**FREE**Towpath Talk December 2024 issue

CRTpromisesfasterresponse towaterwayrepairsin2025

THE Canaland RiverTrust has promised tospeed upits response to waterway repairs in 2025.

The trusthas setnew targets foremergency repairsand maintenanceontheUK’scanal and rivernetwork.

In addition,itplansto recruita new volunteertrusteetoits board who canbethe voiceof waterway usersandhelpholdtheCRTto account.

At its recentAGM,headof boatingandcustomer services

Matthew Symonds saidthepriority will be to improvenavigationand targetissuesthat predominantly affectboaters.Theseinclude:

•A ‘paddlepledge’ with atarget tofixnewly reportedbroken paddlesas soonas possible andnolongerthan four weeks, andclearall outstandingissues by 2026.

•Moregreasingandclearing vegetation fromlocksand moving bridges, with more work scheduled earlierinthe year.

•Increased grasscuttingover thenextthree yearsand ensuringgrassiscutatlocks andmooringsites.

•Quickerresponsetobroken boaterfacilitiesand areviewof busiest refusesitestoimprove provisionand reduceissues; and better recyclingprovision, with segregated collections introducedin2025.

RichardParry,chief executive at Canal& RiverTrust,said: “Keepingour canalsopenfor

boatingisparamount: without navigationthe canalsas we know them todaywouldnotexist,and neither wouldthetremendous benefitsthatnavigable canals bringtocommunities bothonand off the water.

“However,manyboaters have toldusthat they’renot satisfied withthe servicetheyreceiveand want to see oureffortsfocused onthethingsthatmattermostto them.Weneedtochangethisand make sure that we demonstrateto boaters that theirneedsare at the heartofwhat we do.

“Thismeans regularand improved engagementwith boaters,andactionsthat prioritise navigationand reinforceour commitment to theboating community:lookingathow we can addresssomeoftheproblemsthat boaters tellusabout.

“We’ll be publishinganew set of performanceindicatorsaround navigation,and we hopeboaters will be able to seehow we’re makingprogressonthethingsthat mattertothem,andin caring for thenetwork.”

Thetrust willengagewith boaters withmoreface-to-face forumsforthemand will publisha 12-month calendarofthemeeting dates.Itwillalsoexplorewaysto make it easiertoaccessup-todate navigationalinformation andto report issuesvia arequested Boater App.

Thetrusthas publishedits Better BoatingPlan.

To viewit, go to theCRT website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ boating/better-boating

Essential repairsunder way onhistoricRiverSevernlock

ByLucy Wood

THE Canal&RiverTrustisundertaking essentialrepairstotheGradeII-listed Holt Lock onthe RiverSevernin Worcestershire.

Thetopandbottomgatesofthe 180-year-oldlockare beingrepairedas part of a£280,000projecttomaintain andimprovethe structurefor boaters navigatingthe river. Work includes improvementstothelock cillsand replacingloosebrickwork andthelock laddersthat rundownintoeachchamber.

Afterinitialinspections by divers in September, thelock hasbeendrainedso theworkcan be carried out.

A100-tonnecrane hasbeen assisting withthe removaland reinstallationofthe

lock gates, which eachweigh 6.5tonnes. Holt Lock is locatedclosetoHoltFleet Bridge,a GradeII-listed cast-ironarch bridge that wasdesignedbyfamedcivil engineerThomas Telford.The lock was constructedin1844andisoneofsixon the42½-mile RiverSevernnavigation. It wasoriginally built to takecraft carrying upto150 tonnes.

The work this autumnisanimportant project to keepthe rivernavigable to boaterstravelling between Stourportand Gloucesterwherethe riverisconnected to thedocks by Gloucester Lock,whichis alsodueto be inspectedand repairedthis winteraspartofthetrust’s annual winter repairandconservation work toprotect the nation’swaterways.

CRTconstruction managerMark

Millionstobespenton West Yorkshirereservoirupgrades

THE225-year-oldHillTop Reservoir(known locallyas SlaithwaiteReservoir) in West Yorkshireisduefor amultimillion-pound restorationin 2025toensure it cancopewith thepressuresofclimatechange andholdmorewater.

The Canal& RiverTrust held aconsultationinto theworks, whichare yettobefinalised,to ensurethe public were informed oftheprojectasitdevelopsnext yearandinto2026.

Essential maintenanceand upgrade worksare required to

strengthenthecenturies-old structureagainsttheimpactsof climatechangeandimprovethe performanceofthe reservoir by increasingthe capacityofthe spillway toholdmorewater and reduceleakage. Groundinvestigation works are currentlybeing carriedout untilJanuary2025toinformthe final plans. The publicfootpath at thetopofthe reservoir(from HolmeLane to Bank Gate) will remainopen at thistime. From spring2025, themain projectisexpectedtostart, with

Abrahamsaid:“Wehaveusedlarge pumpstopumpwater outofthechamber toallowustobuild scaffoldingand provideaccesstocompletethe work.We areinstallingsteel damsthathave been specially designed andfabricated forthe lock gatesas we addressprevious issues withleakage.

“Theworks have beentimedtostrike thebalancebetweenavoiding the summermonthswhile getting work done before the periodsoftypicallyhigher riverflowsonthe Severnwhichwould flood oursites.Oncecompleted,notonly willthe repairs have helped to maintain thishistoric structure, buttheywillalso deliverimprovementsforthe boaters whousethelock when navigatingthe riverfor many yearstocome.”

construction work dueto begin onsite(subjecttothe permitted developmentapplication being agreed).Completionisdue in autumn2026.

Sean McGinley, Yorkshire and NorthEast regionaldirector at Canal&River Trust, said: “Our reservoirsfeed ourcanals and maintain waterlevels alongtheinland waterways. Theirfunctionisproving increasinglyimportanttohelp us manage waterlevelsduring morefrequent extreme weather conditionsbroughtabout by

climatechange, withdrier summersand wetter winters.

“Originallyconstructed inthe late 18th century, this reservoir, likemuchofour historic network,requiresongoing maintenanceandupgradingto meetpresent-daystandards.

“Ourcharityisundertaking asignificantprogrammeof investmenttoimprove ourlarge reservoirsacrossthecountry. Thisworkwillsecurethelongterm futureofHillTop Reservoir asanimportantresourceforthe Huddersfield Narrow Canal.”

Situated inthevillageof SlaithwaiteinHuddersfield, the reservoiropened225 years ago. Builtbyrenowned canal engineer Benjamin Outramto supplywater to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal,thereservoir remainsanimportantwater feed to thecanal andisa wellused leisureresourceforthe localcommunity, popularwith walkersandanglers.

Thetrust is workinghard to minimisetheimpactofthe projecttoall reservoirand canal users.Duringtheconstruction

phasetherewillbetimeswhen the waterlevelsinthe reservoir will be significantly reduced for safety reasons,andthis will be carefullymanaged and monitored.Therewillalsobe temporaryfootpathclosures inplace.Latestupdateswill be shared throughonsite signageandonline:www. cana lr ivertr us t. or g. uk/ slaithwaite-reservoir Latest updateswillbe shared onthe webpage: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ slaithwaite-reservoir

InsidethedrainedHoltLock.

PHOTO:CRT

Thelockgateislifted atHoltLock. PHOTO:CRT

Wigrams Turn Waterside &Marina Shuckburgh Road,Naptononthe Hill, Southam, CV47 8NL.

Awardscelebrate volunteer excellenceonnation’scanals

ByLucy Wood

DEDICATEDteams andindividualswho givetheirtimefree to the Canal&RiverTrust have beenhonoured.

Recognitionhasbeen giventothosewho work ontheCRT’s250-yearold navigablenetwork inthe charity’sannual volunteerawards,which reflect the diversity of

achievements madeto keep thesewaterways openandalive. Awardsfor Volunteer ofthe Year,Volunteer Teamofthe Year,Lead Volunteerofthe Year andYoung Volunteer ofthe Year were made. Christine Mellor,head of volunteeringat theCRT,said:“Our volunteersareatthe heartofeverything

Awardrecipients

YorkshireandNorthEast

Individual: PhilippaGibbons. Team: ChesterfieldCanal Towpath Taskforce.

Young Volunteer: Antonia Geldard.

Lead Volunteer: PaulRichardson.

North West

Individual: KarrynBrooks. Team: Wigan WaterSafety Education Volunteers.

Young Volunteer: Adam Kearsley.

Lead Volunteer: BarbaraSharples.

WalesandSouth West

Individual: SiouColeman. Team: Planned Canal Maintenance Team, Eastern Kennet &Avon.

we do,and I’dliketo thankeveryonewho’s chosentogivetheir time volunteering on the canals.

“Wesimplycouldn’t keep ourwaterways navigableandalive withouttheincredible dedication, enthusiasm and skills of our volunteers.They playa huge partinprotecting thesevital spaces,

Lead Volunteer: SallyHodnett. WestMidlands Individual: JudithFoulkes. Team: TheHattonCoirRoil Project Team.

Young Volunteer: GeorgeDunn. Lead Volunteer: TinaJones.

EastMidlands Individual: Rob Westlake. Team: TheBeestonandMeadow Lane Towpath Taskforce. Young Volunteer: Cameron Fletcher.

Lead Volunteer: MartinPearce. London &SouthEast Individual: AndyGee. Team: MiltonKeynesOffside VegetationProject. Young Volunteer: Peter Brookwalker. Lead Volunteer: John Thomlinson.

whether by getting stuckintopractical work,helpingboaters throughlocks, inspiring thenextgeneration of canalsupporters andevenproviding invaluableassistance duringour responseto floodingbrought about by climatechange.

“It’samazing to see what we canachieve together,and it really showshowcanals canbring peopleand communitiestogether.”

The awards scheme, inpartnership withthe MarshCharitableTrust, agrant-makingbody supportingregistered charities, isopen to all its volunteersacross regionalandnational teams. Recipientsthis yearincludevolunteer lockkeepers,towpath taskforceteamswho have transformedtheir localareas, education volunteerswho have taughtchildren about watersafety,people who have been instrumentalinthe charity’sresponseto floods, ateamwhich hasled ontackling overgrownvegetation,

Making adifferenceandkeepingthe towpathspristineareamongtheaimsof thevolunteersfightingplasticpollution. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Getridofplasticandshoutaboutit

YOUNGvolunteers didtheirbit to keep the waterways plasticfree with amassive halftermclean-up. Families were out and aboutacross the canaland river network,pickingup rubbish to keepthe towpathspristine–andsharingtheir work on social media.

And theorganisers arehopingfamilies, andespecially youngsters,willkeep upthe good work right throughthe winter. The Canal& River Trustisencouraging peopleto keepuplitter pickingeverytimethey visitthe waterways

aspartofthe #PlasticsChallenge. They areasking themto makea positiveimpactby doingalitterpickata localcanal:

•Visit yourlocal canaland carefully collectanyplastic yousee

•Dispose of it safely andsustainably by takingithometo recycle

•Spread the word! Take picturesof yourpickanduse #PlasticsChallenge on socialmediato encourageothersto getinvolved.

RichardParry,chief executiveatthe Canal

&River Trust, said: “Plasticpollutionisa modern-day menace, butthereissomething families candoforfree, ontheirdoorsteps, to make adifference. This autumn,join thousands of people fromacrossthe world, includingour fantastic colleagues and volunteers, infightingplastic rubbish. It’s oneof theloveliesttimes of year to visitthe canals,asthe turning leavestransform themintoglorious corridorsoforange, brown, redand gold. Butsometimesthe rustleof fallenleaves

andanotherthathas deliveredwildlife improvements.

BrianMarshOBE, chairman at theMarsh CharitableTrust, said: “Weare pleasedto be ableto work with the Canal&River Trustonceagainto deliverthese awards, recognisingthose whogivetheirtime tovolunteeronour nation’swaterways, enhancing their heritageandsupporting thewell-beingofthose that usethem. “Wewouldlike

to congratulate the individualsand volunteer teamswho have beenrecognised andlookforward to continuingtohighlight

theseinvaluable contributionsin years tocome.”

Awardceremonies took place in each of the Canal&RiverTrust’s

six regionsduring October. Find outmore aboutvolunteering fortheCRTatwww. canalrivertrust.org.uk/ volunteer

Volunteers workto restorethe MontyandcloseShropshireGap

MOREthan40 peoplefrom 22differentgroups saw recentworkcompleted on the MontgomeryCanaland were shownplans forfuture projects.

Theywereattending the Northern CanalsAssociation meetingatLlanymynech, onthe Montgomery Canal, hostedbythe Shropshire Union CanalSociety (SUCS).

isactuallythe sound of adiscarded crisp packetorapiece ofplastic.Don’tlet plastic becomepart of ournature.

“Autumnis agreat time to getinvolved–comealongfor awalk and,ifyou find any litter,pickitupand takeithome to recycle. Getcreativeandfinda picturesquebackdrop toshowcase your actionandsharethe results withus! Being by the water makes peoplehealthierand happier so,whatever you choosetodo, atrip to your local canalisthe perfectway toenjoyan autumnalafternoon.”

The bulkofthedaywas takenupbyvisitingthe canal itself,lookingatthe 1980s restoredsectionatCarreghofa.

It is hopedthatthisshort sectionofthecanal will soon

be linked againwiththe main canalsystem.

MichaelLimbrey,chairof the MontgomeryWaterway RestorationTrust, David Carter,chairoftheSUCS andJohn Dodwell,chair ofthe MontgomeryCanal Partnership,outlined the historyofthe restoration, thepresentworks being undertakenandfutureplans.

The visitorsalsosaw the newly built Schoolhouse Bridge andthe restored tramwaywharf at Crickheath, beforeseeingSUCSvolunteers covering the Terraseal

liningwithblocks,between CrickheathBridgeandthe farmcrossing. Anothergroup were covering thesides with rip/rap (brokenstone),where emergent vegetation will be able tothrive oncethe canal is rewatered. Finally,thedelegates saw WilliamsBridge 96 where avertical liftbridgeistobe installed,underthe Levelling Up Funding.

The next meetingofthe NCAisonSaturday, March 22,2025 at Beggarlee,hosted by theFriendsoftheCromford Canal.

The WalesandSouth West region. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

The WestMidlands region. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Familybackscampaignforboating children’srighttoeducationaccess

Callsarebeingmadeforthecreationof achartertoprotecttherightof thechildrenofconstantcruisersto areasonablejourneytimetoschool –andthecampaignisbeingtakento ParliamentandonTV.

ByLucy Wood

THE callfor achildren’s chartercomes asa mass survey of water users revealedthat hundredsofboaters are missingoutonaccess tovitalservices such as healthcareandbanks duetothelackofafixed address.

As reported in October’s editionof TowpathTalk,the Canal &RiverTrust’sfirstevercensussampled almost10,000boaters –representinga third of current boat licence holders –andthe results revealedthe starkreality oflivingonthe water for some.Thelackofafixed addressmeansboaters canstruggleto register tovote,applyfor school places,find aGP, access healthcare andopen abankaccount–thingsthat people with permanentaddressestakeforgranted.

Now,access to educationforthechildrenof constantcruisersisunderthe spotlightasa family hasspokenout abouttheir struggle to abide by CRT regulationswhileensuringtheir youngson attends school.Thefive-year-old hassometimes endured miles-longjourneys thereand back– roundjourneys of aboutthree hours–because ofthefamily’s ‘restrictive’ cruisingplanimposed by thetrust.

Theyare backingtheirlocalwaterways chaplain’s appealfortheCRTtointroduce achildren’scharter protectingthe rightofachildtoaccesstotheirschool within areasonablejourneytime.

ChristinaHemsleyand TomMurphysaidtheir sonVincentbenefits hugelyfromlivingonthe water, surrounded by natureand wildlife, andloves goingto school, butthat he getsexhausted fromtravellingto andfrom schoolwhentheirCRT-approved cruising patterndemandstheyjourneyfurther away fromit –andthat theirlifestylechoiceshouldnot have to be compromised tomeetthetrust’s rules,asinterpreted throughtheBritish Waterways Act1995.The family arebased aroundthe RiverLee ontheir narrowboat, and Vincentattends schoolin Hertford.

“Thisis aboutthe rightsof achild,”saidChristina. “Vincentisahardyboy, buthecanonlytakesomuch. Unfortunately,itfeelsliketheCRTmakesconstant cruisingincompatible with attending aschool.

They’ve leanedonusquiteheavilyalreadyand strongly recommendedthat we getahomemooring if we want oursonto attend school.”

The CRThad been monitoring thefamily’scruising patterninthe spring duetoconcerns aboutitnot meetingthetrust’srequirementsfor boaters without ahomemooring. Followingareviewofboatsightings, in Junethetrustdeemedthefamily’sboatasnot havingengaged in genuine navigationduringthat licence period,meaningChristina, Tomand Vincent hadtoeither remove their boat fromthe waterways orapplyfor ahomemooringlicence.

Appeal

Afteranunsuccessful appeal,theyturnedtotheir local waterwayschaplainforhelpand resubmitted animproved cruisingplanthat comprised18 plannedmovesto 14 different catchment areasin sixmonthsovera 30-mile range, cruisingbetween Hertford, Bishops Stortfordand Stonebridge.The CRTacceptedthisin Julyandgranted asix-month restrictedlicence,which hasrecentlybeenrenewed tothestandard12-month licenceasthefamily hasbeen judged to have compliedwiththetrust’s guidelines.

“Wehadnochoice buttocomply withtheCRT’s interpretationofthelawas, in ouropinion,we were underthreatofhomelessness, despitehaving ayoung childon board.The amendedcruisingplan

bringsusinto areas with reported high crimelevels inthedarkerwintermonths,and Ibelieveitislikely toendangerourchild, butwesee noother wayto comply,”explainedChristina.

“Wedogenuinelycruisebetweenplacesand have lotsof people welcomingour boat when we comebacktoanarea. We arespeakingout because we believethat constantcruisingsimplycannot be incompatible withaccessto educationvia aschool.”

Christina, who hasa jobinWoolwich,saidthat asanadultshe canendurelongtraveltimes to and from work,butthat expectinga childtodothe same is“unreasonable,andcouldhavelong-termeffects on ourson.”

“Wedon’thaveacarandarereliantonpublic transportation,”sheadded,“whichmeansone journeyfor Vincentcan sometimes be 90minutes–andthat’sbeforehestartshis schoolday.”

Now,thefamilyare planningtoattendanopen dayatParliamentwiththe NationalBargee Travellers Association(NBTA) to raiseawarenessoftheissue. TheirconcernsarebackedbyLorraine Newman, senior waterwayschaplainfor thesouth east.

Shesaid: “I’venoticedanincreaseinnumbersof people havingdifficulties withlicence renewal,and my caseloadinvolvingthis specificissuehas risen dramaticallyin recenttimes.

“Vincentissometimes travelling threehoursin aday to go to school –andhe’s five, he’s only just startedgoing. Iwas aschoolteacher beforeIjoined thechaplaincy andknowthat childrenthis young get so tiredafter aday’s learning.Imagine adding athree-hour round journey to achild’s dayandit becomes awelfareissue.

“I believe theCRTshouldcreateachildren’s

have onethingincommon,afterall –that we want ourwaterways tothrive.”

NarrowEscapes

Christina,TomandVincenthavealsoagreedto filmfor theChannel4 TV show Narrow Escapes, highlightingthe supportthe waterwayschaplaincy hasgiventhem.

AdviceonCRT’swebsitereads: “Thelaw and our licenceconditionsexplicitlysaythat boaters without ahomemooring–ourcontinuouscruisers –must ‘bonafide navigate.’ You’llneed to continually move fromplacetoplaceon ajourney, ratherthan justshuttlingbackandforth between placesand remaininginasmallarea.”

The British Waterways Act1995doesnot seta minimumdistanceorrange forconstant cruisers;the CRThas madewhat it considers a‘fairinterpretation’ ofthislawandadvisesthat ifpeople remainina smallareaofthenetwork, suchasa rangeofjust20 miles,itwillbeginitsenforcementprocess asthisis notconsidered asgenuinelynavigatingaround the trust’swaterways.Itadvisesthat boaterswhoarenot continuallymovingfromplacetoplaceon ajourney shouldobtaina homemooring, particularlyifthey have obtained employmentataspecificlocationor iftheirchildrenneedtogotoaparticular school.

“Perhaps you’vefound some work,oryourchildren need to go to aparticular school.If you need to regularly stayinoneplace,oralimitedarea, thenobtain ahome mooring,”theCRTwebsitecontinues.“Livingaboard as afamilycan be achallenge,especiallyif theboat doesn’thavea permanentplace to moor,but some boatersdo raisetheirchildrenonthe water.Weurge boaterstotalktousiftheyneed helpbalancing their charter –recognising the rightofa child to gettoschoolwithina reasonablejourneytime –justasthetrustprotects people withdisabilities, forexample. It should be acknowledgedthat childrenneed schooling and have aright to it, andthattheyneeda reasonablejourneytime.

“I urge theCRT to give the educationof childrenin boating familiesthesame protectionandprivileges asother recognised rights.For example,a boater with adisabilityis entitledtowhattheCRT termsas‘reasonable adjustment s,’ dependingonindividual circumstances, to enable tostaycontinuously cruisingunderthe Equalities Act. We all

TheOctobercoverof Towpath Talk, highlightingboaters’concernsraisedinthe Canal &River Trustcensus.

lifestyleneedswiththe licence requirements.” As reported in TowpathTalk,a quarterof boaterswho respondedtothe CRT’s censussaidtheyhad difficultiesaccessing healthcare,andnearly halfexperiencedissues claimingbenefits. Matthew Symonds, headofcustomer service support, said:“While ourcharity provides guidanceand arangeof supportoptionsforthose whoarestruggling, we need theorganisations whoprovidethe services –national government, localauthorities,doctors’ surgeries,financial serviceproviders, and government departments –totake steps to addressthe gaps intheirprovision.”

Five-year-oldVincentHemsley-MurphywithhisparentsChristina and Tom. PHOTO:SUPPLIED.

Raising awarenessof waterwaysaccessibilityissues

ByLucyWood

ACCESSIBILITYwas at the topofthe agenda at theAccessible WaterwaysDay London2024.

The Accessible WaterwaysAssociation collaboratedwith UCLEasttohostthe successful dayatabrand-newand fullyaccessible venueinStratford, EastLondon.

TraceyClarkeopenedtheeventwith an explanationofwhyshe and husband Timfoundedtheassociationandhow theyhopetodevelopitinthefuture.

Allthedirectorsofthe AWAare themselves narrowboaters:Timand Tracey constantlycruise theirboat aroundtheUK,withtheircompanions, Tracey’sguidedog LokiandTim’s hearingassistancedogOzzie.

Timsaid: “Therewas agood attendancefromanumberofstallholders andcanal-usingmembersofthe public. The relaxedday waspunctuatedbyshort talksandpresentations,withplentyof opportunityfordiscussion.

“TheCanal &RiverTrustonce again presenteditsaccessiblemooringbollard. Attendees were invited totest it out, and anumberofveryusefulconversations ensuedwith regardstohow it will work. It wasconfirmedthatthe CRTishoping toget an initialproduction bollardmade verysoon,andthenthis canbetested‘in the wild’and putthetheoryintopractice.”

Exhibitors at the awarenessdaywere:

•Accessible Boating, which runs boat tripsonthe Basingstoke Canalfor thosewithalldisabilities

•BruceBoats,which rentsoutfullyaccessible boatsonthe Kennetand Avon Canal

•Canal &RiverTrust

•CanalDreamCIC,anaward-winning artsorganisationorganisingevents on London’s waterways

•Drake Marine Engineering, which converts canalboats to be wheelchairaccessible

•RewildingHealthcarecreativearts andhealth research project

• Waterlife,which buildstailor-made houseboats withaccessibilityin mind

•WaterwaysChaplaincy,who support peopleontheUK’swaterways.

“Everyonewho attended foundthe daytobea usefulexercise,”Timadded.

“Manyconversations, bothaspartof thetalksandduringtheinformaltimes, proved valuable,showing just how importantitistogettogetherandchat.

“Futuredevelopmentsinclude aseries of podcasts continuing theconversation theme,whichwillhopefullyprovoke furtherdiscussions.”

Find outmoreaboutthe AWAatwww. awa-uk.org.uk

Awaterwayschaplaincreatestheirownbadgeonthe UCL Trellis-fundedRewildingHealthcarestall.

AWA

Aguestgets readytolassothenewprototypeaccessiblemooringbollardwithMarcus Chaloner,theCanal &River Trust’sheadofplacemakinganddesign,andDickVincent,the trust’snationaltowpathadvisor.

featured onChannel4’sNarrowEscapes, whichfollowsthelivesofcanal boatersaroundthecountry. Here,Timisbeingfilmedatthe awarenessday.

Undergroundtourist attractionlookstofuturewithnew boss

AMIDLANDStourist attractionwhich takesvisitorson auniqueunderground waterway tour haswelcome anewboss. The DudleyCanaland TunnelTrust,

whichhoststoursinanetworkof historic tunnelsand cavernsunderthe town,isnow underthe leadershipof newCEOPaulCrofts.

storiesofthe people,pastandpresent, allofwhichmakethe BlackCountry what itistoday.”

DudleyCanalandTunnelTrustisa uniqueheritage attractionlocated in theheartofthe West Midlands.

MrCroftssaid: “I am absolutely thrilledtojointhe DudleyCanal &Tunnel Trustandlookforward to workingwiththe board,staff, volunteersandcommunityto continuetheexcellent work,based ontheamazinglegacythetrusthas developed over its manyyears.

“Thetrustoffersa trulyunique experience,delivered by an incrediblypassionategroupof people –somethingthat we should all be proudofregionally. Having joinedfromtheBlack Country LivingMuseum,Iunderstandthe historicalandculturalsignificance ofpreservingthe area’s heritage, particularly recognisingthe role ofits canalsanduniquegeology, alongwithacknowledgingthe

It offersvisitors “anunforgettable journey”through anetworkofhistoric limestone tunnelsand caverns, carved beneaththetown of Dudley.A spokesmanadded: “Our guidedboat tripsprovideafascinatinginsight into the region’sindustrialpast, showcasing stunningunderground sceneryand historicalfeatures.

“Oursiteincludes avisitorcentre withinteractiveexhibits,a giftshop, and acafe,ensuringa memorableday outfor families, schoolgroupsand historyenthusiastsalike.”

DudleyCanaland TunnelTrustispart ofthe BlackCountry Global Geopark, whichcelebrates thegeologicaland culturalheritage ofthe region.

PHOTO:

The AWA team(fromleft):TimClarke(withOzzie), Teresa Tunnicliffe,CarlJones, TraceyClarke(withLoki), LindsaySedge,TimSedgeandJosephCook(UCL). PHOTO: AWA

Timand Traceyarebeing

PHOTO: AWA

PHOTO: AWA

Anewbridgehas relinkedthe Trans Pennine Trailafterthreedecades.

Thestructurehasbeeninstalledaspartof£6million ChesterfieldCanal restorationworks. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Newbridge relinksChesterfield Canaltrailafter30-year wait

ANEW bridge hasfinally relinked theTrans Pennine Trailaspartof£6million worksatthe Chesterfield CanalinDerbyshire. The bridge replacedanoldbrick structure, which wasknocked down 30 years ago, andis thefirstphase ofthe canal restorationprogramme.

The newTrans Pennine Trailbridge,weighing40 tonnesandmeasuring38 metres,wasloweredinto placeafter beingdelivered to thesiteintwo halves.

