Towpath Talk - August 2019 - Preview

The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users

TTOWPATH TO

112 PAGES

Issue 166, August 2019

TALK

FREE

NOMINATE YOUR TOP TEAM

P4

AROUND THE REGIONS: Sean McGinley

P15

PONTY CELEBRATIONS

The Bude Canal, spilling out from its mighty lock gates on to the golden sands of Summerleaze Beach, is the start of a new Cool Canals series featuring a towpath journey from Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland. See page 106. PHOTO: MARTINE O’CALLAGHAN

Boat numbers soar on London’s canals

THE number of boats on London’s canals has reached a record high, new figures have revealed.

Boat numbers in the capital have increased 84% since 2012, from 2326 to 4274 in 2019, according to the Canal & River Trust – which looks after waterways including the Regent’s Canal, Grand Union Canal and River Lee.

P23

BOAT PULL ON TV

P24

BOAT REVIEW: TIMELESS P66

BOATS FOR SALE Turn to

On the beach

P73

New city mooring

The figures come from the trust’s annual boat count, which also shows that boats without a home mooring in London have risen 246%, from 638 in 2012 to 2208 this year.

CRT is implementing a programme of improvements in a bid to keep up with demand. The trust invests millions of pounds each year to ensure growing

FOURTEEN new visitor mooring rings have been installed just above the Belgrave Lock on the Leicester Line to the north of the city. This location is ideal for access to the National Space Centre and the Victorian pumping station, as well as several supermarkets, but there were previously no moorings for boaters as the towpath is edged in stone on this section of the navigation, with no rings or bollards. The original footpath from the lock through to the local facilities is currently blocked by a residential construction project, but this is nearing completion and it should soon be reinstated.

Summer safety

numbers of people can continue to live on, work on, or visit the waterways in London, spending more than £67,000 this spring and summer on improvements such as increasing the number of mooring spaces, water points and bin facilities.

Last year, due to the unprecedented popularity of boating, the trust published its London Mooring Strategy, following

CANAL & River Trust is working with Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service and Mel Goodship, whose son James tragically drowned in Lower Foulridge Reservoir in 2014, to highlight the dangers of swimming in open water this summer. James’ family will unveil two new throwlines and safety signage boards, and a rescue demonstration will take place on the reservoir.

Summer is one of the most popular times for people to visit Britain’s canals and rivers, but they can get into difficulties after jumping in to cool down. Of the 400 people who drown in the UK every year, more than half the fatalities happen at inland waters, says CRT.

consultation with boaters, boating groups and local authorities, among others.

It outlines a range of ongoing initiatives to help manage the increasing demand for mooring spaces, improving facilities and balancing the needs of everyone who uses the capital’s waters.

Ashby invitation

• Continued on page 2

HISTORIC boats are welcome at the Shackerstone Festival. There is still time to register for the event, which takes place over the weekend of August 31-September 1 on the Ashby Canal. The Ashby Canal was still in use for commercial carrying until the 1970s and ’80s, through the efforts of Ashby Canal Transport.

It is appropriate therefore that historic commercial boats continue to use the canal. It’s said that the Ashby Canal is shallow, but dozens of deep-drafted boats get up there every year, so test your skill and take part.

Contact Geoff Pursglove on ashby.canal@outlook. com for details and an application form.

2 NEWS/COMMENT

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

WELCOME

Don’t miss out! Get 12 copies delivered to your home for less than £1 a copy

AUGUST is traditionally the silly season in the media when serious news dries up as everyone heads off on holiday.

It’s the same at Towpath Talk as it seems every boater and their dog is out on the cut, enjoying our beautiful waterways while the days are still long and, hopefully, the sun is shining.

But one snippet of news, which reached me courtesy of the Canal & River Trust press office and website, will surely reignite the debate about priorities and what your licence fees are being spent on.

Possibly inspired by Auto-Sergei or some other ‘bot’, Well-B features on a new advert, which you may have already seen on TV, aimed at raising awareness of the waterways among the millions who live within 1km of a canal or river.

The hustle and bustle of busy city streets drain its energy and the well-being monitor dips to a flicker before being recharged by the water.

I wonder how much this cost to produce? Personally I prefer the dog.

Don’t forget you have until the end of August to nominate a team of deserving volunteers for our Towpath Talk Top Team award for 2019. We are getting some great entries in so don’t miss out on this opportunity to show your support for your favourite team. Turn to page 4 or complete the nomination online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk

TOWPATH

TALK

Janet

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk

Assistant editor Sarah Spencer sspencer@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – tshaw@mortons.co.uk Advertising sales representatives Chris Heaton – cheaton@mortons.co.uk Aiste Davydove – adavydove@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams, Luke Medler Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm. help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Advertising Tel: 01507 524004. Fax: 01507 529499 Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd. Tel. 01507 523456 Next Issue – August 22, 2019

Record number of waterways achieve Green Flag status MORE than 300 miles of Canal & River Trust waterways have achieved Green Flag status.

The Erewash Canal, Grand Union Canal at Hanwell, River Lee at Stonebridge Lock in Tottenham, and 41 miles of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Yorkshire have, for the first time, joined the likes of the Kennet & Avon, Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals which have retained the quality mark.

Green Flags are awarded to the highest quality parks and green spaces in 18 countries around the world, and this award recognises that canals and their towpaths also offer great places to relax,

The Erewash Canal has achieved Green Flag status for the first time.

Volunteers from the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association, who help care for the canal, also recently won a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

take some exercise, escape for a while and get close to nature. It also confirms that these waterways have the highest possible environmental standards, are well maintained and play an important role in the local community.

Julie Sharman, chief operating officer at the Canal & River Trust, said: “I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone who works or volunteers with the trust, including everyone out on the network who does their bit to make them such special places – picking up the odd piece of litter or making a donation to the work we do. Credit for these Green Flags really goes to them as well.”

Green Flags awarded directly to the Canal & River Trust: Chesterfield Canal 44 miles Erewash Canal 11 miles (first time award) Grand Union Canal, Hanwell Flight 1 mile (first time award) Regent’s Canal, Mile End 1 mile River Lee,Waltham Lock, Cheshunt 4 miles River Lee, Stonebridge Lock 1 mile (first time award) Shropshire Union Canal (Middlewich to Audlem) 22 miles Lancaster Canal (Bilsborrow to the Lune Aqueduct) 19 miles Macclesfield Canal 26 miles Peak Forest Canal 12 miles Bridgwater and Taunton Canal 14½ miles Kennet & Avon Canal 87 miles Montgomery Canal 8 miles Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Yorkshire) 41 miles (first time award) Pocklington Canal 9½ miles Ripon Canal 2½ miles

Oldest canal is sold at auction

By Sarah Spencer

BRITAIN’S oldest canal has sold at auction for £255,000.

This exceeded the guide price of £200,000 for the important 11-mile stretch of the Fossdyke Navigation between Lincoln and the River Trent.

Auctioneers Acuitus confirmed the sale had taken place, at the Montcalm Hotel in London, however the buyer’s identity has not been revealed.

Auctioneer Richard Auterac said this was one of the few times that the firm had dealt with the sale of a lot that was as unusual as a canal.

He added: “There was substantial interest in the property ahead of the auction, and this resulted in strong bidding in the room.”

According to the auctioneer’s description: “The property comprises

11 miles of canal waterway as well as the canal towpath.

“Known as ‘The Channel and Navigation of the Fossdyke Canal’, it runs between Brayford Pool in Lincoln city centre to Torksey, some 11 miles to the north-west, where it joins the River Trent.

“The canal is believed to be the oldest man-made waterway in the UK, having been constructed by the Romans in AD120.”

The navigation is let to the Canal & River Trust for a total 894 years, which began in 1846 and will finish in 2740, bringing in the owner £9570 in rent each year.

A CRT spokesperson said: “Our existing lease on the Fossdyke remains in place and has 721 years left, so we look forward to managing the navigation into the future so that it can continue to

The Fossdyke Navigation is believed to be the oldest man-made waterway in the UK. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON be enjoyed by local communities and visitors alike."

Property developer Mike Testler, who had owned the canal for 15 years, was disposing of it to reinvest some of the money in ‘animal welfare’, according to the BBC. Evidence for the Romans building the waterway includes a statue of the god • Continued from page 1

Independent publisher since 1885

Conditions Editorial is accepted subject to availability of space, and editorial policy on content and insertion cannot be guaranteed.The publishers retain the right to edit material submitted. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy through accurate and clear copy, but the publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.

