Towpath Talk - December 2021 - Preview by Mortons Media Group Ltd

1 Issue 194, December 2021

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Santa’s back

P44

Winter fuel

WHEELYBOAT JOINS W&A FLEET

Christmas cruises return to the Chesterfield Canal after last year’s lockdown-hit festive season. Seth Ellis will be running from the Chequers Inn at Ranby on Saturdays and Sundays from December 4. Turn to page 18 for more details. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

MASONS FUND ELECTRIC TRIPBOAT

P10

WEDGWOODS’ SWANSONG CRUISE

P20

BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

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Canal & River Trust 2022 boat licence fees to rise by 4% PRIVATE and business boat licence fees will rise by 4% from April 1, 2022, the Canal & River Trust has announced. It aims to keep licence price increases broadly in line with inflation forecasts to shield boaters from a more substantial contribution to the full costs of looking after the network. On the day Towpath Talk went to press, the Office for National

Statistics announced that the cost of living had risen by 4.2% in October. Income from private boat licences accounted for around 10% of the charity’s annual income last year and helps ensure that the vast amount of work necessary for keeping the waterways available to boaters can be carried out.

As the trust’s navigations and their associated historic infrastructure become older, and the changing climate brings more extreme weather, more money must be spent to care for them and keep them in working order. Boaters who regularly use both CRT and Environment Agency waterways can apply for a Gold Licence. Holders

will be advised of any changes to their licence fees following the results of the EA’s consultation on boat registration charges, expected before the end of the year. From April 1, Gold Licence holders who want to visit the Middle Levels will need to buy an Anglian Pass from EA. • Continued on page 2

Case catch

Anniversary plans

Tipped tyres

A SUITCASE pulled out of the Grand Union Canal at Welton in Northamptonshire by a magnet fisherman has been reunited with its owner – more than 10 years after it was stolen. Lee Roberts, his mother and aunt managed to haul the case, which was loaded with bricks, on to the towpath. Contents included jewellery, binoculars and a camera taken during the burglary. They tracked down the family of the owner in Napton via Facebook.

THE Cotswold Canals Trust is gearing up for its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022. Proposed events so far include a sponsored walk on May 1; exhibition of CCT’s 50 years and the next 50 years at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, from May 5 for the whole month and a ‘knees up’ on May 25, celebrating the members and volunteers that made it happen in 1972 and are continuing to do so today.

LOCAL volunteers and the Canal & River Trust have removed 1398 tyres from woodland on the south-east side of Brent Reservoir, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in North West London also known as the Welsh Harp. Helped by corporate volunteers from Argent, members of the Friends of the Welsh Harp moved the tyres to a car park for collection by a sustainable waste management company. The fly tipping was reported to the Environment Agency waste crimes team.

2 NEWS

December 2021

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WELCOME WE CRUISE into the festive season with a bit more optimism than last year, although we are definitely not out of the woods yet. But we are getting more good news stories such as the ‘levelling-up’ funding for the Welsh canals, see page 3, submission of plans for the restoration of the Toddbrook Reservoir on page 6 and more green flags flying in Cheshire, page 9. The arrival of new boats is always cause for celebration and these include a wheelyboat for the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, turn to page 8 and an all-electric trip boat for the Kingfisher Medway Trust, full report on page 10. I have been avidly watching the latest series on BBC TV of Who Do You Think You Are? With the publication of the 1921 census early next year, there will be lots more information for people researching their roots so it is timely that we bring you a new regular family history feature by Nicola Lisle – see how you can make a start on page 16. Someone with very famous canal ancestry is Adrian Wedgwood; at the age of 80 he decided that it was time for him and his wife Maz to curtail their boating activities and he has written a delightful account of their ‘swansong’ cruise on the Caldon Canal, see page 20. The second of our Christmas Gift Guides starts on page 44 with some presents you can buy online. A subscription to Towpath Talk has not risen like the cost of living and is still from just £14 for the year. It would make a great gift for anyone who doesn’t have a local stockist and there are also some great offers on our sister titles. Keep smiling

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Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Advertising sales representative Chris Heaton – 01507 529354 cheaton@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm. help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd. Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – December 23, 2021

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Does the Chichester Canal hold memories for you? PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Chichester Canal seeks memories of 200 years of community history THE Chichester Canal has been an important part of Chichester’s community landscape and the social and cultural scene for almost 200 years, having marked its first formal opening on April 9, 1822. And now the Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the volunteer-led charity behind the canal, is planning a season of anniversary events to help people discover more about the unique heritage and different ways to explore the canal. The project team are looking for all manner of memories to illustrate what the canal has meant to people during the last 200 years. Catherine Cannon, trustee, said: “The community has been a rich source of stories, often passed from generation to generation, recorded or captured orally or in photographic form. “We’d love to capture and share these memories as part of our 200th celebrations.” Memories may be from very recent years, as you may have discovered the To share a memory, please send it to: 200years@chichestercanal.com in whatever format you like. Pictures are very welcome. You can collect a paper form in the canal cafe which

canal during lockdown – what did it mean to your mental health? It may have been on one of the seasonal boat trips – does that bring back happy memories for you and your family? It may be that you’re a recreational paddler on the water – how important is the wildlife and the open space to you? The stories may be from generations further back – can you recall events that have taken place at the canal? Do you have stories about the initial restoration? Or can you remember the canal before it was restored? Maybe you have family history to share, about relatives involved in the canal, about childhoods growing up by the canal, about businesses located by the canal, or special occasions that took place. Mollie Close, one of the 200th project team volunteers, said: “The responses will be displayed as part of our anniversary celebrations, where they will be on view for the community to enjoy.”

Canals saviour immortalised in bronze Words & photo: Colin Wareing

A STATUE commemorating Blackburn MP Barbara Castle has been unveiled in the Lancashire town’s Jubilee Square. She is portrayed holding a representation of a copy of the Equal Pay Act from 1970. Barbara Castle was the Labour MP for Blackburn from 1945 to 1979 and from December 1965 until April 1968 was Minister for Transport in the Harold Wilson government. During this time she introduced the wide-ranging 1968 Transport Act that included wearing of seat belts, and lorry driver hours regulation. It also included the

requirement of the British Waterways Board to maintain the nation’s canals as either the larger commercial waterways or the narrow canals as cruising waterways. The BWB went on to become the Canal & River Trust. Prior to this bill the treasury was hoping to abandon the government’s financial commitment to maintain the inland waterways of the country. Mrs Castle went on to champion the rights of women for equal pay, supporting workers at the Ford car plant in Dagenham in their fight for equal pay. The bronze statue was sculpted by Sam Holland and unveiled by MP Angela Rainer, deputy leader of the Labour Party, and former Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

you can fill out by hand or use the printed QR code to take you online to write your response. You are welcome to keep your responses anonymous if you choose.