Theprojecthas been managed by theChesterfield CanalTrust.Itisthefirst phase of a£6million canal restorationscheme.Mostof themoneywillcomefromthe StaveleyTownDeal, a£25.2

millioninvestmentinStaveley throughthe Government’s TownsFund,covering 10 projectsinall.

Ivan Fomin,chairofthe StaveleyTownDeal, said:“This isnotonlya huge milestonefor theChesterfieldCanal Trust butalsoforthe StaveleyTown Deal. Work to restore the canal isoneof ourkey projectsand willhelp attractmorevisitors andimproveoutdoorfacilities forresidents.Therehas abeen alotof hard work to gettothis point and Iwanttothankall the staff andvolunteersatthe trustfortheirefforts.”

O’Brien Contractorsreadied thesiteandinstalledthe massivebearingstructures. CTSBridgesdeliveredthe two halvesofthebridge on

October8.Thesewerewelded togetherandpaintedbefore thefinal lifttookplace.

O’BrienContractors director Tony Mitchell said: “Theinstallationofthebridge marksthecontinuingworks towardsthe reinstatement ofthe Chesterfield Canal andO’BrienContractorsare proudthat we have been able tocontributetothis.”

Next year,a lengthof canal will be reinstated underthe bridge along with anewlock andanotheraccommodation bridge at the bottomof BellhouseLane.Therewill alsobeapumpingsystem and BellhouseBasin will be restored.Thetowpath will be upgradedtoamulti-usertrail, stretching overtwokilometres

allthe wayacrossthe DoeLea ValleytoRenishaw.

Finally,thewholearea will be plantedwithwildlife friendlyvegetationanda seatingareawillbeinstalled for people to enjoythe tranquillityofthenewly restoredcanal. Youwill be ableto followtheprogress ofthe worksastheyhappen by goingtotheChesterfield CanalTrust’s website.

RodAuton, publicity officerfortheChesterfield CanalTrust,said:“Thisis anincrediblyimportant achievementfor thetrust.It provesto oursupportersand to potentialfundersthat we cantakeonhugeengineering challengesandbringthem to fruition.”

Safetycheckcarriedoutononeofthe UK’slongestand‘mosthaunted’tunnels

ENGINEERSbravedthe spooks and spectrestoinspectthe Harecastle Tunnelin Staffordshiretoensureitis safeforthousandsof waterway users to navigate.

Officialsfromthe Canal&River Trustinchedalongthe Harecastle Tunnel,oneofthelongest canal tunnelsonBritain’shistoriccanal network, to carryout avitalinspection

Awardscelebrateworkdone byCanal& River Truststaff

CANAL& RiverTrust staff gathered recently forthe organisation’sannualinternal awards.Theawards, held at the AndertonBoatLift,celebrated the work the charitydoes to keepits canals navigableand availablefor boatersand localcommunities.

Therewerefinalistsin each of the categories,which includedthe best SmallProjectand best Large Project, awards for Customer Service,Community Engagement, andonecelebratingInnovation. Finally,each yearaspecial award isgivenfor apersonorteamgoing aboveand beyondin showcasing thetrust’svalueswiththe Clive Porter Values Award.

The winningprojectsincluded amooringsinitiativeonthe Leeds &Liverpool Canal,aninnovative plasmacutting machinethat is ableto furtherdrive efficiencyat thecharity’slockgateworkshops, thedevelopmentofa boatersupport networkinNorthamptonshire, the work ofmooringrangersin London, a200-mileexternallyfundedhabitat improvementprojectinthe West Midlands, anda projectwherethe trustwas abletofacilitate work with alocal school to supportvulnerable students in Leicester.

RichardParry,chiefexecutiveof the Canal& RiverTrust,said: “Our awardsshowcasethe huge range of work that goes oneveryday to keep ourcanalsopenandalive.

“Weall see the challenges our ageing250-year-old canalnetwork isfacing, and ourcolleaguesand volunteersareonthefrontline, safeguardingnavigationand the benefitsthat brings,helping meettheneedsofour boating customers,and finding ways to savemoney by being moreefficient andembracingnewtechnologies.”

SmallProject Award

oftheGradeII-listedstructureonthe Trent& Mersey Canalnear Kidsgrove. At morethanone-and-a-half mileslong(2676metres),theThomas Telford-built tunnelisa keypoint ontheTrent& Mersey Canal, still navigatedbythousandsof canalboats each year,makingitimportantfor jobsandlocaltourismaswellasthe environmentaland wildlife benefits that today’snavigable canalsprovide.

JonathanMuir, senior tunnel surveyor at Canal& RiverTrust,said: “Builttwocenturies ago, Harecastle Tunnelis amarvel ofthe Industrial Revolution. It isvitalthat we giveitthe care andattentionthat itdeserves, with everypartofthenetwork animportant pieceofthejigsaw to keepthe canals openandalive.

“Inspectingthe tunnelmeans travellingslowlythroughthe tunnel, tappingtheoldbrickstoensuretheir structuralintegrity,measuringthe profileofthe tunneltocheck forany movement, andmonitoringforany leaks or cracks.Theinspection will determinewhatmaintenanceand conservation repairs ourcharityneeds to programmein.”

The surveyorstravelled on aboat with aspeciallymountedplatformto enablethemtoinspectevery inchof the tunnel,saidtobethe most haunted onthe canalnetwork.

HarecastleTunnelisone ofthefive

hedgerow restoration.Withthe helpand supportofthecharity’s fantastic volunteers,almost100 milesof habitatenhancements were delivered inthefirstyear.

CustomerService Award

The Customer Service Awardwent totheMooringRanger Teamin Londonwhich workstirelessly to supportboaters.Inaddition to managingmoorings, the team helpsplanandassistwithbig events suchas Cavalcadeand responds tochallengingissues, such as engagingwith peoplewho areroughsleepingtosupport in gettingthem rehomedand working with policeandlocalauthorities to respondto reportsofantisocial behaviourand fly-tipping.

Community Award

Apartnership with Leicesterbased OrchardMead Academy tousethe canalfor aprogramme ofactivitiesto supportsomeof theirmost vulnerable students at risk of schoolexclusion received theCommunityAward.Inall,24 girlsengaged with thetrust and canalthrough aprogrammeof canoeingand bushcraft sessions which, accordingtothe school’s safeguardingteam, hadmore impactonthe studentsthanany otherintervention. Engaging young peopleinthis waywill enablethetrusttoaccess wider externalfundinggrantstounlock thepotentialofthe canalnetwork to supportcommunitywell-being.

Innovation Award

Aprojectcreating much-needed permanentmooringsonthe Leeds &LiverpoolCanal betweenRodley Bridge and Skipton received the SmallProjectAward.Thevolunteer teamused acost-effective techniqueusing over-pile rings ratherthan settingmooring rings into concrete.Thisestablishedeight new berths at DowleyGap,witha further sixtocome at Bradley.

LargeProject Award

The LargeProject Awardwentto the UnlockingBiodiversityproject, fundedinpartnership with Severn Trent, atwo-yearprojectto improveover200milesofpriority habitatacrossthe West Midlands. The worksrange from watervole habitatinstallationsand reedbed creationto wildflower seedingand

longestfullynavigable canaltunnels inthecountry. It washanddugusing pickandshoveland Thomas Telford hadthe tunnellinedwithmillionsof locally made19thcentury bricks. Thereare twotunnelsatHarecastle. The firsttunnel,nowdisused,was designedbythe ‘Fatherofthe Canals’ JamesBrindleyandcompletedin1777. However, asdemandforcoaland freightincreased,itslimitedcapacity became aproblem,andthe second Telfordtunnel wascommissioned.

Construction started200 years agoin 1824,andthe tunnelopenedin1827.

In thetrust’slockgateworkshops, which make around130lockgates everyyear, theintroductionof anewplasmacuttingcomputer numericalcontrol(CNC)machine secured the Innovation Award. Whileplasma cuttingofsheet metalwithhandheldmachines was alreadyinuse,theCNC capability givesgreateraccuracyandprovides the abilityto cut multipleshapes, designsandcomponentsina fractionofthetime.

ClivePorter Values Award

TheClive Porter Values Award, inmemoryofthetrust’stowpath rangerkilled on theGrand Union Canalin2021, celebratedlicence supportofficer George Dickinson, describedas “thebeatingheart of the waterways that runthroughthe southoftheEast Midlands”. Seeinga need withintheboatingcommunity, he worked withthe outreachteam from West Northamptonshire Council,ofteninhis owntime, to facilitatethe launchofaboating community supportnetwork.

Harecastle Tunnel hasthe reputationof beingoneofthemost haunted canaltunnelsinBritain,home totheinfamous KidsgroveBoggart. It is saidthat awomanarrived in Kidsgroveonher waytojoin her husbandin London. Sheaccepted alift with some boatmenand wasmurdered forthe valuablesinherluggage.

Herbody washiddenin aculvertoff the main tunnelleadingtoGoldenhill colliery,known as Gilberts Hole.The story goesthatwhen herbodywas found,she hadbeenbeheaded.

IWAwelcomesacclaimed journalistas chairmanof HeritageAdvisory Panel

IWAisdelightedtoannounce the appointmentofHugh Pearmanasthenewchairman ofits Heritage AdvisoryPanel. As anexperienced and celebrated journalist, editorand author,he brings abackground gainedina distinguishedcareerand adeep commitmenttopreservingthe architecturalandengineering heritageofBritain’sinland waterways.

Hugh spentmorethanthree decades at theforefrontof architectural journalism.From 1986to2016,he served asthe architectureanddesign criticfor The Sunday Times,and lateras editoroftheRIBAJournalfrom 2006 to 2020.His latest book, AboutArchitecture, explores engineeringandarchitectural achievementsincluding those relatedtocanal heritage.His extensive contributionstomedia andheritage have included rolesonArtsCouncil England’s architectureadvisorygroup, co-foundingtheRIBAStirling Prizein1996,andchairingthe ArtforArchitectureinitiativeat the RoyalSocietyofArtsfrom 2000-2004. He wasmadean HonoraryFellowofthe Royal InstituteofBritishArchitects in 2001andhis contributions to

architectureandthearts were recognised withanMBEin2019. Beyondhisprofessional life,Hugh is along-standing IWAmemberwitha personal enthusiasmfortheheritage ofBritain’sinland waterways, providingplanning and architectural guidanceforthe Association’sLondonRegion. He isthe currentchairmanof acampaigning architectural heritage charity,TheTwentieth CenturySociety.

Commenting on his appointment, Hugh said:“The waterwaysnetwork is aprecious and rich workinghistorical resource,availabletoall,linking urban andrural locations.It exists todaybecause ofthetime andeffort of thethousands who have worked to save and enhanceit sinceIWA’sfounding. It isnowatavulnerablemoment. We need to be onhighalertand make the strongest possible case foritas akey national heritage asset.”

TheIWA recognisesthe challengesfacingtheUK’s waterwaystoday. Historic structuresareageing, climate changeisexertingpressure on water management, andfunding forconservation remains uncertainorinadequate.

Hugh’s leadership arrives at acrucialmomentasthe association workstosafeguard the waterways from degradation orloss.

Under hisguidance,theIWA Heritage AdvisoryPanel will continuecollaboratingwith navigation authoritiesand other stakeholderstoensurethat conservationandcelebrationof thenetwork’sheritage remain apriority.

Lichfieldbranch –vegetationmanagement

EARLIERthismonth,IWA Lichfield Branch’s intrepidteamofvolunteersbegantheir seventhconsecutiveyearof winter vegetation management. This yeartheyhavebeengivena varietyoftasksinadditiontotheusualcutting back ofthe overgrownvegetation. Repainting bridge namesand numbers, removingivy andother suchgrowth from bridgesand

IWA-CRTAnnualRestoration Conference2025

THE2025Annual Re st or at ion Conference,jointly organised by The InlandWaterways Associationand Canal &RiverTrust, is taking placeon Saturday, April26,2025 at the National Waterways Museumin Ellesmere Port,Cheshire. Withitscollections andarchives focused onBritain’s inland waterways, includingcanal boats, traditionalartefacts andhistorical photos,the National Waterways Museum willprovide aunique andexcitinglocation, withthechance to visit the IslandWarehouse, the PowerHalland theblacksmith’s forge wheretheironwork forthe canalandits boatswas made.

Theconferenceis avaluablechance forthoseinvolved in waterway restoration toexperiencenew insightsintothe importanttopics facingrestorations today. Delegates will have theopportunity to network,and attend in-depth sessionsand workshopsledby expertsacrossthefield. Theconference will runfrom9.30am withanoptionaltour ofthe museuminthe afternoon. More information includi ng the programmeoftheday will be publishedin duecourse, together with abooking link. Email: verena. leonardini@ waterways.org.ukor call01494783453 (ext 607)formoredetails.

WorkParties

weed from lock wallsare just afewofthe varietyofjobstheywillbeundertaking. They arecurrently ontheTrent&MerseyCanal at Armitage and will be headingforFradley beforeheadingsouthontheCoventry Canal. If you seethem,pleasesay hello.

IWA’svolunteersworkMondays,Thursdays andFridaysandifanyoneisinterestedin joininginthefun,pleaseemail:lichfield@ waterways.org.uk

INTHE1970s, the banksofthe lodesconnecting Burwelland Reach were leakingdue totheshrinkage oftheFens, and were nowflooding thelandthat they were constructed to drain.Asthe SwaffhamBulbeck and Bottishamlodes were also leaking, it wasgoing tocost alot of moneytorepair, so oneproposal wasto demolishthehighlevellodes andcreate anewlow-level system. Asthis would have meantthat navigation by boats wouldcease,the boatingcommunity andIWAstartedto campaign to keep thelodesopen. Eventuallythe navigations were saved.

IWACambridge Branch(nowGreat Ouse)adopted Reachasa focal point. Reachstill hasapub andthe village puts on abig faironthefirstbank

holidayinMay each year.For manyyears, thebranchhada boatingrallyand barbecuewhilethe fair wason. It also hadasales stall at the event, mainlyto promoteIWA. In 1984,two signs were erectedon the Hytheshowing theconnection withthe RiverCam. Amazingly, both remainedintact until2023,almost40 years.Eventuallyone postsnappedandthe other sign wasnot in the best condition, so it wasdecided that new ones would be made.Soover the2023/4 winter, branchmember Peter Webb made replacements,which were installedover the summer.

Informationsign byPeter Webb.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

PLEASEcontactthebranchtoregisteryourinterestifyouwouldliketo attend aworkparty.Itisadvisabletowearstoutshoes,old clothing,andto takewaterproofs. Apackedlunchandrefreshmentsarealsoadvisable.

December 1&17

NorthamptonBranch Work partiesare usually heldone weekdayandone Sundaya month, alongthe NorthamptonArm.Thetasks usuallyinclude vegetation clearance,weeding, litter pickingandpaintingatlocks. Contact Geoff Woodgeoff. wood@waterways.org.uk,for details

December 21 &22

VolunteerontheManchester Bolton &BuryCanal IWAManchester Branch will be workingwith Manchester Bolton &BuryCanal Society at Prestoleeatits regular work site,Nob Endlocks,near PrestoleeRoad, LittleLever, Bolton, BL31AD.

The groupworks froma baseinthe blue cabinsnear thetopofthelocks, adjacent tothe summit pound.

Location: PrestoleeRoad, Little Lever, Bolton,BL3 1AD.Parking: Pleaseparkon Boscow Roadasthere’sno parking at thelocks.

Time: 10:00am. What’sprovided: Toolsand gloves.

Whattowear: Suitable clothingfor thetasksand sturdyfootwear. Remember: Packyourlunch anddrink. If you aretravellingby publictransportRadcliffe is thenearest Metrolink stop, fromwhichthereare frequent busestoLittleLever.Kearsley

isthenearestrailway station. December 13 -10.30am to 2.30pm.

BurslemPortFriday

Regularworkparty onthe Burslem ArmoftheTrent &Mersey Canal, runin partnershipbyIWA North Staffordshire&SouthCheshire Branch &the Burslem Port Trust.MeetatLukeStreet, Burslem. Alltoolsand equipmentwill beprovided. Volunteersare advised to wearoldclothes, stoutshoes andtotake waterproofsin case of rainand apackedlunchifstayingallday. PleasecontactDave Broome before attending: dave.broome45@gmail.com or07974966253

HughPearman,new chairmanoftheIWA HeritageAdvisorypanel.

PHOTO:SARAHM.LEE

ALichfieldBranchvolunteerhard atwork. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Charactersofthe Cut

PaddyScreech– Wordonthe Water,TheLondonBookbarge

ByAliceElgie

WHEN Paddy Screechandhisfriend, JonPrivett,weremooredtogetherin Springfield Park,Hackney back in 2010, theyfound themselvesdiscussingways to ensuretheywouldnever have toleave the canalagain.

“It’snotenoughto just live on aboat, Paddy, you’regoingtohaveto(and Ithink you’ll want to)makeyourlivingfromthe canal. Someonewholiveson aboatand makestheirlivingfroma boat is abargee, whereasa boater is just asortofhat!” was Jon’squote at thetime.

At that point Paddy’splanwasto run abookshopfromhis40ftcruiser stern narrowboat butwith theinterestof Jon, who wasselling second-handbooks on EmbankmentBridgeandthe High PavementinAngel,theystartedtohatch agranderplan.

Paddyexplained: “Mooredopposite us wasStephaneChaudat(also known as Noy, French forknower)on abeautiful 1920s Dutchbarge. We went overand managedtopersuade him tothink aboutletting usleasehis boat touseasa bookshop. However, he sawthe potential inthe same waymyself andJon didandsaid we should build astageon the roofand make itinto an events spaceas well.” Noywas soonallinand so thethree friends began theirfloating adventure: Word on the Water,TheLondon Bookbarge.

Forseven oreight yearstheycontinuously cruised theirshop throughthe waterways ofCentral London, the RiverLea,along the RegentsCanaland LimehouseCut.“At

that point wewere very much runningit forlove and wewere very poor!” Paddy said. With bookshops closingdown, high street rentshighandAmazonand Kindlefloodingthe market,thefuture for booksmighthave seemedbleak haditnot been forthe three friends’unshakeable confidencethat peoplelovedtheir bookshopsand wanted them tothrive.

“Bookshopsaremorethanjusta place to buyyourbooks,they’rea place to havea selectionof bookscurated to you by other humans.They’realsomeeting placesfor peoplewholove booksandthoughtsand thingsofthemind,as wellascommunity environmentswherepeoplecan beginto buildupfriendshipsandconnect.”

It seems many peopledidfeelthesame because when,in2015,the bookshop wasatriskofclosureafter apermanent mooring spacewas declined in favour ofotherdevelopments, 6000 supporters came to the rescue,signing petitionsand writingemails.Theoutcomewas they were offered apermanentmooringatGranary Square,justbehind King’s Cross,which enabledthe businesstofinallyworkina

In2015,thebookshopwasatriskofclosurewhen mooringspacewasdeclinedinfavourofother developments,but6000petitioningsupporters cametothe rescue.

Aretailoutletandperformervenue withtowpathappeal. Inside,theboathas averyhomely feeltoits retailarea.

Aperformancetakingplaceonthe roofof Wordonthe Water. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

bitmoreofasustainable wayand Paddy iscertainlygratefulforthecommunity spiritgenerated:“Peoplereally care about bookshopsandtheyhavenointentionto letthemdisappear.”

WhenI talked with Paddy aboutthe importanceof keepingthewrittenword alive, he mused:“We’vehadthisinfinite speedingupandshorteningofthe way that we ‘consumemedia’ inthe last decade so Ithink booksarevital because it's such adeepengagement. Youspend so muchtime with someone,sometimes someofthegreatestthinkersandwriters in humanhistory, so youhavetogoatthe correct speed. Youcan’t rushit.”

The organicgrowthofthis bookshop hasalsonot been rushed,whichisa beautifulthingtoobserve.Fromitsearly daysof being continuouslycruised and sometimes pulledformiles by rope— evenlegged thetraditional waythrough Islington tunnel! —because theengine didn’t work,towhereitisnow:avital counterparttomoderntechnology.“I liketothink we fillthe human-sized spaces,whererealpeoplecanmeeteach otherandformcommunitiesand see live performance;the sort ofthingsthat don’t happenontheinternet.”

Formoreinformation:

To visit:GranarySquare,Regent’s Canal Towpath,LondonN1C4LW Instagram: @word.on.the.water Facebook: Word onthe Water —The LondonBookbarge Website:www.wordonthewater.co.uk

Alice Elgieis awriter andyogiwho shares wordsabouthernomadic life,alongwith journallingand mindfulness coursestoinspireand heal,on herblog:slowintotheseasons. substack.com

Very sadly JonPrivett diedayear ago, which wasahugeshock.Paddy said:“Jon wasaworld-classcurator andthe Bookbarge would not have been possible or happened without him.Hetaughtusprettymuch everythingweknowandhislossis incalculable.” However,alongside Noy,andalsoJon’sdaughter, Meg Ferreira— herself agifted curator who keepsuptradition by helping tochoosebooksto go ontheshelves each week—Paddy hasevery intentionofkeeping Word onthe Water afloat. “Itfeelslike it’s our responsibility to keep theshop going untiltheendoftime,sowecantry andpaya fitting tributetoJon.”

AgiantScotspineweighing21tonneswascranedoutofthe GrandUnionCanalbytheCanal &River Trustafteritcame downduring arecentstorm.Thetreehadtobe removedby acraneseatedonspecialiststeelmatting. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Massivetreeblownintocanalis hauled awayinrescuemission

AMASSIVEtree weighing21tonnes hasbeen clearedfromthe Leicester LineoftheGrand Union CanalnearBlaby –reopening the waterway for boaters.

The huge Scotspine,which hadcomedown in stormy weather,was blocking the canalandpreventingboatersandlocal peoplefrom being abletousethe canalandtowpath.Because ofthesizeofthe tree,the Canal&River Trusthadtobringina craneand seat iton steel matting so itcould be removedsafelywithout damagingthe canalbankand surroundingarea.

The charityinvestedseveral thousand poundsinthe removal, with localcolleagues workingalongsidecontractorstoget navigation backopen.

RichardWalker,contract manageratCanal &RiverTrust, said: “Trees fallingintothe canals canpresent us with some realchallenges.Not only cantheyblock navigationfor boats, buttheycan cause significant damage and, becausetowpathswerebuilt forhorses to towboats ratherthanheavymodern-day machinery,this canpresent several accessconsiderations.

“Wecarry outproactivetreeworks outsideofthenestingseasonand remove windblown branchesandtreesfromour nationwidenetwork of canals year-round. With winter approaching, and achangingclimate that is bringingmorefrequentand severe storms,wewill be on hand overthemonthsaheadto keep navigationopen.

“Ouramazingcanal networkis250 yearsoldand isopentothe elements. We welcome people’ssupport, through volunteering, donating, or spreadingthe word aboutourcharity, to helpus keep canalsalivefor yearstocome.”

Fromleft:StephaneChaudat,JonPrivettandPaddyScreech.

Take awalk– andmore –onthewildsidewith theCanoeRiverCleaner

Anenvironmentalcampaignerison aone-man crusadetomakehislocalwaterways cleaner–and educatepeopleintheprocess.

ByLucy Wood

NATUREloverJames

(Jim) Elliottregularly takestohislocal waterways in acanoe toclearlitter and fly-tipping, conduct wildlife surveys andmore, allthe whilepromotingthe well-beingbenefitsof beingoutdoors.

Knownasthe CanoeRiver Cleaner, heconducts aregular cleaningrosterofrivers, ponds,canalsandother waterways in North EastLincolnshireand the wider Lincolnshire area.Aidedbyateamof volunteersnicknamed Comrades,helitterpicksbanksandditches andclears waterof debriswhilepiloting his canoe.

“I amhell-benton keepingourblueand greenspacestidy,”he said.Jim hasremoved countlessitemsfrom hislocal waterways–fromlitter,rope, bicycle

frames, supermarket trolleysandfishingline to more unusualitems, suchasan abandoned scooterand evenan advertising sandwich board. “I have dredged upall sorts–a27-yearoldcrisppacket, Halloweendecorations, aKinderEgg stillin itswrapping, astolen pedalo…evenanAtomic KittenCD!”The heaviest itemhe’s ever removed fromthewater is alarge iron railing.

Butsince startingthe CanoeRiver Cleaner after beingmade redundantduringthe pandemic, hismission hasnow become ahighprofileforcefor goodin hiscommunity,using hisactivitiestoeducate andinform.

“Igetasked alotif childrenthrowinga trolleyorthe oddbottle intothe waterannoys meandto beperfectly honestitdoesn’t.Asa

seriallitter-picker, you have to switchoff from these thingswhileyou’re sortingthejobin hand otherwise you’d blowa gasket.Toassumethat all childrenareatone with natureandaren’t goingtomakesilly mistakeswhilegrowing upis naïve;there’stime forthemand we do our best to influence, educateandinspire.

“Thesamecan'tbe said forsomeadults, anditis peoplewho deliberatelyfly-tipthat really get my negative energy flowing.Tomake aconsciousdecision to leave litterinanarea of beauty with ahigh concentrationof wildlife isdownrightdisgusting. I’msureI’mnotalonein my disdainfor fly-tipped waste.

“Oneofthe bestparts ofthejobis beingso closeto–and being tolerated by –our amazingwildlife.There reallyisbeautyaround everycorner.”

Thissummer marked theendof Nature Hub,a projectthatsaw Jimoffer nature-based activities includingrivercleaning to home-educated children. He also took agroupof children out ontothe waterofthe RiverFreshney,inhis hometown,tolearn aboutbiodiversityand wildlifecorridors.

Throughsponsorship, parttimenature-based work andthegenerosity ofpeoplewho value

healthwhoneed extra supportinaquieter environment. Through All Things Good And Nice,heprovides nature-based activities foradultsandchildren around Lincolnshire everyMonday of the year.

what he does,former carsalesman Jimhas turnedthisinto afulltime occupation.He hasalsoestablisheda not-for-profit well-being organisation,theAll Things Good andNice CIC,andhasalsoteamed up withenvironmental conservationgroup PickWalkstolitter-pick onland.

“Soonafterstarting my canoeingandlitterpickingendeavours,I quickly realised that spendingtime outdoors particularlyin nature helped me mentally. To be honest,I’mthe best versionof myselfthat I’ve ever been,”hesaid.

“Weprovideactivities which keepchildren connected with nature and reconnectadults

who mayhavelostit. Together withhelping thosewhoneed to get back on track, Iama massive advocatefor earlyinterventionand workingonwaysto preventindividualsfrom sliding down aslippery slopewhichthey struggleto getbackfrom. Activitiesincludelitter picking, one-on-one canoetrips,children’s wildlifei-spywalks, and family walks.”

Jimisproudto be anadvocateof respectingnatureand theenvironmentand saidthathumansare privileged tosharerivers with wildlife.

“Onaroutinetidyof the RiverFreshneyin my hometown,I recently cameacrossoneof themostupsetting sightssince Istarted my efforts–a male kingfishertragically caughtindiscarded fishingwire, leading toitsuntimelydeath. Thisareaislittered with overhangingtrees andas aresultlotsof abandonedfishing linesareoftencutloose after gettingsnagged or, even worse, carelessly discarded.Idomybest to manage this, butsadly Iwastoolateinthis instance.

“Carelessnessand disregardforthe environment cause unnecessarysuffering. Ibelieveweshouldall work togethertoprotect the wildlifethatmakes ourriverssospecial.”