Independently proven pick up: 34,450 copies

See page 14 or call 01507 529529

The capital’s Regent’s Canal is one of the waterways having to cope with record numbers of boats. PHOTO: CRT

London and South East regional director Ros Daniels said: “The canals in London are pretty amazing places.

“We used to say they were a hidden treasure in the capital, but now that’s less and less the case, with increasing numbers of people discovering them.

“More people and more boats does put increased pressure on existing facilities and space, so it’s important that we keep adapting to make sure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the waterways.

“For example, we’ve made tens of thousands of pounds of improvements in the last few months alone which have been designed to make the experience of living on or visiting the waterways just a little bit easier.

Mars, which was recovered from the water near Torksey in 1774 and is now on display in the British Museum.

After the Romans left, the canal fell into disrepair until it was improved in 1121 in the reign of Henry I and was used to transport stones for the construction of Lincoln Cathedral. It continued to carry commercial traffic until the 1970s.

“This is alongside the money we generate and invest to make sure the canals are open and continue to improve.”

She added: “The canals are a great part of London life, like linear parks weaving through the city.

“They’re an antidote to the busy city, a great place to slow down and relax.

“Boating is such a brilliant way of life, but we always remind people to do their research before considering a life afloat. It’s hard work, almost like having a part-time job, with plenty of hidden costs.

“Our advice is to only buy a boat if you’re ready to embrace the lifestyle.”

The full London Mooring Strategy, with a detailed breakdown of the improvements, can be found at canalrivertrust.org.uk/ londonmooringstrategy

3 NEWS

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Sankey project fears over power station closure

By Sarah Spencer

THE future of the Sankey Canal restoration project has been thrown into doubt following news that the Fiddler’s Ferry power station is to close.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has announced that its last coal-fired station, near Warrington in Cheshire, is set to close on March 31 next year.

This means the water the power station supplies to the southern section of the Sankey Canal cannot be

guaranteed, according to the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS).

The power station, which has dominated the Merseyside skyline for almost 50 years, is now in the process of being decommissioned and under no legal obligation to continue supplying water to the Sankey Canal, said the society’s chairman Colin Greenall.

This could result in the seven-mile section of canal from Bewsey Lock in Warrington to Spike Island in Widnes drying up unless an alternative supply

can be found quickly.

The power station opened in the early Seventies and in 1979 agreed to supply water free of charge to the newly partially-restored section of the Sankey Canal, which prior to then had lain derelict since its abandonment in 1963.

The seven-mile section of canal involved was to form part of the 15-mile Sankey Valley Linear Park that stretched from St Helen’s to Widnes.

The southern section of the canal also forms part of the Trans Pennine

Fiddler’s Ferry Marina with Fiddler’s Ferry power station in the background.

Plea to boaters to respond to red diesel consultation THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is appealing to boaters and boatyard operators to respond to an HMRC consultation following the announcement that private pleasure craft in the UK will be prohibited from using red diesel.

It is about the likely timescales required for implementing the change and follows the statement in the spring budget that HMRC would

seek evidence on the impact of the Government’s proposal to comply with the judgment made last year by the European Court of Justice.

IWA met with HMRC officials late last year, along with British Marine, the Cruising Association, and the Royal Yachting Association; with all four boating representative bodies putting the case that a change to using white diesel would create insurmountable problems

for boat users and the industry.

The implementation of the ruling would mean the end of the use of red diesel for any leisure boating. While red diesel could continue to be used for heating, it would have to be in a separate tank, and there would be no dispensation for any proportion of fuel used by the engine for generating heat and light.

Commercially operated boats

Spike Island moorings.

Trail that connects Southport on the west coast to Hull on the east coast using old railway lines, canal towpaths and other pathways for use by cyclists and walkers, etc.

Colin said: “This situation is causing great concern to all who use the canal, from the boat clubs at the two marinas, to the local anglers, wildlife organisations and of course the Sankey Canal Restoration Society, as well as local people who use the canal as an area of recreation.

“Halton Borough Council is planning to partition off the 400-yard section above Spike Island Locks in order to preserve the moorings it provides for West Bank Boat Club, where hopefully run-off water from the Mersey Gateway Bridge will help to keep the canal topped up.

“The Marina at Fiddler’s Ferry and beyond to Bewsey Lock will have to rely on the small Callens Brook feed which enters the canal below Bewsey Lock; this may or may not be sufficient depending on weather conditions.”

He continued that Halton Borough Council had stated it was committed to restoring the canal within its boundary, and Warrington Borough

Council was looking at ways of reconnecting the canal to its original water supply, the Sankey Brook.

Colin added: “In the meantime the future for the canal does not appear to be good, but who knows, this problem may be the catalyst that is needed to inspire local and central government into finding funds to finance the reconnection of the original water supply and even further funding for restoration of other parts of this historic waterway, England’s first canal of the industrial age, opened in 1757.

“The Sankey Canal is one of the bestkept secrets on British waterways.”

A spokesperson for Halton Borough Council said it “remains committed to the canal”.

The spokesperson said: “While this will undoubtedly set us back we will continue to work towards a restoration. We are working with other councils and with other agencies to try to resolve the water issue.

“We are also talking to stakeholders such as SCARS, angling clubs and our resident boat club. We will also being meeting with SSE to explore all options.”

would still be able to use red diesel, as would residential boaters with proof of fixed moorings, but boats without a home mooring who are continuously cruising would be required to use white diesel.

IWA considers that it is not practical for most boats that use the inland waterways to have two tanks; that inappropriate modifications would raise safety concerns; and that many diesel suppliers would simply not supply both red and white diesel due to the costs of installing additional equipment.

This change may encourage people to take measures that could adversely impact the environment and safety, such as increased use of generators in confined spaces or spillages from

containers of fuel purchased away from the waterways.

IWA is also concerned that the increased costs faced by both boat owners and boatyard operators will make an already expensive pastime unaffordable to some existing boaters and to many potential new boaters.

It is taking up the offer from HMRC for further meetings during the consultation, and encourages all boating organisations, boatyards, diesel suppliers and boat owners to respond to the consultation and provide evidence of the practical implications of the proposals.

The consultation runs until September 9, 2019 and can be found on the Government website at www. gov.uk

4 NEWS

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

‘Top Team’ has day boat treat in store THERE is still time to nominate your ‘Top Team’ of 2019. The closing date for entries to Towpath Talk’s popular awards is August 31 – leaving plenty of time to consider who might deserve the accolade.

Whether it’s through restoring a canal, looking after a stretch of towpath, manning a community boat, creating wildlife habitats or helping to preserve historical structures, we never cease to be amazed at the amount of sheer hard work, organisation, hours of time and determination to get things done that a vast array of volunteers are willing to

devote for the benefit of us all – and now is the time to give some of them a little extra recognition.

Last year’s winners following the judges’ final and readers’ vote were the Avon Navigation Trust’s Mobile Volunteering Team, who benefited from the generous sponsorship of ABC Leisure Group Ltd, which is once again a feature this year.

ABC Leisure Group Ltd is offering our Top Team winners the hire of a day boat carrying up to 10 people, which can be taken from any of the following locations: Alvechurch, Aldermaston,

The comfortable interior of a day boat means an enjoyable trip is not weather dependent.

Anderton, Whitchurch, Blackwater, Gayton, Goytre or Hilperton.

To nominate your number one, either complete the form on this page or online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk Meanwhile, assistant editor Sarah Spencer takes a closer look at day boating with ABC Leisure Group Ltd, the prize awaiting our Top Team of 2019.

IF YOU are a person who has quietly yearned to explore the ‘secret’ waterways of Britain but been nervous about taking the plunge, then hiring a self-drive day boat could be a way of dipping your toe into the water to find out if it’s for you.

Alternatively, perhaps you have a special occasion coming up such as a birthday and are looking for a truly beautiful and memorable way to mark it with close family and friends – a day boat for up to 12 people could be the answer.

Or maybe you just fancy getting the kids and the dog away from it all into Britain’s stunning countryside for a fun, active and educational trip back to less hectic times – whatever the motivation, a day out on the inland waterways could cut the mustard.

ABC Boat Hire’s day boat operation offers a chance to take in the breathtaking sights of waterside villages, towns and other attractions from a unique viewing point, and

An ABC Whitchurch day boat on the Llangollen Canal.

PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES according to the firm’s marketing and sales director Haley Hadley – once a liveaboard boater – it’s “relatively easy” to set off on your travels.

“No experience is necessary,” said Haley. “People are shown the boats and a safety video and children and anyone else who wants one are given a lifejacket.

“They are shown the controls and how to operate them and they don’t go off until they are happy to do so.”

ABC offers 11 day boat start locations across the waterway network, with Anderton Marina (Cheshire) the most northerly – a local feature being the famous Anderton Boat Lift – closely followed by Whitchurch Marina and Blackwater Meadow, both in Shropshire.

Furthest south are Farncombe Boat House (Surrey), Hilperton Marina (Wiltshire) and Aldermaston Wharf (Berkshire).

The company’s Welsh base is Goytre Wharf, with the canal running through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and scattered around the middle are Alvechurch Marina (Worcestershire), Gayton Marina (Northamptonshire), Union Wharf (Leicestershire) and March Wharf (Cambridgeshire).

It was my pleasure to take a look around Alvechurch Marina on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal – the most popular of all ABC’s locations.

Of course your choice of starting point will be influenced by where you live, but depending on how adventurous you are you might also take into account the number of locks en route.

To me the locks are an essential ingredient of the canal experience, but for anyone who just wants to watch the world drift by, to save the locks for another time, or is unable to tackle them for other reasons, Alvechurch would be a great place to begin.

There are two recommended routes – either north to Hopwood or south to the top of the famous Tardebigge flight – both straight lock-free cruises.

Day boat hire is from 9.30am to 4.30pm – but don’t get the idea you will be tearing up any trees; ‘speeding’ along at less than four miles an hour, life on the canals is always leisurely.

The Hopwood route takes an estimated 4.5 hours, travelling through a 2726-yard tunnel, over an aqueduct and past the Bittell Reservoirs, which

were built by the canal company and completed in 1837 to feed the canal and compensate local mill owners for water loss during construction.

Highlights of any canal holiday are the traditional waterside pubs, and this route passes the Hopwood House Inn, which is a great place to moor up for a break and a leisurely lunch.

The Tardebigge journey takes you through two 500-yard tunnels and you will also pass Hewell Grange Prison, a lime kiln dig out and see views of St Bartholomew’s Church on the hill.

There is a turning point at Top Lock, which is a good place to moor up for a picnic before heading back to the marina.

In contrast, Hilperton Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal offers a six-hour route featuring seven locks.

“Some people come with picnics, some prefer to go to the pub,” said Haley.

Food preparation on board is also an option.

At Alvechurch I was shown around the day narrowboat Away Day, which can carry up to 10 people.

It has a WC and a galley with crockery, etc., a two-burner hob, grill and sink. It also has a fridge – for the all-important bottle of wine or beers. If the weather is not on your side, there is indoor bench seating, as well as an outdoor area with a partial roof and a table.

Marina manager Richard Houghton enjoys seeing the change in people between them turning up in the morning and going home at night.

“Some people arrive quite apprehensive,” he said. “We get them out on the water and by the time they have had their handover they are excited.

Sometimes not having locks to deal with is a relief. Usually they come back and have really enjoyed it and would like to do a weekend.”

Having learnt the basics of boat handling, many really get bitten by the canal bug and book for a weekend or more. Holiday boats are generally longer to incorporate bedrooms and bathrooms, etc., but, according to Haley, are not a great deal more difficult to handle.

Prices for an ABC day boat start from £99.

Away Day at Alvechurch is well-equipped and can carry up to 10 people.

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

IN BRIEF Volunteer crew appeal

Appeal for funds to complete Stafford link A narrowboat passes the point where the Sow Navigation left the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. The remains of the turnover bridge can be seen at the end of the overflow weir. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

By Les Heath

AFTER more than 10 years of planning, hopes are now high for boats to reach the centre of Stafford for the first time in 80 years.

The Stafford Riverway Link, the organisation working to restore a navigable route to the town, has already made great efforts towards this goal but has now had to launch a fundraising campaign to take the project further.

A lock and basin once linked the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal to the River Sow, which was navigable to Stafford and work is well under way to restore the basin, which was filled in during the 1930s.

The link’s chairman, Ivor Hind, has appealed for fundraisers and work party volunteers to join in the campaign which he describes as “an exciting opportunity” for Stafford and one which could eventually inject £200,000 a year into the local economy.

The one-and- a-half-mile branch was

opened in February 1816, linking the town to the canal network, but by 1927 trade had fallen and it was abandoned and became derelict.

A lock, the brickwork of which was still visible in the 1970s, took boats from the canal down a 6ft 6in drop to the River Sow, which was canalised.

A lock keeper’s cottage and turnover bridge at the canal junction have also disappeared.

An overflow weir now marks the spot where the navigation joined the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

The Sow Navigation terminated at Greengate Bridge near the centre of Stafford where there was once a busy coal basin. This was filled in around 1930 but it is hoped that the route can be reopened to this point.

Anyone wishing to help with the renewal of the basin near the canal junction is welcome to join the work parties at the bottom of Baswick Lane.

The next is from Thursday, August 15 to Saturday, August 17.

Beyond the overflow weir, work is progressing to restore the basin and an information board has been provided for passers-by.

The basin showing the extent of the restoration. A lock once carried the waterway from here to the River Sow.

CHESTERFIELD Canal Trust is appealing for volunteer crew – no experience necessary. The Chesterfield Canal Trust runs two tripboats – John Varley II cruises from Tapton Lock, while Madeline cruises from Hollingwood Hub. Both boats run during the week and at weekends. There are lots of jobs for the crew, including operating the locks, looking after the passengers and steering the boats. If you would like to help, leave a message on 01246 477569 or email johnvarley@chesterfieldcanal-trust.org.uk or madeline@ chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk

Cavalcade cut short

THE IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade will go ahead on the first weekend of May next year. There was some discussion about whether it would take place on its traditional weekend at the start of May, after the Government decided to move the early May bank holiday from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8 in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. However, unlike previous years, London’s largest annual waterways festival will be celebrated over two days, rather than three, running on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday 3. The theme will be Celebrating 200 Years of the Regent’s Canal.

Prizes for writing

CHESTERFIELD Canal and North Notts Industrial Heritage is the theme of a writing competition. The North Notts Writing Competition is back with more categories and more prizes but there’s not much time left, with entries closing at midnight on July 31.

Categories include story (£300 prize) and poem (£100 prize). A children’s section is on the theme of inventions and offers a prize of £100. To enter, or for further competition rules, go to the website www.nnlf.org.uk or email competition@nnlf.org.uk. All entries must be previously unpublished.

Tank theft fears

The site of the lock keeper’s cottage which has been excavated to show the original layout.

The bridge in the centre of Stafford which was the limit of navigation. The new council offices on the right stand on the site of the old brine baths and opposite was a coal basin. It is hoped that this will again be the limit of navigation in the future.

LIVES were put at risk by thieves who stole fuel tanks from York Rescue Boat, writes Geoff Wood. Volunteers arrived at the mooring to discover that both fuel tanks had been stolen overnight. Spokeswoman Rachel Lacy said: “This put our lifeboat out of action for several hours, potentially risking lives if the craft was required for an incident.”

6 NEWS

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Excitement builds as awards shortlist is ‘whittled down’

By Sarah Spencer

FINALISTS in the prestigious 2019 Living Waterways Awards have been announced by Canal & River Trust.

These awards shine a spotlight on the amazing work done by individuals, communities and organisations to make life better by water by creating vibrant, thriving, living waterways.

Past winners have come from the voluntary, environmental, arts, heritage, engineering and architecture sectors, reflecting the many different projects that are transforming canals, rivers, lochs, lakes and reservoirs.

Included on the shortlist of 19 is Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s (LHCRT’s) Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve/Lichfield Canal Restoration, successful in the Learning and Skills category.

The full list of finalists is: Aston Nature Reserve, Montgomery Canal Claverton Pumping Station, Kennet & Avon Canal Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve/ Lichfield Canal Restoration, Lichfield Lugg Wetland Project, Herefordshire Maidenhead Wa t e r w a y s , Maidenhead Marple Aqueduct Muddy Waters children’s books New Chapter for Workboat Python, Chesterfield Canal New London Bridge Staircase,

The Learning and Skills section identifies the scheme/project that uses the inland waterway as a means to develop and increase knowledge and skills, and to raise awareness, involvement and understanding through either formal or informal learning.

