FREE TO READ! The November 2024 issue of Towpath Talk newspaper

Autumnpreparationbegins

Boatersaremissingout onvitalpublicservices

ByTimGreenfield

Boaterssaytheyare feelingpenalised fortheirlifestylechoicesandthosewith healthconditions sufferthemost, with oneclaimingthecurrent systemnearly cost herlife.

The storieswereuncoveredasalmost 10,000boaterstookpartinthe Canaland

HUNDREDSofboatersaremissing outonaccesstovitalservices such as healthcare, educationand banks. Waterway userssay many centraland localgovernmentagencies just aren’t able to dealwithpeoplewhodon’t have apermanentaddress–leavingmany fallingthroughthecracksand suffering intheprocess.

Pride Paddle in Gloucestershire

The first Gloucester Pride paddle event, hosted by the Canal and River Trust, kicked off Pride Week in the city recently The week-long celebration got underway with a group paddle of 30 people at Gloucester Docks in a mix of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards

Setting off from the community paddling hub, the group headed down the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to Hempsted before returning to the docks, paddling the pride message along the canal Paddle UK supported the event

RiverTrust’s first-evercensus,withthe results revealingthestarkanddifficult realityoflivingonthe waterfor some.

The lack of afixedaddressmeans boatersoften struggle to register to vote,applyfor schoolplaces,finda doctors’practice,accessotheraspects of healthcareandopen abankaccount –allofwhicharethingsthat people with permanentaddressestakeforgranted. With many peopletakingtothe water toescapethehighcostofliving, ensuring theycan gethelpwithbenefits and social servicesisevenmoreimportant. Butmanyare simply slipping through thenet.

Britain’scanalstomovewater

Britain’shistoricindustrial canalnetworkistoaid 750,000 residents inthe SouthEastwith water supply. Collaboration betweenwater companiesandtheCRT maytransformCoventry,Oxford,andGrand Union canals,totransferwaterfromtheMidlands to theSouth.

The GrandUnion CanalTransferschemewillstart near Birmingham,transfer waterto Warwickshire, then toCoventry, Oxford,andtheGrand Union canals,and finallyto areservoirnear Lutonandexpectedtobe operational by 2032. Publicconsultationisnowopen.

Leicester repairs completed

The Canal and River Trust repaired a section of canal bank that had been washed away by winter floods in Leicester The damage was caused by flood waters from the River Soar Storms caused initial damage before further heavy rain washed the bank away Repairs included reinforcing the canal wall with new steel piling and a new towpath. Leicester City Council provided funding for the towpath Repairs were also done on the approach to Blue Bank Lock

WELCOMEtothe

October editionof TowpathTalk

THEthought of somehow‘escapingthe system’orlivingoffgridcan conjure up many romanticideasandimages, andfor many,those dreamsbecome areality.

Butforothers, therealityofliving on anarrowboat canalsobring challengestheyperhaps hadn’t anticipated…manyofwhich came starklyintofocusasthe stories were uncoveredwhen boaterstookpartin the Canaland RiverTrust’s census, withthe results revealingthe reality oflivingonthe waterfor some.

In response, theCanal andRiver Trusthaspledged toassistboaters wherever possibleandemploys welfareofficerswhoactivelyengage withindividualsinneed of support. Theorganisationhasurged governmental bodies,localcouncils, andother agenciestointensifytheir efforts to ensure that boatersare not overlooked orneglected. Towpath Talk will followthissituationclosely andbringyouupdatesastheyunfold.

In morepleasing news,I’malways delightedtosee thesheer scaleof commitment andhardworkthat goes intothevarious bodies,groups,and volunteerswho maintain, repair,and care forour waterways. It’s aneverending task ofunimaginable scale,but thededication,commitment, passion, and goodwill speakforthemselves. Lifeonthe waterways maymean many sacrifices,butcommunity spirit isn’toneofthem. Enjoythe edition.

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Boatersmissingout on vitalpublicservices

•Continuedfrompage1

Onecontinuouscruiser,who wished to remainanonymous,endedup needinglife-saving emergencysurgery afterproblems with havingavirtual addressled toher beingtakenoffher GP’s books.

“Thesystem is ridiculousandit nearlycostmelife,” she said.

“Itwashopelessand IfeltlikeI was dying. Icouldn’teventemporarilysign up withanother doctor becauseyou need to have aregularGP to then have atemporary onein adifferentarea.

“It’sastupid systemthat requires you to have an addresswithinthepractice areaoftheGP.So, because Idon’tlie onformsand sayIlivesomewherethat Idon’t,likemanycontinuouscruisers whousefamilyaddresses, thenforthe NHS Idon’texistand they cankeep throwingmeofftheir books withouta care until I’mintheemergencyroom literally dying.”

MatthewSymonds, head of customer servicesupportatCanal and RiverTrust,said:“Wehopelocal and national governmentwilllistento thesevoicesand reducethesebarriers –that’s all we areaskingfor.

“If youdon’t have apermanent address, that is amajorbarrier.

“The Boater Census hasprovidedus with hard evidenceofthechallenges boatersarefacing. However, asthe highcost of living continues to affect those acrosssociety, we have seena rise in issues facedbypeoplewho have chosenor beenforced by circumstance tolive on boats,withnumbersof continuouscruisingboats increasing by 5%inthepast year.Wedon’t want thiscommunity to fallthroughthenet ofthe supportand servicestowhich theyare entitled.”

Over 9500 boaters took part in thecensus, amixture ofcontinuous cruisersandthosewithpermanent residential moorings. Theyrepresent athirdofcurrent boat licenceholders. Theyhighlighteda wide rangeofissues that affecttheirquality oflife.

Aquarter saidtheyhad difficulties accessing healthcareand nearly half experiencedissuesclaimingbenefits.

The Canaland RiverTrust hasvowed to help boaterswhereitcanand has welfare officerswho reachout to thosewhoneed help.Ithas calledon

AlainGough-Olayasayslivingon thewaterandworkingarehard workduetothelackofaccessible infrastructure. PHOTOSUPPLIED

government, localcouncilsandother agenciesto stepupandensureboaters aren’tforgotten.

Thetrust’s rangeofsupport optionsfor boaters,includinglongtermadjustmentsmadeunderthe Equalities Actandshorter-term solutions,are alsohighlighted.The trust’s welfareteamisthere to help boaters, includinglinkingthem with local authorities, Citizens Advice, the WaterwaysChaplainsandlocal charities so theycanaccessthe supportand benefitstowhichthey areentitled.

Mr Symondsadded:“While ourcharity provides guidanceand arangeof support optionsforthosewhoarestruggling, we needthe organisationswhoprovidethe services –national government, local authorities,doctors’surgeries,financial serviceproviders, and government

Case study1:

“Thesystemisridiculous,and it nearly costmemylife”

ACONTINUOUS cruiserwhonearlydied afterfallingthroughthe cracksoftheNHS, highlightedtheissues boaters facebynot having apermanent address.

Thewoman,who didn’twanttobe named,became seriouslyilland endeduphavinglifesavingsurgeryafter acatalogue of issues withher GPandher residentialstatus.

“Thesystemis ridiculousanditnearly costmelife,”shesaid.

Shehad avirtual addresscosting£240 ayear,butbecauseit wasin adifferenttown toherGP,itresulted inherbeingtakenoff theirbooksdespite thesurgeryinitially beinghappywiththe situation.

“Theproblemis thereare nocompanies withvirtualaddresses inthetownwheremy GPislocated.Infact, theysimplydon’texist inmosttowns,only inlargecitiessuch asBirminghamand London.POboxes exist,ofcourse,but youcannotusethem forlegaldocuments

etcsothere’sno point.”

Whenshe contactedherGPfor anappointmentafter becomingseriously ill,shewastoldshe wasnolongerontheir books.After aphone callshewas reinstated, butlatertakenoffagain duetothelocation issue.Thismeantvital testsandconsultations withaspecialistwere allcancelled.

“Bythatstage Iwas intearsbecause Iwas soillandinsomuch pain. Ifeltbecause Ilivedon aboatas acontinuouscruiser Iwasbeingclassed ashomeless.They justdidn’tseemeas existing.

“Thencamethe final straw,theycutoffmy accesstothe Patient AccessandNHSapps tooso Icouldn’teven requestmy regular monthlyprescription.”

Withnoaccess tohealthcare,she couldn’teven register with atemporary doctor.

“Withnowhereelse togo Iendedupin A&Eandthenneeded emergencysurgery tosavemylife.The

departments –totakesteps toaddress the gapsintheirprovision.”

Thesurveyalsorevealed other issuesfacedbyboaters,suchashealth correspondence,which is sent by letterandnotelectronically,not being abletoprovideanaddressfor abank account, accessingeducationand work,and poorinternetconnections making basiccommunicationtricky.

Despitethegloom,thereare some

Casestudy 2:“Thislifestyleisdaunting becauseyou need to be resilient”

FORnurseAlainGoughOlaya,livingonthewater hasn’t broughtthefreedom manypeoplecrave,infact, ithasbrought ahostof issuesthatcanmake life extremelyhard.

hurdlesheandhispartner, SJ,havetoovercome.

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Acontinuouscruiser, MrGough-Olaya,38,says hecanonlyworkinthe communityandonlycruisein theLondonarea,duetothe restrictionsofpublictransport and otherinfrastructure.In fact,heismovingtoanother job,furtherinto thecapital duetotheproblemshehas encountered.

Accessingtransport, poorinternetconnections, powerissuesinthewinter andhavingtomoveevery fortnightare someofthe

“Mycurrent jobgivesme adegreeofflexibilityasI canworkfromhomeone day aweek,butif Ihad anormaljobon award,I wouldn’tbeabletodo this,” hesaid.“Thatispartofthe reason Iworksofaraway.”

MrGough-Olaya,a NHSmentalhealthnurse, andhispartnercruisethe RiverLeainHertfordshire, oftenspending time at Broxbourne.This means hisclosestcommuteis40 minutesandthefurthest onehourand40minutes, whichcosts£18 aday.In addition,theymustfactor inmovingonceeverytwo weeks–settingasidea full

dayinordertodothis.

“Whenwemoorat Redbridge,EastLondonI cycle,butotherwise Iuse publictransport. Ihaveto bevery organised,making surewemoornearpublic transport –unfortunately theonlycityintheUK wherethisisfeasibleis London.”

Thepairhavebeen livingaboardtheir narrowboat, Artemisia,for nineyears.Livingonthe land is somethingthey can’tconsiderbecause of thecostofbuying ahouse or renting.

Althoughhehasan understandingemployer, MrGough-Olayaishaving tomoveto anewjobin

Hackney,London,tomake hisworkmoreaccessible–amovewhichhasbrought otherissues.“Doing identitychecksisvery hardwhenyoudon’thave apermanentaddress.”

Thewintermonthsbring theirproblemsasthepair mustalsoensureproximity topetrolstations,sothey havefuel for thegenerators whensolarpowerfallsoff. Addtothatpoorinternet connections,andworking fromhomebecomes areal problem.

“Icanimaginethis sortoflifestylewouldbe daunting,youhavetohave quite adramaticchangein lifestyle,andyouhaveto bevery resilient.”

excruciatingpain Ihad beenexperiencingfor solongturnedoutto be aseverecaseof diverticulitisandan abscess in my colon, whichhadperforated andbeenleftforso longuntreated,had gonegangrenous. Thesurgeonsworked forhourstosavemy lifeand Inowhavean irreversiblestomafor the restofmylife.” Thewomanfeels thesystemisstacked againstpeoplelike her,whodon’thave apermanentaddress theycanuse.

“Because Idon’t lieandsay Ilive somewhere Idon’t, likemanyothers dowhousefamily addresses,forthe NHS Idon’texistand theykeepthrowingme offthebookswithout acareuntilI’min theemergency room literallydying.”

Shehasnow managedto register with aGPbuthasto catch atraineachtime shewantstoseethem. “It’sa ridiculous systemthat requires youtohaveanaddress within thepractice areaoftheGP.”

bright spotswithinnovativelocal authoritiesand agencies workingwith the Canaland RiverTrust toensure boatersareincludedintheirplanning and policies.

ThetrustandWestNorthamptonshire Council(WNC)haveworkedwiththe boatingcommunityand localcharities to setupfoodbanksessionsandother formsof support, includinghealth drop-insand socialevents.Thereis also alibrary, communitybusesfor health appointmentsandshopping tripsfor boaterswithouttransport.

In Cheshire thereisa Waterway Chaplaincywhich,workingwith CheshireHealthwatch,hasidentified healthneedswhichtheywilltry to supportwiththehelpfromother agencies.

However, thetrustsaysmorestill needstobedoneand hascalledfor boatersto be includedinlocalhealth strategies,ruralinitiatives,social services outreach, helpfor carersand accesstoenergy support.

The census wasundertaken so the Canaland RiverTrust couldunderstand bettertheneedsofwaterusers,whoare bracketedwithothernon-traditional residents suchasthose who live in mobile homesin official surveys.

“Wewantedtounderstand better the challengesthey faced,”saidMr Symonds.“It wasaverybig sample, andwethinkitis afairreflectionof the boatingcommunity.”

Workstartstopreservehistoric boatliftforfuturegenerations

ByLucy Wood

PREPARATORYworkhas begunontheprogrammeto

revitalise Anderton Boat Lift, oneofthe sevenwondersof Britain’scanalnetwork.

TheCanal and River Trusthas appointed specialist engineeringfirm JN Bentleytoconductinitial investigationsonthe world’s first commercialboatlift, withhopesofundertaking the refurbishmentinthe autumnof2025.

Datingbackto1875,and last fully refurbishedatthe turnofthemillennium, thestructurenow needsa majorupgradeto remain operational. Blast-cleaning, repairsand arepaint are required,thetimbercontrol cabinneedsreplacing, and the IT operatingsystem must be updated.

Thefirstphase ofthe Engineeringthe Future initiativeincludes investigationsand surveys aroundthelift’s grounds andtheliftitself,identifying high-priority repairs, andconfirmingdesign elements.Thisinformation will be used inthe main programmeduetotake

placenextyear,following thelift’s150thanniversary celebrationsin July.

There arealsoplans to upgradethevisitorcentre toinclude anew,flexible events space to replace theexisting marquee, plus thedevelopment ofa learning, skillsand outreach programme.

JasonLeach, theCRT’s headofexternalprogramme delivery,said: “Anderton Boat Liftisaniconic symbol of ourindustrialheritage andit’s amazingthat itisstill inusetoday,providinga vital linkfor boaters between the

RiverWeaverandtheTrent and Mersey Canal. With such arichhistory,ithas animportantroletoplay in telling the storyofour canals to visitors.

“Weare committed topreservingitfor navigationandtoinspire futuregenerations.The investigatoryworkisthe first stepinupgradingthe boat liftandits surrounding environments.This will notonly make itmore resilientand keepit available to boaters,but thetransformationofthe groundsandvisitorcentre

willmeanmorepeopleof all ages cansee,hear, and experiencethis special place andlearn aboutwhy it’s so vitalto keepthe boat lift –and ourcanalnetwork–alive.”

Andrew Holt,operations manageratJNBentley, added:“Webring 50-plus yearsofexperienceto theprojecttodeliver theimprovementsthe structuredeserves. We recognisetheimportance ofthelift to boaters,the localcommunity,andthe heritage of ourwaterways as awhole,and we look forward to collaborating withtheCRTtodeliverthe project overthecoming months.”

The developmentphase ofthe Engineeringthe Future projectis supported by a£574,000grantfromthe National LotteryHeritage Fund.An applicationfor second stagefunding will be made by theCRT nextspring, whileit seeks further financialand other supportfromtrusts, foundationsandother avenues. Onceunderway, the refurbishmentofthelift is expected to last between 12and18months.

FirstUKconferencetotackleaquaticweeds

Ac onference dedicated to the controlofinvasive weedswillexamine theimpactofaquatic weedsonBritain’s waterwaysandhow best to deal withthe problemstheypose.

The Property Care Association’s(PCA) 2024 International InvasiveWeed Conference (IIWC2024)will feature, for the first time,asession dedicated to ‘aquatic invasives’, with expertspeakersfrom

arange ofleading organisations.

TheCanal and RiverTrust –which spends£1milliona yeartacklingwaterborneweeds– will takepartinthe event.

Trustspends£1 million

APCA spokesman said: “Understanding theimpactofaquatic invasiveweedsis acrucial part of protecting ourwaters. Thisdedicatedsession at IIWC2024isan excellentopportunity for people to learn more,network and shareknowledge.” AQ&A willfollow the finaltalk by Charles Hughesfrom The Canaland River

Trust– Tackling floatingpennywort on canalsand rivers.

The IIWC2024takes place at theUniversity of Warwick, Coventry on November28 andthe sessionon aquaticinvasive weedswill startwith anintroduction by Trevor Renalsfrom the Environment Agency,who willalso actaschair.

Fo rm ore information aboutthe conference,ortobook, visit:https://www. property-care.org

Cyanide clean-upfundtops£22k as WalsallCanalprobecontinues

By TimGreenfield

GENEROUSpeople have donated over£22,000tohelp theclean-up ofthe Walsall Canalfollowing aleak ofdeadly sodiumcyanideintothe waterway.

The Canaland RiverTrust (CRT) launchedthefund,which stoodat £22,480 at time ofprinting, afterthe closure ofthecanalfollowing theleak of4000litres of sodium cyanideon August 12.

TheEnvironmentAgencyis workingwithmultiple agenciesin the West Midlandstotreatthetoxic leakin alongstretchofthewaterway, butithasnowbeendowngraded from amajorincident.

Recenttesting hasrevealedthat thelevelsof cyanide have dropped to asafelevel buttherewill be months of remedial work to come,including dredging.

The CRT launchedthe crowdfunder to payforimmediate actionwhilean EnvironmentAgency investigation,whichmay take months,takesplace.

HenrietteBreukelaar,regional director at the CRT,said: “The chemical spill hasbeenextremely distressing,and hascausedgreat harm to localwildlife.Weknowthat so many peopleshareour outrageat whathappened and will want tohelp the response.

“Ofcourse, the company responsibleshouldpay, but thetimingand outcomeofthe investigation by theEnvironment Agencyisuncertain,and we must act nowtoprotect natureasbest we can.