Canal & River Trust 2022 boat licence fees to rise by 4% • Continued from page 1 From April 2022 the Canal & River Trust will continue the phased introduction of additional pricing bands for boats that are more than 2.16m (7ft 1in) wide. This means that licence fees for boats in the top width band, more than 3.24m (10ft 7½in) wide, will be subject to an additional 5% in addition

to the 4% annual rise from April 1, 2022. These changes to the structure of licence fees were announced in 2018 and have been applied over a five-year period from April 1, 2020 to avoid a sudden impact on any boaters. More information on boat licences, including discounts, is available at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk by clicking on enjoy-the-waterways/boating/ buy-your-boat licence.

The statue of Barbara Castle in Jubilee Square in Blackburn.

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Delight as Montgomery Canal restoration secures £15.4 million funding

ORGANISATIONS working hard to restore the Montgomery Canal are celebrating after the UK Government announced £15.4 million of Levelling Up funding towards the project. The funding, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his recent Budget speech, will bring the realisation of an ambition to restore the canal to the national network another step closer. Describing it as a “milestone day”, Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams said: “This will transform Montgomeryshire’s economy in opening up so many opportunities and will finally see one of the UK’s most picturesque attractions returned to its former glory.” The money will be invested in restoring navigation to most of a 4.4-mile section of the canal from the English border at Llanymynech to Arddleen, near Welshpool. The successful bid for Levelling Up funding was made by Powys County Council, supported by the Canal & River Trust. Montgomery Canal Partnership’s chair John Dodwell and Michael Limbrey, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust

MP Craig Willliams: “a milestone day”. PHOTO: PHIL BLAGG PHOTOGRAPHY

chairman, were both delighted with the news and thanked Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams for his support. “This is extremely good news, “said Mr Dodwell. “We are very grateful to Craig Williams, MP, for his enormous support and encouragement. We are also hugely appreciative of the support from Coun Rosemarie Harris and her colleagues and staff at Powys County Council. “It’s also a vindication for Russell George, MS for Montgomeryshire, for his help down the years, and we couldn’t have got this far without the great help from the staff at Canal & River Trust.” He continued: “The canal’s restoration will be of enormous benefit to the community and so it’s appropriate that we have had support from Welshpool Town Council and other councils. “As there will no doubt be terms and conditions attached to the £15.4m grant, the detailed hard work starts now!” Mr Limbrey said: “It’s absolutely brilliant news. We are really delighted with the work and support of Craig Williams and the teams at Powys County Council and the Canal & River Trust. “Having been working to revive the canal into Mid Wales for so many years, this is a great step forward to restoring it to the national network.” Mr Williams, a passionate supporter of the canal restoration, described the Budget announcement as “a milestone day for Montgomeryshire” after decades of local campaigning by “fantastic volunteers” at the Montgomery Canal Partnership and Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. “This will transform Montgomeryshire’s economy in opening up so many opportunities and will finally see one of the UK’s most picturesque attractions returned to its former glory,” he said. “The restoration of the canal will bring real investment, real growth and real jobs to Montgomeryshire’s communities.” Coun Graham Breeze, a Powys county councillor for Welshpool Llanerchydol Ward, described the

announcement as “the best possible news for Welshpool”. “It’s impossible to calculate the value of this development to Welshpool and the surrounding area,” he said. “Reopening the canal puts Welshpool firmly back on the UK canal network

map and will bring tourists flooding into the area with huge economic benefits. “Powys County Council Cabinet is to be commended for pressing for the levelling-up funding and recognising the importance of opening this stretch of canal.

“But this is just the latest step. Now we have to hope that vital funding from the Mid Wales Growth deal follows to ensure the completion of the project. “The news is just reward for the scores of volunteers who, for many years, have fought to keep the canal open.”

Study to consider feasibility of reopening Montgomery Canal to Newtown

A LONG-term ambition to restore the Montgomery Canal to Newtown is to be the subject of a feasibility study following a meeting held in the town. The meeting was arranged by Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and Montgomery Canal Partnership at the request of Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams. More than 30 invited representatives of agencies, authorities and charities with an interest in the canal, including four Powys County Council portfolio holders, attended. This year is the 200th anniversary of the final opening of the Montgomery Canal to Newtown. The canal, which starts in Frankton Junction near Ellesmere and runs through Welshpool, closed after a burst bank in 1936. John Dodwell, Montgomer y Canal Partnership chair and Mi c h a e l L i m b re y , Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust charman,

Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams and Montgomeryshire MS Russell George with Michael Limbrey (standing left), Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust chairman and John Dodwell, Montgomery Canal Partnership chair. PHOTO SUPPLIED outlined the challenges and opportunities associated with reopening the canal from Refail, Berriew to Newtown. Both men were delighted with the enthusiasm expressed at the meeting to restore the canal to Newtown. “I was pleased that Craig Williams called the meeting and with the attendance of a wide range of interested parties,” said Mr Dodwell.

“Restoring the canal to Newtown is phase four and the long term objective. “We are at the very early stages and need to manage public expectations, as these things take a long time to bring to fruition. Firstly, we need to commission a feasibility study. “We currently have our hands full with phase three but we need to plan ahead in collaboration with all interested parties.”