Thankstoa funding grant, Jimiscurrently leadinga project providingbespoke, one-to-onecanoe tripsfor people with compromised mental

“I’vepersonally benefited so much by usingnatureasa wellbeingtool,and I’mreally excited tointroduce peopletoitshealing powers,andtoview our rivers’richbiodiversity from aseldom seen perspective,”hesaid.

“I’m alwayslooking at waystopromote good practicewhenitcomes tolookingafter ourblue andgreenspaces,and Ifeelthere’snobetter waythantoget outthere andshowpeoplewhat beautysurroundsus.It’s on ourdoorstep, and we need tolookafterit.” He isalso involved inotherenvironmental initiatives;herecently became acertified riverflymonitor through TheRiverfly Partnership,able to conduct regularsurveys alongwatercourses.

“Thepresenceofthese lower-down-the-foodchainspecies,suchas mayflyand freshwater shrimp, areagood indicatorof waterquality and canascertain certainenvironmental conditions suchas pollutionandlowflows. Resultscan servetoraise thealarmbeforethings get worse.”

Oneofhis major awarenesscampaigns

–and apersonalbugbear –isaboutthedangers of releasingballoonsinto theenvironment. He has created amap (https:// thecanoerivercleaner. co.uk/balloon-map/) recordingwhere discarded latexand foilballoons –released foreventsincluding memorials,birthdays and gender reveals–have fallen back to Earth.

“It’sterrible for wildlife,” Jimexplained. “Thesethingsmight looklikefun,but they’reanightmare fortheenvironment. Fromchokinghazards toentanglement, balloons canbedeadly foranimals, especially birdsandaquaticlife.It’s worthremindingpeople to keepcelebrations eco-friendlyand avoid sendingmoreofthese partypoopersintothe wild –the wildlifewill thankus.”

Jim’sFacebookpage, whichisfilledwith stunningphotography andinformativevideos fromthe seat ofhis canoe,isathriving community resource–andthis hard workhas not goneunnoticed. Softdrinksbrand Soda Folkcreatedarootbeer inhishonour, whichis availableall overtheUK.

Althoughheoperates mainlyin NorthEast Lincolnshire, hehopes hisendeavours –in whichheis supported by his wife Lindsey, daughters Lilyand Hazel and sonIsaac –will encouragelike-minded peoplearoundthe

countrytodosimilarly.

“I’msimply aguy with acanoe keeping riverstidyforwildlife andlocalresidents,” headded. “People who regularlyuseour country’swaterways will knowfirst-hand just how importantitistorespect ourenvironmentand thejoythat beingatone with naturebrings.

“I used my salesskills to navigatemyway on to radio stations,TV andothermediums totryand forgesome sort oflivingfrom whathadnow become morethana passing hobby. Thankfully, what Iamdoingis universallyaccepted and championed. Idon’t havesuperpowers,and you certainlycouldn’t save the worldwithwhat I’ve got,but peoplelike itand have comeon board.

“Ilove what Idobut inevitably, we allhave baddays.Stumbling upon awheeliebinfullof litterthat someone has takenthetimeto push inthe water constitutes abadday.This cantake awhileto sort andoften leavesyou wet, tired, anddespondentthat we have peoplewholiterally go outoftheir wayto decimateourblueand greenspaces.

“Luckily,mostdays aregood,and litterpickingcanbevery rewarding– even just theactof beinginthe momentandenjoying themeditationit provides.Evenwhen the summerbringsthe algaebloom,theactof removingdebrisand reedsthat actasanchor pointsforthe algaeis tiring,butthat senseof achievementkeepsme going.

“W at er wa ys willalwaysneed maintenance, andI’ve madeit my missionto do just that.I’m afirm believerincontrolling what youcancontrol and being a‘doer’.” Find outmore aboutthe Canoe River Cleanerathttps:// thecanoerivercleaner. co.ukor https:// www.facebook.com/ thecanoerivercleaner

Lobbygroupfearschangeto SmokeControlArealawswill penaliseliveaboardboaters

ALOBBY groupfearsnewlegislationtocontrol what fuels canbeburned will be used to clear boatersoutofcertainareas.

The National Bargee TravellersAssociation (NBTA)believes boaterswill bepenalised unfairly by organisationsandlocalauthorities,who may usetheSmokeControlArealegislationtoeither prosecuteormove them outofthe waterway.

The change to theClean AirAct meansthe samerule appliestohouseholdswhen burning wood and coalinopenfires andstoves. Wetwood andtraditionalcoalare prohibitedaspartofa drivetocleanerair.

AnNBTA spokesmansaid:“The NBTA is extremelyconcernedabout thisdevelopment. Unlikehouses, boat dwellersdonot generally have analternativeway ofheatingtheir homes. We rely on ourstovestokeepwarminwinter; withoutthemourhomes wouldeffectively becomeuninhabitable.

“Inaddition,liveaboardboaters will have no wayoftellingwhethertheyare in aSmokeControl Zoneornot,asthese zonesarenot generally signpostedeither at the boundariesorelsewhere. Boaterscouldenter aSmokeControl Zone withtheir stovealight, notknowing that smoke controlsareinforceorthat theyhavecrosseda localauthorityboundary,and be fined,especially iftheyhavenosmokelessfuelon board.”

The NBTA,which represents‘itinerant boat dwellers’, whosehomeis aboatanddonot have apermanentmooring,isconcerned its members andothers willfallfoulofthelawastheydon’t alwayshaveaccesstoapproved fueland maynot understandhowthelawisbeingappliedbythe localauthoritywhoseareatheyare cruisingin.

The concernscomeas Defrasurveyedboat userstounderstandtheuseofsolidfuel burning behaviouramongtheinlandboating community. It saidthe data gathered will beusedtostrengthen the evidence base onthe typesofsolidfuelsbeing used andthekindsof appliancesinoperation.

ADefra spokesman said:“The survey willalso be used tounderstandthelevelofawareness amongboaters aboutSmokeControlAreas, including determining whether boatersare awarethatlocal authorities canincludemoored vessels withinthese areas(subjecttolocal consultation)underthe EnvironmentAct2021.”

The NBTA advisesall boaterstocarry at least onebag of smokelessfuel,addingthat in some SmokeControlAreas,the useofasmallquantity ofcleandrykindlingtostarta fireisallowed,but afterthis,only “approved fuel”can be used.

Smokelessfuelsareapproved by Defra. Wood, timberorlogscannot be used for heatingina SmokeControlArea unlessyou usea Defracertified stove (alsoknown as an exempted appliance),andonly burn goodquality,drywood. Non-exemptedapplianceusers canonly burn approvedsolidfuels.

TheNBTAspokesmanadded: “Itinerant liveaboards maybeunabletocomply everywhere theytravelbecause the regulationsregarding SmokeControlAreasmay vary betweenlocal authoritiesandthe regulations regarding exempted appliancesand approved fuelsare slightlydifferentinEngland,Scotlandand Wales. Indeed,boatersmay well be unawarethat there hasbeenany change in thelaw.Inaddition, boatersdonotusuallyhaveanalternativetousing kindlingtolight their stoves.

“Manyliveaboardboaters,especiallythose who relyoncollectingfallen wood forheating, cannot affordtoheattheir homeswithsmokelessfuel, whichcan be significantly moreexpensivethan otherfuel. However, the percentage of boatersand theproportionofemissionstheycause compared tothegeneral populationare minusculegiven theirrelativenumbers.

“Thereisadangerthat this will be used asa toolto remove boatsfromareaswherethelocal authoritiesareopposed to boatdwellers, orwhere localresidentsarehostiletoliveaboardboaters.”

The NBTA is seekingmeetings with both Defraandthe LocalGovernmentAssociation with aviewtodevelopingguidanceforlocal authoritiesonhow to avoid adisproportionate adverseimpactonitinerantboatdwellers being createdbysmokecontrol regulations;how to ensureconsultations on Smoke ControlZones reachitinerantpopulations;and howtoensure boaters cantellwhentheyare enteringaSmoke Control Zone.

To findout more aboutSmokeControlAreas, visit:gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rulesandtofind outwhichfuelsand stovesareapproved,please visit:smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/index.php

Practicalfootwearinsideandout

COMFORTABLE and practicalforthe boaterin yourfamily,theseglorious shoescould make theperfect Christmasgiftfor yourloved one (oryourself).They are idealfor poppingoutinto the garden,on to thetowpath or goingfor awalk withthe dog,offeringstylishand versatilefootwear whichis lightweight, waterproofand durable.

The Backdoorshoesstory beganin2007for business

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Exploring yourcanalancestry: Criminalancestors

Inthelatestinherfamilyhistoryseries,NicolaLislelooks at howyou cantraceancestorswhofellfoulofthelaw

IF YOU’VEhitabrick wall withanyofyour ancestors–suchasnames suddenlydisappearing fromcensus returns –it’spossibletheyhad strayed fromthe straight and narrow.

Crime wasrifeamongcanal boatmen, ranging fromdrunkenness,fighting, vandalism,poachingand otherpetty pilferingtorioting, house-breaking, arson and murder.Punishmentsincludedimprisonment, executionortransportation.

The most high-profilecrimeon the canalnetwork wastheallegedrapeand murderof37-year-old ChristinaCollins,a dressmakerfrom Liverpool, whosebodywasfoundinthe canalatBrindley Park,Rugeley,onJune17,1839,twodaysaftershe setofffor London aboard aPickford’scanalbarge.

The crew –39-year-oldCaptain James Owen, George Thomas(27)and WilliamEllis(28) –were laterconvicted ofher rape and murderand sentenced to be hanged at Stafford Gaol,despiteprotesting theirinnocence.Ellis wasreprievedonthe eveoftheexecution and sentencedto transportation forlife instead.

Christinawas buried in St Augustine’s Churchyard,Rugeley, andherheadstone recordshowshe was ‘barbarouslytreated’ and‘founddeadinthe canalinthis parishon June17th 1839, age 37 years’. Awooden sculpturewaslater erectedinhermemory

alongsidetheTrentand Mersey CanalatStone,and her storyinspired Colin Dexter’s 1989 Inspector Morsenovel,The WenchisDead.

Notallcrimes were quitesodramatic,butthey were prolific. Boatmenplunderingtheir owncargoes, eitherforthemselvesorto sell, waswidespread,and many becameingenious at findingwaysofescaping detectionbythetolloffices.Siphoning off asmall quantityofbeer from abarrelandtoppingitupwith waterwas afavourite,aswas stealingtea,sugar,coal andotherusefulcommodities.

Thievingfromother boats’ cargoes, stealing from warehousesandprivatedwellingsaround the canal,and poachingfromprivateestateswere alsocommon.

Thetemptationtoplundercargoeslike thesedisplayedatLondonCanalMuseum wastoogreatto resistformanyboatmen. PHOTO:NICOLALISLE

Drunkenness wasanothereveryday problem, oftenleadingtofighting andvandalism. The DerbyMercury of February 24,1813reported that 21 men,‘chiefly boatmen’,appeared beforethe magistrate in Manchestercharged with‘riotousconductin the streetsofthetown’. Some boatmen were guiltyofcruelty totheirhorses.In 1858,Thomas Witton –described inthe BirminghamPost of March23,1858asa ‘rough,ill-looking fellow’ –was sentenced tosixmonthsinprison byBirmingham Police Courtfor beatinghis horse‘in amostsavage andbrutal manner’.

Researching criminal ancestors

If yourancestorfell foulofthelaw, there areplentyofrecordsto helptrackhimorher down.Agood starting point is The National Archives’guide:www. nat ionala rc hives. gov. uk/help-withyou r- re se arch/ re se arch -guides/ criminals-and-convicts This resourcegives detailedinformation andlinksrelating to prisonersheldin prisonsoronprison hulksthrough registers, statistics,correspondenceandmore. The most useful recordsinclude:

TheformerOxfordGaol –now atouristattraction –was agrim placetobeincarceratedforanylocalboatmenfoundguiltyof breakingthelaw. PHOTO:NICOLALISLE

·Criminalregistersfor England Wales1792-1892 (seriesHO26andHO27),which canbesearched onlineviawww.ancestry.co.ukorwww.findmypast. co.uk;detailsincludedateandplaceoftrial, sentenceifconvictedand personalinformation abouttheprisoners.

·Prisonhulk registers andletter books1802-1849 (seriesHO9), searchable viatheancestrysite.

·Criminals,convictsandprisoners 1770-1935. Searchfindmypastfor HomeOffice records includingcriminal petitions (HO18&HO19), variousprisoner/criminal registersand statistical returns(HO23,HO24,HO26and HO27), judges’ reports1784-1830(HO47), NewgatePrison Calendar1782-1853(HO77)and Calendarsof Prisoners1868-1915(HO14).

·Photographs of prisoners. Photographing criminalsbecame compulsoryin1870 withthe passing of thePreventionofCrimes Act. Records have survived from Pentonvilleand Wandsworthprisons and Oxford Gaolandaresearchableonfindmypast.

·Calendars ofprisonerstried at Assizesand Quarter Sessions(HO140).Prisonerstriedbefore 1915areavailableonlineviafindmypast; records from 1916onwardsneed to be viewed at The NationalArchives.

If yourancestor wastransported,see www. nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/ research-guides/criminal-transportationfor informationandlinks.Recordsaresearchablevia theancestrysite.Themajorityofrecords relate totransportation to Australiafrom1776;early transportation wastoNorthAmericaandthe West Indies,but fewrecords from this period havesurvived. Localrecordoffices hold recordsrelatingtolocal prisonsandcourts,and youmay findlocal family historians have producedusefultranscriptsor collections.Oxfordshire BlackSheepProductions, forexample,has publishedtranscriptsofOxford QuarterSessionsandtransportation sentences from Oxfordshirecourts, as wellas OxfordGaol Prisoner Portraits1870-1881,compiledfromThe NationalArchivesandlocalarchives. Anotheruseful siteisBlackSheep Ancestors (www.blacksheepancestors.com), whereyou can searchprison,convict,executionandcourtrecords.

Further reading David THawkings,CriminalAncestors(The HistoryPress,2009) Stephen Wade, Tracing YourCriminal Ancestors(Pen &Sword,2009)

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WHHbargesmooredattheMcAlpine constructionsiteatKingsPlace,King’s Cross,besidetheRegent’sCanal.

GerryHeward:startingout

JonathanMosse’smonthlylook at freightdevelopmentonthe inlandwaterways.

IT IS my unshakeable beliefthat thefactthat we still have afunctional commercial inlandwaterways systemislargelydowntoindividualsandnottothe peoplewhoareentrustedwithrunningthem–the navigation authorities.

Wood,Hall& Heward (WHH: awell-established homecountiesinland waterwayscompany)depicts the surnamesofthree suchindividualswhobring flairanddedication to thewaterways,keeping carryingalive andprovidinga springboardforwhat one canonlyhopewillbeaclimatechange-driven renaissance.

Recently retired GerryHewardrightfully occupies thismonth’s spotlight.Growing upin Yorkshire,a busrideinto nearbyHalifaxcrossedthederelict HalifaxArmofthe Calder &Hebble Canalwhere, in thedistance,workingboats were stillvisible.

Schoolsawdinghyandlater somelumpy-water sailing, while study for an appliedbiologydegree–commencingin1972 at Brunel University –quickly ledtoaffordableaccommodationon asomewhat tired,woodenbutty called Mary,mooredbeside what wasthenknown as Uxbridge Marine,onthe Grand UnionCanal.

Fellow(mature) students,TamandDi Murrell, were at that timealsooperating‘apair’between

Brentford and Boxmooronwhat wasknown asthe‘lime juice run’.TheMurrells,longsince retired to theContinentontheir Dutchbarge (where fora whiletheyran helmsmancourses) were waterways carryingstalwartsforwhichthey deserve considerable recognition anda piecein their ownright.

The buttymorphedintoa woodenex-fishing boat, whichenjoyed asojournonthe mudofLeighon-Sea(whereits ownerbrieflyworkedfor acarpet company) beforethe pair returnedtoUxbridge and what wasnow the UxbridgeBoat Centre, intent on divestingitselfof ayardfullofdecayingwooden vesselstowhich Gerrysomewhat grudginglylent ahand.

That done,hecombinedhisfortunes withthe activitiesofthe WilliamPressCompanywhich at that timeheld aratherbizarre contractemptying redundantsewagesettlingponds at PerryOaks:a potential ‘softlanding’ ofsandylagoonsatoneend of Heathrow’s main runways!

Fora yearthechance todrivethelatest agriculturaltractors andspreading equipment proved irresistibleuntil achance reunion withthe

Murrells,nowat Bull’s Bridge,came withtheoffer toassistwiththeirnewcontract runninggrainfrom TilburyuptoAlliedMills at Town Lock,Addlestone.

Familiar withthe ‘crinklystuff’ belowTeddington Lock, Gerrywasanobvious candidateand,although theflow stuttered abitintheearlydays,a pattern waseventuallyestablishedemployinga 300-ton Dutch bargeonthe runfromTilburytoWaltonon-Thames,wherethegrain wastranshipped into narrowboats Rigby and Piktor (later replacedby Leonie and Bicester)foronward carriagealongthe much shallower Wey.

To avoidtheexpenseoftransshipment, this approach waslatermodified by employingtwo vesselsthat could navigateboththe Thamesandthe Wey:the Annie (a Dutchbarge)andthe Clinton –a 70ft x14ft Humberbarge:bothcraft carrying inthe regionof 70tons,withfiveround tripsa fortnight attainable.

Althoughthelime juice runfinishedin1981, the Murrells were stillinto everythingcarrying, including trip boats, beforestabilisingmainly on waterwaysinfrastructuremaintenance tasks: aforerunnerofwhatWHH wasultimatelyto be foundedupon.

Work for Gerryatthistime revolved around estuary, coastalandevenshortsea trips,largely carrying aggregateand roadstone,althoughfor good measurefertiliserandbauxitefoundits way intothemix:tradewhich waslargely pliedaround theThamesestuaryand northtowardsHarwich.

In 1987heleftthe Murrells tostudyatHenley Business School foranMBAbeforejoininga GreekCypriot softwarecompany –Brainstorm –predominantly engagedintelecoms work: somethingofa nicheareainthosedays. Interestingly,upongraduatingwitha second Left:Pushertug Scouser atKingsPlace constructionsiteontheRegent’sCanal.

degree awardedbyBrunel, Gerrywentontowork part-timefor Henleyuntilhe was65.

In 1995he wascontacted by TimWood,whowas partoftheAlliedMillsgrain-carryingscenefrom itsinception,nowwith aworkshop at Springwell Farm –besidetheGrand Union, alittle southof Rickmansworth– and ownedbyoneCharles Hall. The nimble-wittedamongmyreaderswillalready have combinedthe appropriate surnamesand guessed what’s comingnext.

ForGerry itarrivedsomewhat moresedatelyin theformofalanguidmessagealong thelinesof, “thereare acoupleof work flats sunkintheriver at Stainesand IthinkI knowthe owner.Doyou reckon they’reworth having?”

To becontinuednextmonth…

GerryHewardaboarda DutchbargeattheWHHbase,SpringwellFarmontheGrandUnionCanalnearRickmansworth. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Leeds &Liverpool TownClass,‘shortboat’ Clitheroe,loadedwithone-tonnebagsof aggregateatDobbs WeirontheRiverLea.

Charitybeginsathome

SallyCliffordmeetsthefamilyhelpingtobringthefestivespirittotheSafeAnchor Trust.

CHRISTMAScomes butoncea yearand the McGurtyfamilyareamongthose helpingtospreadthefestivecheer.

In thewarmandcosyconfinesofthe cafe atShepleyBridgeMarinainMirfield, West Yorkshire–hometothe SafeAnchor Trust– volunteersarebusypreparing refreshments readyforthethrong. Even theheavy rainisfailingtodampenthe spirits of thisinvaluableworkforcewho dedicatetheirtimetohelp keepthecharity afloat– andnot just at Christmas.For themitisan all-year-round commitment.

Volunteeringiscertainly afamilyaffair forthe McGurtyclan. Onecornerofthe cafeisdominated by trestletablestopped with arange offestivegifts,fromplush stockingstosweettreats.

Stocking andsellinggiftsfromthe Christmasshopis arole Janetandher father,Les,haveenjoyedformorethena decade –onlyrelinquishingtheirduties during theCovidpandemic.

ForJanetand Lesit’sall aboutthe people they meet –and supportinga worthy cause.

“The atmosphere,”saysJanet,in responsetoher reasonsfor getting involved.“Andthe people,” says Les. “It’s alsoanicefeeling to be able to help. Whiletheyare here theyare havinga lovelytime.”

“Itbringspeople joyand makes moneyfortheSafe AnchorTrust,” Janetadds.

Launched in1995,the

FatherChristmaswithMargaret McGurty readytodistributegiftsto visitorstotheSafeAnchor Trust.

charity’saim istoprovideenjoyable andtherapeutic boattripsforthosein thecommunitywhoaredisadvantaged throughphysical or mentaldisabilities; social isolation,ageor socialdeprivation.

Lesand Janetaren’ttheonly McGurtys involved in theoperation. Over in the grotto,twinklingwithfestivelights atShepley Bridge Marina,

Janet’s mum, Margaret,hasdonned theChristmas Queencostumetoassist FatherChristmasingreetingchildrenand distributingpresentsafterthey disembark fromtheirtripalongthe Calderand Hebble Navigationfrom Mirfieldtown centreaboardtwo ofthe charity’sfourstrongfleet, Safe AnchorLady,a54ft broadbeamboatspecifically designed forwheelchairusersandthosewith mobilityissues,andthe36ft narrowboat Lady Victoria,a replicaofanEdwardian RiverThames launch.

Margaretexplainsherinvolvement beganaftervisitingthe marina fora narrowboat trip followingthe marriage ofgranddaughter KerryMcGurty-Moore, Janet’s daughter,tofellowvolunteer MichaelMoore. Shebegan volunteering in thekitchen andhelped with bookings beforeactivities were curtaileddue to the Covid pandemic.

“Wereallymissed it,” says Margaret, recallingthe restrictionsbroughtinduring lockdowns.

TheChristmasgrottoatSafeAnchor Trust readytowelcomeits youngvisitors. PHOTOS: SALLYCLIFFORD

The Lady Victoria all trimmedup totransport visitorsfor thefestive celebrations attheSafe Anchor Trust.

Seeingnormality resumedmade Christmas 2023 allthemorespecial –especiallyfor Kerryand Michael’s children, Williamand Lizzie,who were happily tucking into refreshmentsinthe cafealongsideotheryoung customers–someofwhom have been comingonthe SantaSpecial boat trips here sincethey were born.

“It’sjustdifferent, andthe people –it’sthe samefacesand everyoneis reallyfriendly,”saysone visitor, who waspledgingfurther supportwithher purchasesfromJanetand Les’sstall.

Closeby, Kerrywas manningthe raffle for which shehad sourcedanextensive rangeofprizesfromgenerousbusinesses. Kerry’sintroductiontothe SafeAnchor Trust, which ledtoher mumand grandparents’involvement, camethrough her husband.

Michaelexplainshe wasintroduced to theSafeAnchorTrustaspartofhis Duke of Edinburgh Gold award–henow worksforthe DoE–andisalsoa volunteer withthe SafeAnchorTrust. ForMichael and sonWilliam,who both have autism, spending timeherehas acalmingeffect andbrings many well-beingbenefits. Throughtheirinvolvementfriendships have alsobeenmade.

Kerryrecallswhensheand Michael

CruisewithClausontheChesterfieldCanal

CHILDRENandadultscan

cruisewith SantaClaus from fourdifferentlocationson the ChesterfieldCanalthis Christmas.

Forjust£10, you will get to

cruise with FatherChristmas. Children will getapresent and adults will get adrinkanda mincepie.

The Chesterfield CanalTrust will be runningthese cruiseson

all four of itstripboats spread overnine days.

In Chesterfield,the John Varley II will be doingSanta Special tripsoneverySaturday andSundayfromNovember 30to December22,andon Monday, December23.All leave from Tapton Lock,on the Tescoroundaboutin Chesterfield,S417JB.

InStaveley, Madeline will be doingSanta Special trips oneverySaturdayand Sunday from December7 to 22. All leave from HollingwoodHub on WorksRoad,S432PF.

bringthefestivespirittotheSafeAnchorTrust.

married in2014,intheirhome town of Huddersfield, someofthe volunteersformedaguardofhonour with wooden spikes(lock levers) specially decoratedforthe occasion. William’s christeningcelebrations were held at the marina.

“It’sour secondfamily –itmeans theworld,” says Kerry,adding: “and you gettomeetnew people.”

Kevin Thorburn, avolunteer and trusteeofthe SafeAnchorTrust, says: “Thirty-threedifferentSafeAnchor Trustvolunteers,ofall ages,were involved overtheweekend,including severaldifferentgenerationsof differentfamilies.

“It’sa privilege tobringexcitement, funand happinesstosomanypeople whatevertheir age.”

Kevinalsoexpressed histhanksto FatherChristmas.“We aresolucky thatSantahadtimeto ‘dropin’and helpuscelebrateChristmas at Safe AnchorTrust.It’sanenjoyable and fun wayfor ourvolunteerstointeract withthelocalcommunity.

“Everyoneenjoysthemselves –and howmanypeople cansay that they gottomeetthe‘main man’?Whether you area volunteeror avisitor, everyone hasa smileontheirface.” Formoreinformationvisit:www. safeanchor.org.uk

In Shireoaks, Hugh Henshall will be doing SantaSpecial tripseverySaturdayand Sunday from December1to22, andon Monday,December23. Allleave from Shireoaks Top Lock, next to Shireoaks Marina, S818LP. Finally,in Ranby, Seth Ellis willbedoingSanta Specialtrips everySaturdayand Sunday

from December7 to22,and on Monday, December23.All leavefromthe ChequersInn at Ranby,DN228HT. Lastyear, thetrustcarried

nearly2000 happySantafans, so you willneed to booksoon to avoiddisappointment. All bookingswill be taken online.Tobook, searchfor

Chesterfield CanalTrustand followthelinks. If you areunable to book online,ring01246477569 for assistance. TheChesterfieldCanal

ChildrenandadultsenjoyingSantacruisesontheChesterfieldCanal. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

Janet,LesandKerry

The SafeAnchorLady setsoffontheSantaSpecial Trip.

Waterwaysablazeofcolourandlightas boatingcommunitiescelebrateDiwali

MIDLANDSwaterways were avision ofcolourandlightastwo Diwalievents provideddazzlingdisplays.

Bothfreeevents were organised by the Canal&River Trust, and sawstunning lightshows at Leicester Outdoor PursuitsCentreand GaltonBridge nearSmethwick on theBirmingham Mainline Canaltocelebratethe Hindu festivaloflights.

At Leicester,light artistSolacreated ashimmering LEDWaterfallofLights that cascaded nexttothe RiverSoar, with colourfullights reflected on to thesurface ofthe water.

The eveningalsosaw anilluminated paddleboardsession by the Wild Women OutdoorgroupandotherDiwalievents.

The Smethwick Luminairetookplace beneath theGrade I-listedGaltonBridge

andfeaturedthe revivalofthe Festival of Lights.

The lightprojectionsshoneontothe iconic cast-iron GaltonBridge,creating astunningcanvas. Reputedlythehighest single-spanbridgeinthe world at the time,itwas builtin1829, spanningthe Birmingham Mainline Canal.

Floodlightswerepositionedonthe canaltowpathtocreate acinematic displaythatbouncedoffthe bridge and surfaceofthe water.

The event, originally conceivedas an alternativetofireworks, offered an inclusive, eco-friendlyway to celebrate withoutnoise, pollutionor fireworklitter.