“Our canals matter, notonlytothe localcommunities buttoeveryone else as well –because canals enhance the naturalenvironment, they help tomitigateclimatechange, and theyare integral to ourfuturewater securityand supply. Eventslikethis highlighthow vulnerabletheycan be,andhowimportantitisthat they areproperlyprotected.”

Around90kg ofdead fishwere removedimmediatelyfollowing the spill.

Following thelatest results from dailywatertestingconductedbythe EA,previouslyclosed sectionsofthe canalhavenow beenreopened tothe public, with waterqualityfoundto meet publichealth guidelines. The affectedsectionofthe canalwill remainclosed to boaters.

The restrictedsectionof canalhas beenreducedfromaround 12km to 1km,where elevated levels of sodium cyanideandzinc cyanide have been

found. This area,stretchingfrom JamesBridge on BentleyMill Wayin Darlastonto thewesttoRollingmill Street,Walsalltotheeast, will remain closed untilfurthernotice.

An EnvironmentAgency spokespersonsaid:“Weare continuingtoworkclosely with WalsallCouncil,theUK Health Security Agencyandotherpartners to respondtothe seriouschemical spill incidentinWalsalland to assess theimpactontheenvironment.

“Weare currently investigating thecompanythat is believedto have caused thisincident. Pollution ofthiskindisunacceptableand theimpacton wildlifeandthe environmentcan besevere. We will takerobustenforcementactionif non-complianceisuncovered.

“Asaresultof ourongoing samplingandtestingprogramme, thecordon restrictingaccessto the canalhas nowbeenreduced. We urge the publictocontinueto followsafetyadvicegiven by thelocal council.”

The CRT saysalldonations will go directlyto supportingthis work, making it atangible waythat people canacttoshowtheir support.

Paul Wilkinson, seniorecologistat the CRT, said:“Thespillagehas been containedtoarelativelysmallarea, buttheimpactonwildlife remains to be seen. Fishinthe affectedarea have beenkilled andotherwildlife inthearea mayhavebeenaffected.

“Sadly,weexpecttheaquatic ecosystem will have beendevastated orlostforthesectionthe pollution haspassed through,fromthe smallest invertebratesright up to theotterthathasa territory through that section.

“Thisis possibly ourlastrecorded locationof water voleson our waterways withinthe Birmingham and BlackCountry regionfrom our 2022citizen science surveys. Without naturalbalance,invasives andalgae willquicklytakeover: The impacts couldtakeyearstofullyrecover.

“Thecrowdfundingcampaign will directly supportwildliferecovery effortsinthearea in thecoming monthsalongside ourcontinuing clean-up work.

“Allthedonationstothis crowdfunder will be gratefully received andwill make animmediate differenceintheimmediate clean up,helpingusstart to repairthe damage.”

If you would like to contribute to thecrowdfunder,pleasevisit:www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/walsallspill

TheCanalandRiver

ayeartacklingwater-borne weeds. PHOTO:MAX WADE,AECOM

Weevilswhack weedsas£1m warwaged toclear waterways

Ahungrynaturalenemyhasbeen releasedintothewaterwaysina bidtomunch apathforboaters andhelpwildlife.

By TimGreenfield

THE Canal& RiverTrust believes20,000 azollaeating weevilsintroducedthis year willhelpfree upthemostweed-clogged waterwaysinSouth Yorkshireand theEastMidlands.

The battleinthenorthcomesasthecharity says itis fightinghardinthe southtostopaquatic weeds chokingwaterways. It isusing specialistteamsto scoopthe surfaceofthe Regent’s Canal,Grand Union Canaland RiverLee Navigationto avoidthe organicinvadersblockingthe water.

Duckweed, pennywortand azollaaregrowing on amassivescale,aidedbywarmand wetsummers. Theycan coverthe watersoeffectivelythatthey looklikegrass –oftenfoolinganimalsand humans into stepping onthem.

In theEastMidlandsand Yorkshire, the 2mm-longcreatures(stenopelmus rufinasus)have takenthe fight to theinvasivewater weed azolla, whichisparticularlyproblematicinthe Dearne

‘After’photoshowsprogressof‘natural army’ofweevilsintheDearne &Dove Canal,Swinton,aftertheCanal &River Trust releasedthecreaturestotackle invasiveazollaweed. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

‘Before’photoshowstheDearne &Dove Canal,Swintoncoveredin acarpetof invasiveazollaweed. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

&DoveinBarnsley,theChesterfield Canaland Grantham Canal.

Ellie Harker,ecologist at the Canal&River Trust, explained:“Weevilsarewithoutdoubtthe best wayfor us to combat thisprolific invasive weed. Weevilsbreed quickly,onlyeatthe azollaand can bedeployed quickly from thewater’s edge,limiting thepossibilityofthe weed spreading.”

Sheadded: “Weevilsoffera naturalsolutionthat is safe,self-sustainingandmorecosteffectivethan mechanicalmeansof removalneeded for removing otherinvasive plants.

“Theseare all importantfactorsaswe encountertheeffects ofclimatechangewith hotter summersand milder winters.

“Each year our charityspendsa huge amount oftime clearingspeciesof aquaticweedfromthe nation’scanals,rivers and reservoirsandthey canbea seriousthreat tolocalwater wildlife, causeproblemsfor

boatersandpaddlers, andtrap rubbish.

“The recent hotweather hasseensome sections of ourwaterways becomeinundatedbythese invasiveweedsthatgrowreallyquickly.

“Wehavetouse allthe tools at ourdisposal–includingthisarmy of weevils –tokeepour canals available to all.”

Around£1millionis spentbythe Canal& River Trustevery yeartackling invasive speciesacross its2000-mile canalnetwork in England &Wales, to maintain navigationforboaters,paddlers and so that theyare in turn availablefor wildlife.

The charityhas scoopedout 2500tonnesof weed usingspecialist boats, volunteersandstaff.

Azolla canmultiply rapidlyandcoverthe surface of awaterwaywiththickmatsofweed in amatter of

weeks.Thesematscan forma greensurfaceand sometimeseven be mistakenas beingsolidto walkon.

Lightand oxygenlevels inthe waterare also reducedasaresultofitspresence,harmingfish andother wildlifeandaffectinghow boaters, paddlers andanglers canuse the canal.

Azollaisn’t atruemoss,butanaquaticfern. It growsveryrapidly, making itoneofthemost troublesomeandinvasiveplants.

Havingfoundits wayintothe Canal&River Trust’swaterways,azolla cannow befound oftenin largeclumps.

Withthe effectsofclimatechangeseeing invasiveweeds flourish, thetrustisincreasingly concernedbytheimpact andthecosts,but provenhelpis at handfromthe ‘wonder weevil’ anditsinsatiable appetiteforazolla.

Aclose-upoftheweevil(stenopelmus rufinasus)whichhavebeen releasedinto theDearne &DoveCanal,Swintontotackle invasiveazollaweed. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Giventimeto reproduceand spreadthroughout amat of azolla, theselong-snouted beetlesare capable of clearing weed fromentirelakes or canals within weeks. Individuallythe

Canalboatartworkcelebrating Yorkshirewaterwaysunveiled

AHUGEcanal boat artwork, calledthe LoopingBoat,hasbeen installed on the Sheffield&Tinsley Canal.

Thefirst-everartworkon waterby‘art’smasterillusionist’, BritishartistAlex Chinneck, is 13 metreslongand sixmetreshigh. It incorporates signwriting and traditional canalboatcoloursto celebratethehistory of Tinsley, Sheffield’s historic waterways and industrialheritage.

Alex said:“Thisis ourfirstartwork onthe waterway.Itintroducesa wholeotherlevelofcomplexityin termsofengineering, logisticsand installation.

“Wehopeitengages audiences and attracts peopleto discover that part ofthe waterwaywhich is beautiful,post-industrial environmentthathaslargely been reclaimed by nature.

“Wehopeitbecomesknown as aplayfulanduplifting little landmark.

“Thisis acollaborativework involvingstructuralengineers, specialist steelfabricators, waterwaycontractors,professional paintersandtraditional canalboat signwriters.

“Withoutquestion,this will be my mostcomplexand challenging artworkto date.”

Positionedbetween locks4 and 5ofSheffield &Tinsley Canal,near to MeadowhallShoppingCentre, its site away from the navigable channelofthe canalwill serveas agalleryspaceforthe sculpture, enablingtheloop-de-loop work to be viewed from180degreesby passingnarrowboatsandfromthe towpath.

Madefromsteelandaluminium, theprojecthas beenco-funded

Anartist’simpressionof theAlexChinneckartwork destinedfortheSheffield& TinsleyCanal.Thesculpture willbesitedonthecanal. PHOTOMARC:WILMOT

by BritishLandand by energy company E.ON,who committed to creatingapublicartwork as partofits redevelopmentofthe Blackburn Meadows site.

The planningapplicationforthe artworkwas submittedbyartist AlexChinneck on behalfofthe TinsleyArt Project Board,which includes SheffieldCityCouncil, E.ON,BritishLand, Tinsley Forum,Canal&RiverTrustand YorkshireWater.

GrahamWhitfield,fromthe TinsleyForum,said: “Weare lookingforward to seeingAlex’s visionand ourideas becominga reality. It will be fantasticforthe areato have thisunusualand playful addition that willhelpto inspireyoung andoldto have an interestinart, health andthe local waterways, whiletransformingan areaof Sheffieldwherethereisa lackofpublicart.” AlexChinneck hasbeen

weevilsconsume arelativelysmallamountof azolla.However,theybreedtoproduce very large populationswhich, together,willfeed extensively, until sectionsofazollastart to dieand sinktothe bottom,where the weed furtherdecomposes.

Azollais asmall, aquatic,free-floatingfernnative to the warm,temperateandtropicalregions ofthe Americasanduntil2014it wasavailableto buyas anornamental garden pondplant.

Alsoknown as water fern or fairymoss(azolla filiculoides),itwas oneoffiveaquatic weeds bannedfromsaleintheUKin2014. The WildlifeandCountryside Actmakesitillegal toplantitorcause ittogrow.

Riverstaff willbe saferafter theirannual ‘healthand safety’clinic

WORKERShaveseenfirst-handthe danger ofaccidentsonthe waterways. Canal&River Trustengineersspenta daylearningabout the potential dangerswhiletheyworkedonthe UK’swaterways.

The staff were invited to Aqueduct Marina inCheshirefortheirannualhealthand safety day,wheretheylearntabout recentaccidents and sawtheimpactof injuriesoncolleagues and staff.

workinginthe Sheffieldarea for sevenyearsand hascreated multipleartworks in Tinsley during that time,includinga sculptureofa carhangingupside down,creatinganillusionthat was visited by morethan5000 people oversix days.

In 2019,Alex returned to Tinsley with anew sculpture–aknotted post box, whichwas temporarily installedonaresidentialstreet outside TinsleyMeadowsPrimary Academy.

Theevent provides attendees withan opportunitytonotonlyget hands-on with awide rangeofequipmentbut also to learn thelatestH&S information. Aqueduct Marina waschoseninpartduetoitslongassociation withthetrustandthe marina’s ongoingwork toproducethenew generationof workboats. The dayincluded sessionscovering lessons learntfromrecentaccidents;a tourofthe marina workshops, apracticalexerciseto safelybuild ascaffoldtower; andvideos showing theimpactofinjuriesoncolleagues andtheirfamilies.

Theevent alsosaw exhibitsand demonstrations by anumberofbusinesses involved in theconstructionindustry.The trust’sregionalconstruction managerAndy Morrishighlightedthat, in many cases, staff don’tgetanopportunity to see or tryout new equipmentbeing developedfor the construction sector.Eventslikethisarean idealopportunityfor staff toget hands-on. Overthepastfew years,theengineering team atAqueduct hasworkedclosely with thetrust’sengineers to develop anewconcept workboat that ishighly portableand,due toa newkitconstructionmethod, canalsobebuilt quicklyand economically.

Robert Parton,managingdirectorof Aqueduct Marina,said:“Weweredelighted tohostthe Canal&RiverTrust’sH&S day. It wasinterestingtosee andtryawide range of equipmentavailable foralmostevery situation.”

Dean Davies, headof directservicesatCanal &RiverTrust, said: “I also want to thankall oursupply partnerswho gave uptheirtime andequipmenttomakethiseventthe success it was. We hadlotsofpositive feedbackfrom colleagues,andfrom many of oursuppliers saying it wasthe best eventthey’ve attended.”

AlexChinneck’snarrowboat artworkbeingpreparedtobe transportedtotheSheffield& TinsleyCanal. PHOTO: MARCWILMOT

Boostforbetteraccess

CampaignerschampioningaccessibilityontheUK’swaterwayssaid ameetingwiththe EnvironmentAgencytodiscussmooringsandfacilitieswas‘impressive’and‘refreshing’.

ByLucy Wood

TRACEY and TimClarke,foundersofthe Accessible WaterwaysAssociation,were invited to the Denver Complex onthe RiverGreatOuse ReliefChannel,near DownhamMarket, Norfolk,toexplore howthe EA isaimingtoextendand developits existingmoorings thereto includeseveraldesignated asaccessible on both banksofthe water.

Theyand EA officialsdiscussed the options beinglooked at. “Oneideathat reallyimpressed us is that of movable railings,” saidTracey.“This would bea systemof portable railingsthat could be takenfromsitetositeandinstalled upon request, according totheneeds ofindividualboaters.Theywould be invaluableto many boaterswho experiencedifficultieswithunprotected edges(forexample,perhapsthosewith balanceorco-ordinationchallenges).

“Thisis yettobeexploredmore fully, butweare hugelyencouraged by the EA’s forwardthinkingonthis. Practicalities willneed to be balanced, butwediscussed thepossibleoptions ofthesebeingeitherpre-installedby EAstaffata booked mooringupon request,orperhaps asetof railingsbeing availabletohireand theninstalled by the boater themselves (oracrewmate) at each mooring(wherefixingsare available)asneeded.This would be dependentuponthe meansoffixing andinstalling.

“Itreallyis just anidea at themoment, butaverygoodidea, in ouropinion.”

Therepresentativesexpresseda particularinterestinthe AWA’sfree Boaters’BlueCardscheme,which signpoststhat theremay bepeopleon boarda boat with adisability.Traceyis nowcompilinganinformationpackand education campaign foralllockkeepers, volunteers andstaffonthecountry’s waterways.

Accessible mooringbollard

Alsodiscussed at length wasthedesign foranaccessible mooringbollard being developedbythe AWAand Canal& RiverTrust.Itisdesigned to be easier touse, especially from aseatedposition on aboat; itislargerandbrighterthan existing bollards,whichisvitalforthose with poor eyesight andhelpstoavoid trip hazards,too.Itisenvisaged that they will be installedattheCRT’sdesignated accessiblemoorings spaceswith clear signage, which willencourageothersto leave spacesforthosewhoneed them. Unlikeshort bollardsor rings, thethin neck designallows ropes to be easily thrownfromboats.

TraceyandTimClarke,foundersoftheAccessible Waterways Association,meetEnvironmentAgencyofficialsattheDenverComplex inNorfolkonAugust8. PHOTOS: AWA

“Theconsensusofopinionisthat thisis very appealingand workable,” saidTracey.“If thesebollardsare incorporated into theplannedmooring areas,thenthe DenverComplexwould proveanexcellenttestsiteforthe beginningofa nationwide roll-outof theproject.

“Partofour aimistorollthis outasa national standardacrossalloftheUK’s inland waterways,regardlessofwhich authoritylooksafterit.Maybe itcould also become astandardinour coastal harbourstoo.

“Ofcourse, allofthisisdependent uponfunding, andnobody hasyetfound amagicmoney tree.Butthe EA hasa positive attitudetowardsthisandtalk of‘wherethere is awill, thereisaway.’ It fullyacknowledgesthe absolutely obligatoryneedtomakeitssitesas accessibleaspossiblefor everybody equally.”

Equalaccessforeveryone

As reportedinSeptember’s Towpath Talk,the AWAiscallingonwaterways bodies to putequalaccessfor everyone at thetopoftheir agendas.

“The daywas refreshinginthe sense that wewere activelyinvited, ourinput wassought, andour thoughtsand ideas were enthusiastically welcomed,” Traceyadded.

“Wehad good conversations about thewholetopicofaccessibilityofour waterways, what AWAisall about, and what EA wantstobeabletoachieve. We areimpressed andgreatlyencouraged by the EA’s ideasandambitions with regard toaccessibility.”

An EnvironmentAgency spokespersonsaid:“Werecognise that improvingaccessibility is notjust aboutenhancingtheexperiencefor our current customers,including thosewith

disabilities,butalsoabout attracting newusersand benefitingothergroups, suchas families with youngchildren. Oneoftheexcitinginitiativesdiscussed includesthecreationofaccessible accesspointsand pontoonspacesfor both residentialandshort-term stay mooringsondesignated sites.

“Weare optimistic aboutthe future and makingprogressonthisimportant project.Welookforward to continuing ourworkincollaboration with AWAand otherpartnerstomakeour waterways moreaccessible.”

The EA said it isalsocommittedto improvingsignage to betterpromote accessibility. Readmore athttps:// tinyurl.com/AWAdenver

TheEnvironmentAgencyis developingitsmooringsatthe DenverComplex.

The AWA’s Accessible Waterways DayisbeingheldinLondonon October5,aninformaleventfor peoplewhoenjoyinlandwaterways featuringexhibitorstandsand more.Admissionisfreebetween 10.30amand6pmatUCLEast,by theOlympicParkinStratford.Visit www.awa-uk.org.uk/accessiblewaterways-day-london-2024/for moreinformation.

Canal restorationaims tocreatenew wetland andbenefitnature

Anewwetlandareabeingcreatedaspartofthe CotswoldCanalsConnectedschemeissetto attractmorewildlifeandsupporttourism.

ByLucy Wood

THEFromebridge Biodiversity Projectfocusesonthe wetlands areaandwildlife ponds betweenthe Stroudwater Canaland RiverFrome, southofWhitminster. As wellas providingnewfeedinggrounds formigratorybirds,itisalsosetto feature abirdhide with amulti-user accessibletowpath so everyone cangetcloser to nature,enjoy the tranquillityofthe canalandexplore the canal’sheritage.