Entrants also have to show how the scheme has provided wider social benefits, and/or led to improved personal development and employment opportunities.

Students from South Staffs College working at Fosseway Heath come from a number of disciplines.

One group, from the Rodbaston campus, studying Carpentry and Multiple Occupations, attends the site on Thursdays and Fridays.

Students from the Tamworth campus, studying Bricklaying and Multiple Occupations, attend on Mondays River Thames Pride of Sefton 2, Liverpool Reconnecting Sheffield, Tinsley Canal Recording Gwendolyn, National Waterways Museum River Thames Footbridge, Berkshire Saxilby Waterfront Project, Lincolnshire Stanthorne Breach Repairs, Middlewich The Ring, Worcestershire The Village Butty, London Young Curators, National Waterways Museum Youth Urban Games/Glasgow Canal Festival, Glasgow

and Tuesdays, with a further group of Engineering students on site on Wednesdays.

The college has found difficulty in finding places for these 100-plus students to obtain the necessary work experience for the courses they are studying and the opportunity to work with the trust on the restoration of the canal is a very rare and valuable outlet.

With volunteers from the trust’s own teams, added to those from the college, Queen’s Croft High School, scout groups and corporate volunteers, the trust has a diverse range of people benefiting from the upskilling the project provides.

The judges visited Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve and Wetlands to assess the transformation being carried out.

LHCRT engineering director Peter Buck escorted them round the reserve, where volunteers from several different organisations were engaged in a variety of activities.

The Living Waterways Awards are led by an independent panel of judges under the guardianship of Sue Wilkinson, CRT trustee, who said: “Whittling down a very competitive field to these 19 finalists was a tough job.

“Each and every project is making a difference to people’s lives and these awards continue to recognise and celebrate the immense diversity of activities that are drawing more people to these wonderful waterways and helping them to lead happier and healthier lives.”

The winners will be revealed at a celebratory dinner hosted by waterways champion, poet and raconteur Ian McMillan in Birmingham on October 10.

Students from South Staffs College benefit from on-site learning at Fosseway Heath.

Living Waterways Awards judges pay a visit to LHCRT. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Boat traffic returns to the Marple Lock Flight

By Colin Wareing

THE Marple Lock Flight recently reopened after being closed to through traffic since September 2017.

Problems with the lock chamber walls, first at Lock 15 and then Lock 11, caused the 20-month closure on the Peak Forest Canal.

Canal & River Trust supervisor Tracey Jackson said: “Big thanks to the wonderful army of volunteers in this area. Throughout the work, they have continued to keep this area looking lovely for visitors and have staffed the welcome station at the junction with the Macclesfield Canal. As the canal reopens for boats, we are expecting another busy summer.”

After it was found that the lock walls

of lock 15 had moved inwards, the lock was too narrow to allow boats to pass through.

Over the winter of 2017-18 the repair involved taking the walls down and rebuilding them. Some of the stone blocks had to be replaced with new stone sourced from a local quarry at Kerridge.

But within a few days of the lock reopening in May 2018, it was found that a similar problem had affected lock 11 on the flight and that too had become impassable for boats.

Despite the Canal & River Trust engineers’ best efforts, this lock and thus the flight was closed from June 25, 2018.

Over the past winter lock 11 was rebuilt in the same way as lock 15, again using new stones where needed

and was reopened again in time for the late May bank holiday weekend.

As the lock has been rebuilt, at least one of the new stones bears a mark left by the present-day stone mason who was involved in the work.

It looks like one of the stone masons involved in the work has left a traditional mark on one of the blocks he installed.

IN BRIEF Dog mess appeal

GRANTHAM Canal Society is appealing for dog owners to clear up after their pets following an incident when mess was left on the morning of a school visit. One person walked on ahead while their animal ‘did its business’ on the lockside – exactly where the children were going to stand. On another occasion a pupil actually stepped in something. “Our canal rangers team negotiated, cajoled and begged for five years to get a bin installed – barely 20 paces from these incidents,” read a post on the society’s Facebook page. Four bins have been installed, with a fifth planned on this South Kesteven section (Casthorpe Bridge) and the public are asked to ‘please use them’.

Lock wind shifts

Nb Anne Margaret descends the Marple flight through lock 11 on the day after its reopening. The crew said that even though they have a mooring at Ashton, the boat had a prolonged stay on the upper Peak Forest as they didn’t relish the idea of travelling all the way around the Cheshire ring and up through Manchester.

PHOTOS: COLIN WAREING WWW.COLINANDCAROLESCREATIONS.CO.UK

THE annual lock wind of the Shrewsbury District and North Wales Branch of the IWA is on the move. It will take place at Cholmondeston Lock, next to Venetian Marina on the Middlewich Branch, due to problems at usual venue Hurleston Bottom Lock.

Cholmondeston is one of the busiest locks in the branch area. It will be a two-day event on Friday, August 9 and Saturday 10. Plenty of homemade produce to sell is needed.

Raft race success

The crew of Nb Amy, pictured entering lock 11, had been cruising the canals on the western side of the country and are on their way to the boat’s home mooring at Huddersfield.

THE Chester Raft Race, in its 44th year, took place on the River Dee at the end of June, writes Geoff Wood.

This year it was run by Chester Rotary Club and Chester Round Table and more than 30 boats took part.

8 NEWS

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

UCAN winning war on Himalayan weed Sylvia enjoyed the friendliness of the canals on her Four Counties Ring walk two years ago. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Spare a cup of tea for charity walker Sylvia!

TOWPATH

TALK

BOATERS are being encouraged to offer support to a woman who is walking 145 miles along the Grand Union Canal in aid of two charities.

Sylvia Keris, from the Rotary Club of Eccleshall Mercia in Staffordshire, is undertaking the long distance challenge during August.

Two years ago she walked along the canal towpaths of the Four Counties Ring – a distance of around 120 miles, also for charity.

Despite some aches and pains, Sylvia is now planning to keep positive and undertake a longer walk: the length of the Grand Union Canal from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham to Little Venice near Paddington in London.

Sylvia is raising funds for End Polio Now, the Rotary Foundation’s worldwide vaccination programme, and for the children’s charity Buddy Bag Foundation – which provides essential clothing, toiletry items, and a comfort teddy bear in a backpack, for children in the UK taken away to safety from violent situations, often at a moment’s notice, with just the clothes they are wearing.

Sylvia will be walking an average of 11-12 miles a day, no matter what the weather!

On her previous canal walk there were a few mishaps – falling over twice and suffering cuts and bruises, and

GUARANTEE DELIVERY

From just £11.99 TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT01

enduring some days of torrential rain and very muddy towpaths, and other days of baking hot sun.

Sylvia said: “I would rather be wet and warm, than wet and cold – hence why I’ve planned to walk in August.

“And at this time of year the canal network is busy with more barges and boats and other walkers around, and I’ve always found people on the waterways are so friendly and relaxed – waving hello and being supportive of everyone along the canals.”

Sylvia is doing the walk on her own, although hoping some friends may join her on some sections.

The Grand Union Canal walking route takes in both urban and some very rural scenery: including areas near Solihull, Hampton on the Hill, Southam near Leamington Spa, Braunston, Northampton, Yardley Gobion, Milton Keynes, Tring, Kings Langley, Harefield Marina, Yeading and Little Venice.

There are also some canal tunnels that have no towpath running through, so Sylvia will have to take diversions en route.

She has organised overnight beds with the kind hospitality of different Rotary clubs along the way, and will on some occasions be “singing for her supper” by giving talks to club meetings at the end of her day’s walk. But by planning her daily stages and overnight stays this way, it means that 100% of all donations raised will be going directly to the two charities.

Sylvia added: “I have always found people on and along the waterways are very friendly and wave to me while I’m walking along, but if they are aware of my long challenge walk, they might like to watch out for me along the route and give a wave, or encourage me along with friendly words, a cup of tea, or cold drink, if I’m struggling at some stages.”

You can go to Sylvia’s online giving page http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/SylviaKeriswalk which will be updated with walk news and photos, as well as offering the opportunity to donate to her charities and leave a supporting message.

UPPERMILL Community Action Network (UCAN) is now seeing three years’ hard work pay off, with the Himalayan balsam weed well under control in some areas.

Nettles are flourishing in the viaduct woodland, with hardly any balsam near the canal, and there is nowhere near as much in the land near the stepping stones.