Theeventwas scheduledalittlelaterto minimise potentialdisruptiontolocal batpopulationsalongthe canal,whose activitydecreases withcolder weather.

Lutfur Rahmanfromthe Canal& River Trustsaid:“Revivingthe Luminaire added aspecialtouchtothis year’s festivities. As acharity we’rereallygratefultothe sponsorsand communitypartnersthat have madethe eventpossible.”

KellyAlcock,community events co-ordinatorforthe Canal& RiverTrust, said:“The Leicestereventwasan amazing spectacle,bringingthe RiverSoartolife with akaleidoscopeofcolourfullights.

“Itwas also afantastic community occasion,helpingtocreatelastingmemories forfamilies by encouragingthem to experience naturebywaterwhileenjoying thelifeandcolourofDiwali.

“Asacharity we’rereallygratefultothe sponsorsand communitypartnersthat have madethe eventpossible, andwe can’t waitto welcomelocalpeoplealong.”

AnamazinglightshowlitupGaltonBridgenearSmethwickontheBirminghamMainlineCanalaspartofDiwali. Itwasoneof anumberofeventscelebratingtheHindufestival.

Emergency repairstotheGrandUnionCanalandRiverSoar preventedfloodingofhousesandthemergingofthetwo waterways.TheRothenGroupwasabletobringin adiggerand makevital repairstothebanksandtowpaths. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Vitalrepairworkstopscanal andrivermergingafterflooding

EMERGENCYrepair work to the UK’slongest canalandadjacent riverhaspreventedthe two waterwaysfrommerging.

Recentheavy rainfallmeant floodingfromthe RiverSoarfound its wayintothenearby Grand Union Canalandtheincreased pressureoncanal wallsmeantvital repairs were necessary.

Theremotelocationofthe flashpointmeantany repairs needed to be donefromthe waterway.

Marineengineering firmRothen Groupwas able to repairthe damaged area usingadiggeron apontoon, atugboat andhopper.

RothenGroupfounder Ian Rothen said: “The towpaths and banksides aroundthesewaterways provideflood protection forthe nearby area.Consequently,the erosionof canalwallsinthese areas canhaveacatastrophic effect onlocalhousingand businesses. Hadtheseworksnot beencarried out, moreofthebank would have crashedandledtoa real risk that

VolunteertaskforcetargetsGloucester waterway

AVOLUNTEERarmy is helpingtopreservethe historicGloucester Docks andthe Gloucester& SharpnessCanal.

Calledthe Gloucester Task Force, the groupwill carryout avarietyoftasks inthearea.Theywere recruitedatawelcome sessionheldin September. Oncethebroadestand deepestcanalinthe world, theGloucester &Sharpness Canalstill stands outfrom other navigations because ofitssheer scaleand impressiveengineering.

Itsrichhistory inacting as abypassto protect boats from atreacherousstretch ofthe RiverSevernis still alive today, withGloucester Docksa stunningVictorian inland port,andhome to the popular Tall Ships Festival.

The Canal& RiverTrust is lookingfor peopleto carry outmanyroles,including peoplewho have apassion for teachingandinspiring young people to supportthe Trust'sExplorers Education Programme. This roleoffersthe

opportunity to bring the waterwaysandtheir heritage tolifeforchildren and schoolsthroughevents, visitsandthe National WaterwaysMuseum.

Aaron Batsmanfrom Canal& RiverTrustsaid:

"Wehaveawholehostof volunteeringopportunities forpeopletocomeandjoin usandplaya partincaring for ourcanal, educating others aboutour work and enablingboatsto navigate through ourimmense swingbridges.

"It's agreat wayof

learningnewskillsand meeting people,aswell ashelpinguskeepcanals alive. We alreadyhavean amazingteamof volunteers who have made ahuge difference,and we look forward tomeetinganyone interestedinGloucester’s canalson Saturday."

Thecanal boasts 18 historicswing bridges runningdownitsentire lengthfrom Gloucester to Sharpness. Volunteer bridge keepersare needed to keepthesebridgesopen for boatstonavigatethe

canal, speakingtopeople and keeping them safe whileoperatingthebridges.

The National Waterways Museum Gloucesterisa popular visitordestination intheheartofthedocks. Themuseumneeds volunteerstoactas guides andtalktovisitors, sharing theirpassionforlocal history,thedocksandwhat the waterways hasprovided forpeopleand wildlifefor morethantwo centuries.

If you would like to getinvolved, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk

the riverand canalwouldmerge, withthebuildup of silt inthe river seriously disruptinglifeinthe areafortheforeseeablefuture. By successfullycompletingthis project,wehavebeen able to avert thissituation.”

Whena memberofthe public drewdown thesection between Lock 37and Lock 38 to createa barrier betweenthe overflowing RiverSoarandnearbyproperties, waterpressuresupportingthe pilingsdropped. In turn,the sides ofthe canalcouldno longerwithstandthe strainfrom the overflowing riverwaterand subsequently floodingintothe empty canal.

As aresult, damageoccurred to the canalwallsandtowpaththat required immediate attention. Ifthisexisting bankprotection were tofail completely, considering theincreasing frequency of extreme weatherevents –the risk of thecanaland larger RiverSoar bleedingintoeachother would increase.

Floating reedbedsarelaunchedintothe GloucesterDocksaspartof avolunteerprojectto enhancethewaterway.TheCanalandRiver Trust iscallingformorehelperstocarryout avarietyof tasksonthehistoricwaterway. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Toomuchgreyhaironthecanal?

PhilPickinposesa question that manygroupsassociatedwiththe waterwaysgrapplewith...what todotoovercomean ageing membership.

DURINGtheIWA’srecentAGMin Leicester, theissueof membershipcameup.This wasnot unexpected,andthe subjectwasn’tdiscussed simply outofa desiretoincreasethe numberof IWAmemberships.It wastotalkabout the average ageoftheassociation’smembership.

Now, foranyonewhohas attended ameeting of just aboutany voluntaryorganisation recently, this willnot be anunusualtopicofdiscussion. I’ve been involved with anumberofsuchorganisations recently, someofwhich I’mamemberof, andthey arenot just onesinvolved in the waterways. But almost everyoneofthem hasraised theissueof thelackof‘young’ members.

The term ‘young’issomewhatsubjective asit canmeandifferentthingstodifferent people.As

Formany,thisistheimageofthewaterways.

someonewhois hurtlingtowardshis state pension despitethe best effortsof successivegovernments who have movedthe goalpostfurther into the future, even Ihavebeendescribed as a‘younger member’ inthenot-so-distantpast.Ifthat’s the case,Iwouldn’t like to speculateonthe average ageofmyfellowmembers(I won’tmentionthe nameoftheorganisation).

The problemoftheageingmembershipofa clubor societyisonething,butinthe case ofthe waterwaysitalsoseems to be anissuewiththose takingpartintheactivity. Yes, as we allknow, familiesdohireboatsforholidaysonthe canals, butwith ourclimatebecoming evermore unsettled, young familiesarefindingitincreasinglydifficult tochoosethe onedecentweekofweather we seemtogeteverysummer.Thechancesoffinding itaregettingslimmerandslimmer,soit’shardly surprising thatmany familiesopttoholiday abroad.

Butinaneffort to bringsomebalancetothis issue, we shouldalsoacknowledge that the number of youngpeopleoptingtoliveonthe waterways does seemtobeholdingup. The view acrossthe canalsis notanunbroken seaofgrey hair.I’venoideaastoaccurateandup-to-date figures,butfromthe numberof vloggers,bloggers and social mediaaccountsdetailingtheirmoves ontothe waterways,therewould still seemto be quitea bitofinterestfromthisgroupofboat owners.

Alotoftheseyoung people have hadtomove ontothe water outofnecessity. With houseprices rocketing, no matter if you arerentingorbuying, thereislittle wonderthat thelureofa boat they canown andliveonissostrong.

We allknowwhat theproblemis...thequestion is,how do wesolveit? It seemsthat itisn’t just acase oftemptingyounger peopleontothe waterways; it is howtogetthem to becomepartoforganisations andgroups suchas theIWA andother waterwaysfocused organisations.

As we know,theexcellentWaterways Recovery Groupsdo attractyoung participants,butthis

VOLUNTEEROPPORTUNITY

ForBoatOwnersAndMarineIndustryProfessionals: Convener ForThe BoatSafetySchemeAdvisoryForum(BSSAF)

Areyoupassionate aboutboatingsafetyandskilledinbringingtogether diversevoices?

TheBoatSafetyScheme(BSS)isseeking aBSSAFConvenertoleadour Advisory Forum, representingvariousnavigation,industry, anduserstakeholders.

RoleOverview:

AsConvener,you’llengagewith variousnavigationauthorities,industry professionals,andboatownerstoupholdsafetystandardsacrosstheUK’s waterways.You’ll play akey rolein representingstakeholderviewsand fostering productive discussions.

KeyDetails:

•Part-time, Voluntarywith expensescovered.

• Mustbeskilledincommunicationand groupmanagement.

•Engagewith abroadnetworktohelpshapesafetystandardsacrossUKwaterways.

•Facilitatediscussions, driveconsensus,andcontributetocrucialsafetyinitiatives.

•Run at leastthree attended forummeetings ayear.

Forfurtherinformationortoapply, pleasevisit: www.boatsafetyscheme.org/volunteer/

interestdoesn’talways last. So,how do we hang ontothem?

Acoupleof my local wildlife societiesand groups haveyouth membergroups. Thesehavereduced membershipfees(or, in somecases,brought infree membership).

As aresult,thegroups seemto be attracting interest.Tohelpthis further,someofthese groups have recruited theskillsofthe younger membersto runthem and make fulluseof social media skills.The

thinkingisthat new membersaremore likelytotake notice

EventsliketheBraunstonRallyshowthatthewaterwaysstillhasa broadattraction.

of someonetheir ownage rather than someone wholookslikeoneoftheirgrandparents.

Of course wildlifedoes have some major advantages overthe waterwaysinthatithasa farhigherprofileinthe mainstreammedia.

In additionthereare anumber of younger peoplewho have gained ahighprofileand regularly post content on the stateofthe natural world.Could italsobethat some sectionsofthe public seetheprotectionofthe natural world asmoreimportant thantheprotectionofthe waterways?Thisisdespitethe canalsand rivers playinga major roleinthe natural world.Itis probablyheresytosay that in awaterways publication, butcouldthat be the wider public’s perception,includingthe young people weso desperately need to attract?

Idon’t have an answertothisproblem.But the pointofthiscolumnistoopenupthediscussion

inthehopethatthesituation canbeaddressed,as attractingyounger peopleisboth importantand not somethingthatwill happen overnight.

The waterwaysdohaveanimage of beingfor older people;itisslow,itdoes rain,andit canbe expensive. Butitispartofthatnatural world many younger peopleshowa keeninterest inprotecting. Thereisnew technologybeingutilised on the systeminelectricpropulsion, powerstorage and management, andthereisincreasinguse ofonline services to supportusers and keepthem connected. It is movingforward,butit hastodothis with morethanapassingglanceto thepastas itis themosttraditionaloflifestyles.Itisa difficult conundrumthat I, as afullypaid-upmemberof thegreyhairgroup, hope canbetackled. If you wouldliketocommentontheissue of attractingyounger peopleontothe waterways, drop us alineateditorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Thisyear’sIWA AGMinLeicester. PHOTOS:PHILPICKIN

Newpoemandartworkinspired by Sheffield &TinsleyCanal

ByLucy Wood

THE Canal&River Trustcharityand The PoetrySocietyhave announced detailsofanew collaborativeartsproject inspiredbythehistoric Sheffield &TinsleyCanal.

CanalWorksisa crowd-sourcedpoem by acclaimedpoetWarda Yassin,andit hasinspired astrikingnewinstallation by Sheffield-based artist Grace Visions,which has been recentlyinstalled near to GradeII-listed BaconLaneBridge, made famous by the1997film The Full Monty.

The initiativeispartof theArtsCouncil-funded Waterlines partnership between the Canal& River Trustand ThePoetry Society. Waterlinesaims tohighlightthe cultural andhistoricalsignificance of waterways,creating new poetryinspired by Britain’shistoric canals andrivers. Theproject alsoreceived additional supportfromplayersof People’s Postcode Lottery.

WardaYassin, who

served as theCanal LaureateforSheffieldin 2020/21,engaged with young writers’ groups toexplorethe people andhistory of thecanal. Hercreativeprocess includedaunique wordfishingboattripalongthe waterwayandextensive walksalongthe canal towpath.Byimmersing herselfinthearea’s natural beauty andrich history, Wardacollected wordsandphrasesthat reflect thecanal’s integral rolein South Yorkshire’s industrialheritage to weaveintoarichtapestry of verse.

“I took severallong walksalongthe Sheffield toTinsleycanal towpath, collectinginspiration,

words and phrases,” she said. “I also researchedits history andcame to realise howintegralcanals have been to South Yorkshire’s industrialhistoryandthe movementoffreight.”

Sheffield-based artist Grace Visionshasbrought Yassin’s poemtolifefor visitorstothe canalthrough anewly commissioned large scaleartinstallation. It incorporatesanevocative linefromthefinishedpoem, capturingtheessenceofthe canalas‘upside-down sky.’

Graceencouragesviewers toconsidertheconnection between naturaland manmadeenvironments andshows howart can enhance well-beingand reshapeour relationship with oursurroundings.

Thelinefrom WardaYassin’spoem,immortalised inGrace’sartinstallation. PHOTO: CRT

“Byintertwiningart and poetry, Iaim to create aspacewherepeople canpause andconsider their relationship with nature, findingbeauty and exploringthe wondersof the canal,”she said.

“I chosethelineinthe poem as Ifeltitevoked personalmemoriesof visiting bodiesofwater andthecolourfulskies reflected in them.”

Sean McGinley, regional director at theCRT, said:

“ThankstoArtsCouncil Englandandplayersof People’s Postcode Lottery fundingwehavebeenable to developthisprojectto encouragenew audiences andlocalcommunities to explorethe canaland appreciate whyitisvital we keep ourwaterwaysopen andaliveforalltoenjoy.

“A sourceofcreative inspiration overthe centuries,our waterways continuetoinspirenew generationsofartists, writersand poets.”

Billie Manning, learningandparticipation co-ordinator at The Poetry Society, saiditspartnership

withtheCRT‘exemplifies the powerofcollaboration in storytellingandart’:“By workingcloselywith young writersandengaging with thecommunity, Warda hascreated something that resonatesdeeply with Sheffieldand Tinsley’s collectivehistoryand environment.

SheffieldartistGraceVisionsattheSheffield& TinsleyCanal,workingontheartwork.

“Thepoem andartwork arenow accessibleto the public,encouraging visitorsto reflect on the canal’snarrativeand culturallegacy,and enjoy thebeautyofart in dialogue with nature.”

Twoshortfilms abouttheprojectare nowavailable to watch online athttps://youtu. be/pVH4dhgCbgQand www. youtu be .com/ watch?v=hdrFEZQVVQk

To read WardaYassin’s poem,visit //bit.ly/ canalworkspoem andto learn aboutthe Waterlines collaboration between theCRTand The Poetry Society,visitwww. waterlines.org.uk

Newwebsiteaimsto educatekidsaboutUKcanalnetwork

ANEW websiteaimsto educate childrenandadultsalikeabout theUK’s waterways. The Explorersprogrammeprovidesa rangeoffreematerialforprimary schoolaged children, parentsand teachers. Fundedbythe People’sPostcode Lottery,it willencourage childrento connect with natureandenjoy the physicalandmental well-beingbenefits ofoutdoorlearning, while buildingvital skillsthat contributeto nature’srecovery.

Developed in-housebythetrust, the new Explorers websiteprovidesteachers, familiesandgroupleaderswithaccess to awealth of free,curriculum-linked resourcesdesignedtoinspirechildren’s curiosity aboutcanals, rivers,and the naturalworld. With interactivetools andopportunities to book in-person educationalvisits,the websiteactsas ahub forengagingwiththe Explorers

learningprogramme both onlineand facetoface.

Annette Simpson,learning& skillsteam manageratCanal &RiverTrust, said:“We arepleasedtoimprove ourExplorers website, whichprovidesteachersand groupleaderswith valuable resources toinspire children aboutthe wonders of ourwaterways.Wewantchildrento learnmoreabouttheenvironment and toexperiencethephysicalandmental benefitsthatbeing in nature canbring.”

Highlightsofthe Explorerssiteinclude:

•Freelearning resources:teacherscan downloadthemedlearningbundlesthat coversubjects such ashistory,geography, art, and science –all at no cost.

•Watersafetyforall ages:the site providesessentialsafetyguidanceto be giventotoddlersthrough to teenagers, ensuringthat young people stay safe near water.

•Challenge Badgefor Girlguiding and Scoutinggroups:children canwork towardsearningtheir owncanal and riverbadge by completingfun,waterwayrelatedactivities,which canbesignedoff by groupleaders.

•Educationalvisits:teachersand groupleaderscan request free visits to oneofthetrust’seducationalsites,where Explorers volunteerslead hands-on learningexperiences by the water.

•Gamesandinteractivetools:designed to enhanceclassroomlearningorprovide fun at home,the site offersa rangeof educational gamestoengage childrenin topicsrelated totheenvironment, history and waterways.

To findoutmoreabouttheExplorers, visit:www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ explorers

Boatersissued‘cruiseitorloseit’challenge

BOATERSare being urgedtoget cruising to thefarthest parts oftheUK waterway networkaspartof achallenge to keep waterwaysopen. Th eI nla nd Wa ter wa ys Association(IWA) SilverPropeller Challengeaimstoget cruisers outtosome oftheleast-visited placesonthe canal and rivernetwork. TheIWA believes by visitingsomeofthe quieter spots,boaters

willhelp keepall waterwaysaliveand lookingpristine.

AnIWAspokesman said: “Mostpartsof our waterwaysarevibrant, busy placesenjoyedby millionsof peopleevery year butthereare still many locationswhere you would belucky to see even one boat in aweek, letalonein aday.Ifthere areno boats,whole sections ofwaterways will losetheircharmand appealforeveryone. Thischallengeaims

toencourage our members andothers tovisitanduse those placesthat aren’t reachedasoftenas others.”

To take partinthe challenge,boaters need to visit20 differentplacesonthe IWAlist.Theplacesfall intothree categories:

• Cruise it or lose it –theseare places on waterwayswhich see very fewvisiting boatsandarelocated in many instances at theendof awaterway.

• Knocking on thedoor –these locationsarewhere navigable waterways meet restoration works, proposed link projectsandcurrently unnavigable sections.

• More please– or maybemoorplease –theseplacesareon restoredsectionsof canals.

Boaterssimply have tovisit20different places,takea photoof themselves withtheir boat and,oncethey have allthepictures,

submit them onthe IWAwebsite.Boaters canuse photostaken since2018,aslongas theyare identifiable. Eachparticipantwill geta silverplaque.

To findout moreaboutthe challenge,please visit:www. waterways.org. uk/waterways/ using-thewaterways/ silver-propellerchallenge

WHAT’SONINDECEMBER

IfyouwantyoureventlistedinourfreemonthlyWhat’sOnsectionemailyourentryto editorial@towpathtalk.co.ukorusetheeventsformatwww.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Pleasecheckwithorganiserswhethertheeventisgoingaheadbeforesettingouton yourjourney.

FromNovember18 -January6 Staffordriverwaylinkartefacts exhibition: Thedisplayof artefactsunearthedbySRL volunteers.Codsall Library(South StaffordshireDistrict Council Offices,WolverhamptonRoad, Codsall, Staffordshire, WV8 1PX)from Monday,November 18,throughoutDecember, until Monday, January6,2025.

December1

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’sCanal: King’s CrossGranarySquare– Camden. Meet King’s Cross(meetbyTaxisign, nexttoPreta Manger)at2.30pm. Normalcharge £20;concessions, studentsandaccompanied children16and over,£15;8-15 £5;under8sfree.Prior booking recommended,contactLondon Walks:02076243978oremail: london@walks.com

December10

ChristmasSocial: Cath Turpin, The lives of peoplewho worked on narrowboatsinthe20thcentury, 7.45pmonthe second Tuesday ofthemonth.Meetingatthe HolidayInn, LowerMersey Street, EllesmerePort, CH652AL.

IWANorthamptonbranchsocial meeting: KayAndrews,Challenging the mythsandmisconceptionsof thehistory of canalfolkart,2.30pm. Conference Room,1st Floor, The Boat InnPH, StokeBruerne,NN12

7SB. Carparkingandmooringsare available,andthemeetingroomis accessible byramp and stairlift. Allmeetingsareonthe second Tuesdayofthemonth.

December13

IWANorthStaffordshire& South Cheshire: Christmasquiz, Stokeon-TrentBoatClub,PostLane, Endon,Stoke-on-Trent ST99DU. CHECKTIME,Non-IWAmembers very welcome,admissionfree, donationsto waterwayscauses welcomed.

December15

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross–GranarySquare– St Pancras.Meet King’s Cross(meetbyTaxisign, nexttoPreta Manger) at 2.30pm. Normalcharge £20;concessions, studentsandaccompanied children16and over,£15;8-15 £5;under8sfree.Prior booking recommended,contactLondon Walks:02076243978oremail: london@walks.com

December30

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross–HitchcocksHackney.MeetWarwick Avenue at 2.30pm.Normalcharge £20;concessions,studentsand accompaniedchildren16and over £15;8-15s£5;under8sfree.Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks:02076243978or email:london@walks.com

ArtworkbyGraceVisionsontheSheffield &TinsleyCanal. PHOTO:CRT

PHOTO:CRT

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South west waterway restorationinchescloser thanksto volunteers

HARD-WORKING volunteers aresteadilyextending their restorationofa former waterway between Chippenhamand Melksham.

The Wiltsand BerksCanal Trusthopestoconnectitto the stretchwhich hasalready been restored at Pewsham Locksbeforecontinuing south to ultimately joinwith theproposed Melksham Link whichwould reconnect with the Kennet &AvonCanal.

Howard Wilson, work party organiser withtheMelksham, Chippenham &Calne branch ofthetrust, said:“Thisis avery excitingmoment.

“There’smoreworktobe done butitdemonstrates our continuingprogressinbringing this wonderful waterwayback tolife.”

Oncethe work is complete, Naish Hill will be connected to thePewsham stretch where the charityalready hasawharf and iscurrently rebuilding adry dockand carpenter’sworkshop. This wouldcreatearound amile of canalandtowpath,boosting the popularityof thecharity’s summertime boat trips.

The longer-termaimisto continuethe restorationalong the bottomofBowdenHill beforejoining theRiverAvon

northof Melksham,where narrowboatswouldusethe rivertopassthroughthetown centrebeforejoiningthe Kennet &AvonCanal at Semington.

“The Naish Hill section was completelyovergrown,sowe hadtoclear severalwillowtrees which hadself-seeded inthe canalbed,” addedMrWilson.

“Thesetreesarebeing reused forthecreationofdeadhedges toprovideimportanthabitat for small mammalsandnesting birds,aswellasforminga barriertoprotectnewlyplanted woodlandfromdeer.

“Induecoursewewillalso be removingthe weedswhich

WiltsandBerksCanal TrustworkpartyorganiserHowardWilsonalongsidethenewly clearedWilts &BerksCanalatNaishHill.Itispartof alarger restorationprojectwhich eventuallywilllinkwiththeKennet &AvonCanal. PHOTO: JUSTINGUY

£200kresurfacingprojecton Gloucesterbridgecompleted

ByLucy Wood

WORK to laya new road surfaceon HighOrchard Bridge,which carries St Ann WayovertheGloucester& Sharpness Canal, hasbeen completedbythe Canal& RiverTrust.

The lifespanofthe road surfaceonthebridge had expired,anditrequired resurfacingtosafelyallow vehiclesand cycliststocross overthe canal. Workingwith contractor Kier,thetrusthas removedtheold road surface, made repairsto roadplates, and resurfacedthe road with

specialist resin material. Athree-weekroad closure wasinplacewhilethe improvements –costingmore than£200,000 –werecarried out. The pavement andcanal towpath remained open,and boatsbelowtheheightoffive metreswereabletousethe navigation. Nowthebridge has reopened, vessels abovethis heightcan navigatethrough thebridge whenitislifted.

The CRT’sNeilOwensaid: “Asthe gateway toallowtall shipsto navigate inand out ofGloucester, High Orchard Bridge isanimportant structure in thecityandon

theGloucester &Sharpness Canal.

“Theimprovements will benefit road userswhocross thecanal over St AnnWay, and weworkedsevendaysa weektodeliverthemquickly andminimise disruption.This followsthe work undertaken by thetrust earlierthis year to make repairstothebridge so itcould be safelylifted for theshipsentering Gloucester Docksforthe Tall Ships Festival.

“Weare gratefulfor people’s patiencewhilethe work took placetodeliverthesesafety worksandimprovements.”

MontgomeryCanalworkcomesinunder£285kbudget

THE restorationofthe MontgomeryCanal has beendone so efficientlythe volunteer-run organisation behinditisableto spend moremoneyonfurtherwork.

The ShropshireUnion Canal Society’scontractto rebuild Crickheath TramwayWharf and restore nearly400mof the MontgomeryCanal was delivered underthe£285,000

budgetandaheadof schedule. It meansthe societyisnow able to restoreanother130 metresofthehistoriccanal aspartoftheinitial budget.

Projectmanager TomFulda said:“I putthissuccess down to relentlessly frugal purchasing and ourabilityto attracta skilledvolunteer workforce.”

The work is beingfunded fromthe ShropshireCouncil

arecloggingtheareas stillin waterand willneed to repair abrokenculvert, buttheclay liningisintact.Thisbodes well foritsfull restoration.”

The NaishHill section was partially clearedalmost20 yearsago butcouldn’t be maintainedduetothecharity’s limited resourcesfocused on Pewsham Locks, which attractedthe majorityofgrants.

However, the branch has been steadily recruiting more volunteersandhopes this latest projectwillinspire fresh supportfromthelocal community,enablingittobe fully restored.

“Wehope ourlatest achievementwillencourage evenmore peopletojoin us. There arelotsofopportunities to getinvolved,fromthe physical work ofexcavatingthe canalandcreatingnew wildlife habitats,toequallyimportant rolesinfundraising, events and marketing.

“Wealsohaveplentyof ways inwhichlocalcompaniescan play their part,fromcorporate volunteeringtodonationsfor newtoolsandequipment–there’ssomethingforeveryone.”

Getintouch at www.wbct. org.ukif youwanttohelp.

Heritage awardfor Montgomery Canalrestorationwork

ARESTOREDbridgeonthe

Montgomery Canalhas wona top honour forits engineering.

The recent reconstruction of School HouseBridgeon the MontgomeryCanal has been recognised at the2024 InstituteofCivil Engineers West Midlands Awards.

Thework–carried out by ShropshireCouncil with MontgomeryCanal Reconstruction Ltd, Maccaferri Ltd, BeaverBridgesLtd, Macrete IslandLtd andMea Ltd– washighlycommended forthe Heritage award,and wonBestSmallProjectofthe Year 2024 award

Dan Morris, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “This is great news and deserved recognition for this important and fantastic work

“Reconstruction of the bridge will enable the full

reopeningofthe canalupto the Shropshire border.” Originallyconstructed between1794and1821,The MontgomeryCanal runs33 milesfromFrankton Junction in ShropshiretoNewtown in Powys.The canalwas abandonedfollowing abreach in1936andlegallyclosed in 1944. Since1969, work hasbeen ongoingtorestorethe canal. School HouseBridgewas demolishedinthe late 1960s and replacedwithanearth causewayacrossthe canal bed. Itsrestoration wasthe key obstacleto reopeningthefinal dry section of canal remaining in Shropshire

The new bridge is 6m high, 10m long and 6 5m wide and was constructed with the innovative Flexiarch system, alongside Maccaferri Terramesh reinforced soil embankments and gabion wing walls

TheSchoolHouseBridgeontheMontgomeryCanalhasbeen awardedBestSmallProjectofthe Yearbycivilengineers. Itformspartof restorationworkto reopenthecanaltothe Shropshireborder. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

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RuralProsperity Fund(RPF) which setsstringentconditions forcompletionofthe work.