Aplanningapplication hasbeen submittedwhichalsoincludesthe creationoftwo watervoleponds, awetlandsarea,loweringofthe RiverFromefloodbankin two locations,thecreationof two flood bundsandthelevellingofthe canal towpathbank.Theproject –which will be completedbyvolunteers fromtheCotswold CanalsTrust andGloucestershireWildlifeTrust –isbeing undertakenaspartofthe widerCotswold CanalsConnected schemetolink anine-mile stretch of canalbetweenSauland Thrupp tothe nationalinland waterway network.

Fundedbya successful£8.9 million National Heritage Lottery Fundbidanddonationsfrom organisations,charitabletrusts andprivatedonors, itisthelargest canalrestoration programmeinthe countryand willcreate awildlife corridoralong the lengthofthe canal fromthe SevernEstuarySpecial

Stopplanksarelowered into DockLockpound,which isbeing restoredaspartof CotswoldCanalsConnected. Theeventwasheldtoraise theprofileoftheFromebridge BiodiversityProject. PHOTO: STROUDDISTRICTCOUNCIL

FromleftatDockLock on August 9are:RobBenson (CotswoldCanalsConnected chiefengineer);DrSimon Opher(MPforStroud);Coun CatherineBraun(Leader, StroudDistrictCouncil);and CounMarkHurrell(Deputy Leader,StroudDistrictCouncil). PHOTO:STROUDDISTRICTCOUNCIL

ProtectionArea atSaulthroughto Brimscombe Port.Fifty-two acresof agriculturalland hasbeen acquired specificallytosupportbiodiversity andtheenvironmentbycreatingtwo newwetlandsareasinFromebridge and south of theRiver Frome, the applicationforwhich wasformally approved in June.

Work ontheFromebridgeproject isexpected to startbeforetheendof thisyearsubjecttoplanningapproval and raisingthefunds required.It isoneofthe keyCotswold Canals Connected environmentalprojects to reconnectthe Stroudwater Canal tothenational canalnetwork at Saul Junction(phase1B).

StroudDistrictCounciland theCotswold CanalsTrustare co-leadingitwiththe Canal EnvironmentProgramme, ledby GloucestershireWildlife Trust. Coun CatherineBraun,leaderof StroudDistrictCouncil, said:“This counciliscommittedtorestoration ofthe canal,promotingtourism andprotectingandenhancingour environment, sowe areveryexcited to be partofthisproject.”

Restoration workcompletedas canallinkbetweenEnglandand Walesedgescloserto reopening

Corporatehelperspitch-in toassistsocietymembers at Crickheathsection

THElatestphase ofthe Montgomery Canalrestoration project hasbeen completed–bringingthedreamof linkingthetwocountries viatheclosed waterway evercloser.

Volunteerscompleted thelatest stageintheproject,the restorationof the18thcentury TramwayWharf Wall at CrickheathinShropshire.

It waspartofthe sectionfrom CrickheathBridge, whichis being excavated andlined,soitcanonce again allownavigation.

Theworkersleft asurprise time capsule –a2024KingCharlesIII50p hidden somewhereinthe repairedwall. The location will remain secret so it may be found by futurerestorers.

The ShropshireUnion CanalSociety is behindthe work anditsown teamof volunteers wassupplemented by dozens ofcorporatehelpers.

Corporatehelpers

Asociety spokesman said:“Wewere joined by ninecorporatevolunteers fromPractice PlaninOswestry.They undertook valuable vegetation clearance work around recently-plantedhedging whips.

“Withthe society’sregular volunteers fullyoccupiedwithchannelandtowpath restorationactivities,this wasan enormoushelp.Thankstoallofthem fortheir hard work.

“Sofarthis year,44corporate volunteers have joined usforaday, which must be somethingofarecord.”

The wall work startedlastyear,and with supportfrommembersof theDry Stone WallingAssociation, over100 metres hasbeenrestored.

“Therehavebeenplenty of challenges alongthe way,notleastfromthe conditionofthe wall butmostnotably from asitethat steadfastly remained underwater muchlongerthanexpected due to theextraordinarilywet winter,” addedthe spokesman.

Tidywork

Other work completedincluded tidying banks abovethe wallandprofiling the channelreadyfor liningand blocking.

Part ofthe200metrelongtowpath wasalsorestoredduringthe work party.

The Montgomery Canal,whichlinks England andWales,closed to boating inthe1930sfollowing aseriousbreach ofthebanksnear Frankton Locksin Shropshire. It wasnever repairedand waslefttodecline.

Restoration startedin1969and has continued with the reopeningof20miles of canaland35milesoftowpaths. Work is fundedbyvarious organisationsincludingShropshire Council,the Government’sLevelling Up Fundanddonations fromthepublic. Thereare alsodozensof volunteerswho regularlygivetheirtimetotheproject.

To find outmoreabout the MontgomeryCanalandthe Shropshire Gapvisitthemontgomerycanal.org.uk orshropshireunion.org.uk

TheCrickheathWharfarea beforevolunteerstackled it.Thelatestphaseinthe MontgomeryCanal restoration projecthasbeencompleted withthenewwall,towpathand clearancework.

VolunteersfromOswestrybusinessthePracticePlanpicturedwiththe restored TramwayWharf WallatCrickheath.ThelatestphaseintheMontgomeryCanal restorationprojecthasbeencompletedwiththenewwall,towpathandclearancework.

FlooddamagetoGrandUnionCanalfixed

Flower bloomsas historictrophysaved

A124-year-oldtrophy awardedtothe best canal boat horsehas beensaved fromthefurnaceandonce again wascompetedfor at arecentevent.

TheWestBromwich HorseShow, CanalBoat HorseClass,trophywas savedbyStaffordshire engineer and boat builder, Roger Fuller,who spotted itforsaleoneBay.

“Itappeared Iwas theonlycorrespondent who wasn’tinterestedin meltingitdownfor scrap,” he said.

The solidsilvertrophy wasfirst awardedatthe West Bromwich Horse Show at Dartmouth Park back in1920, with hundredsofcanal boat horsescompetingin severalclasses.

It waslastcompeted-for andpresented in1939.

In July this yearit was once againgiventothe Best Turned-out Boat Horseand Tackle,and wonbyElizabethRay of

Norburyand herhorse Flower,bothnine. Mr Fullerhopesthe trophywillbecompeted forannually,and calledfor ownersto jointhe contest forwhat couldbecome known asthe Audlem Cup.

Staffordshireboat builderRogerFuller withtheCanalBoat HorseClasstrophy, whichhesavedfrom beingmelteddown andwillonceagainbe awardedtothebest dressedhorseonthe canals. PHOTO:KEVMASLIN

repairprogramme

THECanaland RiverTrust has completed a£500,000 repair to asectionof canalbankthat waswashed away by thewinter floodsinLeicester.

Thecharity hasrepaired and strengtheneda100metre sectionofGrand Union Canal bankthat sawsignificant damagewhenflood waters fromthenon-navigable River Soar,which runsparallelto the canal, hadovertopped and scouredawaythe canalwall andtowpathontop.

Thedamagetothe wall, near Blue Bank Lock,south of Leicester,was caused when

theriver overtoppedfollowing asuccessionofheavy winter storms. StormBabet in October caused initialdamagebefore Storms Gerritand Henk’s heavy rainandfloodingsaw thebank washedaway.

The trusthas reinforced the canalwallwithnew steelpiling backfilled with stoneand anew towpathlaid ontop.Leicester CityCouncilprovided nearly £44,000offundingfromits TransportImprovementWorks capitalprogrammeto reinstate thetowpath, whichisapopular routelinkingtheGreatCentral WayandnearbyEverards

Meadowsandanimportant partofthe pedestrianand cyclewaynetwork

Thetrusthas also carried outrepairsonthe approach to Blue Bank Lock,installing moresheetpilingandadding newmoorings for boatsusing thelock.

LinnyBeaumont, regional directorforthe Canaland RiverTrust,said:“Thisisan exampleofthedevastating impactfloodingbroughtabout by climatechangecan have on ourhistoric waterways,andthe work we have to dotoprotect themforfuturegenerations.

“Italsoemphasisestheneed forcontinuedsupportifwe’re to keepthem navigableand secureallthebenefitsthat bringsin turntolocalpeople andwildlife.

“We’re gratefulto Leicester City Council forhelping with thecostof reinstatingthe towpathwhichis popularwith walkersandcyclists.”

Assistantcity mayorCoun Geoff Whittle,wholeadson environmentandtransport, said:“We’re very pleased to havesupportedthe Canaland RiverTrust withfundingfor thisproject. We want to make it

aseasy as possiblefor Leicester peopletoaccessourblue and greenspaces, becausewe knowthebenefitstheyoffer for recreation,mentaland physical health. Encouraging peopletowalkand cyclealso helpsour environment andair quality.

“Sadly,climatechangeis presentinguswithincreased challengesfromfloodingand extreme weatherevents,so that we need to conduct repairs like these to ensure people can continue to have accesstothe recreational spaces we know theyvalue.”

Volunteerspicturedwiththe restored TramwayWharf Wallat Crickheath. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

ElizabethRayandherhorseFlower,withthe CanalBoatHorseClasstrophy. PHOTO: KEVMASLIN

TheCrickheathWharfareaaftervolunteers workedto renovateit.

Belowthe waterline to repairhistoric River Avonlock

ByLucy Wood

DIVERS were brought in by theCanaland RiverTrust tohelp make repairstothe GradeIIlistedWeston Lock,onthe RiverAvon just outsideBat.

Thelock, which is almost300 yearsold, isoneof104 between Bristolandthe River ThamesatReading whichmakeupthe Kennet &AvonCanal.

Repairs were required tooneof thepaddles,thetrap doorwhichboaters navigati ng the waterway operateto emptythelockofwater.

CanalandRiver Trustasks incomingGovernmentto ‘properlysupport’vitalwork

TimGreenfield

Thepaddle removed bydiversand repaired bytheCRT’sbankside maintenanceteam. PHOTO:CRT

Aspecialist dive teamwentbelow the surfaceofthe canalto temporarily remove the paddlefromthelock gate, whichallowed

the CRT’s bankside maintenanceteamto make the repairsbefore thediversonce again fixed thepaddleback inplace.

Thediversalso carried outan inspection tohelp info rm fut ure maintenanceand removedweeds, timber andotherimpediments aroundthelockgatesto speed upfillingtime. After onlyabrief closure, thelock– which isoneofthedeepest onthe navigation, lowering or raising boatsmorethannine feet –wasopen again to boaters.

WestonLockisoneofthedeepestontheKennet &AvonCanal. PHOTO:CRT

Aspecialistdivergoesunderthewaterline at WestonLock. PHOTO:CRT

RobLabus, contract managersouth at the CRT, said:“WestonLock isnearlythree centuries oldandis stillindaily usebyboatersonthe waterway. It is vital we carryout repairsand completeinspection work likethissothat the navigationcontinuesto be availablefor boaters andforthe benefit of thelocalcommunity.

“Usingdiversiscosteffectiveand saveson thetimeneeded for the navigationto be stopped.

“Thechallengeof keeping theamazing pieceofheritage openand available is

Identitywarningto19thcenturycanalvessel owners

ATRENTNavigationnotice advisingboatownersof adraconian penaltyif instructions aboutdisplaying their nameandaddresson vessels weren’tadhered to, wasahighlightofaPaperchase Auctions’salein July. The strongly-wordednotice warningofa£5levy –nearly £1000in today’smoney –in theeventofnon-compliance, wassigned by surveyor John Hopkinand at the bottom was datedApril3,1833,although the wordingstatesthat the instructions were enacted fromthetwenty-ninthday of September, onethousand sevenhundredandeightythree –50yearsearlierand the yearthecompanywas established.

It wasdirectedatthe owner or ownersofeveryboat, barge, keel,orothervessel(except pleasureboat) passing onthe RiverTrent,orany partthereof, betweenWildenFerry and Gainsborough,andinstructed that thename or names,and placesof abode, of theowner or owners,should be setat fulllength,inwhiteletters, on ablack ordark background, fourincheslongandofa

The TrentNavigationnotice concerningthenamesand addressesofvesselowners thatsoldatauctioninJuly.

PHOTO: PAPERCHASE AUCTIONS

proportionalbreadth. Thesedetails were to be placed“upon some conspicuouspartofeachof the outsidesofthe said boat, barge,keel,orother vessel, higherthanthesameshallsink into the water, whenfull laden, andtobekept at alltimesplain and legible.”

The warningcontinuedthat iftheinstructions weren’t followed, or if thedetails were coveredorconcealedbyany master, owner,orother person,

theoffenders, ifconvicted by aJP, wouldpaya £5forfeit, equivalentto£944 today, andthat thiswould be levied by distressand sale of the offender’s goodsandchattels.

Apartfromitsblunt and unequivocal wording, another feature ofthenotice,which soldfor£19 in theauction,is that it wasprinted in areducing typesize.

Paperchase principalBrian Moakes,who putthe notice underthe hammerathis quarterlyauctionthat ranfrom July14-30,told TowpathTalk: “Wesell allformsoftransport notices, buthavenever come acrossoneonthisparticular subjectand with such wording. It camefromtheestate ofa deceased collector,andisa mostunusual survivor.Our accentisonrailwayliterature, butcanalandinland waterway items have becomequite popular in recent years.”

SeeGeoff Courtney’s Heritage underthehammer columnonpage68for detailsofthisandother auctionsfeaturingcanal andinlandwaterwayitems.

THE Canaland RiverTrust ishopingtoforma positive partnershipwiththenew Labour Governmenttosecure itslong-termfundingand halt thepossibilityof canalclosures.

It ishopingministers will see the benefits ofthe waterways and agreetosupport its maintenance and renovationprogramme to stopthemfalling into disrepair or possiblyriskbeingshut.

However, PrimeMinister SirKeir Starmer warnedofa gloomyfinancial outlookand saidallareasof publicfunding areunderthe spotlightaheadof the Autumn budget.

CRTspokesperson Fran Read said:“The previous government agreed anewfundingpackage runninguntil2035 –notas much as we thinknecessary.

never-ending. The lock is aremarkablepiece ofengineering, and we hope the repairs undertaken will make thelockeasier to use.”

“Weare talkingtothenew governmentand want to form aworkingpartnershiptoensure canalsareproperly supported, so theycancontinuetoprovide benefitstothe nation.”

Thepreviousgovernment agreed £740millionfrom2012 to 2027,onconditionthecharity wouldincrease its ownincome andneed lesstaxpayer cash.Last year,ministers agreed afurther £400millionfrom2027to2037. However, thecharity says this agreementisactuallyacutin realterms.Itsaysthe public can help by lobbyingtheirMP to get supportfortheircampaign. The charityhas been running apublicitycampaigntogather supportand wantstohighlight the valueofthe waterways network, notonlyforleisurebut also wildlifeand water supply. It fearsadropinfundingwilllead to adeclineinthenetwork, even raisingthefearof canalclosures. ADefraspokespersonsaid: “Werecognise thewiderange of benefitsthat ourinland waterways bring, andthe Canal and RiverTrust receivesan annualgrantof£52.6millionto supporttheir maintenance and development.”

Montgomerycanal volunteers celebrateNavigationAlemilestone

ShropshireUnionCanalSocietyvolunteershaveraised aglassto celebrate asuccessfulfundraisingpartnershipwith alocalbrewery.

ByLucy Wood

MONTY’S Brewery, basedinMontgomery, hassoldmorethan 20,000pintsofits Navigation Pale Ale,and each pint hasresultedina donationtowards the restorationofthe MontgomeryCanal.

The4.0% strength lightbitterwas launchedinAprillast yearandpromoted by societyvolunteerswho visitedwatersidepubs aroundthe Shropshire networktoexplainthe idea to publicans.

PamelaandRussHoneymanfromMonty’s BrewerywithLesGreen(centre),fromthe ShropshireUnionCanalSociety. PHOTO:SUCS

Now,the beerissold in casksand bottles not onlybydistributorsin Wales,Lancashireand the Midlands,but also in selected off-licences andonlinedirectly fromthebrewery. Yearlydonations areanticipatedtobe between£1200and £1500,whichthe society willuseinapplications togrant-givingbodies forwhat is called matched funding; societies applying for grantsareexpectedto raiseagiven amount themselves, normally10%.

Monty’sBrewery’s NavigationPaleAle. PHOTO:SUCS

Dave Carter, thechairman of ShropshireUnion CanalSociety, said: “Workingwithlocal companiesisawin–winsituation. We both raisefundswhile helpingeconomic growth –andthe volunteerslove the beer asanextrabonus.” Russ Honeyman, commercialdirector of Monty’sBrewery, added:“Working with enthusiastic volunteers enhances ourbusiness. Theypromotethe beer andgiveusregular communicationon howthemoneyis spent. Watching the progressmadeonthe canaland beingpartof agreat projectisareal boost.”

PamelaHoneyman,fromMonty’sBrewery,attended aceremony inJunetomarkthe restorationofSchoolhouseBridgeonthe MontgomeryCanal. PHOTO:SUCS

FundBritain’s Waterwayssubmitscase forGovernmentSpendingReview

FUNDBritain’sWaterwaysisa growingactiongroupcurrently comprising136member organisations representing hundredsofthousandsof usersand supportersofinland waterways.

Itssole purposeisto campaign collectivelyfor anincreaseingovernment fundingofBritain’sinland waterwaysto averttheirdecline andtopromote awarenessof the economic,environmental and social well-beingvalue theyprovide.

The requestisthat:

1.The importanceof ourinland waterwaysas auniquenational assetandpartofthe national

infrastructureisrecognised.

2. Thedeteriorationin conditionthatisalready happening is acknowledged.

3. Acomprehensivereview of Governmentfundingforall ourinland waterwaysshould be carried outasamatterof urgency,withtheaimofdefining asustainablefunding solution which willenablethecurrent benefitsof ourcanalsand rivers to be maintainedandenhanced forfuturegenerations.

To fund inland waterways properlywouldcost asmall(in Governmentterms)investment measured inmillions,not billions,ofpounds.Inreturn, thecountrywouldcontinue

toobtainbillionsofpounds ofhealth,economicand environmental benefits,much ofthisinlesswell-offareas.

