its Lower Reservoir.

Sonia said: “These fluff-balls were simply enchanting, and only two days after taking to the water, the whole family had moved into the reed beds on the non-towpath side of the mainline canal.”

She has now moored her narrowboat Dipper at Braunston Marina for over 25 years.“Withallthepositiveimprovements to nature conservation that the marina has made, I have seen some incredible reintroductions of wildlife,” she said.

“There is now a tom otter and maybe he will be joined by a mate. There is a family of buzzards and also of peregrine falcons. Grass snakes swim in the marina and the kingfishers are so tame, they just sit on the safety hand rail yards from my boat. There are also goldfinches, tree sparrows, barn owls, meadow pipits and much, much more.

“It just shows what can be done and it’s

great to share nature with Nature.”

During the 1990s, Braunston Marina planted 2000 trees for its Millennium Project, many of which are now wellestablished. The marina has won two major environmental awards for its commitment to improving the environment and wildlife protection.

Tim Coghlan, managing director of Braunston Marina, said: “Investment in the environment really makes economic sense. Moorers love it – and they stay!”

One of the swans supervises as the seven cygnets get ready to leave the nest. PHOTO: SONIA KING

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Destination South Kyme for May Day gathering MEMBERS of the Australian Canal Society were among the boaters who attended the May Day Boat Gathering on the Kyme Eau (River Slea).

They enjoyed the usual warm welcome from the village of South Kyme in Lincolnshire in spite of the inclement weather.

A coffee morning was held in the Coronation Hall to raise funds for the church and the population of the village was increased for the weekend by the inclusion of a variety of entries for the scarecrow competition.

Entrants for the Duck Race found the weather conditions rather challenging and some even travelled upstream such was the

prevailing wind. The traditional Boaters’ Service followed by lunch at The Hume took place on Sunday with the majority of the boats leaving the village on Monday morning.

Visiting boats used the new landing stages completed by contractors P&R Plant Hire Ltd as part of the successful Destination South Kyme bid funded by Kesteven’s LEADER. The approved construction material was recycled plastic, which had the appearance of wood but did not require treatment and maintenance. Installation proved to be quite problematic though as the piles were not sufficiently rigid to be driven into the earth as had originally been planned.

This was compounded by the fact that

the riverbank was composed of clay of the consistency of concrete! The problem was eventually overcome by the use of an auger which bored the hole to receive the piles.

The two landing stages were then installed, one at a slightly lower height than the other to accommodate canoes as well as boats.

Winding hole

Part of the plan was to include a reinforced pathway which would allow easy access to the mooring platforms for pushchairs and wheelchairs. A series of routes was tried out and, after consultation with parish councillors, one of whom is a wheelchair

One of the narrowboats makes its way along the Kyme Eau (River Slea). PHOTO: CHRIS HAYES

Narrowboats moored at the new landing stages in South Kyme. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON user, the original design was modified to include a hard surface.

Sleaford Navigation Trust chairman Chris Hayes said: “We think the result is excellent and are very grateful for the professionalism and attention to detail shown by P&R personnel.

“Thanks are due to Dave Pullen and Steve Hayes who liaised with the contractors and to Mervyn Head and Pete Good from the village who took part in discussion on detail.

Special thanks too to Steph Munks who allowed the contractors to use his premises as a safe storage area.”

It had been hoped that the proposed winding hole just upstream of the village

would have been in place before the event, but the contractor wasn’t available.

Environmental permits and agreements with the landowner are in place and work on the winding hole should start around the end of May. The overall design will incorporate shallow areas to provide spawning grounds and refuge for small fish and thanks go to the Environment Agency for help in the design of these. It’s good to know that this will help improve the fish population of the waterway.

The coir roll the trust installed in the village in connection with the landing stages has already created habitat for wildlife as well as stabilising the eroded riverbank.

Electric boating could be the future

By Cicely Oliver

IS THE future electrifying? Talk to Robert Malcolm Kay, General Secretary of the Electric Boat Association (EBA) and the answer is a definite yes!

The EBA was established in 1982 by the Lead Development Association as a means to generate support and interest in battery-powered boats of all kinds. It is the largest organisation in the world dedicated to electric boats and boating and has members from as far away as Alaska and China.

Members’ boats range from small dinghies such as Robert’s own folding Sea Hopper powered by a Thruster trolling motor, through to ribs, dinghies, launches and day boats of all kinds, a 1920s Dutch barge, and even a 57ft narrowboat.

Of course, there’s nothing new under the sun and electrically powered boats appeared in the 1830s and ’40s, in early experiments with batteries. By 1888 there were some six electric charging stations on the River Thames and by 1902 there were 20 land-based charging stations and two floating barges, with more than 50 British boatbuilders having built one or more electric launches.

However, the development of oil engines at the turn of the century and the First World War brought an end to mainstream electrically propelled boats, on the Thames at least.

The renaissance of electric boating has seen boat hire companies purchasing new electrically powered boats and converting

Electric boats for hire. PHOTOS: LINLITHGOW UNION CANAL SOCIETY. existing petrol or diesel-driven boats to use electric motors.

The Linlithgow Union Canal Society has, new for 2019, electric dinghies for hourly hire and visitors to the Norfolk Broads have long been able to take a trip on the solar boat Ra. Those on the English canal system may have spotted Mothership Marine’s electric narrowboat Shine on the water this year.

Sunflower, a 45ft narrowboat, was on display for the EBA at the 2017 Crick Boat Show, demonstrating a hybrid system of an electric motor primarily charged by solar panels, with a back-up diesel generator.

Similarly named, The Sunflower, is a 65ft

fully solar-powered electric wide beam manufactured by Thames Solar Electric.

Back to Robert, who sees tenders going out to yachts, up and down estuaries, and rescue boats, all powered by electric engines. Robert takes his little folding boat on to the Forth & Clyde Canal, boating between Craigmarloch and Auchinstary.

He says it’s sad to be motoring through a film of fuel on top of the water, especially with the environmental damage caused, but in his mind’s eye he sees a future of clean, quiet boating. There is a lot of information on the web about electric boating. A good place to start is www. electricboatassociation.org

Ampère, an electrically-powered, BCN tug-style narrowboat at Canal Cavalcade in 2017. PHOTO: JONATHAN MOSSE

NEWS 5

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Waterways museum forced to shut down

By Sarah Spencer

A POPULAR waterways museum hit by financial difficulties has been forced to close.

The Yorkshire Waterways Museum in Goole aimed to preserve the heritage of the waterways within the area and educated visitors about the Aire and Calder Navigation and its role in creating the port and town.

The museum was also part of the Sobriety Project, a charity that uses the environment of the Yorkshire waterways as a resource for learning and education.

A statement from insolvency firm Revive Business Recovery shortly before the closure said: “As a consequence of the economic uncertainty, Yorkshire Waterways Museum and Sobriety Project, like many organisations in the public sector across the UK, have seen a reduction in available public funding.

It is sad to say that it can no longer continue and will close this month (May 15).”

It continued: “Funding in the charities area has shrunk and unfortunately this has had a negative impact on the museum. The museum and Sobriety Project can no longer cover its own costs and found that it had a funding shortage month on month. Various cost-cutting exercises (and fund-building exercises) were explored by the trustees and the staff, however a critical point has now been reached. The trustees of the charity concluded that it could no longer continue and decided to appoint Claire Foster of Revive Business Recovery Ltd to take the appropriate steps to liquidate the charity.”

It is understood that there are items within the museum that have been loaned by members of the public and other organisations and they will be contacted to collect their exhibits.

Founded in 1980, the museum was located in Goole’s docklands by the River Ouse, and visitors learnt all about the ‘Tom Puddings’ – the unique way of transporting and transshipping coal from

IN BRIEF Burnley repairs

CONTRACTORS have been working 12-hour days as part of a £1.7 million project to repair the lining of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Finsley Gate, Burnley, to enable the canal to re-open as quickly as possible.

Investigations following the drainage of the canal and removal of more than 1200 tonnes of silt revealed that the towpath was unstable and needed to be rebuilt. The canal wall was also in a worse condition than expected requiring extensive repairs.