UCAN was also pleased to see that at least one of its bird boxes is now in use, as blue tits have been seen nesting in the woodland. Members are also hoping to construct a pond to further enhance wildlife diversity in the area.

UCAN volunteers took advantage of sunny weather to set about painting Dunge Booth lock gates and, weather permitting, were hoping to complete

this task over the next few weeks.

New members are always welcome and for anyone interested in getting involved the upcoming programme is as follows: Saturday, July 27; Thursday, August 8; Thursday, August 22.

All equipment is provided by CRT and you are recommended to wear stout footwear and suitable clothing for the weather conditions on the day.

The usual meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge on Moorgate Street.

Contact UCAN’s group leader Peter Killan on 01457 878361, or email peterkillan@hotmail.com for more details of the organisation’s work.

Anyoneinterestedinkeepingupdated on the group’s activities can visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/groups/1899154207069001/

Three years of hard work by UCAN volunteers has seen the invasive species Himalayan balsam much reduced. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

IWAI elects new president THE Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) elected its 19th president at its recent AGM in Naas.

Alan Kelly took over the helm from John Dolan, having served as vicepresident since 2016.

Previously IWAI’s public relations officer, Alan has been very active on Ireland’s inland waterways both at executive and branch level.

At local level, he is a member of IWAI Kildare and IWAI Royal Canal.

He served as secretary with IWAI Kildare for nine years during a time of great change and development for this very active IWAI Branch.

Alan has a passion for the inland waterways, especially the canals. He lived aboard vessels on the Grand Canal for a number of years and during this time experienced the strong volunteer ethos of IWAI and its members.

In 2013 Alan played a pivotal role in raising members’ concerns with the IWAI executive regarding the introduction of new by-laws for the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and River Barrow Navigation proposed

by Waterways Ireland. This led to the establishment of the IWAI Canals Action Group.

On a national level, he has coordinated the IWAI Canals Action Group and was a member of the local organising committee for the World Canals Conference held in Athlone, Co Westmeath, in 2018. During his

IWAI’s new president Alan Kelly with his family. PHOTO: IWAI term as vice-president Alan also managed IWAI’s child protection and Garda vetting portfolios.

In his address as incoming president, he spoke on the themes of the volunteer and the journey, linking them to IWAI activities at local, national and international level. He spoke of his desire to explore and develop the association’s social

media presence to broaden the net as a means to attract new members.

Also at the AGM Kay Baxter was elected as vice-president, having served on the IWAI executive since 2012. A native of Boyle, Co Roscommon, she has been an active member of IWAI Boyle River since 2009 and IWAI Carrick-on-Shannon since 2014.

NEWS 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Shropshire volunteers back in the groove SHROPSHIRE Union Canal Society volunteers are back in the groove now work has resumed on the restoration of the section of the Montgomery Canal between Pryces Bridge and Crickheath.

Activity had been suspended for three months to allow for the trapping and removal of great crested newts.

The remaining distance to be restored will link the newly completed winding hole at Crickheath, which is now in water, with the previously restored section at Pryces Bridge.

This 300-metre length is divided into four sections and work began on the first 75 metres at Crickheath, when vegetation in the channel was strimmed down to enable a final search to be made to remove the last of any creatures living there.

Two diggers were then used to remove a considerable number of tree stumps, some very

large, and then to roughly define the shape of the canal bed.

The next 75 metres were then given a preliminary strimming to reduce the height of the reeds and other tall vegetation to prepare for the next work party a fortnight later.

These two sections will later be surveyed to establish the precise depth of the channel and other critical references needed.

Following this a French drain will be installed along the middle of the channel bed so that ground and rainwater can be easily pumped out to enable final channel shaping to take place.

New volunteers area always welcome, details are on the Shropshire Union Canal Society website.

The Shropshire Union Canal Society has been involved with progressively restoring the channel of the Montgomery Canal since 2008.

Tree stump removal was difficult work at Crickheath. PHOTO SUPPLIED

LHCRT ‘keeps the faith’ THE future is bright for Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust – that was the positive message that came out of the annual general meeting after a year in which great progress was made despite some setbacks.

The trust has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the MBE for voluntary sector organisations – and chairperson Christine Bull paid tribute to the group’s own volunteers and contributions made by its charity partner TSB, the pupils of Queen’s Croft High School, the Foresters Scout Group and many corporate volunteers. She urged members to “keep the restoration faith”.

Engineering director Peter Buck outlined a rollercoaster year that included the creation of

the Gallows Wharf Garden of Reflection, which featured on BBC TV’s Britain in Bloom, the completion of the sand wharf at Summerhill and the work at Fosseway Heath, with the construction of a wetlands area and the completion of 350 metres of new wall.

Financial director Bob Williams revealed the value of volunteer management and labour had been calculated at £653,000, and the number of volunteers was equivalent to 10 people working every day of the year.

Guest speaker Peter Walker, head of technical support at CRT, concluded by saying that Lichfield and Hatherton were already carrying out his advice to all restoration groups: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

LHCRT engineering director Peter Buck (left) and financial director Bob Williams enjoy the hospitality at the Buckingham Palace tea party held for recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. PHOTO SUPPLIED

10 NEWS

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Ministries team member awaits new guide dog

By Les Heath

A REGISTERED blind boater, whose canine companion Oakley was the first guide dog to live and work on Britain’s waterways, is now waiting to be matched with a new boat dog following Oakley’s retirement.

Tracey Clarke, who suffers from optic nerve atrophy, and her husband Tim are part of the Canal Ministries network and, thanks to Oakley, have managed to fulfil their dream of cruising the waterways while helping others at the same time.

Following Oakley’s retirement Tracey was allocated another dog which turned out to be unsuitable, so the couple are now having to stay in the Birmingham area on their narrowboat Sola Gratia until a new dog is available.

The pair became involved in Canal Ministries after holding office in the Boaters’ Christian Fellowship and attending a Canal Ministries conference in Stone.

Tim said: “We bought the boat five years ago and we soon felt that we should do more than just cruise around. Now we are there for anyone who needs us.”

Tracey explained: “There is a crossover with the Waterways Chaplains, who tend to be land-based, and we work with

Tim and Tracey Clarke with their narrowboat Sola Gratia. PHOTO: LES HEATH several other agencies including the Canal & River Trust. While waiting for another dog we have had to stay in the Birmingham area and we hope that this eventually becomes our patch.”

Both brought up in the Church of England, they now have a leaning towards the Pentecostal Church for their personal worship. Canal Ministries team members are ready to help anyone in trouble on or around the waterways, lend an ear and help out in any practical way they can, and when Tracey gets her new dog the Sola Gratia ministry will be up to full strength.

Terry Waite highlights ‘wonderful’ boat project

By Phil Pickin

THE former Archbishop of Canterbury’s envoy Terry Waite, who was held hostage in Beirut for five years, named the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust’s newest narrowboat, Lady Winifred, at the Trevor Basin recently.

After spending 1763 days in captivity in Lebanon, he was released in 1991 and went on to become an author and lecturer on humanitarian issues.

Unveiling a Welsh flag to launch the boat, Terry said: “This is a wonderful venture, to enable people to sail on one of the most famous canals in the world.

“It shows that with a donation you can do an enormous amount of good for people who have difficulties.

Anything we can do to cheer up people in this world, which is so distressed at the moment, is worth it.”

A large crowd attended the ceremony, which was filmed for the local BBC news programme.

Terry, who recently turned 80, then took a trip on the boat on its first crossing over the nearby Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Formed in 1983, the VLCBT provides canal boat trips for the disabled and disadvantaged.

Terry Waite unveils the name of the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust’s new tripboat Lady Winifred, applauded by trust chairman Tom Lewis. PHOTOS: PHIL PICKIN Its first canal boat was Myfanwy, which was built at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead by the apprentices.

Trust chairman Tom Lewis, who is one of the original trustees, said: “We paid £17,500 for the materials but no charge

Terry Waite: “This is a wonderful venture.”

for the labour because the boat was ordered through the Rainbow Trust. We purchased our next boat with money from the lottery, then we had Millie and our present boat Glas-Y-Dorlan.”

Thanks to a bequest from a local benefactor, Mrs Winifred Hood of Deganwy, the trust was able to commission the building of this new boat, which was named Lady Winifred in her honour.

Built by Stoke Boats at its Longport site in Stoke-on-Trent, the boat entered the water in June at the Trevor Basin, from where it will operate.

