THE Canal& RiverTrust hasseenits overallincomeincreaseby£12million to£237 millioninthe last year,raising morefromcommercialoperationsas its relianceon governmentfunding decreases.
In what thecharity sayswas arecord yearforcharitable work (£208million), italsospent £70milliononengineering
works, £27milliononupgrading reservoirsand afurther£9millionin emergencyrepairs,according to its recently released 2023/24annual report.
RCR summer rescue spike
RIVER Canal Rescue says its teams responded to an unprecedented number of callouts between June 1 and August 31 Fifty major incidents involved submerged, partially sunken or grounded craft and there were 1200 general callouts, typically for electrical, fuel and engine issues, flat batteries, overheating and gearbox failures This equates to nearly half of the 121 major incidents RCR attended last year, and around a third of the whole of 2023’s general callouts, which totalled 3335 and were evenly spread across the UK
Atoptimeat Tiptonfestival
Thecharityisbraced formore cuts from 2027 as thenewLabour Governmenttries tobalancethe books.
RichardParry,chiefexecutiveofthe Canal&RiverTrust, said: “A keypartof the Canal&RiverTrust’s long-termplan
Commercialincomeof£97million, whichincludes mooringandother fees,now represents41%ofthetrust’s total income.Theimportanceofthis ishighlightedbythefixed government fundingof£52.6million,whichthetrust says wouldhavebeen£63.7millionifit hadkeptpace withinflation.
istocontinueto reducedependency on governmentfunding by further developingandgrowingalternative sourcesofincome. During the year endedMarch 31,2024, ourcommercial income was£97.1m,12.2%higherthan intheprior year.”
CALLS are being made for the creation of a charter to
the rights of the children of constant cruisers to a reasonable journey time to school It comes as a mass survey of water users revealed hundreds of boaters are missing out on access to vital services
Now, appeals are being made for the Canal & River Trust to introduce a Children’s Charter protecting the rights of a child to have access to their school within a reasonable journey time
CRTseesincome riseto £237 millioninrecordyear for waterway projects
•Continuedfrompage1
The CRTsaysdealing withtheimpactof climatechangeandanageing2000-mile canaland345-mileriver network hasput extrastrainonits resources.
Mr Parryaddedthat whilefundraising incomehad risenitwas stillimportant to make efficienciesinhowtheorganisation is run.
“Key to ourfutureisthegrowing roleof ourvolunteers and,as we make volunteeringintegraltoeverything we do, thisyearwe’ve achieved recordnumbers of volunteersandhoursgiven.
“Ourcharityiscommitted to maintainingthenetwork in good workingconditionforthe benefit of ourboatingcustomers,themillionsof regulartowpathusers,andthetourists whoflockfromaroundthecountry andtheglobetoexperienceit,andto protecting neighbouringhomesand businesses fromthethreatthat our ageing infrastructurecould pose if not well-managed and caredfor.”
Thetrustcontinuedtotrack the changingtrendsin boating. Acrossthe network, thetotal numberof boatswitha homemooringdecreased by 3.7%,while thetotalnumberofcontinuouslycruising boatsincreased by 4.9%, with overall boatnumbersdippingby1.4%to32,602 initsannualNational Boat Count. The first-everBoaterCensuswas published, highlightingthedifferingneedsofthose wholiveaboardorboatfor leisure. The trustiscommittedtolisteningtothe concernsof boatersandtoaddressing them,including afocuson gettingthe basics rightoncanal maintenanceand improvingcommunication.
Conditions:Editorialisacceptedsubjectto availabilityofspace,and editorialpolicy oncontentandinsertioncannotbeguaranteed.The publisherretainstherighttoeditmaterialsubmitted.Everyeffort ismadetoensureaccuracythroughaccurateand clearcopy, but thepublishercannot be held responsibleforerrorsoromissions.
·32.5milesoftowpathsimproved ·859millionvisitsmade to waterways
·Safetyincidents reporteddown from50to37
Charitable work,whichincludes thetrust’sday-to-dayoperations, maintenanceand repairworks andcaring forthe waterways,costs£208million.This hasrisen steadilyinthe last 10 years. Work to repairandstrengthen the resilienceofthe canalnetworkduring the yearincludedalmost450planned engineeringprojects,atacostof around£70million. Delivering statutorysafetymeasures at the charity’slarge reservoirs,critical for navigation and inprotectingthe communitiesaroundthem,continued
THE sectionofthe Walsall Canaltowpath closedin August following adeadly cyanideleak hasfinally been reopened–however, the waterway is stillclosed toboaters.
ThetowpathatPleck reopenedafter being closed on August 12 following aleakof4000 litresof sodium cyanide fromAnochrome Ltd.
Testinghas shown that pollutionlevelsare nowat“anacceptable level”,accordingto WalsallCouncil. However, thecouncil saidthe publicshould avoidanycontact with the waterand keeptheir petsfromenteringthe canal.
Councillor Garry Perry,leaderof Walsall Council,said: “It’sa reliefthat we’renow in
aposition to announce the reopeningof thelastkilometreof canaltowpath.I’d like to thank residents fortheir patience andunderstanding throughoutthistime.
“Now thepollution levelsinthe waterhave reduced overthe lastfew weeks,attentionmoves to focusoneffortsto recoverthe canaland its wildlife. It is,however, vitallyimportantfor everyonetofollowthe guidanceissued, namely keepingout ofthe water and avoidingactivities suchas fishing.”
Thewaterwayis still closed to boatsto avoiddisturbingthe sediment, whichis still contaminated.There isnoindicationwhen it will reopen to water traffic.Fishingisalso prohibited.Atthetime, around90kg of dead fish wereremovedfromthe water.
Afundraising campaign,organised
by theCanal andRiver Trust, tohelp clean upthe pollution has alreadyreached£24,000.
TheCanal &River Trustsaysalldonations will go directlyto supportingthiswork, makingita tangible waythat people canact toshowtheir support.
Ecologists saidtheleak will have decimated the aquatic ecosysteminthe area,whichwasoneofthe last recordedlocationsof watervoles,and willtake yearsto recover.
An Environment Agencyspokesmansaid: “Weare undertakinga thoroughinvestigation intotheseriouschemical spillincidentinWalsall and ourenquiries areproceeding. Pollutionofthis kindis unacceptableandthe impacton wildlifeand theenvironmentcan be severe. We areunable toprovidefurther comment in case it impactsanyfuturelegal proceedings.”
todominateexpenditure, withmorethan£27million spentonresilience works at 19 of the trust’s71large reservoirs.
Reflecting onthe continuedimpactof climatechangeonthe ageingcanal network, the report detailshow, following prolonged hot dryweatherthe summer before, asuccessionof winter stormscaused significant damage,with an aggregated impactof £9millioninemergency works.
“Navigable canalsandtheirfree access to towpathsprovidegreen-bluespaceson thedoorstepformillionsof people.They offerplaces to exerciseandconnect with natureand aretraffic-freegreen corridors foractivetraveland naturerecovery. Supportingjobsandthe economy,today’s canalsplayanimportant roleinthe nation’swaterandutilities infrastructure, andevendeliveringnew sources of renewableenergy.
“Inkey policyareasfor government, athriving andnavigable canalsystem delivers amagnitudemore benefit than theinvestment that keeps it safeand cared for.Whileweare continuing togrow commercialand charitablefunding, there isstillarequirementfor governmenttoworkin partnershipwith ourcharity to ensure anadequate contributionis madethat isvitaltohelpsafeguard thisamazingindustrial heritagenetwork for futuregenerations.”
In March2024,the trustpublishedits first Impact Report (TransformingPlaces and Enriching Lives),whichbrings togethernumerousexamplesofthe effectofthecharity’swork, as wellas independentassessmentofthe network’s aggregatevalue –delivering£4.6billion inannual social benefitsand£1.5billion in economic benefits. Asecondimpact reportwill be publishedlaterthis year.
certainly,the Usk,which is saidtobehaunted by the boatmanwho skipperedherand was killedinanaccident nearly150 years ago. George Benbowwas skipperofthe Usk, with 13-year-oldWilliam Evansonashiscrew. It appearsthat asthe boat passed underthe lock gateatHadleyPark Lock on theTrenchArm oftheShrewsburyand Newportcanal, George didnotduckand was hitand killed by the counterweightbox. Accordingtolegend,
from that very day,the Usk wasdoomed:an unlucky,haunted boat thatmany boatmen wouldnot work aboard, so shewas soldandtradedon thesmallercanals on theShropshireUnion system. Buttheluckdidnot improvesoshe was finally abandoned and sank on the Montgomerycanal near Crickheath,probably inthe early1890s. And there shelies to this very day, aghostly reminder of atragedylongago.
BlackCountryCanalsStrategy aimstobreathefurther life intohistoric waterways
ByLucy Wood
THE Canal& RiverTrust and ActiveBlack Countryhaveunveiledthe BlackCountry Canals Strategy 2024-2029, settingout ambitions to maximise the potentialof the region’sworld-famousnavigable canalnetwork.
Centraltothe strategy arethe opportunitiesforimprovementsin thehealthand well-beingoflocal communitiesthroughincreased access to qualitygreenspace by water, the 250-year-old canalnetworkbeingavital hubfor walking, cycling, leisureand cultural activities.
Environmental sustainabilityisalsoa keypriority, withproposalswhich would ensurethe region’s canalsarerichwildlife corridors.And,withclimatechange havinganever-greaterimpact,the role of BlackCountry canalsinhelpingto alleviateflooding andingenerating sustainableenergy isincluded.
“Usage ofthe towpathsin theBlack Countryfirstrocketedduringthe coronaviruspandemic,whenmore peoplethan ever before discovered these amazinggreen spacesontheirdoorstep. Just recently, thecommunityshowed theirlove of canalswhentheycame togetherto raisemuch-needed funds for
ourcharitytohelp respondtothe recent wildlife-damagingcanal pollutionevent in Walsall.
“Withthe rightinvestmenttoupgrade towpaths, improveaccessibility and to supportwildlife,wecanimprovethe livesofmillionsoflocalpeople, create new businessandleisure opportunities, andhelpmitigateagainsttheeffectsof climatechange.
“Canalsareold,however.They arean amazingconnection with ourpast but need investmenttoensuretheyremain aliveforthisandfuturegenerations to benefitfrom. Withthe supportof ourvolunteers,fundersandpartners,
THEfirstever GloucesterPride paddle,hosted by waterwayscharity Canal&RiverTrust, kickedoffPride Week inGloucestershire.
the strategy reflectsa shared visionto enhancethe110milesof waterwaysthat weavethroughthe BlackCountry.”
Developedincollaborationwith local authorities,canalstakeholders andcommunityinput, the64-page strategy waslaunchedtoanaudience of about100 guests at theCRT’sannual stakeholder reception,held at the Black CountryLivingMuseumin September.
“Bycreatingspaces wherepeople canconnect with natureandengage in cultural, socialand sporting activities onthe canalnetwork, we canencourage more BlackCountry residentstoenjoy healthierlifestylesand abetterquality oflife.”
To rejuvenatethe canalnetworkand ensure that theplan remainsadaptable andaligned withlocaland national priorities, thestrategy’simplementation will be overseenbya steeringgroup includingrepresentativesfrom Canal& RiverTrust,ActiveBlack Country,each relevantlocal authority, BlackCountry Transport, the Integrated Care Board, West MidlandsCombinedAuthority, Transport for West Midlandsand Sustrans.
Theweek-long celebrationof inclusionanddiversity forGloucestershire's LGBTQ+community gotunder waywitha grouppaddlemade upof30 people at GloucesterDocks ina mixof canoes,kayaks andpaddleboards. Settingofffromthe new SportEngland fundedcommunity paddlinghub in the docks,thegroup heade dd own theGloucester& Sharpness Canalto Hempstedbefore returningtothe docks, paddlingthe Pridemessageas they travelledalongthe canalcelebratingthe LGBTQ+community. Theeventwasheldin partnership withPride inGloucestershirewho throughout the week
hosted eventsacross thecitytocelebrate Pride.Thisculminated inPrideDay,a free eventwhichtook placein September at Gl ou cester Park featuring performances,a funfair,foodanddrink andactivitiesfor the family.
LaraBienkowska, communityroots en ga ge ment co-ordinator at Canal &RiverTrust, said: “It wasfantastictohost ourfirstGloucester Pridepaddleand to seeso many peopleenjoyingthe opportunitytopaddle inthedocksandalong the canal. Ournew communitypaddling hubprovidesus with theopportunityto welcomecommunity groupsandhost paddlingopen days for peopletoenjoya mixoffree sessions where they canget onthewater with ourteam oftrained volunteerinstructors.
“The paddling hubaimstopromote inclusivityand at the endof September, thelaunch pontoon is beingupgradedto havestep-free access tosupportadaptive paddlingtoenable morepeopleto enjoy beingactiveonthe water.
“Wehad some brilliantfeedback fromthePride paddle, andit wasgreat toget everyone togetheron the watertosharein theinclusivityofthe Pridemessage,and toenjoythe benefits that ourwaterways canbring."
Theevent was su ppor te dby PaddleUK,the national governing bodyfor canoeing, kayakingand other paddlesports.
To find outmore abou tp addle opportunities at Gloucester Docks, contac tL ara. Bi enk ow ska@ canalrivertrust.org.uk
ACHARITY whichprovideshomeless military veteranswithboats to liveonisappealing foraid so it canexpanditsoperationsandhelpevenmore ex-service personnel.
The Forces VeteransAfloat CharitableTrust, whichtakesformermilitarypersonneloffthe streetsandprovidesthem with afloating home, hasbeena soaringsuccesssinceit startedthree years ago.
FounderAndyFlint saidthecharity hashelped fourex-servicepeoplefind anewhomeonthe water, addingthathewould be happytostepback ifanorganisation cameforward to taketheproject tothenextlevel.
Thereare estimated to be more than2000 homelessmilitaryveteransintheUKandPrime Minister SirKeir Starmerhas pledgedtoguarantee them all ahome.
Mr Flintsaid: “Ifsomebody cameforward and said,‘we lovewhat you do,and we canhelp’I would be morethanhappy tostepbackiftheycould make things better.Ihopethereissomebodyout there with alotmore moneywho canseebenefitinwhat we do.”
The charityhas runninedonatedboatsover thelast twoyears.Theteamrenovates theboats, ensuringtheyare liveableandthen, workingwith the RoyalBritish Legion andothercharities, matchesthem witha suitable veteran.
Theveteranscan stay onthe boatsforup to 18 months,with the aimthat inthat time theyeventuallyfind asuitable permanent home.Whentheyhave movedbackontoland, thecharitythenoffers the boat to someone else.
“Itisastop-gap to get themoffthe streets,” saidAndy.“Wehavea boat that theyuse fora
monthto see howtheygeton,because livingona boat isn’tforeveryone.”
Oncethemonthisup,assumingithas gone well, the veteranmovesintooneofthefleet’s nine boats andisfree tocruisethe waterways.Theyare supportedbyveterans’ charitiesand receive help withmooringsand othercosts.
Mr Flintcameup with theideaafter seeinga social media post about who wasallowed to recovera sunken vessel. He suggested,instead of someone making money from salvaged
AndyFlint receiving the SammyB fromits ownerJudy. IMAGE:SUPPLIED
BlueplaquecelebratescanalinRetfor
ByLucy Wood
APLAQUEmarking the site of ahostelry that playedapart intheoriginsofthe Chesterfield Canalhas beenunveiled.
Thecanal has beencentraltothe town’s lifefor250 yearssinceitopened inthe1700s –but it almostwasnotto be. The original routeof the canalwas to go fromChesterfield to Bawtry,thena majorportonthe RiverIdle.However, strong lobbying by the peopleof Retford,led by the RevSeth Ellis Stevenson,promoted achangetobypass Bawtry andinstead go through Retford andfromtheretothe RiverTrent.
On January25, 1770, JamesBrindley, the canal’sengineer, announcedata
meetingintheCrown Innthat he wasnow recommendingthe Retfordroute. It is thismeetingthat is celebrated ontheblue plaque,which was formallyunveiledby the MayorofRetford,
Coun David Naylor, aspartofthetown’s Heritage Dayevents. Thecanalopened fullyin1777, butit got asfaras Retford in November1774.
The first boat to arrive wasthe causeofmuch celebrationanda hogshead(54 gallons)
boats, they donatethem as homes forpeopleto liveon.
“Bythethirdday Iwasoffereda40ft boat. We had so many questionsbut so many people offered their timeandassistance.Thehelp we have received has beenamazing.”
Theynow have anetwork of peoplewhohelp withthepracticalitiessuchasmovingthe boatsand fittingthem out. At thestart,Andy wascontacted by LizzieLane,anex-servicewomanwho became co-founder.
Some vessels donated arereadyto go,while othersneed alotof work.Thecharity hasavariety of vessels,fromcanal boatstocruisers. “People donatethem becausetheirengines have goneor they have fallenon hard times– thereare avariety of reasons.”
The charity, whichisbased atSawleyMarinaon theRiver Trent, currentlyhas fiveboats awaiting fittingout beforetheycan be offered to veterans.
The canalboat Daisy isused to houseveteransfor thefirstmonth.
couldhelp by potentiallygivingseized vesselsto the charity. He saidatpresent iteither sellsordestroys boatswhich areunlicensed or abandoned.
ACRT spokesman said:“Wewould be happyto have aconversation withtheForcesVeterans Afloat CharitableTrust. We’recommittedtosupporting thosewho serve, or have served,and have formally signed theArmed ForcesCovenant.OurArmed Forces InclusionCircleincludes veterans,reservists, forcesfamiliesandallies.”
Mr Flintworks for Reckitt, thecompany that makesStrepsils,andlives aboard his ownboat, Shotokam, atSawley. He saidinitiallythecharity haddonationstotalling£6400onits Gofundme page and hadsupportfromboatingcompanies, butitneedsmorehelp.
“Werelyonpeople power to getboats restored.If you wouldliketogetinvolved butdon’t want to be hands-on, adonation towardslicensing, insurance andsoonwould be appreciated.”
If youcanhelp Forces Veterans AfloatCharitable Trustpleasefollowthelink:www.forcesvetsafloat. co.uk
ofale wasgiven tothe residents. During the 1770s,the Crownwasthe town’s principal innand wa used for awi rangeofbusi andadministr pu rposes.T he ChesterfieldCanal Companyfrequently metthere.
as id in rative
Overthe yearsit has seenmanychanges, including becominga buildingsociety. Asa drinkingestablishment it hashad many names includingthe Crown, theCrown Hotel,the LittenTree andmost recently Yates’s. Yates’s closed in January2017 andthe buildingsat emptyuntil recently beingturnedintoflats, thedeveloperofwhich waspleased to hostthe plaque.
CanalTrust worked togetherto have the plaquemadeand installed,while Couns DanHendersonand John Mannerscovered thecostfromtheir respectiveCommunity Funds.
that this happened on RetfordHeritage Day becausethe canalhas beenafeatureoflifein Retfordfor 250 years.
“Weare very grateful to Retford Civic Societyforarranging everything, to Garnet Harrisonforallowing theplaque to be placed on hisbuilding, andto CounsHendersonand Mannersforcovering thecost.”
AFLOATINGdiggeristhelatestweapon beingused by the Canal& RiverTrust to tackleinvasiveweedsinthe waterways.
The trusthas spent£1million ayear on variousmethodstotackle plants whichclogthe canalsand riversitlooks after.ThereisevenaUKconference laterthismonthwhich willlook at methodsof fightingweeds.
The latest effortisfocused on the Nottingham &Beeston Canalaspart of amajor communityeffort to protect waterwaysacrosstheEast Midlands.
The charityenlistedthehelpof specialistcontractor Rothento remove largematsoffloating pennywortfrom thefullfive-milelengthofthe canal, whichrunsfrom MeadowLane Lock to Beeston.
RichardBennett, environment and heritage manager forthe Canal&River Trust, said: “Floatingpennywort isa particularmenace, andif we didn’t tackleitthenit wouldchokeour canals, preventing navigationand causingreal damagetothe wildlifethat callsthem home.This year hasseenahuge team efforttakingplaceacrosstheEast Midlands to remove as much ofthe weed as possible.
“Contractors,volunteergroupsand canoeclubs have joinedforcestohelp us remove astaggeringamountofthe weed andprotect ourwaterways for allthosethat enjoy themas wellas our precious nativespecies.
“Tacklingthe weed is aneverendingtaskand we’resupportingthe terrific work done so far by bringing in afloating diggertocleartheentire Nottingham&Beeston Canal.”
Floating pennywort, originally introducedintotheUKinthe1980s asanornamentalplantfor garden ponds,cangrow upto 20cmin aday anddoubleits weight inaslittleasthree days.Ifleftuncheckeditcan spreadin largeclumps overthe surfaceofthe water, smotheringnativeplantsand deprivingthe waterofbothlightand oxygenwhichendangersthefishliving beneath. It canalsoblockoverflow sluices,causingflooding, and restrict boatingbyclogginguppropellers.
Overtimefloatingpennyworthas spreadontoa numberof waterways intheEast Midlandsandsince May thetrusthasledahugecommunity
•InNottingham aseriesofcorporate activities sawstafffromlocal businesses givingtheirtime to help remove the weed fromthecity’scanal.
•InLeicestershirecontractors have beenworking their wayalonga35km stretch ofthe RiverSoarandGrand Union CanalbetweenAylestone Meadowsin Leicesterand Kegworth.
•Canoeistsandpaddleboarders from PaddleUKand numerouslocal clubshavebeenhelpingacrossthe region, pullingpennywortout from allthe hard-toreachplaces.The mosteffective waytoeradicate the weed isto physically remove it so teamshave beenworking togetherto pullit up outofthe water and haulitonto drylandwhere it willgradually degrade.
DeputyPrime MinisterAngelaRayner joinedMichelle’s family andfriends to unveil the specialtributeto the51-year-old mum andgrandmotheron the canaltowpathas requestedbyherfamily.
Michelle Hodgkinson wasattackedonEdge LaneinDroylsdenon Friday, June2,2023,as she walked to visither mother,and sadlydied at thescene.
The Rt HonAngela RaynerMP said: “Michelle’s family have shown immensedignity andcourageoverthe past 15monthsas theytry to processthe heartbreakinglossof
their belovedmum, nanna, sisterandfriend.
“I am delighted that thereisnowa permanenttribute to Michellewhere her lovedonescancometo rememberher.
“Thank you to the Canal& RiverTrust for theireffortstobring the family’svision to life.”
Shewasjoinedatthe unveilingbyMichelle’s daughter Kasey,her sister,auntieand nanna at thesmallceremony. Michelle’sfamily, whoaffectionately calledher ‘Shelly B’, saidshelovedhelping peopleinherlocal community,and was knownfor volunteering and carryingoutcharity work.
of my mother.She lovedwalking down the canal,especially onhot days,and by havingthis plaque we have aplace to remember herand tryingtoturn anegative placeinto apositive one, inhermemory. Foreverloved and alwaysremembered, ourShellyB.”