Work is expected to be completed by June 18.

Exhibits inside the museum.

The museum giftshop.

the Yorkshire coalfields through Goole Docks to London and the continent.

In the ‘Sail and Keel’ Gallery visitors learnt about waterways archaeology in the St Aiden’s displays and about the traditional industries found in a port town.

It also had a yearly programme of events including the popular ‘FolkSail Festival’ where traditional sailing barges and folk musicians met for a weekend.

The statement added: “The whole community were welcomed and encouraged to the museum and they often hosted events to bring the community together. These included art exhibitions, custom car shows, sketching workshops, motor bike nights, boat rallies, seasonal holiday fun for the children, as well as encouraging the public to go on a boat trip or enjoy the nature trail.”

Rescue boat appeal

THE appeal to buy a new rescue boat costing £45,000 for York's rivers raised more than £600 within a day of going online, writes Geoff Wood. The charitable drive, named the Sunshine Campaign, has been launched by the family of 19-yearold Sonny Ferry who drowned on a night out in York in April – one of four people to die in a fortnight in York's rivers. Organisers of the present rescue boat service say a new boat with advanced equipment on board would be better equipped for saving lives in the River Ouse.

Pier plans

Entertainment outside the Yorkshire Waterways Museum at the popular FolkSail Festival. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON

The Sobriety barge.

IWA launches annual Pull Snap Stomp campaign THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) launched its annual Pull Snap Stomp campaign in May to coincide with Invasive Species Week.

IWA is asking members of the public to either sign up for an online information pack in order to pull up Himalayan balsam on a family walk or to join a local IWA branch Balsam Bash work party.

Himalayan balsam is a non-native, invasive plant species that can be found along the banks of the UK’s waterways. It grows so quickly that it crowds out native wildflowers and takes over large swathes of ground.

Growing up to three metres in height, it makes an impressive sight with its reddish stems and

pink-purple flowers, but the plant has no root stock, so once it dies back, the ground is susceptible to erosion, especially during the wet winter months.

Himalayan balsam stems are easy to pull out and leave the ground with a very pleasing ‘pop’ which makes it a fun family activity. IWA is seeking volunteers both young and old to help remove the plants from towpaths during June and July before it has a chance to go to seed and spread its stranglehold even further.

Volunteers are being asked to take just five minutes out of their walk to PULL up the stems, SNAP off the root and STOMP down on it to speed up the rotting process.

Himalayan balsam isn’t welcome on the canal or river bank.

PHOTO: RUPERT SMEDLEY

To see where the Balsam Bashes are running or to request an information pack, please visit www. waterways.org.uk/ himalayanbalsam Balsam Bashes will take place during late June/early July.

More information on this non-native, invasive species can also be found on the IWA website at www.waterways. org.uk/himalayanbalsam.

If you find Himalayan balsam and pull any up, please post a photo on social media using #PullSnapStomp.

PLANS are now well advanced to regenerate the Wigan Pier area as a retail and leisure destination, writes Geoff Wood. The plans which have secured £2 million of Arts Council funding, include shops, a 1100-seat performance area and boating and mooring facilities on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Canoe challenge

TWO brothers from Burnley completed Age UK Lancashire’s annual 25-mile canoe challenge in under seven hours, writes Geoff Wood. Jimmy and Nolan Cash paddled from Preston to Lancaster along the canal network to win the event and helped raise £4000 on the day.

Pocket park

GOVERNMENT community cash is to help a canal society establish a new park in Bury, writes Geoff Wood. Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Society is to receive £13,500 to help transform land near the canal into a pocket park – set to be named Stoneleigh Community Woodland.

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Thousands more fish released into Witham

Around 34,000 fish were released into the River Witham in the latest attempt at restocking.

PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

AROUND 34,000 fish have been released into the River Witham to help it recover from devastating pollution suffered last spring.

The restocking is being carried out by the Environment Agency as part of an ongoing project.

The year-old roach and bream, measuring between 5-10cm in length, were bred at the EA’s national coarse fish farm before being transported and released into the river by fisheries officers.

It brings the total number of fish stocked back into the Witham in the last year to around 74,000, in addition to around 1.5 million larvae.

Releasing high numbers of fish increases the chances their populations will re-establish, as some will die naturally or be eaten by predators.

The restocking is part of ongoing efforts to help restore the river to its natural, healthy state following devastating pollution last March, when ammonia badly affected the river and its ecosystems from Bardney to The Wash.

The incident is thought to be the worst river pollution ever recorded in the county.

Darren Randall, fisheries officer at the Environment Agency, said: “A river can

take years or even decades to recover from such a serious pollution incident – but we’re doing everything we can to help return it to its former glory as soon as possible.

“Reintroducing these fish will help restore the complex ecosystems and the natural balance of this precious river, although it will be a long process.”

In December, the EA issued agricultural and fertiliser company Omex Agriculture Limited with a ‘notice of liability’ under the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2015.

The notice – only the second the EA has issued since the regulations came into place – requires the company to develop plans for repairing the environmental damage caused when ammonia entered the river in March 2018, killing more than 100,000 fish. Meanwhile, the EA is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the pollution.

Anyone who suspects a pollution incident is urged to report it to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

The roach and bream were transported from the EA’s national coarse fish farm near Calverton, Nottinghamshire, which is funded by money from fishing licence sales.

PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

Unregistered boaters ordered to pay £4300 for flouting river laws SIX boaters are counting the cost after being ordered to pay more than £4300 for flouting the law on East Anglian rivers.

All were prosecuted for not registering boats they kept on Environment Agency waterways.

The EA is now warning other boaters not to do the same, or they, too, could face fines, fees and even criminal convictions.

Boat owners are legally required to register any vessel they keep, use, or let for hire on Environment Agency waterways, and to clearly display a valid registration plate. Angela Quinn (South Road, Brandon, Suffolk), Jack Hawksbee (Coronation Avenue, Whittlesey, Peterborough), John Day (Riverside Mead, Stanground, Peterborough), Lewis Burton (Church Street, Great Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire), and Alan Gamble and Michael Paris (both of Upware Marina, Ely) all failed to do so.

The cases were proved at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on April 25.

Ms Quinn was ordered to pay £904, Mr Hawksbee £869, Mr Day £496, Mr

Burton £470, Mr Gamble £1106 and Mr Paris £495, within 28 days.

It brings the total of avoided registration charges recouped by the Environment Agency so far this year to £110,000 – money that will be reinvested into maintaining, improving and protecting waterways.

Nathan Arnold, waterways team leader at the Environment Agency, said: “Our waterways are part of our nation’s rich heritage and beauty, and they contribute to our environment, economy and health and well-being.

“But boaters who break the law by not registering their boats are putting the future of these historic and precious waterways at risk – so we won’t hesitate to take action against them.”

As well as not contributing their fair share towards the upkeep of waterways, unregistered boats can be unsafe, hazardous to other river users and a pollution risk to the local environment and wildlife.

The EA looks after 353 miles of navigable

waterways in the Anglian network, which includes the Ancholme, Black Sluice, Glen, Welland, Nene, Great Ouse and Stour, as well as associated locks and navigation facilities like slipways, moorings, showers and toilets.

More information about boating and waterways, including registering vessels, is available from the Environment Agency. If you suspect a boat is illegal, contact the EA on 03708 506 506 or email waterways.enforcementanglian@ environment-agency.gov.uk

Environment Agency patrol officers are reminding boaters that not registering their vessels is illegal and can be costly. PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

VIPs fall under the magical spell of Waterwitch LANCASTER Canal Trust enjoyed a special day when a group of VIPs were invited to join the first Waterwitch trip of the season.

This was arranged as part of the bicentenary celebrations for the Lancaster Canal, which was opened to Kendal in 1819.

The VIPs included representatives from local parish councils, Canal & River Trust, the Inland Waterways Association, Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership and a local historian, all hosted by representatives from Lancaster Canal Trust.

The trip took place from Crooklands on part of the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal, with its beautiful tranquil waters and wildlife.