Mr Limbrey said it was most valuable that so many different interests in the canal were represented at the meeting. He was impressed and encouraged by the enthusiasm in the room to restore the canal. “It has always been the ambition of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust to reopen the canal back to a destination terminus in Newtown but everybody accepts that there are challenges to overcome,” he said. “The priority at this stage has to be to reconnect the Welshpool section of the Montgomery Canal to the national waterway network, but we don’t want to lose sight of reopening the whole canal to Newtown. Anybody interested in supporting the canal restoration is asked to contact Mr Limbrey on Tel: 01691 654081 or email: chairman@ montgomerywrtrust.uk

4 NEWS

Historic bridge is back in the swing

BRITAIN’S first electrically operated floating swing bridge, Northwich Town Bridge in Cheshire, is swinging again thanks to a £300,000 repair by the Canal & River Trust. Vital repairs have been made to rebalance the original cantilever rotary mechanism – enabling the 122-year-old bridge to swing open again for boats. For the last four years, the two-lane road bridge has struggled to open and close successfully and has recently had to remain fixed in position to carry road traffic over the River Weaver Navigation, as part of the busy one-way system around Northwich town centre. Designed by the Weaver Navigation Company’s engineer Col JA Saner, the 1899 black and white, steel lattice girder bridge originally had wooden decking and weighed about 300 tons. Over the years there have been several modifications to the original design, including the addition of a Tarmac road, which means the rollers and foundation piles are now having to support a moving deck of 460 tons – more than 50% greater than they were designed for. Simon Harding, project manager with the Canal & River Trust, said: “Town Bridge and its sister structure Hayhurst Swing Bridge in Northwich used groundbreaking technology when they first opened at the turn of the last century. The Weaver Navigation was in constant use by coastal steamers and barges transporting salt, coal and other goods to the River Mersey, Liverpool Docks and beyond. “River transport was massively more important than road traffic, which was still dominated by the horse and cart at this time. The control cabin was manned 24 hours a day and the bridge was

apparently operated more than 55,000 times in the first 15 years. Compare that with today’s largely leisure boating traffic, which requires the bridge to be swung less than 50 times a year, due to the smaller nature of most boats which can safely cruise underneath.” Simon continued: “The original engineers devised a series of clever adaptations to the bridge to cater for subsidence caused by collapsing salt brine mines. The bridge is partly floating and partly supported on adjustable cast iron screw piles. The water level is maintained by sluices, located away from the subsidence and the screw piles can be raised with adjustable screws. The bridge was powered by electric motors rather than steam to avoid pipes bursting due to the effects of corrosive, salty river water. “This latest innovative solution to keep the original Victorian mechanism functioning and the swing bridge swinging has been designed by specialist mechanical engineers working with trust staff and Sheffield fabricator, Hadee Engineering Company. It has involved the installation of new large sprung rollers and a circular metal rail. This should now help to keep the bridge swinging on its intended track, prevent further instability and ensure the historic bridge remains operational for many years to come.” Following completion of the six-week repair project, the bridge can swing again to allow larger vessels to sail through Northwich up river towards Winsford or downstream towards Frodsham and Runcorn. Boat passage can be booked by ringing the Canal & River Trust on 0303 040 4040.

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Working on the rotary mechan

ism.

Project manager Simon Harding with Town Bridge.

Repair work taking place as road traffic and pedestrians continue Welding below the bridge to use the bridge. deck.

The 1858 single span wrought iron bridge which was replaced by the current 1899 swing bridge. PHOTOS: CRT

The newly refurbished bridge.

December 2021

Above: Successful test swing open.

A major refurbishment in 1985 when the bridge and pontoons were craned out, leaving the support girder exposed.

Early 1900s postcard of Town Bridge.

NEWS 5

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Burscough Town Council chairman Coun Brian Kennedy and the BHG chairman Tom Spencer take the first sit on one of two new canalside benches.

The Burscough Heritage Group’s team that ran the children’s sessions during the Heritage Week 2013. They are pictured beside the working narrowboat Aquarius that had called in at the wharf for a few hours along with the butty Ilkeston while passing through Burscough following a trip into Liverpool. Those present include: Tom Spencer, Mike Allen, crew of Aquarius, Sandra Nolan, Trish Moran, Carole Wareing, Janet Lawson, Sue Webster, Cliff Boynton, Sheila Petheridge, Sue Bradshaw, Ivan Hicks, Gill Draper and Kath Webster. Colin Wareing was behind the camera.

The Deputy Mayor of We st Lancashire, Iain Ashcroft about to smash a bottle of ‘Kennet’ beer over the bow of Ke nne boat at Burscough Herita t to rededicate the ge Week 2012. This was the boat’s first pub lic appearance following restoration by the Friend s of Kennet, part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal So mayor is watched by, fro ciety. The deputy m left: Lynton Childs of the Friends of Kenne t, John Webster, Tom Spencer, and Sandra No lan of the Burscough Heritage Group, Freda Childs, chair of the Lee ds & Liverpool Canal Society and the deputy mayoress .

Burscough Heritage Group comes to an end By Colin Wareing

THE Burscough Heritage Group was a community group that started life as the Burscough Village Canal Heritage Group and continued for more than 10 years, with the shortened name. Until Covid hit, the group organised an annual heritage weekend, ran history meetings on winter evenings, installed information boards around the village, installed a much-appreciated bench on the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath outside the wharf and did loads of work visiting schools and other groups informing people of the history of the town. The main group of people organising the events, meetings and school visits had remained fairly constant, though with dwindling numbers throughout the years, and felt it was time for a rest. Despite appealing for new people to step up unfortunately no one came forward so the group is now being wound up and the artefacts and assets will be disposed of. One of the last public acts of the group was the unveiling of two new benches for public use on the canal towpath alongside Burscough Wharf. They were installed to complement the one installed by the BHG back in 2016 to celebrate the bicentenary of the opening of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Burscough Heritage Group had organised, with help of funding from the Tesco bags for life scheme, the benches which were dedicated by town council

Margaret Gardner and Cindy Robertson cut the ribbon to unveil the plaque recording the working boat families of Burscough on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The plaque was produced by the Burscough Heritage Group in 2016 to help celebrate the completion of the canal in 1816, while Margaret and Cindy had just completed walking the entire 127¼ miles of the towpath to celebrate a significant birthday for Margaret. On the left is BHG chairman Tom Spencer. PHOTOS: COLIN WAREING, COLIN AND CAROLE’S CREATIONS

chairman Coun Brian Kennedy for the use of the local community and in memory of former members of the group, the late Kath Webster, Mike Allen and Sheila Petherbridge. The members of the group send thanks to everybody, including all the other organisations and businesses that have supported the group over the years.

One of the last commercial working canal boatmen from Burscough, George Lawson, wearing hi-vis, explains the job he used to do as visitors gathered to celebrate the Burscough Canal Heritage Week 2012. The photo was taken at Burscough Wharf with the Leeds & Liverpool short boat Ribble moored alongside.