Other attendees includedJon Horsfall, NorthWestdirector at Canal&RiverTrust, andAndrea Barrett, thetrust’s partnerships and fundraising manager.Colleagues at the waterwayscharity helped organisethe ceremonyandinstall thememorialplaque. Paul Hughes,29, hasbeencharged with murder with atrial date setfor December 2,2024.Hehas been remandedtoa secure mentalhealthhospital where he remains undertreatment.
arethrilled to explore new waysthese unique buildingscan continue to servethe maintenanceneeds ofthe canalwhilealso beingrepurposed to supportandenrich thelocalcommunity, ensuringthat Ellesmere Yard continuestobe acornerstoneofour heritage andfuture.” EllesmereYardonthe Llangollen Canalwas builtin1806. It isan importantoperational basefor the Canal& RiverTrust and wasthe officeand workshops ofthe Ellesmere CanalCompany. It isconsidereda rare exampleofahistoric purpose-built canal maintenance yard and is somewherethat gives asenseof‘steppingback intime’.
Investmentis
neededinthehistoric buildingsatthe yard,andthe award, alongsidefundingfrom Historic Englandand ShropshireCouncil’s SharedProsperity Fund,could see the site become ahome formoreindependent craftspeopleanda visitordestination alongsideits role as aworkingcanal maintenance yard. LouiseBrennan, Historic England regional director (Midlands), said: “We’re so pleased to be able tohelpfund the worksatEllesmere Yard.Itplayedavital roleinthedevelopment ofthearea,andthe refurbishmentwill ensurethat itcontinues tohavea centralrolein
thecommunityfor years to come –full steam ahead!”
Over the next12 months,thetrust will usethe HeritageFund to carryout important assessmentsofthesite, including heritage, architecturalandaccess audits.Itwillconsult withlocal residents, businessesandothers toexplorethe ways in whichthesitecould benefitthelocal community. Funding forthisproject hasbeen made possiblethanks to National Lotteryplayers. Theagreedplans, which will includethe refurbishmentofthe many heritage buildings onsiteto make them watertight andfitfor purpose, willthen be submittedfor funding tothe Heritage Fund.
AMERGERof twowaterway groups will help apopular visitor attractionand boost the restorationofthe Montgomery Canal.
Llanymynech Canal Wharf, which runs boat trips onthe George Watson Buck narrowboat betweenEngland and Wales,hasjoined forces withthe Montgomery Waterway RestorationTrust.
It meanstheycan support eachotheraspartofa larger charityandhopefullypull inmorevolunteersto speed upthe restorationofthe Montgomery Canal.
Volunteers runboattrips at weekendseverysummer startingatLlanymynech CanalWharf.Nextyearthey willcelebratetheir25th anniversary. They attract hundredsofvisitorsfrom aroundthe world.
At arecenteventatthe wharftomarkthemerger, Helen Morgan, MP for NorthShropshire, and SteveWitherdenMPfrom Montgomeryshireand Glyndŵrsaw at first handthe work thathasbeen putintothe location.
Graham Deakin,from Llanymynech CanalWharf, said thereare plansto refurbishthe George Watson Buck andtoimprovethe exhibitionhousedinaformer stableblock adjacent tothe Montgomery Canal.
“Wehavesomethingreally special at Llanymynech,” said Mr Deakin. “Currently,we offershorttripsonthe canal, butweknowourvisitorsreally enjoy getting onthewater and seeingthe wildlifeand industrialheritage locally.”
During 2024,the wharf received visitors from acrossthe worldincluding from Poland, SouthKorea,
Australia, Germanyand SouthAfricaaswellas many locals keentoenjoy thearea ontheirdoorstep.
“Nextyearwewould really liketoincreasethis number andifanyone would be interestedinvolunteering withus,we’dlovetohear from you,” addedMr Deakin.
Helen MorganMP said:
“Thehardworkbyvolunteers at Llanymynech CanalWharf andallalongthe Montgomery Canalistestamenttowhat local people canachievein their community. Ourruralpart of the county hasbeen greatly enhancedbythe restoration works, andit’s been greattosee peoplein NorthShropshireand beyond reallycometogether.
“Wepickedagreat sunny daytosee the George Watson Buck inactiononthe canal, which Iwasdelighted to getthechanceto board. Welldone to everyonewho organised such alovelyevent.”
–aregistered charity– was formed in 1980topromote therestorationofthe canal. MichaelLimbrey from MontgomeryWaterway RestorationTrustwelcomed Llanymynech CanalWharf on board.“The Montgomery Canalisa very specialplace locallyand we arelooking forward to workingwiththe volunteers at Llanymynech CanalWharf to develop and welcomemorevisitors interestedinthe Montgomery canalandits restoration.
“Restoring theMontgomery Canalisabout giving the communitiesalongthe canal somethingtheycanenjoy,on the towpathoronthe water. Visitorsto the canalwillsee valuableplantsand wildlife and auniquecollectionof canal-agelocks,bridges and other structures.Thecanal wasbuilt because of the quarriesof Llanymynech Hill andthe CanalVisitorCentre andadjoining HeritageArea tellthat fascinatingstoryto residentsandvisitors.”
SteveWitherden,MP for Montgomeryshireand Glyndŵr, said:“Itwasgreat tovisit Llanymynech Canal Wharflast weektodiscuss ongoingplansto restorethe MontgomeryCanal. There areseveralproposalswhich would be welcomedbyevery stakeholder.I welcomeand encourageinvestment in the canaltoprotect itsunique wildlifeforfuturegenerations, so constituentsandtourists alikecancontinuetoenjoy the widediversityofflora andfauna.”
To findoutmoreaboutthe MontgomeryCanalandthe merger, pleaseclick here: themontgomerycanal.org.uk
CROWDS enjoyed aseriesof free specialblacksmith’sforge demonstrations tocelebratethis year’s Heritage Open Days at ApperleyBridge, Bradfordcloseto the Leeds&LiverpoolCanal. Thanksto Canal& RiverTrust volunteerandformerblacksmith David Wadsworthandfellow volunteer Phil‘bellowboy’Bristow,
thecharity wasabletoreignitehistory andbringtolifethetraditionalcraftof blacksmithing, explainingtheprocess from workinghotmetalontheanvilto finishingoffwith beeswax coating.
The forgeiscompletewithfireplace, bellowsandchimney,andis surroundedbyoriginal canal paraphernalia.
GUARANTEE
Dobson’sLockisastaircase system of twocanal lockson the Leeds& LiverpoolCanal, locatedona picturesque spotin ApperleyBridge, Bradford.
In theearly1800s warehouses were builtalongthe waterway toholdmerchandisebeing transported alongthe busy canal. Lock gatesand swing bridgesweremadeonsiteand theblacksmith’s workshop would have been essential for the successfuloperationand maintenanceoflifeonthe canal.
Canal& RiverTrust staff and volunteers were alsoonhand to
theevent.She explained: “Our charity cares for aremarkablenetworkofhistoric waterways which arestill workingjust astheyweredesigned to work 250 years ago. Repairingand maintainingthese waterwaysisapainstakingtaskand our charity stillemploys centuries-old skills andmethodsto maintainthem.
“GettinginvolvedinHeritage Open
Days hasbeenagreat opportunity to showcasebehindthe scenes.
“We’ve really enjoyedbringing to lifethisamazingresource andexplaininghow people can help supportthisvital part of our industrialheritagenowandlookafter itforfuturegenerations.”
THE Canaland River Trusthas spent £140,000dredgingthe RiverSoarinLeicester, removingmorethan 1200 tonnesofsiltas partofworks to make it easierfor boatersand encouragewildlife.
The work wascarried outona 500-metre sectionofthe riverat Limekiln Lock,near AbbeyPark, as wellas at Freemans Meadow Lock,nearthe King PowerStadium.
RichardBennett, naturerecovery manager at the Canal &River Trust, said:
“Dredgingisa vital partofthe regular cycleofmaintenance we areconstantly doingtokeepour rivers and canalsopenand availableforthe benefit of peopleand nature.
“Weknowfrom speaking to boatersthat thesesectionsofthe RiverSoarare apriority, sowe’rereally pleased to be able to improve thingsforthemand make avisitto Leicester that bitmoreappealing.
“Dredgingalsobrings importantbenefitsfor natureand we hope that this project, ontop
ofthegreatworkbeing done by ourvolunteers andpartnerstotackle theproblemoflitter, willmeanthat theriver iscleaner,greener and morewelcomingto localwildlife.”
As wellas making life easierfor boaters the workswillalso bringenvironmental benefits,removing litterand harmful plasticsfromthe
waterandimproving conditions forwildlife. Thesectionof canal around Limekiln Lock is particularlyproneto litterinthe water, with itemsbeingwashed infromtheadjacent WillowBrook.Dredging removedalotofthe historiclitterand, with thetrust’svolunteers helpingtoclear rubbish regularly andLeicester CityCouncilandTrent Rivers Trustworking to reducelitterinWillow Brook,it’shoped that there will be abig reductioninitems foundinthe river.
Above: Work underway to remove hundreds oftonnesof siltfromthe RiverSoar inLeicester.
seena greencorridortoaid well-beingopenalongsidea London waterway.
TheSouthall Wellbeing Wayisacombinedparkand wetlandarea,linked with towpathstoimproveaccess to aseriesofgreen spacesin thearea.
The canaltowpathsand linked greenspaces between SpikesBridge Park andGlade Lane Canalside Park have been transformedover the last twoyears.
Theproject hasbeen delivered by the Canal&River Trust, Ealing Council,housing association Peabody,Ealing Council’sSportEngland National Lotteryfunded Let’sGoSouthallprojectand supportedbythe Mayorof London’sGreenand Resilient Spaces Fund.
TheDeputy Mayorfor Environmentand Energy MeteCobanandDeirdre CostiganMP, who wasatthe opening,said: “I’mdelighted
to see thisinspiringproject helpingthelocalcommunity to getoutside,getactiveand connect with nature. Thisis oneof10projects supported by theMayor’s Greenand Resilient Spaces Fundand Iwanttocongratulateall involved in makingthis project happenas we continue buildinga fairer, greenerandmoreprosperous city forall Londoners.”
Anewcommunity garden intheoldlockkeeper’s cottagegrounds at Norwood BottomLockwasalsoopened as part of the project,which alsoincludedanew wetland inGladeLaneCanalside Parkand anewcommunity garden. RosDaniels,regional director forCanal &River Trust,said: “We’ve been delightedtoworkwithour partners to be ableto make arealdifferencetothe wellbeingofthelocalcommunity. The newtowpath is providing betteraccessforeverybody so the canalcan be enjoyedinall
weathersand we cansee the differencethis hasmade by the numbersof peoplenow usingthetowpath.
“Weknowhow important the canalandgreenspaces arefor peoplein Southall to takeabreath, take time outand enjoy qualitytime withfriendsandfamily, as wellas beingactiveand outside.Seeingtheproject developanddeliverthenew habitatshas been so exciting, and watchingthe Southall community get involved to create andcareforthenew gardensand wildlifehabitat alongthe canalissomething reallyspecial.”
TheSouthall Wellbeing Wayisa greencorridor that wrapsaround Southall, connectingtheGrand Union Canaland achainofnearby greenspaces,allowing local peopleto step away fromthe urbanstreetsandconnect with nature.
DeirdreCostiganMP, Memberof Parliamentfor
EalingSouthallandformer Deputy LeaderofEaling Counciland Cabinet Member forclimateaction said: “I was excitedtobepartofstarting thisanddelightedtonow see itcompleted.The outdoor activitiesandhealth benefits will be felt by everyone,andI lookforward to seeingtheuse of thesefacilitiesgrow andthe offerexpandasmorepeople getinvolved.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani,EalingCouncil’s cabinetmemberforthriving communities,said: “The newcommunitygardenis afantasticexampleofthe communitycomingtogether to sharetheirpassionabout theenvironment. Through Let’sGoSouthalland working withthe Canal&RiverTrust, we cancontinuetogivethe communityaccesstomuchneeded greenspacesand nature.”
SahilKhan,director ofcommunitystrategy, partnershipsand funding forPeabody, said: “Ithas beenfantasticto seelocal residentscometogether to shapethisprojectfrom start to finish. We'veseenfirsthand thedifferencethat improving accesstothe canalandlinking upgreenspaces canmake–it’s not just abouthavinga nicerenvironment, butabout creatingthriving,biodiverse spaceswherepeople feel welcomeand canenjoy spending time.It’sbeenareal pleasuretoworkalongsidethe communityand ourpartner organisationsto make this happen,and we hope to see localpeopleenjoyingthe benefits and nurturingthese new spaceslongintothe future.”
AYOUNG cancervictimismore than halfwaytoher goal of buying awaterside havenasasanctuary forotherpatients.
Hannah Roberts, who suffers fromglioblastoma(GBM4), has already raised £106,000towards the £203,000sheneedstobuy thelodge at Mercia Marina inthe Midlands. Shehopesit willprovide amuchneeded retreatforteenagersand young adultsunderthe care ofthe TeenageCancerTrust.
Herfundraisingeffortshavenot goneunnoticedasshe recently wonthe Fundraiser category at the BBCRadio DerbyMakea DifferenceAwardsforherinitiative, Hannah’s Hope.
Hannah’s mother,Gail,shared heremotional reaction to the award: “I wassooverwhelmed. Idropped my phoneindisbeliefwhen Hannah won. It wasaeuphoricmoment, and Icouldn’t be prouder.This awardis awell-deservedrecognitionofall that Hannahisdoing to support otherslikeher.”
“The successofour charityshop at Mercia Marina willonly grow
fromhere, asmore peopleare drawntosupportthisincredible cause,”addedGail. The awardhonoursindividualsor groupswho go aboveand beyond to raisefundsfor good causes. It waspresented duringa starstuddedceremonyatPride Park that includedthelikesof SirTony Robinson,probably best known for hisportrayalof BaldrickinBritish sitcom Blackadder.
Hannah wasgiven14monthsto live in2022 butisstillbattlingthe disease.
Brandon,Santon Downham, thevillage of Reach,Ely and Denver Sluice. In theevent, theboaters couldonly go asfaras Brandon Lock,which hasbeenoutofuse due to siltfromflood alleviation work earlierin2024,and lackofdredging. Thisalsomeanttheir planned excursion to Santon Downham dtobecancelled.The reasonforthe closure was that thelockwasused by the EnvironmentAgency’sflood managementteamduring floodinginthe spring. This hasled to thelock
and lock stream becoming completelysiltedup, even tooshallow forthe15in draftof awildernessboat. The V-gatesare also entirely immoveabledue to thesilt depositinthelock chamber itself.
Althoughtheclosure of Brandon Lock hasbeen ofconcerntowaterway groupsthroughoutthe year, itisunlikelythe agency’s navigation team will have thefundingtoreopenituntil 2025 at theearliest. Theboats successfully navigated to Reach, receivinga warm welcome fromthecommunityand pubthere. In placesthe reedscompletelycovered thechannel(photo above), butallthe boatsmanaged
thetwo-mile Romancutto Reach Port,attheend. Their finalstop wasat Denverto see thepartially cleared silt bank, below the Denversluiceand outside Salter’s Lodelock. The Middle LevelLink wasclosed here for severalmonthsearlier in 2024,and wasstill causing problemsforlongerboats wishingtocross thistidal sectionoftheGreatOuse. Waterwayorganisationsare concernedthat Brandon Lock willjoin Welches Dam and SwaffhamBulbecklocks onthelist of permanently closed andlostamenities.
Cruiseorganiser Ivan Cane said: “The cruiseshowed that it’s not just the Canal& RiverTrustthat arefacing problems.The navigation
authoritiesinthe eastofthecountry aretoo,andthereis averyrealriskthat those quiet,historic andpicturesque extremitiesofthe systemwillgradually becomeinaccessible by boat.”
IWArespondstoNational Planning Policyconsultation
THEIWA’sPlanningAdvisory Panelhas recentlyrespondedto the Government’sconsultationon proposed reformstothe National PlanningPolicyFramework (NPPF) andotherchangestothe planningsystem.
Amajoraimofthe reformsisto increasethe rateofhousebuilding by changestotheplanning system includingamandatoryhousing need assessment method, anddesignationofparts of the GreenBeltas‘grey belt’where developmentwill bepermitted.
Whilecanalsideredevelopment of‘brownfield’sitesinbuilt-up areasisusuallybeneficial to thewaterways,major built developmentsinthecountryside that destroy theruralenvironment of waterwayscan damagetheir heritage setting, wildlife,tourism valueand economic benefits.
Thisisparticularly so inGreen Beltareaswhicharedesignated primarily to preventurban sprawl, promoteurban regenerationand safeguardthecountryside.
IWA’sresponseiscriticalof theGreenBeltandthe ‘grey belt’proposals,andthe general approachof blamingthelocal planningsystemforfailuresof thehousebuildingmarket: “There aremanyotherdetailedchanges that wecommentonincluding ‘sustainable’development,the controlof majorhousebuilders overhousingmarketsupply,and ‘affordable’housing.
“Wealsoexpress concerns aboutthelandscapeimpactsof increasinglylarge wind turbines beingbuiltonshore, anda preferencefor rooftop solarrather thanlargescale solar farmson agriculturalland.
“Someoftheconsultation
Work parties
questions have provided opportunitiestopromote better recognitionbytheplanningsystem oftheneedsfor residential boat mooringsprovision,the potential for watertransferbycanals, reducedplanningapplication feesfor canalrestoration charities, recognitionofthetourism valueof waterways,and newandupdated canalConservationAreas.We have alsoincluded adetailed response aboutwaterways freight, asan appendix.”
IWA’scommentson residential boatsincluded: “Anothergroupofpeopletotally ignored by theNPPFis residential boaters.Thecanalsand navigable riversarehometotensof thousandsof peoplelivingfull timeonboats.Theseincludestatic houseboatresidents,‘liveaboard’ boaterson rivercruisersand canal narrowboatsthat spendmuchof theirtimemoored in marinasor onlinearoffside canalberths,and waterbornetravellerslicensed by Canal&RiverTrustas‘continuous cruisers’.
“Inthe absenceofanyplanning guidancethereisa troubling neglectandinconsistencyin localplansandthe responseof LPAstoplanningapplicationsfor theprovisionofresidentialboat moorings.Somecouncilsallow marinastoinclude residential berths,manysimply ignore the issue,butothers specifically excludeit by policyorconditions.
“Livingafloat is widespread and increasing, and LPAs withinland waterwaysintheirareasshould be required by theNPPFtoassess and make appropriateprovision forthisasanintegralpartoftheir housingprovision.”
PLEASEcontactthebranchtoregisteryour interestifyouwouldliketo attend aworkparty.Itisadvisabletowearstoutshoes,old clothing,andto takewaterproofs. Apackedlunchandrefreshments are alsoadvisable.
VolunteerontheManchester Bolton &BuryCanal IWAManchesterBranchwill beworkingwith Manchester Bolton &BuryCanal Society at Prestolee at theirregular work site, NobEnd locks, nearPrestoleeRoad, Little Lever, Bolton,BL3 1AD. The groupworks from abasein theblue cabinsnearthe top ofthelocks, adjacenttothe summit pound.
Whatto wear: Suitable clothingforthetasks and sturdyfootwear. Remember: Pack yourlunch anddrink.
If youare travellingby publictransportRadcliffe is thenearest Metrolink stop, fromwhichthereare frequent busestoLittleLever.Kearsley isthenearestrailway station. November 1&15-10.30amto 2.30pm BurslemPort Regularworkparty onthe Burslem ArmoftheTrent &Mersey Canal, runin partnership by IWANorth Staffordshire& South CheshireBranch &the Burslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke St,Burslem. Alltoolsand equipmentwill be provided. Volunteersare advised to wearoldclothes,
stoutshoesandtobring waterproofsin case of rainand apackedlunchifstaying all day. PleasecontactDave Broome before attending: dave.broome45@gmail.com or07974966253 November21 -10amto3pm CheshireLocks Monthlyworkpartyon theCheshireLockflight of theTrent& Mersey Canal, betweenKidsgroveand Wheelock. This work partyisjointlyled by IWANorth Staffordshire& SouthCheshireBranchand Trent& Mersey CanalSociety
If you areableto stayallday ,pleasebring apackedlunch and adrink.Besuretowear old clothesthat you don’t mind gettingdirty and marked withpaint. Stoutfootwearis appropriateandbring alonga waterproofintheeventofrain. Contact JohnLawson: john. lawson@waterways.org.ukor 07940 878923
ReachPort,Cambridgeshire. PHOTO:IVANCANE
ReachLode, Cambridgeshire.
PHOTO:IVANCANE
CharactersoftheCut
SallyandStephen -NarrowboatBears
ByAliceElgie
FOREnglishteachers Sallyand Stephen Underwood andtheir companion,aknittedtravelling frog called Mathew,holidays seemtobethe catalystfornew lifestyleadventuresandthisisonefamilycertainly notafraidtotakethat leap. In 2003theyleapttothe Canary Islandsandthenin2022,backtoEngland tocontinuouslycruisethe canals.
Thisledtoalmost19yearswhere, despite adifficultfirstsixmonths,Sallyand Stephen establishedthemselvesand hadalovelytimein the sunshine.However,therecan be athingoftoo much sun(!) and with Sally’sasthmabecoming worse, anddifficulty takingregular walksbecause oftheheat, theydecidedtotaketheleapagain,this timebacktothe UK.
Stephen,who wasbroughtupina village close to the RiverSoar, remembersspending his childhoodlookingatboats withhisgrandfatherand whenhe wasolder, wouldhireboats forthe day, weekendor weekandcruise between Leicesterand Loughborough. Sallyalsoknew athingabout boats fromhertimelivinginReadingonthe RiverThames and so together,theybrought10students overfrom Spain fornarrowboatholidaysin2018and 2019. Theytoldme:“Theseholidaysreintroducedus to boats, andafter acouplemoreholidaysofone month,weknew wewere drawntonarrowboat life.”
In August2022the couplemovedaboard Narrowboat Delamere,a 2013 NorthwichBoat –whichat57ft wasready to go anywhere on the network–andtheydecidedtotaketheir young Spanish students withthem,onlineatleast!They teachone-hour classesbetween3pm and7pm from Monday to Thursday, Stephen at thedinette, and Sally at thefrontof the boat on amakeshift desk.Thecoupletellme that teachingEnglish online requiresonlya small workspacefora laptop,a whiteboard andanA4padand they’vehadnoproblem with Wi-Fidespite movingaround,their favourite stretch being the StanleyLockflight into SalthouseDock, Liverpool.
There’s onetimethat sticks outparticularly though, whenthey moored up at the same timeas Eurovision. “The atmosphereatthattime waswonderfulasthe city hadtotally embraced theevent with pop-up events all over.All nationalities were present, many infancydress costume,andallthe boatsin SalthouseDockputup bunting. It wasacolourful sight!”
Mathewandfriendsoutinthesnow.
Mathewandfriendsathomeontheboat.