There was a short walk to see the work being done on the First Furlong by Lancaster Canal Trust and a glimpse of the work being carried out on Stainton Aqueduct, before the return trip to Crooklands.

Everyone had a wonderful time and agreed how special the Lancaster Canal is.

Waterwitch is the Lancaster Canal Trust’s purpose-built tripboat and it has been newly painted for the bicentenary year.

Trips for the public are on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays from early May to September and Saturdays in August. The trips run from Crooklands Wharf, signposted from the Crooklands Hotel, from 11am to 4pm and cost £3 for adults, £1 for children and are free for babes in arms. Dogs are welcome.

The trips are run entirely by Lancaster Canal Trust volunteers and all proceeds go towards the restoration of the canal.

Lucky VIPs enjoyed Waterwitch’s first trip of the season.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

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ASK THE TRUST

What are you doing to avoid drought-related closures of the waterways this summer?

Experts from the Canal & River Trust answer some of the most common questions from boaters, whether that’s via the Boaters’ Update, enquiries received by the customer services team, or the contents of the Towpath Talk mailbag.

Adam Comerford, national hydrology manager, says:

Last summer was the driest on record but, with forward planning, active management of the water we had available, and the help of water-conscious boaters, 90% of our canals and rivers stayed open for navigation. Another record was broken this April, when temperatures soared to their highest ever level on an Easter Monday.

While the sun may lift our spirits, what the waterways need is a fair share of consistently rainy days. We have to keep an eye on water levels all year round and make every effort to save water where we can. Our Water Resources Strategy looks ahead as far as 2050, thinking about how we’ll combat the pressures on water use and tackle the challenges ahead – find the document, along with more information about how we manage water, on our website at canalrivertrust.org.uk/water-saving.

Keeping the waterways open is a collaborative effort. The trust completes hundreds of jobs that, one way or another, help to keep the water in the cut. Last year there were just under 50 that were wholly about conserving water. We recycle water by pumping it back up to the top of lock flights, monitor reservoirs, send water to the places that need it most, and act fast when we see water running low. Our volunteer lock keepers also play an important role: last year they assisted in saving more than 3000 locks full of water a week.

Boaters, more than any other canal lovers, really feel the effects of low water levels. You can help us massively by sharing locks where you can, shutting gates and lowering paddles, and following any special instructions such as locks that must be left empty or locking anti-vandal devices. I’d also encourage you to report any leaks to us so we can focus our efforts on fixing those that have the biggest impact.

When you’re out and about on the cut you’ll see we’ve already put some actions in place to make the best use of the water available. On the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, between Barrowford Locks and Gargrave, we’re controlling use of the locks to ensure that they’re being used efficiently and that they’re all secure at the end of the day. Similar controls are also in place on the Grand Union and Oxford canals at Watford, Foxton and Buckby from next week. As always, we’ll be continuing to keep a watchful eye on the entire network and will respond to the developing water picture as necessary.

We’re looking into new and creative ways to get the water-saving message out where it’s most effective – at the lockside.

In particular we’ll be targeting key spots on our network, particularly those that see lots of hire boaters who may not be so familiar with the messages.

With your help, we can keep the water where it belongs – in the canals! – for as long as possible.

‘Get involved’ call for Lancaster bicentenary GET involved in discovering Lancaster Canal’s hidden gems – this is the call from a new project officer appointed to promote the waterway in south Cumbria.

Carrie House has joined the Canal & River Trust charity and Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership (LCRP) on a two-year community engagement project.

This has been funded as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £1.3 million, which is helping finance vital repairs to Grade II-listed Stainton Aqueduct, near Sedgwick.

Organising nature and well-being walks, history, heritage and wildlife events; improving the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail and recruiting volunteers to learn new skills in dry stone walling and oral history recording are just a few of the exciting activities Carrie will be promoting.

Carrie House would like to hear from anyone who wants to get involved with preserving the Lancaster Canal. PHOTO: CRT

As the Lancaster Canal celebrates its bicentenary this year, Carrie will provide a focal point for visitors and residents alike, as she shines a light on cultural and leisure opportunities offered by the canal’s fascinating historic structures and beautiful natural environment.

Under a wider £2.2 million project, Stainton Aqueduct, Sedgewick Aqueduct and Hincaster Tunnel will all benefit from improved access and have new interpretation to guide visitors in the exploration of the area.

Carrie said: “I would love to hear from people who would like to volunteer and get involved in discovering and preserving this incredibly important waterway. The canal is a fantastic place to enjoy the big outdoors.

“Some stretches are in water, some aren’t, but this intriguing combination provides for a diverse towpath walking trail along the old historic canal route, peppered with stunning structures like Hincaster Tunnel and Stainton Aqueduct.”

Stainton Aqueduct was badly damaged during storms Desmond and Eva in December 2015. The Canal & River Trust is currently hard at work restoring this vital water feed to the Lancaster Canal, which is likely to take until the summer to complete.

Daniel Greenhalgh, Canal & River Trust North West regional director, said: “Restoring canal structures, like Stainton Aqueduct, is incredibly important, but it is also equally important to encourage people to engage with their local waterways and take advantage of the amazing leisure and heritage opportunities they provide.

“As the Lancaster Canal celebrates its bicentenary, this new community engagement project is the perfect way to focus attention on how residents can enjoy this historic waterway gem on their doorsteps.”

Audrey Smith OBE, Lancaster Canal

Regeneration Partnership chair, added: “The canal has great untapped potential as a regional visitor and tourism destination.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Canal & River Trust as we breathe new life into the waterway through the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail project.”

The £2.2 million restoration, interpretation and community project is made possible thanks to National Lottery players and the HLF £1.3 million grant, and funding from the Rural Payments Agency Countryside Access Fund (£500,000), Canal & River Trust and Cumbria County Council.

A grant of £140,000 from South Lakeland District Council and smaller grants from Cumbria County Council, Kendal Town Council, the Lancaster Canal Trust and the Inland Waterways Association will support work on the Towpath Trail project in the Kendal to Natland area.

The Grade II-listed Stainton Aqueduct was built in 1819 and carries the Lancaster Canal, cared for by the Canal & River Trust, over Stainton Beck. Prior to the damage caused during extreme rainfall in the December 2015 storms, the aqueduct was in good condition.

Emergency stabilisation works costing £250,000 were completed onsite by the Canal & River Trust in early 2016 and once this final major construction phase is finished, the public right of way through the aqueduct tunnel and navigation over the aqueduct (principally used by a trip boat operated by the Lancaster Canal Trust) will be reinstated.

For more information on the Lancaster Canal and bicentenary celebrations, check out https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-rivernetwork/lancaster-canal or the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, www. lancastercanalregenerationpartnership. wordpress.com

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Help needed in fight against Loughborough litter louts

COMMUNITYMINDED volunteers in Loughborough are looking for people to join their crusade against rubbish and plastics in the town’s waterways.

The group, Clear Cut Conservation (CCC), is out each week on the River Soar in its 20ft boat to scoop rubbish out of the water and get into the places that are hard to reach by land.

CCC works with the Canal & River Trust helping to keep Loughborough’s waterways clean and attractive for people and wildlife. The group has even adopted the river running through the town, committing to helping the trust on a regular basis.

The team has worked on the town’s waterways for almost 10 years and over time numbers have dwindled, leaving just two remaining members, Barrie Ball and David Ingram. Barrie and David are out most Wednesdays doing their bit, but with both approaching their 80s they are keen for new members to get involved.

Barrie said: “We really enjoy making a difference on the river but we’re not getting any younger and so it would be a big help to have a few more people lending a hand.

“I’ve been doing it for nine years and have pulled out everything from safes and toilets to shopping trolleys and bikes. Over the years we’ve been volunteering we’ve noticed a definite improvement in the cleanliness of the river, which is satisfying, but there’s still work to be done with the day-to-day litter that people drop.

“We’re really keen to get some more people involved. We’re a friendly bunch and the work is very satisfying – seeing the town from a totally different perspective while making the river better for people living nearby.”