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ScenicGrandCanalGreenway opens

ByAlisonAlderton

THE CathaoirleachofOffaly County Council,Coun Tony McCormack andMr James LawlessTD, Ministerof Stateatthe Department ofTransport, carriedout theofficialopeningofthe Grand CanalGreenway inthepresenceofOffaly County Council elected members,Oireachtas members,Offaly County Councilmanagementteam, ledbychiefexecutiveAnna MarieDelaney,andinvited guests.

Ireland’s latestGreenway spans70kmacrossCo Offaly, from Edenderry inthe east to Shannon Harbourinthe west.Given theflatgradient, it’s perfect for cyclists andwalkersof all agesand abilitiesas well as families seekingleisurely strollsamidbreathtaking scenery.The next phaseof theprojectwill be tofurther developthe ‘discovery and recovery’pointsalongthe canal.Theseare the many pointsofinterestalongside the routewherevisitors canstop,learnand rest in additionto grabbingsome refreshments at regular intervals.Thisproject commencedin2017 with theinitial€170,000provided by OffalyCountyCouncil.It wassubsequentlyfunded by the Department of RuralandCommunity Development(ORIS Scheme),the Department ofTransportandthe latter stages by Transport InfrastructureIreland.The projecthas been delivered inpartnership with Waterways Ireland.

At theopening ceremony, CathaoirleachofOffaly CountyCouncil,CounTony McCormack, expressed his pridein theGrand Canal Greenway’s inauguration. He highlightedthe economic,healthand social benefitsit brings to the county,confirming:“It’sa fantasticdayfor theregion.I oftenemphasisehowmuch Offaly hastooffer,now people canexperience our warm welcomefirsthand.”

MinisterJamesLawlesswithCathaoirleachCoun TonyMcCormack,Offaly CountyCouncilchiefexecutiveAnnaMarieDelaneywithdeputyCarolNolan, elected representativesandOffalyCountyCouncilstaffandinvitedguestsfrom community,DarraghJordanandEllaHensonofGallenCommunitySchool, WaterwaysIreland,TII,FáilteIreland,theDepartmentof Transportattheofficial openingofthe70kmGrandCanalGreenwayinOffaly. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

MinisterJamesLawless TD said:“The openingofthe Offaly sectionoftheGrand CanalGreenwayrepresents anexcitingdevelopment forCounty Offaly. About €9million hasbeen spent deliveringthe schemefor theOffaly sectionofthe Grand CanalGreenway route. This routeoffers 70kmofsafe,accessible activetravelinfrastructure and willencouragegreater levelsoftravelvia cycling

and walkingratherthan private caruse among leisureusers,tourists and commuters”.

ChiefexecutiveAnna MarieDelaneyspokeof howthis is an “exciting developmentforOffaly andenhances thetourism potential forthe wider midlands region”.She thanked “ourfunding partners,ourelected members, who,alongwith WaterwaysIreland, hadthe

MinisterJamesLawless,accompaniedby CathaoirleachCoun TonyMcCormack,Ella HensonandDarraghJordan,5thyearstudentsin GallenCommunitySchool,ona sceniccycleon thenewlyopened70kmGrandCanalGreenwayin Ferbane,CoOffaly. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

dedicated visiontodeliver our70kmofsafe,accessible activetravelinfrastructure and willencouragegreater levelsoftravelvia cycling and walkingandprovide enhancedpermeability alongthisgreenway.”

Drivinggrowththrough tourisminOffalyand the widerregion is akey priorityforOffalyCounty Council,as outlinedinthe launch of Offaly’sTourism Strategy earlier this year.

Ms Delaneycommended thelocaland regional contractorsinvolved in thisproject,including TowerLtd,LakelandCivil, Rathcabin,andthecouncil’s roadsdepartment, ledby directorof servicesTom Shanahan, seniorengineer BarryLennon,district engineers John Mitchell, JohnConnellyand Joe Harteandtheplanning department, ledbyacting directorofservicesAndrew Murray.

“Theirdedicationensured theproject’s successful completion,averaging at €128,000per kilometre. Thisachievementhighlights howlocal councilsare delivering for their communities,promoting goodgovernance,and

servesasanexemplartoall fundingpartnersthat Offaly providesexcellentvaluefor moneyinprojectdelivery,” concludedMsDelaney.

AccompanyingMinister Lawlessand Cathaoirleach CounTonyMcCormackfora cycle onthegreenway were DarraghJordanand Ella Henson,5th year students from GallenCommunity School, Ferbane.Garrett Buckley,the school’s principal, stated:“Our schoolisdedicated to fostering anenvironment wherestudentscan achievetheirfullpotential bothacademicallyand personally. We aredelighted to have this wonderfuland accessibledevelopment on ourdoorstep–itwill provide acreativeand educational outletfor ourschool andenhances ourwidercommunity.”

This70kmGrand Canal Greenway infrastructure accountsforthedeliveryof around20%ofthe National CycleNetworktargetsupto 2025.

Meanwhile, tourism officer withOffalyCounty Council, OliveFarrelly, confirmed: “TheGrand CanalGreenwayisa cornerstoneofOffaly’s tourismstrategy,enhancing ourcounty’sappeal asa premierdestinationfor outdoorenthusiasts.Our latesttourismassetnotonly showcases ourhistorically richlandscapes butalso supports ourcommitment to sustainabletourism andcommunity wellbeing. We areexcited to see bothlocalsandvisitors alikeenjoytheunique experiences ourcountyhas to offer –everyoneis ‘Offaly welcome’here.”

Actingdirector of services forplanning withOffaly CountyCouncil,Andrew Murray,highlightedthat thecounciliscontinually enhancing theGrand CanalGreenwaythrough Pathfinderprojectsthat demonstratesustainable travelinitiatives.These effortsalign with national, regionalandlocalgoals for

sustainablemobilityunder the National Planning Framework(NPF) and RegionalSpatial and Economic Strategy(RSES).

Keymilestonesincludethe completedlink between Edenderry Harbourandthe Greenway,andtheongoing developmentofastrategic connection between Boora Discovery Park andtheGreenway,set for completionthis year with fundingfromTransport InfrastructureIreland. Additionally,thelinkfrom Ballycommonto Kilbeggan Harbourisdesigned to

connecttotheOld Rail TrailinCounty Westmeath at Streamstown,providing futureconnectivitytothe RoyalCanal. Constructionisalso progressingonOffaly CountyCouncil’s first significantTrailhead amenity atBallycommon. Thisfacility willfeature52 parkingspaces catering toalldemographics, electric vehiclecharging infrastructure, public lightingandnew pedestrian facilities.Theseworks arefundedbyTransport InfrastructureIreland.

All Aboard on atripalongtheUnionCanal. ByJanuary2024, All Aboard hadclocked upmore than1000hours on thecanal and more than 200trips. PHOTO:PEOPLEKNOWHOW

Futureofcharitable boatuncertain

ByCicelyOliver

REGISTEREDcharity, PeopleKnowHow,has beenforcedtocloseduetothedrasticchanges acrossthefundraisinglandscapeinScotlandand uncertainty over long-termfunding. The difficult decisionmeansthat allmembersofthe staff team face redundancy.

Formed in 2013, theorganisation ranservices and campaignsinScotland,placing people at thecentre ofallit didtoimprove well-being, overcomebarriersand solvesocialissues.This wasdonethroughcollaboration withother charities,universities,businesses,government andother bodiesandprojects suchasAll Aboard, commended in Scottish Parliamentandfeatured on radioand TV.

All Aboard isthe canalboatcommissioned and runbyPeople Know Howincollaboration with Polwarth ParishChurchonthe Union Canal. The boat hosted canaltripsfromitsmooringat Polwarthpontoonandprovided aunique space forcommunitygroupsandorganisationsas well as volunteering opportunities.

The projectalsoformedthe basisof research intohowcanal boatscan be used as atoolfor communitycohesion, educationand outdoor learning. Adecisionastothefutureofthe vessel is still to be made.

AGOWINDLASS RATCHETWINDLASSES

GOWindlassisgivingawayone of theirreversibleRatchetWindlasseswith polycarbonaterevolvinghandles, whichnormallyretailat £94.99.Theseare pump-action windlassesthatallowboaters toraiselockpaddlesatthe most optimal angleand stance fortheboaterandthelayoutofthe lockat hand. The GOWindlassalso hasa fixedsocket forthecontrolledloweringoflock paddles whileallowingsmaller circularmovementsfor theshoulder.The windlasses areavailableatwww.gowindlass.co.ukanduntilJanuary1,GO Windlassis offering adiscountof£5whenentering acouponcodeof‘XMAS5’

Amarinathatoffersyou achoice

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DiscoverOurIdyllic Retreat& EnjoySummer

Withanabundance of wildlife, peace, tranquillityandour experienced team onhand, youcan relaxand enjoyyour ownlittlepieceofheaven.

SecureyourberthontheLlangollen Canal, themostbeautifulcanal in thecountry! Call 01270524571 oremail sales@swanleybridgemarina.com

SwanleyBridge Marina,SpringeLane,Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW58NR- www.swanleybridgemarina.com

Ourboatyardfacilitiesare locatedcanalside, on themainlineoutsidethe Distillery

SherborneStreet,BirminghamB168DE 0121 455 6163/01214545367 www.sherbornewharf.co.ukor email@sherbornewharf.co.uk

Primemooring’s in the centre ofBirmingham’Canalsystem. Securesite, withallservices available,andeasyaccess to thelivelycityofBirmingham. Justa 2minuet walk,tothe fantasticnightlifeofRestaurants,clubsandbars, Placesofinterest, theInternationalConvention Centre,also knownastheICC, off the famousboard street,inBirmingham,thenewlibrary, the Cresenttheatre, TheIkon galleryforart, alljust ashort walk away,3-4minutes, Allpublicservicesareavailablefromthestreetsoutsideand youcanjumponthetram fromBoard street.Wolverhampton,ortonewstreet.Thechoiceisyours. Mooringinsherbornewharf, isquietandpeaceful,withlong term residents,whohave establisheda life here in theMarine. We areanestablished Company, whohave been hereinBirmingham forover30yrs,friendlyneighbourswhoget togetherandenjoy summereveningsonthe towpathsocialising,sharingtheeveningsunand adrink, responsibly,

Service’sare basedonthemainlineoutsidethe roundhouseandDistilleryPub,witha smallchandlery, coal,diesel, Gasandpumpout availabeon adailybasis,pleasenote pumpoutsarenotallowedafter 11.30am,thefacilitiesaresmallbutcansupply you withwhatyouneed.

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

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

EASTMIDLANDSBOATSERVICES -WILLOWMOORINGS

Moorings Availableforcruisersandnarrowboatsat£4.60perfoot,permonth. Residentialmooringsavailableat£325.00permonth for Narrowboatsonly. Poweredslipwayforboatsupto40footand asecondslipwayforsmallboats.Slipwaycanbehired forDIYworkorweofferservicesforAntifouling,PaintingandGeneralServicing. We alsohavea BoatSafetyExamineronsite. LocatedontheA6,adjacenttoTheOtterPublicHouse. 01509672385 www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk Kegworth,DE742EY

Bridge180,GrandUnionCanal, HarefieldUB96PD

Tel:01895822036

muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Facilitiesinclude:-

-Chandlery -Slipway (upto 65ft)

-Coveredwet dock -Waterandelectric points -Diesel -Pumpout -Boatsales/ brokerage -Engineinboard/ outboardrepairs

Onedays cruisingfrom theThames.

Withpremiummarinafacilitiesandtwofantasticlocations, we have theperfectplace foryourboattoseeoutthewintermonths assafely andconveniently aspossible.

Protect yourboatfromflooding and cold weather, as well as gaining access to the warm, friendlyboating communitiesatHartfordMarinaonthe RiverGreatOuseor Pyrford Marina onthe RiverWey.

Whether youhavea narrowboat,widebeam, barge, orrivercruiser,our facilitiesareideal for all. Take advantage of ourshort-termwintertariff to protectyourboatthisseason.

HillFarm Marina

SouthStratfordCanal

TheView Restaurantis now fullyopen www.theview-eat.co.uk

• •Enjoyprivate access to atraditional 200acrebeefandsheepfarm

• •Dogsrunfreeindesignatedareas.

• •Watch thechangingseasons,thewildlife and theanimalsonthe farm

• •Enjoythe completepeace,freedomand tranquillityofbeinginthe countryside

• •Accesssome greatlockfreecruising forday trips,weekendorlonger voyages

• •Easyaccess to motorwaynetwork, busesandtrains

• •Onsitelaundry,Hairdressers

• •Membersbenefit with adiscountatour popular Restaurant

It goeswithoutsaying....

• •A secureplacetomoor yourboat, andpark yourcar

• •Luxuriousshowers,communalareas,pump out andfueletc.

• •FreeunlimitedWIFI

• •Electricityand water connections

• •Pump-out,fuel,coal,woodandgas available

FULLYSERVICEDCRUISING ANDRESIDENTIALMOORINGS ANDFULLBOATYARDSERVICES

•Iver(SloughArm)andNortholt (Paddingtonarm)

•Securesiteswithprivateparking

•Deliveryofgas,solidfuelanddiesel directtoyourboat

•Electricity, water,elsanandpumpout

•Showersandlaundry

•Chandlery

•Mechanical,electrical,andcarpentry workundertaken

•Craning,gritblastingandblacking

•Twopartepoxyhulltreatment

•Fuelpolishingservice

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

FORSELLERS

•Freemoorings

•Sales locationwithestablishedfootfall

•Open 6days /week

•TradePlatesforunlicensedcraft

•Presalespreparationandrepairs

FORBUYERS

•Freeguidanceandadvice

•Comprehensivehandover

•Secureclientsbankaccount

•ABYAqualifiedbrokeragestaff

•Industrystandarddocumentation

PRIVATEBUYER’SSERVICE

•Ifyouarebuyingprivately,wecanoffer thefollowing services:

•Adviceonallaspectsofpurchase

•Provisionofdocumentation

•SecureClientsbankaccount

•Bespokeservice –asmuchoraslittleas youwant,pricedaccordingly

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

Brass-mate (Brasspolish) Miracle WaxPolish(Boatpolish) Wash’n’Wax(Shampoo) MiracleBrassBrite(TarnishRemover) Weather-Mate Gel(Brass Protection) Port Hole Mask(Magnetic)

LADDER-MATE

COMBINATIONRESCUELADDER/GANGPLANK

Haveyoufalleninto the waterandstruggled to getout? Mostaccidentshappeninoraroundlocks. Gettingoutofthe waterishardwith wetheavy clothes. Thebanksidesarehighandnohandholds to getout. This versatilelightweight(LADDER-MATE)storessecurely on your roofwiththefreeladderlocksupplied. £125 +£30p&p to anylocationonUKmainlandorfreecollection(Please callus)

BROLLY-MATE

Cotton Stockinette(CleaningCloths) CanopyKlean Bilge &HullCleaner Full rangeof Tiller Pins

Over100tillerpinsinstockvisit www.tillerpins.co.uk www.miracleleisureproducts.co.uk e:sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone:01902686569 orDawn07909086868

Hands-freeattachmentthat slidesoverthetillerbar. Thisisan attachmentthatslides over thetillerbarwhenitis rainingand you canpopthebrollyinthe topofthe tubesecuredbya thumbscrew. Choiceofsizes. from £25 +p&p

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock

Simple &StylishSpaceSavingSolutions forNarrowboats! Acomfortableseating solution forlimitedspace! Fullypocketsprung | sofaorsofabed | includingmodular footstool spacesaving | twoseatingpositions foroptimalcomfort.

01274800334 • info@sofabedbarn.co.uk

www.sofabedbarn.co.uk

We aretheonly membershipassociationsetup,in1963,toprotectthe interests of live-aboardboaters.Weneed your supporttobeableto continueour work.Sojoinus,inpromotion,development, representation andprotection ofour chosenlifestyle.Interested?

See more informationonour websitewww.rboa.org.uk.ortelephone 0330 0577180to findouthowtojoinand getinvolvedinthesafeguarding ofthefuture freedomoflivingafloat. Annual membershipfromonly£30.00.

The ResidentialBoatOwners’AssociationStudio 2WatersideCourt ThirdAvenueBurtononTrentDE142WQ SponsoredbyAll Willsand Trusts.co.uk

Thislatestheaterisnow in stock.4.3kWoutputand only 1.3kWatlow,idealfor narrowboats. Kitsfrom£1795.00

HYDRONICD4WSC EXCHANGESERVICE

Foronly£560.00receive oneofourfactory reconditionedunitswhen yousendusyourold, nonfunctioning D4WSC orD5WSC*.

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Easyinstallation.Simpleon/off. Runtimesettings. iPhone& AndroidSMSnotification.£159.00 SIMnotincluded.

Seagoing Saildrives Inland WaterwaysMarineGeneratingSetsSpares &Support

36yearsofcustomercentredfocus,listeningto needsanddeliveringlongtermvaluesolutions. Specialistsincustomeradviceandsupportatall pointsof aproductslife.

Superbafter-salesserviceviaournetworkof approvedengineinstallersandsparesstockists.

14to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithmechanicalorhydraulicgearboxes.Full hydraulicdriveoptionavailable.

Supersilentacoustichousings,3.5or5.0kVAtravel powerandbowthrusteroptionsavailable.

REDUCECO2 BY90%! Compatibleforcontinuoususe withHVOfuel.*

IfotherFAMEbiofuelsareusedormixedwestronglyadviseuseofouralternativefuelkit option.Availableforneworretrofit-abletoexistingengines.

5yearself-servicewarranty,recreationaluseonlyterms &conditionsapply.

43to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithsingleortwin48vhybridelectricdrive motor/generator(s).

NEW Beta14E-Drive,14kWconstantelectrical propulsionpower.

Fullyintegratablewith48vbatterymanagement inverterchargersystems.

Fully integratablewithBetaGen/BetaSetgenerators.

“REFLEKS” Saleshave exceeded 100,000 worldwide (CommercialShipsto LeisureBoats) We have suppliedall ofthe UK andmany Exports -including severalsystemsto Antarctica.

North Westmarina votedbestintheUK

ACHESHIREmarina isthe bestintheUK–accordingtomembers ofThe YachtHarbour Association (TYHA).

OverwaterMarina, near Audlemandnext totheShropshire Union Canal, wascrowned TYHA Inland Marina ofthe Year 2024 at the Southampton InternationalBoat Show (see moreonthe boat showonpage43). Th eawa rd s, sponsoredbyHaven Knox-Johnson,honour thededication and passionofmarinasand theirteamsacrossthe

UKand worldwide.

JonWhite,general managerof TYHA, said: “Theseawards areincredibly special because theyare voted for by berthholders themselves.They truly celebratethecreamof the crop,marinas that offerunbeatable service andanextraordinary experiencefor berthholdersand visitorsalike.”

Thefamily-owned Overwater marina and holidayparkhas 230 narrowboat moorings, aboatworkshopand slipway,a cafe,caravan

site, holidaylodgesand luxury railway-themed glampingwagons with wood-fired hottubs. The marina is home totheAudlemLassBoat Service –avolunteerrunwater taxiwhich provides boat rides fromthe marina to the bottomoftheAudlem flightoflocks andback.

Thereisalsothe OverwaterWheelyboat, whichprovides boat tripsforwheelchair usersandthosewith mobilityissues.

Co-owner Janet Maughan said: “Overwater owesits

successtothebrilliant team we have in place –theyshare our determinationto make everyone welcomeand provide the very best customer service.

“They’reagreat teamto work withand oneof ourproudest achievementsishow muchthetourism spendimpacts so positively on Audlem andthe surrounding areas.”

Formoredetails aboutOverwater Marina go to https:// www.overwatermarina. co.uk/

Updatetomooringstructure

THEteamatAqueduct Marina haschanged howmoorings work,withsimple monthly payments,nohiddenfeesand without beingtiedtoa longtermcontract.

Aqueduct Marina hasalso introduced anew rangeof Exclusive MooringRewards to boatownerswhochooseto moortheir boatsatthe awardwinningCheshiremarina. Theseare designed to provide boatownerswiththe best experience possible.

Phil Langley, Aqueduct’s chiefoperationsofficer, said: “Weknowthat exceptional servicelevelswithin aluxury marina combined withthe best location in the country to cruise from is everything our

moorers want. This knowledge, combinedwith ournewlongterm contract-free moorings and rewardspack, only enhances yourexperience with usand makesboatingmoments intolifetimememories.”

Therewards pack, worth more than £1100,isavailable tomoorersfromdayone.

Aqueduct Marina encourages boatownerstouse such rewardsas: afreeslipwayand aweek'sfree storageonhardstanding; afreeone-hour boat healthcheckcoveringallof yourboat’smain systems by oneofitsengineers;a10% savingoffdieseland a10% discountinthe chandleryfor your entire stay, plus many more rewards

Moorers at Aqueduct Marina alsohavetheopportunityto enjoytheCruiseMoorScheme, whichoffers a20% reduction inmooringfeesifyou also visitoneoftheindependent marinastakingpart.

Butnotallofthe benefits arewater-based,witha complimentarynight’s stay on the campsite,anight's stay on oneofthetouringpitchesor anight inoneof Aqueduct’s luxurybell tentsforeither you or yourfamily.

To find outmore, have alook at thevideos within themooringsectiononthe AqueductMarinawebsite, whichgives you afull walkaround tourofthe marina and detailsofthe rewardspack. Go to www aqueductmarina co uk for more details

GroupsjoinforcestogetmorepeopleoutonMidlands waterways

TWOorganisations have joinedforces topromotethe110-mile canalnetwork inthe Midlands.

The Canal& River Trustcharityand Active BlackCountry have unveiledthe BlackCountry Canals Strategy 20242029 settingoutambitions to maximise the potentialofthe region’siconicand world-famous navigable canalnetwork.

Developedincollaboration withlocal authorities,canal stakeholders and with communityinput, thestrategyaimsto getmore peopleonthe waterandalso the towpathsthat runalongside the 250-year-oldnetwork.

The aimistomakethe canals avital hubfor walking, cycling, leisureand culturalactivities.

HenrietteBreukelaar,regional director, Canal& RiverTrust,said: “Eightypercentofpeopleinthe Black Countrylivewithin amileof acanal, withtheseamazinglegaciesfrom our industrialpastabletoserve usin so manywaystoday.

“Usage ofthe canaltowpathsinthe BlackCountry first rocketed backin thepandemicwhenmorepeoplethan ever beforediscoveredtheseamazing greenspacesontheirdoorstep.And just recently,thecommunityshowedtheir love of canalswhentheycametogether to raisemuch-needed fundsfor our charitytohelprespond to therecent wildlife-damagingcanal pollutionevent in Walsall.

“Withthe rightinvestment toupgrade towpaths, improveaccessibilityandto supportwildlife, we canimprovethe livesofmillionsoflocal people,create

topromotethe region’swaterwaysandgetmorepeopleenjoyingthe

new businessandleisureopportunities andhelpmitigate againsttheeffectsof climatechange.

“Canalsareold,however.They arean amazingconnection with ourpastbut needinvestmenttoensuretheyremain aliveforthisandfuturegenerationsto benefitfrom. So,with the supportof ourvolunteers, fundersand partners, the strategy reflectsa shared vision to enhancethe110milesofwaterwaysthat weavethroughthe BlackCountry.”

ActiveBlack CountryCEO IanCarey said:“Improvingcanalinfrastructureand accessibilitycan attract newbusinesses, enhancethe visitorexperienceand supportcommunity regenerationand economicgrowth.

“Weare committedtomakingthese navigable canalsaccessible toalland

maximisingopportunitiesforlocal peopletofindit easierto be physically active. By creatingspaceswherepeople canconnect with natureandengagein cultural, socialand sportingactivities onthe canalnetwork, we canencourage more BlackCountry residents to enjoy healthierlifestylesand abetterquality of life.”

To rejuvenatethe canalnetworkand ensuretheplan remainsadaptableand aligned withlocaland nationalpriorities, the strategy’s implementation will be overseenbyasteeringgroup including representatives from Canal&River Trust, Active BlackCountry,eachlocal authority, BlackCountry Transport, Integrated Care Board, West Midlands Combined Authority,Transportfor West Midlandsand Sustrans.

ENTHUSIASTS will be switched onnextyearas Electrika2025 showcasesthe best inelectric boat power.

Visitorsto theshow,which will takeplace at BrinklowWaterside and Marina nearRugby on July 11-12, will be able to see avarietyof electricand hybrid boatsandeven takeatriponanelectric boat.

Organised by electric narrowboat buildersOrtomarineand Aquavista Waterside andMarinas,theevent hasmoved fromitsoriginal May date.Awidevarietyofserial hybrid,parallelhybridandall electric narrowboatswillbeon

display,along with anextensive listofexhibitorsall specialisingin electricpropulsion. Afullprogrammeoftalksis beingdeveloped anditisplanned to have an electrictripboat, livedemonstrationsand alarge communityofexperiencedelectric narrowboatownerstoanswerany questionsanddispelcommon misconceptions. Entrancetotheshowwillagain be free ofcharge andtheonlineticket reservation systemwillgolivein December.

Visithttps://electricka.ukforall thelatest information.

Visitorstothe2024Electrikaboatshow. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

TheCanal &River TrusthasjoinedforceswithActiveBlackCountry

surroundings. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

2024. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

AqueductMarinahaschangedhowmooringsworkwithnewpaymentstructuresand mooring rewardstoboatowners. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Do youwanttobepartof anewsharedownership boatschemein2025?

PhilPickinreportsonthefirst shared ownershipboatfromAqua Narrowboats,withworkstarting at thebeginningof2025.

THE startofa new yearistraditionallythetimefor embarkingonnewprojects.Gymmemberships arebought, diets started,andnewhobbiesare begun. January2025 will seeDerbyshire-basedboat builder Aqua Narrowboatsstart work onitslatest project,asharedownership boat. The newboatis expectedtobereadyforitsnewshared ownersin July/August.

As wellallknow, narrowboatsare expensive, and that’s hardly arevelation; butfor prospectiveboat ownerswho hankerafter abrand-new narrowboat, thecostoftheobjectoftheirdesires hastobeone ofthe majorobstaclesto overcome.

Asmost boatowners willtell you,buying the boat isonlythe startoftheoftensignificant drain onan owner’s personalfinances. Runningcosts (maintenance,licencefees,insurance,moorings andfuel) canalladdup,soit’snot surprisingthat shared ownership boatscan provetobeaviable alternativetoowningyourown outright.

Aqua Narrowboatstellsusthat itsshared narrowboatownershipisdesigned tooffer acosteffectiveway to getabrand-new, bespokeboatfor afractionoftheprice.

Thescheme will have 12freeholdshares, providingbuyerswith a12thshare of theboat, butAquais keento pointout that its schemeisn’t timeshare. Eachshareguaranteesfour weeksof

holidayayearwithanoptionto purchase more thanoneshare.