Thismooringalsonodoubtpresentedafantastic photoopportunityforknittedfrog,Mathew. Stephen toldmemoreabout this unlikelycompanion: “Sallyknitteda frogfor herself(calledMathew) that couldfitinher pocket. Next my son wanted one,and then hisfriends,andthen after postingonsocial media, peoplestarting askingfor afrogand makingknittedfrogs suddenly becamea thing!” To date Sally hasknitted41frogs thathave madetheir wayoutinto theworld
acrossEuropeandeven asfarasthe USA, with ownerstakingphotos to shareonInstagram. “Mathewnowgoeswith Sallywherevershe goes so aphotoopportunity isnevermissed.He wasevenallowed in theoperatingtheatre whenshe hadacataract operation!”
Stephenand Sally have managedto perfectlymergethejoy oftravel,withearning anincomealongthe wayand have explored the networkextensivelysincemovingaboard.They’ve rackedupmanymilesand many locksfromSkipton to Liverpool, to theBridgewater Canalandthrough Manchester, theTrent& Mersey andtheAnderton Boatlifton to theRiver Weaver.They’vealsoenjoyed autumnonthe ShropshireUnion,Christmasin Chesterandeven asummer spellin London at Little Veniceand Paddington Basin,afterwhichthey headedfortheBrentandthe Thamesand went as farasOxford.
Currentlythey’reinLeicestershire andlife on the watercertainlyseemsto suitthem, although perhapsthere isone bugbear…“Wehad about350 days of sunshine ayear inthe Canary Islandsand we’vehad to getusedtothe sameamountofdays of rainin England!”
MAJOR repairsto asection of canalbank that was washedawaybywinter floodsinLeicesterhave beencompleted.
TheCanal &River Trusthas repaired and strengtheneda100-metre sectionoftheGrand Union Canalbank,which wasseverely damaged whenfloodwaterfrom thenon-navigable River Soar,which runsparallel, overtopped and scoured away thecanal walland towpathontop.
Thedamagetothe wall,near Blue Bank Lock,southof Leicester, wascausedwhenthe river overtopped followinga succession ofheavy winter storms. StormBabet last
October caused initial damage,beforeStorms Gerritand Henk‘s heavy rainandfloodingsaw the
bank washedaway.
A£500,000programme of repairshas seenthe trustreinforcethe canal wall withnew steelpiling backfilledwith stone and anew towpathlaid ontop.LeicesterCity Councilprovidednearly £44,000offunding fromits Transport Improvement Workscapitalprogramme to reinstatethetowpath,a popularroute linkingthe GreatCentral Wayand nearby Everards Meadows andanimportantpart ofthe pedestrianand cyclewaynetwork.
Thetrust hasalso carried outrepairs on the approach to Blue Bank Lock,installingmoresheet pilingandaddingnew mooringsfor boatsusing thelock.
LinnyBeaumont, regionaldirector forthe CRT, said: “Thisisan exampleofthedevastating impactflooding brought aboutbyclimate change canhaveonour historic waterways andthe work we have to dotoprotectthem forfuturegenerations.
“Italsoemphasisesthe need forcontinuedsupport if we aretokeepthem navigableand secureallthe benefitsthat bringsin turn tolocalpeopleand wildlife.
“Weare gratefulto LeicesterCityCouncilfor helpingwiththecostof reinstatingthetowpath which is apopular route withlocal walkersand cyclists.”
andtransport,added:“We areverypleased to have supportedthe trustwith fundingforthisproject. We want to make itaseasy as possiblefor Leicester people to access ourblue andgreenspaces,because we knowthe benefitsthey offerfor recreation,and formentalandphysical health.Encouraging people to walkand cycle alsohelps ourenvironment andairquality.
“Sadly,climatechange ispresenting us with increased challenges fromfloodingandextreme weather events,sothat we need to conduct repairs likethese to ensurepeople cancontinueto have accesstothe recreational spaces we know they value.”
HUNTS Lock onthe Weaver Navigation inCheshireisnow opento boatersafter acomplex repairoperation by the Canal &RiverTrust.
The work meansthelink betweenthe 250-year-old waterway andtheTrent and Mersey Canal,viatheAndertonBoat Lift,isnow workingagain.
Thetrusthad to bringincranes,divers and carpenterstomakethe repairsand replacevitalelementsofthelock.
Costing £10,000,theprojectinvolved replacing lock paddles,including new steel work whichhadto be replaced by divers.
DarrenThomas,seniorM&Eengineer at Canal&RiverTrust, said:“Therepair at HuntsLock,carried outbyateamof specialists,shows just howmanypeople areinvolved in keepingthe waterways openfornavigation.
“Wehoped thediverswould be able to carryout repairsunderwater,saving timeandmoney, butintheendthe damage wastooextensive, and we opted to replaceboth toppaddles.Handcrafted in ourspecialist workshops,thesenew paddles willhelpcontrol water levelsfor years to come.”
THE Canal& RiverTrust hascompletedasix-week programmeof repairs to Sellars SwingBridge, which carries SellarsRoad overthe Gloucester &Sharpness Canal.
Theincreasedweight in vehicles overthe years had takena tollonthecondition ofthebridge,whichdatesto the1950s.
Therepairs were needed to strengthenitforfuture use, whilealsomaking improvementsto roadplates thathadbeencausinghigh levelsofnoisewhen vehicles used ittocrossthe canal.
It isoneof18 swingbridges along the canalthat are importantfor maintaining navigation,especially for
tall-sidedvessels,including the shipsthat visitthecanalforthe Tall Ships Festival.
“New parapettimbers have beeninstalledtoreplacethe handrailson bothsidesandon
thebridge's approach.Ateam from Sharpness Shipyard have completed therefurbishment ofthe windingmechanismthat will make it easier to openand closethe bridgeto allowtall vesselstogothrough.
“Wehavereplacedtheroad plateswhich willhelplowerthe noisewhenvehicles go across, made repairstowhere concrete hadcorrodedonthenose of thebridge andalsocorrected itsbalance,soitdoesn'tmove when weight is putonitby vehicles.”
and aricharray ofbirdlife,makingita fascinatingplace to explore.”
The Weaver Navigation hasarich history.Forcenturies,the RiverWeaver wasusedforthetransport of salt.
Improvementsalong theriver were plannedasearly asthe17thcentury,as sailingbargesbegan navigatingalong the Weaver fromtheMersey to Winsford, bringingcoalinand takingsalt out.
Profitable
VariousActs authorised improvements, allowing thesaltindustrytoprosper, andthroughoutthe19thcentury the navigation wasconsistentlyprofitable.
Theareabecameknown forthe production of otherchemicalson increasinglylarger scales,andit became commonplace to see vesselsof 500tons ormorenavigatingfarinland.
The extraordinaryAndertonBoatLift wasdesigned to connectthe Weaver Navigation withtheTrent& Mersey Canalrunningmorethan50feet(15m) above.
It opened in1875and,followinga restoration22 years ago, boatersare still abletousethelift today.
VI TA Lw ork completedby volunteers has ensured theCromford Canalrestoration continues toprogress. The team fromthe WaterwayRecovery Group(WRG) worked tirelesslyto completepreparation work at thesiteatat Beggarlee, Langley
Mill, Derbyshire, so the main canal restoration work couldtakeplace. Thegroup has donated nearly700 hourstotheproject, co-ordinated by the FriendsofCromford Canal(FCC),which hashadmorethan 5000hoursofwork completedby
volunteersin recent years.TheWRG dug outa flood channel, removingupto3000 tonsofsoil,anddid other work at thesite, whichisonthe border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
AFCC spokesman said: “Thedigging outoftheflood plain extensionisnecessary tocompensate for landthat will be taken whenthechannel andlocksare built.
“Twoarchaeologists were onsiteduring thediggingoutof theflood plain, just in case anythingwas discovered,which wasthe case with theoldoriginallock (Marshalls Lock) appearing.”
More work is duetotakeplaceto ensurefloodwater, whichgathers in the channel, candrain down to theRiver Erewash.
“Theambitiousproject seesthe transformationof ConnaughtHarbour into anew visitordestination, coupledwith thedevelopments at Portumna, furtherupgradingthese local amenitiesforthe benefitofall.
“AtWaterwaysIreland, we want toencourageparticipation amonglocalsandvisitors by providingnewopportunitiesto inspirecuriosityandadventure alongour waterwaysand we areimmenselypleased to openthesenewsitesforthe publictoday.”
“Our€1.3millioninvestment for theredevelopmentof ConnaughtHarbour willhelp transformthedestination’s outdoortourismofferingby providing acruisehirehub, improved access to water facilitiesand anew cyclingand walkingtrail to linkthe harbour to Portumnatown. Today, we’re pleased toannouncethisproject inpartnershipwithWaterways Irelandisnowcompleteand opentothe public.”
Portumna
The market town of Portumna inthesouth-eastofCoGalway islinked to Co Tipperaryby bridge.Thishistoriccrossing pointoverthe RiverShannon hasseennumerousferriesand bridges spanthe river’swidth prior to itsentryintoLough Derg. The currentstructure,with itsopeningspanfor boat traffic, wasdesigned by CEStanierof Londonandcompleted in1911.
The visitor will findnumerous attractionsinandaround Portumnaincluding the PortumnaUnion Workhouse, whichcontainstheonlycentre tellingthehistoryofworkhouses inIreland, PortumnaCastle, afortifiedmanorhousewith gardensandthe Portumna Forest Park spanning1500 acresofland with lakeside walksandthe remainsofa Cistercian abbey. Thetown offersa rangeofshoppingand eating opportunitiesthrough independentstores,barsand cafes.Anglersandboatersare well cateredfor with Emerald Star Linehiringboatsfrom Connaught Harbour–anideal basefromwhichtoexplore more ofthe Lough Derg area by water.
NicolaLisleexploresthehistoryand wildlifeoftheGrand WesternCanal at theVisitorCentrein Tiverton THIS year marksthe50thanniversaryofthe reopeningoftheGrand Western Canaltoboat traffic,and alsooftheformation of the Tiverton CanalCompany. Todaythislovelystretch of canal is acountry parkand naturereserve,justwaiting tobeexplored by foot,bicycleorboat.
Thetriumphant reopeningin 1974 came just three yearsafterthe canalwas purchased by Devon CountyCouncil,following along-foughtcampaign by localsto save the canalfromdecadesofneglect.
The canalbasin at Tivertonis agood place to start exploringthe canal. At itsheartistheGrand Western CanalVisitorCentre, which wasofficiallyopenedin 2013 by the Honiton-born Olympic athlete Jo Pavey. Here you candiscoverthe canal’s200-yearhistoryand findout aboutits rich abundanceof wildlifethrough informationboards,interactive displays,models, canalartefacts,photographs,plans, filmand games.
Immediately catchingthe eyeas you enterisalife-size modelof ahorse pulling acart, the latter arelic fromtheBridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somersetwhere it would have been used for haulingheavy goodsand toolsused for canalrepairsand maintenance. Information boards and atime-linegive adetailedaccountof the canal’shistory. Originallyproposedby
renowned canalengineer JamesBrindleyin1769, and revived in1792 with John Rennie at thehelm, theGrand WesternCanal sadlyneverfulfilled Brindley’soriginalvisionoflinkingtheBristoland Englishchannels,which would have enabledships to avoid sailingaroundthehazardouscoastlinesof DevonandCornwall.
The constructionofthefirst 11.25miles,from Tivertonto Lowdwells,was plagued withproblems. Costs mountedasprogresswasconsiderably hindered by the hard rock of Devon’shilly landscape. In April1811, navviesrioted overunpaid wages.Bythetimethe canalopened,theoriginal costof£220,000 hadrocketedto£244,500.
Anextensionto Taunton –initially masterminded by engineer JamesGreen– wasbeset withsimilar problems,andGreen’sambitiousplans to include sevenboatliftsandaninclinedplaneproved disastrous andcostly.Greenwas replacedwith WA Provis,andtheextensionfinallyopenedin1838, with theoriginal budgetof£61,000 havingrisen to£80,000.
The canal,now29.25mileslong, enjoyedabrief period ofprosperity,drawingasteadyincome
it’s worthcheckingout thelarge display boardsin thevisitorcentredetailingtheanimals,birdsand flowersthat you mightspotalong thetowpath. The rich varietyof wildlifealongthe canalled to itsdesignationas aLocal Nature Reservein2005. Outsidethevisitorcentreisachildren’splaypark, boatsand kayaks forhire, picnictables,cafes,a gift shop,display boardsand detailsoflocalnewsand events.Lookout for Rosie –a beautifulswancreated by artistLaurenBrinsdenMiles,featuring the traditional Rosesand Castlesdesign. Forsomethingreally special, take atrip aboard Tivertonian, oneofthefewhorsedrawnbargesleftin theUK.Boattrips run from ApriltoOctober. Formoreinfo:www. tivertoncanal.co.uk
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JonathanMosse’s monthlylook at freight developmentonthe inlandwaterways.
INMOST people’s minds,ports havestrong coastalaffiliations andareunlikelyto bepoked tidily away up riversor canals. But200ormoreyears ago, the fabricofcommerce between Britainandthe rest ofthe world averydifferentweave fromthepattern we arefamiliar with today,particularly before theinvention of thecontaineror‘box,’ asthis ubiquitoustradingdeviceisoften referredto.
seaboardsofEnglandand Walesalsopenetrated wellinland, so that when narrow-and(to alesser extent)broad-canals started to appear,a viableinterface wasrequired intheformof transshipmentfacilitiesfor onward travel of importsor theoutflowofexports.
To get someideaof scale,wecanlook at the dimensions of theForth &Clyde Canalrunning acrosstheCentral Beltof Scotland,connecting theRiver Clydeonthe westsideofthecountry withthe FirthofForth onthe east.Builtto savevessels crossing the Atlanticfromthe Americas fromalso havingtotraversethe Pentland Firth(onthe northernmostcoastof thecountry)itsdepth wasjustafractionunder three metres,withalock gaugeofjustsixmetres wide by 21metreslong. Less ambitious,but ofsimilarimportance, bargestrading upand down estuarieson easternand western
What thisaddeduptowasthe establishmentofinland portsorthe expansionofexistingexamples –such as thoseatExeterorChester:a phenomenon thathasonly recently startedtoberecognised againintheformofthe HistoricInland Port status,recentlyconferredonbothStourporton-Severnand Shardlow,alongsidetheirtwo aforementionedpredecessors.
Fromthe Middle Agesonwardsthis country’seconomy began to leanheavily on worldwidetrade andamong itsprincipal workhorses were the barge-craftthat evolved to servethe specific needsofthedifferent estuariesaround ourcoast.
Whiletheinlandport of Chester startedlife ableto accommodate thethen-transatlantic vessels,later followed by Exeter, Shardlow
developed asaninlandtransshipmentporttomove cargobetweenHumberkeelsplyingtheTrentand canalbarges, just as Stourportfulfilledasimilar role with Severntrowsasaninterface betweenriver and theStaffs &WorcesterCanal.
Interestingly,Chesterandits significanceasan international port easilypre-datesthe emergence of Liverpool(andother Merseyportsfromthat era) and,beforethe Dee gradually siltedup, handled by farandawaymoretonnagethaneverywhereelsein the NorthWestput together. On amorelocal basis, Mersey Flatswould have been the workhorsesof the port.
The five-mile Exeter Ship Canalwasopened in1566. Built at the modest cost of £5000,itwas initially onlyableto accommodate craft carrying 16tons.Following improvements,100 yearslater, thisincreased to 60tonsand at the turnofthe18th
century,bydintofvarious furtherenhancements, this hadrisen to 150tons.Sonow twoinlandUK citiesenjoyed thebenefitsofdirecttrade withthe rest ofthe world.
On thesouth-eastsideofthecountry, Thames barges borethebruntofthelocalestuarineand coastal work,butalsoregularlypliedtheirtradeas far afieldasthe Tynetothenorthand beyondthe Exe(andExeter)in the South West.All inall,this amountedtoatight-knitintegrationof waterborne trade,servinglarge tractsofthecountry. Ultimately,thequestion to be answeredis‘what canthisintriguingpieceof waterwayshistory contribute(ifanything) to thetruemulti-modal transport debate of today?’Given that moving goods by water, in appropriatecraft –whether indeepestuariesorproperlydredged canals –onaper tonbasis,incurs butone-fifthofthe energy consumptionof road haulage, itisclearly adesirable waytoproceed in thefaceofclimate change andglobal warming.
However, itspotential successclearly lies in forms of streamliningundreamedofbyits forebears, wherelabourwascheapandplentiful. Road haulage hasits swap bodies,while international freighthas beenchanged outofall recognition since the‘box’ took over.
Inlandwaterways transport, morerecentlyleft standingonthe sidelines,might just want finally to come to theparty bearingthe giftsofboth, recognisingthat, inthegrand schemeofthings, thesizeofthe overallinvestmentrequired to make thisall work is small relativetothe possible gainsto be madefromitscontributiontowardsachievinga net zero economy.
onthe MontgomeryCanal willaid wildlifeand keep the canalrestorationproject pushingforward. Work hasrecently beencompletedonthe AberbechanAqueduct, betweentherestored canal in Shropshire, whichis connectedtothe national canalnetwork,andthe isolated Welshpool section northof Refail,near Berriew. AberbechanAqueductlies onthe unrestored section six miles southof Berriew.
The aqueductis over200 yearsold,dating from the constructionofthe canal’s last stageintoNewtown in1819. Overthe yearsthe aqueduct hasweakened and thecurrent work isto reinforcethe structureand ensureitiswatertight.
MichaelLimbrey,
chairmanoftheMontgomery Waterway RestorationTrust, said:“Theaqueductis actuallyvitallyimportantfor thewater supplyfor halfthe canal,through Berriewand Welshpool to thelowest sectionnearArddleenwhere it returns to the Severn.This ispartofthe SpecialAreaof Conservation,designated underthe European HabitatsDirectiveandnow partofUKlaw.
“Lefttoitselfofcourse the canalwould become weeded upandthemore fragile species wouldbe crowdedout so restoration hasincludedthe investment ofmillionsof poundsto ensureprotectedspaces forthefloraandfauna. This includes makingsurethere is aconstantwater supply which would be at risk ifthis littleaqueductshouldfail.”
The Montgomery Canal, partofthe Shropshire Union Canalsystem, runs fromFrankton Junction near Ellesmerethrough Welshpoolto Newtown. It wasclosed in1936and restoration startedin Welshpool in1969. Since then volunteersof Shropshire Union CanalSocietyand the Inland Waterways Association’sWaterway Recovery Grouphavespent thousandsofdays working to restorelocks,bridgesand weirsonthe canal. It isnow 60% restored.
Mr Limbreyadded: “Theaqueduct carriesthe towpathwhich is itselfa valuableamenityforanyone to walk,fish,cycleor jog along thecanal. It is possible tousethetowpathas aroute rightalongthe bordersto the World Heritage Site at
CreatureslivingintheRiver Foss in Yorkarehelpingvolunteersto maintainwaterquality,asSallyCliffordfindsout.
THEIRpresenceis crucial to keeping on top of riverpollution. To the nakedeye the tinycreaturesare simply pondlife,but totheriverdetectives theyprovideimportant evidence. Retired freshwater biologist,Barbara Hilton,isoneof35 volunteersinvolved intheCitizen Science Projectmonitoring the water qualityof the RiverFossinher homecityof York. The project’saimis tomonitortheentire rivercatchment forchemicaland biological water quality,thepresence or absenceof water vole,otterand minkas wellasthe improvement of banksidevegetation management.
macroinvertebrates, smallunnoticed creaturesthatarea food sourceforfish, birdsand mammals whose presencehelps to maintain water quality by feedingon andbreaking down organic matter.
Kicksampling
AccordingtoBarbara thesecreaturesare alsousefulindicators of pollution. To help intheirfindings, Barbaratalks about theimportanceof ‘kicksampling’,which involves gettinginto the riverwearing wadersandusinga professional standard net with1mm mesh to catchthe creatures fromthe riverbed.
“Weuse the professionaltechnique for kick sampling. We get into theriver with aprofessional standard netand you kick the substrate, thesand, rocks, silt onthebottomofthe riverbed,” explains Barbara. “Whatever youdislodgegets caughtasyou move acrossthe river. You aretryingtoget the habitatinthe river.”
Theprocesstakes three minutes.A further minuteisspent washing stonestowhichthe creaturescling.
withthe nakedeye livewithinthe river. They arenot very mobileandthey havetolivethrough whateverpollution iscomingdownthe river,”saysBarbara. Workinginpairs andusingbucketsand trays, the volunteers analyse theirfindings andreportanything untoward to the Environment Agency which cancarry out investigations.
“Fromtheseanimals
we canidentify, generally,the organic qualityofthe water ofthe Foss.Mostof theobvious pollution isorganic pollution andtheanimals will tell usthebiological qualityofthewater,” says Barbara. The team arecurrently sampling 13 sitesonthemain river, andoneona tributary, twice ayear in springand autumn.
Passingonthe knowledge
Originallyfrom Derbyshire,Barbara spentthe majority ofherworkinglife workingfor South West WaterAuthority in Cornwalland West Devonbefore transferring to Yorkshirewhenshe joined Yorkshire Water. Herresearchalsoled toherworkingwith farmers focusing on biomassenergy plants beforeher retirement. NowBarbaraispassing onherexpertiseand
THE ShropshireUnion CanalSociety Limited hasreportedlowerincomeforthe2023-24 financial year,downmorethan£11,000on theprevious year.
The charityhad £115,271indonations, legaciesandotherincome, compared with £126,627intheprevious year.
The charityisdedicated to maintaining andenhancingthe ShropshireUnion Canal network forthe benefit of allusers,visitors and wildlife.Thiscoversthe Llangollen and MontgomeryCanalsas wellasthe Shropshire Union Canalitself,includingthe Middlewich Branch.
It isalsohopingtosee the ShropshireGap closed,allowing navigationalong the, at present, unnavigableandderelict section of the MontgomeryCanal (the Monty) between CrickheathandLlanymynech,onthe Welsh border.
In the autumn editionof Cuttings,the society’sjournal,it reportstwo legacies totalling £29,000, bothdedicatedtorestoration ofthe MontgomeryCanal,together with severalthree-andfour-figure donations.
The society received fundingfromFreedom Fibreof£500andis applying for asecond grantfromthe National LotteryHeritage Fund (NLHF).If successful,themoneywould be used tohelp restore the MontgomeryCanalbetween CrickheathBridgeand MalthouseBridge.
Chairman David Carter saidthe work at Crickheath hadpaidoff, with increasedvisitors tothearea.Hesaid: “How pleasantitnow isto see the steadystream of boatsatCrickheath.It isunusualfortheretobelessthan half adozen boatsvisitingduringaweekend. It makesallof ourhardworkonthe restoration worthwhile.”
Currentlythe MontgomeryCanal appeal stands at £163,000,lessthan£90,000shortofits £250,000target.Thesocietyreliesondonations andalsoappliesfor variousgovernment grants,inadditionto Gift Aidfunding. To findout more aboutthe ShropshireUnion CanalSociety, visit:www.shropshireunion. org.uk
application Iwasa retired freshwater biologist. Mike wasextremely enthusiasticand said theywouldlove meto getinvolved,” recalls Barbara.