For those who want to stay on dry land, the team is also looking for volunteers to help with grass cutting in the area around Bishop Meadow Lock.

Wayne Ball, volunteer development

Volunteer Barrie Ball with rubbish retrieved from the River Soar. PHOTO SUPPLIED co-ordinator for the CRT, said: “Clear Cut Conservation have worked with us for a number of years and they really are unsung heroes in Loughborough, helping to keep the town’s waterways clean and welcoming for us all to enjoy.

“Their efforts are invaluable and it would be great to see a few more people

getting involved and giving them some support. It’s a brilliant opportunity to make a difference in your local community, meet new people and keep fit and active.”

The volunteers currently work on Wednesdays but can be flexible to suit new members. All training will

be provided and anyone interested in volunteering can contact Barrie on 07989 806710 or baztimeout@gmail.com To find out more about the work of the CRT, including how you can support through volunteering or making a donation, go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Lichfield goes live on Staffordshire Day Glasson get-together LICHFIELD Canal played host to the county on May 1 as BBC Radio WM celebrated Staffordshire Day. Sunny and Shay presented their two-hour afternoon show from the Tamworth Road site of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, talking to guests from across the county as well as trust volunteers.

James Leavesley, Vice LordLieutenant of Staffordshire, and Ashley Brough, High Sheriff of Staffordshire, gave the occasion the history and heritage of their offices by attending in full costume and carrying swords.

They were greeted by the Mayor of Lichfield, David Leytham, and the Mayoress, Coun Leytham’s wife Jan Leytham-Gain.

Only recently into their offices, James and Ashley gave interesting insights into their roles and their commitment to Staffordshire.

The first hour of the programme, which was produced by Lichfield-born Adam Pinder-Smith, also included interviews with LHCRT’s engineering

BBC Radio WM presenters Sunny and Shay talking to Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust director Peter Buck (second left) and site leader Tony Cadwallader in the Staffordshire Day live broadcast from Tamworth Road in Lichfield.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

director Peter Buck and one of its site leaders, Tony Cadwallader, and chats with Aaron and Jamie, students at Queen’s Croft High School, and their teacher Callum Huckfield, who volunteer weekly as part of a larger school group to do invaluable work for the trust.

The developing relationship between LHCRT and South Staffordshire College for real work experience provided more interesting conversation from several construction students and staff.

The second half of the programme brought in representatives of other South Staffordshire organisations: Greensforge Sailing Club and South Staffs Sailing Club, both based in the Cannock area, and Tamworth Sailing Club; Statfold Barn Festival, which will take place at Ashby Road in Tamworth in August; Lichfield Festival, running from July 5 to July 27; and the Museum of Cannock Chase.

THE Lancaster Canal Boat Club held a get-together in the wide expanses of the dock at Glasson.

The rally included boat handling and best dressed boat competitions, as well as an illuminated boat display.

While not a big rally, it must be one of the most coastal events, with the narrowboats moored across the dock from the seagoing bigger ships.

Glasson dock is on the north-west coast of England and a branch of the Lancaster Canal drops down from the main line through six locks and then out on to the River Lune and the sea through a sea lock.

A colourful display of flowers growing on the roof of winner of the best dressed boat competition, Playing Out, at Glasson Dock.

PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

Awards aimed at historic ships volunteers NATIONAL Historic Ships UK and the Marsh Christian Trust will once again present volunteer awards.

One will be for an individual volunteer

and another for a group of volunteers – to those who have made significant contributions to the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK. A prize of £500 will be given to an individual, with £1000 to a team or group.

These awards are supported by the Marsh Christian Trust and can be spent as the winners choose.

A third award, also supported by the Marsh Christian Trust, is made to an individual volunteer or a group that has made a significant contribution to a historic vessel through engaging the public. This could be through marketing or promoting the vessel, or through educational programmes that reach a wide audience. The prize of £500 can be spent as the winner chooses.

All awards will be presented at a prestigious annual awards

ceremony which this year will take place on November 26 in Queen’s House, Greenwich.

Toenter,completetheonlineapplication form and submit it by September 30.

Entries will be judged by an expert panel nominated by the Marsh Christian Trust and National Historic Ships UK. Any individual or group of people who work on a voluntary basis in direct contact on a historic vessel on the National Register of Historic Vessels can be nominated. A vessel owner cannot be nominated for conservation work they have carried out on their own vessel.

The voluntary work must have a focus on conservation, skills or vessel operation, or engaging the public.

Judging will take place in October.

The entry form can be found at www. nationalhistoricships.org.uk/node/4764

A rubbish ‘sculpture’ at Halesworth New Reach.

Holiday haul is hardly a work of art!

NO, THIS is not a piece of modern sculpture – just a selection of the rubbish pulled out of the canal by Halesworth New Reach Working Group recently.

It included lumps of timber and a baby buggy – quite a good bank holiday haul.

The group is quite restricted in the work it can do on the waterway during the summer to avoid disturbance to wildlife, especially water voles.

It will have a canoe out on the water during this time to clear the litter that builds up. In this way the banks and the voles’ nesting sites are not disturbed.

There’s plenty to see on the canal at this time of year; the voles are numerous and the moorhens are starting to nest.

Jack pike have been sighted, so the otter did not get them all!

The water is quite visible because the foliage on the banks hasn’t grown too tall and the weed hasn’t taken over. Just the place to enjoy a fine spring walk.

If you would like to support the efforts to restore Halesworth’s historic waterway, contact: New Reach Working Group, 54 London Road, Halesworth IP19 8LS. Phone 0795 437 6066.

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A young man with a vision for the Chesterfield Canal THE Chesterfield Canal Trust has appointed its first paid employee, George Rogers, who took up the post of development manager in May. Working from an office in the beautifully converted stables at Staveley Hall, he can see from his window Staveley Town Lock, which he helped to build.

Up to now the trust has prided itself on being run entirely by volunteers, however the trustees felt the time was right to engage someone to work full-time on getting the remaining nine miles of the canal restored.

The aim is to have the canal fully reopened by 2027, which will be the 250th anniversary of its completion.

Kath Auton, who convened the appointments panel said: “George is a very talented and inspirational young man with a passion and vision for the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal by 2027.”

After earning a Master’s degree in Engineering from Trinity College Cambridge, George’s previous employment was as a chartered civil engineer for a small engineering consultancy in Derby, specialising in the design of civil infrastructure works for National Grid substations.

He also has wide experience within the voluntary canal restoration sector.

George is a trustee of the Friends of the Cromford Canal, and leads their Strategic Restoration Committee, focusing on restoration planning, strategic direction and transitioning the FCC to a major delivery organisation through structural and policy changes.

He is also a director of the Waterway Recovery Group, the national organisation which runs working holidays for volunteers on canal restoration projects across the country. He has been site leader or cook on over 20 weeklong canal camps, and a volunteer on over 30 further weeks, including multiple weeks on the Chesterfield Canal at Hall Lane, Staveley Town Lock, Hartington Harbour and Constitution Hill Bridge.

George has been responsible for project planning and delivery, leading teams of 18 volunteers of mixed age and ability. He is a member of the Restoration Hub High Level Panel of the Inland Waterways Association.

This group provides insight into strategic issues and common problems faced by canal restoration schemes that can be influenced at a national level.

Exciting project

He said: “The Chesterfield Canal restoration is a very exciting project, and one that I have become deeply passionate about since first volunteering on a Waterway Recovery Group work camp in 2010. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and working with all of the highly dedicated volunteers, partners and communities to complete this ambitious project.”

In November 2014, George received a Point of Light Award, which honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK. Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Through his work, George is helping to safeguard the heritage and culture of Britain’s canals for future generations, which is of great importance.

He truly deserves this Point of Light award.”

The first job will be to pull together all the work that has been done in the past, not least

by Dr Geraint Coles, who was employed as a development manager by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership between 2004 and 2013. George will then create a sequence of costed projects which will form the basis of a series of major funding bids.