It has been fitted out with a lift, galley and toilet facilities for those passengers who use wheelchairs.

Burnley wharf area reopens again after stoppage setback THE Leeds & Liverpool Canal recently reopened at Finsley Gate in Burnley almost seven months to the day following closure for repair work, writes Colin Wareing.

This involved the removal of a considerable amount of built-up silt, relining of the canal and rebuilding of towpath walls between bridges 130B and 130E. It was originally planned to have the work completed in March but due to unforeseen problems with the amount of silt and the condition of the towpath walls, the job took longer than anticipated.

Now the canal has reopened, plans to regenerate the wharf area into a visitor and tourist destination can start to take shape.

Following the reopening to navigation, nb Harlequin passes Finsley Gate Wharf as the clear-up of the contractor’s materials continues. The pile of stones on the wharf had been used to dam the canal to allow it to be drained for the works.

PHOTO: COLIN WAREING, WWW.COLINANDCAROLESCREATIONS.CO.UK

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The John Bunyan turning into Sovereign’s Quay at Bedford. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Passenger tripboat sought for Milton Keynes cruises FOLLOWING six very successful seasons on the River Great Ouse at Bedford with the John Bunyan boat, B&MK Waterway Enterprises wants to run a passenger tripboat on the Grand Union Canal based at the new Campbell Wharf Marina.

Graham Mabbutt, interim chairman of the enterprise board that runs the John Bunyan boat cruises on behalf of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, said: “It is

now time for us to expand our fundraising activities for the B&MK Waterway Park and, having successfully run cruises at one end of the proposed waterway, it is now time we started running cruises at the opposite end of the proposed waterway at Milton Keynes.

“We already have a sponsor that will help us float a boat on the Grand Union at Milton Keynes next spring, so we are looking for a passenger trip boat that may be available.”

He explained: “In the short term we are looking for a narrowboat with a front open deck, and inside saloon for 12 people plus a toilet, galley area with a side hatch and if possible, an access lift/entry for people with disabilities. In the longer term we may well have a purpose-built narrowboat with a larger capacity.”

If you have or know of a trip boat available, please contact Graham Mabbutt at: graham. mabbutt@johnbunyanboat.org.

Community boat saves the day at festival

By Geoff Wood

AN AWARD-winning canal charity pushed the boat out in a different direction – and saved the day after the original operator dropped out.

The East Manchester Community Boat Project specialises in taking disabled and disadvantaged people on trips and its work recently won it the Queen’s Award for Community Service.

Normally based at

Ashton-under-Lyne, the crew took a break from the normal routine and sailed on to the Stalybridge Festival weekend where they took visitors on popular canal trips on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Their boat is Community Spirit 2, a specially designed narrowboat which carries a dozen passengers at one time.

More than £100,000 was raised in two years for the new boat, which has a light and airy cabin and is now proving a hit all round.

Trustee Stuart Gainey said: “We have been going for 25 years and we have a new boat.

Normally we take disabled and disadvantaged people out for trips, but we do help now and again at local festivals, showing residents and visitors what we have to offer.

“Huddersfield Canal Society usually does the trips at the annual Stalybridge Festival but they were busy with wedding trips at Marsden, so we were happy to help out.”

The East Manchester Community Boat Project’s Community Spirit 2. PHOTO: ALAN STOPHER

12 IWA ROUND-UP

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE BRANCHES WITH IWA’S GEMMA BOLTON

Major Inglesham Lock project nears completion INGLESHAM Lock at Lechlade is almost restored thanks to IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group and Kent and East Sussex Canal Restoration Group (KESCRG) volunteers putting in five days of work at the end of June.

The lock is now potentially one more working weekend away from completion. The project has been partly funded by an IWA appeal launched in

2010 which raised just over £100,000.

The past few years have seen volunteers removing trees, which were destroying the structure of the lock, preparing the site, using engineering expertise, planning the work, moving coping stones, removing tonnes of silt and rubbish from the chamber by hand, rebuilding the lock and landscaping the area around it.

Once the lock has been completed, an open day will be organised so that visitors can see the project.

The lock is at one end of the Thames & Severn Canal where it meets the River Thames.

The Cotswold Canals Trust is working to restore the canal and the Stroudwater Navigation, to eventually relink the Thames and the River Severn.

Decorated boats lined the towpath for the weekend of festivities.

Boats touch down in Ware

CROWDS gathered along the River Lee in Ware at the beginning of July for a weekend of festivities organised by IWA Lee & Stort Branch as part of Ware Town Festival.

Fifteen boats took part in the spacethemed parade on the Saturday afternoon, with the Kathleen Mary taking the prize for best-decorated boat.

Other highlights included the boat handling competition, floating traders lining the towpath, a boat taxi service operated by Lee and Stort Boat Co, the boaters’ barbecue and a quiz evening.

Kathleen Mary took the Ware Town Festival prize for bestdecorated boat.

Digger training and more

These ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs show the years of work that have gone into restoring the almostcompleted Inglesham Lock.

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

EAST

Sunday August 11

IWA Lincolnshire Branch supporting Sleaford Navigation Trust:

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

MIDLANDS

Sunday August 4 and Tuesday August 20 IWA Northampton Branch:

Work parties on the Northampton Arm, 10am2pm. Work usually includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance and litter picking.

Contact Geoff Wood, geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk.

NORTH

Thursday August 8 IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch and Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust:

Work party on the Uttoxeter Canal at Crumpwood, 10am to 3pm. Contact Steve Wood steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk or 07976 805858.

Thursday August 15

Tuesday August 27 IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch supporting Burslem Port Trust:

Work party on the Burslem Arm, Stoke-on-Trent, 10am to 3pm. Contact Steve Wood, steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk or 07976 805858.

Saturday August 31

IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch:

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

SOUTH

Tuesday August 20 and Tuesday August 27 IWA Oxfordshire Branch supporting Banbury Canal Partnership:

Work parties on the Oxford Canal near Banbury, 9am to 1pm. ContactColinGarnham-Edge,bcpontheoxford@ gmail.com

WEST

Every Wednesday and Saturday IWA West Country Branch (Taunton):

IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society:

Work party on the Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal, 10am to 3pm. Contact John Lawson, John. lawson@waterways.org.uk or 07940 878923.

Work parties in the Taunton area, 10am to 1.30pm. Please let us know if you are intending to join us by 6pm the day before. Contact Steve Bulgin, stevebulgin@icloud.com or 07855 794256.

Saturday August 17

Every Tuesday and Saturday

Work party in Greater Manchester, 10am to 4pm.

Tasks will include vegetation clearance, litter picking, painting and pulling rubbish out of the canal. Contact secretary@manchester-iwa.co.uk or 07710 554602.

Work parties in the Bridgwater area, 10am to 1.30pm.

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

IWA Manchester Branch:

Volunteers gained lots of new skills at special training ahead of the summer’s Canal Camps.

IWA’S Waterway Recovery Group volunteers learned to use a variety of equipment essential for canal restoration over a weekend in June.

The training, which was hosted by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Trust, took place on the Lichfield Canal and will enable volunteers to operate diggers and dumpers, lay bricks and use site tools such as bricksaws, over the summer Canal Camps.

A group of volunteers also took part in a first aid course.

Find out more about the week-long restoration volunteer holidays at www. wrg.org.uk

IWA West Country Branch (Bridgwater):

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

Pest plant put to use in gin

AS part of the campaign to stamp out invasive plant Himalayan balsam, IWA is asking waterway users to ‘Spot the Plot’.

Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant species that crowds out native plants and causes erosion of river and canal banks.

Towards the end of the summer, the seed pods develop and can explode, releasing up to 800 seeds per plant. At this point it’s too late to pull them up, but it would be useful to know where Himalayan balsam is still growing so that plans can be made for next year.

If you see it when you’re out and about and it’s too late to pull it up, report the location to Nicola Kiely at nicola.kiely@ waterways.org.uk As part of the campaign, head office staff joined volunteers from IWA Chiltern Branch and River Thame Conservation Trust volunteers to pull, snap, stomp Himalayan balsam in July.

The flowers from the plants were also collected for a local artisan gin distillery which is making a limited edition

The IWA is asking waterway users to 'spot the plot'.

Himalayan balsam gin.