Stretchingaround 28milesfromits source near Newburgh Priory, northofEasingwold, to theBlueBridge in York whereitjoinsthe RiverOuse, the River Foss provides agreen corridorinto thecity. Navigablefor just over amile,italso provides awater route forpleasureboaters. Primarily ameans of draining farm land, over theyears the riverhas,and continuesto suffer from,sedimentation. Beingpartofthe Citizen Science Project,The River Foss Society worksin partnership withthe EnvironmentAgency,
the Universityof York, St NicksEnvironment Centre –acentrefor natureandgreen livingwhichoriginally startedoutasthe charity ‘FriendsofSt Nicholas Fields’inthe 90s –and Yorkshire WildlifeTrust. Whilethe water qualitymonitoring project cannotprevent pollution, recording and reportingfindings canhelpidentify potential issuesand promptaction. The
projectcan also helpto educatethecustodians ofitsfuturecare.
“Ifwecanshow childrenwhat isthere, andunderstandwhat is happening, that is important. It istheir environmentandthey need to lookafterit,” says Barbara.
Full training will be giventothose interested in getting involved inthe project.Tofind out morecontact Barbara_ Hilton@msn.com
breachsite,one of theinitialpriorities wastoinstall bypass pumpstoensurea watersupplyto keep boatsafloat.
Athree-sideddamaroundthebreachsite, which wouldallowcontrolled navigationbetween thenorth and south ofthe breachforthoseboatsthat needed tomove,wasdesigned.Oncethedam wasinplace, adredger boat passed through, clearing andtesting the wayforother boatstoensureitwas safe.
JonHorsfall, regionaldirector at Canal& River Trust, said: “Completingthe repairsto reopenthe navigationfor ourboatersandallotherswhoenjoy the canalisa priority,howevertheyare complexand willtakeseveralmonthstocomplete.We’re gladto have been abletofind atemporary solutionforthose
THE Canal&RiverTrustand Long Eaton UnitedFootball Club have joinedforcesto tackletheproblemoflitteron theErewash Canal,helpingto protect wildlifeandimprove the canalforvisitors.Long Eaton United’s under11s boys’team,nicknamed‘Team Black’,swapped theirfootball bootsfor canoepaddles and litterpickersas theysupported thetrust in aclean-upof the waterandtowpath.
RomaineGraham, team manageratLongEaton United, said: “Thecanal is suchanimportantpartof Long Eatonand we wanted to do ourbitto make itnicerfor everyonelivingand working inthetown.Itwas agreat activityand we hadafunand productiveday,withboththe kidsandadultslearninga lot.”
Starting at thetrust’s educationcentreatTrent Lock,the boys worked their wayalongthe canal,picking litterfromthetowpathand hedgerowsaswellastakingto thecharity’scanoesto remove itemsfromthe water.
In just afewhoursthe team removedfourlarge bags of crisppackets,bottles,cans andother rubbish.Aswell ashelpingtoimprove their localcanalthe boysalsoused itasanopportunitytoraise sponsorshipfornew kit.
Theclean-upcoincides withthelaunchofthetrust’s PlasticsChallengewhich encouragespeople to carry outshortlitterpicks at their localcanal to preventplastic rubbishdamagingvital waterside habitats.
CarolBurrell,community
Workto construct adam attheHollowforth Aqueductonthe LancasterCanal,to allowboatersthrough following abreachat thewaterway. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
boaterswhoneeded to cross Hollowforth Aqueduct inthemeantime.
“Ourdesign team, alongwithour geotechnical engineers,havebeenontheground puttingtogether asolidplan to rebuildtheembankmentandthe damaged aqueduct.We’ve alsobeenbusywith ecology andheritage surveys, andwe’veagreed ona plan that respects andprotectsthehistorical aspects of thesite.
“TheLancaster Canal is going to be200years oldin twoyears’ time, butcenturies ofuse andbattering by the elements have taken theirtoll, andthe work to repairthebreachwill take significantfunding. We’redoingall we canto getthe canalbackopen asquicklyaspossible, and we welcome supportfromallparties.”
Theworksto date have required input from multiple teams acrossthecharity.A topographical survey isneeded to confirm
well-beingco-ordinator for the Canal& RiverTrust,said: “Litteronthe canaldoesn’t just look bad,it canbereally harmfulto wildlifeand threatens someof ourbest lovedspecies.
“Asacharity we need help fromcommunities to keep our precioushistoric waterways alive andit wasfantasticto see the boys gettingout thereand really making adifference. Their hard work hasmade thecanal look alot better for boatersandhelped to protectpreciouslocalwildlife. Hopefullytheirefforts will inspireotherstogetinvolved as ourresearchshowsthat if everyonewho visitsoneof ourcanalsand rivers picksup just onepieceofplasticand takesithome,they'dbeclean within ayear.”
Away fromtheimmediatebreach, 500 metresof stock-prooffencinghas beenputuptoensurethat livestockare kept away fromthe work site,and severaltrees have been removedtoprovide access.Additionally, the site compoundhas beenreinforcedwith stone,makingitready toaccommodatethe heavy machinery that willbe required forthe repair work. The trust’sengineers have completed afirst engineeringdesignfor the final repair work.The workswill be finishedin 2025, withanenddate dependentonwhether buildingconsentis required.
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MothershipMarineamongwinners of firstSustainableBoatingAwards
ByPhilPickin
THE InlandWaterways Association AGMs always seea significantnumberof awards beingmade to recognise theoutstanding effortsof groups andindividualsfromacrossthecountry.This year’s AGM,the65thfortheIWA, washeldin the HughAstonBuilding, part of De Montfort UniversityinLeicester,and sawthefirst recipients ofthe Sustainable BoatingAwardssponsored by TowpathTalk.
In hisopening remarks, IWAchair Mike Wills highlightedthat over thepast 12 months,the associationhasundergonearemarkableturnaround after aperiodof upheaval.The improvements seemtocentrenotonly ontheorganisationand personnelbutalsoontheassociation'sfinances.
SpeakersalsoincludedMikePalmer,chairof theWaterwayRecoveryGroup,and SueO’Hare, chairofthe Navigation Committeeandtrusteeof theIWA, who highlightedtheongoingneed for restoration work and,inthe case of FBW,theneed to raisefundsas wellas awarenessoftheplight of the waterways.
To thisend, Sueoutlineda timetableofactivities andplans starting overthecomingweeksto raiseawarenessoftheneed to securethefuture ofthe waterwaysandtopromotetheir valueto awider audience.Tothat end,it seemsthatthe message fromtheIWAandCRTshowsome strong similarities,giventheybothlooktopromotethe valueofthe canalsystemforall,not just the boatowningcommunity.
Allofthe awards were made by Mike Wills, national chairoftheIWA, and in thecaseofthe SBGAwards, thesewere made in recognitionof thenominee’seffortstodevelopandpromotemore sustainablepropulsionsystemsforusebyboatson theinland waterways.
ThewinnersoftheSustainable BoatingAwards were…
MothershipMarine: Commercial Award. Forthe promotionofmoreefficientelectricpropulsion systemsusinghighertorquemotorsand larger propellersandforfitting largePVcellarrays. The judges were also impressed by theiruseofrecycled materialsintheirfit-outs. The awardwas accepted byMothership Marine’s MD TimKnox. Kay andPaulSumpner: Non-commercial Award. Fortheir work in promotingtheonlineexchange of information aboutelectric boating, including organisingElectrika,thefirstinland waterwaysboat showforelectric boats. Kayand Paul were unable to attend so the awardwasacceptedontheirbehalf byCaroline BadgerofOrtomarine fordeliverylater intheday.
Ortomarine: Commendation.For itsworkin developingmonitoring technologyforelectric boatingandthecompany’swillingnessto share information withotherstoallowelectricdrivesto developfaster,includingaccesstothedatafromits
IWAAGMdelegates. PHOTO: RUPERTSMEDLEY
trialsonthe Severn,andforits supportofElectrika. The commendation wasreceived byCaroline Badgerand RobHowdle.
The AGMwas attendedbyalmost80people, with45 attendingonlinewhosawtheIWANational Awards beingmadebyMikeWills;these included… RichardBirdMedals: Formembersofthe associationwhoseeffortsand supportare considered to have broughtsignificantbenefitto theassociation over asustainedperiod.
hisdedicationtoeventplanningand volunteer leadership.Heispivotalinensuringeverything runssmoothlyandisinvaluabletothe teamand organisation. Pete wasunable to attendashe wasat aWaterwayRecoveryGroup Weekend Camp.
EmmaGreenall: Along-standingWRG volunteer, Emmahasplayedstrategic roles behindthe scenes, ensuringthe successofCanalwayCavalcade.Emma hasconfidentlystepped into severalstrategic roles fortheIWACanalwayCavalcade,bothbehindthe scenesandonthegroundduringthe weekend event.Emma wasunableto attend, so alternative arrangements will be made to presentthe award.
PeterHill: Recognised for his18 yearsof outstandingserviceas editorof Aegre, the EastMidlandsnews magazine, championing incorporationofIWAcorporateimage andbrand identitytoenhancetheassociation’sprofile.
BernardMorton: Acknowledged for his inspirationalleadershipoftheNorthampton Branch,bringingout the best inhisteam.Noneof NorthamptonBranch’s achievements would have beenpossible withouthisexemplaryleadership skills, alongwithhis supportandencouragement ofthecommittee.
ChristopherPower Prize: Fora person, society ortrustwho hasmadethemostsignificant contributiontothe restorationofaninland waterway.Thereisacashprizeassociatedwiththis award,whichisgiventothe waterway restoration groupassociatedwiththe winner, wherethe winner is anamedindividual.The aimsandobjectivesof thegroupmustbeconsistentwithIWA’saimsand objectives.Thetrophy, acarvedwoodenotter, waspresented to theassociation by VolvoPenta. Thiswas awardedtoAli Bottomley(Womble).Ali’s dedicationtotheWRGTrainingWeekend hasbeen extraordinary, havinganamazingimpacton both WRGandother canalrestoration volunteersand societies.
BranchAchievement Award: Forthe IWAbranch, which, in theopinionof apanelconsistingofthe nationalchairman,deputynationalchairmenand chiefexecutive, hasmadethegreatest progressand achievement inpromotingtheassociation’saims andobjectivesduringthepastyear. Allbranchesare consideredwithouttheneed fornomination.The awardconsistsof asilver salverdonated toIWAby former nationalchairmanDavid Stevenson,forthe purpose, in1998. This wasawarded to Northampton Branch.Celebrated fortheirexceptional work onthe NorthamptonArm, transformingitintoathriving spacefor boatersand walkerswhile supportinglocal schools,artists,andcommunitygroups.Withits17 locks,theArmisoneofthelongestadoptedstretches ofCRT-managed waterways.Workingclosely with localpartners,schools,artistsandcorporates,the Branchhasensuredthe waterwayhas benefited frompaintedandceramic murals,a mosaictrail,new benches,towpath resurfacing, andtheinstallation and maintenanceofdefibrillators.
CyrilStyring Trophy: Thisisthe association’s premier award. ForanIWA memberwho has, intheopinionoftrustees,made an outstanding contributioninfurtheringtheassociation’s campaign.This wasawarded to RayAlexander.Ray’s decadesof servicehavetransformedwaterways acrossthe South West and nationwide.Histireless commitment, knowledgeandleadership have earned himtheassociation’shighesthonour.Ray demonstratesthat in fightingforthe waterways, there must be ablendof hard work,patience, knowledge, loyalty, beingwiththe rightpeople at the righttime, and producingtechnicaland promotional documentation to ahighstandard. The citation went on to saythe waterways have benefited enormously from Ray’slonginvolvement. He hasbeen aconsistentlyinfluentialand reliable championanda highly respectedrepresentativeof theAssociation.Inhisclosingcomments,MikeWills saidthat theIWAisincrediblyproudtorecognise thesechampions for theirvitalcontributionsto our matchlesswaterways.
Kayand Paul Sumpner’s awardcame afewdays aftertheyreleased thenewsthat Electrika2025 hadbeengiventhegreenlight and willtakeplace at BrinklowWaterside and Marina next summer. Next year’sevent sees anumberofsmallchanges from the 2024eventfollowing acomprehensive exit survey ofvisitorsandexhibitorsafterlastyear’s show; Electrika2025 willtakeplaceon July 11/12, therebyreducing thepressure onexhibitorsin May,and willtakeplace at BrinklowWatersideand Marina,near Rugby.
Therewill be awidevarietyof serial hybrid, parallel hybridandall-electric narrowboatson display.Thesewill be accompaniedbyagrowing listofexhibitorsspecialising inelectricpropulsion. ElectrikaisthebrainchildofOrtomarine,who partnered with Aquavista Watersideand Marinas, whohostedtheevent, whichproved to bepopular withvisitors.
The organisers said that it wasclearthat there wasarealdemandfor amorefocused
ONEofthe Black Country’slongestrunningboating eventsmarkedits 38thanniversaryin style. Scoresofvisitors were welcomedtothe BlackCountryBoating Festival,celebrating the richheritage and cultureofboating in the region.
localbusinesses andcommunity members fora vibrantweekendof entertainmentand celebration.
Highlightsof this year’s event includedadisplay of narrowboats andhistoricvessels along thecanal at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, as wellas liveperformances fromlocalbandsand
artists,stalls,afloating market,afunfair,dog show andmore.
TheexhibitionthenmovestoCodsall Library(South Staffordshire District CouncilOffices,Wolverhampton Road,Codsall,Staffordshire, WV81PX)from Monday, November18,throughoutDecember, until Monday, January6,2025.
November3
IWATowpath WalksSociety: Route:Regent’sCanal: Little Venice: Camden: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice.Start at (TubeStation) Warwick Avenue at 2.30pm.Normalcharge£20;concessions,studentsand accompaniedchildren16and over £15; 8-15 years£5;under-8sfree. Prior booking recommended,contact London Walks:02076243978or email:london@walks.com
November12
LesGreenand company talk aboutthe restorationofthe Daniel Adamson: 7.45pm,second Tuesdayofthemonth.Freeadmissionand funraffle. Meetingatthe HolidayInn, LowerMersey St,EllesmerePort, CH652AL.
Celebrating‘Venice oftheMidlands’
ByLucy Wood
TIPTONCanal wastheplace to be,asscores of visitors enjoyedfunonand off the wateratthe Tipton Canaland Community Festival.
The festivalplayed host to morethan60boats,including 25historicexamples,with many hosting tripsforvisitors.Awide varietyof land-based stallsand exhibitorsalsokeptthecrowds entertained, andaspecial boat trip washeldforthechief
Unfortunately,the festivitieswerecutshort mid-afternoononthe Saturdaybyamajordownpour of rainandthefollowing day hadtobecancelleddue to the site being waterlogged.
The festivaldates to the mid-2000s,andthis year was thefirst that KevMaslin,a
RichardParry,left,chiefexecutiveoftheCanal &River Trust,wasjoinedbywaterwayofficials,community group representativesand alocalcouncilloron atrip onthecanal. PHOTO: MITCHELLHOULSTON
waterwaysphotographerof manyyears’standing, took onthe mantleoforganiser, the eventhavingbeenpaused for thelastfiveyears.
He said: “Thewet weather didnotdampenour spirits. We were inundatedwith peoplewho cametotell us personallyhowmuchthey hadenjoyedtheeventand that theywere delightedto see it returnafter afive-year absence.
“Weare so pleased that the
festivalwas such abigsuccess. We trulyfeltthat we lived upto ourtag-lineof‘Bringingtolife the Veniceofthe Midlands’.” Kevthanked Tipton CameraClubwho attended to recordthisyear’s festivities, andphotographstaken by members Mitchell Houlston, JohnAshwood, Phil Doddand Mark Jarvis have contributed sometothisissueof Towpath Talk.Keepupdated about plansforthenextfestival at www.tiptonfestival.co.uk
takeintheheritage.
Steampunkfestivalcomesto AndertonBoatLift
THEAndertonBoatLifthosted its first-eversteampunk weekendfestival. Visitorsand fansofthe Victorian industrialfantasyfictionanddesign enjoyed free entrytoafabulous weekendof steampunkexhibits,stalls, gamesand liveentertainmentat theend of September.
Hostedbythe Canal& RiverTrust charity,theeventfeaturedfinefood and alicensed bar. The EdwinClark trip boat offered shortcruisesupanddown thelift,givingvisitorsauniqueview ofthe world’sfirstmajor commercial boat lift,oneofthe ‘seven wondersof the waterways’.
Ani Sutton,destination and attraction managerwiththetrust,explained:“The steampunkcraze, inspiredbythe books ofHG Wells,MaryShelleyand Jules Verne,has recently become massively popular.Similarevents at oursister attraction,the National Waterways Museumin EllesmerePort, have gone down astorm.
“Anderton Boat Liftis astunning Victorianiron structure, constructed in1875, so it seemsanideal settingto celebrateallthings steampunk.”
PHOTO:
Readyandwaitingforcustomers. PHOTO:MARKJARVIS
PHOTO: NICHOLAHANSON-JONES
Visitorsflockedtothefestivaltoenjoythesightsand
PHOTO: JOHNASHWOOD
CaptainCheddardisplayshiswares. PHOTO:PHILDODD
GrandUnionCanal flooddamagefixed by £500,000 repair
THE Canal&River Trusthas completed a£500,000 repairtoa sectionofcanal bankthat waswashed awayby the winterfloods in Leicester.
Thecharity hasrepaired and strengtheneda100-metresection ofGrand Union Canalbankthat sawsignificant damage when flood waters fromthenon-navigable River Soar,which runsparalleltothe canal, overtopped and scouredawaythe canalwallandtowpathontop.
The damage to thewall,near Blue Bank Lock,southof Leicester,was caused whenthe riverovertopped following asuccessionofheavy winter storms.
StormBabetin October caused initialdamagebeforeStormsGerrit andHenk‘s heavy rainandflooding sawthebank washed away.
Thetrust hasalsocarried out repairsontheapproachto Blue Bank Lock, installingmoresheetpilingand addingnewmooringsforboats using thelock.
LinnyBeaumont, regionaldirector for theCanal &RiverTrust, said:“This isanexampleofthedevastatingimpact flooding broughtabout by climate change canhaveonour historic waterways,and theworkwehavetodo toprotectthemforfuturegenerations.
“Italsoemphasisestheneed for continuedsupportifwe’re to keep them navigableand secureallthe benefitsthatbringsinturntolocal peopleand wildlife.We’re grateful to LeicesterCityCouncilforhelping withthecostofreinstatingthe towpathwhichis apopular route with localwalkersand cyclists.”
Assistant city mayorCounGeoff Whittle,wholeadsonenvironment andtransport, said:“We’re very pleased to havesupportedthe Canal &River Trust withfundingforthis project.Wewanttomakeitaseasy as possiblefor Leicester peopleto access ourblueandgreenspaces, becausewe knowthe benefits they offerfor recreationandformental andphysicalhealth.Encouraging people to walkand cyclealso helps ourenvironment andair quality.
“Sadly,climatechangeis presentinguswithincreased challengesfromfloodingandextreme weatherevents,sothat we need to conduct repairslikethesetoensure people cancontinue to have access totherecreationalspacesweknow they value.”
Rare First World Warbridgeacross BasingstokeCanalgivenlistedstatus
ARARE First World War bridgebelievedtobethe onlyone stillinusehas been givenGradeIIlisted status by Historic England. The Inglis PyramidBridge in Hampshireisarare exampleofan Inglis Portable MilitaryBridge(LightType). It isoneofthe relativelyfew militarystructuresin England that datefromthisera. This wasthefirst portable
bridge designed by War OfficeengineerCharles Inglis(pronouncedIngalls). Made of lightweightsteel, it wasquickandeasyto construct withlittletraining andcould be reused. Soldiersused thedesign effectivelyduringthe First World War, especiallyin France, andit washugely influentialindeveloping futuremilitarybridges.
The bridge near Aldershot isoneofonly10 Inglis PyramidBridgesknown to have beenmanufactured duringthe1914 to 1918 conflict andislikelyto be the onlyexample stillinuseasa bridge in England. TomFoxall, regional directorfor HistoricEngland, said: “The Inglis Pyramid Bridge over the Basingstoke Canalhas anextraordinary
backstory. Hiddeninplain sight, thisdeceptivelysimple structure is amasterpieceof militaryengineeringand was the firstversion of atypeof lightweightbridgewhich wasdeployedextensively overseas.The bridge is thoughttohavebeenbrought backtoAldershotfrom Franceand remarkably has beeninits current position for at least60years.”
LesEtheridge,chair of FBW, said: “FBW welcomestheopportunity to make arepresentationtoHM Treasury. Withouturgent action theinland waterwaynetwork will be in seriousjeopardy.Ifthe conditionof waterways continues todeteriorate, waterwayswill ultimately have to be closed, businesses will be harmed and communitiesplacedatrisk.”
FBWdoesnotincludethe Canal&RiverTrustbut does list theAssociation of Waterways CruisingClubs,British Marine, theInland WaterwaysAssociation, the NationalAssociationof Boat Ownersand the RoyalYachting
Astatementadded: “FBW recognisesthe poor stateofthe country’sfinancial position. Yet to fund ourinland waterways properly wouldcost asmall(in governmentterms)investment measuredinmillionsnotbillions of pounds.”
ThelatestBritishMarine Economic Benefits reportstatesthe combinedeconomiccontribution oftheinland boatingsector and itswider associated tourism generated theUK was£7.6bnin total forthe year2022/23(the figureincludes£1.6bnfromthe inland marineindustryplus£6bn from widertourism generated by expenditureofthoseparticipating ininland boatingandotherinland watersportsonnon-boatinggoods and services suchas food and hospitality).
It addsthe sectoralso provides 41,166total jobs.Inaddition, wider
tourismassociatedwithinland boatingprovides295,886 jobs, so notonlydoesinland boating directlyemploymorethan41,000 people butitalsosupports almost afurther300,000 jobsthroughits associatedwidertourism.
“Ifunderinvestmentcontinues this will become worseuntila tipping pointisreachedand waterways have to be closed, wastingthe benefitsas wellasthe millionsofhoursofvolunteer time andmillionsof pounds of public moneythathave goneintothe currentnetwork.”
FBWiscallingfor:
•theimportanceofour inland waterwaysas aunique national assetandpartofthe national infrastructuretoberecognised •thedeteriorationincondition that is already happeningtobe acknowledged •acomprehensivereviewof governmentfundingfor all our inland waterwaystobecarried outasamatterofurgency, with theaimofdefining asustainable fundingsolutionwhich willenable thecurrent benefitsof ourcanals and riversto be maintainedand enhancedforfuturegenerations.
FormoreaboutFBWand to sign the petition,visit:www.waterways. or g. uk/w at er wa ys /s ites/ fund-britains-waterways-overview
ANEW onlinedatabase ishelpingeducateyoung people aged 11to14 aboutthe importance of ourwaterwaysandthe environment. The resource –fundedbythe People’s PostcodeLottery–is alsochampioningSTEM (science,technology, engineerin ga nd mathematics) careerswith the Canal&River Trust.