George Rogers at Staveley Town Basin with the lock he helped to build on the right. PHOTO: CCT

Survitec supplies London Fire Brigade with new rescue boat LEADING provider to the emergency services, Survitec, has secured a contract with Babcock International Group (Babcock) to supply the London Fire Brigade (LFB) with its new DSB 470 FR Rescue Boat.

LFB is one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world and viewed as the point of reference for fire brigades in the UK. Babcock is an engineering services company supporting a range of government bodies and private sector customers, including the fleet assets of the LFB. Securing this contract is

building upon the foundations of a relationship formed between Survitec and the LFB in 2002, when a series of water rescue products such as lifejackets and throwing lines have been regularly supplied.

The DSB 470 FR rescue boat originally existed to serve the military and special forces market but has since been modified to meet a broader range of customer requirements.

This is the first non-military sale of this particular model, having been tailor made and designed around the needs of emergency service teams.

Modifications include a

low-pressure rapid inflation system plus an aft navigation and light frame, which offers an effective rapid response solution in what can be demanding environments.

Due to its inflatable floor, the DSB 470 FR is lightweight and stowage-savvy for transportation without compromising its integral in-water performance, making this a versatile solution for use in water and flood rescue operations.

Survitec will be exhibiting its capabilities to the emergency services and swift water rescue agencies at the Emergency Services Show, September 2019.

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Thousands enjoy Norbury

Dozens of boats sold a vast variety of goods. PHOTOS: PHIL PICKIN

Boaters stop for a chat.

Boats flock to capital’s cavalcade Norbury Canal Festival is officially open!

By Phil Pickin

THOUSANDS of people descended on Norbury Junction for the annual festival organised by Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust.

This was despite unseasonably cold weather – a far cry from last year’s event!

Norbury Canal Festival, which aims to raise awareness of plans to restore the Shrewsbury and Newport Canal – which once joined

the Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury – has grown in popularity in recent years.

It was opened by the historic narrowboat Dory, recently restored by Norbury Wharf Ltd, with the canal trust’s officials on board.

Dozens of boats selling a wide variety of craft goods, together with stalls, an old time fairground and visits from both the police and fire service delighted visitors, who also enjoyed boat trips

and looking round the many vessels on the canal.

The Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust said the event was very successful from their viewpoint, especially as they signed up many new members and were given a number of donations. The local Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch of the IWA also signed up a number of new members during the event as well as receiving donations from visitors to the stand.

THE IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade attracted a record number of boats to Little Venice in London.

Unsettled weather across the weekend didn’t dampen spirits at the 37th annual event, with a record number of 150 boats lined up along the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals, many moored by their sterns in Browning’s Pool.

Alongside the gleaming boats, with their bunting flying and brass work shining, there was a great selection of events and activities.

The Noyze Boyz Jazz Band burst into life as the festivities kicked off on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend and soon the pool was buzzing with beautifully decorated boats parading in front of an eager audience. Elsewhere in the festival, there was a wide variety of stalls selling their wares, including jewellery, plants and traditional painted boating paraphernalia.

The Stone Wharf offered many different food and beverage options, keeping the hungry visitors sustained while they listened to live music in the festival’s real ale bar.

Libby Bradshaw, ceremonial and children’s activities manager, introduced the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Coun Lindsey Hall, who welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked the Inland Waterways Association

(IWA) for putting on the event.

Mark Saxon, chairman of the IWA Canalway Cavalcade Committee, followed and welcomed everyone to the event, paying special attention to this year’s theme ‘celebrating our volunteers’.

Libby thanked British Land for their sponsorship and support before the Lord Mayor of Westminster rang the bell to formally open the event. This was echoed by cheers around the pool, the ringing of bells and horns, and the start of the pageant.

In Rembrandt Gardens, children were entertained by a number of different acts and Sunday saw the wonderful Teddy bears’ picnic, which even brought the sun out.

Other children’s activities were led by the Floating Classroom on the Electric Barge, the Church Army and the Pirate Castle from Camden. Live music was performed each day in the Amphitheatre; highlights included the sensational Rock Choir on Saturday and Mandolin Monday, who always get the audience on their feet.

On Sunday evening Craig Haslam, wearing full evening dress complete with bow tie, was master of ceremonies for the Procession of Illuminated Boats, where once again the boaters covered their boats with as many lights as would

fit along the roofs and sides. Mark Saxon, chairman, produced a spectacular display with disco lights and even a smoke machine!

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade awards were presented by Libby Bradshaw, Laura Radley and John Edmonds.

Mark Saxon, chairman of the IWA Canalway Cavalcade organising committee, said: “The outstanding success of this year’s event is due entirely to the dedication of the volunteers who organise, set up and run the event.

“This weekend has been an enormous success and we’re already eagerly considering 2020.

Thank you to you all.”

Next year’s event is planned for May 2, 3 and 4.

Gleaming boats with bunting flying thrilled the crowds at IWA Canalway Cavalcade.

PHOTO: TOM CLAYDON

IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2019 – Award Winners Marcus Boudier Trophy For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed pageant: Stumpy, owned

by Samantha Quy Runner-up: Follow your Bliss, owned by Ayesha Walker The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group: The Waterway Recovery Group, decorating the boat opportunity loaned by Laburnum Boat Club The Cruise Electric Trophy For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s procession: Rachel, owned by Mark and Jayne Saxon Runner-up: My Lovely, owned by Chris Mayo

The Graham Capelin Award For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday pageant or illuminated boats: Annie & Walt, owned by Mike and Lorraine Newman The Westminster Trophy Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the boat handling competition: Robin Hendley, on Middlesex The Roger Squires Trophy Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s 10 years as their commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the boat handling competition: Myles Jackson, on narrowboat Alba The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy Open to boaters and non-boaters, awarded to the

couple in the best ‘Boaters’ Sunday Best’ costume: Margaret Oliver The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy Goes to the ‘Best Boat’ at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, it is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime: Duchess, owned by Peter Stanley Runner-up: Nimrod, owned

by Craig Haslam The Idle Women Shield Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield was awarded to the best lady entrant in the boat handling competition: Olivia Cochoran, steering Teazel

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Yorkshire’s waterways make a splash at Chelsea Flower Show

Melanie Claire puts the finishing touches to some of the items that will feature in a canal-inspired garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED THE work of a canal artist has been incorporated into a garden focusing on Yorkshire’s waterways at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

A selection of painted canal items produced by Melanie Claire has taken pride of place in an entry inspired by Yorkshire’s stunning countryside and canals.

This has been presented by tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire and designed by Mark Gregory, whose 2018 Dalesinspired garden scooped a Gold Medal, the People’s Choice Award and won the prize for Best Construction.

The 2019 entry has a canal theme and depicts a lock and lock-keeper’s lodge in a garden setting.

Mark used reclaimed lock gates, gifted by the Canal & River Trust during a recent replacement project, along with other canal icons. He asked Melanie to produce a selection of pieces that would look ‘natural’ within the garden and, as far as possible, reference the waterways in Yorkshire as a valuable environmental resource.

Melanie said: “The brief was really interesting. Mark had the idea that the lock keeper has collected some canal art pieces over the years which he

has carefully placed around the lodge and garden.”

The Welcome to Yorkshire garden celebrates the important part canals have played in the county’s rich industrial heritage and their value today for tourism, leisure and wellbeing. It was fitting then to feature some canal art, a key element of the cultural history of Britain’s inland waterways.

Melanie’s decorated pieces include a milk churn with a stylised version of Skipton castle and the Yorkshire rose prominent in the design, a pair of cabin doors that will lean up against a wall and a number of jugs, planters and billy-cans which the lock keeper collected.

“As well as the very floral roses and castles motifs you see in a lot of canal art, this seemed like a great opportunity to paint some brightwork,” said Melanie, “a canal art style that is less well known.”

Brightwork describes the boat decoration unique to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and Melanie has designed a brightwork picture panel coathanger board as a centrepiece to grace a wall of the lock keeper’s lodge.

Melanie added: “I am thrilled to be a small part of this project.

It has been really interesting

developing the pieces to the Welcome to Yorkshire brief and I can’t wait to see the finished garden. Mark’s design is stunning!”