We arealreadyseeingthe waterwaysdeterioratingand businesses suffering.Without urgent action,theinland waterwaynetwork will be in seriousjeopardy.Ifthecondition of waterwayscontinuesto deteriorate,waterways will ultimately have to be closed, businesses willbe harmed, communitiesplacedatrisk, the benefitslost, andmillionsof hoursof volunteereffortwasted.

IWA’sSustainable Boating GroupandFreightGroupalso submittedrepresentations.

Safetylessonsforpupilsas‘service’ dayiswashedout

ONTHEfinal dayoftheir summer term, Berkhamsted Boys’School partneredwiththe Inland Waterways Associationandthe Canaland RiverTrust todeliver theannualGreenes’House ServiceDay,timesetaside from lessonstomakea differencefor thelocalcommunity. In 2023,40 boys were involved inpaintinginfrastructurealong theGrand Union Canal,adjacent tothe school’s Castle Campusin Berkhamsted.Thisyear, plans were madeto walktotheGrand

Union TringSummit Levelat Cowroast,beforeusingcanoes totacklefloating pennywort growth,aswellas managing vegetationalongthetowpath. Sadly, with awashoutforecast, thedecision wastaken to cancel the outdoorelementsofthe day. Instead, Al Camachoand Jack Protheroofthe Canaland River Trustvisitedthe boys at school. After abriefintroductionto thehistory ofthecanal andthe work of thetrust, theydelivered aninteractivesessionon keeping

safearoundopen water.This includedidentifyingrisksand practisinghow to safelythrow life ropesandlifebuoys. Undoubtedly,thesewere importantlifelessonsforthe boys,particularlyaheadofthe holidayand thepossibility of spendingmoretimearound open water.Nevertheless, itis hopedpupils will be able to getbackoutdoors,toserve the localcommunity by completing newpracticalprojects alongthe Grand Unionnextyear.

Second-handwaterwaybooksforsale

THEIWAhas been donated alarge collectionof waterwaysbooks to sellforfundsforits work. Asmallpartofthecollectionaccompaniedthe IWAsales stand at CanalwayCavalcade,Crick and Braunston BoatShow,whereover£500 wasraised fromthe saleofthesebooks.

More books have nowbeen added from thecollection to theschedule,which canbe downloadedathttps://waterways.org.uk/ about-us/second-hand-books. If youwould liketopurchaseany ofthe books, pleasee-mailpaula.smith@waterways.org.uk, who will respondtoconfirmavailabilityand arrangepayment. The booksare allpricedatless thanthecosttheycan currently be purchased second-hand at Amazon.co.uk

Fears overVazonBridgeopening

THEIWAhaswrittento Network Rail to expressconcern about theongoingproblems withthe openingtimesofthe Vazon Bridge overthe Stainforthand KeadbyCanal.

The VazonSlidingRailway Bridge worksbyslidingopen toallowboats onthe Stainforth and KeadbyCanaltopass, before returningtoitsoriginal position, enablingtrainstocontinue with theirjourney.

The crossing connectstrains betweenDoncaster, Scunthorpe andthe Lincolnshire coastandis abusyrailfreightroute.

The slidingbridgeisBritain’s onlyslidingrailway bridge overa canal, withtheoriginal structure datingbacktothe1860s.

Sensorsonthe structure alertedNetworkRailteamstoa fault withitsmechanismwhich involves akey component that allowsthebridge toslide acrossthe canal.The part needs replacingand anewoneisnow beingspecially made.

Prior tothemaintenance

work,thebridge wasopenedfor boatersasrequired,but at the timeofwritingthebridge isonly openedat10pmeachday,with noindicationofwhennormal service will resume.

Onedaily10pmopening is notonlypotentiallydangerous duetotheneed to cruiseinthe dark butalsotakes no account oftides,furtherlimitingthe availabilityof navigation.

WorkParties

The bridge is nowilluminated andsigned toaid boaters,but whilethisis welcome,itraises thefurtherconcernthat Network Rail maybelooking to make thisoneopeningin24hoursa permanentarrangement.

Navigation rights at the Vazon bridge precedethe railway asthe Stainforthand Keadby Canalwasalreadyinusewhen the railline wasbuiltand is coveredbyanAct of Parliament.

TheIWA hasasked for reassurancethat,oncethese repairs arecomplete, the rail bridge will return to itsnormal serviceof beingopenedfor boaterswhenrequired. In themeantime, thanksare due to Celyn Winterand Callum Joinson,twomembersof theTry theTrentgroup,who have been helpingboaters navigate through the railbridge andthenearby roadbridge since nightaccess wasrequired amonth ago.

PLEASEcontactthe branchtoregisteryourinterestifyouwouldliketo attend aworkparty.Itisadvisabletowearstoutshoes,old clothingandto takewaterproofs. Apackedlunchandrefreshmentsarealsoadvisable.

October 6and15

NorthamptonBranch Work partiesareusuallyheldone weekday and one Sunday amonthalongthe Northampton Arm. Tasksusuallyincludevegetation clearance, weeding, litterpickingandpainting. Contact Geoff Wood:geoff.wood@ waterways.org.uk

October4:10.30am-2.30pm

BurslemPort

Regular work partyonthe Burslem Armofthe Trentand Mersey Canal, runinpartnership by IWANorth Staffordshireand South Cheshire Branchandthe Burslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke Street,Burslem. Alltoolsandequipment will be provided. Volunteersareadvised to wearoldclothes,and stoutshoesandtobringwaterproofsin case of rainand apackedlunchif stayingallday.

Please contact Dave Broomebefore attending:dave.broome45@gmail.comor 07974966253

October17:10am-3pm

CheshireLocks

Monthly work partyontheCheshireLock flightofthe Trentand Mersey Canal, between Kidsgroveand Wheelock.This work partyis jointlyled by IWANorth Staffordshire and South CheshireBranchandTrentand Mersey Canal Society.

If you areabletostayallday, pleasebring apackedlunchanda drink. Be sure to wear oldclothesthat you don’tmind gettingdirty and marked withpaint. Stoutfootwearis appropriateandbringalongawaterproofin theeventofrain.

ContactJohn

Trythe TrentMembers CelynandCallum Joinson. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

ThefrontcoverofKen’sbook, APlayonBirds.

Left:KenandKateNormanaboardtheir 67ftnarrowboat, Dædalus PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

CharactersoftheCut

KenNorman –FlockComedy

ByAliceElgie

IT WASaschoolnarrowboat tripbackin1977that first piqued cartoonist Ken Norman’sinterestinliving aboard.

He wasthen aged just 15,andalongwithhisnow wife,Kate, it turned outto be just the beginningoftheir adventurestogetheronthe water.

Fast-forward 44 years,and takingintoaccounta 20-year bankingcareerwith astaff narrowboat that Kenand Kate made good useof, and theNormans finally –along with Buffytheboatcat–madetheirchildhooddream cometrue.Theyofficially movedaboard Dædalus,a 67ft12-year-oldnarrowboat built by blacksmith Robert Kranenborg, ascontinuous cruisersin December2021.

Kencommented: “Our daughters bothliveinLondon sowe head southforthe winter monthsandin2022 we moved220times,clocking up1200miles.We’ve slowed down sincethen!”

APlayonBirds

Oneparticulartime they slowed down wasduringan enforced stayinLiverpoollast year,whichinturnprovided anopportunityforthe rebirth ofcreativity.

“Therewas abreachinthe Leedsand LiverpoolCanal so forfive weeks we stayed putinthecity.I hadn’tdrawn muchsince my teens,but afterpickingupsomefelt pensand pencils Ifound myselfdoodlingbirdsand thenalongside,a companion visual pun.”Kenshared these whimsical cartoonsonhis socialmedia,whichledtothe suggestionof abook.

“TotestthewaterIlaunched acrowdfundingcampaignon

Kickstarter and, to my surprise, in four weeks I’draised £2000 in advanceorders of abookthatdidn’t existand so APlayonBirds wasborn!”

Justforlaughs

It seems Kenhas always needed acreativeoutlet,as whenhe worked inbanking he wasamemberofanumber ofdramatic societiesinEssex. ButuponmovingtoChipping Nortonin1997 alackofdrama clubssaw himturntocomedy.

“Afterleavingthe bank in2000 Iputon atwo-man comedyrevue with afriend, Norman &LyonLiveatHer Majesty’sTheatreinLondon’s WestEnd,andfromthereI formedacomedyclub Flock Comedy, at which Iwould regularly MC.” It seemswhile hedidn’tdraw duringthis time,hestillcourtedcreativity and waspartialto apun.

Inspiration

As acontinuouscruiser, those puns seemtoflow thick andfastwhenpassing

Ken,workingonthe ‘beakqual’A Playon BirdsII:BirdsofPlay, readyforpublishingthis October.

through aconstantstreamof inspiration.

“I feelblessed to be inspired by nature, wildlife, thefloraandfaunaaround me butIhavea special love forthebirds Isee and meet.They arewonderful, fascinatingandoften very funny.”Iagree with Kenwhen hesayshowonwater we have theopportunitytoexperience wildlife eyetoeyeandhehas plentifulopportunitiesfor closeencounters.

“I love that swansbring theirfamilyofcygnetsina flotillatothe boat and knock onthewindowsforfood, andin London vast flocks ofcootsassemble at fourin themorningandhootand honklikeclown carhornsin atraffic jam.”

Beingbornandbred on adairyfarminEssex,Ken’s alwayshad an appreciation for wildlifebut boatinglife has certainly rampedthingsup.

BirdsofPlay

Oncemoored, Kendraws at atableinthe galleywherehe isgracedwithlotsof natural lightfrombothsides.“I’ll spend acoupleofhours rough sketching, drawing, redrawing andthencolouringin.”

Despitedescribinghis work as basic, many findit endearing, as hasbeenproved by thosewho purchased his first bookof54cartoons, publishedinOctober2023.

Kenisworkingonthe ‘beakqual’APlayonBirdsII: BirdsofPlay, readyforprint this October. You’llbeableto buycopiesonline,but since Kenboughta CRTRoving Trader’s license, you’llalso findhim sellingcopies –along with postcards andprints–directlyfromthe boat. “About once aweekI juststickoutan A-frameand adisplayand sell afew copies whereI moorup.”

It mighthavetaken40+ yearsfor Kenand Kate’s dreamoflivingaboardtotake shape, butitwas worththe waitandinterestingly, having stayed in touch withthe teacher (Jerry Brayshaw)who used toorganise thoseschool trips– andjustmonthsafter movingaboard Dædalus –Kenand Kate bumped into his son, Ben, aliveaboardonhis ownnarrowboat, CurlyWurly. It seemslifeonthe waterhas proved a‘pheasant’ choicefor all… boom,boom!

FindKenonInstagram: @normolddog @play_on_birds @buffytheboatcat Books andpostcards: flockcomedy.sumupstore.com

Alice Elgieis awriterand yogiwhoshares words abouthernomadiclife, alongwithjournaling andmindfulness practices,onherblog: slowintotheseasons.

AlockgatebeingbuiltbytheCanalandRiver Trust,for installationatoneof129sitesthiswinter.Thecharityis planning amassiveprogrammeof renovationand repairworks fromNovembertoMarch. PHOTOSUPPLIED

CanalandRiver Trusttargets dozensofsitesinmassive winterrenovationprogramme

TimGreenfield

WORKERSfromthe Canaland RiverTrust arepoisedtostarta massiveprogrammeof renovation work nextmonth. The organisationisplanning repairsandconservationprojects acrossthe waterway networkfrom November to Marchandishoping therewillbeminimaldisruption toboaters.

Work,whichincludesinstalling newlock gatesandfixingleaks, hasbeenplannedwithfeedback from boaters.

SpokeswomenFran Read said:“We always trytominimise disruption,andwherepossible trytoavoidclosingoffall route options.Boaters were invitedto givefeedbackonthe proposed programmeoverthe summer– and we have includedthis.”

Ahostof repair,heritage and conservationtaskswill be carried outat159sitesacrossEngland and Wales.

The trustwillbeinstalling129 newlockgates,handcraftedinits specialist workshops at Caen Hill Flight on the Kennetand Avon Canal, Hatton Flight andBraunston ontheGrand Union Canal, Acton’s Lock ontheRegent’sCanalincentral London,andonthe RochdaleCanal and Birmingham CanalNavigations amongothers. Other work includes masonryrepairstobridges,tunnels and wash walls,worktofixleaks andpreservewaterfor navigation, andinspectionsofimportant

infrastructureincludingIslington Tunnel, York Street Aqueductin Burnley,plus Gloucester Lock.

Malcolm Horne,chief infrastructureandprogrammes officer,said: “Our canalsareas importantnow astheywereatthe heightofthe IndustrialRevolution –but ageandincreasinglyfrequent andextreme weathereventsare takingtheirtoll,meaningour work to repairand maintainthe canalsisneeded nowmorethan ever.Theworkweare carryingout this winter ispartofourongoing investmentprogrammetokeep canalsaliveandaccessiblefor navigationfor boaters,aswellas actingaslinearparks benefiting localpeopleand wildlife.”

In additiontothe winter works, thetrust ismidway througha multi-million-poundprogrammeof reservoir repairstohelpensurethe resilienceofthewaterneeded to keep canalstoppedup, withcontinued investmenttosafeguardthe water supplyfromthetrust’s reservoirs–theoldestinthecountry.

“Workhastakenplace,orbeen scheduled, at overtwo-thirdsofthe charity’s71reservoirs.Inaddition, repairsalongcanalbeds, canalwalls and at locks willhelpensure millions oflitresof wateraren’tlostfromthe network’sageingstructures. The trustisalsocontinuingtoinvestin itsdredgingprogrammethroughout theyear to improvenavigation. To findout whereand when work istakingplacevisit:canalrivertrust. org.uk/notices AlockgatebeinginstalledbytheCanal &River Trust.The

Buffytheboatcat.

KenandKate’sboat Daedalus,mooredatStPancras.

Cruisersurgedtoadopt dogsascost-of-living crisishitspetcharities

TwooftheUK’slargestpetrescue organisationshavecalledfor boaterstogivedesperatelyneeded homestodogsintheircare

By TimGreenfield

THE RSPCAand DogsTrust– who have hundredsof petsneedingnewhomes– bothsay theyare keento see morewaterways usersadoptingcanines. They sayitismoreimportanttofindtheright owners andhome,ratherthanfocusingonwhetherthatis onlandor water.However,theypoint outthatboat ownersshoulddotheirhomework before thinking aboutgettinga dog.

AmyOckelford,fromthe RSPCA, said:“We’d encourageanyonewho wantstoadd apettotheir familyandfeelstheyhavethetimeandfinancial stabilitytocommitto apettopleaseconsider adopting.

“We’re in themiddleofananimal welfarecrisis duetothecost-of-livingcrisis–wehavemore animals coming into ourcareand stayingforlonger, withfewer people lookingtoadopt.”

Judith Haw,from DogsTrust, echoedthe RSPCA’s plea:“We encourageanyone readyto welcome adog intotheirlifeandhometoconsideradoptingarescue dog.Wematcheachdogtothe righthomeandthat includes to peoplewholiveonboats.”

Significantnumbers

Lastyear, DogsTrust rehomed 10,588dogsand the RSPCAfound259,000 caninesnew homes.

Mabelthegreyhound,adoptedfromDogs Trust,liveswithAmieeMeb.Mabelhaslived withAmieeonsixdifferentboats. PHOTOSUPPLIED

AccordingtoStatista, petownershipintheUK surged fromnineto12millionfrom2020to2023. Many households gota pet duringtheCovid pandemicbut asubsequentriseinthecostoflivingandthe return to work meantmanydogs were givenup.

AmieeMeb adoptedMabel,aretired greyhound, from DogsTrustand hasneverlookedback: “They did aboatvisitandsheleaptstraight inandmadeherself comfortable.She’s lived on six boatswithmesince thenandtravelledmostofthenetwork.”

AnimalbehaviouristAnn Colemanbelieves boatsprovide amorestimulatingenvironmentthan houses.“Alotof ownersthink agarden equatesto exercise, butit’saveryboringenvironmentfor them. Awalk hastwo purposes,exerciseand stimulation.

Boatingisawonderfully stimulatinglife,meeting lotsofnew peopleand different locations,all while having thecomfort ofhome withthem.”

Greatcompanions forboaters

AbbieJadeandherpartnerJoshwiththeirnewlyadopted Staffordshire-crosspuppy,Sydney.TheyadoptedSydneyfrom Dogs Trustafterstrugglingtofind arescuecentrethatwouldlet them rehome adog. PHOTOSUPPLIED

Boththe RSPCAand DogsTrustsaydogscan make greatcompanions for boaters, andthey have tailored theirrehomingpolicies to ensureall casesare considered.

“Webelievethereisno‘onesizefitsall’whenit comes to rehomingand sowe donot have anyblanket rehomingpolicies at theRSPCA.Instead, we make decisionsbased ontheneedsofeachindividual pet.

“We’ve hadsome wonderful successstoriesof dogswho have beenadoptedtoliveonyachts,canal boatsandbarges, andthey’ve hadawonderfultime enjoyinglifeonthe water.Adoptingarescue dogisan amazingway to help animals.We’dlovetoencourage anyone living this lifestyleand lookingatadopting apettoconsiderthedogsthe RSPCAhas inits care waitingfornewhomesacrossEnglandand Wales.”

Abbie Jadeandherpartner Josh recentlyadopted Sydney, aStaffordshire-crosspuppywhocruises with them intheLeicestershireand Warwickshireregions.

“Wewantedtoadopta puppysotheystarted life withuson aboat,”said Abbie.“The biggest challenge wasfindingarescuecharitythat would letusadopt,fortunatelyDogsTrustwas happyfor usto(adopt).

“Ithas beengoing really well. He sleepswell and hastakento boatlifenicelyandis very inquisitive. He lovesmeeting peopleanddogs upanddown thetowpath,” addedAbbie,who hasbeenacontinuouscruiserfor ayear.