The 2025 boat will have abroadlysimilar specificationandlayouttothe recentbespokebuild

DillyDally and willoffer accommodationforup tosix people.Themain differencefromthe boat we arefeaturing here isthat the newboat will be slightlylonger at 59ftand will havea lengthways bed. The sharedboat willalso have afullinventoryof kitchenitems,Roman blinds,porthole bungs, asofa bed, aTV,a vacuum,a microwave, Wi-Fisim routerand an aerial.The scheme will alsoincludethecostof the haulage and craning whenlaunched.

Thespecification of DillyDally andthe shared ownership boat includes areverse layoutofstern,galley

kitchen,dinette,saloon, bathroom, bedroomand be capableof sleepinguptosix people.Bothboats have cruiser sternsand43hpBeta dieselengines. Twogaslockers doubleas seating. The flooringis easyto cleanthroughout.

Both boatsare fittedwithbrushlessmotor bowthrusters andcratchboardsandcovers.The windows will be doubleglazedandtheinteriorof thenew boat will be fittedout in eitheroakor oak andash.Underthegunwales,the boat will belined insolid oakorash T&G timberinsteadofthemore usualveneered plywood.

The galleykitchen will have aquartzwork surface,asink withfiltered watertap, gashoband fullsizeoven, fridge,microwave and built-in wine cellarsinthefloor.

The extendingdinette canseatuptosix people, andthetable hasanelectriclift,soitcan easily be raisedorloweredtoformanextra bed.Thesaloon is fittedwithstainlesssteel radiatorsandundergunwalelighting, andtherewill be acustom-built TV unit,a Bubblediesel stoveand asofa bed that cansleep anothertwo people.Thewalk-through bathroomincludes afull-size800mmquadrant showerand maceratortoilet,quartz surfacesand anumberofstorage cabinets.

The bedroomfeaturesanextendingdouble bed, wall-mountedreadinglights, wall cupboardstorage andstairsstorage. The stairs lead up to thewelldeck

andthe bow,which hasfull-width storagelockers that also doubleupas seatingforuptofour people. Asforcosts,eachshare will be £19,750,andas mentionedbefore, share-ownerscan buymorethan oneshare. The first paymentisa£950 reservation fee, which, at thetimeofwriting, isnowbeing acceptedforthe January2025 build.Thisshare priceisthen splitupinto aseven-steppayment plan,detailsofwhichareonthe Aqua Narrowboats website. The companytellsus that theanticipated yearlymaintenancecostwill be approximately £1600 peryear,whichisfor boat management, maintenance,licence fees andmoorings. However, special familysharesfor peoplewhoneed to plan

Thedoublebedroom. PHOTOS: AQUANARROWBOATS

Thewinecellarinthegalleyflooris anice touch.

Thedinetteandgalley.

ThecomfortablesofaprovidessomewheretorelaxandwatchTV.

for schoolholidays willcontributeanextra maintenancefee of£275 ayearbut come with the benefit of first-choice schoolholidayswhen booking yourweeks.Thesharedownership narrowboat will be managed by BCBM.

Justin Hudson-Oldroyd, managingdirectorof Aqua Narrowboats, said:“Thiswillbeour first shared ownership narrowboat;itgives12 people achancetojointlyown abrand-new,top-of-therangebespokeboat. We realise thereissucha hugeleap fromthecostand experienceofa

narrowboat holiday to individualboatownership. Therefore, we thinkthisopportunitywillbe popularwithour customerswholove thequality of ourbespokenarrowboats butwouldpreferto share thecostand responsibilityof ownership withotherlike-mindedowners.

“Itwillalsoprovide aperfect steppingstone forthoseownersthatmayalsowishto purchase their ownboatinthefuture“

Seemoredetails at Aqua Narrowboats’ website: www.aquanarrowboats.co.uk/shared_ownership

LynchMotorsintroduces firstdrop-inelectric hybridmarinedrive

Havingfeatured LynchMotorsearlierthisyearin afeaturethat lookedmoregenerally at thecompany’seffortstohelpthe waterwaysdecarbonise,PhilPickinreportsonthelatestaddition toitsrange –theRedSnapper.

HAVINGshowntheRedSnapper drop-indriveatanumberof eventsthroughoutthepastyear, Devon-based Lynch Motors hasnow officially launchedthe product onthe market.

The companycallsthenew product‘pioneering’ because itusesthe boat’s existing enginetoenableitto become hybridelectric.Asaresult, thereisnoneedtoreplacethe existingengine,andthemotor efficiencywill reducecosts.

AccordingtoLynch,which hasbeenbuildingelectric motorsintheUKformore than30 yearsandwhich we featured in arecentissueof TowpathTalk,the RedSnapper only requires100mm spaceon thepropshafttoenableitto befitted. The companygoes on tosaythat “asfaras we are awareisthefirstsolutionofits kindonthe market”. The new product hasbeendesignedto be installedona wide rangeof boats, includingsailingcraft, yachts,pleasurecraftand narrowboats(upto75hp and subjecttoenginebaysize).

Trevor Lees,MDofLynch Motors,togetherwithhisteam ofengineers,designed an early prototypesome years ago. Sincethenthecompanyhas been refiningthedesign untilit felt readytolaunchitontothe market.AccordingtoLynch, testinghas gone well, with thecompany already having acoupleof happycustomers usingRed Snapperfortheir boat’s propulsion.

Lynchsaysthat theRed Snapperis designedtogenerate the powerneeded to match thetypicalcruisingspeed of marine vehicles powered bya combustion engineoninland, nationalandinternational waterways.Higherengine speeds arethenexpectedtobeavailable to help recharge thebattery sourcewhenoperatingthe electricmotoringeneratormode.

Thenewproductis manufactured at Lynch Motors’Devon site, and,as you wouldexpect, itcomplies with waterwayslegislation. The companyexplainedthat thenewproductis“highly efficient, reliableandquietto run”and stated that users can expectupto93%efficiency fromthis48 volt system, whichis availableinthree modeswhich willenableusers to selectthe correctone fora givenapplication.

Oneofthe mainadvantages of hybridpropulsionisin overcoming theconcerns expressed by many at the possibilityof runningoutof electricalpowerwhenthereis little opportunitytorecharge.

With ahybridelectric system, boatersgetthebenefitsof electric power, withtheadded reassuranceand, some maysay, theflexibilityof ahybridsystem, combiningelectricbattery power withtraditional power.

Oneofthe main reasons many peoplelook to move from100%dieselto amore environmentallyfriendly solutionarethelower emissionsthat come from runninganengineless. If the resultantfuelcostsavings areusedtooffset amoveto HVOfuel,the resultingdrop in harmfulemissions cannot be overstated. In addition,a boat user andthe surrounding environmentwillalsobenefit from areductioninnoise.

Lynch Motorstells us that itsteamofengineersisthere to helpanyone with aproject that utilisesitsproductrange, anofferthat islikelyto be of

particularinteresttothose lookingtomoveovertoan electricmotorfortheirboat.

The RedSnapper pricestarts at £8750plus VATandcomes with atwo-yearextendable warranty.Anyoneinterested inconvertingtoa hybrid system willprobablyneed an additionalbatterypack. The specificationofthis willdepend onAmppower,how longyou want to runwithelectric propulsionandanyother powerdemands you mayhave on board. It is good to see moreand moreproductsandinnovations comingontothe marketto satisfythe interestin–and theneed for –amovetowards reducingcarbon emissions. The questionsoften relating to thismove areonesofcostand reliability,andalthough the pricetagforthe RedSnapper isn’t to be sniffed at, itisa lotlessthanatotal refit and conversion.Asfor reliability, Lynchisawell-respected companywith agood track record,whichwillmeasure many consideringsucha majorconversion.Conversions likethisshould also ensure that the environmentalcost of scrappingwhat could bea perfectlygoodworkingengine is avoided.

Formoreinformationon the RedSnapper,visit the company’s websiteat: www. lynchmotors.co.uk

RedSnapper,electric hybrid drop-inmarinedrive system.

Thenewshareboatwilllookthesameas DillyDally whenlaunchedinthesummerof2025.

Winterising yournarrowboat

ASWEheadtowardsthe winter season, RiverCanal Rescue has puttogether some winterisation tipsfor boaterswho maybe leaving their narrowboats untilthe spring, reducingthe likelihood ofcostly repair bills.

Coolingsystems

Just likevehicles,any ‘closed loop’coolingsystemneeds to have antifreezeadded and replaced(per manufacturer’s guidelines). Notonlywillthis minimise the risk of splitsor fracturesassociatedwithfreezing water,butit willalsoimprove theengine’s coolingefficiency andminimise corrosion risk to theengine.

Whereraw water(drawnfrom the river)coolingsystemsare inplace,draindown by briefly runningtheenginewhen outof the watertoensurethe system is empty.Ifafloat, thequickest andsimplestsolutionis to ‘shut off’theinletvalve(seacock)and

drainas much waterfromthe system aspossible. Where nodrainplugis available,disconnect ahose, drainthe waterfromthe system andleaveitdisconnected. Althoughthis willnotemptythe systemcompletely,it willallow forexpansionshouldthe water freeze andreducethe riskof ruptured pipes.

It isalsoworthinsulatingany accessible tightbendsasthisis wherefluid willcollectevenafter draining. Once you’reready to startcruisingagain, reconnect anypipes,refillthe systemand opentheseacock.Iftheengine is winterised orthe seacock is closed,clearlymarktheengine anditscontrols;itshouldprevent accidentaloperation.

Generalchecks

Check lockers,cockpitandother areastoensurealldrainholes andplugsareclearofdebris, leaves, dirtetc.Theseareasblock

easilyand,inheavyorprolonged rain, cancause avesseltotakeon water,causingcorrosionwhere the water’s left sittingor, even worse, sinking. Alwaystestthebilge pump andif possible,investinan automaticone –it’sfarmore reliablethan amanual. Many sunken vessels would still be afloatiftheyhadan automatic pump fitted. An automaticbilge pump immediately responds to wateringress withthefloat switch dictatingwhenitshould pump.Should aleakdevelop fromthecoolingsystem,hull orother source (orthere’sa build-upof rainwater), this will keep yourvessel safe. Regularcheckstoensure batteriesarecharged arevital. Test thebatterychargelevels beforeleavingthe boat and when you returnor beforealong journey. Heavyrainfall,leaking sternglandsandissues with weedhatches canresultin water

AccessibleThamesboatlaunchedafter£68,000fundraiser

ANEW wheelchair-accessible boat that allows disabledusers accesstothe RiverThames has just beenlaunched.

ThelatestWheelyboat will be used by Accessible BoatingThamestoprovide daytripsand willevenallow userstodriveitthemselves. Launched at Bisham Abbey Sailing& Navigation School, the Accessible Explorer will provide ahostofexperiences forthedisabled.

The newV20Wheelyboat is fullyaccessibleandprovides wheelchairusers, andthose withothermobilityissues,the freedomto boardandoperate the boat independentlyand safelythankstoits spacious levelcockpit.Its watertight hydraulic bowdoorlowers toform arampallowing roll-on, roll-off boardingfrom apontoonorjetty.There’s even adrive-from-wheelchair consolewhichenables people withthe severest ofdisabilities to drivethe boat themselves.

Gavin Tisshaw,chairmanof Accessible BoatingThames, said:“Thisis amomentous occasion forABT –securing ourown Wheelyboatwillmake such adifferenceandensure we cancontinuetohelpthose that need ourservices.Weare immenselygratefultoallthose whohavehelped us raisethe fundstomakethispurchase.

“Our volunteers doa fantastic jobfor thelocal community –and we offer avarietyof river-based opportunities rangingfrom

Thenewlylaunched AccessibleExplorer takesitsfirst voyageontheThames. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

familypicnicafternoons to full sailing opportunities, bellboatsessionsandDukeof Edinburghtrips.Our services areaccessibletoallthose thatneedthem. Thisgroup currentlyincludes Special Educational Needs(SEN) schools,familiesofthose withanyformofdisability, andofcourse individualsand groups withphysicalormental disabilities.”

The Wheelyboat Trustisa registered charity,dedicated toproviding mobility impaired people,young andold, with theopportunityandfreedom to participate in waterborne activitiesallovertheUK.

To date,thetrusthas built and suppliedmorethan230 WheelyboatsacrosstheUK and Europe.

Mr Tisshawadded: “Wheelyboat tripsforfamilies haveandcontinueto be very popularas it canbealmost

ingressthat quicklyfillsthe boat and causesittosink.Ifbatteries go flatata critical pointitcan be devastating. Greasing the stern tubebefore leavingthe boat will preventwater ingress. Although moststern glandsleakoncethe propeller turns, thegreaseacts likeasealwhile notinuse. Waterinaboatwill causeit to belowerinthe water, placing outlets– suchasthosefora shower, sinkorair vent –nearer to the waterlevel (leadingto catastrophic results!).

Ensure boat mooringpins and ropesare secure,yet slack enough to deal withthe normalriseorfallof water levels.Wherepossible attach alongropetoatreeorhigher ground, so that ifflooding occurs, or theboatbecomes looseinhighwinds,the additionalropecouldprovide amuch-needed safety line. In extreme weather orprolongedrainfall,visit the boat regularlyto adjust mooringropesand check bilge pumpsandbatteries arecopingwiththesituation.

impossibleforfamilies toaccesstheseshared experiences.

“Ouroldestpassengerlast year wasa98-year-old with severely restrictedmobility and ouryoungestaone-yearold with specialmedicalneeds. Wheelyboatpicnicafternoons have alsoprovedverypopular withdementiaactiongroups. Theycan picnicunder our largestretchtent andenjoy 20 to30-minutetripsonthe river insmallgroups.”

ClaireLovelock, from ManorGreenSchoolwhich hasusedthe boats, said: “AtManorGreenSchoolwe have beenlucky enough to enjoyincredibletrips bothbellboatingandon Wheelyboats to allowour SENDusersopportunitiesthey wouldn’t have hadwithoutthis amazingteamatBisham.

“Weare very excitedtotry outthenewboat.”

To findoutmoreaboutABT pleaseclickhere:www. accessibleboatingthames.org

Left:The Accessible Explorer isofficially launchedatBishamAbbey Sailing &Navigation School. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

It’s also agood ideatorun theengineforanhourevery time youvisitasthis pushes oilaroundtheengineand prevents rusting, plus ittops upthebatteryifleft running longenough (bewareof doingthisif you’vedrained thecoolingsystem!). Spray terminals with asiliconefree lubricantandgrease all availablegreasepoints ontheengineanddrive, pluselectricalconnectors. Alsolubricatelinkagesand gear/throttle slides;this will preventrusting/corrosion andgivethesecomponentsa longer life.

Generators

Ifnotinuse, store ina gas-tightlocker– thesame

regulationsas Liquid Petroleum Gas(LPG) apply.

Waterandheating

Freezingtemperaturescan cause splitorfractured pipeswhich, ifleft over agradualperiod, canleadtocompleteorpartial flooding.

Draindown thewater system (includingdrinkingwater and cistern)andleave taps in the open position. Most water heatershavea screwplug at their baseand canaccommodate an old-fashionedcycle pump which makestheemptyingofwaterthat much quicker. Tapsshould be leftopen because ifanywater is leftinthe systemanditfreezes, thepressure onthepipes will be lessdue to aircomingout of thetaps.

Anunnoticedpipesplitand floodingwillalmostcertainly leadtosinkingwhichmay not be coveredbyinsurers(notall coverfrostdamageand agradual incursionof watermay not be classed asaccidental).Ifcovered, insurance policiesnormally insist‘machineryiswinterised accordingtomanufacturers’ recommendations’.Ifnot available,theadviceofa qualified engineer should be sought. Takingnoprecautions isaskingfortrouble.

Lagyourhotandcoldpipes andtopupantifreeze in keel cooling andother sealedheating systems(such as radiators connected tothe boiler).Thisis thesinglemostimportant thing todo,whether your narrowboat is being used over thewinter period ornot.

Protectingpossessions

Remove or putout of sightany alcohol, valuablesandelectrical items.Ifyou have asecure mooringthismightnot be such anissue, butifindoubt,take it out.

Invest in decent locks; your insurance policy requiresthis andit’s morelikelyto deter thieves.Ensureall windowsand access pointsare firmlyclosed andlockedbeforeleaving the vesselandvisit regularly.Prevent thetheftofexternalitems,such as mushroom vents, solarpanels and chimneys,byfixing them with extra-strength sealantand investinginsecurityshear nuts. Askneighbouringboatersto call iftheyhaveany concerns.

Dieseltreatment

Excessivewater inthetank can lead to waterfeedingthrough thefuel system(RCR regularly removeslarge quantitiesof waterfromfueltanksintheearly cruisingseason). To prevent this,regularly checkyour filler capsealand replace if worn, crackedordamaged.Thecap sits lowerthanthedecksoifit’sbeen raining, wipe away excesswater beforeopening thecap. Eitherleavethetankempty duringwinterisationandremove anywater on your returnorleave thetankfullandtreated. Fuel treatments remove waterand deal withcontamination such asdiesel bug–where enzymes, bacteria etcliveoffthe water in diesel andaffect thediesel properties.Inactiveboats are moreatriskofgrowthdeveloping inthefueltanks.

Freezingweather &ice

If theboat’sencased iniceand you’reworried aboutthe effects onthehull,takecare… breaking theice canresultinmoredamage thansimplyleavingit. The only timetheiceshould be broken isif you need to move,andthisshouldonly be undertaken with caution.The stressonthe hullfrom alarge surfaceareaof iceis huge and at aminimum will causedamageto theblacking.

Outletslowertothewatercanbecatastrophic. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

FormationPlastics Dedicatedteam FP

Technologies

FocusesonbuildingbespokeHDPEcanalboats

H NOWINTHE WATER H

Thesizeis40`x10`andbuiltusing20mmforthebase oftheboat15mmforthesidesand12mmforthe uppersections. Theprocesstheyuseiscalledextrusionwelding

whichistypicallydoneonthermoplasticsduetotheir responsetoheating.Unlikeothertypesofplastics whichburnwhenheatisapplied,thermoplasticsliquefy andhardenagainuponcooling.

Extrusionweldingistypicallyusedtojoincomponents suchastanksandpipes.Intrenchlessconstruction, sectionsofthermoplastic(mostoftenpolyethylene) canbeextrusionweldedtogethertoformamonolithic pipestructuretobeinsertedintothehostpipefor rehabilitation.

Inotherapplications,extrusionweldingisidealfor applicationsthat requirelengthyweldstobemade

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

Thiscanalboatis readytobe asailaway,atpresent theinteriorsarenotallcomplete,forfutureprojects formationplastichavethehelpandexpertiseof amulti award-winningyachtandnavalarchitect

Nowconfirmed -wewillbeexhibiting at CrickBoatShow2025. Toavoid disappointment,please callnowtobookanappointment

For aselectfewspecialintroductoryoffertogetyourslotbookedfor2025 Speaktoustodayto reserveyourslotatthisspecialintroductoryofferprice.

BEAUTIFULBOATS BUILTTOLAST

Establishedin1974,Colecrafthavegainedtheexperience andexpertisetoensurethattheboatwebuildforyouwill lastforyearstocome.

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

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

OurweldersarecodedtomeetMCA requirements.

Name: AmyJackamaz Moored at: Cropredy

Name: TheAdmiral Moored at: Sawley

Name: Hazelwood Moored at: Cropredy

Name:

Name: Hyacynth Moored at: Sawley

Name:

BUYING AUSEDBOAT

LUXE MOTORDUTCH

'NauticalTramp'| thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

COLLINGWOOD60' X12' ENC.BOW 'Buggerlugs' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £119,950

COLLINGWOOD70' WIDEBEAM 'Dreamcatcher’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net COLECRAFT60'SEMICRUISER 'Spark’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £99,950

PENDLENARROWBOATS60' 'ElegantFowl' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£135,000

‘Cropredy' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 3LX T: 07721382619E:davidmawbyboats@gmail.comW:www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

QualityRiverand CanalMotor Cruisersareavailable to viewby appointment atour Leicestershire indoorshowroom.Over20years experienceand2,500boatssold.

Built1990,6 Berthsin 2cabins,LIFT OUT COCKPITSIDE FOREASYACCESS, cooker,toilet,shower, hotand cold water system,12and 240voltselectrics,CREAM LEATHERETTECUSHION COVERSWITH BLUEPIPING,poweredbyaMercury15hp4 stroke outboard engine, BSC2027, original whitegelcoat(notpainted),hullpolished andnewantifouling,includesnewmooring ropes,clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERY within250milesorlocalmooring available.

VIKING23 £18995 Length23ftmBeam6ft10ins,Built1990,4 Berths, cooker,toilet,fridge,hot and

SUPERBVIKING 275£57,995

Superb Viking 275,Built2023,HiLineSpec with foldingwindscreen, Length 27ft6ins, Beam9ft2ins, Rearaccess door,6Berths, bow thruster, hot and cold water system, cooker,fridge,shower, cassettetoilet, heating, 240voltmains,etc,poweredbya Mariner40Hp (only 7hoursfrom new)Bsc 2027,MANYEXTRAS,FREEDELIVERY within250 miles.

VIKING 24 £47,995

Length 24ft,Beam8ft,Built2022, 4Berths, HiLineSpecincluding cooker(2ringhob,grill an oven),fridge,shower, cassettetoilet, warm airheating,hotand cold watersystem,12and 240voltseletrics,Liftout cockpitsides for easyacces,Bsc2026,poweredbyaTohatsu 30Hp 4strokeoutboardengine,alloriginal gelcoat(notpainted),hullandsuperstructure fullypolished,newantifouling,includesnew mooring ropes,clean fenders,etc,FREE DELIVERYwithin250milesorlocalmooring available,great savingonnew

NEWVIKING23NARROWBEAMNOWINSTOCK FOR IMMEDIATEDELIVERY4Berths,HilineSpec boatwith Foldingwindscreen forlow bridges,cooker with2 ringhob,grilland oven,fridge,hotand cold watersystem,shower, electric flush cassettetoilet,12 and 240voltselectricswithbatterycharger,powered bya20Hp 4strokeoutboardengine SPECIALSUMMERPRICEOF £47,995, BOOK YOURVIEWINGNOW.

MARGARET

JONGLEN

£19,995

MILES AWAY

£89,000

Length 70ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built2012 by Soar Valley Boatswith aCentreCockpit,poweredbyaCanaline 52Hp, Wheelhouse,bow thruster, solidfuel stove and diesel heating,etc, wellappointedspaciousboat

Length30ft,Beam6ft10ins,built1982 by Colecraft,Bukh dieselengine,cruise stern,solidfuel stove,shower,4 Berths (doubleand 2singles),gas waterheater, 12and 240 voltselectrics,currentBsc,etc.

£51,500

Length 53ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built2010 by Dursley &Hurst, Cruiser stern,poweredbyaVetusM4Dieselengine, standardlayout,solidfuelstove,dieselheating, rear pram cover, crossdoublebed +dinette, Wellappointed boat,BSCNovermber2027,etc.

MERLINTHEMAGNIFICENT

£53,000

Length54ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built2004 by South West Durham SteelCraftwith aSemi Trad stern,poweredby aBetaMarine38Hpdieselengine,reverselayout, Reflex dieselheating,fixeddoubleand Lshapeddinettedouble, rearpram cover, inverter,charger,etc,currentBsc

REF10577

2000 65ft – Dale Narrowboats with owner fitout Powered by a Nanni diesel with a PRM150.

2000 57ft – Alexander Hull with a Riverview Boats fitout Powered by a Barrus Yanmar – shire 2003 BSS Until Sept 2028.

BOATYARDSERVICES

•Engineand Heating Servicing

•Breakdown Calloutand Repairs

•Gas,ElectricalandPlumbing Specialists

•BSC’s &SafetyExamination Work

•EngineSalesandInstallation

•Traditionalboatpainting

•SpecialistsinHistoricenginesandcraft

•BoatBrokerage

•Diesel Tank ScrubbingandBug Removal. MOORINGS

•MarinaMoorings

•LongandshorttermMoorings

•Coal,Gas,Diesel &Pumpouts

DRYDOCK

•HullBlacking

•BasePlate Blacking

•2 PackEpoxy Coating

•MicrobiologicalHull Treatments

•Anode Replacement

•Cabin Painting

•Welding

•Surveys

BOATOFTHEMONTH

RUFUS 3£49,500

60ft,1992,JonathanWilson, Tradnarrowboat withBeta Tugengine.GoodHullsurveyfromFeb 2024.

SOLD

SHUGLEY £49,950

57ft,1991,North WestNarrowboats. Areluctantsale of averywellcaredforcraft,oneownerfromnew. Mitsubishiengine,solarpanels,centralheating, recenthullsurvey.10/6/4steelspec.

TRANQUILLITY£29,950

42ft Trad 4berth,1981byColecraft.Excellent condition,Hullshotblastand 2packepoxy,BSS expires:11/2025. 1ownerfromnewvery reluctant sale!

JustArrived.45ft,1988,Eggbridge,traditional, BMC1500, 2berth,projectboat.Fullinternal picturesandspeccomingsoon,nowavailablefor viewing.

TA-RA-A-BIT£38,500

50ft,1997,CharlieFox.Cruiserstern.Just arrived,bethefirsttosee.

SARAHJANE£64,950

57ft,2003LiverpoolBoats Trad,stylishly refitted 2023.IsuzuMarineengine,Victronenergyinverter.

RAINDOG£37,950 45ft,circa1997,RonLloyd, traditional.

SIGRID£48,500

48ft,2007,VikingAfloat.Just Arrived,verywellmaintainedcraft with aversatile 2+2berthlayout. Idealfamilyboatorfor acouple.

Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com

♦

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RHYSKILLIN

Dip.S.C.Sur

CetecMarine

Est.1992

♦ Areas covered 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 14 Mob.07831355543

Tel. 01926499337 www.delta-marineservices.co.uk

ARK EDWARDS MABSSE BoatSafety SchemeExaminer

All classesof vessels examined

Landlords’GasSafety Certificates Caravans,RV’sand domesticproperties

Tel07970384047

Areascovered:2,4,5

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

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

Services

isanindependentcompanyproviding professionalandcomprehensivesupport servicestoNarrowboatsandInland Waterwaysvessels. BasedinNorthamptonshireweare ideallyplacedtoofferourservices.

Ourservicesinclude: •Hull condition, Pre-purchase,Insurance and Valuationsurveys. (Accredited YDSA member)

•Marineconsultancy. Northamptonshireand surroundingareas.

Afriendlyandprofessional fullyinsuredservice Steel,GRP &Timbercraft Pre-purchasesurveys Insurancesurveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing PhoneChrisHolmes 07860254369 01784464899 surveyors@cetecmarine.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

AreasCovered 10,12, 13,14, 15

Narrowboat Surveyor

&BoatSafetyExaminer

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Dip.S.C.SurAMIMarEST

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AREACOVERED:5,6,8,9,10,14 07903945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

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Dave Freeman

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New roadmapunveiledforsustainable developmentofcruisehiresector

THE National Tourism De ve lopment Authority, Fáilte Ireland, hasunveiled acomprehensivestudy to rejuvenateand sustainablydevelop thecruise hiresector inIreland. Developed in collaboration with variousgroups such as WaterwaysIreland, theIrish Boat Rental Association andlocal authoritiesalongthe Shannonand ShannonErne navigations, the studyoutlines aroadmapforthe sector’s development upto2033,aligning withtheUN Sustainable DevelopmentGoals andthe Government’s ClimateAction Plan2021. Akey recommendationfrom the study istotransition cruise hirefleets away fromdieseltoengines powered by electricity or hydrogen. So me ha ve already successfully transitionedfrom dieselto hydrogenated vegetableoilthis year,a practice being positivelyviewed by the wider sector.