66 NEWS

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Canal & River Trust submits plans for Toddbrook repairs

RESTORATION of the Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge has taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application for its permanent repair. The Canal & River Trust has applied to High Peak Borough Council for permission to replace the 1970s-built spillway, damaged following torrential rain in summer 2019, with a new overflow structure to the north of the dam which will funnel away excess water when the reservoir is full. Daniel Greenhalgh, CRT North West director, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has given feedback or attended our public

consultations in September 2020 and June this year. We have also had extensive discussions with local residents, particularly those nearest the site, and have tried to adapt our plans and designs to cause the least disruption and inconvenience.” The application for the new structure includes building a new overflow side channel weir, ‘tumble bay’, spillway channel and stilling basin which links to the existing bypass channel before flowing into the River Goyt in the town’s Memorial Park. It also includes a proposal to replace the current sailing club facilities, which will be impacted by the new spillway.

bay’ and side Diagram of the proposed new ‘tumble

channel weir.

The damaged 1970s spillway looking towards the Memorial Park.

An artist’s impression of the view across the dam. Plans feature a new clubhouse, boat storage, slipway and car park, located on a site behind the proposed tumble bay. The repair project is estimated to cost in the region of £12-16 million. Subject to planning permission, work is due to start in spring 2022 and is expected to take about two years to complete, with the reservoir reopening to the public in summer 2024. Feedback from two public consultations influenced several design features to reduce the visual impact of the new concrete structures. These include the addition of natural stone cladding to most exterior

side walls above ground level and ensuring wall heights are kept as low as possible. There was also a public wish to see water constantly flowing down the spillway channel instead of it being predominantly dry and this has been achieved by connecting the top of the tumble bay into the existing reservoir bypass channel. The 1970s overflow spillway overlooking the park, which was damaged in summer 2019, will be decommissioned, the concrete panels removed and the dam slope grassed over. The original 1840s spillway, near the existing sailing club, will also be removed and some of the stone reclaimed and reused as cladding on the exterior walls of the new structures. Daniel continued: “We recognise the repair work will cause disruption for some residents, particularly those living nearby, and we will do our very best to mitigate noise and inconvenience as far as we are able. We thank everyone for their patience and support over the last two years. Plans for the permanent repair design have been guided by modern engineering best practice and shaped by local feedback. Public safety is our top priority. “Restoring Toddbrook is vital to ensure the longterm viability of the Peak Forest and Macclesfield

PHOTOS: CRT

canals. We look forward to completing this challenging engineering project so we can again rely on its essential water supply and for the beautiful reservoir to be reinstated for the benefit of everyone in Whaley Bridge.” The trust has been working closely with engineering and consultancy firm Arup to prepare the detailed plans after carrying out extensive technical investigations and design work. The construction project will be delivered by main contractor Kier.

Temporary compound

In order to carry out the essential repairs, the trust will set up a temporary site compound at the northern end of the Memorial Park, next to the dam. Following feedback from local residents, a footpath will be retained across the park, connecting Wharf Road along the river to the Memorial Park Bridge, providing a viewing point for the construction site. During the works the playground will unfortunately have to be removed but will be replaced with temporary alternative play equipment at the top of the dam next to Whaley Bridge Athletic Football Club. A new playground, similar to the existing one, will be rebuilt at the same location in the Memorial Park at the end of the project in 2024. The park will be re-landscaped, with extra footpaths and a new footbridge over the bypass channel.

A general view of the reservoir.

An artist’s impression of the proposed new sailing club.

Access for construction vehicles into the site compound will be along Reservoir Road. There will be no temporary traffic lights at weekends or evenings and the trust will arrange for weekday construction traffic to be managed by having staff on duty with ‘stop’ and ‘go’ signs and radios to provide a more personal and interactive traffic management service. A number of trees will need to be felled to make way for the construction of the new spillway but the trust has worked closely with the council to discuss replacement planting and habitat creation, which is predicted to achieve a net biodiversity gain of more than 10%. Toddbrook Reservoir, which supplies water to the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, has been out of action and almost empty of water since the spillway was damaged after excessive rainfall in July 2019. Last summer, ahead of the permanent repair, the trust and its contractors Kier carried out works to make safe the damaged spillway and add a protective waterproof nib to the dam crest. The major construction project on the dam will be followed by works to the inlet cascade, at the far end of the reservoir, to increase its resilience to high flows from the Todd Brook stream. High-volume pumps will remain in the reservoir to manage water levels until the end of the restoration project. The planning application will be available for view on the High Peak Borough Council website at http:// planning.highpeak.gov.uk For more information about restoring Toddbrook Reservoir, visit: https:// canalrivertrust.org.uk/ restoring-toddbrookreservoir

NEWS 7

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Iconic footbridge at Farndon receives makeover Words & photos: Alison Alderton

THE iconic white steel footbridge over the entrance to Farndon Marina on the River Trent in Nottinghamshire is looking spick and span after a programme of autumn maintenance works. Cosmetic work involved a full repaint to the bridge itself as well as maintenance to the approaching footpath which forms part of a popular waterfront walk enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. During the works air draft was restricted at times for some vessels both in and out of the marina. However, the staff at Farndon Marina went the extra mile, ensuring all boat owners and locals were kept up to date with frequent social media posts. The Ainsworth family, who developed the surrounding site from former gravel workings in the 1960s into the modern fully equipped marina found here today, own the bridge. Erected in 2001 it is one of only a few privately owned access bridges in the UK. Access, both across and beneath the bridge, is now fully restored and footpaths reopened.

Attending to the paintwork.