The RSPCAaddedsomedogsmay not be suited to lifeon boardaboat– ananxiousdog mightnot enjoylifeonthe wateroranelderly

Tips foralldogs on boats:

•Ensuretheyare tetheredorkeptbelow deckwhenmooringornegotiatinglocks

• Bestpracticeistotetherdogswhile moving

• Alifejacketis recommendedtokeep themsafewhenthey’reonboard

• Keep alifering, ropeandpolehandy

• Checkwith the microchipcompanies howtokeeptheircontactdetailsuptodate ifyou’removingfrommooringtomooring regularlyasit’salegal requirementtohave yourdogmicrochippedaswellaswearing atag

•Keep acollarandtagonyourdog

• In hotweather afan, acoolmat ordamp towelswillhelpkeepyourpetcool

Tips for adoptingdogs on boats

•Checkwhetherthedoglikeswaterorhas beenon aboatbefore– ifnot,thismight needtobesomethingthat’sintroduced gradually

• Elderlydogsorthosewithmobilityissues maystrugglewithboatlife –arampmay beuseful

•Ownersneedtoconsiderexerciseneeds ofthedog

• Thinkaboutyourlifestyleandlong-term plans

• Considerthespaceonyourboatandthe sizeofthedog

•Doesyourmooringallowdogsanddoyou haveaccessto avet?

dogwithmobility issues couldstruggle to get on andoffthebank –butotherdogs couldlovelife ona boat. Everydog hastheir ownindividual personality andthe RSPCAbelievesin matching them to the perfecthome –and owner.

Many dogs have onlyeverknown lifeon boats, forexample,Rubywas rescuedbyLaura Martinez Chavez afterher owner becameill. “Unfortunatelyhe (the owner)gotreallypoorlywhenhe wasmooring by uslastyear, sowe took care of Ruby whilehe wasin hospital. Sadly,hepassed away.Mypartner,Josh,and IthendecidedtokeepRubyandshe hasbeenthe best additionto ournarrowboatingadventure,”saidLaura.

Rehominggreyhounds

Home RunHounds,which specialises in rehoming greyhounds,believesthe personaltouch when consideringanadoptionpaysdividendsinthe longrun.

CharitychairTraceyParbery said:“Weare one ofthefewcharitieswhich willhome to theboating community,whichisextremely sad.

“Our volunteers willtakekenneldogs outand aboutall overtheplacetotesttheir suitability. Somegreyhounds willnot reacttoducksand geese, greatfor narrowboats!

“Thevolunteers also takethehoundshome to see howtheyreacttodifferentflooring. Many narrowboat floorscan getslippery, sowewould recommend puttingrunners down so thedog can move aboutmoresecurely. Someof ourgreyhounds donotlikesteps,somedonotlikewater;aswith allbreeds,every greyhoundisdifferentandthisis whyitisessentialwetakeourtimetoensurethat we dothebestwecan fortheadopterandtheir potentialpet.”

Sheadded:“Wefindthat once apersonhas had agreyhoundintheirlife,theywillnot look at other breeds. Greyhoundsarenotoriously lazy;theyhave aquickburstofenergy andthen cansleeptheday (andnight) away,albeittheydolovetowalk. This makesthemthe perfectbreed formanydifferent homingenvironments.

“Wehaveenquiriesfrom peopleinhouses,flats, boats, withchildren, withoutchildrenandeven cats! Ourphilosophyistoworkwith ouradopters tofinda perfectgreyhound to suittheirlifestyle.We stayasapoint ofcontactforaslongastheadopters need,and we love hearinghow the greyhounds aredoing.”

To findout more aboutHomeRun Hounds, pleasevisitwww.homerunhounds.co.ukandfor moreadvice aboutrehomingdogsvisit:www. dogstrust.org.ukorwww.rspca.org.uk

LauraMartinezChavez rescuedRuby afterherpreviousownerbecameill.Ruby hasalwayslivedonboats. PHOTOSUPPLIED

Fabulousfamilyaffair as Tivertonian is relaunched 50 yearson

By TimGreenfield

THOUSANDSofvisitors

enjoyedagloriousday outatthe 50thanniversaryofthehorsedrawnbarge Tivertonian onthe GrandWestern Canal.

To mark the event, Jane Tirard,thegranddaughter of authorHelen Harris, who launchedthe boat exactlyhalf acentury tothedayearlier, poured cider overthe bowof the relaunchedvesselatthe celebration.

Held at theGrand Western CanalCountry Park,theevent allowedvisitorsfreeentry to the Tiverton CanalBasinwhere therewas ahostof activities.

Mark Baker, GrandWestern CanalCountry Park manager, said:“The eventwas agreat successand reallydid justice tothisimportantmilestone in thehistoryofthe Canaland Tiverton.The turnout wasreally good andunderlinedhowmuch the peopleof Tivertonandthe wider regionlove thecanaland thehorse-drawnbarge.”

Philip Brind, managing director oftheTiverton Canal Company, gave ahistoryofthe horse-drawn bargefromits launchonthe canal50years agobyauthorandhistorian, Helen Harris, to thepresent day,includingheartfeltthanks to peoplethathadhelped over the years. It wasa doublecelebrationfor theparkteamas boththeGrand WesternCanalCountryPark and Stover Country Park have received theGreenFlagAward. The awardistheinternational quality mark forparksandgreen spaces.

Activitiesgalore

The day, organised by the Canal Ranger Service,inpartnership withthe Tiverton CanalCo, Tiverton Town Counciland MidDevonDistrictCouncil, sawcrowdsenjoy avarietyof activities,includingfairground rides,model boating, ruralskills and music by variouslocal musicians andbands.

Coun John Hart,chair

AuthorandhistorianHelenHarris launchestheoriginalhorse-drawnbarge, the Tivertonian,inJuly1974.TheGrand WesternCanalCountryParkhosted a50th anniversarycelebrationofthebargein Julythisyear.

of DevonCountyCouncil, said:“Thebarge providesa wonderfully peaceful wayto stepbackintimeandquietly enjoythe canal’swildlifeand heritage.

“Itisoneofonlytwohorsedrawntripboatsleftin England andis aunique sellingpoint for Tivertonandmid-Devon, attractinglarge numbersof touristsand boostingthelocal economy.”

MidDevonDistrict Councillorfor Halberton, Gwen Duchesne,provedtobea font ofideasandcontacts.Naomi Zealleyfromthe Heathcoat Fabrics,made up100mof colourful buntingandalsoran theincrediblypopularmop cap andneckerchiefactivity,while artstudents at nearbyBlundells Schoolcreatedaverypopular barge-themedscenewithhead cut outsforamusingphotos.

Countrytparkmanager Mr Bakeradded: “A huge thank you tothem and to everyonewho wasinvolved.”

“Here’stothenext50years!”

JaneTirard,granddaughterofauthorand historianHelenHarris,poursciderover thehorse-drawnbarge,the Tivertonian,to markthe50thanniversaryofthevessel.

MarkBaker, GrandWesternCanalCountryParkmanager;PhilipBrind,managingdirector ofTivertonCanalCompanyandCounJohnHart,chairmanofDevonCountyCouncil celebratethepark receiving aGreenFlagforthe16thyearin arow. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Crowdsenjoytheactivitiesatthe50thcelebrationofthe

WesternCanalCountryParkinJulythisyear.

Exploring yourcanalancestry:Newspapers

NicolaLislecontinuesherfamily historyseriesbylooking at how newspapersandjournalscanhelp youwithyourresearch.

NEWSPAPERS canbeatreasuretroveofpotentially usefulinformation forthefamilyhistorian,whether you arelookingfordetailsabout specificfamily members or just tryingtoget afeelfor thelifeand timesinwhichtheylived and worked.

If youhavebeentryingtotrace yourancestors’ movementsandthetrail hasgonecold,newspapers cangivecluesastotheirpossiblewhereabouts.

The constructionandopeningofanew canal,for example,would attract navvies,boatmenandother canalworkerslookingfornewemployment, so that mightopenupa new avenueofexplorationforthe familyhistorian.

During the golden ageofcanal building, national andprovincialnewspapers carried reportsonnew canalproposals,publicobjections,parliamentary debates, canalconstructionandtheopeningofnew canals,aswellasaccidentsorotherincidentson thosewaterways.

Thereductionandeventual abolitionof stampdutyonpaper duringthe19th centurysaw arise inthenumber ofnewspapers,which alsograduallyincreased in size andscope.Thedawnofthe 20th centurysaw increased competition between publications,withnewtitles appearingwhileoldertitlesmerged orclosed.Use ofillustrationsbecame morecommonplace.

Discontinuedtitlesarelikelyto be particularlyusefulasthey covered the period ofthe canalheyday.In Oxfordshire, forexample,the main current newspapers, TheOxford Times (established1862)anditssister paper, the OxfordMail (established

TheSackHouseinWantage,standingatthe headoftheformercanalwharf,hasbeen thesubjectoflocalnewscoverage,from beingsavedfromdemolitiontoopeningas amuseum. PHOTO:NICOLALISLE

1928), were preceded by Jackson’s Oxford Journal, whichwasfoundedin1753 by OxfordUniversity printerWilliam Jackson. Jackson’smerged with the OxfordshireCountyNews in1898to become the Oxfordshire Journal and CountyNews,later changing itstitle to the Oxford JournalIllustrated, whichit retaineduntil itsclosurein1928.

Hownewspaperscanhelpyourresearch

So,what kind of information canyou gleanfrom nationaland localnewspapers? Asalready mentioned,new canals were given widespreadcoverage,fromthe initialproposaltocompletionand theofficialopening. Lateron,asthe canalsdeclined,thereare likelyto be reportsoftheclosuresof canals and canalcarryingcompanies.

Frontcoverof TheAtlas newspaperfromJuly26, 1851.FoundedbyScottish journalistRobertStephen Rintoulin1826,thepaper ranuntil1869. PHOTO:BRITISH NEWSPAPERARCHIVE (PD)

The WaterwaysMuseumatEllesmerePort holdstheUK’smainwaterwaysarchive.

Reportsof accidents,industrialdisputesand other majorincidentson thecanalswouldcertainly have been seizedonbyjournalists.

Oneofthemostfamousdisputes, which made nationalheadlines,occurredinBraunstonin 1923,whenFellows Morton &Clayton cutlocal boatmen’s wages by 6.5%. BackedbytheTransport andGeneral Workers’Union (TGWU),which had been formedonlythe year before, thelocalboating community came outonstrike. The disputelasted 14 weeks, endingwithacompromisedeal at an industrialhearing.

Otherusefuldetailsyoumight discoverinclude:

•Obituariesandfuneralannouncements,which canhelpclarifybiographicaldetails.

•Inquests into accidentsanddeathsinvolving canal companiesandtheir workers.

•Reports oncrimes,suchasdrunkenness, fighting or stealing,all ofwhich carried harsh penalties, fromimprisonmenttotransportation.

•Reportsoncourtproceedings,which will name defendantsand witnesses.

•Businessand trade reports.

•Advertisementsfor canal-relatedjobs.

•Localevents,whichmay have involved canal workers.

•Reportsonformer canalwarehousesandother

Wheretofindnewspaperarchives

The WaterwaysArchive(https:// canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/canalhistory/the-waterways-archive)includes newspaperarticles,cuttings,advertisements andpressimages relatingtospecific canals andcanalcompanies,aswellascollections ofwaterwaysjournals.

TheBritishNewspaperArchive(www. britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)hasdigitised pagesfromthevastcollectionofnational and regionalnewspapersheldbytheBritish Library,datingfrom1700.Newpagesare constantlybeingadded.Searchthedatabase bykeywords,dates,namesorlocations.

TheTimesDigitalLibrary(www.gale.com/c/ the-times-digital-archive)coverstheperiod 1785-2019. Asubscriptionisneeded,but manylocallibrariesofferfreeaccess.

TheGuardian alsohasitsowndigital archive(https://theguardian.newspapers. com),whichdatesfrom1791tothepresent. Regionaland waterwaysmuseumsoften havearchivesthatincludenewspapersand journals,andcuttings relevanttothearea maybeondisplay.Finally,locallibrariesand archivesusuallyholdcollectionsof regional newspapers,magazinesandjournals.

buildings,includingwhethertheyhavebeen demolishedorrepurposed.

If you knowwhereyourancestors livedand worked,youcansearchspecificallyfornews relating to canalsandothereventsinthoseareas. If youare unsure,wideningyourresearchmight throwupsomeusefuldetailsandhelptopinpoint yourancestors’ movements.

Even if youdon’tfindanyspecificdetails about yourancestors, newspapercoveragewillgivean idea ofthetimesinwhichtheylived,fromtheir daily routineandlifeonthecut to thesocialand economicproblemstheyfaced,allviewed through acontemporary lens.

To subscribetoTPTsimplycompletetheformbelowand returnto: TPTSubscriptions,POBox99,Horncastle,LincsLN96LZ

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PHOTO:DAVIDMERRETT –CCBY2.0

Freightonwater:the natural bypassfor roads

JonathanMosse’smonthlylook at freightdevelopmentontheinland waterways.

WITHthe recentappointmentofLordPeter Hendry of Richmond Hill CBEasrailminister –until recentlychairof Network Rail –theongoingfracas surrounding safety at EustonStation hasagainbeen drawnintothe spotlight.

Upheldinonememorabletweetas‘aPetridish ofchaos’, we areremindedthat London’smajor terminusremainsthefocusforthe attention ofthe Officeof Roadand Rail(ORR) –the Government’s transport regulator.

What isn’t being addressed,however,iswhy a‘transportregulator’limitsits attentiontojust twomodesoftransport whennewly appointed TransportSecretary LouiseHaigh sets outher stall withanopeningaddress,statingthat the Department forTransport (DfT)would‘think about infrastructureand servicestogether at everyturn’.

Shegoesontopromisethat while“it willtakeall oureffort,thenewmottoof ourdepartment– our purpose–issimple:move fastand fixthings.

“Ourdepartmentissoclearlycentralto achieving themissionsfor governmentthat theprimeminister hascommitted us to:growth, net zero,opportunity, womenandgirls’safety,health. None of thesecan be realised withouttransport as akey enabler.”

Strategicpriorities

However, once again waterwaysfreight sits nowherenearthe top ofthelistoftheseenablers. Indeed,itcanonlybeinferredfromtheitems listedinfourthandfifthplaceinherlistoffive strategicpriorities,which sheclaimsis putting transport at theheart of amission-driven government:

• Improvingperformanceonthe railways and drivingforward rail reform

• Improvingbus servicesandgrowingusage acrossthecountry

Scaffoldingbeing unloadedattheCRTyard, IcknieldPortLoop.Thevessel nb Arundel is ownedbyCBOAsecretaryRichardHorne. PHOTO:RICHARDHORNE

Notalwaysin chargeofglamorous cargoes,current CBOAchairLee Wilshirewiththe Camdenrubbishrun! PHOTO:JONATHANMOSSE

• Transforming infrastructuretowork forthewholecountry, promotingsocial mobilityandtackling regionalinequality

• Deliveringgreener transport

• Betterintegrating transport networks

Time will tell howthis allshakesdown into an integratedtrans-modal package,ifindeeditdoes butclearlythe transport playing field iscurrently alongway from being levelledaslastmonth’s announcement, that DfT would waivetrack accesscharges for new railfreighttraffic forthe nextsix months,recently drovehome tome. No mentionthere, of apossibleincentiveto relaxthetollson similarnewtraffic carriedonour network ofinland waterways, asignificantexample ofwhichiscurrently being trialledinthe North East: already akey area for‘levelling up’among otherinitiatives!

CommercialBoat OperatorsAssociation

So once againitislefttoan unsungandlargelyunpaid trade bodytopromotewhat is widely recognised asthe mostenvironmentally soundtransport mode, namelytheCommercial Boat OperatorsAssociation (CBOA).

Yearin, year outthe association’sofficers continueto work hard to maintain awaterways presenceandpromotetheir freightusage.Ona regular basistheymeetwith, andprovide adviceand guidancefor,prospective water freightusers on waterwaysofallsizes. As wellasprovidingmembers (tradeandassociate) with expertadvice.They monitor planningapplications acrossthecountry, supportingproposals where merited,providing guidance to localauthority planningofficersand,as appropriate,objectto proposalswhichmightadverselyaffectwaterborne

ProminentCBOAmemberJohnBranfordoperatesthree500-tonaggregatebargesonthe waterwaysoftheNorthEast. PHOTO:JONATHANMOSSE

freightcarriage, includingthoseapplicationsthat involvetheloss ofwharfage facilities. TheyworkwithCanal &River Trust(CRT) ata nationalandlocallevel withCBOA andits membersparticipate inCRT’sSteering Groups,including theongoingPortof Leedsprojectand sitonthe Navigation AdvisoryGroup.They have arepresentative ontheCRTCouncil andprovideadvice and guidancefor theirdredging programmewhile influencingrepairs, stoppage dates and maintenance programmes.

“Ourdepartment is so clearly central to achievingthe missionsfor governmentthat theprimeminister hascommittedus to:growth, netzero, opportunity, women andgirls’safety, health.Noneof thesecan be realised withouttransportas akey enabler.”

CBOA hasmet with DfT representatives andplayedanactive roleinthe review ofthe Modal Shift RevenueSupport (MSRS) grantscheme, ensuring theneedsof itsmembersarewellrepresented.The association hasalsoworkedwithpartnerorganisationsto ensurethatthereisa coherent, unifiedresponse fromthewider marine sectortothisconsultation. TheycontinuetoproduceaninformativeCBOA

Newsletterwhichiscirculatedwidely beyondtheir membershiptoinfluencersanddecision makers acrossthefreightand logistics sector. In life we arewarnedto‘bewareofwhat we wish for’but someofthe attention surroundingLord Hendry’sspatwithengineeringand safetywhistleblowerGareth Dennismightjustbeawelcome change for inland waterwaystransport,ifonlyto shiftthefocus away fromthe two‘R’s. So,atthe riskof sounding likeabrokenrecord, surely itistime to get inland waterway freight servicesunderthecommonumbrellaofDfT rather thanfloatingaroundinDEFRA underthe auspices ofCRT, where itis withouteither adepartmentor responsible officer.

CBOAsecretary RichardHorneistheowner of nbArundel, ontowhichscaffoldingis beingloadedatIcknieldPort Loopforlock worksatFarmersBridge. PHOTO:RICHARD HORNE

Tel.:01270525040

Openforbusiness:SomeofthebeautifulstockColinandAndreasellthroughtheir business,TheBirdBoxandJenny Wren.

Growinga fledgling business

Couple’sfloatinghomeistheir workplace.SallyCliffordreports.

IT WASachancefind;theforlorn-looking narrowboat waslyingagainstahedgewhenColin Wood spottedit. He’dpreviously made acareer outofbuying, restoringand sellingcabincruisers andcould seebeyond the boat’s then sorrystate. Colinknewit hadpotential anditprovedtobea life-changingpurchaseforhim,his wife(andfellow boater)Andrea.

“Andreahas alwayshad boats. Shespentalot of timeonthe NorfolkBroads andsailinginthe LakeDistrict.Idid abitof sailingand Ilovecabin cruisers.I used to buy them,dothemupand sellthem,” says Colin.

Bigdecision

A4 3- ye ar-old narrowboat was unchartered territory, butthe hard work gettingitafloat paid offintheend. “This boat wasunusual –it hadaclinker-shaped hull,”recallsColinof hishedgefindwhich proved to have an interestingbackground. He explainshowitwas believed to be theonly narrowboat builtbyMr Hayter,anengineerand apioneerofthe rotary lawnmower. “Iboughtit andtookitbacktothefarmwhereweweretenant farmersin NorthYorkshire. It wasintheshedlaidon itsside.Wedid just abouteverything–Andreawas themainpainter.”

Teamwork:ColinandAndrea Woodwhoset uptheirfloatingbusinessTheBirdBoxand Jenny Wren. PHOTOS: COLINANDANDREAWOOD

Mancave:Colinatworkinhisonboard workshop.

The idea wastoturn the boat into afloatinghome forhimandAndrea,but at 41fttheyknewit wasn’t bigenough.ColinexplainstheysentittoHullto be stretchedby12ft.Oncecomplete, thecouple lived at Boroughbridge Marina onthe boat they christened JennyWren,afterthebirdsnestinginthe

barnwallonthefarm whereitwas originally stored.Colin wasthe marinamanager at the time.Thelocationalso hadspecialsignificance forthecoupleasit was wheretheyoriginally met,andwhereColin proposed to Andreaon theslipway.

Rovingtraders

Theireventualmove fromthe marina,off the RiverUre andon totheRiver Ouse,was prompted by Colin’s newjob.

“Andrea wasstill workingasacarehome managerand Iwas doinggardening, butwedecidedwewantedtogo constantcruisingand become rovingtraders,” says Colin.

The additionoftheir specially-made14ftdumb barge –christened The Bird Box –providedthem with awarmandcosystockroom forthe Fairtrade clothingtheyplannedtosell.

“I have always beeninto hippy-typeand Fairtradeclothing. When Iwas younger Ilivedon the outskirtsofSkiptonand IusedtogointoSkipton

Navigatinglife,loveand lockson

anarrowboat

INHERfirstbook, All BoatsAre Sinking, Hannah Piercetakes readersona journeyfromLondonto Yorkshire, punctuatedby twolockdownsduring the coronavirus pandemic.

Hannah recountshowshe navigated alifestylechange afterthebreakdown ofa relationship meantshecould nolonger affordtorenta home in London.

Instead,sheinvested the moneysetaside by herparents for adepositon ahouse intoa 45ft narrowboat thesameage asherself– Argie Bargie –and joinedthe capital’s liveaboard community.

Hannahfoundhernew lifestylefarfrom easy butwith thehelpoffriendsandfellow boatersshelearntthe hard way, surpassingproblems such as theneed tomove her boatevery14days, navigating locksand tunnels withthe addedproblemsof ‘exploding’ toiletsandbreakdowns againstthe backgroundof worries aboutherjoband, subsequently,lifeinlockdown and redundancy.

Each step alongthe wayis charted with amap showing the route withdetailsofthe timetaken,distanceand numberoflocks.

Forexample,herfirst journeywasfromtheRiver ThamesatHamptonCourtvia

theGrand UnionCanal tothe RiverLee onthe WalthamstowMarshes –the18miles2.5 furlongs with 25locks takingfive months.

Hannah uses diagrams,footnotes andillustrationsto explaintechnical terms,historical detailsandher own backstory, plus listsandpie charts comparingwhat shethoughtliving on aboatwould belike compared withthe reality,the mostsignificant difference beingthe hoped-for40% relaxingdown to16%.

Afterthree yearsofboat life,including twomonths moored in Little Veniceand Kensal Rise duringthefirst lockdownfromMarch2020. Hannahdecidedtoembark on amarathoncanaljourney to see herbrotherandhis familyinTodmordenon the RochdaleCanalin West Yorkshire.

After navigatingthe Midlands waterwaysupto Manchester,herprogress wasdelayedbyanabortive journeyupthe Huddersfield Narrow Canalviathe StandedgeTunnel. With stoppagesand

shoppingbecause thereare some reallyfunky shopsthere,”saysAndrea.

“Wewentintothat becauseI am ahippy at heart. We didalot of researchon Fairtrade clothing andfound some really good suppliers.”

KeenknitterAndrea,whosehatsand socksare amongher stock, saystheyknowtheir suppliers personally,andtheyalsoknowthemoneyspent on stockgoestoworthwhileprojects such as supportingchildrenin Nepal.

However, justastheywereabouttolaunchthe business,lockdownrestrictions were imposed duringtheCovidpandemic.“We couldn’topen becausewewere sellingclothingandnotallowed toopen,”recallsAndrea.Undeterred,they,like many other businesseskeentocontinuetrading duringthat time,switchedtosellingonline.They alsosetupan Instagrampage. “That helped us getthroughCovid,”Andreaexplained. They alsosecured alicenceto sell coffeeandsnacks, and have continued tooffer refreshmentsto passers-by onthetowpath.

Oncelockdown restrictions were lifted,the couple begantradingatboateventsandfestivals as planned. “Peoplearequite touchy-feelyand they liketofeelthetextures. We have returning customers,theysee thingsonlineandaskif we will putthem away forthem so theycan havea look.Peoplelikethepersonaltouch.”

Bird boxes, boot removers and plaquescrafted by Colinare anotherdimensiontotheirfloating business. Craftingisawinterjob forColin,who cancreatewithoutinterruptioninhis speciallyadded ‘man cave’onthefrontof JennyWren.“It’s absolutelygreat,”saysColin.

The simplicity of the rovinglifestyle,seeing thechangingseasonsandthe peopletheymeet alongthe way,areallpartofthe appealofliving lifeafloat.“It’s that senseoffreedomwhereitis sometimesyou andnobodyelseand youcan just chill out. It’s getting intothat spiritual zone. It’s goodformentalhealthandit’s good to just chilland just thinkaboutnothing,”saysAndrea.

Visitwww.birdboxandjennywrenor searchfor ‘TheBirdBox and JennyWren’on Facebook and Instagram.

over-narrowlocksforcing herto turn at Slaithwaite, she switched to theRochdale Canalwiththe second lockdownlooming. Interspersed with humour, on-off relationshipsand encounters with people such as boxerTyson Fury,All Boats AreSinking– thetitle taken from aremarkheard along the way– is adivertingand informativeread, just thething forthelongereveningsahead.

All Boatsare Sinkingby HannahPierce,published by Summersdale Publishing (paperback, 365pages, RRP £10.99)www.summersdale.com ISBN:978-1-83799-401-4

WaterwaysIreland openspublic consultation onHeritageand BiodiversityPlan

WATERWAYSIreland(WI)recentlyopened apublicconsultationfor its Heritage and BiodiversityPlan2030,invitingmembersof thepublictohavetheir saytohelpshape the futureofIreland’s waterways. The second WI Heritage andBiodiversity Planaimsto:

• Prioritisetheconservation,protection andpromotionof natural, builtand culturalheritage alongsharedwaterways, includingsafeguardingthe ecosystems that arehometo adiverse rangeofflora andfauna.

• Supportcommunityengagementand educationinconservation initiatives to raiseawareness aboutheritage andfoster asenseofstewardshipandencourage sustainablepractices.

• Maintainanddevelop partnershipsand collaborations with stakeholders.

• Carryout research to support understandingofbiodiversityand heritage sites.

Anumberofpublicinformationand consultation sessions have alreadytaken place.Thesebegan withtwoonline webinars followed by fourmeetingsinAthlone, Coleraine,Dublinand KildareinSeptember. Membersofthe publicareinvitedtoreview thedraftplanand supportingdocumentsand have their saybycompletingtheonline survey. This canbefound at:www.waterwaysireland.org

Thepublic consultation willcloseon October4thisyear.

Onthemove: TheBirdBox and Jenny Wren floatingalongthecanal.

Midlands-basedsafetytrainingfirmhas optionsforboatersofallstandards

BIRMINGHAM and Midland Marine Services hasbeenprovidingwater safetyand boat trainingcourses to both commercialandleisureusers alike since 2013.

Based at GaileyWharf on the Staffordshireand WorcestershireCanal, at the topofthelock flight, the business is runbyasmall teamheadedbyRich Gray,aMaritimeandCoastguard Agencyboatmasterinstructor with abackgroundinbothcommercial, historic,passenger vessel operations and specialistwaterrescueresponse. Initiallysetupas atraining company, nowrunninga varietyofcoursesunder the auspicesof boththe RoyalYachting Association(RYA)andthe Maritime and CoastguardAgency(MCA),the involvement ofthe managementand theinstructorsinbothsearchand rescue sectorandblue-lightsectors meantthatthetrainingportfoliocould specialise to include occupational water safetyand rescuecourses.

Thesecoursesareaimedatlowland rescueand at commercialpersonnel working withinthreemetresof the water’s edge orinthe water margins,suchaspersonnelfrom thecivilengineering, construction, maintenance, utilities,rail, ecology andenvironmentalsectors. Thistype oftrainingisaccredited,certificated and auditedbythe Instituteof Search and Technical Rescue andthe Outreach Organisation –Outreach Rescue. Watersafetyand rescuetrainingcourses areDEFRA, HSE andCDM Regulations 2015compliant, complementingthe

increasingrange of specialistcourses alsoonoffer, aimedatthenon-tidaland non-coastal waterwaysenvironment.

Boat-based coursesareaccredited primarilybythe RYAand the MCA, including(butnotlimitedto) workboats, narrowboats, andpowerboats.Clients includeboththe Canaland RiverTrust,the EnvironmentAgency,theircontractors, sub-contractorsandthird-partyworks personnel.

Canaland river-orientedtraining is runfromGaileyWharf Training

Centre, andpowerboatand safety/ rescueboatcoursestake place at the company’ssecondtrainingcentreat theChillington HallEstate,onthe60 acreprivatelake, just four milesfrom GaileyWharf.

Leisureorprivate boatersaremore than welcometo jointrainingcourses atGailey,for example, atwo-day, RYAInland Waterways Helmsman Certificate (IWHC)course, although ‘commerciallyoriented’,isidealfora wide rangeofpeople,notnecessarily

lookingto‘work’onthe water.

Boththe water safety/rescueand boat coursescovertheuseofaquatic personal protective equipment(PPE) such aslifejacketsand buoyancyaids –commercially you arerequired to wear such equipmentshould yourrisk assessmentnotethe ‘possibility’of drowning…

Insurancecompliance

Many insurancecompaniesarenow requestingthat newownersundertake aformally-recognised qualification beforebeing grantedinsurance coverage,which makesalotof sense and appearsto bebecomingmore evident. Many novices want to learn theskillstheyare goingtoneed out onthewater,ratherlikedrivinga car. Seasoned boatersliketodothe courses as theycan brushupon existingskills,learn somethingnew andhopefullybeabletolosesome badhabitspickedupover yearsof boating.

Thosegroupsandfamilies consideringbookingaboatingholiday alsobenefitfromhavingthe skillsto be able to boatsafely, avoidaccidents, andknowthe proceduresfor dealing withanincidentshouldit occur–thereisnopointreinventingthewheel andlearningbymistakesif apleasant two-day trainingcourseisavailable instead.

TheRYA Inland Waterways HelmsmanCertificateisagreat starting pointforthenon-tidal rivers andthe canalnetwork.Commercial

skippers canundertakefurther Maritimeand CoastguardAgency ‘ancillary’qualificationstoupgrade to afull MCABoatMaster’s Licence. Bothleisureandcommercial boaterstaketheaccompanying trainingopportunities,suchasanRYA first aidcourse, covering thelikesof cold watershock, theprotocolforCPR following adrowning, defibrillation andthe wetpatient, hydrostatic squeezeanditseffects, laryngospasm, crushing, amputation…theessential elements notcoveredina non-marine environmentfirstaidcourse.Many peoplearejustnot awarethat even athirdofa normalbreathin,if underwater, breachesthelethallimit fordrowningand that coldshock causes swim-failure.

Boat firesafetytraining, VHF radio (DSC),and variouslevelsof water safetyand rescuetraining keep Gailey WharfTrainingCentrea busy place year-round.

Many peopleandcompanies lookingtoworkonopenwater,or the inlandwaterways areunaware of thelicencingrequirementstodoso; obviously, avesselmustbelicenced, butsodoesthe person workingon,in oraroundthe water.

If you would like information aboutthe variousrequirements andtrainingoptions availablethen drop thebusiness aline at office@ midlandmarine.co.ukorvisitthe websitefor amorein-depthlook at the coursesandcommercial services onofferwww.midlandmarine.co.uk

Coursesdeliveredviathe Outreach Rescueand Royal LifeSaving SocietyDEFRA &CDM Regulations2015 compliant &HSEendorsed schemes.

Please seethe website

Lowen behold

PhilPickinlooks at whatcan bedonetomake aformerhire boatinto aluxurynarrowboatfor private ownership,andplease excusethe awfulpuninthetitle–hecouldn’tresist!

FORmany, theopportunity to ownanew narrowboat isthestuffof dreams.Prices are sky-high,waiting listsforbuild slotsareway too long, andthewhole processofstartingwitha blank sheetofpapercan be toodaunting.Buthavingsaid this,chancesarethatmany willnot want to havea boat that wassomeoneelse’schoiceoflayoutand finish,sotheonlyalternativeistoopt for aradical refurbishment. In the case of Lowen,thechange hasbeensignificant, withthe result beinga very individual boat.

OwnersMrandMrsThomaschosethe West Midlands-based PerrydaleNarrowboats to

undertaketheproject.Dave and NickyPerry have, overthe years,builtupanenviable reputation for refurbishmentslikethis,whichtheyhave undertakenalongsidetheir repairand newbuild projects. Lowen wastoendup beinganotherof thesesuccessfulprojects –afarcryfromthe boat that arrivedintheir yard many monthsearlier.The boat’s owners contacted PerrydaleinJanuary 2022 as aresultofcomingacrossthecompany’swebsite and seeingthe case studiesofprevious refits.

Lowen wasinheritedbyMrsThomas fromher fatherand,as aresult,ithas huge sentimental valueasshecherishedthetimesthat sheandher family spentwithhimonthe boat. Consequently, she wasanxiousto keepit butwithmodernisation to suitherfamily’sneedsasshe andher husband have four children. Unfortunately,it’s ashame we can’tconveythis storyinthe same wayanumber of makeover TV programmesdo.However,itwould be achallenge toproducehigh-endbeforeand aftertransitionsonpaper,soIhopethepictures willillustratethechangesthathave been madeto this58ft6incruiser sternboat.

Originalbuild

Lowen wasbuilt by Reevesin2013for amajorhire fleet operator,but unfortunatelyit’s notknown whichone.Suspicionisthat it could have been ABCatAlvechurchbutthis cannot beconfirmed. It wassubsequently sold to thecurrentowner’s father,who keptthe multi-sleepingformat so that extendedfamilymemberscouldenjoy it at the sametime.

Lowen’s layout is (fromthe stern) abunkroom fittedwithbunkbedstobothsides,a walkthrough bathroom,a galley, asaloon, and finally,afront deck area inthe bow.Almosteverythinghas been replaced,includingthe ceilingandinsulation beneathit.Thereplacementiswhite T&Gceilings throughout,whichhelps to lightentheinterior, which hasbeen painted adarkmarineblue.The flooringisbamboo,andthe windows have been replaced withdouble-glazedunits. Other major workincludedmovingtheforward bulkhead to increasethesizeoftheforward deck area before beingfitted withU-shapedseating.

Personaltaste

The choiceofcolourfortheinterior willnot be to everyone’s tastesas it canmaketheinteriorfeela littledark, buttheuseofthepaleceilings, lightgrey upholstery,and afloorcoveringthat isnot overly darkhelps to counteract theinteriorcolour.The realcontrastcomes from the very pale-coloured Dekton worktops,whicharesaidtomimic“the naturalmetamorphicchangesofstone.” The result is averytactile worktop surfacethat,I’m reliably informed,canbe challengingtoworkwith.Despite this,the resultisimpressive. Some cleverdesignideas have been employed inthe saloon to provideseating forrelaxingand foruse around thedoubletablesthathave been designedtolay across thefull widthofthe room ifneeded.Thesetable tops have been madefrom some substantialpiecesoftimber, whichmakes them bothheavyand impressivewheninuse. Withthenewlyextendedforward deck providing evenmoreseatingspace, Lowen will likelyprovide morethanenough spacefor afamily withfour children.As aresultofallthishardwork, theteamat Perrydalelookliketheyhavecompleted yetanother impressiverefurbishmenttoaddtothegrowinglist

Cruiser stern provides plentyof room. PHOTO:PHIL PICKIN

Alterationshave resultedinmorebowseating. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Theoldbunk room,not muchappeal. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Thenewbunk room,lookingstunning. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Theoldbathroombefore,looking ratherdated. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Thenewbathroomnowlooks alot moremodern. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Technicalspec

Length: 58.5ft.

Style: Cruiser stern.

Engine: No change toexistingengineother than afull service.

Flooring: Bambooplanks.

Windows: ChannelGlaze, doubleglazed. Bowthruster: Vetus75kg.

Powersystem: Two120ampsolar panels. Victron3kWinverter.

Heating: MorsoSquirrelstove.Remaining heatingand waterheatingsystem retained.

Bathroom: 900x900mmquadrantshower. Bespokevanityunit.Heatedtowel rail, Cinderella toilet.

Galley: Walkthrough with HowdensChilcomb unitsin Marineblue with Dekton worktops. Fridge/freezer,dishwasher,four-burnerhob andcombination ovenandgrill. Microwave integrated intounits.

Saloon: TwoPullmandinettesthat convertinto twobench sofas.Droptable,TVonswinging arm.

Builder: Perrydale Narrowboats, Ashwood Marina,Ashwood LowerLane,Kinver, Kingswinford, DY60AQ.Tel:01384295535. Email:info@perrydalenarrowboats.co.uk Website:www.perrydalenarrowboats.co.uk of similarprojects.

It isunderstoodthat Lowen spent most of itslife at Sherbourne Wharf in Birmingham,anditisthought that it could well go backtothe Birminghamarea nowthat work has beencompleted.

The team at Perrydale were keen topointoutthat, as aresultof recent

Mainbedroomafter,just afewfinishingtouches required. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Themainbedroombeforethe refurb. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Galleybefore, perfectly functionalbut lookingrather tired. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Thegalleyafter modernisation, what adifference! PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

legislation,usedboats havingthis type of refitalso have to havea Post-ConstructionAssessmenton completion.Thisentails asurvey oftheboattoensurethatitmeets modernfit-for-purposestandards, andaspartofthis,anewWIN (Watercraft Identification Number) hasbeenissued.

BoatsmooredupattheAssociationof WaterwaysCruising Clubs’60thanniversaryrally. PHOTOS: AWCC

Sixty yearsandcounting!

ByLucy Wood

AFLOTILLA of boatsfromall over Englandparadedina rallyto mark 60 yearsoftheAssociation of WaterwaysCruisingClubs.

The rally,hostedbyLichfield CruisingClubon August 10/11, wasofficiallyopenedbychief executiveofthe Canaland River TrustRichard Parry, who joined morethan100 AWCCmembersto mark theanniversary.

Initiallyformedofjustfourclubs, St Pancras,Dunstable,Lee &Stort, and Uxbridge,the association has expanded overthedecadestonow include83groupswhichcomprise almostallofEngland’s inland waterways boat andcruisingclubs. Betweenthem,theyhaveabout 6000 affiliatedboaters.

The AWCC’s foundingpurpose was to supportmemberboaters when cruisingawayfromhome waters, from safemooringsandtechnical supporttofamilyemergencies.This

Morethan100 AWCCmembers attendedthecelebrations hostedbyLichfieldCruising ClubinAugust.

haschanged withthetimesand the AWCCtodayrepresentsleisure boatersthrough anominatedseat ontheCRTcouncilandan elected memberonthetrust’sappointments committee.Theassociationisalso represented ontheBoatSafety Scheme’s technical,advisory and managementcommittees to safeguarditsmembers’interests. At theevent, Mr Parry,who was accompaniedbytheCRT’sboating manager,Matthew Symonds,told guests:“Iamdelighted to have beeninvitedtothe AWCC’s 60th celebrations.Itisafundamental organisationwhichworks closely withtheCRT.”

More than100 AWCCmembers from 20clubsin30 boatsattended the rally,and somewhocouldnot attend by boat duetonavigational issues came by camper vanorcar. To findout aboutclubs in your area,visitwww.awcc.org.uk

Apresentationwasmadeto RichardParry,chiefexecutive oftheCanalandRiver Trust,at the AWCC’s60thanniversary celebration.

Traditionalcanalcraftssampled bythepublic

VISITORS triedtheir hands at traditional canalcrafts at an opendayatthe Canal Museumin Stoke Bruerne.

People hada go at ropemakingand miniaturebookbinding as wellas watching expertsmakerag rugs, quiltsandtraditional patchwork.Therewas alsothe chanceto make alaceplate, and trypaintingthe iconic “rosesand castles” folkartoftheinland waterways. Organised by the Canaland RiverTrust, the eventtookplace at

at museumevent

thefacilityin August, whichislocatednext totheGrand Union Canal. It isthecountry’s first museumdedicated tothehistoryofthe nation’scanals.

Andrea Willette, museumduty manager fortheCRT, said: “At the Canaland River Trustweworkevery daytokeepourhistoric canalsaliveandpartof that is celebratingthe traditionsandhistoric canalskillsthat bringso much colourandlife.”

Housed in ahistoric cornmill,the museum isfullofinteractive displaysandcollections

TheCanalMuseumatStokeBruerne,which hosted atraditionalcraftsday recently. Visitorssampled avarietyofwaterway activitiesandskills. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

bringingtolifewhatit wasliketoliveand work onBritain’scanals. Visitorsto the museum canalsotakea strollalongthetowpath to historic Blisworth Tunnel,explorea woodland walk,or watch thecolourful narrowboatsgobyin thecanalside cafe. Formoreinformation aboutthe museum, pleasevisit:https:// canalrivertrust.org. uk/things-to-do/ museums-and-attractions

Traditional roses andcastlesartwork. Visitorsgotthe chancetotry theirhandatboat paintingattheCanal MuseumatStoke Bruerne,which hosted atraditional craftsday recently.

newlayoutgivesplentyof room inthesaloon.

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Irishinland waterways groupscollaborateduring NationalHeriitage Week

Thethemeforthisyear’srecentlyheldNationalHerittage WeekwasConnections,RoutesandNetworks,which h exploredthelinksbetweenpeopleandcommunities, , whatbringsustogetherandwhatconnectsus.

ByAlisonAlderton

PHYSICAL routesthat dotthe landscape,roads, paths, boreens, riversand canals remindusthat societies have alwaysstrived to connect.Ancient windingpilgrimpaths,former railtracksthat once linked ourtowns,waterways facilitatingtrade; ourmodern road systemsareall examplesof connectionsbringingcommunities together.

Ournaturalheritage alsooffersconnections. Migratorybirdscreatenetworks and connections betweenIreland andpartsofAfricaand Scandinavia. Ournativespeciescreatenetworks alloverthe countrythroughhedgerowsand rivervalleys.

Afewoftheeventsfeatured throughoutthe weekincludedaguided Aquatic Ecology Walkin collaboration withtheTraleeRowingClub (based ontheTraleeShip Canal)andtheTralee Bay Wetlands Ecology and Activity Park;the Industrial Heritage of Corriband Canals wasthe subjectof atalkand walkhostedbyCorribBeo;the Athlone CanalHeritage Committeescreenedaseriesof short filmsshowcasingrecentheritage projects thegrouphaveundertakenand theClonesLace Groupofferedthree-daylacemakingworkshops inthe Ulster CanalStores.

WaterHeritageDay,inpartnershipwiththe LocalAuthority WatersProgramme,celebrated waterthroughoutIreland,itshistoryandheritage andourconnections withit.TheOfficeofPublic Works(OPW)explored waterdeities,water spirits andtheimportanceof waterto ourancestors duringaWater,Bogsand Mythologyevent held at theCorleaTrackway whilethe CavanAdventure

Mapofthe GrandCanal. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Centre held kayaktoours on the Lough Oughter Wateerway System, aSpecialAreaofConnservation

ABoatman’sJourney WaterwaysIreland,incollaboration withthe Heritage Boat Association(HBA) and theInland WaterwaysAssociation of Ireland(IWAI),helda very specialeventtocelebrateour shared inland waterwaysheritage. Held at the OffalyHistory Centre, thisincludedtheunveilingofthe story map, ABoatman’s Journey, adigitalinnovationthat bringstheheritageoftheGrand Canaltolife by combiningvarious mediatypesincludingphotos, maps,drawings, videos,oralhistory recordings, interviews, animationsandtext, to offer arich, immersivenarrative connectedthroughthemap. ABoatman’sJourneyinvitesviewerstoexplore theGrand Canal’srichheritage throughthe eyesof

aboatman.TheGrand Canalhasconnected communities, facilitatedtrade routes, creatednetworksand shaped thecultural landscapeofthearea sinceitsconception inthe18thcentury.A standoutfeature ofA Boatman’sJourneyisa 3Danimationof Barge 31M.Thisstunning digitalrecreationallows viewerstovirtually steponboard,explore the barge’sinterior, examineitsBolinder engineandobservea boatman navigating it throughthewaterways.

Heritageboats andBolinder engines

Complementingthe story mappresentation, theHBAandIWAI showcased aselection

ofheritageboatsand Bolinderenginesinand aroundthe TullamoreHarbourarea. Theseoutdoor displaysoffereda uniqueopportunity to seethe craftsmanshipandengineeringthat powered Ireland’s waterwaysinaction. Visitors were given thechancetoexplore thehistorical vesselsand enginesupclose, gaininginsightintothedaily livesandexperiencesofthe boatmenwho once navigatedtheGrand Canal.

“WaterwaysIrelandisexcited to partner with theHBAandIWAIforthis event, showcasingthe Grand Canal’sincredibleheritage,” saidMartina McCarthy,heritage officer with WaterwaysIreland. “Thestorymap ABoatman’s Journeyisatestament to the canal’shistoricalsignificanceand we are eager toshareitwiththe public.”

TullamoreCanoe Club,PhoenixAngling Cluband Offaly Search and Rescuealso providedon-water demonstrations.

Newbook Elsewhere, ThePull Inn, Pollagh,hosted the launchof anew book by Eunice Jeffers.Ireland’s Grand Canal: People, Peat &Porter, centres around research carried outbyEunicefora university thesisand featuresthehistory of heritage barge 4B which formerlytransported peat forthelocal TurraunPeatWorks. The barge, once owned byEunice,travelled fromthe Shannon alongthe Grand Canal, stopping at Pollagh and Tullamoreduring Heritage Weekand

drewinthecrowds.Ireland’s GrandCanal: People, Peat &Porteris availabletopurchasefromtheIWAI online shop at:www.iwai.ie

GrandExtension

Historian Sean O’Reillyspokeaboutthe historyof theGrand Canal,in particularitsconstructionand theextensionfrom Tullamore, oncetheterminus,to ShannonHarbour,which wasbuiltinordertomove BritishtroopsfromDublin to the RiverShannon toengage inanyFrenchinvasion. The Grand Extension waspassed in Parliament, London, by WilliamPittandin1802 ClononyBarrackshoused 2000troops,forthedefenceofthe canal,which was thebiggestcorridorintheBritish Isles. IWAIlauncheda newincentivefor boaterswho travelthe22milesoftheextension.Theycan now obtain aspecialpassportwhich is stamped in TullamoreandinThe HarbourMasters B&Bontheir returnto Shannon Harbour, entitlingthem to receive aGrand Extension Certificate of Recognition. Heritage Week2024 maybeoverbutthereis plentyof informationonthe websitetoinspire furtheractivitiesandexplorationinwhichallthe family canpartake. Find outmoreat: www.heritageweek.ie

TheBolinderengineondisplay. PHOTO:MARTINMCKEE, WATERWAYSIRELAND

NationalHeritage Week –ABoatman’s Journey. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

PollaghontheGrandExtension. PHOTO:ALISONALDERTON

3Danimationof 31M. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

TullamoreHarbour1894. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

ShannonHarbourhorseandferry. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Acelebrationofheritage

AFANTASTICtime washad by all at the Staffordshireand Worcestershire CanalSociety(SWCS)’sthirdAnnual Rallyof Boats.

Visitors hadthe chance to seehistoric workingboats up closeand discover moreabout theBratch Locksandhow theyworkattheeventonAugust31/ September 1atTheBratch, Wombourne. Therewasalsotheopportunityto takewalksalongthetowpath to enjoy themooredboats andfloatingtraders,

see Bumble Hole Lock, chat with Canal and RiverTrust staffand volunteers, andalsomeetthe manycanalsocieties championingtheir owncanalsand heritage.

The navigationis250 yearsold.It fellintodisuseduringthe1950s,was revitalised by the SWCS, andnow hasGreen Flag accreditationandisa designated conservationarea.

Visit www.swcanalsociety.co.ukfor moreinformation.

ClosingtheShropshire Gap

RESTORATION work alongthe MontgomeryCanal will be among many thingsdiscussed at the Northern CanalsAssociation(NCA) October meeting.

Hostedbythe ShropshireUnion CanalSocietyandheld at the LlanymynechVillageHall,SY226EE, from10am -5pmon October 6, the NCAwill look at therecentworkand futurechallengesforthe stretchof historicwater.

topofcanalsmeeting

ANCA spokesman said: “The MontgomeryCanal hashad so much happening, bothrecently,and overthe pastyears,thereare alsochallengesfor thefuture–and solutions.Weplanto visitthe rebuilt SchoolhouseBridge, Vyrnwy Aqueduct, CarreghofaLocks, thedropped WilliamsBridge and organiseaworkparty to do channel liningatCrickheath.”

The MontgomeryCanal,whichlinks Englandand Wales,closed to boating

agenda

inthe1930sfollowing aseriousbreach ofthebanksnearFranktonLocksin Shropshire. It wasnever repaired and wasleft to decline.Restoration started in1969and hascontinuedwiththe reopeningof20milesof canaland35 milesoftowpaths.

Formoreinformationplease email:northern.canals2021@ btinternet.com

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

Forthe restofSeptember,throughoutOctoberanduntilNovember9 Staffordriverwaylinkartefactsexhibition

The displayofartefactsunearthed by SRLvolunteers.Wombourne Library: WombourneCommunity Centre, Church Road, Wombourne, Staffordshire, WV59EZ.Wombourne Libraryisclose to theBratch on the Staffordshireand WorcestershireCanal.

October6

NorthernCanalsAssociation: Autumnconference withvisitto Montgomery Canal.

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross–Granary Square– St Pancras.King’sCross:Taxiqueue signnext toPret aManger at 2.30pm.Normalcharge£20;concessions,studentsandaccompanied children16and over £15;8-15£5;under8sfree.Bookingrecommended, contact London Walks:02076243978oremail:london@walks.com October11

IWANorthStaffordshireandSouthCheshire: Caldon Canal50th anniversary. Atalktocelebratethe50thanniversaryofthe reopeningof theCaldon CanalbySteve Wood.7.45pmfor8pmprompt start. Stokeon TrentBoatClub,PostLane, Endon, Stoke-on-TrentST9 9DU.

October18

IWALichfield: Canalsoftheeastern USAbyPete Gurney. Darwin Hall, Heathcot Place,Lichfield WS136RQ, 7.15for7.30pm. October19-20

EtruriaIndustrialMuseum: Autumn steamingatthe museumonthe CaldonplusTrentand Mersey canals at Stoke-on-Trent. The museum will be open from 10.30amandtheengineandmill runningbetween 1pmand4.30pm.

StourbridgeBonded Warehouse: Openweekendfrom10amuntil5pm. CanalStreet, Stourbridge,WestMidlands,DY84LU October20

IWATowpath WalksSociety:Regent’sCanal: King’s Cross– Hitchcock’s Hackney. King’s Cross: taxiqueue signnext toPret aMangerat2.30pm. Normalcharge£20;concessions,students andaccompaniedchildren16 andover£15;8-15£5;under 8free. Prior bookingrecommended,contact London Walks:02076243978oremail:london@walks.com November3

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Route:Regent’sCanal: Little Venice -Camden. Startat(tube station) WarwickAvenueat2.30pm.Normal charge£20; concessions,studentsandaccompaniedchildren16and over £15;8-15£5;under 8free. Prior booking recommended,contact London Walks:02076243978oremail:london@walks.com November8

IWANorthStaffordshireandSouthCheshire: TBA, StokeonTrent Boat Club, Post Lane,Endon, Stoke-on-TrentST99DU.

November15

IWALichfield: The Suez CanalbyJohnParry.DarwinHall, Heathcot Place,Lichfield WS136RQ, 7.15for7.30pm.

New£50,000passengerboatwilltakeitsfirst guestsonanEastMidlands waterway next year

ANEW narrowboat designed to carry passengersupand down the RiverSleain Lincolnshire willlaunch nextspring.

The£50,000,30ft Benjamin Handley willtake

The BenjaminHandley sitsontheRiverSleain advanceofitsinternal fit-out.Theboatwill takevisitorsontheriver fromnextspring.

PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

12 people betweenThe Hub inSleaford andCogglesford Watermill aspartofhistory tripswhich willdeposit guests so theycanexplore the markettown.

The boat wasrecently lifted into the water so the internalfit-out andcrew training cantakeplaceover thecomingmonths.

It hasbeenfundedby the Government’sShared Prosperity Fundand North Kesteven DistrictCouncil, andisthebrainchildofthe Sleaford Navigation Trust.

The £130,000totalincludes some riverdredging, anew landingstage andcrew training.

ChairmanofSleaford Navigation TrustChris Hayessaid: “It’sreally excitingtosee ourboat, Benjamin Handley,in Sleafordand we look forward to beingableto welcome people on board nextyear.”

Anysurplusfunds generated whenthe boat startsoperating will godirectlybackto

its maintenance. The trust is also hoping more volunteers willhelpwith the work andisencouraging peopletosharetheir skills.

The RiverSlea willalso becleanedupinadvance ofthelaunchand anew landingstage built at CogglesfordWatermill.

NorthKestevenDistrict Councilleader Coun RichardWrightsaid: “The narrowboat willofferan entirelynewexperience; allowing peoplenot just toenjoy part oftheSlea

by boat butalsotohearall aboutthe waysin whichthe Slea Navigationbrought prosperity andgrowthto theareaafteritoriginally openedin1794.

“Thetrips will require theliftingbridgeto raiseforthe boat to pass underneath,which will addanotherdimension. It’s alsoaninvitation to explorenearbyNavigation House– anoriginal canal companyofficethoughtto be theonlyoneofitskind stillinexistence– andto

delve evenfurtherbackinto localhistoryatCogglesford Watermillwhere stone millingispowered naturally by theriver.

“Afterdisembarking there’sofcoursefood and drink, leisure,shopping, historyandmorein Sleafordtowncentreto complete yourvisit,and the narrowboat alsoopens upopportunitiesfor communityand educational useled by thetrust.”

It’s hopedthat theboatcan alsobeutilised for organised schoolorgrouptripstotake inalloftheheritage along the riverasonejoined-up experience.Thetripsare not aboutmakinga large profit,rather just enough to sustainably managethe maintenancecostswhile bringingvisitorstothe river andintothe town.