Mark said: “My design will try to capture the magic of the narrow canals, a stunning legacy of the Industrial Revolution, which are now a massive part of tourism in Yorkshire after being carefully and lovingly renovated to create a unique ecosystem and valuable leisure resource.

“The garden has all the drama and excitement of a working canal, with two gates and a bypass sluice system with lots of moving water. It features authentic Yorkshire stonework and trees local to the county with a modern style perennial meadow bordering the canal towpath.”

You can find out more about the Welcome to Yorkshire garden by visiting www. yorkshire.com/inspiration/ chels ea/the-w elcome-toyorkshire-garden-2019 The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place May 21 to 25.

Some of the items produced by Melanie that look set to delight visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Skipton canal event back on track A CANAL festival that suffered a slump last year was back on track this time, with around 15,000 visitors attending, writes Geoff Wood.

It was the 18th Skipton Waterways Festival, held in and

around the town’s canal basin.

Organiser Ian Clarke of Pennine Cruisers said: “It was a fantastic weekend.

“There were 64 visiting boats which came from as far afield as Doncaster.

“There were also 24 boats in an illuminated cruise on Sunday evening.”

Organisers said Skipton itself was a considerable draw for visitors and the canal festival completed the picture.

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Mooring rings boost to Leicester

THE Leicestershire Branch of the IWA is celebrating success in a campaign to get new boater facilities.

The branch has persuaded Canal & River Trust (CRT) to install 14 visitor mooring rings just above the Belgrave Lock on the Leicester Line to the north of the city.

This location is ideal for access to the National Space Museum and Victorian pumping station, as well as several well-known supermarkets, but there had previously been no moorings for boaters, as the towpath is edged in stone on this section of the navigation, with no rings or bollards.

The closest places to tie up were at Birstall, some two miles to the north, or above Lime Kiln Lock, about a mile further south.

The city council’s planning committee had previously rejected the branch’s proposal for the provision of the visitor mooring rings to be funded by the adjacent Wolsey Island residential developer, on the grounds that the towpath was outside the development site.

The latest news is good for boaters, as well as local businesses and the museums. Unfortunately, the original footpath from the lock through to the aforementioned facilities is currently blocked by the residential construction project, but this is nearing completion and it is hoped the footpath will soon be reinstated.

“Our focus now is on Limekiln Lock and Memory Lane Wharf,” said IWA Branch chairman Andrew Shephard.

“We are working closely with CRT and the city council on exciting plans for the restoration and regeneration of

the wharf to provide new residential and visitor moorings, together with a new water point, Elsan and rubbish disposal.

“There will also be additional designated visitor moorings on the towpath side opposite the wharf. CRT has already installed mooring pontoons up the arm, although access to the city from the wharf is not yet possible.

“We think this will create a boating hub that will transform the wharf and, we hope, Limekiln Lock. This location was the site of the IWA’s National Rally in 1967 and the plaque commemorating the event, installed on the wall alongside the lock, is now so badly defaced as to be invisible.

“We aim to see it restored and incorporated as part of the regeneration scheme for the site.”

New Leicester mooring rings are good news for boaters, as well as local tourist attractions and businesses. PHOTO SUPPLIED

‘Danny’ event will showcase societies A UNIQUE event will showcase the work of many of the teams involved in major projects on abandoned waterways in the North West.

In a partnership aimed at promoting the work of canal and waterway restoration societies to the public, the Inland Waterway Association is to host an exhibition at the invitation of the group running the steam ship Daniel Adamson (the ‘Danny’).

This showcase of the societies’ work and achievements will be held on the promenade deck of the ‘Danny’ over the weekend of September 21 and 22, with entry to the exciting event free.

The vessel is moored outside the Maritime Museum in Liverpool’s Albert Dock complex and it will be open from 10.30am to 4pm on both days.

There will be 10 societies exhibiting, from as far afield as the Lancaster Canal to the north, Montgomery Canal to the south and Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal to the east.

Experts from the societies will be on hand to explain their current work and exciting plans to bring back into use some of the nation’s important transport history assets.

The 1903-built steamship is herself a wonderful example of restoration in the North

West, being fully restored to working order in a £5 million project part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In the ship’s opulent Art Deco-styled lounges, visitors will be entertained with a full programme of informative presentations from a number of the organisations present and the Inland Waterways Association, combined with the Canal and River Trust, will have stands on the quayside.

The ship will be open for tours and light refreshments served in the galley.

Jim Forkin, IWA chairman (Chester and Merseyside) said: “Thanks to the kind offer of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society (DAPS), waterway restoration societies can showcase their work to the public in one of the most popular of the nation’s tourist attractions.

“The great work these volunteer-led bodies do helps develop the many financial, healthy living and environmental benefits derived from restoration and caring for the region’s assets.”

DAPS trustee Les Green said the ‘Danny’, when moored in especially prestigious locations such as the Albert Dock, was an ideal venue for all manner of small exhibitions and promotions and added they were delighted the IWA and CRT had “agreed to come on board”.

Leicester Line Guide out now ISSUE 15 of the Leicester Line Guide, produced by the IWA Leicestershire Branch, is out now.

The guide is double-sided, with a diagrammatical map of the navigation on one side, showing the principal locations, locks, tunnels, marinas, boatyards and, obviously, waterside pubs.

The gazetteer on the reverse side has information that ties in with the map and includes contact details as well as navigation tips, all designed to assist visiting boaters.

The guide is distributed via leaflet boxes sited at

strategic points on the line. It is also available from many other locations, such as marinas, boatyards and pubs on the navigation. Copies are also given out by the CRT volunteer lock keepers, particularly at Trent Lock.

The guide has been going for about 20 years and is intended to promote the local branch of the IWA and the navigation, and to provide a service to visiting boaters.

This time, 8000 copies will be printed.

Right: The guide in its dispenser. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

AROUND THE BRANCHES WITH IWA’S GEMMA BOLTON

IWA BRANCH DIARY FOR JUNE 2019 Anyone intending to attend one of these events for the first time should contact the organisers beforehand and wear suitable clothing and footwear. If staying all day take a packed lunch unless other arrangements are indicated.

EAST

to 3pm. Contact: Steve Wood steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk or 07976 805858.

IWA Lincolnshire Branch supporting Sleaford Navigation Trust: Volunteers will carry out a variety of tasks to maintain the navigable section of the Sleaford Navigation. Contact: Mel Sowerby on 01522 856810 or workparty@sleafordnavigation. co.uk

Thursday June 20

Sunday June 9

MIDLANDS

Sunday June 2 and Tuesday June 18

IWA Northampton Branch: Work parties on the Northampton Arm, 10am-2pm. Work usually includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance and litter picking. Contact: Geoff Wood geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

NORTH

Saturday June 29

IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: Work party alongside the Shropshire Union Canal, 10am to 4pm. Work will include painting and vegetation clearance. Contact: Jason Watts jason.watts@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

Saturday June 15

IWA Manchester Branch: Work party in Greater Manchester, 10am to 4pm. Tasks will include vegetation clearance, litter picking, painting and pulling rubbish out of the canal. Contact: secretary@manchester-iwa.co.uk or 07710 554602.

Thursday June 13

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust: Work party on the Uttoxeter Canal at Crumpwood, 10am

The distribution box at Watford Bottom Lock.

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Work party on the Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal, 10am to 3pm. Contact: John Lawson John.lawson@ waterways.org.uk; or 07940 878923.

Tuesday June 25

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch supporting Burslem Port Trust: Work party on the Burslem Arm, Stoke-on-Trent, 10am to 3pm.

Contact: Steve Wood steve.wood@waterways. org.uk or 07976 805858.

SOUTH

Tuesday June 18 and 25

IWA Oxfordshire Branch supporting Banbury Canal Partnership: Work parties on the Oxford Canal near Banbury, 9am to 1pm. Contact: Colin Garnham-Edge bcpontheoxford@gmail.com

WEST

Every Saturday in June

IWA West Country Branch (Taunton): Work parties in the Taunton area, 10am to 1.30pm. Please let us know if you intend to join us by 6pm the day before. Contact: Steve Bulgin stevebulgin@icloud. com or 07855 794256.

Somerset volunteers give more than 6000 hours MORE than 6000 hours have already been logged for this year by IWA West Country Branch volunteers.

The volunteers work tirelessly to protect, maintain and restore many of the rivers and canals across the region, including the River Tone, Bridgwater & Taunton Canal and the Grand Western Canal.

There are plans to have held 220 work parties by the end of this year.

As well as taking part in work parties and events, volunteers also provide expertise, with many having in-depth knowledge of specific areas of canal restoration.

The branch holds three work parties each

Cotswolds canal bridge nears completion WEYMOOR Bridge on the Thames & Severn Canal in Wiltshire is being brought back to life thanks to the hard work and determination of volunteers.

In April, 18 volunteers from IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group took part in a canal camp along the canal, to work on the bridge and make a public footpath safe.

A mix of experienced volunteers worked alongside first-timers on the camp. Training in the use of excavators, dumpers and compacting machinery was provided to

The volunteers of IWA West Country Branch have been working tirelessly. week along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.

In May, volunteers removed reed cuttings from the canal with the use of a work boat towards Bridgwater Docks. many of the volunteers.

Two more WRG canal camps are planned for the summer to give the project a final push towards completion. The bridge is due to be reopened later this year.

Weymoor Bridge, which once carried a track over the Thames & Severn Canal, had almost been demolished. The bridge-arch was levelled and replaced by a causeway in the early Fifties.

WRG volunteers have been working on the bridge alongside the Cotswold Canals Trust since the project began in 2014.

To get involved in an IWA canal clean-up or canal camp, see the IWA website: www. waterways.org.uk/iwa/calendar/

Every Tuesday and Saturday in June

IWA West Country Branch (Bridgwater): Work parties in the Bridgwater area, 10am to 1.30pm.

Please let us know if you intend to join us by 6pm the day before. Contact: Mike Slade mike.slade@ waterways.org.uk on 07977 263840.

For further information on any of these events, please contact Gemma Bolton on 01494 783453 or email gemma.bolton@waterways.org.uk Details can also be found on IWA’s website at www.waterways.org.uk

Weymoor Bridge was almost non-existent until hard work and determination brought it back to life. PHOTOS: IWA

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13

14 NEWS FOCUS

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Around the regions As it entered its sixth year of operation, the Canal & River Trust re-structured its waterway regions from 10 to six.

In this series, we talk to the new directors of the regions and Wales, about their roles and plans for the future.

By Janet Richardson

Part of the linear orchard being created along the canal.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

West Midlands regional director Adnan Saif. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON BIRMINGHAM with its network of canals is the hub of the West Midlands region and home to Adnan Saif who has made his career in the conurbation.

Formerly chief executive of Urban Living, he has worked in local government, regeneration and economic development for more than 20 years, both careerwise and as a volunteer. He has helped to establish and develop charities and non-profit making organisations in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Although the canals have always been part of the landscape of which he has been aware since school days, Adnan said since joining the trust more than eight months ago they have been an absolute revelation.

“The West Midlands is my home and my life really,” he told me. “I am really lucky to be in the region that is closest to my heart and that I know really well. My story is that of the average person and I love history.” Great railway and canal journeys feature among his favourite programmes.

West Midlands has 900km of canals representing a third of the trust’s network, stretching from just north of Stoke down to Worcester and from Stourport across to Rugby. The team also looks after the day-to-day running of the Montgomery Canal, Llangollen Canal and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, overlapping with the Wales & South West region.

Celebrating industrial heritage at the Galton Valley Pumphouse.

PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES

A narrowboat comes down the Farmers Bridge Flight.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

An aerial view of the Birmingham Roundhouse which is being restored in partnership with the National Trust. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Community involvement

Walking the towpath

I met Adnan at the Canal & River Trust’s office at Aqua House and we walked on to the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal towpath at Livery Street Bridge in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.

As we walked up the Farmers Bridge Flight towards Gas Street Basin, his enthusiasm for his new role and its challenges were selfevident. He listened to a passing boater’s concerns about one of the locks and called in at the trust office at Cambrian House to report them.

“What the past eight months have given me is the opportunity to talk to people who love the canals,” Adnan continued. “I have been on two ‘boating buddy’ trips, most recently with a couple who had 80 years’ boating history between them around the Fradley area.

“I hold that community in awe, it is more than a hobby – it is a life’s passion and it is phenomenal how much people have achieved.”

He described how the canals run right through the region and are central to its past and the future through major regeneration schemes such as the Birmingham housing renewal and Icknield Port Loop scheme which has been more than 10 years in planning and will embrace the waterway.

Currently this figure stands at 1.5% in Birmingham compared with the 16% national average and with 250,000 daily journeys of less than one mile still being made by car.

The Midland Engine – the equivalent of the Northern Powerhouse – should fuel social and economic development through connectivity between its communities.

An example of this is work taking place in Wolverhampton, with extensive economic regeneration and a new railway station soon to be completed.

Adnan spoke about the difference canals can make to people’s lives and wellbeing, describing it as absolutely the right kind of approach.

He explained that one of their wellbeing priorities was the ‘Revolution Corridor’ from the Roundhouse to Galton Valley. It includes the Ladywood Estate – one of the most deprived areas, now home to one of the largest housing regeneration programmes in Europe; Icknield Port Loop which will have more than 1000 units of all sorts when completed; the Soho Hill Development with new homes next to the canal; Midland Metropolitan Hospital – the canal goes right to the heart of the hospital campus and the conversation has already started.

Life in the Duck Lane. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST There has also been a lot of development at Sandwell, Tividale Quays at Tipton and other areas in the midst of old industrial communities and neighbourhoods – “from old industrial heritage to the heart of new communities, it is brilliant.”

Speaking of plans for the West Midlands, Adnan continued: “We have some huge ambitions for the region with its contrast between urban and rural areas.

“Yesterday I took a group through Dudley Tunnel – a treasure trove of science and history of global significance.”

He explained that as well as portraying the geological history of the region, the displays translate geography and science into real life events – the social history of the region.

Then there’s the ‘canal county’ of Staffordshire with its 275km of canals and the Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent where solar lighting has recently been introduced along the canals. “We have been working with the city council which sees the canals as a key landmark and an essential feature in its visitor economy.”

We also walked up to the Birmingham Roundhouse which is part of the city’s industrial heritage. Work started in February on a nine-month restoration project in partnership with the National Trust.

“It is being brought back to life to tell the story of Birmingham’s development and history,” Adnan explained. “It will be a place of creativity, engagement, a home for social enterprise and events.”

Other local destinations include the Galton Valley where all the ages of transport can be seen in one place – canal, railway, motorway and also aircraft flying over – and the pump house helps to tell the story of how the canals developed.

A little further afield are Stourbridge,

Promoting the 250th anniversary of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Hatton Locks and Fradley Junction. All these sites are a great draw for bringing the community on to the towpath.

Milestones

Adnan continued: “One of the main things catching my eye over the last eight months is the absolute dedication of our 1400 volunteers in the West Midlands alone in contributing more than 150,000 hours.

“We have now one of the most active communities with more volunteers than ever in Walsall and Wolverhampton. We are reaching out to every school there and also engaging with the adult population, it is immensely rewarding and shows the love and passion people have for the canals.”

One thing which caught Adnan’s eye before he joined the trust was the introduction of ‘duck lanes’ along the towpaths as part of the trust’s Share the Space, Drop your Pace initiative. “My family ask me ‘how’s life on the Duck Lane!’

“It is these touches which make the canals meaningful to young and old. From engineering and science to geography and environment these are the things we are trying to get through to schools.”

He concluded: “Our aim is to make sure the entire network receives a reliable service from us and to develop destinations everywhere.”

A major milestone in 2019 is the 250th anniversary in November of the canal reaching Birmingham – an important event in the making of the city as an industrial centre.

Launched at the region’s annual public meeting in January, at least 70 events are planned during the year, culminating in an anniversary celebration in November with canal boats expected from across the network.

Other events planned include the BCN Marathon Challenge (May 25-26), dragon boat racing at Brindley Place and a boat race on Edgbaston Reservoir in July.

A little further ahead, two international events will help to raise the bar on what can be achieved in the region: The Coventry City of Culture in 2021 and the Commonwealth Games. “It’s not until summer 2022 but it is happening now for us – the challenge to make our canals Commonwealth Games ready.”

One of the projects much in evidence as we walked up the towpath was the creation of what is hoped will be the longest linear orchard in the world. Stretching from Birmingham to Tipton – a distance of around 15 miles – it is about half complete.

Describing it as a great way to involve local communities, Adnan gave the example of around 100 schoolchildren from the Sikh community in Smethwick who had planted a section in the Galton Valley.

“Pretty much everyone is touched by the canal; its attractiveness is not just about water and green space, the boats and boating community are a key feature,” Adnan continued.

To deliver consistently reliable service across the network and meet the aspirations of customers. For instance the canals and towpaths have to have as little restrictions and obstructions as possible.

To capitalise on opportunities that events provide to raise the profile of the waterways.

Alignment with key stakeholders such as local authorities, users, volunteers, businesses and community groups. “We have got to embrace them and align with them to make sure we have the same aspirations for the area,” said Adnan.

“We have got to prioritise certain areas to achieve change, mostly in the urban areas.

At Coventry, the opportunity of being city of culture; Birmingham, the sheer scale and heart of network and the Commonwealth Games; Sandwell and Walsall where there are high levels of deprivation and canals can play a significant role in regeneration; and Stoke, the focus of the visitor economy.”

Wellbeing and regeneration

Adnan’s call to action:

The West Midlands region has a population of 5.3 million of which 2.75 million live within its urban core at Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Stoke. In Birmingham 55-60% of the population live within one mile of a canal, rising to 80% in Walsall and Sandwell.

A Clean Air Zone in the city centre bounded by the inner ring road with charges for certain types of vehicles could be introduced in January, subject to final Government approval. Adnan hopes this will provide an opportunity to encourage more people to walk or cycle to work in the city.

Regional objectives

• The events planned and underway to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Birmingham Canal Navigations are a perfect opportunity for all people to experience and enjoy life by water. I would encourage all to visit our website for details of events and join in the celebrations.

• I would like to extend an open invitation to anyone who is interested to join now the hundreds of volunteers working to put our unique canals on the world stage by helping us make sure that they are fit and ready for the Coventry City of Culture 2021 and Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

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15

16 PETS

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Pets on the cut

Wey to go…

Barge Beagle – sniffing out good finds for crews with canines DESPITE the Wey and Arun Canal holding a special place in Barge Beagle’s heart, several years have passed since we last visited what is now more commonly referred to as ‘London’s lost route to the sea’.

There are numerous sites of interest but, eager to reach an old haunt of ours, we headed for Loxwood Canal Centre where the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s shop is located, boat trips operate and ample car parking is provided.

Purchasing a map from the shop, we set off on Loxwood Walk 3.

Covering three-and-a-half miles, this leads along the canal to Drungewick Aqueduct before heading inland through woodland and crop fields, crossing the canal to form a figure of eight and returning via Brewhurst Mill.

Brewhurst Lock, the first encountered on this walk, was rebuilt by the trust when the pound above was lowered in 2006 to enable access under the new Loxwood road bridge.

Baldwin’s Knob Lock, the second of two locks on this walk, was restored by the trust between 1991 and 1993.

The towpath is in good condition and in dry weather makes for pleasant walking. The canal banks, littered with spring flowers including primrose, cowslip, wood anemone, violet and bluebell, are delightful and Barge Beagle found plenty of opportunities to take a drink or even a dip in the canal waters kept cool by the shade offered by trees.

The canal trust organises regular working parties and specialises in planting and laying hedges. Obtaining binders and stakes from a nearby forest which the trust manages, the centuries-old art of hedge laying is carried out beautifully, providing a valuable habitat for wildlife.

Drungewick Aqueduct, over the River Lox, offers seating and is the perfect place to take a break.

Pausing on Drungewick Bridge gives good views of the rebuilt structure from above.

Heading away from the canal, the

Flirty Bertie Alison Wilkerson goes out for a paper and meets a Shorkie en route.

Brewhurst Lock: The curious appearance resulted from the lowering of the pound in 2006, enabling the building of a new road bridge for the canal to pass beneath. PHOTOS: ALISON ALDERTON route passes through Drungewick Hill Farm where beautiful Charolaise cattle graze in the rich grassy meadows bordering the woodlands through which the footpath passes. The hazy shades of blue and grey from drifts of bluebells dominate the woodland section, there are ponds where moorhens silently glide undisturbed and no end of small birds flitting through the low branches and shrubs.

Open crop fields provide views of the canal below as the path gradually descends to meet it and leads walkers over Brewhurst Bridge. Ahead, vernacular houses and Brewhurst Mill can be seen. The route continues to meet the main road, which requires a short stroll alongside to rejoin the starting point of the walk. However, if a more relaxed walk is preferred, retrace your steps and continue along the

towpath to the Canal Centre. Here, the adjacent Onslow Arms public house offers weary walkers and content pooches a pleasant beer garden in which to relax, reflect on your walk and watch the trip boats come and go.

Useful information

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust is working hard to restore 23 miles of the canal between the Rivers Wey and Arun through the counties of Surrey and Sussex.

When completed, this 200-year-old canal will link 3000 miles of inland waterways with the English Channel, reinstating London’s lost route to the sea. Discover more by visiting: www.weyandarun.co.uk

WHILE getting a copy of Towpath Talk from Milton Keynes Marina (www. mkmarina.co.uk) on the Grand Union Canal in Buckinghamshire as my usual source had run out, I met a gorgeous little Shorkie dog called Bertie.

A Shorkie is actually a Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) mix, and this little seven-year-old male belongs to Arlene, who lives in the marina on her lovely boat.

Their home is a 57ft, 2005, 1.8 BMC powered narrowboat, which was originally built to a specific design for a well known boater by Harborough Boats and purchased by Arlene 11 years ago. It is actually her third boat but second liveaboard.

Before moving to the marina nearly six years ago, Arlene was a continuous cruiser for five years, i.e. not mooring for more than 14 days in any one place (if new to boating and considering this, refer to the Canal and River Trust, as there are rules and regulations to consider and abide by). Interestingly her two sisters also live on their boats, although she advised me that she was the first to get a boat and they followed suit. I do hope there is no sibling rivalry or boat envy between them; there is in my family.

It appears that Bertie also has boating in his blood.

He is actually a rescue dog who was originally found wandering the streets of Luton before starting his new life aboard a boat with his previous owners before Arlene adopted him three and a half years ago.

Luckily he loves the marina lifestyle and has lots of friends, human and non-human and spends his time visiting other boats to say hello, although he is not fond of boats actually moving and will bark at them. Perhaps he just does not want them to leave?

He also hates helicopters and bikes and again will bark at them. He does however like cats, despite being beaten up once by one of the marina moggies.

He also gets on with most dogs, although is rather wary of large ones, since being attacked by some large bully dogs, poor boy. As for ducks, he just ignores them.

Food wise, Bertie will eat just about anything including bones and bacon in bushes from tossed-away takeaway remnants, which he smells from a mile away and polishes off whatever is left on them. He does get treats including dental sticks and chew strips as well as ‘just a few’ dog biscuits, which I happened to have in my pocket and which he located immediately without any prompting.

Thus far, he has not encountered any major disasters, accidents or incidents and thankfully avoided canal catastrophes and marina misfortunes apart from that one ‘darn’ cat, of course.

Meeting both Arlene and Bertie was a real treat and it is obvious that man’s best friend is everyone’s best friend.

The towpath is popular with dog walkers.

Back at the Canal Centre.

Bertie the Shorkie loves the marina lifestyle. PHOTO: ALISON WILKERSON