The delayed ceremony to celebrate completion of the Whitminster Roundabout project. PHOTO: CCT

Tree planting ceremony marks completion of roundabout A SPECIAL event to celebrate the completion of the award-winning A38 Whitminster Roundabout canal restoration project, the first section of the Missing Mile, has been celebrated with a tree planting ceremony. Andrew Page-Dove, South West regional director for National Highways, joined Siobhan Baillie MP, vice-chairman of the Cotswold Canals Trust, and Coun Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for highways, to plant trees at the special event. A commemorative plaque was also unveiled at the pandemic-delayed ceremony to celebrate completion of the National Highways-funded project and the start of the next stage of the Missing Mile – the M5 crossing and digging of the Missing Mile. Work will start afresh in the new

year to progress the ambitious project, which will eventually see a newly restored canal travel under the M5 near Junction 13. Despite taking place during the pandemic, and with significant challenges including maintaining traffic flows on a busy roundabout, the teams delivered the works on time and recently won two awards at the Institute of Civil Engineers South West Awards 2021: The People’s Choice Award and Project Under £8 Million Award. The rest of the Missing Mile project will see a new canal channel dug between Whitminster and Eastington, crossing under the M5 underpass, the building of two new locks and the reconnection to the historic canal channel at Eastington. https://cotswoldcanals.org/

March target for reopening breach site THE Canal & River Trust is aiming to reopen the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Rishton at the end of March 2022 following the recent breach. It is also hoped to reopen Gargrave Lock following wall reconstruction at the same time. As reported in last month’s Towpath Talk, fibre dams were installed between New Barn (109) and Aspen (110) bridges following a culvert failure on October 11. Pumps and 1200m of steel pipework were installed to raise water levels and over-pump to supply the section west of the breach. Once water levels were stabilised, the Barrowford, Johnson’s Hill and

A solitary narrowboat stranded within the dry section of the canal. PHOTOS: COLIN WAREING, COLIN AND CAROLE’S CREATIONS

Wigan lock flights reopened in late October. Design engineers have been investigating the full extent of the damage and the work required.

The pumps in the water at Aspen Bridge powered by electricity from a generator at the top of the bank on the left.

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Wheelyboat joins Wey & Arun fleet

WEY & Arun Canal Trust members gathered recently to welcome the latest addition to the charity’s fleet: a Mk III Wheelyboat. The boat was officially named the Walter Grove at a special ceremony in Loxwood on October 23. The purchase of the second-hand Mk III Wheelyboat was made possible by a generous donation from supporter Peter Grove and has been named in memory of his grandfather, who was a master carpenter on the Wey Navigation from 1885 to 1930. Peter, who now lives in the US, was represented at the ceremony by his cousin Ian Hair, from Alfold, who christened the boat on his behalf. The multi-purpose 17.5ft long wheelchair-accessible boat can easily be moved using the trust’s own equipment and will give the trust more options to operate boat trips for small groups and on less accessible sections of the canal. The new boat will be ideal for the Summit Level, near Cranleigh and Dunsfold, where there are no canal locks. Wey & Arun Canal Trust chairman Sally Schupke said: “Over the next few years it is clear that we will be offering boat trips in different parts of the canal. The versatility that this boat offers is something we were looking for.”

The wheelyboat is lowered into the water at Loxwood. PHOTO: JULIAN MORGAN

The Walter Grove alongside WACT trip boat Wiggonholt. PHOTO: STEPHEN BATEY

Left: Christening the Walter Grove are, from left: Ian Hair, cousin of benefactor Peter Grove, who named the boat after his grandfather Walter Grove and John Reynolds, Wey & Arun Canal Trust boat director.

Unveiling the Walter Grove are, from left: Wey & Arun Canal Trust skipper Louise Osborne, boat director John Reynolds, Wheelyboat Trust director Andy Beadsley and Ian Hair, cousin of benefactor Peter Grove. PHOTO: JULIAN MORGAN The boat has movable seating to allow up to seven passengers or five wheelchair users to be accommodated in comfort and was supplied and refurbished by the Wheelyboat Trust, a national charity dedicated to getting thousands of wheelchair users out enjoying the UK’s inland waterways. Wheelyboat Trust director Andy Beadsley said the benefits of getting disabled people out on the waterways were huge. “There are lots of health and well-being advantages to being out in the open air and on the water. We’ve worked with many disability groups, SEN schools and charities and we’re delighted to be able to work with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust. “We hope lots of wheelchair users in Surrey and beyond will be able to enjoy life on the canal as much as their able-bodied counterparts, thanks to the new Wheelyboat.” Seating and bimini canopy and electric outboard, battery and charger for the Wheelyboat have been generously provided by the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and Henry Smith Charity respectively. The trust hopes to offer boat trips in 2022 once skipper training has been completed. The Walter Grove joins the trust’s other trip boats, the 27-seat Zachariah Keppel and the 52-seat electric Wiggonholt, which also boasts an access lift. Boat cruises have been running throughout the year on the Wey & Arun Canal and volunteers are now preparing for the popular Santa Cruises, with tickets on sale now. Book online at www.weyarun.org.uk/ special-cruises-view

PHOTO: JULIAN MORGAN

Cubs spread the word about Lichfield Canal LICHFIELD Cubs are helping to spread the word about the city’s canal restoration project. The 7th Lichfield Scout Group’s Somers Pack took part in a wordsearch challenge at Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s Tamworth Road site, finding missing words in posters explaining the project. Led by Group Scout Leader Richard Taylor, the pack also helped to collect 220-year-old

bricks for recycling in the canal’s restoration. The posters, paintings by trust artist Stuart Sampson imagining the canal with restoration completed, contain brief descriptions of the work being carried out at various places along this section of the canal. From a list of words provided, the Cubs’ task was to find which of those words did not appear on any of the posters. While half the group were taking their turn in

Cubs from the 7th Lichfield pack search excavated soil for bricks used in the original construction of Lock 24. PHOTOS: LHCRT

Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust chairperson Chris Bull briefs Somers Pack Cubs on their challenge. the words challenge, the other half sorted through spoil heaps created from excavation of the canal channel, to find bricks which had been part of the original Lock 24 for reuse. The bricks were then cleaned up by Duke of Edinburgh Award students ready for trust volunteers building the new canal walls. LHCRT’s commitment to working with the local community, and particularly with young people, was recognised

with the award of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, and chairperson Chris Bull is especially keen on fostering relationships with the Scout movement. The Somers Pack is named after Lord Somers, who became Chief Scout after the movement’s founder, Lord BadenPowell, died. “I know that,” Chris said, “because I was tested for my Beekeeper's Badge in 1st Ledbury Guides (about 60 years ago!) by Lady Somers, who lived at Eastnor Castle.”

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Cheshire canals celebrate Green Flag Award status

Sara Sutcliffe will become chief executive of the RYA in January. PHOTO: RYA

RYA appoints new chief executive THE Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has appointed Sara Sutcliffe as its new chief executive, taking up the post in January 2022. Recently awarded an MBE for services to sport, she is a native New Zealander, but has lived and worked in the UK throughout her career. A qualified lawyer, she formerly worked in the City at global firm Baker & McKenzie. Sara later took the opportunity to join the British Olympic Association (BOA) and attended four Olympic Games as General Counsel to Team GB. She was also instrumental in the London 2012 bid. “With over 20 years’ experience in the sports sector Sara brings with her a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion that will be a true asset to the RYA,” said RYA chairman Chris Preston. “Her appointment, I believe, will bring an

exciting new dimension to the association and its members and will assist the RYA’s strategy to support all participants and stakeholders in boating and the marine leisure sector." Speaking of her new appointment Sara said: “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the RYA in this crucial leadership role, providing excellent support to its members and clubs and leading the way with its world-leading extensive education and training programmes. “The role the RYA plays in tackling and influencing policy on issues such as marine environment sustainability and access to clean and open waterways is a complex and important area that I am looking forward to being a part of and ensuring the voice of the RYA’s membership is heard.” Sara and her family are all keen boaters and enjoy family sailing holidays and her children are currently on the RYA learning pathway.

Machines move mountains

SEVERAL of the Canal & River Trust’s Cheshire canals have been awarded Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy. The prestigious awards, now in their third decade, are given to outdoor spaces that boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities. North West regional director Daniel Greenhalgh said: “Our efforts to win Green Flags are founded on the principle of local community action. Canals offer amazing green and blue spaces on our doorsteps teeming with nature and wildlife, but we do need the community to act now to help look after these 200-yearold special places.” All the Shropshire Union Canal

in Cheshire now proudly flies a Green Flag after 22 miles from the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port to Barbridge was added to the existing Green Flag length between Middlewich and Audlem. A new 17-mile section of the Trent & Mersey Canal between Middlewich and Red Bull at Kidsgrove has also been recognised for its high standards, along with a repeat designation for the River Weaver Navigation from Runcorn to Winsford, which was first recognised last year. Another new award for seven miles of the Lower Peak Forest Canal means the entire 15-mile Peak Forest Canal, which connects Dukinfield in East Manchester with Whaley Bridge, now has Green Flag status,

including a special heritage award for Marple’s famous 16-lock flight. The Macclesfield Canal, which was the first canal in the country to gain a Green Flag in 2015, also retains the accolade across its 26 miles, along with Sutton Reservoir, which supplies it with water. This year the trust has seen an extra 40 miles added to the 400 miles already designated with the top environmental quality mark. Daniel congratulated everyone who works or volunteers with the trust, including those in the community who do their bit to help look after their local canal. He added: “We welcome everyone who wants to come along and make positive changes in their local community.”

Above: Celebrating the award for the Shropshire Union Canal at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port with staff and volunteers are, front of flag, local volunteer co-ordinator Angela Barnett and area operations manager Kate Simons.

Right: Flying the flag at Sutton Reservoir, near Macclesfield are trust operative Lionel Williams with volunteers from East Cheshire Care 4CE. PHOTOS: CRT

A view of the stone bank and soil being imported. PHOTO: FRED BARRETT SHROPSHIRE Union Canal volunteers have been continuing with the restoration of the 330m dry section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath. The second work party in October was almost totally machine based with the major job being the continuation of reducing the width of a 70m section of the channel at the eastern end of the project. The

canal there is very much wider than the rest of the channel. Thousands of tonnes of stone have been used to narrow down this section and, after another two work parties, the stone slope reconstruction here should be completed. The remaining parallel task is to build up the top of this offside bank and backfill it with soil, another massive task, which will

continue into December. This involves transporting vast amounts of earth in dumpers, from the huge stockpile at the opposite end at Crickheath, which is then spread out and flattened using a 13-tonne digger. Another 60m of the base of the canal was also levelled to the final grade, in readiness for waterproof lining next year. This was a very productive three days.

With the Trent & Mersey Canal’s Green Flag are, from left: CRT staff Mark Barkley, George Hammond, Alan Wrench and area operations manager Paul Reynolds.

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Masons fund new electric boat for Kingfisher Medway Trust By Pete Harris, chairman of trustees

IN THE 1990s John Lockhart, a successful businessman whose son, Jamie, has Down’s Syndrome, had a boat built to take disabled and disadvantaged people on trips on the River Medway in Kent. The boat was named The Dawn Treader as this was Jamie’s favourite book and the scheme was called the Kingfisher Project. The boat was based at Medway Wharf Marina at Wateringbury, Kent, a family business owned by Ivan Dozin and his wife Jacqui, daughter Sally and son Stephen who fully supported the project. Not only have they supported the Kingfisher Project but they continue to give their total support to the Kingfisher Medway Trust and have been a great asset to the development of the trust. Medway Wharf Marina is also perfectly situated. It is about 9.5 river miles from Tonbridge and 7.5 river miles to Allington Lock, from where the river is tidal. This is 17 miles of beautiful non-tidal river, rich in wildlife and with the fun of locks. John was only able to give a couple of days a week to run the project and, not surprisingly, it

became very popular. However, he was able to successfully recruit volunteers to crew and skipper the boat on the days when he wasn’t available. In the early 2000s, due to his declining health, John announced that he was going to sell The Dawn Treader. A group of the volunteers that he had recruited, however, felt that the project was so beneficial to so many people that it should continue and offered to buy the boat. This unfortunately didn’t happen but, in 2004, this group of volunteers created the Kingfisher Medway Trust and started raising funds to buy a replacement boat. The Kingfisher Medway Trust is a registered, non-profitmaking charity and all trustees, crew and skippers are volunteers. From May to September the trust operates five days a week (Monday to Friday) and offers a four-hour morning trip for up to 12 passengers at a cost of £55, a two-hour afternoon trip for up to 12 passengers for £35 or a full day trip for £90. The boat has now been operating for more than 14 years and in that time there has only been one nominal increase in the cost of trips. The trust receives support from

Kingfisher Medway Trust’s new electric boat Kingfisher Mark. PHOTO SUPPLIED a number of charities but, in keeping with its non-profit making commitment, does not accept donations unless there is a clearly identified need for the money. Amazingly within two years, the trust had raised the funds and the new boat had been built. This

one was named Kingfisher and was very similar in shape and size to The Dawn Treader but had improvements, based on their previous experience, added. This included a hydraulic lift so that wheelchairs could be easily accessed, a larger toilet that could accommodate wheelchairs and a larger, more efficient galley. The trust has 50-plus volunteers who crew and skipper the boat. Skippers must have the RYA International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft and each trip requires a skipper and three crew. To date, Kingfisher has completed more than 2500 trips and carried more than 21,000 people of all ages, of whom more than 2200 have been in wheelchairs. The diesel engine of the boat is there to pressurise the hydraulics and it is this which powers the boat. Four years ago the trust had to cancel the last two weeks of its season because there was a problem with the hydraulics. They were then stripped down and the pressure pump serviced and while no identifiable fault could be found, the hydraulic system functioned once again.