Find out more about the campaign at www.waterways.org.uk/ himalayanbalsam Find out more about the Himalayan balsam gin at https:// puddingstonedistillery.com/ limited-editions-gins/

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

13

14 NEWS FOCUS

Third trip boat added at Chelmer Cruises holds up to 12 people and is often booked by families who want a private trip up the 13.8 miles of the navigation.

Based at Heybridge Basin, new 8.2m widebeam trip boat Blackwater Dawn will operate one-hour round trips for up to 12 passengers in the day and will then be available for private charter in the evenings. It will operate during the summer months, from April through until the end of September.

Commenting on the new boat, Essex Waterways chairman Roy Chandler said: “The addition of

New seating at the Daisy Meadow information point and kiosk.

Chelmer Cruises’ new trip boat Blackwater Dawn at Heybridge Basin.

PHOTOS: ESSEX WATERWAYS

Blackwater Dawn will allow Chelmer Cruises to operate a pay-as-you-go service for visitors to Heybridge Basin. People often make a spontaneous decision to take a boat trip and until now we haven’t been able to accommodate them.

“It is great that we now have Blackwater Dawn at Heybridge, not only for the one-hour trips, but also for anyone wishing to charter a boat for a dusk cruise on the picturesque Chelmer & Blackwater navigation.”

To coincide with the launch of Blackwater Dawn at Heybridge Basin, Chelmer Cruises has also improved its information point and kiosk at Daisy Meadow. The kiosk has had a make-over, including new signage and new seating.

The seating has been built out of recycled timber from a weir repair that took place last year. Light meals, snacks and drinks are available at the kiosk.

Roy Chandler added: “Our new kiosk is looking

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

great and has been expanded in response to feedback from customers who were looking for somewhere to find out more information about the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation as well as a place to relax, have a snack and enjoy the view.”

A full programme of evening cruises and events is being planned. To find out more or for other information, visit www. chelmercruises.com or call 01245 226245.

Heritage route is launched on Stort A NEW three-and-a-half-mile nature and heritage trail has been launched along the River Stort in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire.

The route has been devised by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and the Canal & River Trust, with the aim of getting more people to visit and benefit from the scenic waterway.

New signage and ‘way-finding’ have been installed along the route, which starts just north of Michaels Road weaving along the footpath adjacent to the water. On reaching the town centre, the route continues south along the towpath of the river to Twyford Lock.

The route is ideal for cyclists, walkers, runners and families on a day out. Among the attractions are historic maltings buildings, the remains of Waytemore Castle which once overlooked the town and the site where Roman Stane Street crossed the river. Wildlife which may be seen includes kingfisher, mayfly, cormorant and coot while the flora includes bee orchid, cricket bat willow, poplar and sycamore.

Jeannette Brooks, CRT development and engagement manager, said: “We’re delighted that this new walking trail has been launched and hope it will bring a new experience to everyone visiting the river. We know from research that people are happier and more relaxed when they are by water, so can’t encourage people enough to visit and find out the benefits this beautiful stretch can bring.”

Bishop’s Stortford Mayor, Coun Norma Symonds, added: “The canal and riverside environment in the town is both interesting and beautiful and the interpretive signage and forthcoming trail leaflet will enable both visitors and townspeople to enjoy it to its fullest extent.”

The project is part of the Waterside Stortford initiative which aims to maximise the health and well-being, leisure, tourism and environmental benefits the Stort can bring to the community.

Waterside Stortford is a partnership made up of several stakeholders including Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, East Herts Council, Hertfordshire County Council, the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust.

TOWPATH

Get 12 issues of Towpath Talk delivered to your door from just £11.99 a year. THAT’S JUST £1 A COPY

TALK

ESSEX Waterways has added a third trip boat to its Chelmer Cruises schedule in time for the summer season, increasing operations and enabling boats to run from two locations on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation.

Chelmer Cruises’ existing boats, Victoria and Albert, are both based at Paper Mill and are primarily available for private charters. Victoria can hold up to 43 guests and is proving popular for wedding receptions and parties. It can be chartered as both a moving or static venue depending on requirements. Albert is a 13.7 metre narrowboat that

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

CALL 01507 529529 LINES OPEN WEEKDAYS 8:30AM TO 5PM OR VISIT WWW.CLASSICMAGAZINES.CO.UK SUBSCRIPTION FORM

AUGUST 2019

To subscribe to TPT simply complete the form below and return to: TPT Subscriptions, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ One Year (UK)

✃

Other payment options: UK (One Year) EU (One Year) Rest of World (One Year)

Payment method 1.

11.99 (Direct Debit)

FROM ONLY

£14.99 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque) £17.50 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque) £22.50 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque)

£11.99 A YEAR

Payer’s details (must be completed)

Instruction to Bank/Building Society to pay by Direct Debit: I would like to change/take out a subscription for £11.99 per annum (UK only) Account in the name of Account number

Sort code

Name of Bank/Building Society

Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (please circle) First name

DIRECT DEBIT

Address

Surname

Email

Postcode

Telephone

Please pay Mortons Media Group Ltd direct debits from the account detailed in the instructions, subject to the safeguards of the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Mortons Media Group and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. Originator’s ID number: 830390

Mobile

Year of Birth

Address

Signature Postcode

2. DEBIT/CREDIT CARD Please debit my: Visa

Delivery details (if different to above) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (please circle) First name

Date

Reference number (office use only) Mastercard

Switch/Maestro

Card number:

Surname

Address

Start date Postcode

I want to receive news and offers relating to magazine subscriptions via Email Post Phone SMS Third Parties Social Marketing

3 digit verification code Signature 3.

/

Expiry date Switch issue number Date

CHEQUE I enclose a cheque made payable to Mortons Media Group Ltd

/

NEWS FOCUS 15

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Around the regions

As it entered its sixth year of operation, the Canal & River Trust restructured its waterway regions from 10 to six. In this series, we talk to the new directors of the regions and Wales about their roles and plans for the future.

By Janet Richardson

A MOVE to ‘God’s Own County’ gave former East Midlands waterway manager Sean McGinley ‘a new canvas to work on’ and he’s loving it.

I met him at the Canal & River Trust’s Fearns Wharf offices in Leeds from where the Yorkshire & North East region stretches northwards to the Tees Barrage, south to the Chesterfield Canal and along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to the Lancashire border at Barnoldswick in the west. To the east is the Pocklington Canal and the coast.

It also includes the Huddersfield Narrow Canal up to and including Standedge Tunnel and visitor centre – the other side of the tunnel is in the North West – and the Rochdale Canal from Sowerby Bridge through Hebden Bridge.

Not that Sean doesn’t hold his former patch in equal measure – he has made his home there – and after 15 years in the East Midlands he says he was still smiling at the end of it. “The biggest difference is coming to a place with hills and so many more locks!

“The condition of the assets is not quite as good because there is so much more up here to keep working. Also it is busier; the hire boat industry across the Pennines is massive. It is a lovely part of the country and something to be proud of.”

A chartered engineer by qualification, Sean spent his early career building and repairing bridges, before seeing an opportunity to join British Waterways as a project manager back in 2002.

Learning curve

“It is still as much fun now as it was on day one,” he said. Sean carried on in engineering until 2009 until a restructure saw him become a waterway manager.

“The opportunity to become a regional director then came up last year and I am very proud to have been given the post.”

He took up his new role on June 4 last year, just after the trust had gone through a major rebranding exercise. His first major event was the Leeds Waterfront Festival which was ‘absolutely wonderful’.

“It was amazing what the team did up here, everyone worked so hard.”

This year’s event, which had just taken place at the time of writing, attracted even more visitors, with an estimated attendance of more than 10,000 people.

Everyone who remembers last year’s sizzling summer will also recall the water shortages which saw closures and restrictions on the northern canals.

Sean said that he had worked with the North West regional director Daniel

Changing the shape of Leeds.

Yorkshire and North East regional director Sean McGinley at Leeds Lock. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON Greenhalgh on the problems.

“It was a steep learning curve but we had got some great people round us, not only within the region but the wider trust teams, and we learnt lessons from it,” he continued, describing it as a ‘baptism with no water’.

“Fortunately we have had a bit more rain this year and have robust plans in place to manage such situations in future.”

Sean likened his first year to completing a jigsaw and in many cases gaps have been filled through internal transfers as well as recruitment. “We are nearly there with just a few more vacancies to fill. It has been hard work but we have been building a team to take us forward.”