CalledHow CanOur Canalsand Rivers Help CombatClimateChange?, the resourceistailored toengageKey Stage3 studentsinunderstanding theenvironmental impactof waterwaysand howtheycanaddress pressingclimateissues. Covering topics such asflood management, hy drop ow erand biodiversity,this resource provides acomprehensive explorationofthe intersection between climatechangeand waterway stewardship.
The resource fills agap in climatechangeeducation andisdevelopedwith inputfromteachersto meettheneedsofthe Key Stage3 curriculum.Italso raises awareness of the Canal&RiverTrustasan employerinscienceand
engineeringdisciplines.
At atimewhenthe nation’s250-year-old waterwaysare facingdual challengesfrom ageand moreextreme weather patterns,the charityiskeen to inspireyoung people tojoinits work to keep canalsalive.
The Canal& RiverTrust isinvitingteachersacross theUKtoincorporate this resourceintotheir classrooms,providing students with aunique opportunitytoexplorethe roleof canalsin fighting climatechangewhile preparing themforfuture STEM careers.
BarberaCimadoro, from the Canal& RiverTrust’s educationteam,said:
“Through ournew STEM resource,we’re notonly helpingstudentsgrasp thevital role canalsplayin addressing climatechange, butwe’re alsoinspiring themtoexplorecareersin environmental scienceand engineering. By connecting classroomlearning with real-world applications, we hopetoempowerthe nextgeneration to makea meaningfulimpacton our canals’–and ourplanet's –future.”
In additionto educating
studentsabout climate change,the Canal& River Trustis keento raise awarenessofthediverse careeropportunities within STEM,particularly inengineerin g, environmental scienceand sustainability.
The resourceisdivided intofourparts:
1.Introductiontothe
Canal &River Trust: An overviewof theCanal& RiverTrust’s missionand itssignificanceintheUK’s environmentallandscape.
2. Theenvironmental impactofcanals: Explores nine waysthat canals canhelpcombatclimate change,offering real-world context to theoretical knowledge.
3.Managing, maintaining and restoringthecanal network: Presentsthree real-life case studies that demonstratethe practical applicationof STEMinenvironmental conservation.
4.Careersand pathways: Provides students with aglimpseintocareers withinthe Canal&River Trustandthebroader field ofenvironmental science andengineeringaimingto inspirethenextgeneration of STEMprofessionals.
BEYONDtheGrandSluicein Bostonarethetidal waters ofthe RiverWithamthat eventuallymerge with thewaters of The Wash at Tabbs Headand provideaccess to theSouth FortyFootDrain at BlackSluice.
The passagesouththrough Bostonisonly possiblefor boatslongerthan41ftwhenthetide makesalevel withthenon-tidal river. Thisoccurs around2½hoursbefore high waterandthen again at around2½ hoursafterhigh water. The 2kmtripthrough Boston to BlackSluice isnormallyundertaken on afallingtideto be able to accessthelock at the BlackSluice complex.Thislock was completelyrebuiltin 2009whenthe Black Sluice Navigationwas reopenedasthefirst partofthe proposed Fenlands Link.Since theopeningthefirst 19kmto Donington are navigableforcraftthat canpassthe extremely lowLondon Road Bridgeimmediately afterthelock.Limiting dimensionsare22m longx 6m wide witha maximumheadroom
varyingwiththebridge arch from1.7m at thesides to3.4m at thecrown.Allotherbridgeshaveatleast 3mofheadroomatnormalsummerlevels.
Endof aperfectdayatHubbert’sBridge.
We enteredthenewlockatBlack Sluiceon adull dayinApril.Havingpassed through we stopped on theBlack Sluice Lock visitormooringswhilewehad aquick lunchbreak.Immediatelybeyondisthefirst of asmall numberoflowroadbridgesthat cross thisisolatedwaterway. Alongsidethe straight channel runsthe ‘Poacherline’railway connectingSleaford/ Grantham to Boston andonto Skegness. After afewmiles we passed underthe brick-arched Hubbert’s Bridge and stoppedat thepleasantmoorings, completewith pumpoutand water, beyond theWheatsheaf pub. Dogwalkshere arealongsidethe waterway onfirm grassy banks.While we were herea small yacht waslaunchedatthe adjacentrampwhich wastheonlyothercraft we sawduringour time onthe South FortyFoot. On June6,1768a greatcrowd gathered at
Hubbert’sBridgeoverthe South FortyFootwhich at that time wasbuiltof woodenplanks. They were angryatlosingtheir rightsto ‘common’in Holland Fenafteranactof parliamentallowed for itsdrainageandsubsequent enclosure.
Fenmen made agood livingwildfowlingand fishingonthe wateryfen andgrazingtheir cattle thereduringsummer.Italsoprovidedpeatfor fueland reedsforthatch.Thecrowd marchedto Bostontodemonstrate, wherethelawyerholding thepapers relatingtotheenclosures wasforcedto handthem over.Thecrowd then tore thepapers upand scattered theminthe river. The militia were sent topreventthe town beingburnt down inthe ensuingriots.
Violentresistancetotheenclosurescontinued for several years.Fencesandhedgeserectedduring theday were pulledout overnight. Houses,barns andcropsontheenclosed land were burnt, cattle were maimedandkilledand severalmurders were committed.Graduallythough, the fenwas cultivated andtransformedintothe rich agricultural landscapewesee today.
After afewnights we pushed on severalmiles to asimilar EnvironmentAgencymooring at SwinesheadBridge.Unfortunately,thisis agood few miles from thevillage of Swineshead where
all servicesareavailable.Thenextday inbrilliant sunshine we pushedonthroughincreasingly isolatedagricultural landto find thelimitof navigation just before Donington HighBridge carryingtheA52Grantham to Bostonhighway. Beyondherethe waterway becomesnarrowerand increasinglyshallowbut navigationiseventually envisagedtorunfurtheronthroughPinchbeck sluiceandonviathe RiverGlentoSpaldingonthe RiverWelland.
Turningour 48ftlongboatintheentrancetoa smalldyke entering fromthe west neartheendof navigation turned outtobetricky.But we eventually succeeded and returnedtoSwineshead beforean uneventfulcruisebackthrough Hubbert’sBridge to theBlackSluicecomplex. Here wewere met by theEAlockkeeperwho,in communication withtheR&Clockkeeper at Grand Sluice,returnedusthrough Bostonandbackonto thestill watersofthenon-tidal Witham. If youwant quiet,peacefulcruisingonan undemandingwide waterway, wewould thoroughly recommendthe South FortyFootasafittingendto thelongcruisefromconnectinginland waterways. The shorttriponthetidal Withamaddsexcitement andis agreat starterforthosewithlimited experienceoftidal navigations.
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,
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 forNarrowboatsonly. Poweredslipwayforboatsupto40footand asecondslipwayforsmallboats.Slipwaycanbehired forDIYworkorweofferservicesforAntifouling,PaintingandGeneralServicing. We alsohavea BoatSafetyExamineronsite.
Withpremiummarinafacilitiesandtwofantasticlocations, we have theperfectplace foryourboattoseeoutthewintermonths assafely andconveniently aspossible.
Protect yourboatfromflooding and cold weather, as well as gaining access to the warm, friendlyboating communities at HartfordMarinaonthe RiverGreatOuseor Pyrford Marina onthe RiverWey.
Whether youhavea narrowboat,widebeam, barge, orrivercruiser,our facilitiesareideal for all. Take advantage of ourshort-termwintertariff to protectyourboatthisseason.
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)
Hands-freeattachmentthat slidesoverthetillerbar. Thisisan attachmentthatslides over thetillerbarwhenitis rainingand you canpopthebrollyinthe topofthe tubesecuredbya thumbscrew. Choiceofsizes. from
THECrickBoatShowhas anew sponsoras HavenKnox-Johnston,the boat insurance specialist,hasagreed athree-yeardeal fromnextyear, which will see investment intheevent.
The show,whichtakesplaceinMay,will nowbecalledCrick Boat Show sponsored by HavenKnox-Johnston.
Paul Knox-Johnston, HavenKnox-Johnston’smarketing manager, said: “Crick Boat Show is alwaysahighlight of ouryearandwhen theopportunityarosetofurtherincrease oursupportoftheshowfor2025 we
jumped at the chance.Italigns perfectlywith ourfocuson beingactively involved in boatingcommunitiesvia ournew Haven K-JLifeCollective. Watchthis spaceaswe have many excitingplansaspartofthis sponsorship.”
Hire at AlvechurchMarinain Worcestershire, whereheofficially launchedthe company’snew electricdayboat, FunDay
He said: “Aswellasbeingan importantplacefor wildlife,the Worcester &Birmingham Canal makesanimportantcontribution tothelocal economy, generating tourism,canalside andboating businesses andjobs.It was interestingtolearn thatnationally there arenow moreboats on Britain’scanal networkthan during the IndustrialRevolution, including more than1000boatsfor holidayanddayhire.
“I’mdelightedtosee this excitingnewelectrically powered boat that will be availablefor peopletohirehereonthe Worcester&BirminghamCanal, for bothlocalpeopleandvisitors
The36ft narrowboat accommodatesupto10 people and2024dayhireprices startat £99. It featuresatoilet,indoor and outdoor seating, anda kitchen area withinductionhob,sinkand microwave.
HaleyHadley,ABC Leisure Group’smarketingandsales director, added: “Britain’sbeautiful network ofinland waterwaysis importantforbiodiversity,andthe wildlifethat youcan see isoneof thethingsthat makesholidaysand days outonthe canals so appealing. “Weare committedtoreducing thecarbonfootprintofour holidaysand FunDay is the fifth electricdayboattobeaddedto ourfleet.
“Theboatusesproductsfrom ourOnboardEnergy Directoff-grid energy range, includinglithium batteriesand aBetaMarine10kW motorengine.Electricengines areveryquiet so dayboaters canhear moreofthe soundsof thecountrysideand woodlands surroundingthem.”
North West Water Freedomsalesandservicepartner appointed
ByLucyWood
WATERFreedom has announced apartnership with AqueductMarinain Cheshire toprovide sales, installationand service facilitiesforitsproductsin the NorthWest. The company’ssystems takewaterfrom acanal or riverand purifyit to provideanunlimited sourceof watersuitable forbaths,showers,laundry and washingdishes.For thosewho want to drinkor cook withthe water, Water Freedom’s Pure system provides waterguaranteed to be cleanerthanany mainstapwateranywhere intheworld.
Thenewpartnership wasofficiallywelcomed at anopendayatAqueduct’s chandleryinChurch Minshull, Nantwich,where visitorswereabletoview
the rangeand speakto membersofthe Water Freedomteam.Products andsparesarenowavailable
fromthechandlery,while installationsand servicing forthecompany’ssystems canbepre-booked,which willenable boaterstohave WaterFreedom systems fittedorservicedwhiletheir boatsare inforblackingor other work.
“Forthepast15years, the Aqueduct marina and chandleryhas beenan importanthubforthelocal boatingcommunity,”said TomRaines,chandlery manager.“Twelvemonths ago, the management team at Aqueduct tooka strategicdecision to seekto do betterthanthe average chandlery’s selectionof ropes, fendersandmooring pins,andto search outand stockhighlyinnovative products that solve problemsanddelivergreat value.Water Freedom’s
productsfitperfectly with thisethos.”
WaterFreedom’s founder,John Howard, added:“Wehaveoffered nationalservice with our ownengineersfor afew yearsnow, buthavebeen consciousoftheneed for boatersto be ableto see andorder our systemsfrom theirlocal chandleryand be able to pick up spares such asfilterslocally.
“Aqueduct’s Na nt wi ch locationonthe Mi ddlewich Branc h, ru nning be tw een theTrent& Mersey and the Shropshire
UnionintheheartofNorth West’s incredible canal network,isanideal spot fora salesand service hubfor WaterFreedom products. We were attracted by Aqueduct’s friendlyand professional team andthe comprehensiverange of services availableatthe site.”
Water Freedom’s Puresystem provides water guaranteed tobecleaner thanany mains tapwater anywherein theworld.
PHOTO: WATER FREEDOM
BIRMINGHAM-based
Ranjit SondhiCBEhas been appointed tothe Canal&River Trust BoardofTrustees. LivinginBirmingham, he hasa passionate enthusiasmforthe role that canalsplaywithin thecommunity. Mr Sondhisaid: “Havinglived, studied andworkedinan increasinglydiverse Birminghamfor over50 years,Iknowatfirsthand just howmuchdifference thecity’scanalscan make tothequalityoflifeofall itscommunities.”
PhilPickinreacquaintedhimselfwiththe SouthamptonInternationalBoatShow, whichhe hadnot attendedformanyyears.Hefoundthat, forthefirsttime,thewaterwayshad apresence at thiswell-knownevent.
WHENitcomestothe waterways, the Southampton International BoatShow (SIBS)isn’tthefirstevent that comestomind formanymembersofthe waterways community.Sure, theshowdoesprovide visitors withanopportunityto see awide range ofproductsthat would beequally at home at the coastastheywouldonthe canals,butuntilnow, the canals rarely hadadedicated standattheshow. Butoverthemiddletwo weeksofSeptember Mayflower Park on thebanksofthe RiverTestand intheshadowofthe cruiseships waitingtoembark onjourneys to far-off lands,theshowhad two ‘narrowboats’ nestledbetweenthepredominantly white yachts,power boatsandmotorcruisers.I putthe word narrowboatsinquotesastherewas onlyonetrue narrowboat ondisplay–a 60ftcruiser sternbuilt by KnightsNarrowboats,whoarebased at Aqueduct Marina inCheshire. Butinadditionto this wasone ofthe many workboatsbuiltfor Canal &RiverTrustbytheengineeringteam atAqueduct.
This boat also providedCRT withan opportunitytoprovide adisplayoutliningthe work thecharitydoes toan audiencethatmay rarely have anydealings with it.
Locatedononeof the main routesfrom theentrance,the displaymay not have beentheidealplacefor the100,300visitorsto seethe boats, as many mayhavepassed by withouttakingacloserlook,but theideabehind thelocation wastocatchthemwhenthey went out. AccordingtoGlennKnightofKnights Narrowboats, it seems to have been reasonablysuccessful, witha good numberofpeople stopping off to have alook. Thisisdespite theKnights boat notbeing openfor walkthroughs.While Iwas on site, theredid seem tobe some genuineinterest in bothboats.
Broadappeal
As forthe showitself, therewas,asusual, awide rangeofboatsonshow, from relativelylow-cost dinghiesto multi-million-poundginpalaces.But inadditiontotheboatsonshowwerethe many exhibition stands sellinganythingfrominsurance to outboards. Andas withshowslikeCrick,the emphasisdid seemto be on sustainabilityfor many products –manyofwhich would be of interestto boatersregardlessofthe waterbeing saltyorfresh! Productsinclude anumber ofnewelectric motors,bothinboardand outboard. It seems that moreandmoreofthesetypesof powerunits enterthe market asthemonths go by.Well-known nameslikeBeta Marine,Vetus,Eberspacherand Victronexhibited alongside many,many othersincludingMactra Marine Equipment, anew name to many butone we featured after seeingitsnew hydrogen-powered electricitygenerator at Aqueduct Marina’s Boat Even earlierthis year. As many will have already seenbythe timethisis published, HRH ThePrincess Royaltouredtheevent onthefirstdayandmet, amongmanyothers, Robert Parton,MDof Aqueduct Marina in his roleaspresident
ofBritish Marine,organiseroftheevent.Shortly aftertheofficialopening of theboatshow,the neworganiserof BoatLife,PendingoEvents, held alunchtimemeetingtooutlineitsplans forthe nextshowattheNECinFebruary2025.Anthony Mitchell from Pendingo toldthe audiencethat there would be alotofinterestingnewadditions to next year’s show,includingacanal! Quitehow this will look remains to be seen, butiftheeventisasgood asAnthonyMitchelldescribes,itwillbeimpressive.
Lookingforward
Afterthe boat showclosed,Lesley Robinson,CEO ofBritish Marine,ownerandoperatorofthe show, said: “Aswelookahead to 2025, we’recommitted tocontinuingtheevolutionoftheshow,bringing freshconcepts,cutting-edgeboats,andevenmore opportunitiesforeveryone to connect withlifeon thewater.We’re alreadycultivatinga wholehostof newideas that willcompletelyreimagetheshow forthe56thedition,whichwilltakeplacefrom September19to28,2025.”
This year'sSIBSeventwas notablefor anumber of reasons,not leastofwhich wastheinclusionof the canalboats,asindoing this, theattempt was to temptpeopleboth ways.Forthosewholiveand cruiseinthenorthoftheUK,andwho mayhave
feltthat theshowwas notforthem,now they mayfeelslightlymore encouraged tohead southnextyear. Andfor theboating community inthe south,thehope isthat they,too,will be encouraged to look northandconsidera boatingbreakonthe waterways.Whether this turns outtobe the case remains to be seen,andit would be foolishtojudge the effectivenessofsuch astrategy on just one event.Butlet’s hopethepresenceof narrowboats andtheirassociatedbusinessesateventsofthis type encouragesmorepeopletovisit. Withthe waterways’ongoingstrugglefor funding, themorepeopleyou canget to fight their corner,thebetter.
Itmaynotbethemostinteresting orinspiringofsubjects,butwith mindsfirmlyfixedonkeeping ourenvironment cleanandwith legislationinplacetoensure thingsimprove,PhilPickinlooks at whatoptionsare available.
BOAT Safety Scheme rules saythat boatswith electricbilge pumpsneedtohaveafiltration systeminplace,andcurrently,there areonlytwo productsonthe marketthat meettherequirements. Oneofthose is Wavestream,aproduct thathas beenused by oneofCRT’sworkboatbuilders for anumber of years, AqueductMarina. Robert Parton, managingdirectorof AqueductMarina, hasnoticed thechange inthe waterinthe marina at the beginningofthe season. He saidthatthe usualearly season boatingactivitiesinadvertently resultin water contamination.“When boatersare gettingtheircraftprepared forthe season,there’s lotsof maintenance and work takingplace. Engineswhichmay nothavebeenrun for many monthsarebeing started,bilgespumped andtanksemptied and refilledreadyfor use,”hesaid. Living onsiteatthe marina duringlockdown,he has noticed thewater isgradually becoming clearer.“My hopeis that we cantry and maintain areduced levelofcontamination while still enjoying our boatingactivities.”
“Generally, boaters areveryrespective oftheenvironment and do notwantto cause pollution.But even when being careful,it happens, anditcauseslow levelsof surface pollution such as ‘blueshine’.”
The majority of water contaminationis the resultofsmallamountsof pollutionfromoilandothertiny particlesof waste, suchas paintflakes,microplasticsandotherdirty particles beingpumped outofthebilgesorbygrey waterwastegoingoverboard.
Robert continued: “Generally,boatersare very respectiveoftheenvironmentanddonot want to causepollution.Buteven when beingcareful, it happens,andit causeslow levelsof surface pollution suchas‘blueshine’.Thisiswhenspills ofoilordiesel canbeseenonthe water'ssurface.
Wavestreamsystem installedon aCRT workboat.
PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Butmoresignificant aretheverytinywaste particles whichsinkand could be ingestedby fishandotherwildlife. Eventhetiniesttrace ofoil pumped out from abilge will cause environmentaldamage andisincreasinglylikely to cometothe attention ofthe Environment Agency. We’redelighted theCanal &RiverTrust ishelpingsetthehighest standardsofcleanlinessbyspecifyingabilgefilter inits vessels.”
Wavestream filterscan bequicklyandeasily retrofittedintoexistinginland waterwaycraft.“We’re seeingmoreboatersaskingforproductslikethisthat prevent anypollutantsfromentering the waterways. Asbilge pumpsworkautomatically,it’s alsopeace of mindforthose whoseboatsareleftunattended, knowing that no matter what, onlyclean water is being pumped overboard,”said Robert. “We’re seeingmore boaters awareoftheenvironmentaldamagethey cancause,andareincreasinglyusingeco-friendly productson board. Butultimatelysomedamage will alwaysbedonewhengrey waterispumped outunless itisfiltered first.TheWavebrite systemiscompact andsimpletoinstall.Allthe boatownerneedsto doischangethe filter periodically,usuallyoncea year.We’re pleased that affordableproductslikethe Wavestreamarenow available.Theseare productsthat owners canfitthemselves,orwecaninstallthem at the boatyard when we donormalmaintenanceand pre-seasonchecks. It’s protectingand safeguarding theenvironmentthatwealllove toenjoy.”
BilgeAway
Wavestreamisn’ttheonlyoptionwhenitcomesto thefiltrationofbilge water.BilgeAwaywas launched in 2019 by theRiver CanalRescue team,who have only recentlystartedtomarkettheproduct again afterthe Covidpandemic.
BilgeAwaywasdeveloped by RCRinconjunction with Harena to producewhatRCR’s MD, Stephanie Horton, says is “the world’sfirsttruly environmentallyfriendly hydrocarbonfiltration solution.”Theproductisdesignedtoextract hydrocarbons suchas petrol,dieselandengineoil thatmayhavecontaminated waterwiththeproduct sitting betweenthebilge pump andthe outletto filterand remove the hydrocarboncontentand rendersitnon-reactive(non-harmful). Stephanie explained: “All automaticbilge pumpsmustusea filterbeforedischarge,andthis hastobeprovento reduce hydrocarbons to lessthan5ppm –onlyours and Wavestreamscurrentlymeetthis.”She went on to saythat, inheropinion, “everyoneshould have an automaticbilge pump fittedasitprotectsthe vesselif you evenleavethe boat”.
The filtermediafrom aBilgeAway filter canbe
compostedonceusedand stopscontaminantsfrom entering landenvironmentsthroughlandfills.The team behindtheBilgeAway systemsay that “this is aglobalfirstbecause whileotherfilter systems trap hydrocarbons,theyfail to decontaminatethem andonlyactas abarrier to pumpinghydrocarbons overboard.”Thecompany stated that,withother systems,oncethe filterisblockedandfullyused,the damaginghydrocarbonscontainedwithinit must be disposed of.Traditionalfilterstypicallytransfer theproblemto alandfillsite, wherecontaminants canre-entertheenvironment.
BilgeAwayisdesigned forusewith standard bilge watercontaminationlevels.Itisnotintended todeal withbilge areas that aresubjectto major hydrocarbonleakage(fuel/oilleak).The 10infilter maxcapacityis0.45litresof hydrocarbon.Once thislimitisexceeded,hydrocarbons willpass throughthefilteruntreated. Major hydrocarbon leaksshould be dealt with separatelyandthefilter cartridgereplacedafteranyincident.
Despitethetimingofits launch, BilgeAwayhas
proved to bepopular withthe BSS, drivingsales. AccordingtoStephanie: “Theclearandpositive impactontheenvironmentdoesnotappeartobe afactorin customerchoice—wehad specifically pricedtheunitandthe refillstoensuretherewas noobstacle to everyoneusingthemasthe amount of pollutionfrombilgesisincredible.” It isher understandingthattheamountofoil spilledis “equivalenttoanoiltanker spill.” That factaloneshould be enoughtomotivate anyonetoinstallanelectricbilge pump andfita good qualityfilter.Thechoice,attheendoftheday, will be down to personal preference betweenone that activelyextracts hydrocarbonstoallowthe filtration medium to be compostedortoopt for afiltration systemthat will,likeoil soak-up mats, need tobechangedwhentheybecomeclogged.
Formoreinformation,visitwww.bilgeaway. co.uk or www.waveinternational.co.uk/ wavestream.html
The Wavestreamsystem. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
TheBilgeAwayproducts. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Top10Aqueducts
BRITAIN’S 3000-mile canalnetwork is madeup ofthousandsofhistoric structures,including hundredsofaqueducts.
Aqueducts were originallyinventedbythe Romans,buttheideaof a‘canalinthesky’ was initiallyridiculedbythe canalbuilders, concerned aboutthe amountofmasonryrequired to support the weight of the water above.
However, dozens of canalaqueducts went on to be constructed acrossthe canalnetworkand have survived to become someofthemosticonic sights onBritain’swaterways.
Driftershas publisheda guidethe top 10 aqueductsfor canalboatholidaymakerstoglide across:
TheStreamintheSkyinNorth Wales
Standing38metreshigh abovethe DeeValley,the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueductonthe Llangollen CanalinNorth Walesisthelongest andhighest aqueductinBritain.GrantedUNESCOWorld Heritage Statusin2009,theaqueduct wasdesigned by Thomas Telfordandcompletedin1805.Its 305-metrelongcastirontroughis supportedby19 enormoushollowpillars.Oxbloodwasadded to the limemortarused to bindthe masonrytogether,as it wasbelieved thebloodofastronganimal would help strengthenthe structure. Thisaqueduct can easily be reachedfromDrifters’bases at Trevor, Chirk, Blackwater Meadow,Whitchurch,Wrenbury andWhixall.
AvoncliffAqueductinSomerset
ChirkAqueductonthe Welshborder
Alsopartofthe Llangollen CanalWorld Heritage site,the strikingChirkAqueduct wascompleted in1801. It wasdesigned by William Jessopand Thomas Telford. It is220metreslongand carries the Llangollen Canal21metreshigh above the RiverCeiriog, using10circular masonry arches.Narrowboatholidaymakers caneasily reachtheChirkAqueductfromDriftersbases at Chirk, Trevor,Blackwater Meadow,Whitchurch, Wrenburyand Whixall.
The AvonAqueductinScotland
At 247metreslong, theimpressiveAvonAqueduct in Scotlandisthe secondlongestaqueductin Britain. It carriesthe Union Canal29.5metreshigh abovethe RiverAvonnearLinlithgow. Designed by Hugh Baird, with advicefromThomas Telford, theaqueduct wasconstructedbetween1819and 1821.Driftersoffers canalboathirethreecruising hoursawayatFalkirk.
TheIron BuckinghamshireTrunkAqueductin
Thismagnificentengineeringstructurewasthe world’s first wide canalcastirontroughaqueduct. It carriestheGrand Union Canal12metreshigh acrossthe RiverGreat Ouse,closetothevillage of Cosgrove. It wasbuiltin1811 by canalengineer Benjamin Beavan,andis madeupoftwocastiron trough spans,with asingle masonrypier.Drifters’ nearestnarrowboathirebaseisa five-hourcruise away at Gayton.
DundasAqueductinSomerset
Another BathstoneaqueductdesignedbyJohn
Rennie,thisstructure onthe Kennet &AvonCanal near Bathwascompletedin1810. It’s aScheduled AncientMonumentandconnectsthe Kennet& Avon Canaltothe SomersetCoalCanal. It caneasily be reachedfromDrifters’ bases atBath,Monkton Coombe,Bradford on Avon, Hilpertonand Devizes.
EdstoneAqueductin Warwickshire
Carryingthe StratfordCanalacrossthree railway tracks,aminor road, astreamand afield, this 146-metre-longstructureisthelongest castiron aqueduct in England.Completed in1816,it was amongthe earliestprefabricated structures,made upof35 separate sections boltedtogether. It isan hour’s cruise away fromDrifters’narrowboathire baseatWootton Wawen.
TheLuneAqueductinLancashire
ThisGrade I-listediconic structurecarriesthe Lancaster Canal16metreshigh abovethe River Lune.Completedin1797,it wasdesignedbyJohn Rennieand hasfive21-metre-high semi-circular arches.ThenearestDriftersbaseisaweek’scruise away at ActonBridge inCheshire.
NantwichAqueductinCheshire
The impressive GradeII*listedNantwich Aqueduct offers canalboatholidaymakerspanoramicviews acrossthehistoric markettown of Nantwich.It carriesthe ShropshireUnion CanalovertheA534 ChesterRoad.Itwasdesigned by thefamous canal engineerThomas Telfordandcompleted in1826. Drifters’ nearestnarrowboathirebaseisjusttwo hoursawayatBunbury,near Tarporley.
BartonSwingAqueductinGreater Manchester
ThisGradeII*listed structurecarriesthe BridgewaterCanalacrossthe Manchester Ship Canal. It openedin1893and wasthe first and only swingaqueductinthe world. Weighing 1450 tonnes, this100-metre-longaqueduct swingsopen, fullof water,toallow thepassageofshipsalongthe ManchesterShipCanal.Drifters’ nearest baseisa nine-hourcruiseawayatActonBridge.
Designed by canalengineer John Rennie,the beautiful Bathstone Avoncliff Aqueduct carries theKennet &AvonCanal across theAvonValley near Bath. It ismorethan100metreslongand 18metres wideand caneasilybereached ona canalboatholidayfromDrifters’ bases atBath, MonktonCombe,BradfordonAvon, Hilperton and Devizes.
Theemphasiswas on people havinga go themselves,inwhateverart formtheywanted.There were prizesforartentries,with boat tripsand ablacksmith experienceonoffer.
OrganiserAnnaCrockatt said: “Wewantedeveryone to beinvolved inthefestival–not just theheadlineacts –so we rana competitionforartof all categoriesonthethemeof Banburyandits canal.”
Eco-friendlycookingsolution making wavesamongboatusers
ByLucyWood
BOATERSturningtosustainable practices to reducetheir environmentalimpactare discovering an eco-friendly alternativetotraditionalon-board cookingmethods.
Wonderbagisaninnovative SouthAfricanbrandwhich simplifiestheoftencumbersome andtime-consumingprocess of cookingonboats by allowing users
Afterbringingthefood to aboil, itcan be placed in thenon-electric Wonderbag, whichthencontinuesto cookthefoodslowlyandevenlyforup toeighthours withoutany additional energyinput,using the age-old methodofheat-retention cooking. ArecentriseinWonderbag’s
PERIODIC AL LY, andnotduringany particular seasonof the year,mygood lady,Bren, suggests thatmaybea Cape Malaybobotie would make forapleasant eveningmeal.And achangefromthe norm.
Pronounced Ba-Boor-Tea,the recipe canbetraced back tothe17th century,andthere aretwo variations astohowthe recipe arrivedinSouth Africa. Generally acceptedisthat it waseither brought totheearlyCape settlement by the Dutchfromoneof theirAsiancolonies, orthat it wasbrought tothe Cape colony
by Malayslaves, now collectivelyknown as Cape Malays,who later settledpermanentlyin Cape Town.However, andeventhough thebobotierecipe’s earliestorigins may be losttohistory,the dish well represents twoSouthAfrican culinarytraditions, that of the Cape Malay andAfrikaans boerekos (farmer’s food). In the main i tc omprises
savourycurried mincemeat, baked with various otheroptional ingr ed ients, includingspices. Th eb ak ed mincemeat
hasbeen likenedto moussaka.Historically, the spicesareMalayan or Indian. Ideally,a bobotie must be wellbalancedand nottoo oilyor over spiced. The textureshould be lightandfluffywitha golden-browncolour. Atruismwhenit comes to bobotieis that thereare probably as manyvariations as there arecooks.The secretisinbeingable to findyourown favourite ingredientmix,and amountofspices.When preparingyourbobotie youneed to remember, too, that becauseitis not atraditionalcurry dish,thereshouldonly be ahintofcurry.In Bren’srecipebelow,the
popularityisbeinglargely driven by itspracticality, saidfounderandCEOSarahCollins.Theproduct’s insulationpropertieshelp maintainthe temperature offood, makingitidealforthevariableclimate conditionsexperienced by boaterswhoare often exposed to outdoor weather,while handlesenhance its portabilityandconvenience,makingituseful inconfined spaces.Itemitsno harmfulfumes, offeringa cookingsolutionthat doesnotrelyongas, electricity,orotherfossilfuels,and by reducingthe need for wood burning, itsignificantlycuts down onair pollution.
“Weare thrilledtosee Wonderbag becominganessentialpartofcanal lifeand arecommittedtocontinuingourefforts to bringsustainable solutionsto make animpact on people’s livesandtheenvironment.”said Sarah, whocreatedtheproductin2008.
ONTHE August Bankholiday Redhill Marina celebrated its annual Steam Rally &Vintage car&boatshowweekend. Ralliesarea delightful celebrationofhistory, engineering, andcommunity. Theseeventsbring together enthusiasts, familiesand historybuffstoappreciate the beauty andingenuityof steam-powered machinery that onceplayeda pivotalrole intheindustrial revolution. The sights,sounds,andsmells ofthesegatheringstransport attendees back in time, offeringauniqueopportunity to experience abygoneera. Guests marvelledatan impressivearray of steam engines,tractionengines, andvintage vehicles.Each machinetells astory ofits own– howitwas built,the work it accomplishedand the roleitplayed in shaping the worldweknowtoday. The intricatecraftsmanship
twotablespoonsofcurry powder mayseemabit onthe strong side butthis isneutralised by thetwo tablespoonsofvinegar.
Visitwww.wonderbagworld.comfor moreinfo almondsand raisinsorsultanas. However, more thananythingelse, it’s acaseoffinding yourown happy medium.Brenda makesabobotie toherown basic recipealthoughit does vary at times, alldependenton what additionsto the
Ingredients
850gmincemeat
ofthesemachinesisa testamenttothe skilland dedicationoftheir builders. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations,showcasing theenginesinaction–puffing cloudsof steamandemitting the characteristicchugging soundsthat evokenostalgia.
allageswithlivemusicand deliciousfoodanddrinks on offerfrom Redhill Marina bar &cafe.
Preservationofheritage
As technologycontinues to advance,it’simportantto rememberandhonourthe innovationsofthepast.Vintage steam ralliesnotonlycelebrate thisheritage butalsoeducate younger generations aboutthe significanceof steam powerin transforming industries such as agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. Workshopsandexhibitions oftenprovideinsightsintothe mechanicsof steamengines, inspiringcuriosityand appreciation for engineering.
Boatshow
The Inland WaterwaysBoat Show typicallyfocuseson boatsandactivities related toinland waterways, suchas riversandcanals. Manufacturersanddealers showcasetheirlatestboats and boatingproducts.It
featuresavarietyofvessels, from narrow boats and cruiserstocanoesand kayaks,aswellasaccessories, equipmentand services relevanttoboatingoninland waterways.
Attendees canoften see livedemonstrationsof boat handling,safetytechniques and equipment. Educational sessions maycover topics suchas navigation, ma in te na nce ,a nd environmental stewardship. It is achancefor boaters tomeeteach other,share experiencesandconnect withindustryprofessionals.
TheRedhillvintage steam rally, classic carand boat showismorethan justan event; it is avibrant celebrationofhistory, engineering, and community spirit.Aspeople gather to admirethesemagnificent engineeringmarvels,wealso strengthen ourconnections toeachotherand tothe rich tapestryofhistorythat shapes ourpresent.
2xthickslicesofbreadsoaked in 1cup of milk
2xmediumslicedonions
2xtablespoonsofvinegar
2xeggs
2xtablespoonscurry powder
1xdessertspoonsugar
2xtablespoons butter
mainshechooses to use. Normally,itisas follows… Frythe onions andaddcurry, sugar, vinegarand themincemeat. Thereafter,drainthe milk fromthebread mixture, mashthe mixture with afork andthenaddone beaten egg.All ofthis isthen wellmixed andplacedina pie dish.Beatthe second eggwiththedrained milkfromthebread, seasonand pour overthemixture, dot with butter,standin apanof waterat 350For180Cfor40 minutes.Serve with riceand achutneyof yourchoice.Enjoy.
Atastyand fillingmealofbobotie on rice, withcauliflower andchestnut mushrooms.
Gettingyourmulti-fuelstove readyforwinter
ByBenSutcliffe-Davies
I’MSURE many of ourregularreaders willknow I’ve often warnedofthedangersof multi-fuelstoves on boardwhenleftunattendedorwhen occupants areasleep. Imakenoapology forbangingthedrum againand willtryand remindexistingreaders, and advise ournew readersalike, ofthedangersofbadly maintainedand poorly installedarrangements.
Asthenightsdraw inandwintercomesaround quickly again, many oftheliveaboardownerswill be snugglingdownonboardwith agoodold fire
Brokenfirebricks,failedglassand areally bad rope sealjustforstarters.Storing flammableliquidnexttothestoveisn’t advisedeither.
in amulti-fuel stove. I'm sure many ofthe stalwartswho have lived on thesystem for severalwinters will have done the seasonal checkstomakesure theyare safe.However, there arealwaysnew live-aboardersand some owners trying toextendtheseason ofuse.Fromabout mid-Januarytotheend of March, as asurveyor Iwillonaverage attend between fourandsix burned-outcraftwhere the causewasthe multifuelstoveignitingitems either positioned too closeorthefluehas set firetothe cabinlinings! In mostincidentsI attend,the causation very oftencomesdown tooneoftwo issues, either apoorly fittedorpoorlymaintainedunit.
Hintsandtips
Here area fewtips againto keep you,thecrewand yourvesselallsafethis winter.I shouldalsopoint out, thereisa wealthof websitelinks outthereto researchthe rightwaystouse andfit astove.Last year Iwas kindlyinvited to see the roll-outfrom Hetas,whichisbased in Gloucester, and hasput together anexcellentschemeoffully approved engineerswho have been trainedtoinstallmultifuel stoves on boats. It’s well worthlooking at itsinformationandconsideringhavinga stove fittedprofessionally(www.hetas.co.uk/hetas-goboating).Thereisalsoloadsofinformationon the Boat SafetyScheme(BSS)website that also
provides good clear safetyinformationas wellas covering many ofthe good practices involved, includinghow the stoves should be fittedand maintained.
Whilethereare hundredsofunits outtherethat arewellfitted andmaintained,theones Iregularly see wherea fireonboard hasstarted were often when astove hasbeenleft unattended,banked up andthen startedto‘overfire’.This very ofteniswhen the winds havebuiltup,makingthe firedrawalmost likeablacksmith’sforge! The unit will become incrediblyhotandanythingincloseproximity willcombust!Thereare very clearrecommended distances(600mm)fromany combustible materials fortheunit;howeverwhen surveyingtheseare rarely met.Theclassicexamplesarecurtainsand
MOTHERSHIP Marinefirst took its electricallypropellednarrowboat Shine toCrickin2019. Sincethat time,the marketplaceforelectricpropulsion has continuedtoexpand,fuelled(ifthat is the rightterm) by theacknowledgement oftheneed todecarboniseallaspectsof ourlives,includingthe waterways.Asa resultofalltheexperience gainedsince thecompanywas formedinAustraliain 2013beforeitmoved totheUK,itisnow takingitsnextsteps by buildingits range ofpropulsionunits.
TimKnox, MothershipMarine’s MD andformermemberofthe Merchant Navy, describeshimselfas aserialexperimenter whocontinuallytries outnew waysto overcomeproblemsandimprovethe way thingsaredone.Thiscuriosityledhim toexaminetheconfigurationofelectric motors, propellers andcontrol systems. In manyways,the solutionhecameup with harksbacktothedayswhenlower rpmengines turnedlargepropsfar moreslowlythanmanymodernengine/ propconfigurations.Containerships’ propellers turn at between50and120rpm. The resultofallthisdevelopmentand experimentationis TörkmarLtd, which operatesfromthe samegroupofformer Fairline workshops atOundle Marina near Peterborough.Inworkshopsnext tothoseusedtobuildtheMothership narrowboats, thesmallteam, which includes Tim’sson, aPhD engineer,has beenrecruited tohelp outwith anumber
oftechnicaldevelopments.Inaddition to thehelp from family, Timalso acknowledgesthefinancialinvestment beingmadeinthenewcompany bya US investor. Apossibleindicatorof new marketsfor theproducts that are currentlyaimed atwaterwayscustomers. Based around PermanentMagnet AC Motors (PMAC) manufactured in Europe,the unitsaremarried withthe company's owncontrol systemthat can be monitored fromanylocation with aninternetconnectionifconfigured to do so.
Theunique aspectofTorkmar’s approachisbased on reducingexcessive andlocalised thrust,i.e.too much power hitting asmallarea.Sometimesthisis called‘overspeed’.Highoverspeed =low propulsiveefficiency, converselylow overspeed =highpropulsiveefficiency. Overspeedisovercome by large,
Alargepropeller,movingthe water moreslowly,createslessturbulence orfewer eddiesand reduces vacuums, which wouldotherwisecreatecavitation (theenemyofefficiency).The result isa quieter propulsion systemthat usesless energy,whichin turnmeansthat the powerstoredinthe boat'sbatterieslasts thatmuchlonger.Thefittingofa suitably sizedpropisall important. Withsmall propsneeding to move fastertomove the water faster,theyuse more energy. Conversely,largerprops canbeturned moreslowlyandmove thewaterslower, thuscreatinglessdisturbanceandless drag. As aresult,theyare moreefficient. However, and thisiswhereTörkmar stepsin,themotorneedstobecapable of turningsuch alarge propeller. Withincreased efficiencycomesan increased range, and withit,theneed tousegeneratorsorotherexternal charging is reduced.This reduction could potentially be to alevelthat would see the boat beingself-sufficientiffitted withenoughhigh-output solar panels. However, oneofthe biggest arguments againstthemove to electric propulsioniscost,andthis willcontinue to be the case dueto anumberoffactors, includingthe costofthebattery bank required forthistypeofinstallation.The Törkmarunitsareavailablefrom£12k. Thispriceincludes muchoftheancillary equipmentneeded butexcludesthe batteriesandtheinstallationofa generator(if required) or solarpanels. In additiontoprice considerations, anotheroften-heardargumentisthe difficultiesininstallingsystemslike theseonboatsalready fitted with
electrical sockets.Oftentheissuesof burningwet timberthatreleasescreosote deposits cause the stacktotarupandthencatchfiretoo,soregularly checkthe stackand stove, avoid burningwettimber andtry nottoleave aunitunattended.If youhave to leave thecraft,ensurethe air supplyis restricted ontheunit.Regularlycheckthe rope seal hasgood contactandisnotworn,theglassisn’tcrackedand thestack is keptclean.
If you areonboard,preventionisbetterthan havingtodeal withan ‘overfiring’sotry and avoid overfillingthe stove, especiallyinwindy weather, and restrictthe stove’sairflow. At this point, I’m assumingyou have both acarbonmonoxidealarm andasmokealarmthatareregularlychecked,and you have anexitplan. Onegood tipishavingafire blanketnearthe stovethat willgiveyou some personal protectionif youronlyexitispastthe stove. If thestove becomes outofcontroltryas soonas possibleto reduceanyairflow, shutting the stove’s ventsplusclosingalldoorsandwindows etc willhelp.Somedo suggestdamptowels applied tothecabinair ventsandthestove;this Ihaveseen failwhenthetowelthencaughtfire too!
Watering down the cabin roofisprudentbutit’s essential notto get anydownthe stack.Ensuring everyonegets off thecraftwhilethe firestarvesitself of oxygenisoftenthebestmethodanddon’tbe temptedtoopenthefirebox door.
The second regular causeofa stovefire is both fromthehearthnot beinglargeenoughtoprevent hot materialsfromfallingoutandstarting afire instantlyonthe carpetorotheritems.Regularly, theglass hascrackedandgoneunnoticeduntil red hot materialfalls outuncheckedortheclassicone ofwhenopeningthedoorto putmorefuelon some charredremains just happentofall out!There are suggesteddistancesof225mmdirectlyinfront of thedoorareaand at least 150mm to thesidesthat should be non-combustible material. Ideally there should be anupstandas well.
So as wego throughthis yearpleasemakesureif you usea multi-fuel stoveyou useitwiththe respect itdeservesand rememberitwillget very hot.Please keep warm and safethiswinter!
dieselengines.Tim insiststhat the Törkmarunitsarestraightforward to fit, something thatmaycomeas musicto theearsofmanyboatbuilders. It will be interestingtosee how Törkmardoesup against some wellestablishedmanufacturersinthissector, butwiththeneed to work towardsa moresustainableandenvironmentally lessdamagingfuture, thereisa need for moreinnovatorsin thisfield. Withall ofthisdevelopmentbeingundertaken by Timandhisteam,it’snotdifficultto see whyMothership Marine attracted the attentionofthe judgesfortheIWA’s Sustainable BoatingAwards. Formoreinformationvisitwww. torkmar.com
Boatsarebuilttoordertoanystageofcompletion –froma barehullorsuperstructure to luxuriouslyfittedand finished. We buildnarrowbeamandwidebeamboatsforprivateand tradecustomersandarepossiblythelargestsupplierof steelshellstootherboatbuilders/fitters.
Nestledinthe heartofCheshireonthebeautiful LlangollenCanal,ourteamatSwanleyBrokerage have createda professionalandrelaxedenvironment toensurethatbuyingandselling yournarrowboatisas easyaspossible.
We have adedicatedsalesteam available 7daysa week whocancarryoutviewingsonour adjacentmoorings at shortnotice. We have awide rangeoffacilitiesonsiteto assistintheprocessincluding aslipwayand hardstandingviewingareaforsurveys.
THE Departmentof Transport inIrelandhas publisheda newand revised code ofpracticeforthe safe operationof recreational craft.All recreationalcraft usersareencouraged to familiarisethemselves withthe code of practice andfollowthe safetyadvice and guidancecontainedin thecode.
Marine Notice No.54of 2024statesthat thecodeof practicecontainslegislative information, safety adviceand best practice operational guidancefor owners, mastersandusersof arange of recreationalcraft that operateinIrishcoastal andinland waters.
Thepublicationof thenewcodeofpractice follows areviewofthe previouscode and public/ stakeholderconsultations undertakenin2022and 2023.The importanceof personal responsibility and safetyawarenesscontinues to be highlightedinthe codeofpractice,withan added focusonthe‘think andprepare’ message for anyonewhodecidesto go outonthe water.Each personneedstothink abouttheirproposed activityinadvance,plan ahead,ensurethat they haveappropriate training and safety equipmentand knowwhattodoifthings go wrong. The code of practice aimstoassistintheseareas.
Ownersandusersof recreational craftshould familiarisethemselves with thegeneralintroduction, safetychecklists,PartA, theparticularchapterin Part Bappropriatetotheir type of vessel, together with Chapters 10,11andthe appendices.
Wheretoobtainthecode
The codeofpracticeisa free documentand hard copiescan be obtained on request, in both Englishand Irish, from the Maritime Safety PolicyDivisionofthe departmentatemail marineleisuresafety@ transport.gov.ie Thecodeisalso availableto viewor downloadfromwww.gov. ie,directly at thefollowing link https://www.gov.ie/ en/publication/66ff7esa fe-oper at ion-ofrecreational-craft/ and onwww.safetyonthe water.ie
The 2024 LoughErneStillwater Event–A Meeting of Minds, sawa number of venues inandaround Enniskillen, NorthernIreland, hostexperts,policymakers, researchers, landownersandcommunity stakeholdersin ordertoshareinsightsand solutionsforthe sustainable managementofstillwaters,rivers andtheir catchments.
The goalofthe eventwasto stimulate discussionandincreasethecommunity’s awareness,abilityand future resiliencein maintaininghealthyfreshwaterenvironments andprovideanopportunityfor peopleacross theUKandIrelandto learn from whathas beendone around Lough ErneandLough Neagh.
Lakesareunder pressure and willbe increasingly so astheclimatechanges.Lakes arealsoreceivingincreasingpublicandmedia attention to galvaniseactions.Thisevent providedanopportunitytobring people togetherin acollaborativeforum toconnect andsharebestpracticesto build capability and form relationshipswhich canprovide ongoing peersupport.
Highlightsincludedtalks,interactive workshops,fieldtripsandnetworking opportunitiesthroughoutthe two-day eventhosted by the Lough ErneLandscape PartnershipandtheUK &IrelandLakes Network with supportfromEsmeeFairbairn Foundation andthe National Lottery Heritage Fund. AMeetingofMinds ranalongsidethe popularLough Erne Heritage Festivalwhich celebratesthe richcultural, naturaland built heritage of Fermanagh.
detailsannounced details announced
WATERWAYS Ireland hasadvised masters of vesselsonthe Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterwaythatthe wintermooringperiod forpublic navigations will beginonFriday, November 1and will endon March31 nextyear.
Thosewishing totake up winter mooringarerequired topaythe winter mooringfee of€63.50 to WaterwaysIreland beforemooring.
Online applications should be madevia the WaterwaysIreland website –www. waterwaysireland.org Mastersare remindedthat Byelaw17– the ‘fiveconsecutive days/sevendays in onemonth rule’–continuesto applyfor masters notapplying forwinter mooring. WaterwaysIreland will be disconnecting itselectricity supply pointsandwater supplyatwinter
mooringsforthe winter period.Both services will be reinstatedpriorto the startofthe2025 boatingseasonin April.
The cross-border bodyforIreland’s inland waterways reminds boat users that vesselsare moored in public harbours at the owner’sown risk at alltimesand maybedirectedto otherharboursas necessary.
IN1987 –37years ago–boatsfirst madetheir way along therestored Naas Canal, abranchlineofthe Grand Canal, andindoing so createdwhathassince turnedintoanannual tradition.
In late October, as the leaves begantofallfrom thetrees, once again boaters gathered to partake inthisannualparadeof boatsthroughfivelocks to enterNaasHarbour. Thisyear, however, hada very significantmeaning asit marked the40th anniversary of theKildare
branchofthe Inland WaterwaysAssociationof Ireland(IWAI), organisers oftheevent. IWAI Kildare hasbeensupportingand lobbyingfor boatersinthis regionthroughoutthat timeandcontinuestodo so today. Their website (https://branch.iwai.ie/ kildare)isconsidered one of themostinformativeof theIWAIbranchwebsites, fullofusefuladviceand information, amain ‘goto’ foranywishing to research theareainmoredetail.
Over theIrish October Bank Holidayweekend,
afullitineraryofevents wasorganised forthe Naas Rallyparticipants.These includedatalk aboutthe canalnavigation restoration by WaterwaysIreland Senior Engineer Gerard Bayly,a talk aboutboatsafetyonthe Shannon, afullprogramme of boatgames,displays of boat-themedpaintings and boat-relatedphotos, aHalloweenfancydress competition, maritime poetry readings, seashanties and musicintheold harbour building.Theweekend culminated intheofficial rallydinnerwhich washeld
at theRustic Restaurant. Currently,the Naas Canal Quarteristhe subjectofa redevelopmentmasterplan, which hasthe potential to make thissite amore attractive touristdestination capableofaccommodating bothvisitingandliveaboard boaters, walkersand cyclists as wellasthe generalpublic. It isalsoenvisaged that the Corbally Line,alock-free canalbranchconnected totheNaasCanal, maybe restored to navigationinthe not-too-distantfutureand providefurtherincentive for boaters tovisitthearea.
BY mid-Novemberthetreesalongthe edgeoftheK&A canalhaveundergone theirautumnalchange,with softpastel hues of oranges, yellowsandbrowns beingtheorderoftheday. It’s anideal time to capture colourfulphotosalong ourcanalsand waterways,although the windowofopportunityisnormally quitebrief.Nature’scyclic seasonal marchstopsfornoone.
In the mornings,whenthe sun comes outafterthefoghas burnedoff, the panoramic viewof thetreelines boundingtheimpoundmentslook lovely.Although Iwalkthe same towpathroute regularly, Inever tireof takingphotographs.Wildlife hadalways beenmymaininterest, however,since ourarrivalinthe UKandmove aboard Sabi Star;I’vealsodeveloped astrong inclination towardsgenerallandscape photography alongthe stretch ofthe K&A,westofCaen Hill Flight.
During thelatterpartofa previousmid-November, Itookthe accompanyingphotos posted here, andthen,afew weekslater,I helped afriendbring his boat down theCaen Hillflight. It wasunbelievablehow starkthechange wasafter amerefew
weeks.Virtuallyallofthe autumnalleaf coverhad disappeared,andalthough thecoldgrey skyanddampweather madefor goodphotoopportunities, openinglocksdidn’t allowmethetime tolinger with my camera, andit stayed
in my daypackfortheduration.Truth be known,ifI wantedgoodphotosof thestark contrast,there wasonlyone answerto my dilemma: at alater date I’dhavetofacethecoldand wet, and venturebackoutthere.
WILDLIFEcharity Butterfly Conservationhas declared anational butterfly emergency, with resultsof this summer’s BigButterfly Count showing amarkedand hugely concerningdeclinein numbers. As reported,peoplethroughoutthe UK were askedtorecordbutterflies andday-flyingmoths ingreenand blue spaces,including waterways. Overall,participants spottedjust sevenbutterflieson averageper 15-minutecount, areductionof almost50% onlast year’s average of 12,andthelowest in the14-year historyofthe survey. In total, just over 935,000 wererecorded from July12to August 4,down almost600,000; equivalentto morethana thirdof2023's total. The alarming figureshave resultedin thecharity declaringa nat ion wi de butt erfly emergency. It is writinganopen letterto Steve Reed,Secretary of Statefor Environment,
Food andRural Affairs,callingfor theGovernmenttoban butterflykillingneonicotinoid pesticidesused onfarmland beforespecies become extinct.
Aspreviouslyreportedin Towpath Talk,aButterfly Conservation spokespersonsaid:“If you liveonand around waterways,youcanencourage butterfliesandmothstopayyou avisit by providingthem withnectarand foodfortheircaterpillars.Evena small spacelikethe roofof acanal boat can make adifference –fill pots with flowerslikelavender, scabiousand nasturtiumsand herbslikemarjoram, semary andthyme.Ifyou havea biggerplot,leave patches of nettlesand brambles,let yourgrass grow long, orcreate anectarborder fullofflowers likeverbena bonariensis, alliums,ox-eye daisiesand red valerian.” To sign the charity’sopen lettertothe Government, visit https:// butt erflyconservation. org/emergency
PHOTO: MARTIN WARREN
PHOTO:MARTIN WARREN
FundayontheUnionCanal
THEannual Linlithgow Union CanalSociety(LUCS) fundaysaw visitorsandthe localcommunity turn outto enjoyboattrips,refreshments andthehighlightofthe day, thepopular cardboardboat race,alltakingplace at the LinlithgowCanal Centre on the UnionCanal. Tenracetrophies were upforgrabs, includingthe novicepaddlers, best design andmostentertaining teamtrophies.LUCSisrun by volunteers.Thirty-one
volunteershelped ontheday andlotsof work wasneeded inthe runuptotheevent. The societyisfundraising toconvertits50-year-old flagship, Victoria,toelectric drive. The final decision on this will be takenoncea detailedinspectionofher hull hasbeencarried out. LUCS’aimisthat therefitwill make Victoria fit forhernext half-century.Findout about LUCS activities,including the canalcentre, cruisesand boat hire at lucs.org.uk
YOU’LL have seenDutchbargeson the canals,ormaybe you’refortunateenough to ownorliveonone.They’rea rarersight onthe Lowland canalsthanelsewhere, eitheronthe wide,deepHighland canals in Scotlandoronthebroad canals south ofthe border.
The barge HetLeven hasbeena familiar sightinFalkirkfor anumber of years, slowly deterioratingafterthe sad death ofherformer owner.However,she’s now undergoinganewleaseoflife withcurrent owner William Walker.
Earlierthis year, HetLeven wasliftedout ofthe waterandtransported to William’s yard for renovation. Go Forth&Clyde’s dayboat JaggyThistle towedthebarge along theshortstretchofcanaltolock 16where there’sspacefor alargecrane(wherethe formerflightoflocks from theForth &Clyde Canalranuphill to meet the Union Canal).
William hasalwaysbeenfascinated by sailingvessels. He hadspotted HetLeven on afamily walkalongthe canalseveral years ago. It wasaboat-builderfriend whoalertedhim to thefactthat shewas nowupfor sale.Williamtook agoodlook at herandcouldn’t bear thethought of so much characterandhistoryrusting away.Hesaysitseemedlikea crime when it wasclearshecould be renovated and restored.William went asfarastracking down andvisitingaprevious ownerin the Netherlands,who hadcarried outa faithful restoration to workingcondition andoffered sailingtripsonthe Dutch inland waterwaysandalongthe North Seacoast, beforeshe wasbroughtoverto Scotland by John Mackay.
HetLeven wasbuiltas asteel-hulled sailingbarge in1912 at ashipyard inBriltil inthe Netherlands,once amajorshipping route betweenGroningen andFriesland. Shewasused to transport cargoesuntil around1954afterwhichshe became ahouseboat before herpurchaseand restorationin1997.
Traditional Dutchbargesare shallowdrafted,flat-bottomedvessels,dating backtothe17thcentury andoriginally constructedaswoodensailingcraft before theadventoffirstironandthensteelhulls. Onekey characteristicof asailingbarge are theleeboards– planks fittedtothesides ofthe boat andletdown into the waterto reducedriftingtotheleewardside, or down wind.Thebarges mightbedescribed asthe Dutch equivalentofScotland’s puffers,as theywereused to transport goodsalongthe vast networkofshallowDutch canalsand inshorealongthe NorthSea coast. Most have nowbeenconverted to runondiesel engines. HetLeven retainsher mast,spars and sails.Atanearlytry-out,William has successfully runherengine. Williamis keentoencouragethe developmentoftraditional boat building skills. HisyardinAirdrie is near the birthplaceofthe Vulcan,thefirstiron boat to be builtinScotlandin1818–19. Horse-drawn,shecouldcarry upto200 people and wasinserviceformorethan 50 years,latterlycarryingcargo.Itwas testamenttotheearlyiron workersthat she apparently remainedremarkably watertightforallthat time.Inthe1980s areplicaofthe Vulcan wasconstructed to the samedesignastheoriginal at
Linthouseonthe Clyde, to provide work forunemployedshipyard workers.A retired shipworker carried outthe riveting afterinitialdifficultyfindingsomeone withthe skillstorivet thesteelsheets together.Thereplica Vulcan wasdisplayed at the1988GlasgowGarden Festivaland, after refurbishmentin2013–14, cannow be seenatSummerleeMuseumof Scottish IndustrialLife,near to arestoredsection of the MonklandCanal.
Thesesortsof renovationsarenow often runasagroup concern, with acollectionof enthusiaststakingonthe restorationand getting thevesselsbackontothe water in ashipshapecondition. HetLeven has arichhistory– everysquareinchtellsa story– and aconnectiontothe canals. Williamis awarethat restorations suchas this need asustainablefuture. As wellas anambassador fortraditionalconstruction skills, he believes HetLeven could be used as ascientific research vessel(his business isinthebiotechandpharmaceutical industry)inestuarine waters.This would be withinthepracticallimitsofwhat sucha vesselcoulddo,withhershallow draft,and be sustainably wind-drivenfor muchofthe time.Thename HetLeven translatesto‘life’ or‘livingthelife’andit will be excitingto see her restorationand renaissance.
The bridge wasopenedtothe publiconSaturday, September7, withcelebratorycommunityevents on bothbanksofthe Clyde. The popularannual Clydebuilt Festival took place overthe weekendonthe northbank,besidethe Riverside Museum,and aFootbridgeFestival washeldonthe southbankonthe Saturday. Thenewbridge links communitiesnorthand southofthe riverandis settoboost the economy and supportredevelopment. It formsacentralpartoftheactive travel route between the University ofGlasgow’scampusatGilmorehill andthe QueenElizabethUniversity Hospital. The bridge canopenfor rivertraffic andisoneofthelongest openingpedestrian/cyclebridges in Europe.
Seebehindthescenes at the FalkirkWheel
BEHIND-the-scenestours have returnedtothe FalkirkWheel, offeringa uniqueopportunity to stepinsidethe world’s only rotatingboatlift.Visitors taking thetour will get thechance to exploreitshistoryand step insidethe wheeltoexplorethe structure’sinternal workings. The monthlytourstake two hoursand30minutes,starting with ashortpresentationand explanationofthe recentdigital upgradeand refurbishment, followedbya walkaround thesite beforeheading into thewheelitself.Refreshments areincluded.Thistour is recommendedforthoseaged 16and over.Itincludes walking around the siteandclimbing
severalflightsofladders.Anyone withaccessibilityqueriesshould contact Scottish Canalsin advance.You canfind outmore at scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/ things-to-do/behindthewheel If you’relookingfor agreat day out, avisittothe FalkirkWheel offersplentytodo, alongsidethe toursand boat tripson thewheel. Asanincentiveforfamiliesand young people,Young Scot card holders canget 20%off boat trips,activities,the cafeandgift shop.Young Scot cardsare free forall11-to-26-year-oldsliving in Scotlandand canbeused asproofofage andidentity, forfree bustravelifunder22 andthousandsofdiscountsin ScotlandandacrossEurope.
OFTEN referredtoas‘Shakespeare Country’,Stratford-upon-Avonis renowned asthebirthplaceoftheactor, playwright andpoet, butitisalsohome to some wonderful waterways. The 25-mile-longStratford-upon-Avon canal, connectingStratfordandthe RiverAvon with Birmingham,openedin1816.
On thebankofthe RiverAvon,The Bancroft wasoriginally an area of land wherethe townspeoplegrazed their animals.Thesitewasalsohometotwo canalbasinsand canalwharvesand warehouses.Thesecond canalbasin, builtin1826, wasrefilledin1902.
Todaybeautiful gardens, andan impressive colonyofswans,are anatural draw forvisitorsandtouristswhoflock to theareaknown asThe Bancroft Gardenswherethecommercialactivity continuesonthe canalwithfloatingand Christmas markets.Bridges,fountains andmemorials,amongthemTheGower Monument, aGradeIIlistedbronzeand stone sculptureofWilliam Shakespeare surrounded by charactersfromhisplays addinterest to thispicturesque setting,
attractingmorethana millionvisitors everyyear.
Travellingthe waterwaysona boat tourgives agreater insightinto thehistoryofthis Medievalmarket town andthe wildlifewithin. The classicmanual windingchainferry is, perhaps, oneofthemostunusualand oldestformsof water transport, taking passengersacrossthe RiverAvonwhere apleasurable watersidewalk beckons.
RoyalShakespeareTheatre
Withitsdominatingpresencenextto theRiver Avon,the RoyalShakespeare Theatre is oneofthe popularlandmarks preservingthe performedwor Stratford-upon-Avon’sfamous Here Shakespeare’s famousplays are performed, bringing to lifethelegacy heleft,which isappreciated beyondhis birthplaceandaroundthe world. Originallyknown asthe ShakespeareMemorial Theatre, thefirsttheatreopenedin1879in Stratford-upon-Avonfollowinga campaign ledbylocalbrewerCharles Flower.Thistheatre suffereda firein 1926andeventually reopenedasThe SwanTheatrein1989. In themeantime,
anewtheatrewas builtonanadjacent siteandopenedin1932, retainingthe name Shakespeare MemorialTheatre. In 1961, withthefoundingofthe Royal Shakespeare CompanybyPeter Hall, it wasrenamed theRoyal Shakespeare Theatre.Thetheatre, alongwiththe ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust,is hometooneofthemostsignificant Shakespeare collectionsinthe world, with materialsspanning fromthe1600s to thepresent day.
Festiveevents
Continuing on thetrailofthe famous writer,the half-timberedbuilding in HenleyStreet, caredfor by Shakespeare Birthplace Trust,isanotherplaceto see whilein Stratfordand,comingup toChristmas,therewillbeaspecial seriesoffestive-themedevents includingcandlelittoursand hands-on craftactivities.Objects pertinentto Shakespeare’s timeherecan be viewed walkingaround roomsinhabited byWilliamfrom boytoman, sonto husband.
Oneofeight,astheeldestsurviving son, Williaminheritedthe Birthplace which wouldeventually becomethe familyhomehesharedwithhis wife Anne Hathaway andtheirthree children.
Anne’s birthplace,originallya farmhousenow known as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, isanothervisitor attractiononthe Shakespeare trail. The Garden Cafe,located oppositethe cottage andlaunchedthis year,provides the perfectrefreshmentstop offering
creamteasandotherindulgent treats. Shakespeare’sNew Place,a registered garden featuringspecially commissionedartworksand sculptures, istheoriginal siteofShakespeare’s family homefrom1597untilhisdeath in 1616.
Thishistoricallyimportantoutdoor space wascreated following the property’sdemolitionin1759,enabling visitorstofollowinShakespeare’s footsteps andabsorbthe surrounding landscapeinevery stride.Planning aheadisadvisableasAnne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’sNew Place areseasonaldestinationsand closefrom November 4forthe winter.
Holy TrinityChurch
Asidefromthe Shakespearestory, religionalsoplayedanimportantpart in Stratford-upon-Avon’shistoryandis celebrated in iconiclocations such as theGuildChapel,home tooneofthe rarest series of Medieval wallpaintings in Europe,and Holy TrinityChurch, the locationof Shakespeare’sgrave.
Whetherridingorstridingaround the streetson guidedtours,you learn about thedevelopmentsthat shaped thetown’s future. Establishedasapermanent settlementinthe MiddleAges, thebridge acrossthe Avon,connectinglandonthe Avon with surroundingareas,playedan importantpartinStratford-upon-Avon’s developmentasamarkettown.
By the19thcentury,thearrivalof the canaland railwaystation, along withothermodernamenities, opened upopportunitiesfor tourism. The establishmentofthe Shakespeare BirthplaceTrustenhanced those opportunities,contributingtoStratford becomingoneofthemost populartravel destinationsintheUK.
LAST monthI spokeabouttheongoing issues at clubleveland,to be honest, littlehas changed. Forthat reason my club colleaguesand Ihaveagreed to crackonwithwhat we canbeforewinter comesanddeal withanyfallout later.
Wednesdaysaw the autumnmeeting ofthe Canal&RiverTrust’sNational Council.Thistime wewere intheBlack Country. It wasa hefty agenda since thedaycombinedboththeAnnual General Meeting andthenthenormal six-monthlymeeting. The afternoon session sawour CEOgivea very informativeupdateonthe business and,inparticular,how thetrustandits assets hadbeen affectedbytheextreme weather overtheyear. Withoutdoubtit seemsit hascoped pretty well.
Someofthe boatingdelegates raised concern aboutthefutureof ourwaterwayswhich,without greater investment, theyactually see as quite bleak.Itisclearsomeareasofthe network were moreinneedofurgent attentionthanothers butthe pointwas madethat itisimperative that priorities areidentifiedandadhered toandthata balanceis maintainedatalltimes.
BoaterSatisfactionSurvey
Interestinglytherewas acomprehensive presentationonthefindingsand outcomesofthe recentBoater Satisfaction Survey.Oneitemidentified wasthe need for adifferentapproach to maintenance,especially planned preventativemaintenancewhich,it wassaid, would reducetheneed for reactive work and,in turn,costs.One viewexpressedwhich seemedtogel with many delegates wasthat thepreviously mentionedbalanceiscrucial.This can bebest achieved by employingamore collaborativeapproachtoinclude theneedsofall bona fideusersand, critically,tothe ecologyofour canals. Unlessweensurethefutureofthe whole canalecology,whateverisdone operationally willnotdeliver acanal systemforeveryoneforthefuture. Without good,wholesome waterquality, thrivinghabitatsand good accessfor all,thereal valueof ourwaterways is seriously debatable.
Accessibility
Ihavespokenbeforeabout my involvementwiththetrust’sTowpaths GroupsoIwasespeciallyinterested whenthe nextpresentation dealt with accessibilityfor people withdisabilities. The speakersaidshe hadbeeninvitedto speakwithagroup lookingatinstalling aproposednewbridgeon the Erewash Canal. Shehad madethe case forthe inclusionof aslopetoallowaccess for peopleinwheelchairsand/orusing walkingframes. Sadlythis wasrejected.I have beenatodds with thissame project groupaboutthisproposed bridge and sometype of waterfront development
alongsideitforthree years so Ispoke withthisladyafterwardsaboutthe difficulties Ihadexperienced trying toprotectthefishing rights which have been controlledbymyclubfor decades.Weagreed that thetrust had not supporteditsusersinthis situation.
NationalChampionships
The AnglingTrust’s Division National Championships were bothsuccessful and generallyenjoyed by allcompetitors. SupportfortheDivision 2eventwas down ontheprevious year.Quite why isuncertainalthoughmostanglerson the canalcircuitsusuallyfishthemore traditional canals.ThecanalsinSouth Yorkshirecouldnot be moredifferent, beingalmost40metres wideandthreemetres-plusdeep.Evensotheyare usuallyquitefairand offerreasonable sportwherever youdraw. However, as awholetheevents were acreditto all involved.
The CRTCanal Championshipsare drawingtoa closewiththegrandfinal only afew weeks away.Iunderstand therehavebeensome reallytightties alongthe waysoagoodfinal is very muchonthecards.The2024 National Celebrationof YoungAnglerswas again ahugesuccess withalmost 350 participants.Itisveryencouragingtosee theseyoungstersenjoyingour canals.It bodes sowellforthefuture.
My contacts have beentellingmeof the continuing“unseasonal”results.I have not spoken withthatmany people butthe situation worryingly seemsnot to be improving. Fishingintheearly partofthedayremainsdifficultatbest withimprovementsoccurring late in theafternoonif at all.All typesofvenue i.e.canals,riversandeven commercial stillwatersarewellbelowparforthis timeof year.Ofcourseitiseasytoblame theweather butitisstill so unsettled.
As Ihavesaid,the late afternoons/ early evenings areproducingthe bestsport. Obviouslydaylightinthe evenings is rapidlyfadingnow butthe fishdobecome alittlemoreactive,and hungry,soIremainconvincedthat that is the best time tograb acoupleof hoursonthebank.Allthe staplebaits arefindinga fewfish butbecarefulhow much youfeed.Thefishareresponding to feed butverysoon“switch off”ifit is overdone. Tightlines.
AWORLDfirst–anarrowboatmadeofHDPEplastic –will be unveiledatCrick Boat Show.Thisnew boat is causingripplesincanalforums;Formation Plastics (FP) is buildingafullyelectric narrowboat from HDPE,which will be onshowatCrick 2025.
It isdefinitelyintriguing, withcomments ranging fromfull-onenthusiasmthat there’saboaton thehorizonthat needsnomaintenance, to more cautiousopinions aboutrigidity,impact-resistance andballastrequirements.
HDPE(high-densitypolyethylene)iseverywhere. Cost effective, waterresistantand robust,it’sused forfood andchemical containers, piping, those orangeplasticsafetybarriers you seeatroadworks, andusuallyastheplasticcomponentinwoodpolymercomposite(WPC) gardendecking. It’s alsonostrangertothe water, withHDPE having been used forheavy-dutyworkboats in marine environmentsforthelast20years.
In the29 yearssinceBradford-based Formation Plastics wasestablished,it’s grownfromatwo-man operationtoan SMEwith20,000 squarefeetof workshopspace,offering bespokesolutionsin acrylicsheets,polycarbonate,polypropyleneand more, and specialisinginhot gasandextrusion weldingofplastics.
“Ourdirectors were alwaysfascinated with workboats,”saysShaun Moir,salesand marketing manager, “and we’d made partsofcanal boats.” Lockdowngavetheopportunityto make theidea arealityand, workingwithanexpertadvisor,they built aprototype widebeam,unfitted out, moreas aproof ofconceptthananything. In Junethis year, afterother work haddelayeditsprogress,the boat waslaunchedonthe Rodley Canal.
AsHDPEis averydifferentmaterialfromsteel, there were challengestobemet.Director Michael Denisonexplained:“Wehadtolook at thicknesses, up-specsomeofthethicknessesfor base andside walls;expansion/contraction’sslightlydifferent tosteel;andobviously the conductivity as wellfor coolinganengine.So, we hadtocover afewissueson that sideofthings,suchasstiffeningthebase. With it beingquitebuoyant –HDPEdoesfloat– we hadto
lookatthe ballastsideof itas well, just to getitto sitinthe watercorrectly.”
Theupcoming narrowboathasoffered thechance todothings differently.“Welearned alot,” says Shaun. “HDPE has adensityof0.95,mild steel7.85, sowe figured ways with expansionto make it better.”
In theprototype widebeam,asteelframe helpsprovideballast, butShaunhas been exploringballasting with water. “Ifwecan getawayfromusing steel,then we will.”
There areplenty of plusestoHDPE. “It reduces maintenance by about80%,”says Shaun. “It’sgothigh impact resistance,marinegrowth canbetakenoff with abrush,andthere’snooxidation, so you don’t need toblackit. Forany canallover,itmeansmore timeonthe canal.”
From amanufacturingpointofview,plastic weldingdoesn’tproducethefumesthat steel welding throws out. And,perhapsunexpectedly,
“TURNthat lightoff!”was the parentalcrythatregularly echoed through my childhood andadolescence.Ahangover fromtheconstraintsofthe relatively recentwartime years, itis aconditioningthathas shaped my useofelectricityever since andinitially,to quitea large extent, thespecificationof theelectricalequipmentforthe distributionand consumption ofthe outputfrom my solar panelsandbackupgenerator.
To recap:myboatisan all-diesel,narrowboat tugthat I’ve takenoff-gridand been runningsolelyon PV-generated electricityinsummer, supplementedbyHVO for heating, cookingandhot water throughoutthecoldermonths of the year.
We’vealreadylookedat thedetails behind thesolar anddiscussed thebasicsof batterychoiceanduse. We nowneed to go into thedetail ofhowwedeploytheelectricity throughoutdomesticuseand thepropulsionof thevessel: conversiontoelectricdrive beingsomething I’mnow more than halfwaytoachievingand atopicforfutureexamination.
So,nowIsuddenlyfindmyself withmoreelectricitythanI knowwhattodowith,steadily realisingthatitisa superb way to make,use and store energy andthat Imustthereforemake concertedeffortstomoveon from theconstraintsof apostwarupbringing!
Sourcesofpower
Powerproducedonthe boat, as we’vealreadydiscussed, cancomefromengine-driven alternatorsand solarpanels and will be direct current, or DC.It canbe12,24or48 volts:the former beingbyfarand away themostcommon system, whilecurrentlythelatteralmost certainlyimplieselectricdrive. It will be storedinbatteriesof the appropriate voltage,ready foruse,which mayneed to be altered with aconverter if,say, that useisbothforpropulsion (48 voltsDC) anddomestic(12 or24 voltsDC).
Once generated and stored,it will be available fordistributionviaafused supplyfor DC domestic cabin equipmentandthroughan invertertoprovide230 volt AC powerasrequired.Within
thisdistributionmechanism therewillprobably be further fusing, isolation switches,a consumptionmeasuringdevice (orshunt)and,wherelithium batteriesareemployed, abattery managementsystem(BMS).
To my (possibly slightly analmind)theneatestway by fartoachieve all thisina tidy,integrated fashionisvia the Victron Lynx PowerInand Distribution systemwhichalso neatlycombines with aBMS, stand-aloneshunt, fusing(plus fuse monitoring)andisolation switching. This is by nomeans theonlyway totickallthe appropriate boxesbut if you priceupthealternatives(using the samequalitybitsandpieces) thisisactually acost-effective and beautifullycompactchoice.
Consumption
Leavingthemonitoringand controlofwhat’s going on untillast, we cannow move to theconsumption sideof
theequation,whichiseither DC cabin equipment(withor without aconvertertoadjust thevoltage)orviaaninverterto providethe230 AC powerthat everyoneisfamiliar withina house. It is at this pointinthe systemthat external,landline powerisintroducedor power producedbyanonboard(or indeed,external) generator. It willalsobetheinverterthat
we’reintalks withthe suppliers.”
Paintiscurrentlynotanoptionasit won’t stick totheplastic.However,thattoo mightbeaboutto change asFPis workingwith amarinaonapaint that will stick. “There’sonemoretesttodo,”says Shaun. “It’s100%adhesive.”
Althoughtheprototypeis recyclable, it isn’t madeof recycled HDPE. “WeusedvirginHDPE forthisoneasitis aprototype. However, that is not tosaywewillnot be usingrecycledHDPEfor futureprojects,” says Shaun. “Any non-structure component, i.e.cabins,benches,consolesetcfrom the boat, canbemadefromrecycledHDPE.Notthe hull,asallsuppliers wouldnot recommendmaking ahullfrom recycled HDPE.”
Findvideosof buildingtheprototypeon Formation Plastic’s Facebookpage. It’s certainlya conceptthat, for some people, hasbeena longtime comingandthefitted-outnarrowboatisbound to draw considerable attentionatCrick.“Forthepast few years I’ve really pushedthis,”saysShaun, “and itfeelslikewe’re gettingthefeedbackitdeserves.” Forsmalleritems,see thecompany’sEtsystore www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FormationPlastics
controlstheseexternal power sourcesensuring, where necessary,that by combining morethanoneinput, peak demands canusuallybemet. Isay ‘usually’ becausethis iswhere my aforementioned conditioningalmost ledme to becomebadlyunstuck!I approachedspecifyingmy systemwitha‘minimum electricaluse’ philosophyonly to realisehow wrongthis wasin my recentlydiscoveredenergy appreciation.Theoutcome was a3kWdevicewhereinthe reality
of my bravenewelectrical world, at leastdoublethat would have been moreappropriate. Installingtwo,twinned inverters(inwhatisrecognisedas a‘masterandslave’ relationship) provided the solutionwhich offerssomeadvantages such as built-in redundancy… butat greaterinitial overallcost, kW forkW,together with alarger footprint(or wallprint!). One device(themaster)doesthebulk ofthe work,automaticallycalling ontheslave when findingitself overstretched. Finally,controland monitoringare ablyprovided by theVictronCerboGX system (recently replacedbythe Ekrano) withfullaccessvia atouchscreen. Effectivelya computer,ableto ‘talkto’anextensive rangeof devices –monitoringeverything fromtanklevelsto generator status –itcaneven recogniseand prioritiserenewables over the stuff thatmy parentssozealously guardedallthoseyearsago!
TO FACILITATEthe efficientworking ofthe canalnetwork,about 42 milesof tunnels were constructedinEngland and Wales,ofwhich abouthalfarestillopen. Thisismorethanthe combined lengthofall other canaltunnelsin the worldanddoesn’t includetheextra approximately47miles ofunderground canal at Worsleyaspartofthe Bridgewater Canal.
As well as 583 locks, 2963bridges and 337 aqueducts there arealso55tunnels, ranginginlengthfrom just 25 yardstomore thanthree miles, along the2000-plusmilesof ourinland waterways. Let’stakealookatthis month'soffering…
Galton Tunnel: 122 yards–completedby the Departmentof Transport in1974.
The Galton Valley wascrossed by an elegant cast iron bridgewhichinthe
early 1970sbecame alistedmonument to be usedsolelyasa footbridge.Traffic was subsequently rerouted alonga moderndual carriageway spanning bothofthe canalsin the valley, namelythe Birmingham NewLine andtheoldMain Line. However, insteadof constructinga bridge forthenew road,it was decidedinstead to fill the valleyand builda roadonthetopofthe infill.
To dothis each canal wascovered withlong prefabricated concrete tubeslaidinto the waterwhichwerethen earth-filledoverthe toptotakethe road across.These‘tubes’ subsequentlybecame knownasthe Galton Tunnelonthenewline andthe Summit Tunnel on theoldline.
Duetotheir newnessandup-todatetechnology, thesetunnels have the highestheadroom of
anytunnelsintheUK and have widetowpaths andenoughwater widthfor boatstopass comfortablyinside. Thetunnel was constructedtobe much longerthan the road width above inordertoallowthe earth-filloneither sidetoconsolidate andthereforenot have to useany side restraints.Because of thisthe‘tubes’actually extend well beyond thebank abovebutare completely masked by the subsequentgrowth oftreesand shrubs.
Gosty(orGorsty)
Hill Tunnel: 557 yards–completed 1797.Arelatively straightforward tunnel to digbut notwithout subsequentproblems whichinvolved an almosttotal rebuild in1881. This tunnel hadatug serviceand thereisa‘layby’which canstill be seen at the northern portalend
which wasonceused toaccommodate the tunnel tugthat wasin operationfrom1913to the1930s.
Thetunnelisnot onlynarrowbut dipsdownwards alarminglyinplaces andthe narrowness madeitinfamousdue to workingboatmen who,because of the narrow confines,set theirenginesandleft the steering at thetiller whilethe boat wasin the tunnel to letitglide throughthewhole557 yardsbyitself! Keepan eyeoutforthepicture ofDraculathat greets you at the point where theheadroomlowers, andpartway along the tunnelisanimpressivelookingairshaftwhich is wellknown inthe
areaforcoming outinwhatisnow someone's garden!
Lapal(akaLappal)
Tunnel: 3795yards –completed 1798, closed 1917.
Undertheoriginal plans,the tunnel was intendedtobe3330 yardsbeforeitwas eventuallyextended to itsfinallength. Constructionwas problematicandwhen buildingworkstarted in1794,30shaftswere sunk withalmostevery onefillingwithwater andthree pumping engineshavingtobe used to keepthe water at bay. Quicksandalso ranthroughmostofthe tunnelline.
Narrow(boat)escape Good morningDan, Iamsendingthisletterfromour little narrowboat onthe canal oppositeStanilands Marinaat Thorne in Doncaster. My family and Imadetheloopy(butlovely) decisionto gettenantsforour house, selleverythingweown at carbootsalesand save up£18kto buyaboattoliveonwithour little boy,toexperiencethislife.
We areVERYlucky to be able to dothisand we arehopingthat James canuse ourboattofinda fewmoreboatstopainttokeep us afloat!
Jamesisanartist,hastaughtart and hascovered thewhole boat in hisdesign;this willhopefully be
away of attractingmorecustom. Channel4 gotin touch with usin Mayand have been filming usforsixmonthsas we start ouradventure and we areone ofthe maincontributorsforthe second seriesof Narrow Escapes –a programmeaboutallkinds of people whochoose to giveup bricksandmortarforthislife! Anyway,hereare afewshotsof ustoshow youourmotleycrew andantics.Thanksfor reading! Rach,JamesandJoeAnnandale
were used toprovide thebricksforthe tunnel plus other canal-related structures.Subsidence twiceled to closure, in 1801and1805,where ononeoccasionit was closed forfourmonths.
The tunnel hasavery small boreat7ft9in and withonly6ftof headroompassage, whichwas done originallybyleggingor poling, couldtakethree to fourhours.
Innovativelyin 1841, ThomasBrewin installedascoop wheel attached toa second-hand steamdrivenengine at the
Halesowen portal, with stop-gates at thetunnel endsdesigned to move waterwhicheverway alongthe tunnelthat it wasneeded.Thecurrent that this pumping createdhelped topush boats throughand sped uptrafficconsiderably, reducingthetravel timeto just twohours. The pump continuedto operateuntil 1914.
In 1917therewasan extensive collapse due tominingsubsidence whichclosed the line permanentlyand both portalsandmostother tracesofthe tunnel have sincedisappeared.
However, alengthofthe tunnelstillliesunder theM5which wasbuilt above, albeitfilled with concreteforsafety reasons.Anintention to restore thetunnel wasshelved whena 2007 studyshowedit to be unfeasible.Itwas alsofeltthat theoriginal tunnel would have insufficientventilation to allowpoweredboats safelythrough.
Interestinglythe easternportalofthe tunnelisin California –but sadlynotthe Sunshine State, rather asuburbin south-west Birmingham!
SF: GrowingupinTrevorand walkingalmost dailyacross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct gave me theinspirationthat Iwantedtoworkwithboats. When Iwas14,throughoutthe summer Itookthe opportunitytogoand work ononeoftherestaurant boatsthatoperatedfromTrevor. Littledid Iknow that Iwouldmeet my husband,who wasaskipper ononeofthe boats!
Thisin turnledmetomyotherpassioninlife, cooking. NowIhadfound my callingIenrolledat BrunelCollegeinBristolandtrainedasachefand in my spare time Icleanedfor AngloWelsh,who hadabaseinBristol Harbour. OncequalifiedI went to work as achefon arestaurantboatinBristol Harbourwhich wasowned by AngloWelsh.With my splitshifts workingasa chef,wehardlyever saw eachother,sowedecided to combine ourskills and getahotel boat.
We bought Tranquil Rose in 2002andoperated herfor10 years.I lovedhotel boating,but we wanted to have afamily andset rootsdown. We settledinWeedonon theGrand UnionCanal, whereIstarted workingforthe Canal& RiverTrust as manager ofthe CanalMuseuminStoke Bruerne. Ispent fiveyears withthetrustand,after havinga secondbaby,decided Ineeded ajobthat didn’t need me at weekends,soIwentontomanagethe Braunstonbranchof MidlandChandlers.After nearlythree yearsand with both my daughters at school, IdecidedI neededsomethinga bitmore challenging!
TT:WhatbroughtyoutoAnglo Welsh?
SF: Ihad beeninvolvedwithAnglo Welshonand off overthe years.Fromseeingthe boatsatTrevor tocleaningthem at Bristolandcookingontheir restaurant boat, Ialwayshad asoft spotforthem. When Isaw theoperations managerroleadvertised itlooked likesomething Icould really getstuck into andhopefullyadd valuetothegrowingfleet!
TT:How muchexperiencedidyou have of the waterwaysbeforeyou joinedAnglo Welsh? SF: My wholelife hasbeenspent nexttooronthe
canal! We’vehad ourown boat for 24 yearsand have cruisedthe majority of the waterways. Having spent10years onthehotelboatand travellingthe southern waterways, Ihavetosaymy favourite canalisthe Kennetand Avon,andnowhavingour headofficeinBradfordonAvon, Iget to spend my workinghoursinoneof my favourite places,while travellingtooneof ourninebases.
TT:Howwasthe2024seasonforAnglo Welsh?
SF: Bookings have beenstrong, andtheinterestand awarenessof narrowboat holidays remains very high.Wehavebeenthrough ayearoftransitionwith theacquisitionof Sally NarrowboatsatBradford on Avonandtheclosureofour baseatOxfordon the RiverThames.Takingon Sally Narrowboats enabledustotaketheopportunitytorelocate our headoffice.Thisnotonlyallowsusto work onthe beautiful Kennetand Avon Canalbutalso togrow anddevelop ourteamwith atrainingfacility.
SF: We have recruitedanew reservations manager whohascome in with somegreatideaswhich we will be takingforward to giveourclients varied
experienceswhile cruising!Watchthis space,as the sayinggoes. By the closeof2024,wewill be addingfive newboats tothefleet,andinto2025, enhancingourholidays to be more sustainable.
Tardebigge wasclosed at the start ofthe2024 season butwill be upand runningagain forthe 2025 season with athird-partyoperator.Weare also goingtocontinue workingclosely withthe Canal& RiverTrust topromotethe work it doesto care for thenetworkand theassets that it maintains.
SF: Like all businesses at themoment, inflationand recruitmentare very challenging.
TT:Isthehireboatsectorstillgrowing?
SF: The numberof hire boatsonthe network remainsfairly static– at aroundthe1000 mark. We areseeingafewofthesmallercompanies sell orclosedownbutthisisusuallydueto owners wantingtoretireafter manyyearsoperating.
SF: We areveryconcerned aboutthe funding challengesfacedbythe Canal& RiverTrustandthe reductioninits governmentgrant in realterms.The costof maintainingthefragilenetwork,particularly setagainstinflation,isincreasing. Ourholidays play an importantrole inbringingpeople to the waterwaysandlearningabout theworkofthe Canal &River Trust. Many peoplearesurprised to learn
The dayturnedoutto be most glorious; sunshine allthe way and Iachieved my targetforthe daywithoutanyrealproblems. In fact,forthefirsttimein my memory, Ihad agoodroadup Naptonflight.
Ninelocksallin my favour and Iswapped over withother boatscomingdown at seven ofthem, whichis always great whensingle-handed. The exceptiontothat wasatthefirst lock wherea lovely ‘volockie’ (volunteerlockkeeper) wason hand tosay: “Staywhereyou are, I’lldothis,”forwhich Iwasmost grateful.The volockie reminded methat they go off duty at the beginningofNovember. We are very thankful to themforthe hourstheyputin.
At thenextlockInosed the gatesopenintotheemptylock.
Calltoaction…
We arenowat thetimeofyear whenmanystopboating andlay uptheircraftforthe winter.Iam nowjustone boatingday away from my home mooringandI amlookingforthenextwindow intheweathertoachievethat. Butwhat gets in theway of boating, at thistimeof year, are meetings. In thepast weekor two, NABO hashadmeetings withCRTmanagement, and therehas beenavirtualmeeting ofthe West Midlandsforumand meetingsonthe Thames.We
below50%andisimplementing actionto reversethetrend.Also promised is aclearance of the backloginpaddlerepairs;the CRThas repaired 400paddles this yearand400 werereported broken buttherewasalreadya backlogof600that needed to be repairedbeforeitcould be considered that boaters would have abetterviewofthe system. So thereisstill much work to be done.
We have alsoheard that the trusthas identifiedthatithas tippedthe balance between
have foundachangeinattitude isintheair.Refreshingly,it appearsthat Canal& River Trusthas takenheedofthe boater satisfaction survey whichrecordedsatisfaction
boatingissuesand ecological andenvironmentalissues. Todayatrust senior manager told ameeting of boatersthat someinstallations of coir rolls mayhavebeena mistakeas
that acharity runsthisvital nationalinfrastructure that is so importantfor biodiversity.
TT:Howdoyouthinktheyarebesttackled?
SF: Ithink we allneed toplay ourpartinhelpingraise awarenessofthe work theCanal &RiverTrustdoes in caring for ourinland waterways. Those of us who work on thewaterways see everyday howimportant thetrustisfor so many peopleandforthe wildlife. Structureslikethe Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,whichis rightnexttoour Trevorbase, aresoawe-inspiring. It’s aWorld Heritage sitesoit’sonapar withthe Pyramidsandthe TajMahal! The waterwaysare such animportantpartofourpresentaswellasour past.
SF: Movingtowardsmoresustainablefuelis essential.Weneedtoplayourpartinreducing emissionsand reaching the goal of netzero. Greatstridesarebeingmadeinmarineelectric enginesand solarpanels.Investment in these technologiesisgraduallybringingpricesdown. Hopefully,therewill be atippingpoint soonwhen anelectricinfrastructurefor canalboats becomes moreaccessible.
theyinhibitmooring and have noimpactonthe habitatsthey aresupposed toencourage.
We heardthat thereisalong waytogo;therewillalways be moretodothanthereare resources availabletotakecare ofthem.However, thetrustis lookingatthe bestways to use thoseresources to increase theamountofdredgingand vegetation managementthat theycan achieve, as wellas engagingwith boatersto understandthosefactorsthat preventthemfromenjoyingthe canalsand riverstothefullest.
We alsoheardoftheimpact ofchanges to legislation concerningreservoirs and the effectthattheyare having on the resources availablefor canal maintenanceandoperation. The cost of thestatutory work wasneverincluded inthe fundingcalculationsof2012 andthetrustislobbyingfor funding forthis public safety work.Initsopinion,itshould not just be DEFRA whofootsthe billforthe public welfare, safety andclimatechange-related waterregulation butother governmentdepartments too.
Stormywaters…
Autumnthis year hasalready broughttwo large storms. The damageisnot just counted infallentreesbutalsoin
disruption caused by flooding and riverand canalclosures caused by too much water.
Ioverheardalocal waterways managertryingtoexplaintoa frustratedboaterthat he hadno control over riverlevelswhich affectthe canalinplaceswhere the riverjoinsit.
Onecannot get underthe bridgeswhenthe riverisin flood andnocontroldevices areavailableforthe river. It takestimeforthe flood water to returntothe river from the flooded fieldsand forthe river leveltodecline.
It is still rainingonmost days,and autumnis aseason for patience. The Thamesis swollenandtherehas been atrulydevastatingandtragic lossoflifethis weekbyboaters who maybethought they could ignore, or perhapsovercome, the ‘strongstream’advice,but whounfortunately gotinto trouble at aweir.
Ihavethedeepestsympathy forthosewho have losttheir livesand my heartgoesout totheirrelatives,itistruly sorrowful. In future, similarloss oflife maywell be avoidableif peopleconsidertheir judgment and stay off thewaterintimes offlood.
Keep safeandenjoy the water when the weather conditions permit.