Next boat

The trust has always put some funds away annually to meet the cost of a replacement boat and because of this experience, trustees started to consider what the next boat should be like. Once again there was agreement that it should be similar in design to its predecessors but it was also recognised that, for the benefit of the environment, future boats would be electrically powered. On this b a s i s, Warwickshire-based boat builders Colecraft had been identified as having

built similar craft to Kingfisher and so the company was asked to provide a quote for a replacement boat. Colecraft was very supportive and provided a quote of £130,000 based on the exchange of information that had taken place. The brother-in-law of one of the trustees is a Kent Mark Master Mason and he announced that he had raised the Kingfisher Medway Trust as a possible charity for the Masons to support and, as a result, they had agreed that they would accept an application. Based on this, the quote from Colecraft was reconsidered and further refined and improved, increasing the cost to £160,000 and based on this, the trust made its application for support to the Mark Master Masons. At the end of September 2019, trustees were invited to join the Mark Master Masons in a Zoom meeting. At this meeting Archie Torrance, the Provincial Grand Master at the time, announced that the Mark Master Masons had considered and agreed a number of applications but they felt they were not able to give us £130,000. This was followed by a significant pause and then Archie said – but they had agreed to give us £160,000! There are very few occasions in one’s life when you are left speechless but this was way beyond our expectations and was certainly one of those moments! As a result, we accepted

Colecraft’s quote and work began on building the new boat. Gary Cole and Colecraft proved to be an excellent and very professional company who worked very closely with us throughout the whole build. Visits were made during the build and we were able to spend a day on her in a marina just before she was delivered. The Mark Master Masons in the Province of Kent wanted to run a competition to name the boat and their winner was, very appropriately, Kingfisher Mark. As was stated earlier, Kingfisher was very similar in design to The Dawn Treader but with significant improvements. Kingfisher Mark is also similar in design but again, with significant improvements on Kingfisher. The very high specification of Kingfisher Mark however, is such that future builds will have to ensure the current standard is maintained! There are times when ‘thank you’ seems totally inadequate but the Kingfisher Medway Trust offers its sincere thanks to the Mark Master Masons of Kent and the Mark Benevolent Fund for their incredible generosity and also to Gary Cole and Colecraft for the high level of skill and professionalism that has gone into building the boat. Between them they have ensured that at least another 22,000-plus disadvantaged or disabled people will enjoy and benefit from their experience on the River Medway.

The Mark Benevolent Fund (charity no. 207610) was founded in 1868 and is the official charity of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, the third largest branch of Freemasonry with more than 35,000 members worldwide. The aim of the fund is to help poor and distressed Mark Master Masons and their immediate family and to other charities and worthy causes reaching far into local communities. To date more than £37 million has been disbursed in grants from the fund. For more information about the Mark Master Masons and the Mark Benevolent Fund, visit https://markmasonshall. org/ or email Darren Coleman-Heald, charities manager: d.coleman@mmh.org.uk or tel: 0207 747 1187.

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Ethel Trust volunteers and trustees with the Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe following the presentation.

Ethel Trust celebrates Queen’s Award THE recent presentation of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Ethel Trust was a proud moment for the volunteers and trustees who operate the community barge in the Sheffield area. South Yorkshire’s HM Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe was accompanied by Deputy Lieutenants Janet Wheatley and Lady Rowena Montagu Stuart Wortley. Volunteers and trustees attended the event at Glide House, Attercliffe which, along with the celebration buffet, was provided by supporters and friends at local company Gripple. The award was received by trustee Keith Levy and David Tuck, fellow trustee and skipper, replied on behalf of the trust. The citation read: ‘For providing exceptional support for

pictures and plans Viewing the display of st. PHOTOS SUPPLIED tru the of ure for the fut

disadvantaged people through community barge experiences’. After the presentation and speeches, the Lord Lieutenant and his deputies chatted with volunteers and viewed pictures of Ethel, old and new, and plans for the future of the trust, including the new barge, Pearl. The Ethel Trust operates fully accessible barge trips on the Sheffield & Tinsley and Stainforth & Keadby canals, providing day and residential experiences. User groups range from primaryaged children with learning difficulties, young people with mental health issues, to elderly groups in residential care and at risk of social exclusion. A unique flagship project involves three-day residential trips for learning-disabled youngsters. These ‘Unlocking Confidence’ trips help to develop self-confidence, team working and social skills.

Trustee Keith Levy, right, receiving the award from Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe.

Commonwealth Games could raise canals profile By Phil Pickin

A WIDE range of topics was recently covered during the Canal & River Trust's regular online West Midlands users’ forum. Chaired by Tom Freeland, CRT’s boating and customer service manager in the area, these included delivering on priorities, the management of the environment, let’s keep talking and welcome to life on the canals. One of the major topics was the Commonwealth Games to be held in the West Midlands from late July to early August next year. According to CRT, the event is expected to attract 1.5 million visitors and have a global viewing audience of some 1.5 billion, an opportunity that Adnan Saif,

CRT West Midlands regional director and his team don't want to miss. The presentation by Ian Lane highlighted the need to get the infrastructure right in time for the games. He also highlighted the need to take on more than 1000 volunteers to help with visitor numbers and, undoubtedly, to help with a number of events CRT is planning during the event. A number of green routes have been planned to help get visitors around the various venues hosting the games, with many of these encompassing the local waterway system. Although Ian emphasised that using the canals isn’t going to provide rapid transport, he hopes that visitors will make use of these routes. Although not announced

during the forum, it would seem that work is already under way to get things ready, including work on some of CRT's fleet of workboats. Aqueduct Marina in Cheshire has started work which has to be finished in plenty of time for the start of the games. This includes painting and refitting the boats in the same workshops that have refurbished a number of CRT’s workboats over the years. It would seem that we and many others around the globe will see a lot of Canal & River Trust branding during the event. And much of this will not be just for the period of the games. Thankfully there is a good chance that much of this preparation work will benefit boaters long after the games are over. A games legacy, you might say!

12 IWA ROUND-UP

December 2021 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY COMPILED BY IWA’S GEMMA BOLTON

Replacing lost waterways heritage: the unveiling of the Ventiford crane on Devon’s Stover Canal AN ICONIC crane has been reconstructed on the Stover Canal in Devon to help tell the story of the canal’s unique history. IWA provided a major part of the funding for the Stover Canal Trust project through its South West Inland Waterways Regeneration Fund. The replica crane was unveiled by IWA’s Dr Ruth Sewell in September. This unveiling is particularly timely for IWA and its heritage campaign as it further underlines the importance of protecting waterways heritage, which can so easily be lost forever. The original crane was an imposing structure, which was situated at Ventiford Basin, the terminus of the two-mile-long Stover Canal in the village of Teigngrace. The crane was used to transfer huge granite blocks, sometimes weighing up to three tons, from tramway wagons on to barges. The loaded wagons came from quarries at Haytor on Dartmoor via a seven-mile Granite Tramway, with rails carved out of granite. The barges then took the granite down the canal to the port of Teignmouth, where they were transferred on to vessels, mostly bound for London. The granite was used in the construction of many notable structures

and monuments including London Bridge and the British Museum. Specifying the design and dimensions of the replica crane was no easy task. The granite business ceased in the 1850s and thereafter the crane and the basin became redundant. The wooden components of the crane above ground rotted away and most of the cast iron elements of the mechanisms used to rotate the crane and raise and lower the granite blocks were removed. Luckily, the part of the crane that was below ground was preserved and that, along with the discovery of a photo that showed a significant part of the crane structure above ground and a historic print of a similar crane used at Teignmouth, meant that it was possible to build a faithful, albeit static, reconstruction: the rotating and other mechanisms have not been restored to working order. The wooden elements of the replica were made from a single oak tree sourced in North Devon. The eightsided central column is almost 6m tall, of which about half is below ground level in a granite-lined pit 3m deep. Together with the 6m-long jib and 4m-long supporting strut, the timber components weigh over 2.5 tonnes. The

replica raising and lowering mechanism is made of steel and incorporates fragments of the original iron work. The timber sawing and carpentry and the metal work were all carried out to a high degree of precision by local craftsmen, based on detailed drawings by the trust’s vice-chair, Paul Taper, a retired engineer who carried out much of the research into the original design. IWA has provided significant funding for this project, which along with the wider restoration of the Ventiford Basin has taken several years and many hundreds of volunteer hours to complete. The basin has become a popular visitor attraction as a result of the restoration, which has included the archaeological excavation of three abandoned canal barges which were uncovered when silt was removed from the basin, the recently constructed Stover Trail, and a foot and cycle path which runs alongside the canal. IWA would like to congratulate the Stover Canal Trust on restoring a significant aspect of waterways heritage.

Stover Canal Trust and IWA members in front of the restored Ventiford crane.

Working to preserve Hanwell locks IWA West London Branch volunteers spent a day clearing vegetation from coping stones and the edge of the Hanwell Flight along the Grand Union Canal in November. The work will allow for further vegetation clearance work to happen over the winter months. IWA’s West London Branch is working in partnership with Canal & River Trust to maintain the Hanwell Flight. The Hanwell Flight is a Scheduled Ancient Monument consisting of six locks and system of side ponds on the Grand Union Canal in London. Branch members run monthly work parties along this stretch of canal to help ensure this ancient monument doesn’t deteriorate any further. New volunteers are welcomed – more details at waterways.org.uk/westlondon

Dunardry Bridge over the Crinan Canal. PHOTO: IWA

Unique Scottish bridge needs repair

PHOTO SUPPLIED

I WA volunteers in Scotland are campaigning to repair Dunardry Bridge on the Crinan Canal. As the only handoperated rolling bridge which goes across a lock chamber, it is a unique

Get involved – join us on a work party

IWA branches are getting back to work to improve waterways across the country. Work parties have been risk assessed and mitigating measures are in place. Please contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes, old clothing and take a waterproof. You may also want to take a packed lunch and any refreshments. North Thursday December 16 IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Work party on the

10am-2pm. Work usually includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance and litter picking. Contact Geoff Wood on 01604 453932 or email geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

East Sunday December 5 & Tuesday December 21 IWA Northampton Branch: Work party

work party at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal. 9.30am-1.30pm. Work can include vegetation clearance, gardening, litter picking, and painting. Work parties are dependent on weather. Contact Pat Durham on 07510 195918 or email pat.durham@waterways.org.uk

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

on the Northampton Arm as part of the Branch’s adoption of the navigation.

Volunteers clearing vegetation along the Hanwell Flight. PHOTO: IWA

Tuesdays IWA Milton Keynes Branch: Regular

West Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in the

Somerset area. 10am-1pm. Contact Mike Slade on 07977 263840 or email mike.slade@waterways.org.uk Branch talks and socials

In addition to work parties, IWA branches host local waterway talks, walks and socials to share the wonder of the waterways. Many of these are open to anyone who wants to go along. Find something that’s on near you at waterways.org.uk/events

example of waterways heritage. Sadly, it has been out of operation for a number of years. IWA hopes that Scottish Canals will include it in this winter’s works on the Crinan Canal. While there are other

moveable bridges across lock chambers and other rolling bridges, Dunardry Bridge is the only example of both. As such, IWA is working with Scottish Canals to explore workable options for its repair.

Canal camp volunteers support Burslem Port project OVER the October half term, IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group helped to create a new footpath on the Burslem Branch Canal in Stoke-on-Trent. A group of 12 volunteers spent four days kick-starting the Burslem Port Footsteps project as part of a WRG canal camp working holiday. They installed more than 60m of footpath edgings and new path materials. The rest of the project was due to be completed by contractors by the end of November. The Footsteps project, run by the Burslem Port Trust, aims to provide a walkway from the Trent & Mersey Canal along the line of the Burslem Branch Canal. The walk will also include interpretation signs covering the canal’s heritage as well as the potential for the reopening. Longer term it will enable the creation of walking/cycling routes connecting Festival Park with areas of Middleport and Burslem and prepare the area for wider investment alongside the Etruria Valley development. WRG Canal Camps in 2022 will be

announced in the new year. These are usually a week long and no experience is necessary. You can sign up to receive the brochure at waterways.org.uk/wrg

Installing the new footpath along the Burslem Branch. PHOTO: IWA