One of the challenges of moving from waterway manager to regional director has been the change of emphasis. “It took me a little while to get into it; being a waterway manager is more about the mechanical things and keeping the network going but alongside that we’ve got to think more about relationships and strategic working to take a vision and turn it into reality.”

This has involved engaging with people a lot more, such as MPs, local authorities and community groups.

“Now we have got a team together we want to focus on engaging with all manner of communities around the waterways and spreading the word. We have been doing great things but there is so much more we can do.”

The chairman of the new Regional Advisory Board, Caroline Schwaller, had also been opening many doors.

Talking about the challenges facing him over the coming months, Sean

Leeds & Liverpool ‘short boat’ Kennet.

said the region already has a lot of great volunteers but there is room for more.

“We need to work out what we want to achieve from volunteering. We have recruited successfully and need to grow that but I see it as more of an opportunity than a challenge.”

Port project

One of the success stories is on the Ripon Canal, which gained Green Flag status last year thanks to the efforts of volunteers led by trust colleague Julie Freytag. They have adopted the whole canal and carry out day-to-day maintenance as well as getting involved in towpath repair and clearance of vegetation. “I want to see more of this happening,” said Sean.

On an operational level, the region has many mechanical assets such as swing and lift bridges. “We need to ensure they are working so boaters can operate them.” And water – “some places have not got enough and others too much.”

With rivers accounting for around half of the region’s waterways, flooding can also present a challenge.

The region has its fair share of events.

In July colleagues worked in partnership with Leeds Cares to organise a sponsored walk along Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Skipton. With three routes designed for all ages and abilities, it was a way of getting people out and about using the waterways and towpaths for health and well-being.

On September 21-22 the Sheffield Waterfront Festival will help to raise awareness in an urban area, especially engagement with the city’s minority ethnic communities. Before that Sean

Fearns Island was formerly the home of the Sea Scouts in Leeds. was due to host a visit of the trustees of the Canal & River Trust and show them some of the sights during the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal’s bicentenary year.

Sean was enthusiastic about the prospects for the region and the projects in the pipeline.

One of the region’s most ambitious schemes is the creation of an inland freight port on the River Aire at Stourton on the outskirts of Leeds.

After intensive lobbying, a £3 million grant has been received from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the project is currently going through the planning process. Once approval has been granted it is hoped building work will start next year, with completion in 2020/21.

Commercial barges will bring in cargoes such as aggregates dredged from the North Sea. These will be washed and go through a concrete mixing plant to be built at Stourton, saving a lot of HGV movements between Hull and Leeds.

They could also take waste out.

Sean is working with Freight Steering Group members John Dodwell and David Lowe of the Commercial Boat Operators Association.

“They are aware of the demand and there are some vessels already available to carry the freight,” he said. “These are very exciting times and will help Leeds to become one of the greenest cities in the UK.” Helping to raise brand awareness is a new partnership with Northern Rail, whose track runs alongside the canal

network in many places. “This will enable the trust to display its branded signs in stations such as at Bingley, which is close to the canal. The rail operator has around 70 stations, each of which can have up to a million people passing through each year.”

Another project is River Cities, which will encourage people to become involved in the waterways through events and activities such as canoeing.

“Not everybody can afford narrowboats or cruisers and these are more entry level ways of getting on the water.”

On the subject of towpath safety, Sean accepts that there are places where people would not walk at night or alone – mainly in urban areas.

“We want to change that perception.

We have done some research and want to recruit more volunteer rangers to be a presence along the canal towpath, which will give the feeling that somebody is looking after the towpath and watching your back.”

And it is still early days for another project to create a green public space on Fearns Island – the triangle of land in the middle of the River Aire below Crown Point bridge where the Sea Scouts used to have their headquarters.

Sean has already enjoyed boating buddy trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society boat Kennet, the Rochdale Canal and on the Calder & Hebble Navigation. “We have got some of the most beautiful waterways in the country; I am so lucky and proud to be regional director,” he concluded.

Water taxi Twee which transports visitors between Leeds station and the Royal Armouries.

16 PETS

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Pets on the cut

Sky’s the limit

Alison Wilkerson finds a dog who has grown up on its family’s boat while the cat has had to adapt to life aboard.

ONE beautiful late autumn afternoon I was cruising past a vast amount of differing shades of red and orange leaves blowing off the trees lining the towpath on to the muddy water of the Grand Union and struggling to see what was beyond an approaching footbridge (why do most appear to have been built on a bend?).

While screwing my face up and squinting due to the low sun which was going down decidedly quickly, I decided it was indeed perhaps time to moor up.

Once safely moored and boat secured, I went for a brief walk and stumbled upon a lovely family, which included their dog and cat, making their way to their storage unit; these units appear to be proving very popular with both land and floating home owners alike.

The family consisted of Tom, Melody, their two young children plus (at the time of writing) an 18-month-old Chihuahua-Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie) mix – also known as a Chorkie – called Sky, whom they have owned since she was a seven-week-old puppy, and eightyear-old tortoiseshell cat Gypsy, whom they have owned since a kitten.

They all live on their 1996, 54ft, Beta Marine engine powered narrowboat which, having never even been on a

Gypsy the tortoiseshell ‘moggie’.

Chihuahua-Yorkshire terrier cross Sky. PHOTOS: ALISON WILKERSON boat before, they purchased four years ago (after selling their house, that is) from Blackwater Meadow Marina in Ellesmere, Shropshire.

The boat travelled from the Llangollen Canal south for 10-and-a-half days to its new home, which ranges from Watford to Milton Keynes on the Grand Union Canal.

Although Sky has been brought up on the boat, like many dogs I’ve met she has accidently taken a dip in the canal by jumping off the stern the wrong side and thus ending up in the water as opposed to the bank – as it’s rather confusing when your owners change what side the bank side will be each time you moor up.

Luckily she is more cautious now and also prefers to sit on Melody’s lap especially when cruising, for added security. Sky loves human company and other dogs, however when it comes to cats (not Gypsy of course), she is mostly curious when she meets them.

Her favourite toys are balls and the children’s toys and she loves her special doggie-safe chocolate. Do please remember, though, that human chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Safety first, folks!

Gypsy, who has had to get used to her travelling home, having spent half her life on dry land, loves tuna, is the boss and a real free spirit. She lives up to her name as she loves to roam and definitely owns her vast towpath territory, despite her purpose-built porthole cat flap being set to ‘In’ only.

This ensures that when it is time to cruise again, the family are safe in the knowledge that she is in the cabin and they can cast off as they would not want to leave her behind.

Canine cruising in Roverhomes Barge Beagle – sniffing out good finds for crews with canines

FROM time to time Barge Beagle leaves his floating home to travel by road.

Getting from A to B often requires careful planning and taking into account different eventualities such as delays.

Finding and staying in dog-friendly accommodation has been made easier in recent years. There are more websites and publications which embrace not only our dogs but all manner of pets but it is the growing

A pair of happy pugs in their built-in dog area. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Plenty of room to chill out for larger dog breeds. PHOTO SUPPLIED Sunrise at a lockside location. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON trend for motorhoming which attracts us and, without doubt, has made travelling long distances with our pooch less stressful.

Boaters will most likely be aware of the increasing number of motorhomes to be found at marinas and alongside moorings. Their drivers are attracted by the same qualities boaters look for and enjoy – beautiful scenery, relaxing locations, good facilities such as readily available drinking water and sanitary services.

Talking to motorhome owners, we have discovered many are also boaters, some having relinquished their craft due to advancing years. They prefer something which does not involve such high levels of activity but they find they are still drawn to their favourite watery locations.

On a couple of occasions Barge Beagle has hired motorhomes from LandCruise, who offer a wide selection of dog-friendly recreation vehicles known as Roverhomes. We have been extremely impressed not only by the vehicles and their cleanliness but also by the warm welcome from staff for both human and canine counterparts.

Some models provide a built-in dog area so there is no need to carry along your dog’s own crate and with a selection of ‘on request’ items such as non-slip food and water bowls, dog bed, access ramp and ground tether, your dog can travel to the motorhome with just the bare necessities.

The LandCruise website offers advice and tips for travelling with a dog, highlights some dog-friendly camping sites and offers links to other services so is well worth checking out. Hirers are not just limited to the UK –intrepid dogs and their owners can also venture into Europe with all their creature comforts at hand and paw!

Barge Beagle relaxes in the Roverhome. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Barge Beagle at the ‘helm’ of a Roverhome. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Bow to bumper – some marinas now offer motorhome pitches.

PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON