Towpath Talk May 2024 issue **FREE**

BoatersmarchonCRT officeinlicencefeeprotest

HUNDREDSofboaters took to the towpathof Paddington Basinin London todemonstrateagainst theCanal &River Trust’slicencefeeincreases. Theywerealsoprotestingatplansto introducedifferentialpricingbased on

Anglo Welsh expands

mooringstatus. Activistsfromthe boater communitywerejoinedonEaster Saturdaybymembersof othergroups in solidarity,includingRight to Roam, London RentersUnionand Don’tPay. The protest wasorganised by the

Marina

National Bargee TravellersAssociation (NBTA)whichalsoclaimedastretchof the Regent’s Canalhad been “largely abandoned” following theintroduction by CRTofchargeablemoorings at £25-35 pernight.

awards THE YachtHarbour Associationisinviting nominationsforits2024 Marina of theYearawards anchored by marineinsurersHaven Knox-Johnston. Categoriesincludinginlandand sustainable marinas areopentoall membersholdingtheassociation’s GoldAnchorstatuswhilenominationsfor Marina Employeeofthe Yearareopentomarinas,moorers andthe public.Votingcloseson August 30;winners will be announcedonthe Foredeck Stageatthe SouthamptonInternational BoatShow,September8.

Canal connection

AN INTERVIEW by Michael Portillo with IWA Lincolnshire Branch chairman David Pullen appeared recently in an episode of Great British Railway Journeys on BBC Two With the backdrop of Brayford Pool in Lincoln and the Fossdyke Canal, it focused on the future funding of the waterways and IWA’s history of saving the network The interview was broadcast during Series 15, Episode 13, Lincoln to York on April 1 If you missed the programme you can catch it on BBC iPlayer

NBTA secretaryMarcusTrower said: “Hundredsof boatersand supporters aliketurned outforthisdemonstration ofcommunity, solidarityand resistance.”

WELCOMEtothe Mayedition of TowpathTalk.

TIME marcheson;thedaysare gettinglongerandthe boating season hasfirmly awakenedfromits winterslumber.Dates forshowsand eventsarebecomingevercloserona positivelybrimmingboatingcalendar.

The maineventonthe horizonis theCrickBoatShow,takingplaceover the spring bankholiday weekendof May25-27 at CrickMarina, where there will be morethan200exhibitors, dozensofnew boats, alongwith free advice, seminars,technical masterclassesand variousother excitingeventstoboot –it’sashow nottobemissed!

Amidtheexcitementofthe season ahead,onethingthat didn’tbringa smileto thefacesof many boaters wasthe Canal& RiverTrust’s licence feeincrease,asseenonour leadstory thismonth.Thewider economyhas beenstruggling, as we allknow;part ofthefinancialburdenplacedon many familiesistheever-increasing costofliving, which makespeopleall themore sensitivetoadditional price hikesofanykindduringthese times.

Thiseditionopens withthat subject as ourlead story and alsocloses with NABO’s viewonthelicencefee(p82) so clearlya hottopiconeveryone’s mind rightnow andone we will continuetomonitor.

Financialwoesaside,it’sanother fabulous edition bursting with news, reviews,techguidesand much more besides.Enjoy.

Boatersmarch onCRTofficein licencefeeprotest

“Beforewearrived, Paddington Basin wasempty,but we’vedemonstrated exactlywhat boatersmeantothe waterwaysbyfillingitwithlife, celebrationand asenseofcommunity.”

Therewereanumberofmusicaland danceperformancesthroughoutthe dayaswellasfood anddrink served, multipleboater-runstalls,anNBTA information boothand aunitymarch onCRT’sLittle Veniceoffice.

Marcusaddedthat NBTA hopesthe trustwillsitdownwith boaters, drop policieslikethelicence surchargeand ensurethat theircontribution to the waterwaysisacknowledged and wayof life respected. Otherwiseboaters will continue to fiercely resisttheseplans, he said.

CRT’slicence surchargecameinto effectonApril 1, currentproposals specifyingasurcharge ofanadditional 25%on boatswithouta homemooring ontopof aprojected34%increasein the standardlicencefeewithinthenext fiveyears.

NBTA chairmanPamelaSmith commented: “Ourcommunityhas hadenough.Boatersarethe lifeblood ofthe waterways– keeping them safe, vibrantand welcoming. We’vebeenat theforefrontofrevivingthe canals,and givingthemnewlifeand purposesince theyfellinto neglectinthe1960s.”

Sheaddedthat CRTneeded to getits houseinorderandensureit’s not rememberedforundoingwhat successivegenerationsof boaters have worked hard to build. Variousboater organisationsasidefromtheNBTA have alsovoicedoppositiontothe surcharge, includingthe IWAand NABO. Seeelsewhereinthisissuefor stories relating to Londonmoorings(p6)and NABO’s viewsonthelicencefee(p82).

THE Fund Britain’sWaterways campaign hasissuedastatement inthe run-up to thelocalelectionsin England and Waleson May2.

Describingthenetworkof5000 milesof canalsand navigable rivers as aunique nationalasset, itstates: “Almost80%oflocal authorities have anavigable waterway or awaterway underrestoration,and waterways touchthelivesofmillions.”

Former WaterwaysMinisterSir RobertAtkins,currently alocal councillorandtrusteeofthe Inland WaterwaysAssociation, said: “Britain’sinland waterway networkis anirreplaceablepart of thenational

infrastructurewhich generates numerouspublicbenefitsandshould be safeguardedthroughmoreadequate public funding.

“Fromboatersandlocalbusinesses to recreationalgroupsandindividuals who value ourwaterways,weare unitedinlookingtowardslocalas wellas nationalgovernmentand seekingsupportfromourelected representatives.Our waterways matter to peopleand politicians must address theconcerns.”

Thestatement continues:“Yet concernforthefutureofBritain’s inland waterwaysismounting. More frequentepisodesofextreme weather

aretakingtheir toll,inflationisbiting andfundingisalreadyconstrainedand plannedtofallfurther.

“FundBritain’sWaterways(FBW) hascometogetheras acoalitionofmore than120organisations representing hundredsofthousandsofusersand supportersofinlandwaterways.Since June2023it hasbeen campaigningfor nationalandlocalgovernmenttoact nowandprotectthe public benefitand natural capitalof ourwaterways.”

AccordingtoFBW anestimated 8.9 million peopletookpartinaninland boating or watersportsactivityin2022, resultinginthedeliveryof£3.1billion in GVA(GrossValue Added)totheUK

economyin2022/23and supporting morethan132,000jobs.

“Millionsofhoursofvolunteer efforthavealreadygoneinto restoring derelict waterways, and volunteers aroundthecountryare continuing restorationprojectsor helpingto maintainandoperateactivewaterways.

“Mediacoveragesuchasthe BBC’s recentCountryfilefeature ishelpingto highlighttheimportanceof waterways tolocalcommunities,aswellastheir contributiontotheenvironmental resilience, heritage,healthand well-beingand economicprosperity ofthe nation.”

Seealsostoryonfacingpage.

Marcus Troweraddressingthecrowd. PHOTOS:NBTA

DateforRobbie’sdiary asheopensecology park

THE LichfieldCanal at DarnfordMoors EcologyParkhas beenofficiallyopened by TV’s Robbie Cumming, following its completion by Lichfieldand Hatherton Canals RestorationTrust(LHCRT).

This0.5km sectionof canalwas completedthanksto agrant fromthe European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)with matchfundingfromHS2’s Communityand EnvironmentFund (CEF)and separategrantsfromthe Biffa Awardandthe WesleyanFoundation.

Representativesfromeachofthe

funders attendedtheceremonyalong withthe volunteerswho have worked tirelesslyonsiteand behindthe scenes. All watchedasthe ecology parkincluding thestretchof canalwasformallyopened by LHCRTpatronRobbie Cumming, of TV’s CanalBoatDiaries,togetherwith LHCRTpresidentEric Wood.

Robbiesaid: “You’renotonlyshowing thelocalcommunitythislovely ecology park,you’reshowing thewholecountry yourpassionfor regeneratingcanals likethis.

“I'mnot just hereassomeoneoff the TV,I’mheretorepresentallthe peoplethat liveonboats,the35,000 registeredboat ownersinthecountry, whohopefully, will be makinguse ofthis oneday.”

Twocommemorativetrees were planted,onebyRobbieCummingand theother by John Horton, LHCRT’s formerengineer,when DarnfordMoors wasfirstinitiated.Therewas thena guidedwalk,whilepaddleboarders took to thewater,along with LHCRT volunteersin acanoeand acoracle.

LHCRTchairmanCarole Mills said: “This fantasticachievementisduetothe fabulouscollaborationof Team Lichfield andis asuperbexample ofwhat canbe donewhenpeople work together.That’s what LHCRTisall about.

“TheLichfield Canalwillprovide anew gateway to the BlackCountry navigationsandisalreadybringinghuge benefitstothe cityand surrounding areas. Overall we’recreatinga wonderfullegacyfor Lichfield andfor ourcommunitiestousenow andin thefuture.”

Shewentontothankthefunders who betweenthem have providedover £420kofvitalgrantandtoeverymember of Team Lichfieldfor creatingDarnford

Paddleboardersenjoyingthewater.

MoorsEcologyPark,saying: “Weshould allfeel very proudofhavingcombined our energy,talentsandsheer hard work to make this happen.”

AttendingthemeetingattheCanal &River Trust’sHattonoffice are,fromleft:JoannaRichardson,publicaffairsadviser,British Marine;RichardParry,chiefexecutiveCRT; SusieMather,external relationsCRT, togetherwithBritishMarinemembersAnneDavies ofNaptonNarrowboats,RobertPartonofAqueductMarina,and NigelStevensofShireCruisers. PHOTO:BRITISHMARINE

Businessbodybackscampaign forwaterwaysfunding

BRITISHMarine recently joined othermembers of FundBritain’s Waterwaysfor ameetingwiththe Canal&RiverTrustchiefexecutive RichardParry andhis seniorteam at Hatton Locks. Thetradeassociation,whose memberscomefrom abroad range of boatingbusinesses, isoneof120 organisations backingthe FBW campaign to protectallofBritain’s inland waterways. “Wehad aconstructive meeting withthe Canal&RiverTrustabout the managementofits2000-mile network amidtheimpactofmore extremeweather and diminishing governmentgrant,”British Marine’s president-elect Robert Partontold TowpathTalk “I alsorecently attendedmeetings withthe EnvironmentAgencyand theBroads Authorityandit seems clearallour main navigation

authoritiesarenow increasingly strugglingtomaintaintheir networks,not leastbecause ofthe impactof climatechange.”

Robertadded: “Giventhe huge valueofBritain’swaterwaystothe well-beingoflocalcommunities andthe wider economy,it’s crucial governmentthinks againtoensure there will be adequate fundingin thedecadesahead to maintainthis much-lovedpublicasset.

“Thisiswhywewanteveryoneto supportFundBritain’sWaterways campaign duringthis generalelection yearto persuadeall ourcurrent and aspiringparliamentarianstobackour inland waterways.”

FBW’scampaignincludes working withCRTtoseekareviewtoits fundingsettlementforthe period 2027-2037whichthetrustfearswill be insufficienttoavert futurecanal closures.#fundbritainswaterways

PHOTOS:LHCRT

LHCRTpresidentEric WoodandpatronRobbieCummingopeningthe DarnfordMoorsEcologyPark.

Accessiblepicnicarea opensatSaulJunction

WHEELCHAIRusers will be among visitors ableto appreciate the benefitsof spendingtime by wateratSaulJunction withthecreationof anew picnicarea.

Volunteersfromthe Canal& RiverTrust havespenteight months buildingthearea,which hasbeen designed to provide spaceforuptofour wheelchairs at theadaptedtables,atthe popular mid-pointoftheGloucester& Sharpness Canal.

Lead volunteerMalcolm Humphries said:“Thenew wheelchair-friendly picnicareais agreat addition: we want everybodytobeabletoenjoythe benefitsof spendingtime by the water. Ourvolunteers have done afantasticjob in buildingthisaccessible spacewhich is sure to be apopular spotforvisitors throughoutthe summer.”

Theproject wasmade possible thankstofunding raised by playersof People’s Postcode Lottery andtwolocal firms whichdonated materials.The CullimoreGroupprovidedthe hardcore andpre-mixconcretethatmakes upthefoundationsofthearea,with Highfield Garden Worldcontributing plantsthathave been plantedinanold dinghy,giftedbytheCotswold Canal Trust, which hasbeensplitinto two attractiveplanters.

Volunteers gave 1335hoursoftheir time to care for SaulJunctionin2023, with ateamof10volunteersspending twodaysaweeklookingafterthe spot ontheGreenFlag-accredited waterway. Malcolmadded:"Our volunteersdo awonderfuljob makingSaulJunction afantasticplacetobe. Theylookafter mowing, strimmingandtheupkeep of planters,whilepickinguplitterand maintainingastretch ofthe canalfrom FretherneBridge towardsLongney.”

The newpicnicareafollowsprevious supportfromplayers of People’s PostcodeLottery includingtheprojects atSaulJunctionthathave includedthe creationofa wildlife pond to attract greatcrestednewts,hedgerowworkand towpathimprovements.

MoreoftheMontytakesshape

WITHpartsofthe UK having had their wettestwintersince records beganin1836, work ontheCrickheath Tramwaywharf wall wasdelayed despiteprolongedpumpingtoreduce waterlevels.

So the mainfocusof arecentwork party wastocrack on withliningand blockingjustsouth ofthewharf.

This section hadfailedthe water testing last October,hencetheneed for waterproofing, thoughevenhere amodestamountofpumpingwas required beforeworkcould start.

Afurther35metresofchannel were linedandblockedandalthough therewas still work to do abovewater level,thediggers worked further down thechannelinthedirectionof SchoolhouseBridge.

Following siteclearanceearlierin the year,itwas possibleto startinitial profilingofthechannel by excavating the bed to the required level (grade) and regularising thebank slopes (profiling).

Celebratingtheopeningare,fromleft:RobFry,sales

HighfieldGarden WorldandMalcolmHumphries,leadvolunteer,SaulJunction. PHOTOS:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

Thenewwheelchair-friendlypicnicareaatSaulJunction.

Afurther35mofchannellinedandblockedtowaterlevel.PHOTOS:SUCS

Volunteersqueuewiththeirbarrowsforsomehardgraft.

Startingtoshapethechannel.

Viewinghomesfrom adifferentangle

Words &photo:Colin Wareing

OVERtheEasterweekendprospective homebuyersviewedtheirpossible major purchase from acanal boat.

Alongsidethe Leeds& Liverpool CanalinBurscough,WestLancashire, ProspectHomesis building newhouses on aformerfactorybrownfieldsite,now known asBridgemere.

Localday hireboatcompany Lancashire CanalCruisesprovided aboatand skippertotakefolksona shorttripalongthe canalfromthe developmenttowards Liverpooland return, turningoutsideThe Slipwaypub. Theboatcarried anadvertising bannerforthenewhouses,withthe promotionbeingdeemedasuccessthat could be repeatedasmoreofthehouses nearcompletion.

Therewill betwopedestrianaccess pathsfromthehomestothe canal towpath,the firstonehavingbeenput inplace.

Thefactory,Universal Bulk HandlingonOrrellLanein Burscough, manufactured specialistliquidtank containers fortheshippingandlogistics industries butwentintoadministration in December2019andclosed withmost ofthe staffbeingmade redundant. Subsequentlythesitewas putupfor saleandthefactorywasdemolished.

SpringlaunchforSharpness 150landmark

ByJanetRichardson

CELEBRATIONSto mark 150 years

sincetheopeningofSharpness New Dock in1874 were launchedwithan exhibition atSharpnessSportsand Social Club.

Aimedatbringingpeoplefromthe community, surroundingareasand visitorstogethertoparticipate inand enjoyexploringthepast, presentand futureofSharpness Dock, anniversary events willcontinuethroughout2024.

MartynSlater,fromtheorganising team, said: “Sharpness150 is an initiativeaimedatunitingpeopleas theydiscovernotonlytheheritage of SharpnessNew Dock, butalsoits influenceonthearea, itsindustries and,mostimportantly,the personal storiesit hashelped to shape.”

Visitorsbrowsed an exhibitionof

historicphotosandartefacts at the launchheld at the SharpnessSports and Social Club,formerlythe Dockers Club.TheWaller stationarysteam engine wasworking,the SevernArea RescueAssociation (SARA)displayed

Easterwoesfor

Trentboaters

ByAlisonAlderton

EASTERistraditionallythe startofthe holidayseasonforUK boaters,however, due toexcessive rain, saturatedflood

arescue boat andtherewasa stunningdisplayofphotographsfrom ClareGlanville.

People’s memories wererecorded fortheongoingSharpness150oral historyprogramme,inconjunction with GloucestershireArchives; anyonenot ableto recordtheir stories onthe daycan getin touch with the organisersviathe2024 Sharpness150 Facebookpageorthe Sharpness150. org.uk website. The Canal& RiverTrust will holda celebrationon Saturdayand Sunday, July13-14includingguidedwalksand boat tripsas wellastheexhibition showing howthe portwasconstructed andacted as aconduitformoving goodsall overthecountry. Avarietyoforganisations will be representedincludingSARA, Valeof BerkeleyRailway,Sharpness Docks

Ltdand variouslocalhistorians. CRT’sExplorersteam willprovide opportunities forchildrentolearn notonlyabout theDocks andthe Gloucester& SharpnessCanal, but thenaturalenvironmenttoo.

To shareanystoriesemail sharpnessportstories@canal rivertrust.org.uk

Thesestoriesmayformpart oftheexhibitionandwill help commemoratethis special anniversary.

Discovermoreand follow theSharpness150events programmeat: sharpness150. org.ukandonFacebook –search for:2024Sharpness150.

plainsandhigh volumesof water, the Trenthas seenmultipleflood alerts andhighflowstoppages. In fact,from Christmas 2023todate,the Trenthas been abovenormalwinterlevelsfor morethan50%ofthetime. On Good Friday the Environment Agency(EA)onceagainshuttheflood gates at Torksey as theTrentexceeded thelevel of theFossdyke. CRTwas ableto penthrough anumberof boats before the3pmdeadlineimposedby EA butthe followingday moreboats were stuckeitheronthetidalmoorings belowthe lock or waiting to access theTrentfromTorksey Lincoln side moorings.CRT’s flood gate at Newark followed suit butwas opened at 2pm on March31.

Meanwhile,the Dunham pontoon, betweenTorksey andCromwell,is still outofaction havingbecomehooked up onthetop ofitsdownstream(northern) mooringpile,suchhad beenthe heightofflood waterfollowingStorm Henkearlierthis year.Thisistheonly

safemooringfor boatstransitingthis sectionofthetidalTrentand surelya priorityforCRTtorepair.

CRT’swebsitestatesthat “a crane boat is required onsitetocarry out repairs butcurrentlynone areavailable”. Updates forthisissueare awaited.

AviewfromtheLeeds &Liverpool CanaloftheBridgemere development.

TheLancashireCanalCruisestrip boat,withanadvertisingbanner forthehomesonitsside,about tomakeitsturnjustbeforethe CrabtreeLaneswingbridgeonits waybacktothenewhomes.

TorkseyLockwithEAfloodgates closed.

Northernendoftheflood-damagedDunhampontoon. PHOTOS: ALISONALDERTON

Membersoftheorganisingteamfromthe ValeofBerkeleyRailway, fromleft:MikeStudden,DavidSnell,CarolynJones,CaroleMills, JulieSnell,BryanWhitfieldandHowardParker.

Visitorsbrowsetheexhibitionof photosandartefacts.

Localhistorians,fromleft: TonyConder,ChrisWitts,HughConwayJonesandCaroleMills. PHOTOS: KENHITCHINGS

THEeagerlyawaitedstart ofliningandblockingthe MontgomeryCanal route at Crickheath South gotofftoa flyingstart.

TomFulda,restorationproject managerforthe Shropshire Union CanalSociety, saidthat the team hadbeendelayed by the wetweather overthe winter butpumps were beingusedto reducewaterlevelsin Phase1A. Whenmorerain stopped furtherchannelprofiling, digger operatorsdivertedtostump removalinanareaagreed withthe Canal& RiverTrust ecologist.

Themainfocusofthis work partywasliningand blocking, thecompound havingbeenfilled with required materialsincluding aninitialdelivery of 3000 blocks andfour rollsof ‘carpet’–the toplayerofthe liner system.

Pre-bookablemooringsboost forboatersvisitingLondon

BOATERSplanningavisit to Londonnowhavemore optionsto guaranteea mooring, following theextensionof theCanal &RiverTrust’s pre-bookingservicein April.

The capital hasseenboat numbersgrowdramaticallyand, incentralareas,demandfor mooringspaceis at apremium. Arecentconsultation showed that boaters were putoffvisiting because of theperceptionthat theywouldnot be able to find somewheretomoor.

Theseadditionsto the existingpre-bookablemoorings willgiveboatersthe securityof aspotbeforetheyembarkona cruiseintocentral London.

CRThead ofcustomerservice supportMatthewSymonds said: “London’scanalscutthrough someofthetouristhotspotsof thecityandit’s no surprisethat, for many boaters, mooringup intheheartofthe capitalison their‘bucketlist’ofcruises.

“The waters arevibrant spaces, busy withliveaboard

boats, visitingcruisers,trip boatsand rovingtraders,notto mention waterside businesses, andthe many thousandsof peoplewhouse thetowpaths everyday.

“With London’scanals at peak capacity,it’smoreimportant thaneverthat we managethe spacefairlyforall.”

Eighthundred metresof pre-bookablemoorings are available at Camden,King’s Cross,Broadway Marketand Victoria Park onthe Regent’s Canal,andCowleyNorthand KensalGreenontheGrand Union Canal. Theybring the total lengthofpre-bookable mooringsincentral London toaround1500metres, with existing sites at Little Venice and PaddingtonontheGrand Unionand eco-mooringsat King’s Crossand Islingtonon the Regent’s Canal. Additionalincome raised fromthepre-bookable moorings willallowthecharity toemployrangerstomakesure

that boatsare not stayingtoo longandblocking spacesfor other boaters.

Newsites at Camden and King’s Crossarenow available withtheremainingsitesdueto be phased in throughoutthe year.Themooringsarepriced between£25and£35 pernight and canbebookedforoneto sevendays, with amaximumof sevendaysina singlevisit.

The trustisintroducinga charge for thepre-bookable eco mooringsites atKing’s Cross andAngelIslington.

Boaters have theoptionto connecttoelectrichook-up at theselocationsusingtheir MeterMax account.

Mooringscanbebooked onlineorbycallingthetrust’s customer serviceteam on03030404040.More information canbefoundby visitingboatinginformation/ customerservice facilitiesat www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Winterhedgelayingwork hascompleted–totalof90m together withpreparation work fornextseason.

Work startedinPhase 1B whichdoesn’thold water. The length beingworkedon runsfromthecompoundto thesouthernmost clay dam retainedfromlastOctober’s watertests. Startingatthefar endofthe haulroad,work movedtowardsthedam and by theendofthe weekend 30mofchannel hadbeenlined andblocked. Oncethe damis reached–afurther 15m– the teamof volunteers will work backtowardsthecompound. Blocks donotextendallthe wayupthelinersbutfinish belowwaterlevel,above which theyare coveredbyriprap (medium-sized stone) andsite strip(soil)onthe towpathside. Aninnovativemethodof creating a‘softbank’ behind asubmerged retainingwall is beingusedontheoffside bank.This will maximise the ecologicalbenefit of therestored channelandcreatehabitat for many species,including watervoles.

THE Canal&River Trustrecently emptied Pontcysyllte Aqueductof waterto check that the307mlongstructureisin good workingorder. Nicknamedthe ‘streaminthe sky’, theaqueduct was builtin1805 by Thomas Telfordto carrythe Llangollen Canalacrossthe Dee Valley38m belowand wasgranted World Heritage Status in2009.

CRTengineer

SallyBoddysaid: “It’stheengineer's jobtobethe voice oftheaqueduct, to spot anythingsthat mightbecausing it

Adonationofhedging whips from CGI’sCommunity Tree PlantingProgramme wasusedtoextend thehedge regeneration work.

Restoration stalwartFred Barretttooktheopportunityto design achuteto improvethe efficiencyofriprap delivery by powerbarrowalongthe towpath.

Healthcheckfor‘streaminthesky’

damageormay need fixinginyearsahead. DrainingPontcysyllte Aqueductfor inspectionhelpsusto make sure itisingood conditionandtoplan anyfutureworks that willneed doing.” Formed ofa castirontrough, supportedbyiron archedribsand carried on18stone pillars, theaqueduct boasts more than 11,000 bolts. Whiletheaqueduct isinspectedregularly fromthe towpath, completelyemptying the waterallowed theengineersto inspectareasthat arenormallyhidden.

This includedlooking at theundersideof thetowpath,aswell asthe caulkingof still-watertightjoints alongthe cast iron troughwhich were sealedmorethantwo centuries agowith Welshflanneldipped in boilingsugar.

Theinspection waspartofa wider ma in te na nce programme forthe aqueduct.Since Christmas,a team from theCanal& RiverTrust hasbeen workingalongside specialistblacksmiths to carryout routine maintenanceofthe parapets. Emptying theaqueduct took

a lot of planning as the canalcarriesa dailywatersupply that feedsmore than 70,000homes and businesses in Cheshire.

Thetrustworked with United Utilities, whichputinplacea bypasstocontinue supplyingwater from the RiverDee.

Mo re than £185,000 hadtobe raised by thetrustto carryout theworks at theUNESCO World Heritage Site. Acrowdfunding campaignisbeing runtoraise£10,000 towardsthecost: ht tps://bit.ly/ Ponty_Aqueduct

Weekendworkdone. PHOTOS:SUCS

Installingtheliners.

Thegreenandtheblue –and theshapeofthingsto come?

THEhardy ‘bi-annuals’ofthe Northern Associationmeton March17forthefirst oftheir2024conferencesin Lichfield, Staffordshire, homeofthe Lichfield& Hatherton Canals RestorationTrust (L&HCRT).

Asusualtheeventprovidedan informalandindependentmeeting placefor waterway restorationgroups andanyoneelseinterested. With morethan20organisations attending, representingrestoration schemesfrom Manchesterasfar southas Buckingham, itis perhapstimeto rethinkthetitle.

Theinevitableformalities over, L&HCRT chairmanCarole Mills outlined thecurrent thinkingonthe‘blue,’ the waterinthechannel,andthe ‘green’,the corridoraroundit.

Strategiesandoperationalplans aboundedbuttheemphasisnowis tryingtoget boatsintoLichfieldthrough the DarnfordMoorsEcologyParkfrom the HuddlesfordJunction withthe Coventry Canal.

Restorationofthe Hathertonend will, sadly, have to comelowerdownthelist asthetrustdoesn’t have thetimeor moneyatthemoment.

LichfieldMP SirMichaelFabricant, chairmanoftheAll-Party Parliamentary Groupforthe WaterwaysandL&HCRT patron,gaveastirring talk outlining theplace of Parliament in andon ourwaterways. He coveredawide rangeoftopics

fromthefunding of the navigation authoritiesandtheeffects of HS2tothe sterling work being undertaken by the restorationgroupsacrossthecountry andthe reliancethat charities, such as the Canal& RiverTrust,willbeplacing ontheminfuture.

Controversialviewsandhighfeelings were muchin evidenceand somehow, havingreareditsheadduringthisitem, HS2became arecurrent theme.

Furtherdetailonthe Darnford Moors Ecology Park followed,engineering wise from DerekLord,planning and technology, andfundraising/ financefrom BobWilliams,both highlyknowledgeableandengaging L&HCRTcontributors.

Learningcurve

Perhapsthe‘mostimportantcontributor oftheday’Charlie Plant followed. Havingsigneduptocompletehis BronzeDukeofEdinburgh Awardby volunteering withL&HCRTwhilestill

at school he carriedon, eventually completinghis Silver andGold awards. NowatRodbastonCollege,studying animal care and management, he spokewithconfidenceandenthusiasm, outlininghow he’d ‘learnedalot’ and wasnow confidentinbothhis knowledge and skills.

He described hisprogressfrombrick cleaning with hammerand chisel to hedgetrimmingasan‘adventure’ acknowledging howhe’dmadefriends

and keptthem –andallthrough volunteeringona canalrestoration scheme.

Ivor Caplan,formerIWAnational chairman, gave an updateonthe progress of theFundBritain’sWaterways campaign.

Last year’s events were highlighted withthis year’s activities outlined,most notablythefurther WestminsterProtest Cruise on May8.

The morningsessionwas brought to aclosebyAndy Tidy, canalhunter extraordinaire, discussinghow the LichfieldCanalis avital gateway to the widerBirmingham CanalNavigations (BCN)andhow,in spiteoftheir industrialorigins,the BCN today isan incrediblyrural,attractiveyet underused network.

&Sandiacre Canaland Stafford Riverway Link.

Wrappinguptheindoorproceedings, John Dodwellofthe MontgomeryCanal RestorationTrustand ShropshireUnion CanalSocietychairmanDavid Carter gave updatesonthe Schoolhouse Bridge project.

There wasthen asitevisitto the DarnfordMoors EcologyPark,guided byPeter Buck,constructionand operations,L&HCRT. Fromthenewly laidtowpathsdelegates viewed thenew channelanditsassociatedwetlandareas andhedgerow corridors,appreciating the nativeplanting and supporting watercontrolfeatures.

The ‘remains’oftheold Lock 29, OgleyLocks,now preservedinanoffside heritage area,werealsoviewed.

The frailwooden supportsunderthe massivebrick pillar at thetailendofthe lock were putinbecause thevolunteers thought‘it oughttohavesomething holdingitup’! LichfieldMPSirMichaelFabricantaddressestheconference.

The Restoration Roundup followed withfive-minuteupdates from eachofthefollowingorganisations: Buckingham CanalSociety; Manchester, Bolton &BuryCanal Society; Derby

DelegatesviewingthenewchannelattheDarnfordMoorsEcologyPark. PHOTOS: PAUL MARSHALL Extractsfrom areportbySUCS’sSueBall

Conserving waterfor thesummerseason

Report &photo:Colin Wareing

OPERATINGtimes have resumedon three lock flights in the North West while essential maintenance works continue on reservoirs which supply the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The flights at Johnsons Hillock (locks 64-58), Barrowford (locks 51-45) and Greenberfield (locks 44-24) open daily from 10am until 5pm with last entry at 4pm

The aimofthesemeasuresisto help supporta stable waterresource overthecomingmonths.

Barrowford reservoir looked fairly full of water as narrowboat Sunrise ascended Lock 47 on Good Friday, March 29

This flight of seven locks lifts the canal up to the summit level by 69ft 3in

The reservoir was drained in September 2021 for bank stabilisation

work which went on longerthanthe planned48weeks.

Butthe reservoir hasbeenrefilling as the last of the work to form a new path around the top of the bank nears completion

A recent Canal & River Trust reservoir watch report indicated that the seven reservoirs which supply the Leeds & Liverpool Canal were at 79 2% capacity compared with the Lancaster Canal at 100

CanalBoatDiariesmoorsupfor anewseries

STARTING weeknightsin Junethere are10newone-hourepisodesof the popularCanal Boat Diaries with Robbie Cumming, asheoffers apersonaltakeonlife aboard his narrowboat homethe NaughtyLass. Thefilmmakerand waterways enthusiast exploresthe landscapes, townsandcitiesofthe Midlands beforeheadingsouthdown the Grand Union Canal.Alongthe way, heshares hispassionforindustrial heritage andcelebratesthelesserknown stretchesof ourmost challenginginnercity canals.

Robbiesays:“The show hasmoved to anew channelandthat’s givenme

theopportunitytomakemoreofthe programmesIlove. I’ve packeda loadintothis seriesandencountered someofmytoughesttrips yet.

“Thereare partsofthe Birmingham CanalNavigationsnotforthefainthearted–itwas hard goingattimes butultimatelyanamazingadventure whichmakesgreattelly Icanshare with you.”

Filmedoverthe summer, autumn and winterof2023/24,the journey takeshimfrom Braunston, Northamptonshire –considered to be the spiritualhomefor narrowboaters –through Birmingham’s maze of canals beforeheheads south.

Expect peace andtranquillity, but alsoplenty ofdramathat comes with boatingalongunderusedstretches of England’s canals.Along the way Robbie gets maroonedinthe mudin PerryBarr, breaksdownona remote sectionoftheAshbyCanalinrural Leicestershire andisevenforcedto callinanunderwaterdiveteamto help recoverhissmartphoneafterhe droppeditintothe StourbridgeCanal –it’sthrillsand spills at four milesan hour. The newseriesofCanal Boat Diaries will be on weeknights at 7pm on YesterdayChanneland available ondemandonUKTV Play from the beginningofJune.

Landmarkjourneyforsocietyworkboat

BUCKINGHAM CanalSocietycrane boat Louise recentlymadehistory when carryingmaterialsforitsCosgrove restorationproject.

Thefirstboatonthat stretchofwater for89 years,she carried Herasfencingto

therestored landingstage readyforthe landdrain work to be carried outonthe nextsection.

Eightbagsofbrokentiles were also dropped off foruseasabaselayerfor the rather muddy sectionoftowpath.

Boatowners warned: payuporface afine

AREADING-based boatowner hasbeen convictedandfinedfor failingtoregisterhis cruiserforuseonthe RiverThames. Environment Agency officersdiscovered the unnamedboatmoored opposite Reading Marine Servicesduring routinecheckslastyear, Readingmagistrates were told.Theowner Michael Tonerdidnot attendthehearing. Asthe boat was unmarkeditwas impossibleto carryout checksonthe National LicensingSystem(NLS)

databasecontaining detailsofallthe vessels registered onthe non-tidal Thames. Therewasno responsetowarning noticesfixed to the boat butinSeptember the agencywasgiven intelligencethat the vessel wascalled The WeeLamb and belongedtoMichael Tonerof OxfordRoad, Reading.TheNLS showed thevesseltobe unregistered,a situation that continuedthrough to December. Readingmagistrates’ courtwastoldthatToner

hadskippedtheannual £280.04 registration fee, determinedbythe lengthand widthofthe boat. Includinga£600 fine,pluscostsand compensation,hewas ordered topayalmost £1400forbreachingthe Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order2010. Environment Agency environmentmanager ColinChiverton said afterthehearing. “We’re delightedwiththisfine that sends awarning to allunregisteredboat owners –it’sjustnot worththe risk.Ifyou have an unregistered boat on the Thames, you shouldknowthat ourenforcementteams arealreadypatrolling the river, checkingfor valid registrations.” Renewalletters for2024 registrations were sent in winterto everyonethat registered their boat last year. The EA’s approachto non-registration has changedthis season–once asummons has beenissued, it won’t stopcourt proceedings, even ifthe boatowner subsequentlypaystheir registrationfee.

TOWPATH

Expertstohelptrustwithclimatechallenges

WITHthe canalnetwork facingthe growingchallengeofclimate changedriven stormsandfloods, theCanal &RiverTrustwillbringintechnical experts to make sure its waterwaysare safeandopen.

The charity’sin-house team can nowcallfor specialist supporttohelp lookafterthenetwork’s reservoirs, embankments, cuttingsand other structures.

Long-termframework contracts have beenawarded toArcadis(UK) Ltd, RSK EnvironmentLtd andGeotechnical EngineeringLtd.

Referring to themillionsof pounds ofdamage causedbyrecentstorms, thetrust’schiefinfrastructure and programmesofficer Malcolm Horne said: “Tokeepour canals safe and availablefor yearstocome,wemust make sure ourhistoricstructuresare sound,andthat we’replanningour workswiththebestpossibleknowledge, both from ourin-houseexpertiseand drawingonthelatestadvancesfrom otherindustries.”

Akey wayofestablishing theintegrity ofthesestructuresis by carrying outa programmeof groundinvestigations.

Theyare also used to assess potential contaminationand putinequipmentto monitor potentialgroundmovementof canalstructuresorgroundwaterlevels. The inspectionsareanintegral part in thedesign ofconstructionprojectsand allowthe trusttoassessthecondition andlikelyfuturebehaviourofits canals, reservoirsand rivernavigations. Whenplanningworksareneeded, thetrust hasalsoagreedterms with specialistsintechnicalengineering and design services from Arcadis Consulting(UK)Ltd, PellFrischmann Consultants Ltdand StantecUKLtd.

The newcontractswereawarded following arigorousfive-stage tender processcarried outover18months. The contractsarefor aperiodofup toeightyears,withaninitialtermof four years. CRTisthe ownerofthethirdlargest collectionoflistedstructuresinthe UK,managing1579locks,55tunnels, 2969bridges,279aqueducts and71 reservoirs.

It movedfromasingleto multisuppliermodelforitsProfessional Serviceand Geotechnical Inspection contractsfrom April1.

Narrowboat Sunrise inLock47oftheBarrowfordFlightinthespringsunshinewiththe reservoirbeyond.

Fencingbeingdeliveredbycraneboat Louise atthe restoredlanding stage. PHOTO:BCS

EnvironmentAgencynoticespostedon

CanalBoatDiarieswillbeonweeknightsat7pm on YesterdayChannelandavailableondemand onUKTVPlayfromthebeginningofJune.

RobbieCummingoffers apersonaltakeonlife aboardhisnarrowboathomethe NaughtyLass.

CharactersoftheCut

RogerandGraceDistill, narrowboat Kantara

ByAliceElgie

FORRoger andGraceDistill, narrowboatinghad beenontheir radarlongbeforetheypurchased their owncraft, Kantara,in2011. In particular,itwas aweek-long familytripon asmallhireboat backin1973that first inspired theirjourneytowater.

Rogersaid: “Ourholidaywith Graceandherfamily wasvery specialto me because it wasmy first boatingexperience.Having eightpeople(plus averyyoung baby and aJackRussellterrier) in averysmall boat wasa great challenge, butalsoagreat deal offun. Igot to see thecanals in awayI’dnever beforeseen them –actuallytravellingon them.Graceand Iwerealso fourmonths away from getting married,soIguessthat sugared theexperienceallthemore. We talked eventhen aboutboating togethersometimeinthefuture.”

Some yearslater,andnow married,RogerandGracetook agroupof youngsters fromtheir churchon aweek’swidebeam trip.“We all hadagreat time, anditclincheditfor us.We startedtodreamthat oneday, when Iretiredandthe kidshad lefthome,we’dsell ourhouse and haveourown narrowboat built.” It wasn’t long though beforethecoupledecidedthis would be tooslowaprocess. “It wasalightbulbmoment when we concludedthat, if we forgotthe dreamofdesigningour brandnew, bespokefloatinghome,we couldaffordtobuy asecond- (or

third-) hand boat, leavethekids in chargeofthehouse, andget on withit!”

Since 2011thecouple have spentmostoftheirtimeliving aboardandit seemsthe canals reallydid capture themas Roger, havingneverwritten abook before, soon found himselfinspiredtoshare their adventures. “I startedoffwriting ablog aboutour boatylife, somethingthat we couldlook backonwhen we eventuallyleft the boat.”Theblog soon gained popularity thoughandit wasn’t longbeforeRogerdecidedto writeLife With OurFeetUnder Water, publishingitonKindlein 2015. “It’shardtoexplainthisbut, as we travelled, Ibecame more

andmoreintrigued–thrilled,too –bythisexperienceofmovingall overin ourhome,a homethat hadeverythingweneeded fora comfortablelife.” Thisgrowing passionfor amovinghome soon ledtoanotherbook,Moving Home With OurFeetUnder Water, publishedin2017. Theirobviousexcitement at wanderingwiththeirhome leftme wonderingwheretheir favourite stretch is…“Outofall the canalsand rivers we love, wewouldpickthe GrandUnion betweenYelvertoftandthe Thames at LimehouseBasin, via Paddington Basin.This particular journey takes you through arichvariety ofplaces –countryside,

farmland, woodland, industrial areas, townsandcities, moorings with boats ofall ages at LimehouseBasin,houses andother buildingsin avariety ofarchitectures,some being flattened,somenewly built,the hustleand bustle at Camden Lock.There’snothing to beat it!” It’s clear from theenergy in thesewordsthat Roger and Gracelove beingonboard andembrace boththequiet areasandthe busy.“We enjoy the peaceandtranquillity,the leisurelypaceoflife, beingclose to nature, butalsothe people we meet andtheplaces we visit.” Withallthistoenjoy it’sa wonder Rogerfindstimetowrite his books.“Kantara hasnever allowed meto have aroutinefor writingasboatingismyhighest priority.I’m sure Ichewed over the booksasI strolledbetween locksandbridges, butI wrote onlywheneverI couldfindthe time –alwaysatthedining table.” Despite boatingcurrently

beingonholdas Rogernavigates somehealth challenges, it seemstheremight continue to be inspirationforwriting bubblinginthebackground asfollowing three non-fiction books –includingHints &Tipsfor Life with Your Feet Under Water –Rogerhassincemovedinto fiction. “I sawa futurefor astory abouttwo peoplelivingona boat, inwhichthe boat and canalsare notthecentreofattention,but ratherthe peopleare.”Theresult is Outofthe Sunriseanddespite Roger’s assurancethat thesetting andactionare “all figmentsofmy imagination” Idowonderifhis andGrace’s lifelong love oflife afloatwillstillfind achannel

to weaveits wayintofuture stories –thatinitial1973 boating adventure certainly soundslikea greatbeginning… Blog:nb-kantara.blogspot. com

apodcastofthesame name.Inthesespaces shesharesmindfulness practicesandmusesabout living aslower,simpler life.slowintotheseasons. substack.com/SlowIntoThe SeasonsonSpotify

We

Thesiteiswellmaintainedandissituatedalong theRiverGreatOuse, aprime locationforpassing trade.Themarinaoffersover100mooringssuitablefor cruisers,smallcraftnarrowboatsandwidebeams,withnearlyallhavingwater andelectricitysupply.There isampleparkingavailablealongsidethemoorings, withtheparkalsobenefittingfromsecuregatedaccessandCCTVforsecurity.

n Situatedon theGreatOuseRiver

n 100+Moorings

n WorkshopFacilities

n BoatLifting,Maintenanceand CleaningFacilities

n StockedChandleryOpen 7Days AWeek

n Camping andCaravan Provision

n ToiletandShowerBlocks

n Pressure Washing,Blackingand ScrapingFacilities

n EngineeringServices

n VisitorMoorings

Kantara inthesnow,February2013.

AliceElgieis awriterand alsocreatoroftheonline community Slow Into TheSeasons,alongwith

Roger,(maybe)workingon anewbook.

CamdenLockon abusyday.

GraceandRogeron Kantara.

MooredinLimehouseBasinnexttoanoldsailingcraft.

Celebrationtime

Bingley’siconicFiveRiseLockscelebratesits 250thanniversarythisyear.SallyCliffordwent alongtothecelebrations.

KNOWNasoneofthe seven wondersofthe waterway,it is certainlyanimpressivefeatof engineering. Bingley’siconic Five Rise Locksisthe steepest flightof locksinBritain.

Forthoseinterestedinthe technicaldetails,the ‘staircase flight’ canlift boatsaround18 metres(60ft).Eachset oflock gates weighs sixtonnesand, standingsevenmetrestall,these aresomeofthetallestlockgates inthecountry,handcrafted at theCanal &RiverTrust’sStanley Ferryworkshop.

Ourjourney throughthelocks wasaboardthe58ft widebeam barge AchievingTogether, operated by the Yorkshirebasednon-profit organisation Waymakers, on theanniversary oftheday,250 years ago, when thefirst boat descendedthe waterstaircase.

Ruth Garratt, Canal&River Trust’sYorkshire&North East heritage adviser,revealedsome fascinatingfacts aboutthisiconic structure. “Eachlock holds 90,000 gallonsof water.That is 2500bathtubsineachlock.”

Such wasthefanfareatits openingonMarch21,1774, that around 30,000 people gathered alongthe towpathto watchthefirst boatsmakethe

60ftdescent. “Thefirstboatthat camethroughdescendedthe lock in28minutes,” saysRuth. Two hundredandfifty years later,a new generation gathered to celebratethelongevityof thisimportantlandmarkonthe Leeds&Liverpool Canal. The GradeI listed siteis one of2700listed buildingscared forand maintainedbythe Canal &River Trust.“We have lots of designated heritageassets,sites ofarchaeologicalinterestandit

“TheLeeds&Liverpoolwas one oftheearliest canals we have on thenetwork.Theengineers whodesigned this were at the forefront– theybuiltitontheside of ahillandit hasaveryvisual impactas aresult.

“Seeingtheskillofitall,dug by hand,no steampower –that isphenomenaland we should be abletoacknowledgethat now andintothefuture.

ispart of my jobtomakesurethe work we need to doto maintain thehistoric waterways meets certainconservation standards,” explains Ruth.

Preservingthelocks for thefuture, andinfinancially challenging times,iscertainly nomeanfeat. Wherechangesare needed,Ruthapplies forlisted buildingconsentandensuresthe trusttriestopreserve as much authenticityandintegrityasit can. “Over the yearsthesitehas evolved, forexample,thepaddle gearingandpaintingschemebut, pretty much,weare seeingthe originalfabricfromthetimeof itsconstruction,”explains Ruth. Trainedasanindustrial archaeologist,Ruth talks about theskillsandengineering endeavoursintheircreation.

“The majorthingweneed to take away from todayis thissiteisstillhere250 years down theline becauseofthe very collectiveeffort to keep the waterwaysopen andalive. We need to make suretheyare used sustainablyin futuresothe communityand generations to come canexperiencethis same transitionthroughthelandscape, understandingtheimpactit had onthis region.”

Seeingthelocksinactionon hertowpath walksprompted PhilippaGibbonsto get involved. Shehas beenavoluntarylock keeperherefor four seasons.

“I amfascinated by thelocks and ratherthan walkpastthem, Iusedtostopand watch. NowI stopandhelp.

“I thinkitis afantasticpiece ofengineering. If youwatch the boatsgoing down andsee the powerofthe waterfromone chambertothenext, that is what youare containingandusingto take the boatsupanddown.”

Payingtributetothe4500 volunteerscountrywidewho helpthecharity maintain the canalnetwork,Sean McGinley, regionaldirector forYorkshire and theNorth EastCanal &RiverTrust,says: “When you getthatmuch supportyou knowwaterways areloved.Weknowthe canal systemislovedbythe nation and we have to harness that energy.”

Thenewlow-energy design hull*allowsfor fullsolarelectricpower withanextended rangeorserialhybridoption.

Lloyd'sRegister Rules-baseddesignprovides achoiceof alloys,Aluminium,StainlessSteel orMildSteelwiththeconfidenceofthe higheststandards.

To celebratethe250th anniversary,whichBingley Five Rise Locksshareswith theGradeII*listedBingley Three Rise Locksonthe same stretch of canal, adrop-in eventwithfree activities from town to towpathtook placeon Saturday, March23. It wasattendedbyfashion designerandstarofthe BBC’s TheGreat British Sewing

Bee,Patrick Grant, alongwith comedian,actressand writer JessicaKnappettandother localdignitaries. The eventwas supportedby BingleyTownCouncil,Bradford DistrictCouncil, Damart,Leeds &LiverpoolCanal Society, Sport England,BD25, Sustrans,Players of People’s PostcodeLottery (PPL)and Northern Rail.

Eventorganiser Sharron Bright, youth andcommunity

engagementco-ordinator at Canal&River Trust, says:“It’s to celebratethe locksandletpeople knowthis structureis250 years oldandtofocusonthefactthat it isherebecause ofthepast.” Sharronsaysitisalsoraising awarenessabout protectingthe structureforthefuture.

Aboatmovesthroughthe locksonthedownward journey.

TheviewfromthetopofBingley’sFiveRiseLocks. ALLPHOTOS:SALLYCLIFFORD

Approachingthetoplock atBingley’sFiveRisewater staircase.

Theimpressivecascadefillsthelockduringthejourney throughBingley’sFiveRiseLocks.

TheboatemergesfromthelockasitdescendsBingley’s FiveRisestaircase.

Afootpath reminderof thespecialanniversary celebrationsatBingley’s FiveRiseLocks.

RuthGarratt,heritage adviserfortheCanal &River Trust,whohelpstomaintain thesignificantstructure.

World’ssmallest working lighttowergoesgreen

NORTH QueensferryLight Tower, theworld’s oldest workingoneofitskind, has gonegreen,eventhoughit was builtin1817.

Designed by famous lighthousebuilder Robert Stevenson,the tower’slight helped shipscrossthe Forth fordecadesuntiltheferries which ranthehistoriccrossing, namedafter QueenMargaretof Scotland, werereplacedbythe ForthRoadBridgein1964.

Takenover by the North QueensferryHeritage Trust, and restored andreopenedin 2010,thelighttower –standing just over 21ft in height –now uses vegetable oil as a‘green’ alternativetotheoriginalwhale oilwhichpowered itsArgand lamp burner.

Trust secretaryGarry Irvine said:“Whenwetookoverthe historictowerthelighthad been scrapped,so, usingtheoriginal

drawingsandinformationfrom the RoyalScottishMuseumin Edinburgh,wehad aworking replicamade.Thelight,visible forfivenauticalmiles,usesa fixed parabolicreflectorand ranonwhaleoil,although we believe that acetylenewas used later. As whaleoilisnolonger available,orethicalforthat matter,wenow usevegetable oilandlightthelamponspecial occasions andforvisitors.

“TheArgandsystem replaced

Thelight reflectorandits burnersystemis awork ofartand atributeto the replicabuilders.

muchmore primitive, flaming beaconsonlighthouses,and wasusedonthe Bell Rock Lighthouseasagreat advance foritstime.”

Standingbesidethelight tower,and,likeit,dwarfedbythe mighty ForthRailway Bridge, isthe NorthQueensferry Light TowerMuseum, also operated by trustvolunteers.Claiming to be Scotland’s smallest museum,ithousesartefacts andinformationonthe railway bridgeandthe Forthferries and,likethe tower, welcomes around10,000visitors ayear.

The trust, whichalsooperates aheritage room in North Queensferry Station,invites TowpathTalk readers to call infor auniqueexperience by visiting thetowerandthe museum,withfulldetailsof openingtimesandlocation at www.queensferryheritage.org. uk/home

Puffermaygetintothespirit

CLYDE puffer VIC 27, aka‘Auld Reekie’, mayget intothe spiritofthe Scotch whisky industryby revivingthedays of puffertransport by shippinggrain toan Islaydistilleryand takingthe finished spirit out.

Restorer John Dunlop,who heads uptheteamof staff andvolunteers completingthe boat’s rebuild at hisCrinan boatyard,revealed that he’s beenintalks withan Islaydistiller on puttingthe1943built puffertowork.

“Notonly would ithelp remove the difficultiesthat ferry problems have thrownupforthe distillery, butwe’d be in tune with the distillery’sgreenand heritagecredentials by providingpuffer transport,anda pufferthatwillrun onbiofuel, too,” said John. VIC27,sistership to VIC32,which operates puffer holidaysandwhichis

maintainedatJohn’s boatyard,has been underpainstaking restoration since 2007,and has been fittedwith areplacement Cochraneboiler, specially made forthe boat.Its enginehas been fully overhauled andis readytorun whilenewfirebars have beenfitted inthefirebox to accommodate biofuel.Withall hullplatingand weldingcomplete, anew hatchcover beingmadeandthe wheelhousereplaced by areplicaofthe original,thepuffer isallbut readyto undergo trialsand certification.

“Withcompletion approaching, Ihad agood thinkabout what we’d do with the puffer, andcame up withtheidea

ofherearningher keep by providing green,heritage sea transportforan islanddistillery.I can’t revealwhich one at present, but I’ve floated theidea and hadapositive response,”said John.“Vic32 trialled biofuel last year andit washighly successful. We’lluse thenewfuel,which we storedfor VIC32 a as bunkeringportlast year,on‘Auld Reekie’ too,andit willgivea very contemporary dimension to returning thepuffer to doingthe type of work forwhichit was builtandintended.”

TheNorthQueensferryLight Towersitsintheshadowof theForthRailwayBridge. ALLPHOTOS: HUGHDOUGHERTY

Strike a light! Garry Irvine lightsthelampburnerto showthelightinaction.

Vic27 ontheCrinanslipandalmost readyfortheseaagain. ALLPHOTOS: HUGH DOUGHERTY.

Johnwithhis prideandjoy. Nowhe’splanning toputthepuffer backtowork.

Johnwith the biofuelthatwill givethepufferher greencredentials.

60 yearsan IWAmember

JOHN Tackleyhas been astalwartactive supporterofthe Inland Waterways for manyyears.Bybackgroundhe waswell suited; runningacranelifting companytomoveheavy machineryand create factoryrobots.

He lived in Marplefor atime at thetopofthe Macclesfield canalandits junction withthe Peak Forest.Thereheacquired two70ft narrow boatsand butty Ant and Axe whichheloaned to scoutgroupsfor campingcruises.

JohnthenmovedtoNorthwich,livingatanidyllicaddress betweenthe tunnelsontheTrentand Mersey.Hethen purchased Aquarius for dinercruises,pausinginthe tunnels tolisten totheechoeffects.

The RiverWeaverisnearbyandlarger vesselsattracted. He boughtwidebeam Dutch barge Bollie Bier from Holland with anepic voyage down theChannelaroundLand’s Endandup theIrish SeatoLiverpool–notforthefainthearted! He operated the50-seat dineronthe Weaver formanyyears. He wasalsoprominentinthe restorationoftheAnderton BoatLift,a friendandtrustee.HiswifeBernicepaintedthe large muralofthe campaign andoriginalengineers stillprominent at thelift today.

Later, John becamechairmanofthe RiverWeaver Navigation Societyand campaigned activelyforimprovementsonthe river and awater linktothe ShropshireUnion Branch.Heremains presidentofthe societyand, at 93 yearsof age, showsnosign of slowingdown! Along-time,long-termassetto ourwaterways.

VolunteerssoughttoactasIWAlegaladvisers

THEIWAislookingto appointoneormore honorarylegal advisers toassistIWA committees, otherpartsofthe associationand waterway charities requiringlegal adviceonwaterwaymatters. Theadviser(s)could be eitherpractising or retired solicitors,orotherlegal professionals.

The purposeofproviding initialadvicewouldeither be (a)toassist organisations to identifythe scopeofan

issuetobeexaminedand toobtain asuitable source ofdetailed legaladvice, or (b)toassistinroutine matters,such as property conveyancing, drawing uplicencesandleasesor anorganisation’slegal structure. Otherareas whereadvice mightbesoughtcould includeinterpretation oflegislation, willsand legacies,legal disputes, buying, owning, selling of boats, data protection,

safeguardingand matters concerningemployment, including volunteers. Honorary legaladvisers would not be expectedto be conversantinallthese areas, butpossiblythey mightbecovered by apanel withdifferentspecialisms. Practisingsolicitors mightonlywish togive, say,30-minuteinitial consultationsfree of charge withanyadditional servicesprovidedbymutual agreementand charged at anIWAdiscountedprice. Thehonorarylegal advisers would be expected to operatewithinthe strict ethical standardsthatapply to legalmatters. Professionalindemnity insurancefortheworkof honorarylegal advisers would be included withinIWA’s Professional Indemnityinsurance policy. Ifanyoneis abletoassist,or wouldliketodiscuss,please contact Neil Edwards: neil@ waterways.org.uk

WestminsterCampaignCruise

FUNDBritain’sWaterwaysisorganising acampaign cruise pastthe Palace of Westminsteronthetidal Thames on Wednesday, May8.Supportthe campaign cruiseandhelpIWAtoget the messageacrossto government that increasedfundingforBritain’s waterwaysreally matters.

FBWwouldvery much appreciateas many people as possiblegatheringon WestminsterBridgefor1pm to show their supportfor thecampaign.For detailsofhowtotakepartpleasecontact

Andrew Phasey on:theoldmainline@ fastmail.fmor07850753633.

AnopportunitytojoinVIPsandFBWon the Westminstercampaigncruise

The AssociationofWaterways Cruising Clubsischarteringa vesseltohostFBW dignitaries,MPsandotherVIPs. AWCCis offeringplaces onthe vessel to members of AWCC boat clubswho wouldlikebe involved intheWestminsterCampaign Cruise, andhas generouslyextendedthe offertomembersof IWAand NABO.

IWACanalwayCavalcade

THEIWACanalway Cavalcade returnsto

London’sLittle Veniceon Saturday, May4 forthefull early Maybankholiday weekend,tocelebrate the bestoflifeonthe waterways in Londonand itscommunity.

There’ssomethingfor everyone at IWACanalway Cavalcade; avibrant canal festivalintheheartof London’swaterways.

Whether you’revisiting

by boat oronfoot,it’sa splendiddayout for you and yourfamily. Soakupthe atmosphere

Corporatemembership

IWArecently welcomedseveral newcorporatemembersincluding FirstPeninsula Marine,Batchworth Boat Rallyand Camden Canals &Narrowboat Association.Ithas morethan300corporatemembers consistingofboth businessesand non-profit-makingorganisations. IWAvaluesthecontribution itscorporatemembers make and appreciates their supportinhelping to campaign forthe waterways.

If you knowofany businesses or organisationswhich maywishto givesupport, thenpleasemake them awareofIWA’s corporate membershipandits benefits, whichinclude:

•Participatingininsurances arranged by IWA

•Demonstratingthecompany’s supportfor the wider waterway sector

•Appointinga representativeto exercise votingrights

•Use ofcorporatesupporterlogo

•Inclusioninonlinelistingof corporatemembers

• Amentionin monthlybulletin (fornewmembers)

•Publicationinquarterly members’magazine

To learn more aboutmembership, costing just £76 peryear(non-profit organisations)and startingfrom £80 peryearforcompanies,visit the website:www.waterways. org.uk/support/ways-to-give/ corporate-membership

Ashortcruiseon‘theDanny’

THE2024 regional social eventwilltakeplaceon the Daniel Adamson steamshipwhichis locatedatSuttonWharf onthe RiverWeaver just outsideFrodsham, Cheshire. The eventwill takeplaceonFriday, August 16,atapriceof £20 perperson.

Theitinerarywill includeearlyaccessto ‘the Danny’ at 12pm whereeveryone will be accommodated inthedownstairsArt Decoloungewhichwill be ableto host IWA’s presentationsof awards and willincludea lightlunch.

During this time, you willalsobeable to explorethe Dannywith knowledgeable Danny volunteers athandto answeranyquestions youmay have. Fo rf urther informationplease contact:jim.forkin@ waterways.org.uk

IWAcompleteskey appointments

THE InlandWaterways Association hascompletedaroundof key appointmentstoits boardwith theco-optionof Paul Lynamas atrustee.

He hasbeenappointedasa deputynational chairmanwith responsibility forfinanceand as chairmanofthefinancecommittee. Hisco-optionisuntilthe AGM, whenhe will seekappointment for theusualthree-yearterm.

Aqualifiedaccountantand treasurerofIWANorthampton

Branch,Paulowned anarrowboat for10 yearsduringwhichhe joined IWA. He still volunteers withthe branchonitsadoptedarm ofthe Grand Union Canal,wherehe regularly leadsworkparties. The associationnowhasfour deputynationalchairmen,each representinga differentaspectof its work:Sue O’Hare fornavigation and campaigns; Nick Dybeckfor waterwayrestoration; Peter Marlow formembershipand theenvironment and Paul Lynamforfinance.

To ensuretheVIPsare notdelayed from their work,the vessel will depart from WestminsterPierlatemorningand return aboutanhourlater.

Following this,remaining passengers will be able to enjoyashort cruiseon theThames.

Placeswillbeallocated on afirst come,first served basisandthecost will be £15 perhead.

If you would like to register yourinterest,pleaseemail: CampaignCruise@outlook.com

surroundedbycolourful craftofallshapesandsizes, alongside amultitudeof unique stalls,areal ale bar,anddeliciousfoodsfor allappetites.

TheIWACanalwayCavalcade returnstoLondon’s Little VeniceonSaturday,May 4.

With eclecticlivemusic aroundthe site,special boatingactivitieslikethe legendaryilluminated procession,andkids’ entertainmentforallages.

You’llalsofindamazing artfromlocal schools ondisplay,andplenty of opportunitiestoget involved.

Eventopening times: Saturdayand Sunday,10am until6pm(plusilluminated boat processionfrom9pm on Sunday)and Monday 10amuntil5pm.

Work parties

PLEASEcontactthebranchtoregisteryourinterestifyouwould liketo attend aworkparty.Itisadvisabletowearstoutshoes,old clothing,andtotakewaterproofs. Apackedlunchandrefreshments arealsoadvisable.

Workparty –BurslemPort,May10, 10.30-2.30andMay31,10.30-2.30.

Regular work partyonthe Burslem ArmoftheTrent&MerseyCanal,run by IWANorth Staffordshire& South Cheshire Branch in partnership with Burslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke St, Burslem.Alltoolsand equipment will be provided. Volunteersareadvised to wearold clothes,stoutshoesandtotake waterproofsin case of

orjohn. lawson@waterways.org.uk

NorthamptonBranchvolunteering dates:May12and21

Work partiesareusuallyheldone weekday andone Sundaya month, alongthe NorthamptonArm. The tasksusually includevegetation clearance,weeding, litterpicking andpaintingatlocks. Formoreinformation,contact Geoff Wood:geoff.wood@waterways.org. uk

John Tackley,IWA stalwartandactivesupporterfor morethan60years.

TheFreightFacilitiesGrant

JonathanMosse’smonthly look at freightdevelopment ontheinlandwaterways.

THEproportionofthe Mode Shift RevenueSupport(MSRS)grant that we discoveredlastmonth wasallocated in favour of therailwayswas 100%. That doesn’tleave agreat dealoverto encouragethelogisticsindustrytoback theevenmoreenvironmentallysound inland waterway carriers!

Andthe reasonforthat stateofaffairs waseasytoexplain: complexity of the applicationprocessfavouring thelarger companies with sufficientmanpowerto grapple withthepaperwork involved.

Anotherformofsupport forfreight carryingontheinland waterwaystakes theformoftheFreightFacilitiesGrant (FFG)or ratheritdidwhereEngland wasconcerned.

While still availablein Scotland(and enjoyinglimiteduse –floating piersfor timberextraction being oneexample –see TowpathTalk February2023)for reasons best knowntoitself,DfT has all butabandoned thegrant southof the Border.

It vanished suddenlyin2011andin answertoarecentquestionfrom Lord Bradshaw aboutplans forreinstatement, BaronessVereofNorbiton responded forDfTthat therewasnothinginthe pipeline.However,she pointed out that alongsidetheMSRS,therewas alsothe WaterborneFreightGrant (WFG) availableforcoastalandshortseashippingwhichshefelt,perhaps, wasa legitimatecaseof‘nearenoughis good enough!’

The500-tonconverted‘black

Eastwaterways,although sadlynow consignedtohistory rather than the vibrantsuccesstheyrepresented at the time.Inessence,allthree freightgrants referred to aboveare aboutmeeting carbon targetsandtheyare seenastools inhelpingtoachievethis by moving freightoffthe roadsandontofarmore environmentally soundrailand water.

This isnotjustabout carbon reduction however. Emissionsandcongestion arereduced,thehealthandquality oflifeofthe population is potentially muchimproved andancillarycosts significantlydecrease. Achilling statistic is that asingle roadtrafficcollision(RTC) deathcoststhe economyclose on £2m.

So muchforthe generalities. As alwaysthe point isbetter made bya practitionerbringingthe weight of his experience(andfrustrations)to bear.

As John SpencerofGPS Marine states: “ReintroductionoftheFFGinEngland would help acceleratethetransition toalternativesustainablemodesof freighttransportation.”

Thisattitudecan only be viewed as short-sightedasthereare, forinstance, severalexamplesoftheFFG’ssuccessful applicationinthepasttothe North

WhitwoodWharfwaspartof

In theheydayofthe waterborne aggregatetraffic on theRiver Trent, millionsof tonsof sandandgravel were carried asbargesgotbiggerandbigger, againbringingdownwhat were already very lowper-ton‘tailpipe’emissions (therealsobeingveryfew recorded issues withbrakeand tyre dust andeven fewerexamplesofan RTCfatality!).

That this waspossiblewas largely downtoFFGsbeingappliedto purchasing andconvertingex-heavyoil bargesfor aggregatecarrying, as well asfunding theprovisionofunloading facilities.Upto95%ofthe capital cost of ascheme wasmet,whileconditions aroundtotaltonnagehandled, within aprescribedperiod, were attachedto theproposal.

The outcomecanonly be described as an outstandingsuccessandthe reasons that thistraffic is notstilloperatingtoday arepolitical(with asmall ‘p’) ratherthan that the economics didn’t stack upor that theenviromentalcredentials were anythingbutimpeccable.

He goesontoobserve that “oneof thebiggestchallengestoincreasing waterfreight volumesisthefactthat mostwharves on theUK’sriversand impounded waterways have been lost to development, andthosethat areleft have often beenneglectedfor many years.Itis, therefore, oftennecessary to reactivate,repairandmodernisea wharfbeforeawaterfreightflowcan be established,while at other timesitis moredesirableto build anewwharfat, orcloseto, thesourceorend pointofa freightjourney.

“Manyschemesfailsimply because nofunctioninglink between land and waterexists, andtheinvestment required to create that link cannot be funded.Whereasthereare numerous specialistasset financeorganisationsto helpfund vesselsandmobile materials handlingequipment, it is significantly moredifficulttosecurefundingfor theconstructionofnewwharvesand jetties,andevenmoredifficultto secure fundingforthe repair, maintenance orupgradingofanexisting, often derelictfacility.

“Forexample, if FFGfundingcould be used to widenorlengthenlocks, thenbettereconomiesof scale would makewaterfreight on some waterways evenmore competitiveagainst roadtransport’.

BesthorpeWharfontheRiver Trentwaspartof a£3mwaterways freightpackagefundedbyanFFG onbehalfofLafarge.

TwoofBranfordBargeOwners’ 500-tonconverted‘blackoilers’ werefundedby a£350,000Freight FacilitiesGrant.Theyeasily exceededtheirtargetof250,000 tonscarriedoverfiveyears.

oiler’ Battestone wasacquiredas partof a£3mwaterwaysfreight packagefundedbyanFFGon behalfofLafarge.

a£3m waterwaysfreightpackagefunded byanFFGonbehalfofLafarge.

Exploring thehistoryof twoengineeringmarvels

NicolaLisleenjoysa visittothe FoxtonCanal Museuminthelatestin hermuseumseries.

IFTHERE wasaleaguetable of canal locks, then Foxton, withitstranquil waters, abundanceof wildlifeand stunning viewsacrossthe Leicestershire countryside,would surely be comfortablypositionedinthe topspot. Butitisthe canalheritage that isthe maindraw,notleastthefamous staircase flightof10locksandthe remainsofthe Inclined Plane Boat Lift. The storyoftheseengineeringmarvels istoldinthe Foxton CanalMuseum, which wasopenedin1989 by theFoxton InclinedPlaneTrustandishoused inthe restoredboilerhouseatMiddleLock. It washere, between1900and1911, that two giantboilers poweredthe boat lift,takingboats up anddownthe75ft incline, making the early19thcentury flightoflockstemporarily redundant. Throughdisplay boards withold photographs,drawingsand maps,you candiscoverthehistory ofBritain’s canalsandthe buildingofFoxton Locks. The brainchildofcivilengineer Benjamin Bevan, Foxton Lockstookfour yearsto build,openinginAugust1814. Bevan’sideaofgroupingthelocksclose together,ratherthan spreadingthem out,made Foxton Locksoneofthe easiest on the canalnetworkfor boats tonegotiate. The additionof pondsat thesideofthelocksincreased efficiency, saving both waterandtime.Thereisalso afocusonthe navvies –the300-strong teamoflabourerswho builtthe canal andbroughtBevan’svision to reality–and youcan seesome oftheirtoolsthat areondisplay.

Alarge areaofthemuseum isdevoted to anexhibitiontellingthe storyof the InclinedPlaneBoatLift,fromits planning to itsgrandopeningonJuly 10,1900anditsdemisejust11years later. The lift wasbuiltin response totheincreased competitionfrom the railways.It wasclearthat larger boatswereneededto transportgoodsmore efficiently,andthis wouldnecessitate the building of widerlocks.

However, Gordon Cale Thomas,the engineerforthe Grand Junction Canal Company,proposed abettersolution for

Acollectionofbargehousehold items,includingclothes,pottery andfurniture.

Foxton:the buildingofa boat lift,which woulduseless waterandcould carry wider boats. The lift wasbuilt by J&H Gwynneof Hammersmith,andonce operationalitcouldtaketwo boats upandtwoboats down inaround 12minutes.

Sadly,planstowidenthelocks at Watford Gap, andto buildaboatlift there, were dropped,soarouteforwider boatsbetweenthenorthand London, along with theanticipatedincrease in traffic andtrade,failed to materialise.

Useofthe boat lift at Foxton ceased in 1911, by whichtimethelocks hadbeen refurbishedandbroughtbackintouse.

Amodelofthe Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift canbeseenneartheentrance tothe museum.

Elsewhere in the museum you can seeold canalnotices and signs, canalequipment, anddelightfuldisplays oftypicalcontentsofa barge –furnitureand cookware decorated withtraditional canal art, motto ware teapots

andthe laceplates that were oftenused to brighten upthebarge walls.Thereis alsoanactivityareaforchildren.

Don’tmiss Foxglove –possiblyunique in beingtheonly boat notintendedto go on water! In fact, Foxglove wasbuilt duringthedrought-strickensummer of1976,whenvisitor numberstothe lockswerevirtuallynon-existentand Foxton Boat Servicestooktheir wares to carnivalsand waterwaysfestivals.

The museumalsoregularly holds temporaryexhibitions.Comingup later this yearisRosesand Castles:The History of CanalArt (July1– October 2). Once youhavefinishedinthe museumthereisplentymoretoexplore. In the former stables at TopLockyou canfind outmoreaboutthehorsesthat worked on the canals,aswellas about the restorationoftheinclinedplane. Next dooris acafe servinghotandcold snacksanddrinks.Lookout,too,forlifesize modelsofcharactersfromthe canal, as wellasdisplay boards tellingtheir stories.Itisveryeasytospend awhole dayatFoxton, justimmersing yourselfin itsheritage andits splendour.

Helpfulinformation

Venue: Foxton CanalMuseum

Address: Middle Lock, Foxton Locks, Market Harborough,LE167RA

Website: www.foxtoncanalmuseum.org

Openingtimes: Easterto October, SaturdaytoWednesday,11am-4pm

Parkingavailable: Paymentbycashor phoneonly

Gettinghere: FromM1,takeexit20on toA4304 towardsMarketHarborough, thenfollowsignsto Foxton Locks

Foxglove interior.

FoxtonCanalMuseum.

The19thcenturystableblock,nowtheCanalStableDiscoveryRoom, and TopLockCottageCafe.

Foxglove,datingfrom1976.

Foxton’s10-flightstaircaseof locksfromTop Lock. Amodelof

acanalhorseandchildonthetowpathleadingtoFoxtonLocks.

Amodeloftheinclinedplaneboatlift.

Toolsusedbynavviestobuildthe canal.

Reviving aforgottencanal withartandsound

ASOUND walkexperience willtellthe storyofSalford’sHidden Canalthanks to aEuropeancollaboration.

Five SalfordandGreaterManchester artistshavebeenpaired with sound artistsfromthe Netherlands,Lithuania, Croatiaand Portugaltocreatethe walk alongtheoriginal canalrouteincluding long-forgotten sections.Featuring eight locationsandfascinatingaudiocontent by theartists aboutthe canal’sindustrial heritage,itcan bedownloadedfrom Saturday,May 18.

The Manchester Bolton &BuryCanal wasmade famousinthesongDirty OldTownwritten by Salford-bornfolk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColland performedbyTheDublinersandThe Pogues.Variouslocationsalongthe canalwerealsoseeninthefilmSpring and Port Wine starring James Masonand based on aplaybyBoltonplaywright Bill Naughton.

ManchesterBolton&BuryCanal SocietychairmanPaulHindle said that thesongincludedtheline ‘dream adream by theold canal’.“Thisevent willenable Salford’shidden gemofa canaltowakefromitsslumberand bea sourceoffun, recreation,heritageand community.Dreamscancometrue.”

Canal& RiverTrust engagement managerJames Long said: “Salford

is acityshaped by its canals.Over 200 years agothesecommercial thoroughfaresconnected Salfordto the widerworld,poweringthecity’s foundriesand workshops.Our nation’s historic waterwayscontinuetoinspire generationsofartists,frompaintingsto poetryand sculpturetosoundscapes.”

Together with Salford-based outdoor artscompanyWalkthePlankand MBBCS, CRTengaged Scarborough GroupInternational,thecustodiansof award-winningnewneighbourhood, Middlewood Locksand GetLiving, thebuild to rent operator,todeliver theexperiencethat will help people toconnect withtheindustrialheritage ofthispartly restored canal,andto celebrateitsfutureinauniqueand interestingway.

The collaborationis betweenthe Dutch Embassy,Greater Manchester CombinedAuthority, SalfordCity Council, SalfordCommunityand VoluntaryServices, Manchester Bolton &BuryCanal Society, Canal&River Trustand privatesectorstakeholders, WalkthePlank, ScarboroughGroup Internationaland GetLiving,

www.walktheplank.co.uk/projects/ hidden-canal/

SteamattheLiftspectacular

AROUNDthree dozenhistoric steamboats andtractionenginesare travellingfromall overthecountryfor theAnderton Boat Lift’s biggeststeam festival yetonSaturdayand Sunday, May11-12.

Hostedbythe Canal&River Trust, the Steamatthe Lifteventwill featureforthefirsttime acelebratory steamboatflotilla sailingalong the RiverWeaverNavigationfrom Winsford Marina toAndertonon the Saturdaymorning, showcasing vintage vesselsfromthe Steamboat AssociationofGreatBritain.

Destinationand attraction managerAniSuttonsaid: “This year we arethrilledtobehostinga recordnumberoftractionengines and steamboats, both vintageand modern,and we’reverygratefulto alltheir passionateownerswho have travelledlongdistancesto be withus.

“Alltheshipsand steamrollers andlorries will be operated anddemonstrated by volunteer enthusiasts, offeringvisitorsafantastic behind-the-scenes peekintotheir mechanicalhistoryandheritage.”

Sheadded:“The steamboat flotilla along theRiver Weaveris afirstfor Northwichand we dohopelotsof visitorswilljoinustoviewthecruise forwhat promisesto be atruly spectacular sight.”

During the weekend,visitors

will be able to enjoyawide range ofactivitiesfrom‘topofthe world’ guided toursoftheliftand aSaturday nightbarbecueto Lego andface paintingfor children. The DanielAdamson steamship, known as‘the Danny’,will be hosting anonboardcraft beerfestivaland toursandtheCheshireLiveSteamers will be demonstratingminiature tractionengines at thetopofthelift. Therewillbeshortcruisesupand down theliftonthe Edwin Clark trip boat, givingvisitorsauniqueview

ofthe1875 Victorian structure, the world’s first majorcommercial boat lift.Trust staff willalso be on handto explaintheneed for aprogrammeof vital repairsandupgradestothelift aspartofthe ‘engineeringthefuture’ project.

Steamboatswill startarriving at Winsford Marina andAnderton Boat LiftonFriday, May10and thencongregateasaflotillaonthe RiverWeaver by theOdeon Cinema in Northwichon Saturday, May11 at 10amtotakepartinahalf-hour cruisetotheboat lift.

People canenjoythe riverspectacle startinginNorthwich town centre from10amonwardsandthenfollow theflotilla’sprogressdownstream onfootalonga connecting riversidefootpath.

The30-minute route starts by Cumberland Street carpark, behind Asda supermarket, through Carey Park andthepaththenfollowsthe river, afootbridgeoverWittonBrook, alongthe edge ofAndertonNature Park andintotheboatliftsite.

Admissiontothe weekendfestival eventandtheAnderton Boat Lift visitorcentreisfreebut some activities,suchasboattripsand Lego,incur achargeandneed to be bookedinadvance.Festivalopening timesareSaturday(10am-10pm)and Sunday(10am-4.30pm).

Forthe restofthe2024summer season,AndertonBoatLiftand visitorcentrewillbeopen six days aweek(closedThursdays), 9.30am-4.30pm,offeringfour boattrips aday.Entrancetothe visitorexhibition,shopandcafe arefree.Specialeventsinclude aPirate WeekendonAugust 10-11and aSteampunkLift-Off celebrationonSeptember28-29. Formoreinformationabout visitingcall01606786777 or clickon‘placestovisit’atwww. canalrivertrust.org.uk

Tallshipsandmusicwill rockthedocks

GLOUCESTER Tall Ships Festival will have aline-upof livemusicas wellastheiconic ships overthe spring bank holidayweekend, May25-27.

Amongtheconfirmedtall shipsare Phoenix,which recentlyfeaturedinRidley Scott’sfilm Napoleon; Grayhound,which will be returningfromthe Caribbean withexotic cargo; Spiritof Falmouth,which will be sailed toGloucester by retiredArmed Forces veteransand Irene, whichhas featured infilms suchas Piratesofthe Caribbean andAliceThroughThe Looking Glass.

Althoughthetallships will be takingcentrestage,this year’s focusalsoincludeslive musicand adeepdiveinto theadventuresthathave taken placeinthedocks foraround 200 years.

TheIWA and Fund Gloucester’sWaterways are planningtorun ajoint National FundBritain’sWaterways

campaign stallduringthe festivalto raiseawareness of cutsincentralgovernment funding.

There will be spacefor some visitingboats;atthetimeof writingbookingarrangements hadnot beenfinalised,butare likelyto require astayforthefull threedays.

Withotherwateractivities takingplacethen boat movementswill be restricted duringfestivalhours.

Prizesarebeing offered by Gloucester Tall Ships forthe best-dressed boatsinboth Victoria and Main Basins.The

competition will be judged on Sunday, May26bythe Mayor ofGloucesterand acohortof enthusiastsfromthefestival.

There arethree categories: HunkyDory–celebrationof colourand/or materialsused to decoratetheboat;Flotsamand Jetsam –innovation, recycle, reuse, get creativewithyour dress-upand Shipshape– nod to thetallshipsorhistoryofthe docks. Forfurtherinformation contactcityevents@gloucester. gov.uk

Theelectrical bollardson theWestQuayinthe Main Basinhavebeenupgraded

and pump-outfacilitiesare nowbycontactless payments, ratherthantheold card system, makinguseeasier.Thetoilets, including disabledfacilities,are inoperationunderAlexander Warehouse, accessviastandard boater key.

Work onthe HighOrchard bridge isdue to be completed soonsothat thereisnoadverse effect on theTallShips Festival. Thereisa newFoodDockin Victoria Basin,with aselection ofindependentfood outlets with coveredseatingoverlookingthe boats. A7milluminated artwork fittedwith1500programmable LEDs hasbeencreatedbylocal lightartist Jack Wimperis.

TheNational Waterways Museumin Gloucester Docks isopenfrom Wednesday to Sunday,10am-4pm.

Attractionsincludecream teas;children’sandadult activities;enlargedexhibitand activityareas;withcanaltrip ridesonthe QueenBoadicea2, asurvivingDunkirk‘littleship’.

Ticketsrangefrom£8-£29andareavailableonlineatwww. gloucestertallships.co.uk

SeaLegsticketsgiveaccessbothtothefestivalsiteand toboardthe famoustallships.Forthosewhojustwantto visitthesitethereare LandLubberstickets.

TallshipsnexttoNielsensdrydocksinclude Bessie Ellen,infrontof Kathleen and May, Dolphin, Josefine and Leader.Due tobridge repairstherehasbeen a5m clearanceatHighOrchardBridge,meaningthat acrane hadtobebroughtintotakedown BessieEllen’s masts andriggingtobeputbacktheothersideofthebridge–leaving araceagainsttimefortheshiptobe readyfora roundBritaintour.Canalboatshaven’tbeenaffected. Thebridgeisdueto reopenintimeforthefestival.

PHOTOS:TONYALDRIDGE

MembersoftheteamofartistswhohaveproducedtheSalfordsound walkexperience. PHOTOSUPPLIED

Vesselsmooredforthesteam festival. PHOTOS:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

Asteamenginebesidethe AndertonBoatLift.

VisitormooringsinGloucesterDocks –thecathedral towercanbeseenontherightandthechurchtotheleft isStNicholas.

DavidSuchetopeningthe2018BraunstonHistoricNarrowboatRallyonthe1958

Raymond.Itwasthelastwoodennarrowboatbuiltfor theEnglishcanals,andtherallymarkedthe60thanniversaryofitslaunch.WithDavidis AubreyBerriman,theshipwrightwhobuiltthe Raymond,andformerworkingboatwoman AliceLapworth(seealsop78).

Ahoy Poirot!

DavidSuchet –actorandcanalenthusiast–willopenthe20thBraunstonHistoric NarrowboatRallyandCanal Festival

By TimCoghlanofBraunstonMarina.

WEARE againholdingour ownveryspecialannual canal event– theBraunstonHistoric Narrowboat Rally –inits regular slot overthelastweekendin June(29-30).Amazinglythis will be our20th rallysince we startedwhatwas supposed to be aone-offeventin2003, to celebratetherestorationof steam narrowboat President To mark this20thanniversary, we have invited back the legendaryactorand canal enthusiast, Poirot star David Suchet,whonowhasmore than 30 yearsof closeassociationwith Braunston Marina.Hecame to

usin1991 with his youngfamily, havingboughtaboatfromus, and stayed as a‘low-profilefamily boater’until1994,whichhe once toldme were the happiestyears ofhisfamilylife. Sincethen he hascomeasour owncelebrity, helpinguswithwhat he calls his ‘name’, in anumberof canal events we havehostedoverthe year,includingin1999BBC’s SongsofPraise. Thisrally will be thethirdDavid hasopened, havingpreviously done so in 2008and2018 –thoseprevious occasions both beinglinkedto thecelebrationsofthe50thand

DavidSuchetinSeptember 2023 reopening asection oftheBuckinghamCanal onthedredger Diana, whichhehadjustformally launchedandnamedin memoryofTimCoghlan’s latewifeDiana,whodied ofcancerin2014.David willopenthe2024rallyon DianatheDredger which willbespeciallytakento therallybytheBuckingham CanalSociety,withspotdredgingalongthewayby thesociety’steamoftrained volunteers.

60thanniversaryofthelaunch ofthe butty Raymond –the last wooden buttybuiltfor English canals.Itwaslaunchedatwhat is todayBraunston Marina in1958. The originalplan wasfor Davidtoopentherally on the historicsteam narrowboat President,following the installationofitsnew boiler. Buttheunseenscaleofthe problemsinvolved inthis majoroperation –bothin termsoffundingandfinding amanufacturer to buildit–have delayedthoseworks nowbysomefiveyears. Oncetherewerehundredsof these boiler manufacturers acrosstheUK,butnowonly ahandfulremain.The other problem hasbeenthe spec, andfinding an engineering design companyableand willingtoproduceone.The FriendsofPresidenthave nowallthepreparationsin place,with worksactually at

lastunderway.Fingerscrossed, the boat will be back in steam by theendofthis year,andthen attendingthe2025 rally.If so,the legendarymusicianand steam enthusiastPete Watermanhas offered to comebackandopen that rally. Meanwhile by wayof somethingcompletelydifferent,

andforthis yearonly, David will formallyopenthe rallyon Diana theDredger.InSeptemberlast year,hekindly presentedthe Buckingham CanalSociety withthe restoredsecondhanddredgerI gave to themin memory of my late wifeDiana. Shewas agreat canalenthusiast, especiallyfor restoration work, butsadly diedofcancerin2014. ‘DitheDigger’–assheisnow affectionatelycalled–has been hard at iteversince,withseveral hundredmetresofreopened canaltohercredit.

Braunston-builtwoodenbutty

PHOTO:HARRYARNOLD –WATERWAYSIMAGES.

PHOTO:VICTORIAJANEPHOTOGRAPHY

David Suchet with TV presenter Pam Rhodes, filming BBC’sSongsofPraiseonthesteamboat President atthe 1999BraunstonBoatShow,whichDavidformallyopened. Thefilmingwaslaterseenby aworldwideaudienceofan estimated22million. PHOTO:TIMCOGHLAN

Thebutty Raymond passingthe Roach intheboatparadeatthe2022rally. Raymond’s holdiscarrying apreciouscargooftheFriendsofRaymondandspecialguests.

PHOTO:TIMCOGHLAN

LadySheilaSuchetsteeringthe Raymond,assisted byRogerGolderoftheFriendsofRaymond,inthe openingparadeofthe2023rally. PHOTO: TIMCOGHLAN

The dredgerwilltravelfrom CosgrovetoBraunston Marina underher ownsteam, withher restoredListerSR3dieselengine. Alongthe way, Diana –alwaysa tidy person by nature –willalso be doingabitof spot-dredgingas instructedfor the Canal&River Trust. Shewillbedealingwith the canalversionofpotholes!

To helpraisemoneyforthe Buckingham CanalSociety, David hasagreed toallowvisitors to takeselfies withhimselfon ‘Di theDigger’. The cost perhead will be £10, withnogroupdiscounts. It’s allfor agood cause!

We arenow puttingallthefinal preparationsinplaceforthe rally. Withthethreattogovernment funding, thewaterwaysneed to have somethingtocelebrate –somethingtolookforwardto–andhopefullythiseventwillbe ashowcasefor ourwonderful waterwaysheritage.

Ourinitial soundingsof ownersofhistoric narrowboats

arethattheycan’t waittocome. We have already received an encouragingnumber of early bookings,and they just keep comingin.This couldwellbea vintage year. These leviathansof ourcanalcarryingpastareTHE making ofthe rally,which willprobably again be thelargest gatheringof themanywhereonthe waterways this year. Ourmusic impresario for some yearsnow, Janul, is alreadynetworkingthe amazing musiciansshe produceseach yearfor ourfamous beer tent –theDryDockInn –aminiGlastonbury,without themud. The AlarumTheatreteamare alsoonboard withtheir latest production,whichunder my instructions willalsoinvolve Braunstonthespians,young andold.Itwilltaketheform of areview, to be titled Canal Cabaret. We arealsoseeinga very positiveresponsefromtrade

exhibitorsandlikewise, the canal societiesand canalartists,whom we supportthroughfree space–the artists havingtheir owntent. Lastyeartherewere16ofthem, covering thewhole spectrumof canalart.

We arefortunatetobeable to holdtheeventinour marina, includingparking, andthe useofthe canaloutsidefor themooringandparadesof historic narrowboats–thanksto theCRT. The rallyisverymuch an outdoorevent, withthe5000 or so peoplewhotraditionally attendspreadingthemselves outalongthemileoftowpathto watchthe parades. So we should be abletoenjoy this special canalevent in safety. Here’shopingwehaveyou on board!

TheBraunston Historic Narrowboat Rallyissponsored by BraunstonMarinaand Towpath Talk,withsupportfromthe Canal &RiverTrust.

“Lettherebenomoaningatthebar!”MusiclegendandsteamenthusiastPete

event.

TheformerGUCCCStarClassmotor Cepheus comingoutofBraunstonMarinatojointhe 2015boatparade.FormerworkingboatwomanAliceLapworthisseenonboard(second fromleft)inblack. PHOTO: TIMCOGHLAN

Coloursofthecut. AwholearmfulofhistoricnarrowboatsintheOldOxfordCanalArmat BraunstonMarinaatthe2023rally.

PHOTO:TIMCOGHLAN

Themotor Nuneaton andbutty Brighton inthe2022boatparade.Thepairofboatsare ownedandoperatedbytheNarrowBoat Trust,whichseekstopreservetheskillsofthe formerworkingboatmen.

PHOTO:TIMCOGHLAN

The Cassiopeia’s boatmen –oldandnew –atthe2022rally.Theformerworkingboatman JimHambridge(80),left,withcurrentownerMickPoyser.Jimworkedthe Cassiopeia with hisparentsinthe1950s,untilhecameofftheboatsin1960.Heisoneofonly afewformer workingboatmennowstillattendingtheralliesandabletogoboating –inJim’scasestill steeringhisoldboat.

PHOTO:TIMCOGHLAN

WhattheBraunstonHistoricNarrowboatRallyisallabout.Thesceneistakenfrom Butcher’sBridgeatthe2018rallybycanalenthusiastEamonCommerford.

PHOTO:EAMONCOMMERFORD

Waterman withtheBestBarNonemobilebarteamfromEssexatthe2023rally,whichPeteopened. Bypopulardemand,theBestBarNoneteamwillbebackagain,‘openingup’atthe2024

PHOTO: TIMCOGHLAN

Newindustrialquarterat BlackCountryLivingMuseum

THElatest phaseofthe Black CountryLivingMuseum’smultimillion-pounddevelopment offersvisitorsajourneythrough theindustrialhistoryofthe 1940s,1950sand1960s.

Itsnewindustrialquarter delvesintothevibrantstories ofindustriesandindividuals that shapedtheBlack Country’s heritage.Carol King,director of programmes at BlackCountry LivingMuseum, said:“Weare thrilledto unveil thenextstage of ourdevelopment, whichisa testament to ourcommitment to preserving andsharing the rich industrialheritageofthe BlackCountry.”

Newadditionsinclude recreations of JHLavender Aluminium Foundryin1959. It playedapivotal rolein producingengine components foralltheBritishmotorcycle manufacturers, as wellas companieslikeBritish Seagull outboard motors,Roverand Reliantcars,and Black& Decker power tools.

The museum also recreates JoeHSmith &Sons(Oldbury)

Theentrancetothenew industrialquarterattheBlack CountryLivingMuseum.

Ltdin1953andCricketField Brickworks in 1955.

Dancinginthestreets

Forthcoming eventsonthe museum’s streetsinclude1940s, 1950sand1960s weekends celebratingeachera with live music,dancingandgood food. Festivitiesbeginon May11-12 with acelebrationofthe1950s, fromenjoyingvintage fashion and rockabillystyletolivemusic anddancing on theeveningof Saturday, May11.The weekend promises to be anunforgettable journeythroughthispivotal decadeinBritishhistory.

The museum will be rocking again on Saturday,June29for itsfirst1960seveningfollowed by daytimeactivitieson Sunday, June30.

Finally,the museum’s 1940s Weekend returnson July13-14, withdaytimeactivitiesandan eveningevent on July13.

Ticketsforalltheseevents canbebookedatwww. bclm.com

Themuseumissituated alongsidetheDudley Canal&Caverns:www. dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

Allaboard at Chertseyfor family-friendlyboatshow

THE Thames ValleyBoat Show isbackatMDL Penton Hook Marina,inChertsey, Surrey,overthe weekendof May31toJune2.

Sponsored by TBS Boats andorganised inassociation with BoatLifeandMDL, this popular regionalevent, withfree entryand parking, promisesto be ahighlightfor theboatingcommunity. Theshowoffersan opportunityforeveryone, from regular boatersto newcomers,tohaveaccess

tolookaroundandclimbon boardavastrangeofboats. Witharound100dedicated sales berthsafloat, morethan 40 marqueespacesashore and50 boatspacesashore, visitorscanexploreanarray of boats andaccessories.

EventfounderChris Manners, managingdirector ofTBS Boats, said: “This boutiqueshowgivesus achanceto see ourlocal audienceandgivethem agreat experienceina stunninglocation.”

WHAT’SONINMAY

With afamily-friendly atmosphere, therewill be activities suchas SUP sessionsanddemonstrations ofdinghysailing availablefor children,and abroadchoice of cateringwithfoodand drink,accompaniedbylive music throughouttheevent. As aspecialaddition, theshowwillfeature alate opening on Saturday,offering extended hoursofenjoyment. Formoredetails go to https://www.thamesvalleyboatshow.co.uk/

IfyouwantyoureventlistedinourfreemonthlyWhat’sOnsectionemailyourentrytoeditorial@towpathtalk. co.ukorusetheeventsformatwww.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Pleasecheckwithorganiserswhethertheeventisgoingaheadbeforesettingoutonyourjourney.

May2

StaffordRiverwayLink: Displayofartefacts unearthedbySRL volunteersfromthe canal at RugeleyLibrary,Anson Street,Rugeley, StaffordshireWS152BB untilSaturdayJune8

May3-6

StRichard’sCanalFestival: Boatsmooredat Netherwich Basinoralongsidethetowpathin Vines Park,Droitwich.Tradersandlivemusic all weekend withtheGreat DroitwichAnnual Duck Raceon Bank HolidayMonday.www. strichardsfestival.co.uk

May4-6

IWA: CanalwayCavalcade,Little Venice. NorburyCanalFestival: Funforallthefamily with boat trips,tradingand historic boats, KnightleyAlpacas,livemusic,facepainting and canal-related stalls.NorburyJunctionST20 0PN, open10am-4pm each day. www.facebook. com/norburyfestival

RovingCanal TradersAssociation: May Dayfloatingmarkets at Berkhamstedand Burton-on-Trent.

RiverFossSociety: Comeand findout moreaboutThe RiverFossSociety at theYork Walls Festival. Formoreinformation see www. riverfosssociety.co.uk

May5

SouthPennineBoatClub: Open day, Wood Lane,Mirfield, West YorkshireWF140ED.

May 5and6

LeawoodPumphouse: Opendayfromnoon to 4.30pm.Insteam –the pump will be fully operational. Entrancefreebutdonationsare encouraged,especiallyin viewofthecurrent costofcoal.HighPeakTrail,Whatstandwell, Matlock, DE45HN,accessisasper High Peak Junction.

May9

IWALichfield: Walk –Shuttingtonandthe Coventry Canal.An easy five-mile walk with threestiles.Meet10.30amfor 10.45am start inthe carparkofTheWulferstanArms,Main Road, Shuttington, Tamworth,Staffordshire B79 0DP.Contactclive.walker@waterways.org.uk

May11-12

Canal &River Trust: Steam at the Lift,traction enginesmeetflotilla of vintagesteamboats. Walkingthe Lifttour,realalefestival,hotand coldfood.Freetoattend, open10am-10pmon Saturdayand10am-4.30pm Sunday.Anderton Boat Lift,LiftLane,Northwich,CheshireCW9 6FW.

BlackCountryLivingMuseum: 1950s weekend withvintage fashionandrockabilly styleall weekend,livemusicanddancingon theeveningofMay 11. Booktickets at bclm.com

May14

IWANorthampton Branch: Aheritage walk around StokeBruerne with Kathryn Dodington, 2.30pm.Afternoonteaatthe CanalMuseum optional.Allarewelcome,not justIWA members.Thereisacar park, and refreshments areavailable.

May16

RiverFossSociety: Four-milecircular walk, Oulstonand Pond Head. Meet Oulston Village Greenat6pm.Contact DerekChiversandlet himknowyou areattendingatderek@chivers. plus.com

ErewashCanalPreservation &Development Association: AGMatSandiacreLockCottages, 7.30pm.

May17

LouthNavigation Trust: Alvingham Walk, meet6pm at The Mill. Part of theLincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival.

May18

FriendsoftheMontgomeryCanal: Montgomery CanalTriathlon, Newtownto Crickheath.

May18-19

AshbyCanalAssociation: MoiraCanal Festival/IWATrailboatFestival. Saturn fly-boat: Saturn ondisplayatTrevor. AlsoMay24/27.

TewkesburyBig Weekend: Boat trips, children’sfairground. Riverparade withcircus theme at 12pmon Sundayand katakanuboat racing.

May20

FriendsoftheCromfordCanal: Welldressings andthe peoplewho make them by Janand Paul Barrass. IronvilleChurch Hall, Casson Street NG165NN,7.30pm.Admission£2.50,tea, coffee, barand raffle.Non-members always welcome.

May21

LouthNavigation Trust: Canaland Blow Wells Walk,meet10amatTetney Lock.Partofthe LincolnshireWolds Outdoor Festival.

May23

RiverFossSociety: SocialPint’n’ aChat at The Ship Inn, Strensall,7pm.All welcome, non-membersare invitedtofind outmore.

May25

LouthNavigation Trust: Louth CanalLinear Walk,meet10amatTetney Lock.Partofthe LincolnshireWolds Outdoor Festival.

May25-27

CrickBoatShow: CrickWatersideand Marina,NorthamptonshireNN6 7SQ.

RovingCanal TradersAssociation: Spring Bank Holiday floatingmarkets at Boxmoor and Stone.

May29

LeawoodPumphouse: Opendayfrom12pm to4.30pm.Static.Entrancefree butdonations areencouraged,especially inviewofthecurrent costofcoal. High PeakTrail,Whatstandwell, Matlock, DE45HN,accessisasper High Peak Junction.

May31-June2

Thames ValleyBoatShow: Rangeoflandand on-waterstands, activitiesanddemonstrations, livemusic, food anddrink. MDL Penton Hook Marina inChertsey,Surrey. https://www. thamesvalley-boatshow.co.uk/

Skillsaredemonstratedinthe recreationof JHLavender AluminiumFoundry. PHOTOS: BCLM

EASTMIDLANDSBOATSERVICES -WILLOWMOORINGS

Moorings Availableforcruisersandnarrowboatsat£4.60perfoot,permonth.

Residentialmooringsavailableat£325.00permonth for Narrowboatsonly.

Poweredslipwayforboatsupto40footand asecondslipwayforsmallboats.Slipwaycanbehired forDIYworkorweofferservicesforAntifouling,PaintingandGeneralServicing. We alsohavea BoatSafetyExamineronsite.

LocatedontheA6,adjacenttoTheOtterPublicHouse.

01509672385

www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk

Kegworth,DE742EY

achoice

Afamily ownedmarinasetinrural Worcestershire, butminutes away fromtheM5, givesallboaters great travelopportunities.

The238berthmarinaislocatedontheDroitwich Canals, ideallysituatedfor greatcruisingalbeit fora shortbreak orlongholidays.Itiswithineasy walkingdistanceofthe Spa TownofDroitwich.

HAREFIELD MARINA HAREFIELDMARINA

Bridge180,GrandUnionCanal, HarefieldUB96PD

Tel:01895822036

muskmarine@hotmail.com

www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Facilitiesinclude:-

-Chandlery

-Slipway (upto 65ft)

-Coveredwet dock

-Waterandelectric points

-Diesel -Pumpout -Boatsales/ brokerage

-Engineinboard/ outboardrepairs -gasandcoal

-£220pm) TELEPHONE 07813156950

■ Securityfor youand yourboat

■ Fulllengthjetties,inanon floodenvironment

■ Firstclassfacilities,including luxuryshowerblockand launderette

■ ShopandChandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout,Diesel,Water

■ Boat Blackingoptions available

■ Hardstanding,ServiceArea, and Cranage Padfacilities

■ Calor GasStockist

■ CaravanMotorhomeCLsite Amarinathatoffersyou

Take amomenttosoakinthepeaceand tranquillityofthe Huntingdonshirecountrysideandexperienceallthat HartfordMarina hastooffer. AgatewaytotheRiver GreatOuse,themarinaisperfectly placedforcruisingoneofBritain’slesserdiscoveredwaterways,andis idealforexploringnearbytownsand cities.With premium facilitiesand capacityforalltypesofboats,fromwidebeamsandnarrowboatstoday boatsandcruisers,HartfordMarinahassomethingforeveryboater.

BOAT BROKERAGE

TingdeneBoatSaleshelpsboatersateverystepof theirboating journey.Whetherlooking to buyorsell acraft,ourwidebrokerage network,bothonlineandatourUKinlandmarinas,isyourstoutilise. So,ifyouareinthe marketforanupgradeorhave aboatyouwishto sellonorclosetotheRiverGreatOuse,contactHartfordMarinaand seehowwecanhelpyou.

DiscoverOurIdyllic Retreat& EnjoySummer

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

SecureyourberthontheLlangollen Canal, themostbeautifulcanal in thecountry!

Call 01270524571 oremail sales@swanleybridgemarina.com

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

telephone 01270812677 Coo

Situatedin therolling countrysideof Northamptonshire onthe23mile lockfreesummit oftheGrand UnionLeicester section -Yelvertoft Marinaissetin beautifultranquil countryside,within 5minutesoftheM1J18,yet withoutnoiseorinconvenience ofmajortraffic.

www.yelvertoft-marina.co.uk

Email:office@yelvertoft-marina.com

Tel:01788822292

RESIDENTIALFLOATINGHOMESFORSALE

NestledalongsidethemightyRiverSevernandjust astone’sthrowawayfromtheenchanting markettownofUpton-upon-Severn,WaterfrontLivingis apioneeringprojectthatsetsthe standardforfloatinghomes.Offeringtwo-bedroomluxuryhomeswithspaciousdeckingand moderninteriors,youcancontinuelifeafloatwithmorespacetolive,relaxandentertain.

Wewouldlovetoshowyouaround,sogetintouchtodaytoarrange aviewingand see whatlifeonwater couldbelike.

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

•250berthslocated onriver Avon

•10minswalkfrom Stratford-upon-Avon

•RiseandFallpontoons

•Waters &elechookupstoeachberth

•Freewi-fi

•Laundry•Showers

•Fuelsales •Pumpout

•LakelandLeisure boatbrokerage

T: 07714095005

E:shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

NORTHWICH QUAY

• 50berthslocatedonriver Weaver

• CentreofNorthwich,Cheshire

T: 07967461038

E:northwich@land-water.co.uk

CAENHILLMARINA

•248berthslocatedon

Kennet &Avon canal

•NeartoDevizesWiltshire

T: 01380827062

E:caenhill@land-water.co.uk

Ourboatyardfacilitiesare locatedcanalside, on themainlineoutsidethe Distillery

Mooringinthe centre ofBirmingham City

Annualfee£35.00perfootplus20% VAT

Monthlyfee £3.24perfootplus20% VAT

Casual Moorings

£10pernightor£60per weekplus20%

VATirrespectiveoflength.

Maximumcasualmooring 2weeks.

Carparking£3pernightor£18per week

Forbarges(any vesselwiderthan7ft)

Multiplystandardprice by 1.9 @

Mooringsintheheartofthecity

We areinauniquepositionontheBirmingham CanalNavigationsandhave berths available close to thecitycentreservingall typesofboaters forovernight, shorttermandlong term moorings.

 QUIETANDSECUREMOORINGS  GAS,DIESELANDPUMPOUT  BOAT REPAIRSANDMAINTENANCE

Extradaysinthedockifalreadybookedin forblackingorservicewillbe charged at £75 perday

Blacking consistsofjet washingthehulloftheboatdownandmakingsureareaisclean anddry, should we findanythingof concernwewill contactyou to informyou.Wecan offer variousblackingproductspleasecallusandspeak to us.

Anodesare£160perpairandfitting/weldingis£60.00perpairifpurchasedfromus.

Allother worksarecharged at £60.00perhour

HillFarm Marina

SouthStratfordCanal

TheView Restaurantis nowfullyopen www.theview-eat.co.uk

•Enjoyprivate access to atraditional 200acrebeefandsheepfarm

• •Dogsrunfreeindesignatedareas.

• •Watch thechanging seasons,thewildlifeand theanimalsonthefarm

• •Enjoythe completepeace,freedomand tranquillityofbeinginthe countryside

• •Accesssome greatlockfreecruising forday trips,weekendorlonger voyages

• •Easyaccesstothemotorwaynetwork

• •Onsitelaundry, Hairdressersand Dog Grooming

It goeswithoutsaying....

• •A secureplacetomoor your boat, and park yourcar

• •Luxuriousshowers,communalareas, pump outandfueletc.

• •FreeunlimitedWIFI

• •Electricityand waterconnections

• •Extra widepontoons available

Pleasewatchtheprogress www.hillfarmmarina.co.uk emailinfo@hillfarmmarina.co.ukorcallDavidon07971118953

GooleMarinaislocatedina basin connectingtotheAireandCalderCanaland closetothecommercialport ofGooleintheEastRidingof Yorkshire.The marinaprovides anidealbaseforcruising thewaterways of Yorkshireaswellasgiving easyaccesstothe HumberEstuaryandtheNorthSea.

Wehave amarinabasintoaccommodate150boatsofvariouslengths &widths. WecanaccommodatealltypesofcraftfromCruiserstoNarrowboatandBarges. Alltypesofmoorings,gardenmooringstofloatingpontoons,which canbeaccessed24hrs aday.

Whixall Marina Whixall Marina

MOOR STAY

Whixall Marina Whixall Marina

www.whixallmarina.co.uk

EAT CRUISE

Officehours:

Mondayto Friday9amto5pm

Saturday &Sunday10amto4pm

www.visitanglianwaterways.org

www.northamptonmarina.co.uk Finduson Facebook: NorthamptonMarina

NestledalongsideBecket’sPark,NorthamptonMarinahas asecluded,countrysidefeelwhilst beingwithineasywalkingdistanceofthetrainstationandtowncentrewithitsmanyshops, bars,restaurantsandtheatres.

LocatedatthejunctionoftheRiverNeneandtheNorthamptonArmoftheGrandUnion Canal,itisideallyplacedforexploringbothAnglian Waterwaysandthewidercanalnetwork. Offeringboaters afriendlystaywithaccessto agreatchoiceofcruisingroutes.

Ouraward-winningfacilitiesbuildingisopentoallmarinacustomers,including washrooms,laundry, pump-outandElsandisposalpoint.Allofourberthshaveaccessto waterandelectricity.Ourlandscapedgroundsprovide arelaxingrecreation areawithBBQsandpicnictables.

We offerpermanent,visitorandwintermoorings. Youcanalsopurchase yourAnglian Waterwaysboatlicencesandnavigation keysfromour fulltimeSiteOfficer. WhynotmakeNorthamptonMarinathebasefor yournextboatingadventure? Calluson01604604344or07867580129 toarrange avisitortomakeanenquiry.

Thenewlow-energy design hull*allowsfor fullsolarelectricpowerwithan extended rangeorserialhybridoption.

Lloyd'sRegister Rules-baseddesignprovides achoiceof alloys,Aluminium,StainlessSteel orMildSteelwiththeconfidenceofthe higheststandards.

CALLTODAY 01908 686 796

orvisitourFactory

TheLongShed, Unit2,StationGoodsYard, StationRd,LongBuckby only 9minutesfromCrick.

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

Kitsfrom£1760.00

Seagoing Saildrives Inland WaterwaysMarineGeneratingSetsSpares &Support

36yearsofcustomercentredfocus,listeningto needsanddeliveringlongtermvaluesolutions. Specialistsincustomeradviceandsupportatall pointsof aproductslife.

Superbafter-salesserviceviaournetworkof approvedengineinstallersandsparesstockists.

Supersilentacoustichousings,3.5or5.0kVAtravel powerandbowthrusteroptionsavailable.

REDUCECO2 BY90%! Compatibleforcontinuoususe withHVOfuel.*

IfotherFAMEbiofuelsareusedormixedwestronglyadviseuseofouralternativefuelkit option.Availableforneworretrofit-abletoexistingengines.

5yearself-servicewarranty,recreationaluseonlyterms &conditionsapply.

14to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithmechanicalorhydraulicgearboxes.Full hydraulicdriveoptionavailable.

43to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithsingleortwin48vhybridelectricdrive motor/generator(s).

TheWharf, WatlingSt, Gailey, Staffs ST195PR 01902 791811

enq@jdboats.co.uk www.jdboats.co.uk

Engines Electrics SolarPanels Hybrid Propulsion

Traditionalboatyard,withtraditionalvalues

Telephone:(01785)284292 •E-mail:info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

Onestopshop forall your boatingneeds

TRADITIONALNARROW BOAT PAINTING. TheWharf, NORBURY JUNCTIONStaffordshireST200PN

FULLREPAINTINGOF YOURNARROW BOAT FROM£250per footincl.VAT.

Ourbasicpaintingpackageincludes:

•Free‘noobligation’quotationsand recommendations to meet your requirements.

•Planningandscheduling to fitinwith yourprior arrangements(wherepossible).

•Traditionalpainting ‘with abrush’ofcompletecabinand down to the‘topguardiron’.

Extrasthatcan beadded to the package:

•Baremetallingofgrittedareas.

•(Re)grittingofcabintopandgunwhales.

•Graining/scumbling.

•Diamondsandgeometricalpatterns.

•Topbend/returnplatedecoration.

•Traditionalcanalart(RosesandCastles).

•Signwriting.

•Hatchandslidedecoration.

•Varnishing.

•Mouse’sears/teddybearonrearbulkhead.

•Paintingofcounterbands.

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

FULLYSERVICEDCRUISING ANDRESIDENTIALMOORINGS ANDFULLBOATYARDSERVICES

•Iver(SloughArm)andNortholt (Paddingtonarm)

•Securesiteswithprivateparking

•Deliveryofgas,solidfuelanddiesel directtoyourboat

•Electricity, water,elsanandpumpout

•Showersandlaundry

•Chandlery

•Mechanical,electrical,andcarpentry workundertaken

•Craning,gritblastingandblacking

•Twopartepoxyhulltreatment

•Fuelpolishingservice

sales@high-line.co.uk

01753651496

www.high-line.co.uk

THEBOATYARD

MANSIONLANE,IVER, SL09RG

FORSELLERS

•Freemoorings

•Sales locationwithestablishedfootfall

•Open 6days /week

•TradePlatesforunlicensedcraft

•Presalespreparationandrepairs

FORBUYERS

•Freeguidanceandadvice

•Comprehensivehandover

•Secureclientsbankaccount

•ABYAqualifiedbrokeragestaff

•Industrystandarddocumentation

PRIVATEBUYER’SSERVICE

•Ifyouarebuyingprivately,wecanoffer thefollowing services:

•Adviceonallaspectsofpurchase

•Provisionofdocumentation

•SecureClientsbankaccount

•Bespokeservice –asmuchoraslittleas youwant,pricedaccordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk

01753652502/07860480079

www.vcmarine.co.uk

•MacphersonPaints

•AirspeedPolyurethane

•AncillaryProducts

Tel: 01782812240 Fax: 01782835707

Email: sales@pdipaints.co.uk Web: www.pdipaints.co.uk PDIPaints,168NewcastleStreet,Dalehall,Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent,ST63QN VitershieldTFisback

LADDER-MATE

COMBINATIONRESCUELADDER/GANGPLANK

Haveyoufalleninto

e:sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone:01902686569 orDawn07909086868

We aretheonly membershipassociationsetup,in1963,toprotectthe interests of live-aboardboaters.Weneed your supporttobeableto continueour work.Sojoinus,inpromotion,development, representation andprotection ofour chosenlifestyle.Interested? See more informationonour websitewww.rboa.org.uk.ortelephone 0330 0577180to findouthowtojoinand getinvolvedinthesafeguarding ofthefuture freedomoflivingafloat. Annual membershipfromonly£30.00. The ResidentialBoatOwners’AssociationStudio 2WatersideCourt ThirdAvenueBurtononTrentDE142WQ SponsoredbyAll Willsand Trusts.co.uk

E:office@thefennymarina.co.uk

W:www.thefennymarina.co.uk

BEST OF BRITISHRAILWAYS is aselection of railway related features from thepages of Best of British, the UK’s favouritenostalgia magazine.

From Mallard’srecord-breaking runtoajourney on the luxuriousBelmond Northern Belle, join us as we celebrate almost acenturyofBritish railwayhistory.Learn howthe projecttobuild Tornadogot offthe ground,meetthose whokeepour railways running, relive thejoy of receiving a trainset forChristmas andvisit heritage railways and museumssuchasthe Keighley &Worth Valley Railway–the location forthe 1970 filmThe RailwayChildren.

Whetheryouhave alife-long interest in therailwaysor just apassing fancy, letBestofBritish Railways be your ticket to ride!

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We areofferingFREEP&P. Orderonlineatwww.classicmagazines.co.uk or call01507529529topurchase acopytoday. UK£6.99/EUR £8.49/ROW£9.99 inc. P&P.

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MGMBoatsLtd

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BarrusHyTimeproject P44

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Exploremore freeadventures withAquavista

MOORERSonanannualcontract can nowenjoy100free nights per year at Aquavista marinasthroughits Explore 100 benefit.

The largestmarinagroup in theUK hastripledits Explore34schemewhich gave boaters34free nights at its29 marinasacrossthecountry.

Salesand marketing directorDeborah Hunt said: “Thebeautyofboatlifeis thefreedomtocruisethe waterways networkanddiscovernewplaces,so we’redelightedtohavenow tripled the numberoffree nights ourmoorers canenjoy.

“Welaunched Explore34inMay 2022 andit’s been incredibly popular because thereare so many options ofwhereto stop over.So, we wanted togiveour moorersevenmorefreedom to cruise andexperiencenewplaces.”

Sheexplained:“Theycan cruise along differentcanalsand riversand,when they’redonefortheday,oneof our29 marinaswillbereadyto welcomethem

AnaerialviewofAquavista’s Ventnor Watersideand MarinabesidetheGrand UnionCanalin Warwickshire.

foranovernightstayorseveralnights. Theythenbenefitfromall ourmarina facilitiesthat they don’tgetwhenthey mooron theopen waterways.

WelcomingthenewhydrogensupplyatAqueductMarinaare HydrogenAfloatdirectorNickSwiftwithchandlerymanager

Hydrogennowonsalein

afirst forCheshire’sAqueductMarina

BOATERSequipped withfuel celltechnology cannow obtain hydrogen from Aqueduct Marina onthe MiddlewichBranchofthe ShropshireUnion Canal.

These innovative units canbefitted tothe roofofmostnarrowboats and will reduceengine runningtime forbatterychargingwhileemitting nothingmoredamagingthanwater.

“Ourcustomersknowthat no matter whethertheypay annually,quarterlyor monthly,aslongasthey’reanannual contractholder,theyautomatically get accesstothis benefit.All they have to do to book theirfree stop-overiscallthe marina they wishtovisitandcheckwe have availability. “We’llalwaysdoour very besttofit themin.”

In afirstforaninland marina,it cansupply BOC’sGenie lightweight cylindersthat contain 30%more gasthanequivalentsteel cylinders, resultinginfewerchangeovers.

Find outmoreatwww.aquavista.com

InvestmentinMidlandsdistributioncentre at LKQheadquarters

ONEoftheUK’sleadingaftermarket distributorsofpartsandaccessoriestothe marineand caravansectors,LKQ Leisure and Marine,has completeda£400,000 programmeofinvestmentinits Central UKdistributioncentreand HQ.

Changestothe Warwickshirefacility includetheincorporationof amezzanine levelwhich hasaddedanextra 8500sqft of warehousespace,takingthetotalto 87,000sqft. The warehouseisnow home to more than 24,000productlines, with capacityforfurtherexpansion.

LKQLeisure and MarineMD Adam Ramsdensaid: “Thisprogrammeof Theexpandedwarehouse nowstocksmorethan24,000 productlines. PHOTOSUPPLIED

investmenthashelped ustocreatea nationalcentreofexcellence at Century Park,sothat we candeliveran even better experiencefor ourcustomers.

“Today we carrymoreinventory acrossmoreproductlines,and our availabilityandnextday delivery performanceis betterthanever. Our investment indigital systemsand in ourpeople hascontinuedtobuilda customer-centricorganisation at every level. We areinastrongpositiontokeep investing, growingandimproving, both as asupplierandanemployer, aspart of theLKQ UKandIrelandGroup.”

The business,formerly knownas ArleighGroup, encompassesLKQ Nova Leisure, LKQArleigh, LKQAquafax and MidlandChandlersandactsas fulfilmentsupportforASAP Supplies. Eachdivision’sproductrange is strategicallycentralised at Century Park, Nuneaton, withadditional stockat five marinebranchesacrosstheUK.The ASAP Supplies site in Beccles,Suffolk, contributestothe overalldistribution networksupported by alocalcustomerfacingteam.

LKQUKandIrelandiscomprised of

LKQLeisureand Marine,LKQ Euro Car Parts, LKQBodyshopandDigraph, and distributespartsandaccessoriesfor all makesofcar,motorbikeandlight

commercial vehicle,HGV,busand coach, staticand touringcaravan, motorhomeand marine vehicle. Thebusinessiscommittedto driving progress onthekey issues thatmatterintheaftermarket,in theleisureand marineindustryand acrosssocietymorebroadly,including sustainability, diversityand inclusion. Keyinitiativesinclude livestock updatesandorder-tracking, direct delivery,clickandcollectand afocus onhitting100% availabilityon key lines– nowextendingtomorethan 500products.

Managing directorRobertParton said: “Myexpectationisthat we willnot sell much hydrogeninthe shortterm, butthereare power systems suchastheoneprovided by HydrogenAfloatonthe market now, andI am lookingforward to seeinghow the hydrogenpropulsion marketdevelops.”

In additionto supplying hydrogen, theestablishmentofa commercial agreementwith BOCwillenable Aqueduct to supplyanyofthe BOC gasestocustomers.

Chandlerymanager TomRaines said:“Wewouldneed to setupnew customers with aBOC account, whichnormallytakesaround10 minutes,afterwhichcustomerscan buyweldinggas,balloon gasand oxygen,aswellas hydrogen.” Alongsidetheannouncement of Aqueduct’slatesteffortstohelp boatownersreduceemissions, it is working with Hydrogen Afloat, whichproduces ahydrogenfuelcell domestic powersystem for boats.

Hydrogen AfloatdirectorNick Swift said:“Weare delightedthat Aqueductisthefirst marina in theUK tostock hydrogen.Making hydrogen available at the canalside supportsinnovationintheinland waterways,creatingtheopportunity forearlyadopterstotakeadvantage of the benefitsit offers.

“Wecan startwithdomestic power, sincethat worksnow,butin time Iexpect we will see hydrogen useforpropulsion. Birmingham, Londonandothercitiesalready have fuel cellbuses,sohydrogen gasisbecomingmorewidelyused.”

TheChurchMinshull-based marina,which hascalculatedits carbonfootprint in an effortto find waysto furtherreduceits environmentalimpact,wasone of thefirstinlandwaterways marinas to offer HVOalongsideconventional diesel.EVdrivershavenot been overlooked with theinstallationof chargingpointsinthe carpark, all ofwhichhelped the marinagainthe coveted TYHA CleanMarinastatus. Formoreinformationonthe wide rangeofchandlery products availablefromAqueduct Marina, visit https://aqueductmarina.co.uk

Couple applaudlaunchoftheirnewOvationnarrowboat

THEarrayofnarrowboatsondisplay is abig draw forvisitorstoCrick Boat Show where Ovation Boatswill be amongtheexhibitors.

Based at Redhill Marina,Radcliffeon-Soar,the boatbuilders have recentlybeenworkingwith Karland Rachael Ashtonto create theirdream narrowboat experienceusingclearand well-thought-throughplans.

“Karland Ifellinlove withtheidea oflivingonanarrowboatanddecided totake theplungeduringCovidand after aholidayonthe Peak Forest Canal,”said Rachael.

“Havingspent timelookingatthree narrowboat builders, we choseOvation Boatswho have come up trumps;easy to work withandaccommodating ourideas.”

Sheadded:“We have been very pleased withChris Williamsandthe team; nothing is anytrouble at all. Anyonethinking aboutdoingthis

shouldgoforit.Weare lookingforward to ournewadventure.”

Keyfeaturesleadingfromthefront includeacross bedwithstorage, showerroomwithquadrantshower, washbasinandtoilet. The open lounge with sofa bedandbreakfast barruns into alargewell-equipped galley. Thenarrowboathashybrid propulsion with aBetaengine.Its set-upfeaturesaclutch toallow increased batterychargingwithout theneed to turnthepropshaftand propeller.Batteriesaretraction,the 24 wetcellsproviding48v @775Ah.

The team at Ovation Boatswished Karl andRachael allthe bestanda greatdealoffunasthey begantheirnew adventure,sayingithad beena pleasure workingwiththem. Other narrowboatscurrentlyforsale are: a60ft reverselayoutsemi-cruiser withdieselpropulsionand a42ft traditional layout cruiser withelectric

PHOTO: AQUAVISTA

Tom RainesandKarlGerrardfromBOC. PHOTO: AQUEDUCTMARINA

BarrusintroducestheHyTime project

It’snoteverydaythat yougetanopportunitytofindout abouttheworkthatcouldhelprevolutionisethefutureof canalboats.Sothat’swhyPhilPickintookuptheoffer tovisitoneoftheUK’sbest-knownmarinebusinessesto seewhatit’sbeenworkingon.

THISisn’tthefirsttimeI’vebeenfortunate enough to visittheheadquarters ofEP Barrus, thelong-establishedsupplier of awiderange of marineenginesand associatedequipment, butitisthefirst time I’ve visitedtohearabout amarine propulsion systemthat doesn’tinvolve fossil fuels.Together withmembers of theIWA’sSustainable BoatingGroup,we found outabout aprojectthecompany hasbeen workingonfor sometime,one that uses hydrogen gasand afuelcell to producetheelectrical power needed to propel a57ft narrowboat.

Anyonewho hasapassinginterest inalternativefuelswill remembera similarprojectthat wasundertaken by Birmingham Universitybackin2007. Until recently,that projecthad beenall butabandoned, withthe boat, the Ross Barlow,being moored andunusedclose totheuniversity. Butwithincreased interestinhydrogenduetotheenergy crisisand theimportanceoffinding sustainableandnon-pollutingfuels, theuniversityprojectis,weunderstand, beinglooked at again.

The projectthathas been undertaken by Barrus hasseenthecompany work withBrambleEnergy,a company that islookingto“accelerateglobal decarbonisationand make cleanenergy technology accessible”. Narrowboat Bramble isstillunderconstruction, with muchofthefit-out stilltobecompleted, asthefocus hasbeenonthefuel celland thepropulsion system.

AccordingtoBramble Energy,which isthecompanybehind thefuelcellused inthe boat, theproject wasfundedby the Energy EntrepreneursFundaspart ofthe NetZeroInnovation Portfolio. The HyTimeproject is the“real-world testing”ofwhathasbeen described asa “revolutionary fuel cell system”. Bramble Energy designed,developed anddeployedamarinised fuelcell systemused withinthe boat inwhat thecompany saysis a“first-of-its-kind application”.

Bramble Energy hascomeup with someimpressivestatisticswhenit comestothe benefitsoftheuseof

hydrogenfuelcellsandelectricmotors as areplacementforconventional dieselengines.Thecompanysaysthat thistype of solutionto replacediesel enginesin boatscould potentiallysave 12 tonnesof CO2annually pervessel. The companygoeson tosay:“The global maritime sector contributesto 940milliontonnesofCO2 per year, equatingtoapproximately2.5%ofglobal greenhouse gases. As such,the Clean Maritime Plan requiresnew vesselsto be zero-emission capablefrom2025. The project’sgoalwastodemonstratehow theshiftto ahydrogenfuel sourcecould helpthe transitionthankstoprovidinga rangeextenderto pure batterysystems butalsotoremovethe relianceona chargingbase.”

The fuelcell systemthat wasfitted byBarrusandBramble Energy has the potentialto providethe boatwith about600milesof rangeusingthe 14kgofhydrogenstored onboard, with additional powerbeing suppliedfrom solarpanelsonthe boat’s roof to the 22kWhbatterysystem.

Despitetheseimpressivefigures, Barrus’sapplicationsengineer,Adam Gillett,providedfurtherdata which showsthat thetechnologyhas some way to gobeforeboatowners beginfilling up with hydrogen before embarking on acruise. Ashe pointedout,theleast pollutingfuelisthefuel youdon’tuse so,theneed toprop the boat correctlyis important, asis keepingthebilgesdry, cleaning the hull,correct ballasting, reducing loadsand regularengine servicing. Butwhen youdoburnfuel, theonlytime you cansay that you are producingzeroemissionsiswhenusing abatterybank, chargedusingsolaror windgeneration, to driveanelectric motor.Hydrogenproducesemissions dependentuponitssource.

Hydrogen from arangeof sourcesis available,but many oftheseuse coal and naturalgasduring production.Only hydrogenproducedusingnuclear, solar or wind powercanbe seenaseither red, purple/pink,yelloworgreen.This can severely reducetheoptionswhen buying hydrogenforuseinany application inanefforttoreduceemissions.But havingsourced yourhydrogen another majortechnicalissuetoovercome is installation. Asystemlikethat used on this boat requires someconsiderable investmentforthefuel storageandthe fuelcell’s location.The knock-oneffect ofthisis areductionintheusable space withinthe boat.Butthisis aproject boat, so youcanassumethat continued developmentwould reducethe space used.Refuellingisalsoanissueif you arepumping hydrogenintotheonboard tanks.Thedateprovidedshowedittook

Thehydrogen-fuelled boatalongside atypical hydrogenfillingstation.

12hourstofill a15kgtankata costof£50 just fortheelectricity to pump thefuelin! Thisisjustone part of thehighcost oftheadaptationof aboattorunon hydrogen.Barrus’sfiguresshowan approximatecapitalcostbreakdown of: tanks£30,000for15kgH2, manifolding, regulators,valvesetc £55,000,fuel cell £35,000,18kWh lithium battery£6000. Thistotals approximately£130,000. Adam’s presentationillustrated that the runningcosts of such asystem,using hydrogenfrom BOCtofillthetanks with15kgfillcost, wouldbe£4341. By comparison, abatterysystem would cost around£70,000+usinglithiumbatteries

PHOTOS:BARRUS. ThehyQubefillingstationusedfortheprojectwas shownduringtheBarruspresentation.

and would have arefillcostof£66from thegrid, £125usingadieselgenerator on reddiesel,and£375 to usethe same usingHVO. The visittoBarrusincludedatourof thefacilities,includingthe workshops servicingand repairinga wide range of outboardsfor bothcommercial andmilitary customers.Theworkand theinnovationonshowcontinuesto beimpressive,asisthecompany’s range of sparesandthecommitment totraining. Barrushas madea significant investmentintrainingand apprenticeshipsinbothtraditional engineeringskillsandnext-generation

technologies,afacthighlighted by the company’sinvolvement inthe hydrogen boat project.

It isearlydaysforthe hydrogen project,and seeingitinuse is stilla coupleofCricksaway. With anumber ofsignificant obstaclesto overcome,not leastofwhichisthecost, it is unlikely you will see arapidshifttowards100% hydrogen-fuellednarrowboatsinthe nearfuture. Butisitgoodtoknowthat work like thisistakingplaceas ashift isneeded.Butfornow, HVOpowering ahybridengine would still seemtobe themost logical waytodecarbonisethe waterwaysfor thetime being.

Herewegrowagain!Aquavistain Bloomtakesrootforitssecondyear

FO LL OW IN Gt he successfulinaugural Aquavistain Bloomevent last year,thecompetition is making acomeback for2024.

Teamsand customers acrossAquavista’s 29 inlandand coastalmarinas have been setthechallenge of creating some stunning floraldisplaysto make their marinasbloom with bursts ofcolour to providelovely environmentsforspending timeinthis summer.

This year’s competition isbiggerandbetterthan before with six award categoriesincluding the popular tubsand hanging basketsandupcycle project,plusanew challengetosee who can grow thetallestsunflower.

TowergateInsurance, whichis supporting Aquavistain Bloom for another year,has supplied wateringcansand seedsto each marina aspartofits ‘herewegrowagain’starter

kit.Towergate’sheadof partnershipsElisaHadland said:“Wearereallyexcited to seewhat 2024 brings, especially with asunflower theme.”

KingsWaterside& Marina locatedin Newark, Nottinghamshire, was crownedthe Outstanding Overall Site winnerin2023. MarinamanagerPaula Hewittsaid: “Aquavista in Bloom broughtour communityevencloser together; whoknew we had so many keen gardeners? WatchingKingstransform intoan absolutelyfantastic marina wasa pleasureto witnessandbe apartof.” Extraprizeswerealso awardedtoa moorer from each region to recognisetheir outstanding contributiontothe competition.

Aquavista salesand marketingdirector at Aquavista,Debbie Hunt, added:“We’re excitedfor the returnofthis campaign

Lastyear’sOutstandingOverallSitewinner,Kings Waterside &Marina.MoorerRobSuthernsand marinamanagerPaulaHewittarepicturedwith theawards. PHOTOS: AQUAVISTA

whichreallycreated asense oftogethernessamong crewsandcustomerswho took prideinimprovingthe aestheticsoftheir marinas.

“While seeingour marinasinbloomistheend result,andanimpressive one at that,it’sthejourney ourcommunities go on that

is reallyspecial. Having heardand witnessed how much joyitcreatedlast year Ireallyhopetosee more people gettinginvolvedin thisinitiative.”

The deadlineforentries is July 31 andwinners will be announced duringa ceremonyheldin August.

Wateringcansatthe readyatthelaunchofthisyear’sAquavistainBloomcompetition.

Ineveryother respectitisjust anothernarrowboat.

01606 833668

Middlewich, Cheshire

Tel:07780936407 Visit:savethepuffer.co.uk

TheCru House Boats

TheCru Houseboatsareavailablefor your exclusiveuse. Thetotalcostis£490fora minimumstayoftwonights,foruptosix people. Thepriceincludes English Breakfast provisionsand abottleofwine. Theboatsare mooredjust aten-minutewalktothecentre of Bath. Theboatshavegascentralheating and awood-burningstove.

During yourstayontheboat, youwillbeable toenjoyatanextrachargeof£59a 45-minute canalcruiseto avillagepub,anhour ‘stopoff’ fordrinksorlunch,then returntoourbaseat DarlingtonWharfinBath. Call01225312935

enquiries@bedandbreakfastonaboat.co.uk www.bedandbreakfastonaboat.co.uk

Shininga spotlight onBritain’s canals

THE recentBBC OneCountryfile programme about repairstothe

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct shone aspotlightonthe nation’scanalnetwork, explains HaleyHadley,

Enjoy apeacefulandtranquilholidayon thepicturesequeFenlandwaterways

ABCLeisureGroup’s marketing andsales director.

thenetwork, so more governmentfunding isvital.

We have 25 acresofrollingCheshirecountryside, whynot comeand getawayfromitall by spending timein oneofour beautifully furnishedbelltents, orcampingwithyour owntentorcampervan. Bridge Boatyard

www.bridgeboatyard.com t: 01353663726 e: info@bridgeboatyard.com

As wellas explaining howour canalsare maintainedfor people and wildlife,the programmeexamined the waythis work is funded. Peopleare often surprisedto learnthat thisvital nationalinfrastructure, includingthousandsof historic structures,is caredfor by acharity.

In theprogramme, the Canal& River Trust’s chiefexecutive Ri chardPar ry explainedhow the impactof ourchanging climateisincreasing thecostofmaintaining

Haleysaid: “Two of Drifters’ canalboathire bases featured in the programme.Images ofAnglo Welsh’s base at Trevor,nexttothe Pontcysyllte Aqueduct were inthefilm.AndI wasinterviewed at our Alvechurchbasetotalk abouttheimpactofthe increaseinboatlicence fees,whichhelppay for therunningofthe canalnetwork.

“This yearABC Boat Hire will be paying around half amillion poundsinlicencefees for ourfleetof200hire boats. We understand

PontcysyllteAqueduct,asfeatured recentlyinCountryfile.

that the250-yearold network is expensive to maintainandit’s fair that people whouseit contribute to these costs.

“Programmeslike thesenotonlyhelp peopletounderstand thevalueof ourcanals for peopleand wildlife,

theyalsoencourage peopletofind out more. We sawaspikein people Googling ‘canal boatholidays’afterthe programmeaired.And that’s greatbecause themorepeoplewho holiday on the canals, themorehireboat licences will be paid!”

TheWilderfamily,whoowntheplace,haveanattitudetothecampsite thatbefitstheirsurname.Grazedbycowsinsomepartsandcutjustonce ortwiceayearforhay,themeadowsareotherwiseleftlongandwildin summer.Afewfootpathshavebeenconscientiouslymowninbetween pitchestohelpguideyouaroundthefieldsandovertoanotherlakeattached tothecanalthat’sawildlifehotspotandagoodplacetowatchforherons.

OakwoodMarina

01606331961

glamping@oakwoodmarina.co.uk

www.oakwoodmarina.co.uk

Portuguese-stylesardines

Story&PhotosbyKevinThomas

ONEof my favourite barbecuesnacks duringour warmermonthsisfreshsardinesgrilledPortuguese street-food styleonthebarbecue.Sardinesare budget-friendly,easytoprepareandquicktocook. Most important ofallthough;sardinesgrilled on thebarbecuearetasty,andan absolutetreat with anicechilledglass ofwhitewine.PinotGrigiois normallymychoiceof winewhenever Iindulgein afryingpan full of grilledsardines.Mostleading supermarkets carryfresh stockdaily. However, Imust emphasiseifyoupurchase sardines,itis extremelyimportanttheyare fresh,and haven’t remainedonice beyond their sell-bydate.

Despitebeing anoilyfish, freshsardines have aricharomaofthe sea, whereasthose that are becoming alittleiffy, will have aslightlypungent odour.Theskintoo,shouldbebright andsilvery, andthefleshfirm, withoutanysignofmushiness. The eyes arealsoagood indicatoroffreshnessand should be bulging, clearandshiny.Ifthe eyesare cloudedorsunken into theheaditmeansthefish has gone stale.Also, if younoticebruisingorindented spotsontheskin,and abellythathasalready started to breakopenonits own,leave wellalone.

Because Brendadoesn’t normallyeatsardines, we usuallyonlybuy aboutsix,which have already beenguttedand scaled. Youcanalsoaskthe fishmongertobutterfly them,although,inthe larger busy supermarkets,theymay not agreeto dothis because it is arelatively finicky,andtimeconsuming job.Weleave theheadsonthesardines, andmoreorless stay withthe Portuguesestyleof cooking them,ourpreparationisfairlysimple. The onlydifferencein ourmethodofcooking, as against

Portuguesestreetstyle,iswedon’tcookthemon theopengrill.Brendauses afryingpanplacedon thebarbecuegrilldirectlyabove thered-hotcoals.

First,Brenplacesthe sardineson aplate,and shethen sprinkles aliberalamountofcoarse salt overthem.Inbetweenturningthe sardines afew timestoensurebothsides have hadadequate exposuretothe coarsesalt,she gets on withthe preparationforthe rest ofthistrulysimple recipe. Allthat’s involvedisfinely slicingared onionand some peppers,whichshealsosprinkles withcoarse salt.I likechilli alot,and because of my penchant forthehottinyBirdseyevariety, wesometimes add afew finelysliced Birdseye chillies to theonion and peppersmix.Normallythough,I merelyslice achilliveryfinelyand garnishthecooked sardines beforeIeat.

Afteraddinga quicksquirtofoliveoil to the fryingpan,Brenplacesitonthegrill,ensuringthe

Theingredients:freshsardineswithsliced

coalsare givingoffplenty of heat.Oncetheoliveoil ishot,the sardinesandthemixofonionand pepper areadded;however,one must remembertheonion andpeppersarecooked aldente.Thesardinesdo nottakelongtocook,and aboutthree minuteson eachsideshould suffice. Once cooked,the flesh will easily liftoff theskeletalstructurewithout sticking toit.Because Ienjoy thesardinesas astarter before my mainmeal, Iusually justeatthemdirectlyfrom thefryingpan. They’re fun,they’retasty,theymake an idealtowpathsnack, andmostimportantly you don’t have to fly to Portugal to enjoythem.

Thewatersidepubwith apig’s tale

ATRADITIONAL pub

overlookingWest Stockwith Lock where theChesterfield Canal meetsthe RiverTrent is gearingupfor abusy summer season.

Aptlynamed The WaterfrontInn,the 300-year-oldhostelry hasservedgenerations of boaters overthe yearsandwhenthey sawit, new ownersPaul and Nina Rose knew theyhadto become partofitshistory.

They said: “We couldn’tbemore thrilledtoshare this beautiful publichouse withnotonly our locals,but withthe mariners,walkers, hikers,bikers,campers, fishermen,cyclistsand daytrippersfrom far and wide!”

Pauland Nina spent 16 yearsinFrance duringwhichtime theyowned theChez Toirestaurantinthe

Limousin regionand later reopenedthe legendaryCochon Fidele Belgium Beer pubforthree years beforereturning to England for family reasons.

Situated alongside West Stockwith Basin, whichhas around 30visitormoorings, TheWaterfrontInn on CanalLaneoffers lotsofopportunities to socialise. Live entertainmentand discosareheld several times amonthand the popularThursday nightBikeNight supportingthe Lincs& NottsAirAmbulanceat its Ryan’sPitstop.

Look Northmay have recentlyseenthetale ofthe ‘pignapping’ of the pub’smascot–a woodenstatueofa pig.

Afteritsthefta ‘ransom note’ style poster was received anda postcardfromLas

Next mainevent is asummerfairon Sunday, May5 from 12-9pm withlive entertainment, adults’ bouncycastle,face painting,fire dancing andcraft stallsamong theattractions. Entryisfree. ViewersofBBC

Vegas! Afurtherone hasbeen received from Praguebut at thetime of goingtopressthe cochon’swhereabouts were stillunknown.

Youcanalsopick up yourcopyof TowpathTalk at The WaterfrontInn,which hasanattractive beer

gardenandoffers acomprehensive menu. Food is served between12pmand 2pmandfrom5-8pm from Wednesdays toFridays,allday Saturday including home-madepizzaand Sundaydinnersfrom 12pmuntilaround

4pm.Thepubisclosed on Mondaysandthe barisopenfrom4pm on Tuesdays.

Tel:01427891223

Facebook:the waterfrontWS

Instagram:thewaterfront-inn/

Itonlytakes afewminutesbeforethetasty sardinesarereadytobeserved.

Thecomfortableloungeatthe WaterfrontInnat WestStockwith.

redonionandpeppers.

Sliced redonionsandpeppersdoneal denteandusedtogarnishthesardines.

sardinesandonionmixisplacedoverthe hotcoals.

Wasing‘whale’ makes asplash atFroudsBridge

FROUDSBridgeMarinanear

Aldermastonhasannounced thelaunch ofitsnewfloatingdry dock.

It hasaffectionately been dubbed the ‘Wasingwhale’byFroudsBridgeberth holdersinhomagetothe marina’s owner Wasing Estate.

Thisfreshlyinstalledout-of-water facility hasbeenintroducedtoprovide thelocalandvisitingboating community with maintenance and repair services including blacking, anode replacements and rudderandskeg works.

MarinamanagerMattStroud commented: “We’re delightedthat the newdrydockisnow afloatand have received enormouslypositivefeedback from ourcustomers.

“Duetoitssize, craningthedrydock

intothe waterwas anerve-racking momentbutit all went swimminglyand we’resopleased to seesomanyboats cominginthatare in need of worksand leavinglookingand runningbeautifully.”

The customised floatingdry dock has been weldedandinstalled by ahighly skilledlocal Berkshire-based team, using32tonnesof steel,12milesof weldandmorethan100litres of paintfor itsassembly.

In additiontothedry dock,a new painttenthas been installed, offering berthholders aconvenientand quality service.

To findout more aboutthe services providedortobookyourboatin, please email marina@wasing.co.ukorcall0118 9714508.

Half-centurycelebrations forShropshiremarina

THIS year marksthe 50th anniversary ofWhixall Marina.Based in North Shropshire, themarinasitsonthePrees Branch,amilefromthe mainlineinthe central sectionofthe Llangollen Canal. With 150 berths,itisapopular sitefor both residentialandleisuremoorers.

The first marina manager, Chris Chambers, remembersthe site 50 years ago, atimewhenitlooked quite different. He said:“Ilived onsitefor twoyearsas the marlpit wasdredged andmouldedintothe marina that we see today.

sunlight.

Sustainable boating–startingfromthetop

IWASustainableBoating GroupmemberJonathan Mossecontinueshis newseriesonoff-grid boating.

IMUSTconfesstohavingnofirsthandexperienceofphotovoltaic panelswhen Iset outonthisoff-grid odyssey almosta year ago. Butwhat Idid know wasthat therewas an awfullotofanecdotalinformationon solar PV floatingaboutontheinland waterwayssystem!

Startingwiththebasics,and some generaldetailsthat arenotindispute, solar panels harvesttwo formsofthe sun’senergy:directand diffused. Notonlydo Ifinditmiraculous that whenthe sunshinesitcooksmy dinner,I’mevenmoreamazedthat whenitdoesn’tshine Ican stillenjoy ahot meal!

Received wisdom statesthat for mostefficient operation, PV panels should be angledat15degrees greaterthanthe latitude oftheir locationfor maximummid-winter solargainand 15 degreeslessthan latitudeinmid-summerforsimilar, maximumefficiency. So,for my Edinburghmooring locatedatalmost 56degreesoflatitude, my panels shouldtheoreticallybeangledat71 degreeswhile aboatmoored,say, onthe Exeter Canal–sittingatatad under51degreesoflatitude–would settleforpanelsangledat66degrees tothehorizon.

Similarly,theidealmid-summer anglesfor my boat,and the hypothetical craft at Exeter,would be 41and36degrees respectively. Butitmustberemembered that theseanglesare forthemostefficient harvestingofdirectsunlight; diffused sunlightcan generally best be gleaned by panelsfixed horizontally. Thisthen begsthequestionof

“Itwasgreat fun becausewe felt we were literallybreaking newground, creating ontheone hand alovelyhidden canalcommunity,and at the sametime meetingthepredicted growthinthe canalindustry in theearly70s.”

Currentowners, Lindaand David Grocott, acquired Whixall Marina from BritishWaterwaysin March2017and following reinvestmentithasundergone wholesalechanges.

Alongsidethedrydockandthriving cafe,plansare nowunder wayfor fivecampervan spotstoopenthis year,adding to thealready varied accommodationoptionsthat include luxury lodges,barnsandshepherd’s huts.

Within easy reachofthefamous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, themarinaisa

whetherit’s worth goingtothetrouble andexpenseof mountingsolar panels in sucha waythatallows foranglingthem to thehorizon,as it requires both greatercapital expenditureand aregularhuman input. Forthisto make sensethe boat needs tospend agood proportion ofthe yearona mooringwitha reliable southerly aspect. Panelsfixed at arakishangle withthevesselonthemove is hardly sensibleandthereisnoguarantee that thecoursesteered is going to be predominantlyeast/west(orvice versa) especially on acontour canal suchastheSouthOxford!!

TwopairsofPVpanels connectviaisolating switchesandMPPTsolar controllers.

I’ve just trialledmyown panels lyingflat over a90-day period runninguptothe winter solstice andcompared their output overthe following 90-dayperiod(soidentical daylighthours) withthemangled. The improvementwas just a6.4% gainfromtheangledpanels over the panelsfixed flat.

Ialsovariedtheanglesas Ican recorddatafromeachpairofpanels separately. Whilethetwofixedat theoptimalangle gave a7%overall improvementoverthepair set15 degreeslower,for55days (outofthe 90-daytotal)thelessthanoptimally angledpanelsactuallyproduceda greateroutput,suggesting that there wasmorediffused,rather than direct, sunlighttobehad.

I’veyettogatherdataforthefull year,andfor subsequentyears,in orderto start makingstatistically significant observations buteven allowing forlastNovemberbeing

populardestinationforholidaymakers asthe siteoffers boat hire,holiday homes and abustlingwatersidecafe.

It is ashort walkfrom Fenn’sWhixall and Bettisfield Mosses,a National Nature Reserve.

Aday forthe localcommunity to celebrate50years of WhixallMarinawill be held inthesummer.

Themarinatakingshapeinthe early1970s.

very shortofsunlight hoursinthis part of Scotland, Ibelieve Icanalreadyfairly confidentlysay that anglingpanelsto theirtheoretical optimumislooking likeachieving no morethana10% improvementover thosefixedflat ona boat’s cabintop.

Fromthisit’s possibletoconfirm that further received wisdom,suggesting that theactualangle itself (giventhat you’vesplashedout on amechanism that allows variablefixing) will limitimprovementinsolar gain toa further 10%. Typically, panels fixed to apitchedhouse roofsitatbetween 30-40degreesinthe UK.

Ultimately,it’s acaseofstriking ahappy medium betweenthe harvestingofdirectanddiffused sunlight, forthe best of both worlds. Asfortheconstructionofthepanels themselves,monocrystallinepanels outstriptheir polycrystallinecousins, oftenapproaching22% efficiencyand thebi-facial variants Ihavecanupthis limitedoutputbyarealistic20%.This isachievedvia sunlightthat passes throughthepanels beingreflected back andeffectivelyharvested on its return. Forthistohappen,a solar reflectivepaintisappliedtothe roof beneaththepanels.

Asalways, shadingshould be kept to aminimum,bothfromthe boat’s surroundingsand fittingsonthe roof. Attention tothevessel’sorientation goes without saying! I’ma gasless boat and my fundamentaldiscovery isthat Icanlivecomfortablyonan averageconsumptionof1kW perday. Future articles willexploreindetail thenutsand boltsof thisassertion.

BridgeManina. PHOTOS:@WASING1759

Panelsangledat70and55degrees. PHOTOS:JONATHANMOSSE.

Panelsfixedflateffectivelyharvestdiffused

Anaerialviewofthenewdock.

Insidethedrydock.

Techtalk:steeringand propulsion

Asourlongerandlighterdaysleadtomoreboats cruisingtheinlandwaterways,RiverCanalRescue’s managingdirectorStephanieHortonsaysit’simportant to‘beintheknow’:“Alittleknowledgecouldprove invaluableingettingyourboatoutof astickysituation orhelpingsomeoneelse.”ThismonthStephanietalks aboutsteeringandpropulsion.

LET’Sstartwiththesteeringmechanism which,ona narrowboat, is very simple; atillerconnectedtoa curved‘s’ shaped steelbar,known as a‘swanneck’, that fitsintoa flatrudderprotrudingoutthe backofthe boat. In orderto stop the tiller wobbling, there’sa top bearingat thebaseofthe ‘swan’neck whereitjoins theprotrudingrudder.

Whatcangowrong?

Rudder: Oneofthemorecommon andfrustratingissuesencounteredby boaterstoday is catchingthe rudder whichin turn,often resultsinthe vessel becomingdifficulttosteer.Wecallthis ‘poppingout ofthecup’ asit refers to the rudderliftingoutofitslocatingjoint. While suchliftingoutis rarely damaging, it canbedifficult to re-insert therudderoncedislocated. If damage does occuritusuallyaffectseitherthe skeg (the supportbeamextending fromthe bottomofthe boat),orthe top bearing(responsibleforensuringyour steering hasa smoothoperation).

Unfortunately,there’snothingyou candotoavoiddamagingthe skeg,apart from beingdiligent andensuringyou positionyourvesselcorrectlyinthelock.

However, youcan avoiddamagetothe topbearing by removingthe retaining orgrub screws.

The function of thesescrewsisto stoptheshaftfrom slipping insidethe bearinghowever,ona narrowboat this requirementisnotnecessary. If you leavethesescrewsinand

catchthe rudder,theshaft willnot be allowed to travel freely whichmay resultinthe bearingbeingsmashed or thewholerudderassembly becoming warped.Ifthisoccurs, the steering will bepermanently damaged. By removing thesescrews,you stopthepressure transferring to othercomponents, avoidingapotentiallylarge bill.

The shaftcan wear outifit’sasplit shaftdesignwithtwosections (a hollow squareprofiletubefixedtothe bottom halfand asolid squareprofileshaftfixed to the tophalf).If you experiencelots ofplay inthe steering(i.e.havingto move thetiller abit beforeitmovesthe rudder),theshaft maybewornandneed replacing/repairing.

Tiller: This maywobbleorvibratewhen cruising, indicatingthetop bearingis wornandneedsreplacing.

Swanneck: This maybecomeloose fromthe rudderassembly,meaning that whenitmoves, the rudderdoesn’t. To putright, locatethecentral bolt at thebaseofthe swanneck. Thisbolt pinchesthe swan neck into atapered shaft,centralisethe swanneck to where the rudderis pointingandthentighten down the bolt (donot overtightenasif the boltshearsthecosts to repaircan be extensive).

In general,ifthere’sanissue with steering, it’s either areplacementjobor the boat needstocome outofthe water forfurtherinvestigation.

Propulsion

Movingonfromthe steering components,thepropulsion componentsare: the propeller, prop shaft,sterngland,thrust-bearing coupling, gearbox andenginemounts.

Propeller: If you hear oddnoises, experience vibrationor lackdirection, thechancesarethepropelleris bent, chipped or damaged.Ifyou hit somethingandhear ahumming/ whistling/grindingnoisethissuggests thepropismisshapenin some way.The vibration cancause thesternglandto leakor be damaged if leftundiagnosed.

Propshaft: Ifdamaged (bent),the propeller willoscillate,puttingpressure onthe stern gland andpotentially causingexcessivewearordamage beyond repair. The shaftcan bendif you hit something.

The propellerand prop shaftshould notprotrude outthe backofthe boat morethanthe widthoftheshaft.Ifit sticks out5mmandtheshaftis2mmthis leaves3mm susceptibletodamage. If it’s morethanthe widthof theshaftit willneed adjusting. It’s bestto askan engineertodothis asitusuallyrequires acouplingadjustment.

Sterngland: Also known asthe stern gear.There’sageneralmisconception that sternglands stop watercomingin, so naturally people want themastight as possible.Butthereneedstobeasmall amountofwater in ordertocooltheprop shaft.Ifthey’reovertighteneditcauses frictiononthe turningshaft which createsoverheating.Ifleftundiagnosed this will causethe ‘packing’ to wear away sectionsoftheshaft.Ifwearoccurs,the sterngland willleakmoreandincrease the chanceof prop shaftdamage(this only applies to traditional sternglands, not sternseals).

To test if yourstern glandis overheating, after an hour’s cruising, checkifit’shot.Ifitis, thegland’s too tight.

Couplings: Componentsthat connect/ boltthepropellershaft to theengine.

Ifthey’reloose,any movementwill eithersheerthem off,resultinginloss ofpropulsion,or make thecouplingbolt holesoblong, causinga delayeddrive. Eventually,thecouplingwillneed to be replaced, and youmay even have to change your propshaftor gearbox ifthe couplinghasdamaged them.A simple check before each journeywill stopthis from happening.

Gearbox/driveplates: If you hitan underwaterobject, thedriveplate is usuallythefirstvictim.However,ifyou damagethedriveplate,it’sunlikely you’vedamaged thegearbox. General wearandtearimpacts gearboxes, and becausecanal boatsdon’t have aclutch arrangement, it’s importanttogoeasy andregularly servicethem.

Enginemounts: These impactallthe above-mentionedcomponentsandif not maintained, cancause extensive damage. Checkbylookingfromabove whetherthe topnutsaretouching the enginelegs. The topnutsare settothe correctalignmentandshouldnot be touched/tampered with.Ifthereisa

Afouledpropandrudder.

disconnectbetween thetopnutandthe engineleg thenthisneedsmaintenance. Usethe nutbelow theengineleg to make adjustments.Tightenthe BOTTOM nut untilitcompressestheenginelegonto thetop nut. Thishas nowrealigned the engineand willpreventfurtherdamage. Check regularlyandifindoubtaskan engineertohelp you.

Commonproblems

Peopleoftencatchtheirmooringropes aroundthepropeller,soiftheydropinto the water, takethe boat outofgearto preventthemfrombeingswallowed.

Avoidshallowwater and be mindful ofwhat canbelurkingbeneath you–we’reoften calledtoremove industrial fencing,barbedand razorwire, mattressesandtyresfrompropellers.

Be awareofthedangersof rudders –ifyou clipthe rudderwhile turning, it will swingthe rudderaroundwhichin turnimpactsthe swanneck,causingit tochangedirection.If you’restanding tothesideofthetiller,ratherthanin frontwhereyou should be,you could be knockedoffyourfeetbythe sudden movement. Worsestill, you couldendup crushedbetweenthetillerandobstacle, andifthe vesselisin gear,the boat could driveoveryou.

Alwaysstandforward ofthetiller when making tightmanoeuvres.

Ifyouhitanunderwaterobject, thedriveplateisusuallythefirst victim.

The engine and engine mounts: the mounts impact all other components PHOTOS: R VER CANAL RECUE

Propshaftandgearbox:iftheshaftisbadlybentitwilloscillate.

Thenarrowboat thatlivesuptoitsname

PhilPickinrecentlyvisitedthelatestboattobelaunched byOrtomarine.Hefound avesselthatisadeparturefrom thenormforthe Worcester-basedboatbuilderbutalsoan ownerwith auniquestory.

WEALLhave‘unique’storiestotell, butthepathsthat some have navigated to gettothis pointintheirlives canbe truly remarkable; such isthe case ofthe ownerof Unexpected,the56ftcruiser sternboatbuilt by Ortomarine.Hawley Montgomery-Downsfellinlove withthe waterwayswhile visiting the UKfromher home in theUSmanyyearsago.Initially, she hadnoknowledgeofthehistory of thecanal systemorthe boatsthat useit, butaftertakingupthe suggestiontohire anarrowboat, thedie wascast.

At thetime,Hawleywas livingand workinginWestVirginia,where she wasaprofessor in thepsychology departmentofWestVirginiaUniversity. However, sheisthefirst toadmitthat althoughshelovedher work,the stress linkedtoitwastakingitstoll. Butduring that time,shetookeveryopportunity to visittheUK to hireboats andexplore more andmoreofthe waterway system. Aftersufferingwhat shereadilyadmits was“burnout”, Hawleytookthe brave decisiontoleave theuniversityand become adigitalnomad.

Overtheinterveningyears,Hawley visited Crick, met boatowners,and undertookextensive research into the waterwaystofind outwhat was involvedinmakingthem herparttimehome. Shethen took theplunge, paidherdepositandtookherplaceon Ortomarine’s growingbuild schedule. Sheopted for a56ft boat toenableher to navigatejustabout everypartof the systemand wanted whathasbeen described as a‘cottage’feelforthe boat. Thisis somethingofadeparture forOrtomarine,whooftenproduce boatswithchromeand stainless steel fittingsincludingsuchthingsaswindow frames,mushroomventsandbathroom and galleyfittings.On Unexpected,you findbrushed brassand gold-coloured fixturesusedand would be hard-pressed to findanythingslightlysilver.

Hawleyalsospecifieda numberof otherunusualdesign features, including stepsintothe boat thathave aturn in them. The ideaisthat whenthe main doorsareopen,noone outside canlook directlyintothe boat’s interiorfrom the stern.

The steps, as withthe majority of boats, alsoprovide storagebeneaththem,and the stairwellisalsothelocationforthe maincontrolpanelthat providesaccess totheboat'scontrol system.

The interior is warm andcosydespite, at thetimeof my visit,Hawleystill workingonthecurtains,which will be heldinplacebyhandmadewroughtiron rails.Shealsoadmitsto waitingforher daughterBryntopaya visit to help with interiordecoration, muchof whichshe envisagescoming fromantiqueshops theywillvisitduringtheirtravels. Brynis agraphicdesignerand cameup withthe designfortheboat’sname, whichisused bothexternallyandon asemi-opaque

lockerdoorinthe galley.Anunexpected nice touch done by Caroline Badger,Rob Howdleandthe team at Ortomarine, onethat cameas asurprisetoHawley andbroughtalumptoherthroat.

The galleyisfullyequipped despite beingcompact,andthe U-shaped layout providesplenty of worktopspace.A Belfastsink,overwhichisanimpressive brassmixertap, is setintoa very chunky solidoak worktop. The same hasbeen used to provideanadditionaldropdown worktopshouldtheadditional area be required,and awall-mounted shelvingunit with amatchingshelftop wasanother suggestion madeduring thebuildthat Hawley isdelightedwith. The need to avoidchromecolourseven extendedtotheinbuiltmicrowavewith thecontrol panelbeing laid outusing darkgoldcolours.

Thisunexpectedadditionaltouch providedbythelockerdoorwas just oneof anumbersuggested and carried outbythe builderswho,forthevast majority ofthe build, carried outthe work remotelydueto Hawleybeing based inthe US for at least halfthe year. Clientand builderkeptin touchvia photos,videosandemail, butitwasn’t untilthe boat’s launchthat Hawley saw thefinished article,andshecontinues to be delighted.When Imetup withher, she washalfwaythroughhershakedown cruiseandto sayshe waspleased with her boat would be somethingofan understatement.

Beingjust56ftand with Unexpected beingacruiser stern,the builders have hadtobecarefulto makemaximumuse ofthe spaceon offer.Eventhe Ekol Baked ApplePie Stackwood-burningstove is talland narrow,givingtheimpression oftherebeingplentyofroomaroundit.

The saloon area hasbeenequipped with twofree-standingseatsthathave been selectedtoensurethat they just fit into thespaceon offerwhenconverted into bedsfor Hawley’stwo childrenwhen they visit.

The bathroom is compactand includes ashowercubicle with(yes,you guessed it) adarkbronze-coloured shower head andassociatedplumbing, amatching heatedtowel rail,and awash basin over whichisa tapreminiscentoftheoneused inthe galley. Acassettetoiletcompletes theroom, whichisclosed off fromprying eyes by averychunkywoodendoor runningonimpressive-lookingblack metal runninggear. Movingforward thereisa wardrobe whichis setback fromthelineofthebathroomand bedroom.This spaceprovides asmall changing areathat isshieldedfromthe bedroom andthe mainpartofthe boat’s interior.Hawley’sidea wastoprovidea space inwhichtodress withouttheneed to closeallthecurtainsorblinds. Finally,thereisthe bedroom,which hasbeendesignedtoprovideallofthe storagespaceon offer beneathor above the bed,notinfrontoftheforward doors. Hawleywasinsistentthat shedidn’t want awardrobereducing herviewof thecanal throughtheglazeddoors at thefootof the bed.Morning coffees can nowbeenjoyedwithan attractiveview ofthe canalyettobecruised. Unexpected is,likeallofOrtomarine’s boats, 100%electric,soitispowered by an Engiroelectricmotor poweredby aFischer Pandagenerator runningon

HVO. Thisis supplementedbyanumber of solarpanels; however, at thetimeof my visit,fourmorepanels were stillto be fitted. Hawley willcontinuetouseHVO to runthe generatorfor anumberof reasons,not just fortheenvironmental benefits.UsingHVO willalsohelpher combatdiesel bugduringthe sixmonths the boat will be unused.She hasalso foundthat thebuild-upoffumesfrom dieselengineswhenpassingthrougha lock gave her symptomsakintoCovid, somethingsheis(unsurprisingly) keento avoid, so sheisdelightedwith Unexpected’s electricpropulsion. It isn’toften that you comeacrossa boat so aptly named, butinthiscase, you would be hard-pressed to thinkof abetterone.

Boatspec

Length: 56ft

Hull: Semi-cruiserstern(Tim Tyler) Propulsion: SerialhybriddieselelectricusinganEngiro48vDC electricmotor

Bowthruster: Ortomarine brushlessbowthruster,48v,4.0kW Generatorsystem: Fischer Panda 8000xPVMV-N230vgenerator

Batterybank: 8xRitarLiFePO lithiumbattery48v100Ah,providing abankcapacityof800Ah @48v Flooring: PolyflorCamaroRigid CoreLuxuryVinylplank

Gunwaletrim: Ceilingtrimand floor skirtinginsolidAmerican WhiteOak

Galley: Howden’sChelfordFir Greenrange,shallowdepthstorage belowgunwaleonthestarboard side,with acurvedtoptomatch worktop.Hisenseintegrated under-counterfridge(withicebox), Zanussicompactwashingmachine housedunderthebreakfastbar, IkeaLagantwozone230vAC inductionhob

Control/monitoringsystem: Ortomateboatmonitoringsystem andOrtoPilot remotecontrol systemforsingle-handedboat handlingthroughlocks

Boatbuilder: Ortomarine –www. ortomarine.co.uk

TheHowdensunitsandBelfast sinkaddtothecottagefeel. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Unexpected underway. PHOTO:ORTOMARINE

Hawley’suninterruptedviewfrom thebedwasanimportantdesign element. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Thesaloon,galleyandbreakfast bar. PHOTO: ORTOMARINE

Theingeniousworktopextensionprovidesanadditional,albeit temporary,worksurface. PHOTO: ORTOMARINE

TheEngiroelectricmotorinsitu. PHOTO:ORTOMARINE

TheunusualEkolBakedApple PieStackEcodesignwoodburningstoveforheatingand cooking. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Anicetouch. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Hawleyatthehelmduringherfirsttripouton Unexpected PHOTO:ORTOMARINE

JonathanWilsonBoatbuildersLtd

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All hull variationsandextrasavailableon request.

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Savvy Sailor –includesallabove

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Total =£42,737plus VAT

BasicPlus –includesallabove

•Fully battened

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•Portholeandwindowsolidoak reveals Total =£60,307Plus VAT

CaptainSuite–includesallabove

•Fullelectric to include Victroninverter orequivalent,water pumps,downlights, undergunnellights,USB ports, double socket frontsandlightswitches

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Total =£75,957Plus VAT

OPTIONALEXTRAS

•2ksprayappliedpaint work,1colour£6,000plus

VAT2 colour£8,000plus VAT3 colour£10,000plus VAT

Total =£47,307plus VAT

•Semitraditionalstern£2,000plus VAT

•Squareback£2,598plus VAT

•Bow thruster£2,750plus VAT

•Cruiserstern£1,298plus VAT

Establishedin1974,Colecrafthavegainedtheexperience andexpertisetoensurethattheboatwebuildforyouwill lastforyearstocome.

Allourboatsarecustomdesignedandbuiltto individual requirements.

Boatsarebuilttoordertoanystageofcompletion –froma barehullorsuperstructure to luxuriouslyfittedand finished. We buildnarrowbeamandwidebeamboatsforprivateand tradecustomersandarepossiblythelargestsupplierof steelshellstootherboatbuilders/fitters.

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

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Let’sgo

Let'schatabout your perfectboat, we canevenfind the perfectmooring.Call 01455249000 oremailus at boatsales@aquavista.com.

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2005 57ft –John White hull and Triton Boat Fitters fitout. Powered by a Vetus M417K with a TMC 60-2R Gearbox.

2001 50ft – Colecraft hull and fitout. Powered by an Beta 1505 Cylinder with a PRM150 Gearbox.

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2003 55ft –Severn Valley Boat Centre Hull and Fitout. Powered by a Yanmar Shire with a PRM150 Gearbox.Boat safety until April 2027.

1988 45ft – Delph Marine hull. Powered by an BMC 1.5 Boats Safety until Feb 2027.

2017 31ft – Powered by an Beta Marine with a TMC Gearbox Boats Safety until April 2025.

2006 49ft – Napton Narrowboats hull and fitout. Powered by a Shire 1952 with a PRM260 Gearbox. Boat safety until May 2026. MONTPELLIER

THEREARE MANYGOOD REASONSWHYYOUSHOULDSERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELLYOUR BOAT..... BOATSURGENTLYREQUIREDFORSALE THISSEASON

Herearejusttwo:  We have aprovenrecordforhighandquickturnoverofboatsales foundedonourfamousandprominentlocation  Anexcellentandefficientpurchasingprocedureforourbuyersbackedup by our comprehensiveboatyardfacilitiesandservices,and attentive,caringstaff.

CONTACTOURSALESTEAMFORFURTHERINFORMATION

/18 3m Semi Trad Style 2014, Hull Tyler Wilson, F/O by Milburn Boats, Reverse Layout & Hybrid Engine, 2/4 Berth,

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

Asthe VikingMotorCruisersPremier Agent we aredelighted toannounce thearrivaloftheNEWVIKING26WIDEBEAM GOLDENCROWNEDITION tocelebrate50years of Viking MotorCruisers. Withneweasyaccess liftout cockpitsides, new openplancabinlayout, 2tone cockpitupholsteryand warmairheatingas standard,alongwiththeusualfittings including cookerwithhob,grill &oven,fridge,hotand coldwater system,shower, cassettetoilet,12 &240 volts electrics, 6berths,and a30Hp 4strokeoutboardengine. Priced at£64,995. Bookyourviewingnowon07721382619.

painted),hullandsuperstructurefullypolished, newantifouling,includesnewmooring ropes, clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERYwithin250 milesorlocalmooring available

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Ref1517

Ref1507 RADAR

Lovely58ftcruiserstyle, BridgewaterBoatbuildersin2007 withlovelyalterationsbyNantwich CanalCentre.Beta43,bowthruster, solarpanels,washingmachine, Victron3.0kwinverter,aftcanopy. Oakandashwoodwork.Verygood condition.Ownmooring.

MELLOR16£125,000

NEWBUILD57ftcruiserstyle narrowboatcompletedSept’23and nowavailableforimmediatedelivery withallcertification/warrantiesetc. Aftlivingarea,forwardbedroom. Lovelycontemporaryinterior.

NEWBOATFORTHENEWYEAR–SALEPRICE£110,000

Ref1502

CLEOPATRA

40ftcruiserstyle,builtin1993by T.T.MarineastheirIWARallyexhibit. Onlytwoownersfromnew,in thesameboatclubandtherefore regularlyblacked.Lovelyinterior woodwork.Perkinsenginewith Aquadrivecoupling.Goodquality, goodcondition.

Ref1515

NARROWESCAPE£92,500 57ftcruiserstylenarrowboat, completedearly2022,lightan airymoderninterior –aftgalley, centrallivingarea,walk-through bathroom(cassettewc)forwardmain bedroom.Canaline38,solarpanels, recentlyepoxycoveredhull. Vgood condition.

Ref1518

BRISTOL

50ftDutchstylenarrowbeam.Fully refitted(frombareshell)in2017. Lovelybrightinteriorwithshower forward,bedroom,aftlivingareaof lounge,diningareaandgalley.Solar, inverter,solidfuelstove,gorgeous woodfloor –allnew 6years’ago. Goodsurveyfrom2021available.

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VAT Cruiserstyle,57ftwithwindowlayout foraftlivingareaandforwardbedroom. Linedinteriorwithwiringcomplete, stainlesssteelwatertank,exterior paintworkinbluewithcreamcoachline, Canaline42hp.Interiorfit-outcanbe takenfurtherbyarrangement.

Ref1512

SEPTEMBERSONG£42,950 42fttradstylenarrowboat.Backto-metalexteriorrepaintand back-to-metalinteriorrefitrecently completed.Allnewinteriorlining, insulationandfittings/appliances. Verygoodconditionthroughout. Forwardlivingarea,aftshowerroom. HUGEDROPINPRICETO£30,000

Ref1510

WILDSWAN £66,950 57ftsemi-tradwithtraditionaloakand mahoganyinteriorinlovelycondition. Exceptionalwoodwork,verygoodexterior paintwork,hullrecentlyepoxycoated, newBSC,surveyavailable(March’24).Aft galley,Pullmandinette, centrallounge, showerroom offpassage,forward bedroom.Beta38engine(400hoursonly).

Ref1516

PEARLGRACE£27,950 Aunique32ftnarrowboatwithwheel steeringforward(Inthecabin)and tillersteeringonaftdeck,plentyof windowsanddesignedas aweekender withsleepingpotentialaftanda make-upbedforward.Wc/showerand cookingfacilities.Hardlyused.

HUGEDROPINPRICETO£20,000

SMOKEYJOE£39,950

50ftsemi-tradnarrowboat. JohnWhiteFabricationswith conventionalaftbedroom/ forwardlivingarea,with dinette/double.Solidfuelstove plusdieselcentheat.Solar panels,bowthrusteretc.

Ref1509

MANDOLINWIND£69,950

Builtto ahighstandardbyCheriltonBoatsin 2012withStunningsteelworkbyXR&D;Recent fullexteriorrepaint.60ftSemi-trad,narrowboat, AftGalley(graniteworktops),pullmandinette, lounge,showerroom(withpump-out),Forward bedroom.Lovelywoodwork,highspec–washingmachine,bowthruster,Mastervolt, batterymanagement.Lovelycondition.

Ref1503

£69,500INC

£66,950

£34,950

Ref1508

FASHION£56,950

Ref1506

COMPETITION

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Learning to love theLiffey

DESPITErising just 24kmfrom Dublin, at thenorthernendofthe Wicklow Mountains,the RiverLiffey followsa circuitousrouteof147kmto reachthe city. Makingthe Liffeynavigable was partofanearly schemetolink Dublin totheRiver Shannon by making useof variousriversand canals;however,the only navigation worksattemptedwere betweenLucanand Leixlip.

Furtherlocks would have beenneeded at Celbridge,SalmonLeap, Leixlip, Lucan, Palmerstown,Chapelizod and Islandbridge to bypassshallows and rapids.

Anyevidenceofthesenavigation worksare nowhardtofind,though accesstoaformerlock siteinthe Lucan Demesne Public Park is possible, and itisnotclear just howfartheoriginal workshadprogressed beforethe scheme failedduetothe ‘South SeaBubble’ financialcrisisinthemid-1720s.By thetimefinance wasavailable again technologyhadmovedon,efforts were concentrated on theGrand Canalroute tothe Shannonand withitallthoughts of making theLiffey navigablefaded.

The RiverLiffey in Dubliniscurrently underusedbypleasurecraftexceptfor the occasional boat crossingbetween Spencer Dock ontheRoyalandthe Grand CanalatGrand CanalDock (GCD) –adistanceof maybe1km.

Santiago Calatrava, Samuel Beckett

Boatsarrivingfromthe seawill alreadyhavepassed thePortofDublin, PoolbegYachtCluband theEastLink BasculeLifting Bridge to reachthispoint butfurtherupstreamlies awealthof interest waitingtobeexplored.

Stylishdesign

Carryingonupriver,bypassingthe entranceofthe RoyalCanal,theintrepid boater will passunder probablythemost stylishbridge on the river. Designed by

CarrybridgeRNLIfeatures inpopulardocumentary

THE volunteerlifeboat crewoftheinland wa ter wa ys-bas ed CarrybridgeRNLIhave featuredinthe popular documentaryseries SavingLives at Sea.

Theepisode, which wasaired by BBC2on Tuesday, April2,saw CarrybridgeRNLIcome totherescueofthree Frenchfishermenafter their vessel suffered mechanicaldifficulties beforetheywere washed onto arocky shoreonanisland. Due to Force5winds mixed with squallyshowers thecrew were unable to approachthe casualties fromthesideofthe islandtheywereon. Comme nt ing prior to theairingof thedocumentary, Carrybridge RNLI volunteer Kyle Boyd, who features in the episode, said: “It’sgreat to be able to showcase the work we do on TV

likethisandallowthe public to see howtheir generous donations helpusto save lives. We’realllooking forward to watching.” Filmingoftheninth seriesofthis popular documentaryseries tookplace overthepast year,withlifeboat crews andlifeguards carrying special camerasand welcomingfilmmakers into theirday-to-day life. Rescuesfromthe RNLI’sarchivesare alsorevisited,and we geta glimpse intothe everyday livesofthe thousandsofmenand womenwhogiveup theirtimeto save lives. Theseries,madefor the BBCbyBlast! Films, including theepisode featuringCarrybridge RNLI,isnowavailable toviewoniPlayer.

TheRNLI–Royal National Lifeboat Institution – operates 46 lifeboat stations in

Ireland. Fourofthese arebased on theinland waterways:inNorthern Ireland at Carrybridge on Upper Lough Erne andatEnniskillen on LowerLough Erne;in theRepublicofIreland at Coosan Point, Athloneon LoughRee and at Dromineeron Lough Derg.

In 2024,theRNLI celebrates 200years of saving livesatsea–thankstovolunteers givingtheirtime to save others,all funded by voluntary publicdonations. Throughoutits200th anniversaryyear,the charityis running events andactivities tocommemorateits history,celebratethe lifesavingservice it provides todayand inspiregenerationsof futurelifesaversand supporters.For more information visit: www RNLI org/200

allowstraffic to circulate between eachbankofthe river.

Just to the east isan unusual divingbellforming partofthe Dublin DocklandsDistributedMuseum. Used to allowworkers to operateon the riverbed as partofthe building of bridge piersandquaywalls,the divingbellwas restoredandnow sitsabove asmallhistoricalgallery. Beyondonthenorthbankismoored thetallship Jeanie Johnson, areplica 19thcenturypassenger shipthat tells the storyofIrishemigration, whileon thequaysidegaunt figurines standas amemorial tofaminevictims outside theIrish Emigration Museum.

Sinceitsconstructionin1978,the Talbot MemorialBridgemarksthe furthestpointtowhichtallships maytravel,asallbridgesupriverare fixed.Onthenorthbankofthisnext stretch standstheiconic Custom House. The Palladian-style building wasdesigned by theEnglisharchitect James Gandon.

Construction beganin1781and took 10 yearstocomplete. It costmore than£200,000,anexorbitantamount ofmoneyatthattime!

Buildingbridges

In theheartofDublin is O’Connell Bridgeleadingtothe wide thoroughfareofO’Connell Streetand the General Post Officeimmortalised asheadquartersoftheIRAduringthe

1916EasterRising. The best knownof Dublin’sbridges,atleasttotourists,is Ha’pennyBridge, builtin1816fromiron cast at Coalbrookdalein Shropshire, England. Beforethe Ha’pennyBridge wasbuilttherewereseven ferries, operated by aWilliam Walsh,across theLiffey. The ferrieswereinsuchbad conditionthat Walsh wascompelled to eitherfix them or build apedestrian bridge.Walshchosethelatter option and wasgranted the righttoextracta ha’pennytollfor100 years.

Bridgesnowcomethick andfastand onthesouth bank standstheStJames GateBrewery,famousfor Guinnessand where bargesused to dock. Beyondis theimposing edificeof Dublin’sHeuston RailwayStationandinterchangewiththe LUAStram system.Few boatsventure beyondhereasthe rivernarrows and shallowsandunfortunately,thereare no moorings available –a furtherdeterrent tomoreintensive usebypleasurecraft –soonlyanupandbacktripispossible beforeretreatingtoGCD.

The Dublinbranchofthe Inland WaterwaysAssociationofIreland (IWAI) organisesanannual ‘cruisein company’aspartofits Dublin Rallyto exploreasfarupstreamas Islandbridge Weir raisingawarenessofthe potential of thetidal Liffey. Withtheadditionof furthermoorings,publicised knowledge ofthetides, bridge clearancesandshoal locationsthereisnoreason whymore boaterscouldnottakeadvantage of this historiccitycentrewaterwayandlearn tolove theLiffey.

Usefulinformation

Inland WaterwaysAssociationof Ireland(IWAI)

www.iwai.ie

DublinCityKayaking

www.citykayaking.com

TheIrishEmigrationMuseum (EPIC)

www.epicchq.com

LiffeyRiverCruises

www.liffeyrivercruises.com

Formoreinformationonplacesto visitgototheFáilteIrelandsite: www.visitdublin.com

Bridge openedin2009andis acablestayed swingbridge. The shapeofthe sparandits cablesevokes theimageof aharp (the national symbolofIreland). Straddlingthe LiffeyfromNorth Quay to SirJohn Rogerson’sQuay,thisgraceful bridge

TugsatthePortofDublin.

SirJohnRogerson’sQuayandDivingBellMuseum. PHOTO:CHRISHILL

Tallship JeanieJohnson.

O’ConnellBridge.

TheiconicCustomHousebuilding.

Aboat-dwelling Scottieand Westie

ByKevinThomas

HISTORY hasitthat thepairof terriers makinguptheiconiclogoonthe bottle of Black&WhiteScotch whiskyhad beenchosen asthebrand mascot by whiskybaron James Buchananafter he’d been to seea dogshow.This reputedly happened inthe late 1890s, andheissaidto have returnedhome with aphotographofthe champions.He actually namedhischosen mascotsafter their specificbreeds, Scottie(Scottish terrier)and Westie(West Highland Whiteterrier).

The mentalimageI have of abottleof Black&WhiteScotchwhisky takesme backtomy1950s boyhoodinAfrica. Black& White wasafavouredevening tipple of my late parents, althoughthe actual mascotbreedswerelesswellknown.I sawmyfirst ever Scottish terrierduringmylateteens,and my first Westieafter we emigratedtothe UKin 2015. Without furtherdigression, we have twoboat-dwelling terriersofthe samebreedshereinCaen Hill Marina. Partners Johnand Marcia arethe proudownersandtheylivewiththem aboardtheir 58ftnarrowboat, Mary Hesketh. Imade apoint of catchingup withthemtolearn alittlebitmoreabout Willis, theseven-year-old Scottie,and Lola,thefour-year-old West Highland White.Johnquipped howbecause they have ablack anda whiteterrier,itallows himtodrink whisky!

Whilechatting, theyalsosharedwith mehowthe specificterrierbreedsare

theonlydogbreeds,theyhaveever had,and Marcia hashad Scottiesinher familyasfarbackasshe canremember. Becausewe have previously ownedthree Scottish terriers, Ican relateto thebreed, andfound Willis to be typical, with his

calm,semi-aloofdemeanour.Healso hasagrandparentwho appeared at Crufts.Lolaontheother handisa feisty bundleofenergy,andtakesa keen interestinallthat is happening aroundthem.Shealso lovestorun at everychanceshe gets,whichleads to MarciasayingLola must have beena greyhoundin apreviouslife.

Onewouldthinkthat withtheir shortterrierlegs,gettingonand off the boat would be abit risky. However, John says bothdogsare good at ‘walkingthe plank’ashe putsit.Although they areconfined tothemarinaduringthe winter months,bothJohnand Marcia emphasised howtheirtwoterriers prefer beingoutonthe cut, asthey love thelengthand spacethetowpath affords.Willis spentthefirst twoyears ofhislifeinthe NewForest, and apparentlymissestheexcitementof beingabletoclamberuptreesafter squirrels.Understandable,I guess, andparticularly so if you’re aterrier.

Ourchat tookplace at apicnic tableon acold,blowymorning, and trying to getafewdecentphotos proved more difficultthan I’d initiallyanticipated.Bytheendof theexercise, Ithink John, Marcia and theirlovely little terriers were happy tohead backtothe Mary Hesketh.

WalkingtheRoyalMilitaryCanalpath

ByLeeSenior

THE28-mile-longRoyalMilitary Canalborders RomneyMarshasit runsfromthe Kentishcoastal market town of HythetoPettLevel, Cliff End in East Sussex.Asthe nameimplies the canalhas amilitary themeand wasbuilt intheearly19thcentury as adefensiveline against Napoleonand thethreatofinvasion. Unsurprisinglythereare anumber ofpill boxes, militarymonuments and remainsof aRomanfortlittered alongthe route.Thecanal hasunique ‘kinks’whichgiveita noteworthy zigzag pattern. Theyweredesigned toexposeany invadingarmysoldiers andthus make iteasierfordefenders todeal withthem.

The routeisgenerally very well signposted and hasanumberof helpfulinterpretation panels,picnic benchesandtablesalongthe way. It’s rarely morethantwo milesfromthe nearestvillage or hamlet.

To thenorth ofthecanal isthe RoyalMilitaryRoad,whichoffers betteraccessfor walkersand cyclists inparts.Theareaisa havenfor wildlife and hashad GreenFlagstatussince 2010. It isanimportantwaterwayfor theconservationof wildlifeandbirds suchasthelesser spottedwoodpecker andothers.

The canalbeginslife very closeto the beach just eastofHythe at Princes Parade,Seabrook.AtHythe,closeto the canalinitially, isthe Romney, Hythe &Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR).This scenic steam railline goesas faras Dungenessandbriefly runsparalleltothe canal. Asthemilitarypathgentlyheads westwards, theformal, manicured vistasof Hythegiveway toa sometimestree-lined, leafy route that isn’talwaysadjacent to the water, butit’snoless attractivedespitethat. ClosetoWest Hythe,there’samodel of a‘soundmirror’ on thetowpath. These so-called‘listeningears’were earlywarningsystems, as part of Britain’s defence system beforethe adventofradar.

pathsthat canbeovergrown.The north sideofthe canalaffords commandingviewsofLympneand there arepathsthat allowcircular walks.

Thelandscapeviewsare refreshinglychangeableonthe walk throughoutits length.Beyond West Hythe,the routewindsits waytowards thevillagesofBilsington, Ruckinge and Hamstreet. We passWest Hythe Damalong the way, withelevated viewsof Lympne Castle.From Ruckinge itis then afurthersixmiles westwardstothevillage of Appledore. There is arailway stationherethatis almosttwo miles east of thevillage.

Afurthersixmilesalongthepathis theattractive, historicsmall town of Rye. Twomilesnorthof Rye, at Iden Lock,isalinkfromthe RoyalMilitary Canaltothe RiverRotherwhichwe nowfollow. Withitscobbledstreets, independent shopsand richhistory, undoubtedly, Ryeisone ofthe gems of this28-mile-longwalk.

Noticeableonthispartofthe route arelotsof mudflats.

Beyond Rye, ourpathway isnow theRiverBredeasfarasthevillage of Winchelsea.Thereare lotsoffield pathsand field edgesand Camber Castleisclosebytothevillage which hasanumberoffascinating historicbuildings.It’snowjust over three milestothe ratherlow-key, unceremoniousendingofour walk, closetothebeach at Cliff End.

Unquestionablyif you live in southernEngland or youare on holidayinthe SouthEast, theRoyal MilitaryPathisa delightfulpathto walk.Itisveryaccessibletoo,withcar parks at bothendsofitandthereare goodpublictransportconnectionsvia thetrainonthe Marshlinklinefrom AshfordtoHastingsandEastbourne, operated by Southern.

This walkencompassesamixed rangeofpathsurfaces alongits route, includinggrass andsmallsections of road walking, with someparts overgrownintheheightofsummer.

Aplayonbirds

Abovethenorthbankofthe canal isanareaknown asThe Roughs.The original soundmirrorsarelocated here, just afew minutes’walk away onthisslopingareaofroughground. Accessclosetothemisvia permissive

KenNormancontinueshisseriesoffrivolousbirdcartoonswhich he createswhile relaxingonboardhisnarrowboat Daedalus

Ahappyfamily,JohnandMarciawiththeirtwobelovedlittleterriers.

StunningsceneryawaitsattheRoyalMilitaryCanal. PHOTO:KENTRAMBLERS.

PHOTO:KENTRAMBLERS &OSCC

WillistheScottie,left,andLola,the WestHighlandWhite.

BritishMarineScotlandlobbyingsuccess

INMARCH, Scotland’s leisuremarine sector andtheUK’swider boating communitycelebratedanamendment to Scottish Government’sVisitor Levy Billthat would have forcedmarinas andmooringproviderstochargealevy.

The draftlegislationhadincorrectly grouped ‘boatmooringsorberthings’ alongsidehotels,campsites andB&Bs as typesofaccommodationwhere

thevisitorlevy would have to be charged. This wouldhaveplaceda huge anddisproportionateburdenon mooringproviderswhodonotprovide accommodation.

British Marine Scotland, supported by the ParliamentaryCross-Party GrouponRecreationalBoating and Marine Tourism,the Scottish Tourism Alliance, RYAScotlandandother

partners successfully persuaded Scottish Government of theneedto amendthe Bill,which wasunanimously agreed upon. StuartMcMillanMSP, convenorofthecross-partygroup, notedthat theengagementfrom thegroupand supportfromBritish Marine Scotland waskey tohelping governmentappreciatetheneed to changethebill.

Traditionalboatfestivalopensformaritimeregistrations

Gatheringofheavyhorsestocelebrate TheKelpies’10thanniversary

AMASSgatheringofheavyhorses assembledatTheKelpiesin Helix Park, FalkirkonMarch26 to celebratethe approaching10thanniversaryofthe magnificent sculptures.

Reaper,themuseum’s flagship,wasbuiltin 1902.Equippedasa floatingmuseumof theherringindustry, shevisitsportsaround Scotlandandnorthern England.

THE31stannual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival returnstohistoricPortsoy harbour, near Banff,on the weekendof June 22–23. Registrationsare nowopenforskippersand sailingcrews tosign upfor this year’s event, whichis expected to attractmore than13,000visitors. Around30 boatstook partinthe2023 festival, openedbyHRH The PrincessRoyal, Princess Anne.Sofar,10traditional boatsfromacrossthe UK have confirmedattendance at this year’s event. They includethe17th-century Fifie herringdrifter Reaper fromthe Scottish Fisheries Museumin Fife, White Wing,a33ft Baldie(a varietyofthe Fifie lugsail design)builtin1917and restoredatthe museum, andthe Isabella Fortuna, a19th-century Fifie which will sailtothefestivalfrom Wick in Caithness. The flotillaoftraditional boatsformsthe centrepiece to theweekend of maritimecelebrations, whichwillinclude live music anddance, Scottish food,drinkandcrafts.This year’s headlineact,Celtic bandSkipinnish,kickoff thefestival weekendon Friday,June21.The festival wasfirstheldin1993to celebratethe tercentenary of Portsoy’s17th-century harbour. RichardThorne, maritimeco-ordinatorof thefestival,encourages crewsandtraditional boat buildersto getintouch andsign upviathefestival website:stbfportsoy.org/ take-part/maritime

Newoutdoorcentreplannedfor Twechar

EAST DunbartonshireCouncil has announcedthe approvalofplansforan innovativecommunity-runfacilityon thebanksofthe Forth&Clyde Canalin Twechar, with work tobegin soon. TwecharOutdoor PursuitsCentrewill be constructed on avacantsite beside the canal,creatingabasefor canoeing, kayaking, cycling, socialactivities and more. The centre willalsoprovidea hubfornew educational,trainingand voluntaryopportunities,allhelpingto promoteandprovide regenerationin thearea.Significantsupporthas been secured by thecouncilfrom Scottish Government, SportScotlandandother organisations.Thecentreisduefor completionin spring 2025. Coun Gordan Low,councilleader, saysthat “communityinvolvement helped to secureexternal fundingand will remain at theheartoftheprojectas itcomestofruition”.

Twecharisknown locallyfor Twechar Beach Day, acommunity-funday usuallyheldinearlyJuneandorganised by TwecharHealthyLiving& Enterprise Centre. Twecharwas asmallmining village,withthecollieryactiveforaround 100 yearsuntilclosurein1964.The last colliery in thearea, at nearbyGartshore, closed in1968.Coal wastransported

Thefirstoftheproject’smurals, locatedatAuchinstarryMarina ontheForth &ClydeCanal.It wascreatedbyKMG, aScotlandbasedartist,anddepictsVibia Pacata,oneofthefewwomen recordedontheAntonine Wall.

by canalfor many years.Duringthe 1860s,the canalcompany permitteda railway swingbridgeoverthe canal(ata locationwestoftheexistingbridge).The continuingtransport of coalonthe canal waspartofthisdeal butthe agreement

lapsed intheearly 20thcentury.Twechar wasdistinctivein that themining company, William Baird&Co, located itsheadquarters, workshopsand trainingfacilitiesin thevillage.Bevin Boys(the young men conscriptedtowork incoalmines between 1943 and1948) came fromacross Scotland to train at Twechar. Twecharpitvillage. com contains lots offascinatinginformation aboutthe village anditshistory. As wellasthe canal,thelineofthe RomanAntonineWallrunsclosetothe village.Popularfor walksandmountain biking, nearbyBar Hill Fort wasone of 16fortsalongthe wall.

Andy Scott, creatorof The Kelpies, joinedthecelebration,payingtribute to the Clydesdalehorses,thebreedthat originallyinspired him.Clydesdalesare nativetoScotlandand were originally bred for heavyfarmandindustrial work, includingpullingbargesalong thecanals.

The30-metre-tall Kelpiesare constructedfromaround30,000pieces of structural steel, with astainless-steel cladding.Thesteel fabricators, SH Structures,created theindividualpieces oftheenormoushorseheadsfromAndy Scott’s3m-highmodels.Thesculptures were transported in sectionsand put togetheron site.Theentireproject tookmore than10 yearsto realise, with The Kelpiesformally unveiledinApril 2014. The 10thanniversary celebrations willculminateina familyfundayand eveningconcertonSaturday, April27. Helix Park sits betweenFalkirk andGrangemouththrough whichthe easternendofthe Forth&Clyde runs. The Kelpiesplayahugerolein attracting touriststothearea.Sincetheirlaunch, theparkhas welcomedmorethanseven millionvisitorsfromall overthe world.

Amagnificentgatheringof horseswalkingalongthetowpath towardsTheKelpies.

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS.

Localtrailstowalkorbike As wellasexploringthepathsin Helix Park itself, thereare otheropportunities for astroll or longer walkor cycle. TheCharlotte Dundas Heritage Trail isanaccessible, shortwalk running uthfromThe Kelpies,along QueenElizabethIICanal extensionto Lock 1and yondintoGrangemouth. The CharlotteDundas was the world’sfirstpractical paddle-driven steamboat.

BarHillFort, ashort walkfromthevillage, givesfar-reachingviews acrossthevalley. PHOTO: CALLUMFREW.

themonument. The project,commissioned by West Dunbartonshire Council, wasdeveloped to raiseawareness andunderstanding oftheAntonine Wall, particularly withlocal communities. The projectran avaried programmeof educationaland communityactivityanddelivered

In 1800, SirThomas Dundas, governorofthe Forth& ClydeCanal, commissionedWilliam Symington to build acommercial steamboat foruseonthe canal.Aftertrialand experimentation,the CharlotteDundas, namedafter Lord Dundas’daughter, towedtwo ladensloops18.5milesalong the canalfromWyndford(lock 20)to Port DundasinGlasgow in1803. Persistent fearsthat the boat woulddamagethe canalbanksmeantthattheproject was abandonedandthe vessel, without herengine,servedfor many yearsas adredger.Aseriesofpanelsalongthe trailexplain thehistoryofFalkirk and Grangemouthfrom the1700stothe presentday.Heritage-themed seatsare placedatintervalsalongthe route.

Visitors canadmireTheKelpies for free or book apaidtour to see insidethe sculpturesandlearn abouttheirdesign and engineering. Youcan walkor cycle alongthe canalbetween The Kelpies andthe FalkirkWheel,a flatroute of around6.5km(fourmiles). Anew Heart of FalkirkTrail,due to openthis summer, willlinkTheKelpies and Helix Park,with Falkirk’sRosebankDistillery,the Falkirk WheelandnearbyCallendarPark, along mostlytraffic-freepathsandtracks.

severalcapitalprojects,including Romanthemedplayparks,Romanhead sculpturesandpaintedmurals. The Antonine Wallis aWorld Heritage SiteconstructedaroundAD142 andat onetime waspatrolled by 7000 Roman soldiers.Today remnantsofforts,a bath houseand turf ramparts canbeseen, many closetothe Forth&Clyde Canal. DiscovermoreabouttheAntonineWall, includinga handyinteractiveapp,at: www.antoninewall.org

Antoninewallprojectwinsaward

The RediscoveringtheAntonineWall projecthas wona Scottish Planning Innovation Awardinthe People Category,recognisingtheproject’s work withlocalcommunitiesalong

Thelandingstagesandslipwayat Twechar,installedsomeyearsago.

AerialviewofArisaigMarina. PHOTO:SAILSCOTLAND &AIRBORNELENS

Fromleft:JohnPaterson,ScottishCanals’chiefexecutiveofficer;Andy Scott,TheKelpies’sculptor;RichardMillar,ScottishCanals’chief operatingofficer;CounCecilMeiklejohn,leaderofFalkirkCouncil.

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

PHOTO: ALLANROBERTSON

Boatsandvisitorsat apreviousfestival,showing White Wing mooredintheharbour.

PHOTO:ALLANROBERTSON

PHOTO:CALLUMFREW.

PHOTO:CALLUMFREW.

Days Out –Llangollen

Ourseriesisdedicatedtoshowcasinguniquedaysout nearspecialcanals.Whetheryou’reintogongoozling (watchingboatingactivities),leisurelytowpathwalks, wildlifespotting,boattripsorevenretailtherapy,our canalsystemhassomethingforeveryone.Thismonth we’reshiningthespotlightonLlangollen, adestination thatoffers adiverserangeofexperiences.

ByPhilPickin

THE Welshtown of Llangollenis ahidden gem, nestledbetween picturesquehillsandthemeandering RiverDee.Thetown’scharm is amplified by its VictoriaPromenadeand Riverside Park,which serveasmanyvisitors’hubs. The fast-flowingriver,framedbya quaint bridge,setsthe stageforidyllicpicnics. Thomas Telforddesigned and built the LlangollenCanalto carrywater from theRiver Deeatthe Horseshoe Falls,the destinationof manywalksforvisitors, intothe main canalnetwork. Dueto thedifficultterrain,he built anumber ofaqueductsand tunnels to carrythe water, includingthemostfamousofall, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,justunder fourmiles away.Asaresult,when Llangollenismentioned,it’shardnot tothinkofthe world-famousaqueduct.

However, not to be outshone,the Llangollen Canalitselfis apicturesque waterwaythat windsits wayalong onesideofthe valley,leadingintothe heartofthetown.Forthosearrivingby boat, the canaloffers aperfectmooring spot just beyond Llangollen Wharf. If you're notarrivingbyboat, youcan still experiencethe canalbybookingatrip boat,someofwhichareprovidedby horse-drawnnarrowboats.

The idealdestinationforthose who likewalkingisthenearbyHorseshoe

Falls,aspectacularlocation forthose whoenjoystunningscenery andfresh air. ButLlangollenisn’tall aboutwhat youcando outdoors.Afterall,thisis Wales,and sometimesthe weather can be ‘changeable’!

Thetownboasts amuseumthat canprovideinformationonthetown’s history,the surrounding area,anda motor museum,butif youare planning avisit,itmight be worthcontactingthem inadvanceviatheir website.

Almostanyonewhoisinterestedin waterways willalsobeinterestedin steam railways, with bothmodesof transport beingsynonymouswiththe IndustrialRevolution.InLlangollen, these sitalmost side by side,withthe canalpassing ashort distance above the stationontheonly standardgauge steamrailway in NorthWales.Theline runsalong theDee Valleyfor10miles tothetown ofCorwen,passing through fivestationsonits journey.

Forvisitorswholiketheirhistory to go back evenfurther,Llangollenand the surroundingareahaveanumberof castlesandplacesofinterest including the CaerDrewynIronAgehillfort, said to be oneofthe bestpreservedinWales. Andclosebypassesthe routeofthe famousOffa’s Dyke path,the 177-mile (285km) walkingtrailconstructedinthe eighth century.

ButLlangollenisn’tallhistoryand

bracingwalks;the town hasmany interestinggiftshops,restaurants,tea roomsandquirky littlebackstreets toexplore. And if youvisit during the autumnmonthsthetree canopythat surroundsthe canalroute putsona spectaculardisplayfor visitors. Foryounger (oryoung at heart) visitors, thereare plentyofunusual activities,including axethrowing, archeryandwhitewater tubingalltaking place in andaroundthetown.Butif that allfeelsratherenergetic,you could alwaysbookatwo-and-a-half-hour walk to learn howtoforageinthe stunning Welshlandscape. Withallthislocatedclosetothe Llangollen Canal,the town hasloads to offerthe boatingvisitororanyvisitor who hasaninterestinthe waterways. And being locatedontheformer RomanRoadknown as the IterII route andlatterly WatlingStreet(theA5), itprovidesanideal startingpoint for anyonelookingtoexplorefurtherinto NorthWalesallthe wayuptoHolyhead onthecoast.

Someofthebestcruisingwatersyouwillfind.

ThebusyVictorian mainstreetin Llangollen.

TheChainBridgeneartheHorseshoeFalls. PHOTOS: DENBIGHSHIRECOUNTYCOUNCILUNLESSOTHERWISESTATED

FACTFILE

LlangollenWharfboattrips: www. horsedrawnboats.co.uk

Llangollenmoorings: VisittheCRT websiteformoreinformation –www. canalrivertrust.org.uk

OSlocation: SJ2149542006

Howtogettherebycar: Llangollen

sitsbesidetheA5 about6.5miles fromthe English-Welsh border.

Howtogettherebytrain: The closest mainline railway stationis Chirk.

Touristinformation: www.llangollen. org.uk

Pontcysyllteaqueductinformation: www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

The TowpathAngler

Ourmonthlylook at theanglingscene

ByDavidKent

THE last month hasbeenrelatively quiet bothonlocaland nationalfronts with very fewmeetings.However, therehas beenafairbitofemail contact.Iexplained lastmonththatI wasintheprocessofbuilding anemail groupofangling club representatives focusingonour beloved towpathsand, Iampleased to report,thisislooking verypromising. The feedbackI have received alreadyclearlyshowsthe ever-deterioratingsituationon our towpathsintermsof generaluser behaviourand, sadly,fallingstandards inthe managementoftowpathsand basicup-frontconsultation withall stakeholdersin advanceofanyworks. Isincerely hope that thenew Towpath AdvisoryGroup cansoonbeginto turn thingsaround.

Onemeeting Idid attendlast week wasthe springmeeting of theCanal &River Trust’sFisheriesandAngling AdvisoryGroup.Therewereseveral excellentpresentationsincluding one very interestingitem abouteelsin our canals.For some yearstherehas beena worldwidedeclineintheeel population duetoall manner of things including disease, parasitesand,not surprisingly, theimpactsof climatechange.

Alsoonthe agendawasanupdate on thepossibletransferof waterfrom the Midlandsdown into Hertfordshire usingtheGrand Union system.While ourcanalsprovideanobviousconduit for such atransferthereare numerous potentialadverseeffectsincludingthe spreadofnon-natives,detrimental changesinflowsand possible pumping requirements.Clearly,there isstill much to do.

Axethrowing,archeryand whitewater tubing: www.beardedmenadventures. com

Forage walks: www.livingwild.uk/ store/llangollen

Steam railway: www.llangollenrailway.co.uk

It does seem, though,that thefishing isdefinitelyonthe up.Thefish arenow respondingfavourably to thefrost-free nightsandmilder dailytemperatures. Anoldfriendofmine spenta dayon hislocal Aire &Calderlast weekand, althoughhe caughtnothingsizeable, putfishintohisnetall day.

Amatchon my localcommercial fisherysaw the top twoanglers catching carpanddecent breamshallow, somethingwhichis rare in winter.

My wifeand Ipoppeddowntoour localforanhour lastFridayand spoke with ayoung chap who told ushe had beenon theriverthat morningspinning forpike. He hadcaughtsixuptoaround 9lb,hesaid.

Personally my lack oftime “onthe bank” goeson, havingonlybeen twice sincewritingthelastarticlefor Towpath Talk.However,Iambookedintoa small matchtomorrowandas Iwrite,this comingSaturdayseesthefirstmatchof my 2024club season.Both areonvenues which Ilikeandwhich,historically, have suited my preferredstyles. Let’shopeI getareasonabledraw eachtimeand have agood day’sfishing.

No doubt you areprobablylooking forward to asessioninthecoming days,especiallyas theweatherforecast islookingprettygood.Infact,daytime temperaturesup to 20degreesare being talked about.

It is perhapstooearly todismissthe totallycautiousapproach just yetbutI reckonthe fishare gettingkeentofeed so agentleincrease in theamountsof feed andanoddtrywithbigger baits will, Iamsure, paydividends. Tightlines.

The final mainitem was, ofcourse, anupdate onthehighlysuccessful Let’s Fishinitiativeandits relatedactivities. Discussions aboutfuturefundingare, unfortunately,stillongoing following the announcement of thefundingawards forthenextfouryears.Let’s Fishshould be partofthisand Ihopethatcommon senseultimatelyprevails.Thelikely problems forthe initiativeare further exacerbatedbytheCRT’sown future fundingpositionasa resultofthereview of governmentgrants. It is perhapstrueto saythat there hasbeenslightlylessraininthe past few weekswhich hasallowed levels to fallin many places. That said,the water tableeverywheremeansthat theland is still saturatedsogettingtoandfrom many waters,evenonsomecommercial fisheries,isstilltheproverbialnightmare. Ifishedaweekago and spenta long timewhen Igothomehosingdownmy equipmentand brushingoutthe car.

Newfishingchampionshiplaunched

ANexcitingnew nationalfishing championship was officiallylaunched at the BoatLife Show earlierthis year. Theinaugural BoatLife Fishing Championship is adynamic catch and releaseboat anglingcompetition challengingbusinesses andbrands to enternot just forUKchampion status,buttoshowcase theirproducts,promote their campaigns andto supportgrowthforthe recreationalfishingand leisuremarine sectors. Thechampionship will be taking place acrossfourvenues

throughout the UK during2024and will alsofeature aPrivateers’ Championship Cupfor localanglers to compete in at each stage. There will be trophiesforthe proandprivateerteams tovieforas wellas some impressive prizes for themto catch. Thefourstages of thecompetitionwill be heldin Conwy (Wales), May17-19, Cowes(Isleof Wight), July12–14, Plymouth (Devon), October4-6 and StPeter’s Port (Guernsey), November 14-17.Eachstage will consistofthree days of fishingfunacrosseach weekend, withFriday

beingafreepractice dayfollowed by two separatecompetition roundsonthe Saturday and Sunday. Therewillalsobe anarray of onshore exhibitsandactivities suchas presentation stages,aneducation and awareness zone andaninteractivezone to give theeventareal festival feel. Plus,awide varietyofactivitieswill betaking place at each venueforvisitorsand fanstogetclosetothe anglingaction.

Formore information:www. boatlifefishing.com

TheRiverDeeattheheartofLlangollen.

TheSteamRailwayis apopulardestinationfor visitors.

LlangollenCanal.

Atripboatonthecanalinthelateautumnsunshine. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

LlangollenintheDee Valley.

hALIFEONTHEBOATS AliceLapworth (1944–2024)

Bornon anarrowboatintoa familyofworkingboatmen, AliceLapworthworkedthecanalsuntil1963andthen continuedtoenjoythemoncetheyhadfoundnewlifein leisureboating.

By TimCoghlan

ALICE wasbornonboard awooden horse-drawnbuttyonSeptember20, 1944,ontheTrent&Mersey Canal, northof Stoke-on-Trent. Hermother Anniewantedthechild to bebornin hospital, butbythetimethemidwife arrivedatthe boat, it wastoo late to do so,andAlice wasbornthereandthen–thethirdchildof11to George andAnnie Wain, buttheonlyoneto bebornon anarrowboat.

Herparents were then workingforthe Mersey,Weaver &Ship CanalCarrying Co.Ltd –its boatscommonly called Merseyweavers. Theymainlyworked thenorthern canalsfromthe Potteries up to Manchester,loading and carrying chinaclayandfish scalesto be used in the Potteries.

The Merseyweavers were inpoor conditiondue to alackofmaintenance and investment, andwereknown affectionately to theircrews as ‘watercress beds’. In 1958thecompany wasnationalised –10yearsafterthe main canalfleetnationalisationin1948. Within ashortperiod,thenew owners,the British Waterways Board, gave uptrying tomodernisethe operationandclosed thefleet,makingthe boatmen redundant. Alternativeworkwasoffered to the boatmenonthe stillactivelyoperating Southern Waterways,mainly carrying coalfromthe NorthWarwickshire Coalfieldsto London,withthe main centreofactivity beingaround Hawkesbury Junction,justnorthof Coventry on theNorth OxfordCanal.

The Wains agreed to move,andit was here that the13-year-oldAlicefirstmet the17-year-old LesLapworth.

Theywere married at Coventry RegistryOfficein1962,whenAlice was only18,andnowpregnant. Leshad proposed to her by saying, “Please marry meand steer my butty” –which would

endhis going-solodays.

Forwhatwas supposed to be their honeymoon,thenewlyweds– having hadadrink at theGreyhound Inn,hers aBabycham–set off by trainfor Bulls Bridge in Southall, West London,where apairofempty workingboats awaited them. Their firstorders were toloadlime juice at BrentfordDockfor Rose’s lime juicefactoryatHemel Hempstead.

Monthslatertheywerecaughtup intheGreatFreezewhich began just on January1,1963.Theywerefrozen inatHawkesburyJunctionforthree months,havingjustloadedwithcoal for aLondonpapermill.

Aftertheyhad finally been ableto deliverthat load,theywentontothe thenBritish Waterways Board'ssouthern headquartersatBullsBridge,wherethe couple,now with ayoung daughter, were toldtheywereredundant.

Theywereallowedtoliveontheir boatsatnochargeuntil theyfound somewhere to live,andtheLapworths movedtheir boatstoa mooringnear Hawkesbury Junction,whereLesfound

work as alabourermakingconcrete slabs.Alice recalled: “Once we leftthe canals,weneverlooked back.”They finally savedenoughmoneytobuya caravanand LesandAlicetookitin turnsto go to nightschooltolearnto readandwrite.Intime Leswas able to put down adepositto buya house. He alsoacquired asmall business making sectional steelcladding, whichhetook ontogreatthings, withthe Ford Motor Companyintime becomingacustomer.

Withlifenowgoingwell,theLapworths boughtaseriesofprogressivelybetter leisure narrowboats, thelast being boughtin1995 –itwas a1992 state-ofthe-art60ftColecraft.Intheseboats, theyholidayed widely on thecanals. Lesalsobeganhelpinghereandthere withone-offcanal-carryingrunswithhis friend David Blagrove, whowas agreat campaignerfor keepingfreight carrying onthe waterways.

The Lapworthsalsoattendedcanal rallies, includingalltheBraunston Historic Narrowboat Rallieswhich startedin2003. Lesattendedtwo before hediedofheartdiseaseinlate2004.

Alicecontinuedattendingthem, going toeveryrallyinherlifetime,thelast in 2023.In2015Alice opened that year’s rallywith Les’sbrother George andwas later seen steering at that rally,the butty Brighton,now ownedandoperated by theNarrowBoatTrust.

The Brighton hadbeenworkedbyher parentsinthe 1950s, whenas achild, Alice wouldsteerit.

Herverypresence at theserallies waslivingcanalhistory,whichshe was alwayspleased tosharewithothers.

“Pleasesteermybutty!”AliceandLes’sweddingday1962atCoventryRegisterOfficewith

Shelterundermyumbrella.Alice LapworthwiththeCRTCEO Richard

AliceLapworthatthehelmoftheNarrowBoat Trust’sbutty Brighton at the2016rally.Theboathadbeenworkedin apairinthe1950s,and Alicehadlearnttosteeronitas achild. PHOTO: TIMCOGHLAN Alliceiinabbout199500,aged d abboutsiix withhermotherAnnieanddog.

PHOTO: ALICELAPWORTHCOLLECTION.

Goingsolo.LesLapworthagedabout18,workingthe Elstreeonhisownafterhisfatherandfamilyhadleft canalcarrying.Onthehatchisthetransistorradiohe latergavetoAlice,whomhewascourting,‘cosshe hadnoluxuries.’ PHOTO: ALICELAPWORTHCOLLECTION.

their respectivefathers.Leswasthetallestat5ft3in.ThediminutiveAlice,nowpregnant, wasuntilthenworking abuttywithhereldersister. PHOTO: ALICELAPWORTHCOLLECTION.

Proudfather.LesLapworthwith babyDeniseatBullsBridge1962. PHOTO:SUPPLIED.

DeliveringchinaclaytothePotteriesinthelate1940s/early50s.The typeofworkandenvironmentinwhichAlicegrewup. PHOTO: ALICE LAPWORTHCOLLECTION.

The WainfamilyatStokeBruerne TopLockinabout1959.Alicewas workingtheboatswithherparents,andalso apairofboatswithher oldersister.Sheisnotinthephotographbutwouldhavebeennearby. PHOTO: ALICELAPWORTHCOLLECTION.

Adiostothe Taurean adorers

By TimCoghlan

SOME sunset-narrowboaters seemto go on forever,withseveralcouples still touchingthetiller wellintotheireighties. Thereare even afew perennials still at it intheirnineties.It’sall amatterofgood fortuneorotherwise.Forthe ownersof Taurean,Bill(73)andIrene(72)it was very much the latter.Inlate2023 their oncemildarthritis hadbecomethird degree,makingboatingvery difficult. So inthe spring ofthis year,theydecided Taurean hadtogo, andinstructed Braunston Marina to sell it.

Taurean hadbeentheirdreamboat, whichthey hadboughtthrough Braunston Marina in2019. It wasa62ft SMHudson BoatBuilderstug,built by thegreatboatbuilder SteveHudson in2005,which hadremainedin immaculatecondition. With Steve Hudson’ssuddendeath in late 2014, aged about54,his boatswerenow becomingcollector’s pieces.

SteveHudson wasa bitofan oddity, which seemedtogowithsomeofthe greatboatbuilders– likeDavidPiper inthe1980s/90s,andlikewiseLennie Beauchamp at Colecraft.They just built what theythought thecustomersshould have,sometimes ignoringspecific instructions.All hadverylittleto say by wayofconversation. SteveHudson attendedvariousoftheBraunstonBoats Showsinthe1990s,including thelast in1999.Although Iwas responsiblefor organisingthetrade side,I canonly

recallone very briefand somewhat abruptconversation withhiminall thoseyears.

SteveHudson wantedhisboats built very traditionally, withboatmen’scabins andmidshipengine rooms, theengines preferably beinghistoricdiesels such as hadoncepowered theold working boats.Asa concession,he wouldaccept thenew Beta Marine JD3which rather looked andsoundedlikethe realthing, butwithnoneoftheproblemsofa vintageengine.Suchanenginehad beeninstalledin Taurean

SteveHudson wasverymuch against building fixed double bedrooms,and

Newbookofcircularwalks basedonthe CromfordCanal

THEFriendsofthe CromfordCanal (FCC) haspublishedthelatest edition to its portfolio of booksbased on the Derbyshire waterway.

Circular Walksonthe

CromfordCanal,byKen Brockway assisted by Keith Baileyand Hugh Potter,exploresthe canalfromLangleyMill toCromford,eachroute takingyou back tothe startpoint, either at your caror for publictransport. Some canbe linked to make longertripsanda QuickResponse (QR)codeoffersyou aGoogle mapfora walkthat youcan findonyourphone. There’slots to see alongthe way includingtwo tunnels you can walkthroughand fouraqueducts,

onlytwo areknown to exist. Boaters were expectedtosleep intheirboatmen’s cabinsor at bestadinetteconversion to adouble bed, andeventhishe was loathtodo. All ofthisproved abarrier to all butthe seriouslyretro-canalboaters, butthere were enoughofthemto want his boats.

By thetime BillandIrene had bought Taurean in2019, SteveHudson wasofcoursedead, butthe business continued,andhisoldteam withnew additions were ableto make some significantchangesto theboat’sinterior fit-out,withoutincurring thegreatman’s displeasure!Theyincludedanew walkthroughmodern bathroom,with amuch largercentrallylocated door intothe saloon. That saloon wasnow to havea fixed dinettethat could be converted to adouble bed.Therewerealsoupgrades tothe galley,improvementstothe spiral staircase tothe tugdeckandmore. But hardly hadthe boat been movedto the Hudson yard at Tamworth,then Covidstruck, andall workswereworks stopped.Thesewerenotcompleteduntil theendof2021,givingBillandIrene just twoyears of boatingbeforeitall came toan end.

Those boatingdayshadbegunfor Bill inthe1990swhenhe wasstillsingleand hadbeen introducedto narrowboating by crewingfor afriendwho ownedone. In 2002,he gottogether withIrene, introducingherto the canals by having hire boat holidays acrossthenetwork, which includedtwo runsto Llangollen. Hisworkasanexhibition standfitter tookhim regularlyfromDurham, where they lived,tothe CumminsEngineering worksinDaventry,whereheheard abouttheforthcoming2004second Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally. This heand Irene camedown to attend andtheyhavebeentoevery onesince.

At the2015 rally, they spottedthe modestlypriced45ftnarrowboat Queen Bella,built by LiverpoolBoats in2005. This theydecided to buyand see how theygoton with owninga boat. Theyalso took ashort-termmooring at Braunston Marina to see if they couldalsocope withthelongdrive from Durham, giventhe marina’s pivotal position in thenetwork.Intheendtheydecided

both were

Restoration,enlightenmentandserenity

onethat takes water over waterandanother water over arailway. Thereare alsotwo reservoirsandthe canal linepassesthrougha large naturereserve. Aworkinglock takes boatsfrom theCromford to the Erewash Canal,and the bookinvites you to explorelinkingcanals.

The book is already selling fast andcan beboughtfor£6plus p&pfrom theonline shop athttps://www. cromfordcanal.org/ publications/ Volunteersfrom FriendsoftheCromford Canaloperatetrip boat, Birdswood,from Cromford andare workingona project to extendthetripsto includetheaqueduct andGregory Tunnel, whileatLangleyMill work isinprogress toextend the canal andtowing path to StoneyLaneand beyond.

Aspokesperson fortheFriendsof theCromford Canal said: “Pleasevisit www.cromfordcanal. orgformore information. In the meantime,doenjoy thesewalks.”

RESTORING acanalis like beingonthe road toenlightenment; one doesenjoy moments of serenity, butfull restorationisoften but adreamtoofar, writes ChrisBryan-Smith of theShropshireUnion Canal Society

However, beingon that roadis reward in itselffor ourefforts toimprovethe environmentaswell ashelpwith ourmental well-being. Theroadto enlightenmentis longand hard and remembertotakea packedlunchanda warm helmetliner on yourjourney! (Paraphrased from aquote by Anne Lamott).Andsoitis with canalrestoration, as Ifound outsome14 years agowhen Ifirst pickedupashovel, wandered acanal bed, helpedinstall anewt fenceand calledmyself a‘navvy’.

TheShropshire Union CanalSociety, re sto ri ng the MontgomeryCanal, wasthen at Redwith

Bridge (83) south of Maesbury,near Oswestry,Shropshire, and welcomingme intothefold –asI’m sure all restoration organisationsdo –by thrustingastaffinto my hand.

Alasertheodolite waspointed at meto geta level to work to, butmythoughts were rathergrand at thetime and Iimaginedthat we would be at theWelsh border,nearlyfour miles away,innotime.

Iwas thinking like acivilian. Everything wastoo rushed; Ihad to getintothetempo and rhythmofthe projectandlearnthe basicsof restoration–unrealisticoptimismis essential buta realistic, almost scientific approachtowhat is infrontofusisalso

necessary,andwe must concentrateon, andenjoy,the dayto day,thefellowship,the fun,thefreshairanda common cause.

In June 2023, Crickheath Basin (bybridge85) was formallyopened, addinganothercouple ofmilestothenetwork. Butthereisstillfartogo and we will face many challengesasthe road, or canal, stretches out before us.

Ithinktherewillbe peopleup to thetask toprogress, step by step,blockbyblock, cupof teabycup ofteatowardsthe enlightenmentand that’s probablyasclose asanyone willever get toenlightenment.

If you’reinterested in waterways,wildlife andfulfilment, it may betheverythingfor you to do,sowhy not lookup yournearest projectand geton down –you won’t regretit! Go to www. shropshireunion.org. ukformoredetails.

Findingsolutions:pioneerscreate productsthatarekindtotheplanet

WESSEX Chemical Factorswas started by Mike Borowskiin1983, with alot of knowledge aboutchemistryand afew yearsof salestrainingunderhisbelt. Initiallythe companywasfocused on engineering, oils, lubricantsand generalcleaningformulas.Forty years laterandits portfoliorangesfrom cleaningfluidsforthe marineindustry to watertreatmentproductsforthe plumbingand heatingtrade.

The focushas always been on solving problemsforthecompany’sbroad customerbase, findingsolutionswhich arecosteffective, do thejob andare kinder totheplanet.

Aspokesman said: “Manyofour current productshaveevolved froma customeraskingus‘Canyou...?’ Our world-renownedTeakCleanerand Teak Renovatorare joinedthisyear by ournew, sustainable Teak Sealerfora completeteak care system.

“Wehavebeenpioneers in seeking outenvironmental solutions,our Blue and Clear Blue Biobeing greatexamples offindinganeffectivebiological solutionto aproblem(toiletchemicals for marine,narrowboats, and caravans) that willnot harm theenvironment.” Mike is nowsemi-retired andthe companyisrun by hisdaughter,

Hannah Borowski-Renoufandson, BenBorowski.The team is bigger too, withtheirown factoryupinDaventry, producingthe vast majorityofthe company’sproductsand ateambased in Three Legged Cross, Dorset at the company’shead office. This year Wessex Chemical Factorsis celebratingits 40thanniversary andthe businesscontinues to grow asit works withcustomersacrossthe world. “Wewouldliketothank allour customersand suppliersfortheir supportoverthe yearsand we look forwardtoworking togetherinthe future,”theyadded.

Teabreakduringthe restoration. PHOTOS:CHRISBRYAN-SMITH

CrickheathBasin openinginJune2023.

Left:ChrisBryanSmithonthecut.

worthit. In 2019 Taurean cameonthe market withBraunston Marina,whichtheybought, withthe marina quickly selling QueenBella Whiletheir narrowboatingdaysare over,BillandIrenearedeterminedto continue attending futureBraunston Historic Narrowboat Rallies.Bill said: “Wewouldn’tmissthemforanything, andtheywill keepusin touch with thewaterways andour many canal friends.” Taurean isonbrokerageat Braunston Marina shouldanyone wishtoenquire.

Adiosto Taurean.AdorersBilland Irenebeforefinallyhandingover thekeys. PHOTOS:TIMCOGHLAN.

Taurean’s classicSteveHudsontugdeck.

The WetWeb

ByHelenGazeley

THE releaseofcookingoil intotheGrand Union canalin Februarywas areminderofhow little regard some peoplehold for ourwaterways.Investigations by the EnvironmentAgency madeitclearthat this was almostcertainly adeliberate act –nodoubt to avoidwaste disposalcharges.

Pollutionincidentsare placedintocategoriesbythe EnvironmentAgency(EA). Category1and 2incidents have aserious or significantimpact ontheenvironmentrespectively andthe EA takes charge. However, Alex Paterson ofthe Canal&RiverTrustexplained: “TheEAclassed theincident as Category 3,meaning it’s our problem, nottheirs. So,while theyhavea pretty good idea of whotheculprit was, there’snot goingtobeany prosecutionand thetrustwon’t recoup thetens ofthousandsof pounds spenton clean-up.”

Withexposuretolight and bacterialactivity,cookingoil naturallydegradesin water.

Alex PatersonvisitedLittle VeniceinthelastweekofMarch. “Itwaslookingprettyclear compared to afew weeks before,” he said.“The EA adviceisthat it willbreak down naturally, butit wasobviously pretty unsightly for atime.”

Backonboard

Following alessthan successfulboating holidayas ateenager, S SimonStabler returnstothewater…

AS Achild,thankstothe LadybirdbookThe Story of OurCanalsand various BBCSchoolsprogrammes, Iwasfascinated by theidea oflivingona narrowboat. There’salwaysbeensomething romantic aboutlivingon the water,especiallyinthe daysofhorse-drawnboats that needed to be “legged” throughtunnels.

Ididn’t gettogoona boatingholidayuntil Iwas 17,an agewhen Iwasmore interestedinwine,women andsong, than spendinga fortnight in aconfined space with my parents.Sadly,the holidaydidn’tgoas wellasit should have.

withmoving thetillerleftto go rightandvice versa,and thefactthat the boat turnsin themiddle,mywifequickly took charge.Itwas just as well,asfollowing ourfirst lock,weweresoonmaking ourway acrosstheGradeII* listedEdstone Aqueduct –the longestaqueduct in England, whichcrossesaroad and the Birminghamand North WarwickshireRailway.

Stephaniede Kernech’Riou of HyppanieEssenceand Felt, based in Brighton,isoneof agrowing numberof people aroundthe worldaimingto do somethingaboutthat.She grewupinBrittanyandclearly rememberstheAmoco Cadiz disasterinMarch1978,which released hundredsofthousands of tonnesofcrude oilontothe coast. “I wassix,” she said. “All the rocksare pinkthere,”she remembered, “andafter,they were allblack.”

Stephaniealsoteaches felt-making, so when,during lockdown,shefound outabout the hair matsbeingproduced by Matterof Trust, it seemeda perfectcombination.

MatterofTrustisaUScharity that campaignsfortheuse of hair matsfor oil spillsand pollution reduction. Humanhair,animal furandfleececan soak up to five

It hasn’tbrokendown quickly enough,though.Shepperton’s Swan Sanctuarywasinthenews for havingtocleanand care for dozensofbirds,includingducks, geese, cormorantsandcoots, as wellas swans. Oilreduces the waterproofingonfeathers, makingbirdsvulnerable to hypothermiaand reluctantto getontothe water.Thisincreases theirvulnerabilitytopredators. GemmaNelson,who worksat thesanctuary, toldthe Evening Standardatthe beginningof Marchthat volunteers hadspent weeks rescuingbirds. Wherenecessary,absorbent boomswereputintothe canal to corral theoil –notideal,as theyblocknavigation.Theirony, also, is that thevastmajorityof oil-absorbingboomsand mats aremadeof polypropylene, an oilproduct.

Luckily, my children aren’t yetatthat cynical age wheretheywanttodistance themselvesfrom Mumand Dad, butare abletofollow commands suchas “abandon ship”, so it wasthe righttimeto revisittheideaof anarrowboat holiday.

We began ourfour-day holiday at Anglo Welsh’s WoottonWawenbaseonthe Stratford-upon-Avon Canal –a 25-mile routebetween Birmingham andStratford. Afterboarding Poppy,the secondofAnglo Welsh’s Heritage Class narrowboats, and beingshown theropes, wewere soonmakingour wayacrossWootton Wawen AqueducttowardsStratford.

Iwasthefirsttotakecharge ofthetiller,andfrustrated by my inabilitytogettogrips

timestheir ownweightinoiland donationsaresenttothecharity by hair salons,petgroomers, farmersandothers.

Whenthe Deepwater Horizon disaster released millionsof barrelsofoilintotheGulfof Mexico,peoplearoundthe world senthairand citizenstookto thebeacheswith hair matsina huge grassrootsmovementto helpcleanup.MatterofTrust notonlymakes hair matsbut alsosuppliesneedle-punching machinesto make thefelt. Stephanietookdeliveryofhers lastDecember.

Stephanieisnowproducing hair mats. Shecurrentlyuses material suppliedbyMatterof Trust, butmakerseventually findtheir ownsuppliesmore locally. Describingherselfasa “recurring social entrepreneur” (sheestablished herfirstsocial enterpriseseven years ago, teachingwomenDIYskills)she hassetup HyppanieEssence and FeltCICand will be running workshopsinBrighton. Youcan find outmoreonher Facebook page (facebook.com/hyppanie. co.uk)

MatterofTrusthas plenty of informationontheadvantages of hair matsonits website(www. matteroftrust.org). Seethevideo from BusinessInsiderfora balancedviewof mat use. (youtu. be/k8fsVzyj-PA).

Many ofthebridgesonthe routeare very narrow andit waschallengingtoget through themwithout scrapingthe sideofthe boat butshedidit. However, as we successfully gottoWilmcoteandlooked for aspottomoorforthe night, disasterstruckand we hit amooredboat. Although therewasnodamage, those ontheother boat were understandablyupset butafter exchanging detailsandthem realisinghow newtoallthis wewere, we didn’tquiteleave friends butatleast got acheery wave when we sawthemthe nextday.

Havingmissed themooring spots,and withthe8pmcurfew looming, we hadtotry and moorupforthenight. The only spot we couldfindwherethe embankment wasn’tcovered in thickvegetation wasatthe mooringpoint nexttothe toplock of WilmcoteFlight, agroup of threelocks,then fiveand then afinalthree that lowerthe waterlevelby77ft. We’d justtied upthe boat whenaladyfromthenearby cottagestartedwalking towardsus. Iknewexactly what she wasgoingto sayand with my frazzled nerves, Iwas so glad that heropeningline: “Youcan’t stay there” wasfollowed by the words“butI’llhelp you moorupproperly.”

I’ll be forevergrateful to Tracyfor herhelpand, along thesix-mile routeto Stratford, wouldmeetother peopleonly toohappy tolend ahandtothese narrowboat novices. Next morning, webegan

ourdescentthroughthe WilmcoteFlight. Astheone incharge ofthe windlass, Ispent littletimeon the boat as Ioperatedthelocks, runningaheadtothenext onetoensurethe waterwas at ourlevel.Along theway,I met with boatersheadingin theoppositedirectionandit wasnicetohavea chat as we helped each otheropenor closelockgates. Thereare 17locksbetween WoottonWawenand Stratfordupon-Avon so youcan understandthe senseofrelief we feltarrivingatBancroft Basin. It wasmyturnbackon thetillerand Ireallyfell apart tryingtoget theboatintoits berth. It reallydoesn’thelp when you’remessing upthat thereare thosenearbyfilming yourattempts; however, I’m gratefultoapasser-bycalled Colinwhoprovidedus with some advice,suggestingwe leavethe basinandmoorup just outside,handilyfacingthe rightdirectionfor ourreturnto Wootton Wawen.

While my wifeandIhad had atimeofit,thechildren had been ontheir best behaviour, playinggames and drawing picturesinthe cabin.Asa reward,wetookthemtoa well-known burger restaurant andpaid areturnvisittoThe MADMuseum, amuseumof mechanicalart, which with its hands-onexhibit haslong beenafavouriteoftheirs.

The following day, aftera visitto Tudor World, wesetoff towardsWilmcote. Despite astuck waterfillercap, ourreturntripwas less stressfulwith amoreorganised wayofgetting throughthelocks. My wife’s textbook mooringbetween

twonarrowboatswas worth celebrating and Ifelt asense ofachievementwhen she hadacknowledged that my rope tyinghad improved dramatically. Anightat Wilmcote –thebirthplace of WilliamShakespeare’s mother,MaryArden –meant we enjoyeda heartymeal at the Mary Arden Inn.Picking upsnacksanddrinks,we spentthenightonthe boat and asit rained heavily outside, thefeelingofcosinesswas enhancedbyputtinga login the solidfuel stove.Thenext morningwevisited Mary Arden’sFarm–aworking Tudorfarm, ownedbythe Shakespeare BirthplaceTrust, whichis well wortha visit. Returningthe boat to WoottonWawen,wewere asked if we’d hadagood time. The highsdid outstripthelows so I’dhavetosay yes, adding the words: “Itwaschallenging yetrewarding.”And would we doit again? Yes, butonly whenthechildrenareatanage whentheycan help withthe locksand take over thedriving, givingusa chanceto relaxand enjoyourholiday.

Takenfromthepages ofBestofBritish,the UK’sfavouritenostalgia monthly.Celebrating thebestinclassic entertainment,transport, foodanddrink,andthe greatBritishcountryside, itisavailablefromall good newsagentsand classicmagazinescouk classicmagazines co uk

Stephanieattheneedle-punchingmachine.Withpractice, onehairmattakesaround20minutestomake.

OneofStephanie’sfeltedhairmats,capableofsoakingup tofivetimesitsownweightinoil.

DashingacrossthegateatWilmcote TopLock.

Poppy,secondfromthefront,expertlymooredupbyMrsStableratWilmcote.

PHOTOS:SIMONSTABLER

Areminderofwhatwe couldhave lostatWilmcote.

Canalsand therural economy focus mindsatwaterways parliamentarygroupmeeting

Story by:PhilPickin

OUR canalsand ruraleconomywere the subjectsunderdiscussionatthe recentAll-Party ParliamentaryGroup fortheWaterways meetingchaired by SirMichaelFabricant MP.The meetingfollowed thegroup’s AGM andincludedpresentationsfrom Rob Leigh, headof communications at the Broads Authority,and Gareth Stephens, head of businessboatingand waterside moorings at the Canal&RiverTrust. Both speakershighlighted their respectiveorganisations’challenges –challenges posedbyfinancial constraintsand achangingclimate. Changesduetothe climatewere illustrated by RobLeigh,who saidthat inthe spaceof just acoupleof years,the amountofvegetationthat needed to be cleared from oneparticularstretchofthe Broads hadjumpedfromsixloadsto44. Thisstaggeringfigure also highlightsthe resourcesneeded to be employedjustto keepthe waterwaysopen. He went on tosaythatanadditionalplant-cutting boathasbeen broughtintohelpbutthis extraworkcan resultinother areasof maintenance work beingdelayed. WiththeBroads beingmadeupof28 SSSIs,Rob outlinedtheneedtobalance the authority’sworkinpromoting andgrowingthetourism sectorwhile preservingthe naturalenvironment.At

its peakin2019,tourismprovided an incometo theareaof£665mprovided by 8.18m visitors,allofwhich supported 7485jobs.Butas aresultofCovid,these figures were almost halvedin2020, andeven2022’s figures stillshowthat although the numbersareimproving, visitorandjob numbershavestill not returnedto 2019levels,although spendingisnow above2019,probably dueinnosmallparttopriceincreases.

Changeinhabits

The year 2020alsosaw the startofa change in boating habits,withmore andmorepeopletakingtothe waterin

canoesandonpaddleboards.Rob feels thistrendstemsfromthepandemic’s drivetoreconnect people withtheir surroundings. Anothertrendhe outlinedisthechangeinthehirefleets that operated ontheBroads,withmore fleetsupgrading their boatstoextend theirhireseasonsandincrease their pricestoholidaymakers.Despitethis, he reported that they have seen a15% decrease in motorcruisersoperating whiledayboatsareincreasing.

Othernoteworthychangesincluded theincrease in thenumberofyoung peopleandfirst-timevisitorstothe Broads,which,althoughwelcomed,also

occasionally causesissues regarding safety. Novice waterwaysusersare morelikely to getintotrouble, with occasionallytragicconsequences. He went onto outlinethat theneed to preserve thisunique habitat–ironically seenasone of thedriestplacesinthe UK –while boostingtourismand keepingthe waterwaysopenhasled to asignificantincrease in boat users’ costs overthelastfew years.Rob closed his presentation by sayingthat theBroadsis aunique,working, manmadelandscape that requires regularfundingtoenable ittocontinueandthrive.

Keydriversof economy

AttendeesalsoheardfromCRT’s Gareth Stephens,who pointedout that of the trust’s2000milesof waterways, around 50%arewithinaruralenvironment. These waterwaysare keydrivers of rural economiesviatourismand water-based activities.Inaddition,thetrustisakey providerofaccesstogreen spacetothe urban population. He went onto highlighta number ofhigh-profile waterwayslocations, includingthe Caen Hill Flight, Bradley Junctionandthe Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, as keyrural tourismcentresaround thecountryandthat theyhelpbring ina staggering £1.5bntothe national economy. With tourism being the mainincome generator,hetoldthe meeting that thereare something like 11,000holiday hire boatsand300day boatsoperating onthe systemandthat investmentcontinuesinthe marina sector.However,likeRob Leigh, CRT isalsoseeingasignificantincreasein the numberof peopleusingcanoes andpaddleboardsonthe canals. AccordingtoRob,PaddleUK hasseen

itsmembershipincreasefrom36,000 in2019 to 96,000. Garethalsooutlined many oftheother businessesconnected withthe waterwaysthat aresupported by theactivitiesofthoseusingthe canal systemand,indoingso, madethe case fortheneed foradditionalfunding. Income generated by the waterways isn’talwayshome-grown,asillustrated by twocasestudiesheshowed. Both coveredtheactivitiesoftwocouples, one from Swedenandtheotherfromthe US, whoregularlyholidayonthe waterways of theUK.

Finances

Given that themeetingisaParliamentary meeting, it wasnosurprise to hearMPs quickly pointout thefundsprovided fromthe LevellingUpFundthat arenow beingspent onthe work being carried outattheTrevor Basin,closetothe PontcysyllteAqueduct.This Unescosite alone attractsaround500,000visitors peryear, accordingtoGareth. The issues surroundingthe Defra grantwereraised duringtheQ&A sessionthat followed thepresentations, andit wasinterestingtohearthat Sir MichaelFabricant hasadvisedRichard Parryonthe bestwaytoapproachthe Governmentregarding thefunding issue. According to him,decisionsare often made by advisorsandcivil servants whoadviseministers.Hehas apparently advisedRichardParry who to bein contact with so that theright message ispassed toministers.Thehopeisthat this mayresultinanincreaseinthegrant beforethe 2027deadline.

Betweennowandthen we havea generalelectiontocontend withand, ifpredictionsarecorrect,a change in government, so it remains to be seenif adifferentgovernmentwilllookmore kindlyonthe waterways.

SirMichaelalsomentionedthe forthcomingelectionwhenthanking attendeesfortheirtime butwasunsure astothedateofthenextmeetingdueto theimpendingelection.

OneoftheBroadsAuthority’s threevegetationcuttingboatsin action. PHOTO:BROADS AUTHORITY

RobLeighshowedthewiderangeofmarketingchannelstheBroads Authorityusestopromotetourismtothearea. PHOTO: BROADS AUTHORITY.

TheAPPGmeetingwithSir MichaelFabricant,MP,inthechair inconversationwithRobLeigh fromtheBroadsAuthority.

CRToutlinedhowthe£1.5bnthewaterwaysgeneratebenefitsthewidercommunity. PHOTO: CRT.

Wheredidthat word comefrom?

JohnSoutercontinueshis seriesexploringtheorigins ofcommonlyusedboating terms.

MANYofyou maybefamiliar withwhat alot ofthe wordsthatboatersusemean –but have youeverstopped to wonder wherethe wordsweare all toofamiliar withactuallyoriginated from?Hereare moreexamplesof wordswhoseorigins may hopefully inform you, and in some casesperhaps,evensurpriseyou.

Narrowboat/narrowboat (Longboat/longboat)

Avesseltraditionallymeasuringupto 70ftin lengthand with a6ft10in beam constructed to thesedimensionsto be abletopassthroughthenominally7ft widelockson‘narrow’canals. Purists tend to usethe term‘narrow boat’, with aspace betweenthe words, to refer to an original workingboatorreplica, andthe singleword‘narrowboat’for boatsused forleisureand residential purposes. It wouldbeconsidered by many that to refertoa narrowboat as abargeor longboatwould be totallyinappropriate. The word is most likelytoderivefrom the OldEnglish ‘nearu’or‘nearewe’ meaning‘narrow part,narrow thing’ withthe suffix boat.

Navvy

Thisisaninformalcolloquial word which hasbeen shortenedfrom the word navigatorandused to refertoa manual labourer whoworkedonroad construction,ormoreespecially onthe waterways navigating‘the cut’ around

Thespaceforthepaddle mechanismcanbeseeninthis pictureatthebottomrightof thegate.

andthrough contoursonthe land. The shortening of navigatortonavvy inthe senseofa personwhodigs navigationchannelsis believedtostem fromthe1830s.

The word is thoughttoderivefromthe 1580s from theLatin word ‘navigator’ meaning‘sailor,onewho navigates’.

Paddle(orslacker)(asin lockgates,locksides)

Thisistheslidingpanel,slat orsmall doormechanismin alockgate, sluice gateorlocksidethat isused to regulate

Once more unto

theflowofwaterandwater level inor outofalockchamberor weirtoeither higherorlowerlevels.Inthe mainthis processisnow undertakenbyusinga windlasstomovepaddle gear which will causethepaddlestoriseorfallas needed.Thewordslackerasopposed to paddleis generallyfoundto be used onEastAnglian waterways.

The word is believed to comefrom thelate Middle English word ‘padell’ meaning‘small spade’whichevolved intothewordpaddledue to the familiarityinshapeofa lock paddleto aspade.

Pigeonbox

Aroof-box, normallyhinged down the centreridge,originallyintended to cover theventilationholeintheengine room roofareaof amotorised narrow boat. In factfew workingboats actuallyhad them,andiftheydidthe boxwas often theproperty ofthe boatowner or captain who wouldtakeitwithhimifandwhen changingboats. The originofthe word isunknown but could just be down to thefactthat the boxissimilarinshapetotheboxesthat

Floatingpontoonsat Tewkesbury marina.

areusedfor carrying homingpigeons.

Pontoon

Thepigeonboxcanbeseenhere onthe roof of Arundel.

The originaluseofthe word isfora floatingplatformusedtosupporta bridgeor walkway, e.g. asinthemobile floatingpontoonsusedbytheArmy asa meansofcrossingriversinthe absence of abridge, andevolved fromthereto includethefloatingwalkwayagainst whichboats canmoor.

It derivesfromthec1670s Old French word ‘ponton’meaning‘bridge, boat bridge,flat-bottomedboat’or alternativelyfromtheLatin word ‘pons’ alsomeaning‘bridge’and‘walkway’. The useofthephrase‘pontoonbridge’ isknown to have been first recordedin the1770s.

thebreach...thefightfor fundingmust

NABOgeneralsecretary PeterBraybrook commentsonsome moretopicalissues.

IAMstillreeling from alongNABO Councilmeeting. We meet aboutevery twomonthsand so muchthat we had to discusshasariseninthelasttwo.

NABO is notjustconcernedwiththe canalsand riversthat areunderthe controlofthe Canal& RiverTrustand have membersonwaterwaysunder thecontrolof many othernavigation authorities.Itappears that allare

go on to keep everyone safe

in astate of fluxand cash-strapped with respecttospending on boating infrastructure. TheEnvironment Agencyhas rejigged itsadvisory network to includeall stakeholders andinstituted one-to-one meetings with representativeorganisations insteadof generalforums. NABO was invited to takepartandparticipated in aconstructivemanner.

Someof ourcouncil attendeda recentAll-Party Parliamentary Group forthe Waterwaysmeetingontourism andgleanedsomeinformationthat all isnot well withintheholidaysector. Hire boat companiesand boating organisationsontheBroadsare concerned abouta drop in interest. Some figures arestaggering. We were informedthat thereare inexcess of11,000hireboats;that 70new marinashavebeenopenedinthelast 10 years;andthat 25%ofhirersare from overseas.Inother words, this isnot asmallpart of thewaterways economy. It dependsgreatlyonsmooth infrastructureavailabilityand sudden stoppagesfromstructuralfailures impede thepleasurableexperience of acanal break. Alreadythis year cruisingonsome cruisingringsis impossiblebecause of landslipsand lock gate failures.Ofcourse, we accept that mechanicalfailurecan occur but

failureofwooden structuresalways comeswitha warningsign: creaking, cracking, bendingandgivingindicatea problemthat willnotgetbetterwithout intervention.Prevention by planned maintenanceisalwaysbetterthan unprepared reactiverepair.

Depletedfunds

NABO hasheard that Canal&River Trust’scontingency fundsareseriously depleted.Large reservoirprojects, breachesandlandslipstakealotof resources.AsIwritethe namedstorms keepcomingwitheachonebringingits ownchallenge.Fromhavingproblems withemptyreservoirsthereare now somethat aretoo full. Canalsareused forflood control, sometimesrouting watertoalready overflowing rivers. Therehavebeenmorethanusualstrong streamwarningsandclosureswhere rivers co-joinorcrosscanals. Emptycoffersbringthe possibility that infrastructurefailurecould be leftuntilmoneybecomesavailable, leadingtotheclosureoftheaffected waterwaybydefault.Thisiswhyweare so muchinfavourofthe FundBritain’s Waterwayscampaign.Wemustget themessage to theGovernmentthat the nationdependson waterwaysnot just forenjoymentand recreation but alsoforamenitiesand safety such as

flood protection andenvironmental resilience. Poor waterquality hasbeen highlightedbythe2024Oxbridge boat races being nicknamedtheE-coliraces as12timesthenormallevelofthis bacterium wasfound in thewaterof the Thamestideway. Rawsewagedischargesare blamed onthehigherthan averagerainfall with watertreatmentfacilitiesnot being able to copewiththe volumeof water beingthrownatthem.Because some dischargetocanals,keepingout ofthe waterismoreimportantthanever.

Transparencyrequired

Notforthe first time we were concerned aboutthe lack of transparencyin decision-makingbythe navigation authorities.Ihavesaid beforethat we do notwanttorun thewaterways ourselves butwishto beinformed users. We areconcernedthat the resultsofa consultation onlicence charges and surcharges were allegedly misrepresentedtothe Canal&River Trusttrustees. Were boaters really infavourofsurchargingcontinuous cruisersand wider boatsratherthan acceptinganacross-the-boardincrease inlicencefees? The surcharges have beenimplementedfor renewalsfrom April1andthisobviously required considerablechangestothe Termsand

Conditionsfor Boat Licences.Thenew version wasslippedontotheinternet inmid-March. We wouldn'texpecta fanfarebut someindicationthat they were updatedwould have beennice. Boaterswho have to renewtheir licences will have to agreeonthese newconditions.And anewone has slipped in. Boaters willnowhaveto askpermissionfromCanal &River Trusttomoorontheoffsideofits canals.Previouslyit wasaccepted, we think,that theland owner’s permission alone wasrequiredfor casualmooring. End-of-gardenmooringpermitsarefor permanentmoorings.

The responsibilityforthetrustto mitigateriskhas been removedand is nowputtotallyonthe boater.The adviceto carryunpowered boats aroundlocks hasbeen removed, necessitatinggreatervigilanceof boat skipperswhensharinglocks with kayaks,inflatabledinghiesoreven paddle boarders.Yourresponsibility tocontrolyourdogsandthoseofyour visitors isnowincluded, butIexpect that youdothatanyway.Theremay be morechangesthat we have not yet noticed.Thereisanecessityforevery CRTlicenceapplicant to readthemand nottakeitforgrantedthat they arethe sameas last time.Failuretocomply couldlead to aloss of yourlicence.

AnarrowboatnavigatingHattonLocks.

“Nowthatthe kidshave left home, let’srattlearoundinthisempty house forthenext 20 years.”

(saidnoone ever)

There’sanotherway.

Choosefreedom, together with Aquavista.