Theroadmapalso recommendsadopting eco-friendlypractices andinfrastructure impr ov eme nts tominimise environmentalimpact; expandingand enhancingexisting marinastomeet increasing demand; enhancingcustomer experiencethrough thedevelopmentof interactivemaps; and fostering collaboration betweenpublicand privatestakeholders for suc ce ss ful implementation.

FáilteIreland recentlybroughtkey stakeholderstogether in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim,forthe

FirstRespondersunveilfirstsolar-powered AEDcabineton

KILCOCK Community First Responders recently unveiledasolar-powered cabinetanddefibrillatoron the RoyalCanal Greenway, betweenKilcock and Ferran’sLock, inmemory oftheirdearfriendand colleagueMichael ‘Mick’ Dugganwhodiedlate lastyear.

Thisisthefirst time an automated external defibrillator(AED) hasbeen installed on awaterway in Irelandand wouldnot have beenpossible without WaterwaysIreland, Kilcock CFRandothers working collaboratively.

In what wasa moving occasionKilcock CFR co-ordinator Bernie Downes welcomedmembersof Mick’s former Dublin Fire Brigade watch,colleagues fromthe

Irishwaterway

NationalAmbulance Service,Community Engagement, fellowCFRs fromthelocalarea,Colm ReillyofWIand, theHSE, localGardaí, sponsors and,mostimportantly, Mick’s family.

Shespoke abouthow importantMickwas to everyoneandhow appropriatetheAED was as amemorialtohim. It combined his love of runningandhisdedication tohelping others.She alsopaid specialtributeto committeememberDavid Walsh, whoworkedclosely withWIandotherpartners toensurethat theproject wascompleted.

Mick’s friend andDFB colleagueJim Sergeant spokepowerfully about hisprofessionalismasa firefighterparamedic,his passionfor keeping active whether it wastriathlons,

FirstRespondersattheAEDcabinet.Fromleftare: JamesKenny,David Walsh,BernieDownes,Mary Comey,CathalMcCauley,BrianMacLochlainn. GerardMcGeeneyisnotinthepicture. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

golfor cyclingandhis friendship.Alonepiper openedandclosed the ceremonywhile Kilcock CFR treasurer Mary Comeyread apoemdedicatedtoMick.

Thesolar-powered cabinetand AEDisan importantlinkinthechain of survivalintheeventof acardiac arrest andthis will be alastingtribute toa

wonderfulformermentor, colleagueand friend.

Greatcreditisdueto sponsors Dublin Fire Brigade,HeartSafety Solutions,Emergency Care, HSE Kildareandthe National Lotteryfor making allofthis possible and to WaterwaysIreland forits co-operationandsupport onthisfirstforIreland.

inauguralmeeting of animplementation grouptodiscussthe executionoftheplan. Thismeetingmarks thebeginning ofa collaborative effort betweencruisehire operators, theIrish Boat RentalAssociation, WaterwaysIreland, the Inland Waterways AssociationofIreland andlocalauthorities locatedalongthe Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterwaytohelp thecruise hiresector todevelopmore sustainablyinthe future.

Thefullfeasibility study ,F uture Developmentand GreeningoftheCruiseHire Sector,can be viewedonlinevia the FáilteIreland website at:www.failteireland.ie

I

MEMBERSofthe Inland WaterwaysAssociationofIreland (IWAI)aremourning the recent lossoftwo past presidents. Ruth Heard,whodiedon October5, wasthefirstfemale presidentoftheassociation, servingfrom1981to1983, andalsothe editorof Inland Waterways News(IWN),the association’s members’magazine. Ruthisprobably best known, however, forher publishedworks penned underthe nameof Ruth Delany,fromherfirst marriageto VincentDelany,oneoftheIWAI’s foundingmembers. Writingextensivelyaboutthe waterways,her worksinclude: TheCanalsofthe Southof Irelandwrittenwith Vincent Delanyin1966, The GrandCanal ofIreland(1973and1995), ACelebrationof250 Yearsof Ireland’s Inland Waterways (1986),whichwas subsequently updatedand republishedin2004 as ACelebration of300 Years ofIreland’s Inland Waterways, ByShannon Shores(1987), Ireland’s RoyalCanal (1982)which wasupdated and republished with Dr IanBathin2010to coincide withthe reopeningof the RoyalCanal,andthe Shannon Navigation(2008). Ruth Heardwasinstrumental inbringingthe World Canal ConferencetoIrelandforthefirst timein2001, wasinvolvedwith thewaterways committeeofthe Heritage Council for many years andalsohad connections with the worldof Irish sailing and maritime. As akeenphotographer and movie maker, Ruth Heard documentedher many yearsonthe water, capturingthe changesand developmentsastheytookplace. Acollectionofher worksformpart ofthe WaterwaysIrelandarchive and canbeviewed at:www.archive. waterwaysireland.org

The deathofPeter Hanna, past president (1987-1989),alsoin Octoberthis year,cameasfinal preparationsfortheIWAI Naas Rally were infull swing. Peter was acampaigner andinstrumentalin anumberofbattles to preserve the waterwaysofIreland,one being thereinstatingofthe Naas Canal, abranchlineoftheGrand Canal. Whenthe Naas Canalwasfinally reopenedtonavigation,itwas Peterwholedthe processionof boatsalong it.

The loss of thesetwo keyfigures oftheassociation hascreateda flurryofdiscussion,debateand memoriesacross socialmedia, making itobviousto see that the world oftheinland waterways has sadly lost twoofits very greatest advocates.

Biofuel, ShannonCruising,Banagher. PHOTO:TOURISMIRELAND/RICHARD WATSON

ApitstopatStopham

Spinning awebof intrigue: autumn spiders

Anorbwebsuspendedacrossthevegetationatthecanal’s edge.Elasticityofthematerialallowsformovementwithout breakingifthewindisblowing. PHOTOS:

ByKevinThomas

BargeBeagle –sniffingout goodfindsforcrews withcanines

ByAlisonAlderton

STOPHAMBridge, designated asan AncientMonumen spansthe RiverArunsome 2.5miles(4km) west of Pulboroughin West Sussex.Now closed to vehicles,it standson aquietandpicturesquelane leadingtoTheWhite Hart gastro pub and, just acrossthebridgeitself,the entrancetothe StophamHouse Estate.

n nt,

The Saxons arebelieved to havebuilt thefirst bridge at this location butthe presentstonebridgedatesfromthe early 1420s.Thecentral span wasdestroyed duringthe EnglishCivil Warand was laterreplacedbyawoodendrawbridge allowing access to sailingbarges navigatingthe river.

The Arun Navigation wasopenedin 1787andthedrawbridge,replacedbya higher navigationarchin1822,allowed Sussex bargesmeasuring70ftinlength by almost13ftinwidth to pass with their mast loweredtoreachNewbridgeWharf, theterminus just west of Billingshurst. In 1816the WeyandArun Canalwas opened,connectingthe navigation at Newbridge via theRiver Weyto the Thamesandthe nationalinland waterwayssystem. StophamBridge wasbadlydamaged by military vehicles inthe Second World

AUTUMNisprobablythe best monthfor seeingspider webs alongourtowpathsand surrounds, mainlybecause themorning dew visuallyenhanceswhat would normally be an almostinvisible web. Ourmostcommonorb web spidersarethe garden spiders, sometimes referredtoas‘autumn spiders.’ During my earlymorning SeptembertoOctober canalwalks alongthe stretchoftheK&Ainthe west countrynearDevizes, the shrubbery,fences, gates, moored boatsand muchelse areinvariably festoonedwiththese glistening orbs hanginglikesparkling diamond necklaces.

The spider species responsiblefor thisdelicate architecture belongto theAraneidaefamily. When Itookthe photosused to illustratethisarticle,I didn’t go outofmyway tophotograph theactual spiders because Iwasmore interestedintheir webarchitecture. Nevertheless,their websareabsolute featsofnaturalengineeringassome of my photos wellillustrate. Reading uponthem,I learnedtheyonlytake aboutanhourand ahalftobuild oneofthesebeautifularchitectural marvelsof nature, andthe name orb-web derivesfromthe beautiful circularshape.

acrossandwrapsthe prey tightlyin silk,tostopany furthermovement. Thereafter,itfinishestheexercise with avenomousbite. Humans, however, need not fear because garden spidersare completely harmlesstous.

The lifespanof agardenorb weaveris about12monthsandthe femalelaysher eggs,encased in afluffysilken cocoon, during late summerto autumn.The eggcocoon is attachedtofoliage.Spidersilkis incrediblylightweight,and asingle strandof silklongenoughtostretch allthe wayaround Earth would weighlessthan500gofsugar.It’s alsoasstrongasKevlar, the material used to make bulletproofvests(The WildlifeTrust). The commonorb webspiderisgreyish-brownwith adistinctive whitecross pattern onitsback. Perhaps, nexttime you see adew-ladenorb web, lingerfor amomentand marvel atjusthow fascinatingnatureis.

theautumn sunshinefromthe wooden deckingareainthe pubgarden overlookingthe riverand vowedto return.The White Hart Inn,however, iscurrentlyup forsale so if youwant toenjoytheexcellent cuisine served inthisgastropub youhad best hurry alongnow!

Warbut waslater repairedand vehicles crossingitwerecontrolledin each direction by trafficlights. The tailbacks ontheA283 at busytimesnecessitated theconstructionofareplacementbridge which, locatedjust100ftupstreamofthe oldbridge,was finally completed and openedin1986. Havingarrivedbycarandenjoyeda Usefulinformation: TheWhiteHart PulboroughRoad Stopham WestSussex www.thewhitehartpulborough.com PulboroughPaddles www.pulboroughpaddles.co.uk

shortwalkalongtheArun valley, Barge Beagle wasreadyfor aspotoflunchat thishistoriclocation.The16thcentury WhiteHartgastropub,nestling beside theeastbankoftheArun,affords greatviewsof StophamBridge and, aslocated withinthe SouthDowns National Park,isapopular pitstopfor tourists.Takingupseating on alarge deckingarea, oursmallgroupenjoyed atastymeal(theploughman’slunchis highly recommended) washeddown withfine wineand Sussex Alewhile BargeBeagleeagerly tuckedintohis ownlunch,a largebowloffresh water andthoroughlyenjoyedthefussmade overhim by the staff!

As this wasprobably going to be ourlastalfrescomeal beforethe winter setin, we lingered,enjoyed

Happily repleteafter ourfinelunch, wewere lucky enoughto seea pairof paddlersinkayaks appearfromunder the navigationarchoftheoldbridge. Just downstreamofhereisthesiteof Pulborough Paddleswherecanoesand kayaks areavailableforhire.

Ithinkthat BargeBeaglemay have thisdoggy-earmarked as afutureouting –watchthis space!

Constructedfromgroundlevel up to aheightofabout 2m,the websaremade with oneintention only:to catchfoodbyway ofsmall flyinginvertebrates.Afterthe web hasbeenconstructed,extreme patience by the spideristhe key to success, asit sits waitinginthe middleofits web. If it suddenly feelsthevibrations caused bya struggling insect,the spider hastens

Moorednarrowboatsmakefor idealorbwebanchorpoints asiswellillustratedbythis webspunaroundthecontrol leveron anarrowboat.

Aplayonbirds

KENNormanhasbeen acontinuouscruiseronNB Daedalus since December2021.Hehasworkedvariouslyas abanker,training consultant,groundskeeperandcomedypromoter.After afewhours cruisingeachdayKenenjoyscreatingthesefrivolouscartoons‘APlay on Birds’.SeemoreonInstagram:@play_on_birds

Highly recommendedploughman’s lunch.

TheWhiteHart,Stopham. PHOTOS:ALISONALDERTON

KEVINTHOMAS

EnjoyinglunchatTheWhiteHart.

Canalclosedfor 15 months

THEeasternsideofthe Forth& Clyde Canalisclosed to navigation between locks3 and16until March2026to allow for lock gate replacement and maintenance.

Lock gates at fivelocks –7,9,11,14 and16– will be replacedduringthis majoroperation,which willallowa thoroughinvestigationofthelocks themselvesandother repairand maintenance work.

Locks3–16 sit betweenthe Kelpies and Falkirk(locks1and 2are thesea locksgiving accesstothecanalfrom the FirthofForth andtheRiver Carron, withlock1Asitting at thefoot of the Kelpies).The canalremainsopento navigation westwardsfromthe Falkirk Wheel. Boatersmoored at the Kelpies were giventheopportunitytorelocate duringtheclosure.

Thecanal hadpreviouslybeen closed to navigationbetweenlocks 3and16 earlierthis year when boat movements were suspendedbecause ofinsufficientwater supplies.The lowwaterlevelsalloweddetailed underwater inspectionsduringwhich significant issueswereidentifiedwith the gates at lock11inCamelon, Falkirk. Furtherinvestigation hasrevealed seriousproblems withotherlocks in this section.

The Forth& Clydewas asourceof controversy from itsfirstconception, whentwoschemeswereproposed: acanalto carrygoodstoand from Glasgow,orthe creationofa commercial routebetweenthe Forth estuaryintheeastandthe RiverClyde inthe west.Thelessparochialview won.Constructionofthe canalstarted inthe eastin1768underengineerJohn Smeaton.The lineofthe canalcrossed unstablegroundandthelockswere constructed on pitch pine timber

Leakylockgatesonthewestern sideoftheForth &Clyde.Shortterm repairshavebeenmadeat somelocks. PHOTO: JONATHANMOSSE

rafts.Wooden floored locksare notunusualbut it’s rare to findthe timbersrunning underthelock wallsforadded stability,asisthe case here.Some ofthetimber floorsare in poor condition, with significantholes. Whiletheseare relativelyeasily repaired,the conditionofthetimberhidden beneaththelockwallsisunknown.

IWAdiscussions with Richard Millar,Scottish Canals’chiefoperating officer,revealedthat whilefundingis inplaceforthelock gates,money still needstobefoundforthecostoftheir installationandtocoverany issues uncoveredasworkisunder wayon thishighlyunusualconstruction. Theextendedclosureofmorethan ayear hasbeenimposed because of thisconsiderable uncertainty. Currentdivinginvestigations canonly determinethe extent of lock-related works andthe stateofthevisible sectionsofthetimberflooring.

Scottish Canals hasbeenin touch with TransportScotlandto demonstratethatnavigationisa public ratherthana privatebenefit and thereforedeservesfinancial support from government. This positionis supported by RYAScotland,the LowlandCanalsAssociationand the IWA. The IWAagreesthatthe Scottish Governmentshould recognisethe valueof navigationtothe publicasa generalprinciple,together withthe valueofthe Forth& Clyde Canalasa sea-to-sealink.

Scottish Canals hasjoinedthe IWA’sFundBritain’sWaterways,a coalitionoforganisations representing thousandsofusersand supportersof theinlandwaterways campaigningfor anincreaseingovernment funding andpromotionofthe hugeeconomic, environmental and well-beingvalue providedbythe canalsandinland waterways.AsSue O’Hare, chairof IWA’sNavigationCommittee, said: “… The circumstances surroundingthe Scottish Lowland Canalsareunique buttheneedforfundingisuniversal.”

Those familiarwiththe Lowland Canalswillrememberthe campaign by Keep CanalsAlive(anallianceof

TheKelpies10celebrationsincludedpipersandpipebands, Clydesdalehorses(theinspirationforsculptorAndyScott’soriginal design)andaneveningconcert. PHOTO: SCOTTISHCANALS

TheheadofBellatheBeithir,centrepieceoftheartworks commissionedbyScottishCanalsfortheStockingfieldBridgesite.

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

AwardnominationsacrosstheLowlandCanals

canal-relatedorganisations)which urgedScottish Governmentfunding ofthe repairsneeded to thebridges at Bonnybridgeand Twechar. Serious issues with bothbridgeshadeffectively closedthe canal.The campaign,which sawsupportfromlocal authorities alongthe canal,MSPs and the public, culminated in anextra£1.6millionto repairthebridgesand reopenthe canal.

The Forth& ClydeCanal,finally openedcoast-to-coast in July1790, is atributeto bothcontemporary engineeringprowess andthe restorationworkundertakenaspart ofthe Millennium Linkproject,when the canalwas restored and reopened in2001.Animportantpartofthe originalvision behindtheproject, and the National Lotteryfunding,wasthe canal’sroleasatransit canal,allowing leisurevesselstomove between Scotland’s eastandwestcoasts.Aswe approachthe25thanniversaryofthe canalreopening, we shouldremember that 25 yearsisgenerally seen as the usefullifeof alockgate. There are39 locksacrossthe canal’s34miles,few ofwhich have received significant attention sincethe reopening.

THEteam responsiblefor Kelpies10 hasbeen shortlistedfor anational awardrecognisingthe bestcouncil events team intheUK.

FalkirkCounciland Scottish Canal’sKelpies10 event, celebrating the10thanniversaryofthe Kelpies sculptures,has been shortlisted forthe Best Events Team –Council Awardatthe2024 National Outdoor EventsAssociation Awards.These annual awards recogniseexcellence intheUKeventsindustrywithan awardsceremonyattheend of November.

Kelpies10tookplacein Aprilthis year at Helix Park,Falkirk, celebrating the Kelpies’impactonthelocal communityand Scottishheritage. The eventwas enjoyedbymore than 10,000visitors. Sinceopening, the Kelpiesand Helix Park,through which runsthe Forth&Clyde Canal, have seen morethansevenmillion visitorsandearnedtourism awards.

Headingwestalongthe canal, Make It Glasgowhasbeen nominated fortheGlasgow Times CommunityChampionAwards2024 fortheArtsChampionoftheYear (North West). The awards celebrate everythingthat’s greataboutthecity andits people.Thewinners of each heatgothrough to afinaljudging, all

to be announcedatthegrandfinal in December. Make It Glasgowisacommunity interestcompany(anot-for-profit business)establishedbyartists LouiseNolanand RuthImpey who were, alongsideartistNichol Wheatley, responsiblefor Bellathe Beithirandhercolourfultiles, one oftheartworkscommissionedby Scottish Canals to surroundthenew bridge at StockingfieldJunction. Alsonominated for aCommunity ChampionAward,thistimethe EnvironmentalChampionofthe Year(North West)isHamiltonhill Claypits Nature Reserve. Running betweenFirhill andApplecross basinsontheGlasgow Branchofthe Forth& Clyde, thenaturereserve is amuch-lovedgreenspace just north west of Glasgow city centre, giving accesstonatureandamazingviews ofthe city.Theareawas part of the industrial hubcentred on the canal andthe sourceoftheclayused to seal thisbranchofthe canal. Firhillbasin wasoriginallycreated forthe storage andtransport oftimber,with several sawmillsinthearea.Applecrossbasin isthecurrent siteofScottish Canals’ headquarters,andthelocationofthe 18thcentury workshopsthat once formedtheterminusof thecanal.

TheClaypitswereofficiallyopenedtothepublicin2021.Seenhere arefunders,partnersandGlasgowCityCouncilelectedmembers celebratingwith atreeplanting.

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

Lock16atthestartoftheFalkirk

Lock 9ontheForth &Clyde,locationof asinkholein thetowpathearlierthisyear. PHOTO:CALLUMFREW

DaysOut- York

Ourseriesisdedicatedtoshowcasinguniquedaysoutnearspecialcanals. Whetheryou’reintogongoozling(watchingboatingactivities),leisurelytowpath walks,wildlifespotting,boattripsorevenretailtherapy,ourcanalsystemhas somethingforeveryone.Thismonth,we’reshiningthespotlighton York,with closelinkstothewaterwaysand acitycentrethathasplentytooffervisitors.

BySallyClifford

FROM its impressivewallstoits magnificent minster,Yorkisacity embracedbyhistory. Fascinating chaptersdocumentthecity’sfoundation duringthemedieval period to its invasionbythe Vikingsin866and itsdevelopment down thedecades, making itoneoftheUK’smostpopular citiesfordaytripsor staycations.

In York thereisplenty to seeanddoall year round, butthishistoriccity really comesaliveatChristmas.

Settingthefestivesceneisthesightof75 alpinechaletspitchedupalong Parliament Streetand St Sampson’sSquare from November14to December22for York’s award-winningChristmas Market.

Crafts,artisanproducts andseasonal treatsarejusta flavour of thecreations onofferasvisitorsimmersethemselves inthefestivespirit by strolling through charmingstreets madeallthemore atmospheric by thecelebrations.

The Shambles,themosticonicofall York’s streetsand,possibly,oneof the

and wasbroughttolifebyskilled stonemasonsforwhomtheornateness andintricacyofitscreation must have beenalabouroflove.

city’s most photographeddestinations,is apparently also oneofthe best-preserved medievalshopping streetsin Europe. Meanderingalong itsnarrowcobbled street,theChristmasilluminations casting awarmandcosyglow, you get arealsenseofsteppingbackintime, passingpropertiescharacterised by their overhangingpresencewhichare continuingtheir purposetoserve.

In medievaltimesmeat would be tradedhere, buttodaytheshopping rangehas expandedwith boutiques, cafesandshopsamongthe many perfectplacesto purchase gifts and stockingfillersforChristmas.Central to thecity’scharacterful buildingsisthe mosticonicofall –YorkMinster.

BuiltonthesiteofaRomanfortress, there hasbeenanecclesiastical presenceherefornearly1400 years.

Thisimpressivecross-shaped ‘cathedralofthe North’ wastheoriginal visionofArchbishopThomasof Bayeux

Built between1080and1100,it formedthefootprintofthecurrent cathedral. The remainsofitstransept and nave walls,discoveredandexposed by archaeologists,can be viewed,along with many otherinterestingartefacts, intheminster’s undercroft museum showcasing2000 yearsofhistory.

DelvingdeeperintoYork’spast, thearchaeologicaldigduringthe mid-SeventiestoearlyEightiesinthe city’sCoppergateunearthedevidence whichprovidedawell-preservedrecord

ofthe VikingAge –a story nowtold throughthe Yorvik Viking Centrewhich wasestablishedonthesite40years ago. Withinthis world-famous attraction, visitorscan travel throughtimeona ridethrough reconstructedVikingagestreetsandexperiencelifein10th century York.Galleriesshowcasing Viking artefacts canalsobeviewed, givingagreaterinsightintothis fascinatingchapterinthecity’shistory. Furtherexplorationof York’s past canbefoundin awalk aroundthecity’s historic walls.Datingbacktothe 13th century,theyare understoodtobethe longestmedieval town wallsinEngland andthemostcomplete.Ittakesaround

Christmascomesto York.

PHOTO:MAKEITYORK

Visitorsenjoythefestivecelebrationsat York’sChristmasmarket. PHOTO: MAKEITYORK York’shistoricwallsbathedinanatmosphericglow.

PHOTO:MAKEITYORKAN

remainingbuildingof YorkCastlein York. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

TheimpressiveFossBarrier protecting Yorkfromfuture flooding. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD

TheShamblesin Yorkis

PHOTO:MAKEITYORK

twohours to navigate thewalls, measuring3.4kminlength,givingan overviewof someofthecity’sfinest buildings,includingthefour main fortifiedgateways’ ‘bars.’

Taking abreakfromthe busyness ofthetown,the serenityofthe RiverOuseprovidesthe perfect escape.Flowing 60milesfromYork to Gooleandthe RiverHumber, thisimportantwaterwayispopular withpaddleboardersandtrip boats. Woodlands, andMillenniumBridge, thefootbridge builtin2001 spanning the RiverOuseand popularwith cyclistsandwalkers,are someofthe sights to seeandexplore.

Meetingthe RiverOuse, the River Foss opened as anavigationin theearly19thcentury.In1987the installationofthe Foss Barrier was anecessaryresponsefollowingthe floodsin1982.Whenthe RiverOuse ishigh,the16.5 tonne gateislowered toforma seal withthe riverbed and

preventwaterbackingupfromthe Ouse andinto the Foss.

Just as York’s wallsprotectthecity fromthepasttopresent, the Foss Barrierisfulfillingits important flood prevention roleintothefuture. Althoughnolongerindemandfor commercialtransportation,it,like many waterways, continuetoserve apleasurable purpose.

It wasthearrivalofafasterform of overlandtransport –thetrain–that ledtothedeclineincommercial traffic alongthe canals.TheNational Railway Museumin Leeman Road, York,celebratesthehistoryofthe railway whileshowcasingsomeof itsiconiclocolegends.Interestingly, the museumispartofafive-year project –Vision2025 –involving a£55mtransformationofthe National Railway Museum,York, and Locomotionin Shildentobecomethe World’sRailway Museum.

So let yourjourneytoYorkbegin….

FACT FILE:

Thingstodonearby:

McArthurGlenDesignerOutlet York: www.mcarthurglen.com

CastleHoward: www.castlehoward.co.uk

NationalRailway Museum: www.railwaymuseum.org.uk

SuttonBankNationalParkCentre: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

BeningbroughHall: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

DalbyForest: www.forestryengland.uk

EllersFarmDistillery: www.ellersfarmdistillery.com

HollywoodBowl &Golf York: www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk

PigletsAdventureFarm: www.pigletsadventurefarm.com

LittleSkipwithCarriageRides: www.littleskipwithcarriagerides.com Visit York: www.visityork.org

The TowpathAnggler

Ourmonthlylook at theanglingscene

ByDavidKent

HAVING reportedseveraltimes over the pastyearonthefrustrations(puttingit mildly) my clubcolleaguesand Ihave sufferedtryingtofind some sort of resolutiontothenumerousproblems caused by theexcessive flooding since 2022Iamdelightedtosay that,just inthe last week, therehas been some significant progress.Whetherthisis dueto my ongoing pressureoncertain organisationsorwhetherit would have happenedanywayI cannot say– butthe resultis IamhappiernowthanI have been inallthat time.Clearly,thereis still muchto do butenoughhas been achieved inthisshortperiodoftime tohelp rebuildtheconfidencein our membershipwho were beginningtotalk withtheirfeet.Fingerscrossed that we cannow get thewholeproject overthe line very soon.

Lastmonth Ispoke aboutthe presentationgiventoCRTCouncil settingout the findingsofthe Boater Satisfaction Survey.Interestinglylast week my wifeand Icalledinourlocalfor a‘swifthalf’and gotinto aconversation with anothercouplewho,I know, have owneda narrow boat forsomeyears. Imentionedthe survey inwhich, apparently,theyhad participated. It wasa reallyinterestingconversation and Iwas able to learnfromthem aboutthe boaters’perspectivegenerally. Onething we all agreed on wasthat it definitelyneedsa fullycollaborative approachtoensurethat theoutcomes fulfil as many of theprioritiesidentified by the survey butalsothat the approach takenisbalancedinordertoensure that no sector becomesdisadvantaged and, very importantly,that duecareis affordedtotheecology and,indeed, the whole waterwayenvironment. Allthe major eventsarenow pretty muchdoneand dustedforthe year.It seemsall were highly successfuland those takingplaceon ourcanals were particularly good. All credittothe organisersandthe venues themselves.

On thesubjectofevents,Iwas talkingthe otherdaywithacoachwhoconfirmed he hasbeenverybusy. Interestingly, though,hesaidhe wasgettingbetter andmoreconsistent turnoutsforhis coachingeventsthanhewasforthe junior matcheshe runs.Hewasunsure whythiswasalthoughhe believesthat costplays abig part.Hewentontosay that someoftheadultswho bringthe youngsters seethe sessionsas afree babysittingserviceand becomequite

abusivewhenitispointed outthat, in orderto maintain arequiredsupervisorto-participantratio theadultsare expectedtoremain withthe youngster. The strangeweathercontinuesto reallyaffect fishing. We have hadhigh pressure since beforethe last fullmoon andthereisa widelyheld view that thisis suppressingcatches virtually everywhere.Wherever you look,theonly decentsport to be hadisonlycomingin thelastcoupleofhoursofdaylight. Even on amatchon my localcanal 10 days or so agomanyanglers hadpackedup biteless. Thosewho satitoutdid catch afew rightatthedeathandtheeventual winner putmorethan10lbofbreamon the scales. By contrast, agood friendwho livesnear Sheffieldfished onthe canal at Stainforthon Sundayand caught102 fishand went home very happy.

My ownrecentformhas been up anddown,tosay theleast.Havingbeen pretty busy Ihaveonlymanaged to getout at weekendsonclub matches. Thankfully Iseemtobeable to catcha fewwhateverthe venuebutnotenough although Ihavepickedupa coupleof sectionsalongthe way. Whenfishing oncommercial venues in recentweeks Ihavenoticedmanyanglersarealready deployingwinter tactics. Thisgenerally meanslightertackle,littleornofeed and smallerhookbaits.

It isnowdarkbefore5pm so evening sessionsareeffectively overuntilthe spring. Even so,ifyou canfishthe last coupleofhoursofthe afternoonthenI believefish arethere to catch. The “old faithful”maggotiscoming into its own asthe go-tohookbait.Itdoes seem to be workingacrossall venues.That said donot ignoresweetcornas your bigger bait.Feedsparinglyandthefishshould move in at some point.

Althoughtemperaturesareremaining strangelyhighforthistimeof year make sure you wearan extralayer and,of course, takeyour flask.

Tightlines.

Newpartnershipwithproperty giantisthe right move!

ByLucy Wood

THE Canal&RiverTrusthas announcedanewpartnershipwith Rightmove aspart oftheUK’slargest propertyplatform’s sustainability initiative, Go Greener.

Rightmove ispledging£50,000 to supportthe trust’sEnvironmental Fund,which supportsenvironmental projectstoprotect and enhance its navigable waterways,ensuring cleaner, greenerspacesfor peopleand nature. Rightmove employeeswillalso be activeintheir owncommunities by volunteeringtheirtimeto help make thetrust’sworkpossible.

The CRT’sfundraisingdirector, Maggie Gardner,said:“Weare excited topartner with Rightmove, whose sustainability strategy aligns with ourvisionoflivingwaterways

that transformplacesandenrich lives.Ninemillion peoplelivewithin a15-minute walk of acanal,and workingwith Rightmove will help us make arealimpactfor natureand localcommunitiesnearwherepeople live.”

Jennie Barker,chief people officer at Rightmove,added:“We arecommittedtoprotectingthe environment andhelping everyone work towardsamoresustainable future. Thispartnershipallowsus to contributetotheprotectionofvital greenandblue spaces,whichbring so much valuetocommunitiesin Englandand Wales.

“Ouremployeesare keen to volunteerand getinvolved,supporting thecharity’sincredible work,and helpingtocreatecleaner,greener waterways foreveryone to enjoy.”

Anoverviewof York’sLendalBridge,designedbycivilengineerThomasPage,whoalsodesignedLondon’s WestminsterBridge. PHOTO: MAKEITYORK

Thecity’simpressivearchitectureisamongthe manysightstosee. PHOTO: MAKEITYORK

ChildrennexttotheMallardattheNationalRailway Museum, York. PHOTO: ELEANORBENTALL

The WetWeb

ByHelenGazeley

Alreadythinkingaboutwheretocruisein2025?

Howabout exploringthelesser-known canalsnorth of Birminghamand maybewinningatrophy?

The Birmingham CanalNavigation Society’s 24-hour marathonchallenge hastakenplace almostannuallyforthelast25 years,but datesback tothe1960s.Itsintentiontoday is just asit was50 years ago–toencouragecruisingofthelesser-used stretchesofthenetworktohelp keepthemopen and navigable.

JonPegg, who hasorganised thechallenge for three years,iskeenformoretotakepart. “The eventsuffered thedoubleknock of theprevious organisers retiring and then Covid,” heexplains. “BeforeCovid about35boats ayear tookpart. Last yeartherewere25. We’rehopingfor 30this year.” It’s agameof strategy andplanning. Several monthsahead,participants receive scoresheets giving themiles,locks andbonus rating foreach sectionofthe100-mile BCNnetwork, as wellas maps,canal guidesandthefinal destination, and canplottheir route.Contingencyplanning is recommendedtoo,incaseofastoppage ortoo longaqueue at alockflight. Weightingisgiven to differentboats,toironoutadvantagesgained

Boatsgatheringforanafternoonof festivitiesatTiptonStablesattheendof lastyear’s24-hourmarathonchallenge. PHOTO:BCNS

by size, andthis year boatswitha deeperdraught willalsogainextrapoints, withthe intention of encouragingvesselsthat will help againstsilt. Then, over theMay Bank Holiday weekend,

participantslaunchinto 24hoursofsustained (speedlimits strictly observed)cruising, to garneras many pointsas possible over a30-hour period (six

Lastyear’smascotBarneytheDinosaur,readyfortransfertoa passingparticipatingboatatRydersGreentoplock.It’sallpartof thefunandnotalwaysBarney.“Oneyearwehad apotofnoodles,” saysJon. PHOTO:BCNS

hours’ rest must be taken). “Itprobablyputsmore boatsonthenorthern reaches than most other times,” says Jon. “You cantell by the reactionof thelocalsthat theydon’t get many visitors.”And theWalsallCanal,inparticular,iswherethose determinedtowinshouldhead.“Thereare weeds andlowdepthandlockscan bequiteawkward, butyou canscoreuptofourtimesmorepoints ontheWalsall.”

It'snotreally aboutwinning, though. “The mainthingisthe camaraderie,” says Jon. Once youarrive at thedesignated endpointaround 2pmon Sunday,jollifications runforthe rest of theafternoonand winnersofvarious categories receivetheirtrophies.“It’s competitive,butthere is alot ofhelp between boats. It appeals to awide bunch,” says Jon,who hastakenparthimself. “Somegroupsbringfriendseach year. There are continuouscruisers,family groups,prominent BCN members. No one careswho you areorwhat your boat is.”

Additionalpoints canbeacquiredthrough takingphotos,findinganswerstotreasure hunt

questionsanddecoratingyourboat. “Some people go to greatlengths,” says Jon, recallinga fabric sharkinstalledinabow.Othersjustputup bunting. “Werewardanyonewho makessome effort,”headds.

In fact,you couldwin atrophywithouttravelling very far at all –aminiature trolleyisawarded to the boat that brings inthelargesthaulofrubbish scoopedupalongthe way.

Foraflavourofthe event, takealookatCruising the Cut’svideos Nos. 301and302,inwhich David Johnstakespart inlast year’s event(www.youtube. com/@CruisingTheCut).Despitethe senseof jeopardythevideosengenderinthesiltier sections ofthe Walsall Canal, Jonsaysreassuringly: “Everybodymadeitback. The eventismeantto be achallenge butnot putyou indanger.”

Formoreinformation,visitthe BCNS website: bcnsociety.com/bcns-marathon-challenge or perhapsyou’d likeamoreleisurely approach to this year’s cruising?If so,takea look at the society’s Explorer Cruises,whichescortgroups of narrowboatstohiddengemsofthe BCN.

Heritageunderthehammer

GeoffCourtneyreportsonpricesachievedbyrailwayana memorabilia at specialistauctionsinrecentmonths.

CANALS,inland waterways, lochs andlakes,andthe NorfolkBroads, were afavourite themeof postersand carriageprintsissuedbythe ‘Big Four’ railway companiesGWR,SR,LMS and LNERinthe post-Groupingera between1923and1948,andalsoby BR afterthe railwayswerenationalised in 1948.Theywere oftenthe work of someofthecountry’stopandmost respectedartists,andas suchthose thathavesurvived have gaineda following amongmanywaterwaysand railwayanacollectors.

Leadingthe recently sold selections wasanearly1950sBRposterofBristol’s

Loch Awein Argyllwasthe subjectofa railwaycarriage printissued byBRin1956 thatwentunder thehammer for£90ata saleheldby GreatCentral Railwayana onSeptember 7. PHOTO: GREATCENTRAL RAILWAYANA

Clifton suspensionbridge andthe adjacentRiver Avon by Leslie Wilson that sold at GreatCentral Railwayana auctiononSeptember7for£750,while followingat£320 wasa1956 BR poster byWilliamDouglasMcLeod(18921963)featuring Loch Shiel west of Fort Williamanditsshoreline Glenfinnan Monumenterectedin1815.

Athirditemofartworkinthe sale wasaBR1956carriageprint of Loch AweinArgyll, whichat25milesis Scotland’s longest freshwater loch.It wasthe work of James McIntoshPatrick (1907-98),whois regarded by many as thecountry’s finestlandscapepainter

Abidof£65 securedthis1928 Bradshaw’sCanals andNavigable RiversofEngland and Wales. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

ofthe20thcentury, and soldfor£90.Also inthe auction wasa GWRcastironnotice warningagainst ridingbicycleson thetowpathwithout apermitthat went underthe hammer for£120.

The canalia/railway combination wasalsoinevidence at acollectors’ auctionheld by LacyScott &Knight of Bury St Edmundson August 23,

whena carriage printfeaturing an expresstrain beside acanal wasamonga collectionoffour such printsthat sold asa singlelotfor£30.

Thetrain, hauled by aLondon &North Western Railway 2-4-0 locomotive, is passing anarrowboatnamed Sarah that is cruising on acanal parallel withthe railway.It waspaintedbyC Hamilton Ellis(190987),andthelocation identified ontheprint isnearthevillage ofBrinklowinWarwickshire, indicating that Sarah isontheOxfordCanal.

Paperchase Auctions continued thetheme at itsquarterly postaland emailsalethatranfrom October14-29, whenaBRMidland Region Eden Valley postersoldfor£160. It wasthe work ofleadingmarine artistClaudeBuckle(1905-73),and depicted acoupleadmiring theview ofthe windingriverfrom abridgeand afishermanbelow.

Thisauctiondidhowever, buck the postertrend, with aBradshaw’s Canals and Navigable Rivers of Englandand Wales handbookthat went to anew homefor£65.CompiledbyHenry Rodolphde Salis,itcomprised no fewer than455pagesand amap,was first publishedin1904and subsequently in1918and1928,andit wasthelatest

versionthatwas sold by Paperchase. Hillingdon-bornde Salis(1866-1936), spent11years researchingforthe book, travelling14,000milesonhis steam yacht Dragon Fly

The pricesquotedexclude buyer’s premiumof15%(+VAT)atGreat Central, 22.5%(+ VAT) at LacyScott& Knight, and12.5 %atPaperchase.

ThisBRposterpromotingthe Eden ValleyinCumbria,featuring asightseeingcoupleanda fisherman,soldfor£160ata two-weekPaperchaseauction thatendedonOctober29. PHOTO: PAPERCHASE AUCTIONS

JonPegg’s Vulpes passingMoorcroftJunction.Thisisthesiteoftheproposed restorationoftheBradleyArmand abonusphotoopportunity. PHOTO:BCNS

Apassageintime

Curdworthtunnelisof anarrowbore. PHOTO:TIMBARTLETT –CCBY-SA2.0

There’smoretotunnelsthanmeets theeyeonourcanalnetwork.John Soutercontinueshisnewseries, exploringthewondersofour extensiverangeofcanaltunnels

TO FACILITATEthe efficientworking ofthe canalnetwork, around 42milesoftunnelswere constructedinEngland and Wales,ofwhich abouthalfarestillopen. Thisismorethanthe combined lengthofall other canaltunnelsin

the worldanddoesn’t includetheextra approximately47miles ofunderground canal at Worsleyaspartofthe Bridgewater Canal. As wellas583locks, 2963bridges and 337 aqueducts there arealso55tunnels,

ranginginlengthfrom just 25 yardstomore thanthree miles, along the2000-plusmilesof ourinland waterways. Let’stakea look at this month’s offering…

Nethertontunnel–

DudleyNo 2canal: 3027yd, started1855 andopened1858. This wasthe last significant tunnelto be builtinthe Industrial Revolution canalage and wassignificant for havinggas lighting

installed,aswellas twin towpaths.The gaslightingwaslater changedtoelectricin 1915 butthe tunnelis nowunlit.A significant consequenceof having thislightinginstalled wasthat 24-hour passagethroughthe tunnel waspossible. Another benefitof twintowpathsand good lighting wasthat thehorsesdrawing the boatsthroughthe tunnelcould see where theyweregoing andtow ropesdid notneed to be adjustedwhen boats passed eachother. Seventeenshafts were sunkforthe constructionofthe tunnelandeightof thesewereleftafter construction was finishedtoprovide forventilation.The air ventsalongthetopof the tunnelareknown locallyas ‘pepperpots’ duetotheir shapeand oneofthese‘pepper pot’ air ventsisactually inthemiddleofAston Road roundabout. It has beenpossibletoviewall ofthese‘pots’aspartof the Netherton Pepper

PotTrail.

The tunnel hasa 17ft navigable width andis parallelto the Dudleytunnel beinglocated underthesame ridge, butunlike Dudley,whichis narrow anderratic, duetoadvances inengineering techniquesNetherton is wideand straight and tookonlythree years to digasopposed to Dudleywhichtookeight years.Asatestament tothesurveyors and buildersthe tunnelis alsosostraightthatitis only amaximum of1in outofperfectalignment alongitsentire length. It isbricklined throughoutandtook atotalof23million bricksand53,000cubic yardsofpuddlingclay, with half amilliontons of rock spoilbeing removed.

Du ri ng its construction18men were seriouslyinjured andtherewerenine fatalities.Ofthese, five were hit by skips falling down theshafts,with one workerfallingdown

Yourchancetowriteto usonanytowpathtopic: Towpath Talk,POBox99, Horncastle,LincsLN9 6LZoremaileditorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk

Wasteof resources

Dear TowpathTalk, We have recently returnedhome afteranextendedcruiseonour narrowboat Dart.

In August Ireceived anemail from aCRT licence support advisor askingmetomoveonas(andI quote),“itlookslikeyourboat mayhavebeenmoored inthesame generalareaformorethan14days. Pleaserememberthat whenyou’re cruisingyou should beon themove every14days”.

During theprevious14days we hadcruised from Stourportto Gloucesterthen on to Sharpness andbacktoGloucester.Adistance ofalmost80miles,orfourtimesthe required annualmovementfora continuouscruiser.Atnotimedid we overstayonamooring. In fact, we couldhavestayedfor14 days at someofthemooringsites butonly stayed for24-48hours.

In themeantime,two boats on the Upton-on-Severn pontoon mooring, which hasalwaysbeen a48-hour mooring, were moored

ashaft,onedrowning inthe sumpwater, and twowho were hit by rocksthatfellduring thetunnelling. Because ofthemany minesalreadyinthe area,workonthe tunnel wasdifficult and alotofnecessary strengtheningaddedto theoverallcost. It wasforthis reason that afteritsopeninga specialtunneltollwas chargedtohelp recover theextraoutlay.When passing through,it should bepossibleto see chainage(distance) markersstillvisibleon theeastern wall.

Thetunnel was closed in1884for repairsto asectionafter it hadbeen damaged by subsidenceandit subsequently reopened

whenwecamedownriverand were stilltherewhen wewent back up(i.e.–overtwo weekslater). One wasoccupiedbysomeonewho seemedtohavetakenup residence. WhyisCRT wastingresources chasing thewrong people? Idon’t thinkit hasmoneytowaste.Itis alsoveryannoyingata time when the charity needsall thesupport it canget.Iemailedthelicence supportadvisortoaskforan explanation. Ididnoteven get the courtesy of anacknowledgement. Is itanywonderthat boaters give such alow rating toCRT?

Graham Myatt

Overfiringmulti-fuel stoves

Dear TowpathTalk, Readingthearticle by BenSutcliffeDavison gettingyourmulti-fuel stovereadyforwinter.I madea simpleoverheatalarmusinga roomthermostatand abattery that soundeda sirenifthe wind gotup overnightandthe stove overfired. It wasquite sensitivetoa small rise inthe temperaturenearthe stove and gaveyou thechancetoshut the stove down beforeitgottoohot. It istricky to setanairflowto keepthe stoveinovernight, and toaccountforthe wind getting up.Theobvious solution would be that astove’s airflowiscontrolled by thestove itself. Food for manufacturers’ thoughts. Kind regards TerryRittey

on April23,1885. Two hundred yardswas reconstructedtoa larger dimensionand because ofthis awarning gauge isfittedatthe tunnel mouthtopreventa falseimpressionasto theactualsizeofboat that canpassthrough andthereby avoid boatsgetting stuck inside.Both portalsof thetunnelwereGrade IIlistedin1987. On anothernautical note,the Netherton area hasatradition ofanchorand chain makinganditwashere that oneoftheanchors forthe Titanicwas cast whichneeded ateam of24horsesto towitby boat outofNetherton!

Curdworth tunnel–Birmingham &Fazeley

Canal (subsequently partofthe BCN): 57yd long, completed in 1789. This wastheonly purpose-built tunnel onthis canalandisof anarrowborewitha towpathwhichallows accessthroughthe tunnel,although at one end subsidence has meantthat thewater levelisoftenthe same heightasthetowpath! Rather oddly,despite beinganarrowtunnel with roomforonlyone boat topassthrough at atime, thereisanotice at theentrance saying ‘pleasekeepright’! Unlikemanytunnels thisoneisalsoopento canoesandunpowered craft.ItwasGradeII listed in December 1995.

RiverCanalRescue –thefirst25 years

ByPhilPickin

IT ISalmost25yearssince River CanalRescuewaslaunched, so to mark thissignificant anniversary, we askedStephanie Horton, boss ofthe Stafford-based business, howthecompanybegan,and what thefutureholds…

TT:Couldyoutellusaboutyour background, particularlyin relationtoengineering?

SH: After my kidsstarted school Ioptedtoreturnto educationandcompleted afoundationdegree in engineering, andwon an award as Ihit over90%grades.

Ithen appliedtoanumber ofuniversities,including Bruneland Loughborough, and wona scholarship with Loughborough,achievinga 2.1 inelectromechanical power engineering(theonlygirlon thecourse).

Ialsocompleted asandwich yearand wonthe SirSiemens Medal recognisingtop engineeringstudents.

AfterIleftuniversity,Trevor, CEOofRCR,kept having arecurring dream about launchinganinland waterway breakdownandemergency assistancecompany,andas Ihad afewmonths betweenstarting at Alstomasan application engineer,wespent thetime developinghis businessidea.

Whilethis wasgoing on,I startedatAlstomand made anamefor myselfin power (qualityof oursupply).

Iwasheadhuntedbyboth LEMandERAasaconsultantin London –travellingaround the worldto investigateand resolve powerquality.

In 2007, Ieventuallymoved toheadupRCR.It’sworth mentioningthat my granddad wasaship’s engineerand my dad hadmehandinghim tools

and gettingmyhandsdirtyfrom anearly age. WhenTrevandI firstmet,westarted and rana custom motorcycleshop. So, as you cansee,I’vealwaysbeen involved inengineering.

TT:Did youhaveany involvement in thewaterwayspriortoRCR?

SH: Trevor’s friend boughta boat in1997,andtheyboth went outonit.

On his return,ittranspiredwe were proudownersof awooden ‘captain’spinnace’havingpaid £800.Itwasfittedwithanold Anglianpetrolengine.

It wasduringthefollowing monthsof renovation,and when outontheTrent, Trevor questionedwhat didother people didwhentheyhadissues with their boat –wasthereanything likethe AA for boats? It isfrom therethat theideaof RCRgrew.

TT:Whatwasthe reactionfrom thewaterwayscommunitywhen youstartedRCR?

SH: Everyone saidthat it had beentried beforeand wouldnot work –therewasaninsurance companyoffering£250 cash towardsexpenses,there was CBass –anassociationof boat buildersthatwould attend callouts…butwas setupto support eachotherandcosts couldbe reallyhighand wait timescouldalsobedays.

SamatFoxton handledmost calloutsandtravelledacrossthe country.

TT:Howdifficultwasitto recruit theengineerswhenyoustarted?

SH: Thiselementwasnot difficult;asanew company offeringtrainingand support, it wasnot achallenge.

However, ittookus alongtime to get thenumbers needed to actuallypayforengineers,sothe directorsofthecompanywere theones outonthe roadforthe firstfew years.

Lookingforward

NABOgeneralsecretary PeterBraybrook commentsonsome moretopicalissues.

BY THEtime my writtenword makesitintoprint, youwillbe reading this in late-November orearly-Decemberand no doubtlookingforward to Christmas. The TV will be full of retrospectives andrevues ofthe eventsofthis yearand

TT:I seefromthewebsiteyouno longerruntrainingcourses.Whydid youdecidetostopofferingthese?

SH: We stoppeddoing these in2019as we recognisedthat runningthematthe weekendand takingtwo engineersoffthe road wasnotfinanciallyviable.

This turnedout to be agood decisionasCovid hitthe following year.However,wearerelaunching these (weekdaysonly)from our Stafford base from January. We arealsooffering engineer training, asthere is alackof trainingspecificallyforthe inland waterways,andtraining forinsurers, asthereisa lack of understandingabout life onthe waterways,the supportneeded andissuesthat resultinclaims.

TT:Wouldyouliketo outlinethe otherservicesRCRnowoffers andwhatwasthemotivationto offerthem?

SH: We offerengine servicing, because many peopledonot have access toengineersorknow whototrust, with aguarantee and setpricing, givingcustomers peaceofmindthat the work is carriedoutto aspecificleveland is somethingtheycanafford.

We alsoofferengine inspection,providingcustomers withanunbiased reportonthe work needed ontheirboat. We get lots of requeststoprovide theseservicesonnew purchases too, as we focusonelementsthat keepthe boat moving,whichis notalwaysincludedinasurvey.

CanalContractingwas developed to offercustomers access toengineeringfacilities nationwide –itdeals withissues outsideofbreakdowns witha guaranteeand asingle pointof contact. KeyDieselsis aseparate armtoRCRandoffers asupplyof engines, gearboxesandinjection systems.Bilgeaway,the world’s firsttrulyenvironmentallyfriendlybilge filter,has hada slowstart,andCovid stoppeda

to 2025…

Iwonderwhether you will be looking forwardorbackward, withrespect to your boating experiences.

Theinitialoptimismthat accompaniedthechange of governmentinJulyhasnow evaporated with abudgetthat didnotcontainanythingthat wouldindicatethatthe battle forfunding ofthewaterways is won. In fact,thetreatment ofcharitiesandadditional burdensonthemindicatesthat the Canaland RiverTrust will actually be furtherconstrained asit hastogetused tothenew employmentframeworkand perhapstheremoval of some VATexemptions.Now,itisnot just inflationand areducing DEFRAgrant that willimpact theamountofmoney available forcoremaintenanceofthe canalsand rivers,so‘cash strapping’ is sadly goingtoget eventighterthan before.

Costreduction

To reduce somecosts,the trustisoffloadingsome ofits

lotofpromotion.We’ve notreally hadtheopportunitytoreally driveit; anamazingproduct whichis still waitingtoget off theground.”

TT:Howdoyouthinkthingswill lookinanother25years?

SH: We areaverytech-focused company; ourdatabase, rolled outin2002, wasstate ofthe artandistheenvyof many companiesthat visitus.

We’reintheprocessoflooking forward and workingwith new initiatives,AIandother systems to makeourservicesinteractive and supportive.

We’reworking withcompanies

todevelopnewtechnologies, anddevelopnewenginesand propulsionmethodsthat don’t relyonaninfrastructurewe’re neverlikely to getfunded. We train ourengineersonalltypes ofnewtechnologiesand will develop servicesand systems needed to supporttheseinthe future, withoptionstochange membershipcoverinline with customers’needs.

We also hope to be rolling outacoastalversionof RCR and have otherinitiatives,yet to be finalised,that will better empowerboaters, suchas remote enginemonitoring, onlinevideos

andhow-to guides.Right now, we’refocusingonensuringour membershipserviceisexclusive andunrivalled,andthat people want to jointo becomepartof aclubwithadditional benefits, andnot just because of the breakdownand rescue service we offer.

We’reevenlookingat insurance,andif we canoffer customers better support andproducts.Manycurrent suppliershavebeenboughtout, andwith so muchmovementin theinsurance market,boaters could be infor somechangesto policiesandcoverage.

is being disposedofwhenit returnsinexcessof10%in incomefrom rents.

property portfolio.Bythetime thisis published,itsholdings at SharpnessDocks will have gone underthe hammer.The propertyportfoliowasgiven to thetrustto provideincome toenableitscorecharitable

We have been told that the salehas beenthrough rigorous teststoensurethat itisinthe best interestofthetrustand the reserveprice willensure inexcessofmarketvaluewill be achieved. However, like

“Itappearsthat more and more arenow resorting to shortercruises orcruises in arestricted area.Therehas been some analysisofthe boat movement data which we arelookingforward to unravelling.”

objectives to be achieved. Maintenanceof navigation is,ofcourse, oneofthese. Maintainingand safeguarding heritage isanother. NABO haswrittento the trusttoexpressdisquietthat aheritage assetsuchasthis

many offersinthecheaper supermarkets,onceit’s gone its gone. The canalsideheritage will be in thehands of thosewho no doubt will seedevelopment potential ratherthat heritage considerations.

AGM

NABO’s annualgeneralmeeting isheldinNovember andwewill be looking back overthepast year. Part ofthis will be areview of canalusage and adiscussion onthefutureuse of canals.

Theextreme weatherand otherproblemsthathave plaguedthe canalsand river in recentyears have ledtoboat ownersusingtheir boatsin differentways. Many have found itimpossibletoplan along cruisebecause ofthe possibility that theywillbestopped by an infrastructurefailureinsome wayorother.

It appearsthat more and moreare nowresortingto shortercruisesorcruisesin arestrictedarea. Therehas beensomeanalysisofthe boat movementdatawhich we are lookingforward to unravelling.

FundBritain’sWaterways WestminsterCruise

Oneplannedcruisewilltake placenextyear. FundBritain's Waterwaysisplanninganother cruisetoWestminsternext May. Thereare somewho will

be makingthis averylong cruisefromthe very northof theconnected system in North Yorkshiretothe Thamesviathe IWACavalcadein Little Venice London at thebeginningofMay. It ishoped therewillbe aflotilla of boatsundertakingthiscruise andholdingpublicityeventsen routeto keepthefundingtopic inthe public eye.

Lookingforwardto2025 Personally Iamplanning another foray intothecanals of BirminghamandtheEast Midlandsnextsummer.Looking backonthisyearwereallyenjoyed ourtime we spentinthe West Midlandsand feel that we have notexplored theeastas much as we could. So we areplanning to visitthe Nottinghamareaand maybethe Erewash Canalas well, beforereturninghomevia the RiverSoar. Whatever you are planning Ihopethat youhavea relaxedandenjoyabletime.That iswhyweboat, isn'tit? Iwish you averyhappy Christmasand aboating full NewYear withhopesthat you arenoticed-inonthe New Year'scruise!

RCR’smanagingdirectorStephanieHortonshowsoffthecompany’s2025calendar.

“Ilove ourdrafty house andourheftyheatingbill.” (saidnoone ever)

There’sanother way. Choosefreedom, together with Aquavista.