The UKSPFfundingalso providesfortrainingforthe boat’s crew, and clearance in autumnofanexcessof siltandvegetationalong theroute.This willalso enhancetheSleariverbed,

The BenjaminHandley sittingintheRiverSleawith chairmanofSleafordNavigation TrustChrisHayes andNorthKestevenDistrictCouncilleaderCoun RichardWright.Theboatwilltakevisitorsonthe riverfromnextspringaspartof ahistorictripfrom TheHubinSleafordandCogglesfordWatermill.

increasingthe flowofthe water whichbetter supports fishtospawn.A newlanding stagewillalsobebuiltat CogglesfordWatermill. The boat will begoing at averyslowpaceand willoperateonlywithin settimes–initially just ontheweekends,and in

warmer weather –toavoid disturbancetothe river andthe wildlifealongit.

To findoutmore abouttheproject pleasevisit:www. sleafordnavigation. co.uk

The BenjaminHandley isliftedintotheRiverSlea.

h C l

canalart onshow attherally.

BoatslinethetowpathatBratch Lock. PHOTOS:STEVEHUSSELBEE

Canal artondisplay.

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

Ourboatyardfacilitiesare locatedcanalside, on themainlineoutsidethe Distillery

CAENHILLMARINA

•248berthslocatedon

Kennet &Avoncanal

•NeartoDevizesWiltshire

T: 01380827062

E:caenhill@land-water.co.uk

NORTHWICH QUAY

• 50berthslocatedonriver Weaver

• CentreofNorthwich,Cheshire T: 07967461038

E:northwich@land-water.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Withpremiummarinafacilitiesandtwofantasticlocations, we have theperfectplace foryourboattoseeoutthewintermonths assafely andconveniently aspossible.

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

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

Onsiteparking

Electricityand water to yourberth

Launderette,showers andtoilets

Staff onsite7daysa week

Onsiteorclosebyrestaurants

Easy transportlinkstomajor townsandcities

Competitiveprices

Fantastic facilities

Choiceof5 locations

Expertfriendly staff

Community events

Licensedcafés*

On-sitechandlery*

Workshop*

Rubbishdisposal

Electricity &water

Laundry

Pumpout

Safe,secure moorings

Leisure &residential*

An exclusivemembershipproviding excitingbenefits to ourvaluedcustomers.

Anyannualmoorer,lodgeowner or park resident with Lakeland Leisure Estatesiseligible to downloadtheir digital rewardscardandenjoyaccess to discounts, offers andexperiencesthatenhanceeveryvisit,including: -Roam Free betweenourmarinas

- 15%offRiver CanalRescue -10% foodanddrinkdiscounts

- 5% off MidlandChandlers online

- Discounted stays and spaoffers -Partnerdiscounts

Amarinathatoffersyou achoice

Afamily ownedmarinasetinrural Worcestershire, butminutes away from theM5, givesallboaters great travelopportunities.

The238berthmarinaislocatedontheDroitwich Canals, ideallysituatedfor greatcruisingalbeit fora shortbreak orlongholidays.Itiswithineasy walkingdistanceofthe SpaTownofDroitwich.

EASTMIDLANDSBOATSERVICES -WILLOWMOORINGS

Moorings Availableforcruisersandnarrowboatsat£4.60perfoot,permonth. Residentialmooringsavailableat£325.00permonthforNarrowboatsonly. Poweredslipwayforboatsupto40footand asecondslipwayforsmallboats.Slipwaycanbehired forDIYworkorweofferservicesforAntifouling,PaintingandGeneralServicing. We alsohavea BoatSafetyExamineronsite.

LocatedontheA6,adjacenttoTheOtterPublicHouse. 01509672385

www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk Kegworth,DE742EY

available

■ Hardstanding,ServiceArea, andCranage Padfacilities

■ Calor GasStockist

■ CaravanMotorhomeCLsite

email:sales@tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

• •Enjoyprivate access to atraditional 200acrebeefandsheepfarm

• •Dogsrunfreeindesignatedareas.

• •Watch thechangingseasons,thewildlife and theanimalsonthe farm

• •Enjoythe completepeace, freedomand tranquillityofbeinginthe countryside

• •Accesssome greatlockfreecruising forday trips,weekendorlonger voyages

• •Easyaccess to motorwaynetwork, busesandtrains

• •Onsitelaundry,Hairdressers

• •Membersbenefit with adiscountatour popular Restaurant

It goeswithoutsaying....

• •A secureplacetomoor yourboat, andpark yourcar

• •Luxuriousshowers,communalareas,pump out andfueletc.

• •FreeunlimitedWIFI

• •Electricity andwater connections

• •Pump-out,fuel,coal,woodandgas

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

NorthamptonMarina

Theideallocationforexploring EastAnglia’s Waterways

Calluson01604604344or07867580129 toarrange avisitortomakeanenquiry.

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?

Blisworth Marina

FULLYSERVICEDCRUISING ANDRESIDENTIALMOORINGS ANDFULLBOATYARDSERVICES

•Iver(SloughArm)andNortholt (Paddingtonarm)

•Securesiteswithprivateparking

•Deliveryofgas,solidfuelanddiesel directtoyourboat

•Electricity, water,elsanandpumpout

•Showersandlaundry

•Chandlery

•Mechanical,electrical,andcarpentry workundertaken

•Craning,gritblastingandblacking

•Twopartepoxyhulltreatment

•Fuelpolishingservice

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

FORSELLERS

•Freemoorings

•Sales locationwithestablishedfootfall

•Open 6days /week

•TradePlatesforunlicensedcraft

•Presalespreparationandrepairs

FORBUYERS

•Freeguidanceandadvice

•Comprehensivehandover

•Secureclientsbankaccount

•ABYAqualifiedbrokeragestaff

•Industrystandarddocumentation

PRIVATEBUYER’SSERVICE

•Ifyouarebuyingprivately,wecanoffer thefollowing services:

•Adviceonallaspectsofpurchase

•Provisionofdocumentation

•SecureClientsbankaccount

•Bespokeservice –asmuchoraslittleas youwant,pricedaccordingly

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

Traditionalboatyard,withtraditionalvalues

Onestopshop forall your boatingneeds TRADITIONALNARROW

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.

BoatMaintenance &Repair WorkUndertaken

Fullyqualified,experiencedandconscientiousstaff, providingqualityworkat afairprice.

Boatpainting,hullblacking,surveys, engineservicing, repairs,gassafety check,boatsafetycertification, batteries,pumpout,dieselandgas

TrevorBasin,LlangollenCanal, Denbighshire,LL207TT -01978821749

WhixallMarina,LlangollenCanal, Shropshire,SY132QS –01948880996

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Bunbury,ShropshireUnionCanal, Cheshire,CW69QB -01829260957

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BradfordonAvonMarina,Kennet& AvonCanal,Wiltshire,BA151UD–01225864923

anglowelsh.co.uk

LADDER-MATE

COMBINATIONRESCUELADDER/GANGPLANK

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

Hands-freeattachmentthat

Over100tillerpinsinstockvisit www.tillerpins.co.uk www.miracleleisureproducts.co.uk e:sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone:01902686569 orDawn07909086868 Brass-mate (Brasspolish) Miracle WaxPolish(Boatpolish) Wash’n’Wax(Shampoo) MiracleBrassBrite(TarnishRemover) Weather-Mate

Seagoing Saildrives Inland WaterwaysMarineGeneratingSetsSpares &Support

36yearsofcustomercentredfocus,listeningto needsanddeliveringlongtermvaluesolutions. Specialistsincustomeradviceandsupportatall pointsof aproductslife.

Superbafter-salesserviceviaournetworkof approvedengineinstallersandsparesstockists.

14to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithmechanicalorhydraulicgearboxes.Full hydraulicdriveoptionavailable. Supersilentacoustichousings,3.5or5.0kVAtravel powerandbowthrusteroptionsavailable.

REDUCECO2 BY90%! Compatibleforcontinuoususe withHVOfuel.*

*IfotherFAMEbiofuelsareusedormixedwestronglyadviseuseofouralternativefuelkit option.Availableforneworretrofit-abletoexistingengines.

5yearself-servicewarranty,recreationaluseonlyterms &conditionsapply.

43to98HPGreenlinekeelcooleddieselpropulsion engineswithsingleortwin48vhybridelectricdrive motor/generator(s).

NEW Beta14E-Drive,14kWconstantelectrical propulsionpower. Fullyintegratablewith48vbatterymanagement inverterchargersystems. Fully integratablewithBetaGen/BetaSetgenerators.

HempstedHistoric DryDock

Having your tired old engine or gearbox repaired? Inthelongrunouroptionsarelikelymorecost effective:Reconditionedservice exchangeor reconditionyourexistingunit;Factorylowhours andgoodusedunitsalsosupplied.

Allenginesandgearboxes aresuppliedfullytestedand withwarranty.Ifyoursis pastit’sbest,calloremail us to findoutmore.

DOYOULIVEAFLOAT?

Areyouworriedaboutthe futureofyourlifestyle?

We aretheonlymembershipassociationsetup,in1963,toprotectthe interestsoflive-aboardboaters. We need your support to be able to continueour work.Sojoinus, in promotion, development, representation andprotectionofour chosenlifestyle.Interested?

Seemoreinformationonour websitewww.rboa.org.uk. or telephone 0330 0577180to findouthowtojoinand getinvolvedinthesafeguarding ofthefuturefreedomoflivingafloat. Annualmembershipfromonly£30.00.

TheResidentialBoatOwners’AssociationStudio 2WatersideCourt

ThirdAvenueBurtononTrent DE14 2WQ

SponsoredbyAll Willsand Trusts.co.uk

Does yourboatneedservicing?

HereatMGMBoatsLtd we canoffer

•Hullsteamcleanedandblacked

•Blastedand2pkblackingsystems

•Anodes,suppliedandfitted

•Welding workundertaken

•CovereddockforanyDIY workcanbebooked, incpainting.

•Slipway canbebookedformaintenance work,suchas rudderrepairs,sterntubereplacement &alsosurveys (Byothers)

•Engineservice &electrical work

• We sellCalor13kgpropanegas Call01162640009or email:mgmboatyard@gmail.com (Newwebsiteunderconstruction) UpperSoar,Leicester.LE48AF

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

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

Controlyourheater through yourphone

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

Shared ownershiptheaffordable way Ownasharemanages afleetofnarrowboatswhichoperateonashared ownershipbasis.

Thismeansthatownersof1/12thsharescanenjoyatleast3–4 weeks’holiday afloateach year,schoolholidayweeksareavailable at asmallpremium. Tel:07800902323 formoredetails www.ownasharecruising.co.uk

Green-fingeredwinnersof2024 AquavistainBloomannounced

AquavistahasannouncedCropredy WatersideandMarina asitswinneroftheOutstandingOverallSiteofitsAquavista inBloom2024 awards,sponsoredbyTowergateInsurance.

THEmoorers at Cropredycameup with acreativeideaforan outdoorlivingroom adorned withanarray ofplantsand flowers and aworkinglock,aptly namedLockKeeper’s Cottage,hometo Locky the scarecrow.

Thedisplaywhich usesupc yc led furnishings, hasalso been putforward as themarina’sentry into theCropredyScarecrow Trailcompetition.A bingo afternoonand quizhelped raise moneytowards the living room whichis nowagreat community space forthecrewand moorersaliketospend time and relax.

Thecompetition, nowinits second year, waslaunchedinApril with Aquavistainviting its29 marinasto acceptthechallenge of creatingstunningfloral displaystoprovide lovelyspacesfortheir customers, visitorsand crewthis summer.

TowergateInsurance suppliedbranded wateringcansand packetsof sunflower seeds, withthe challenge

Locky’soutdoorliving room! PHOTO:SUPPLIED

to seewhocouldgrow thetallest.

Thew inners, ann ou nc ed at Aquavista’s national managers’meeting, wereawardedtheir prizes,trophies and certificates by ElisaHadland,head ofpartnerships at TowergateInsurance.

Asthe overallwinner, Cropredy Waterside and Marina alsowon £250towardsa party for itscrewandcustomers tocelebratetheir win. Aspecialextraprize wasalsoawarded to amoorerfromeach regiontorecognise their outstanding contributiontothe competition.

Operationsdirector

at Aquavista,Mark Wanlesssaid: “We have experienced overwhelminginterest andsupporttowards theannual Aquavista in Bloom campaign.

“Iampersonallyfilled withimmense joyand pridewhen ourcrew teamsandcustomers cometogethertobring ourmarinas to life throughenvironmental initiatives,turningour spacesinto awonderof vibrantcolours.

“Wehaveseenfurther ingeniousupcycling ideasandthemed planters, from Olympic ringstoanautomated flowerband,thewhole campaign hasonce againshowcased what makesour marinas

Norfolkhirebasemayresurrect

125-year-oldboatbuildingtradition

By TimGreenfield

ONEoftheUK’soldest boatingbusinesses hasbeensoldtoa neighbouringfirm which hashintedboat buildingmay begin again.

BroomBoats, based inBrundall, Norfolk hasbeen sold to nearbyhire businessHorning Pleasurecraft.

Thenew owners have planstoexpand the business, which startedin1898,and potentiallystart boatbuildingagain. HorningPleasurecraft owners Cliveand Victoria Richardson operateHorning Marina onthe River Bure andCove Marina –almostnextdoorto theBroomsite.

CliveRichardson said: “BuildingBroom

BoatsatBrundall againis areal possibility. I’ve been intheBroads boating and boatbuilding businessall my life.

“We’ve been developingthe HorningPleasurecraft businessoverthe last four years, starting with ahirefleetof threeboatsanda team ofengineers and boat buildersat Horningandadding Cove marina in2021.

“Weweren’t activelylookingfor anothermarina at thetimethe Broomopportunity presenteditself,butit wasonourdoorstep andthesizeofthe site,together withthe extensivehirefleet andfacilities,makes it afantasticfit forus.

“Wehaveplansto improveandfillthe

Winnersinallcategories

OutstandingOverallSite: Cropredy WatersideandMarina

Tallestsunflower: Trinity Watersideand Marina[5ft8in]

North region:

·Outstanding TubsandHangingBaskets: NottinghamCastle WatersideandMarina

·OutstandingUpcycleProject: Sawley WatersideandMarina

·OutstandingCreativeDisplay: Kings WatersideandMarina

·Special recognitioncustomeraward: RobatKings WatersideandMarina South region:

·Outstanding TubsandHangingBaskets: Packetboat WatersideandMarina

·OutstandingUpcycleProject: Priory WatersideandMarina

·OutstandingCreativeDisplay: Portavon WatersideandMarina

·Special recognitioncustomeraward: CarolineatRoyalClarence Watersideand Marina Midlands region:

·Outstanding TubsandHangingBaskets: Trinity Waterside &Marina

·OutstandingUpcycleProject: Kings Bromley WatersideandMarina

·OutstandingCreativeDisplay: Brinklow WatersideandMarina

·Special recognitioncustomeraward: AngeatWigrams Turn Watersideand Marina

special places to be.”

ElisafromTowergate Insuranceadded: “Towergateisreally proudtocontinuethe sponsorship.

“It’samazing to see howthe marinasare continuingtodevelop

their gardens with variousthemesand uniqueideas.The engagementwith theberth holder communityis so greattosee”.

moorings,expand theprivateworkand servicedivisionas wellas maintainthe qualityhirefleet.” Foundedin1898 by theBroomfamily, BroomBoats has many decadesof boat building, repairsand holidays. It wasalso akey playerinthe Dunkirkevacuations in1940. It currently operates as amarinaand has24 luxuryboatsforholiday hire, as wellassix availablefor dayhire. Theboatyard alsocontinues to offer repairand maintenance services.

Fo rm ore information about BroomBoats,visit br oo mb oats.c om andformoreabout HorningPleasurecraft, visit ht tps:// broadshols.co.uk

It’schild’splayforexpanding

kids’store at MerciaMarina

YOUNG boaters have anewfunshopto experienceatMercia Marina Boardwalkin theEastMidlands.

Hettie&Sidis anewlyrevamped giftandtoy store at the Derbyshire waterwayhub that stockstraditionaland sustainable toys and crafts,aswellastextiles, clothesand nursery decorations.

Thenewlowered salescounter,whichsits alongside afull-height paystation,together withtheminishopping trolleys,willprovidean educationalexperience forthechildrenas theymaketheir pocket

moneypurchases.

Owner Joanne Barker said:“We wanted to createan engagingspace forall. Aplacewhere childrencancome and enjoy browsingand shopping just like their adultcompanions.

“Itshould be afun learningexperience andif youngsters want to payfortheir purchases themselves,theycan stepright upanddo so at a‘theirsize’ counter.”

TheMercia Marina store is the largestof three stores,withthe othersinthe Sherwood ArtandCraftCentre, Edwinstowe andone at SudburyCourtyard.

Robert Neff, general manageratMercia Marina,said: “It’sso greatsee Joanne’s businessexpanding. Sheisawonderfulasset tothe marina’s shopping experience.

“AsDerbyshire’s largestwatersidemarina attraction, we provide thewholepackagewhen itcomesto adestination venuewith arange of shops,restaurants,bar, beauty salon –andeven afineartgallery.

“Allthisalongside our boatingandmooring heritage,wildlifearea andholidaylodges. Plus, we have furtherplans ahead.”

Thelongestlivingleisurebatteries?

ABOATowner mayhave theoldestsurviving leisure batteries.

Theowner,who hasa Viking36 cruiseronthe River Nene,saidthe Numaxleisure batteriesfinallydiedafter15 yearsofuse– longpastthe expected fiveyearlife.

The man,who saidheused thebatteriesto powerhis

boat’s fridge,lightsand water pump,contactedNumax supplier Ecobatwiththe good news.Hesaid:“Witha service lifeof around 15 years apiece, Icertainly can’tcomplainthat Ihaven’t hadmymoney’s worthand naturally I’ve replacedthem withanother coupleof NumaxXV31MF batteries,which I’dobviously

recommendtoother owners of similar vessels!” AndyWaite, of manufacturerEcobat, said: “It’sgreat to receivepositive feedbackandit goestoprove notonlyareNumaxbatteries aqualityproduct,but that, as we’vealwayspromoted, battery maintenanceand care will maximise theirservice.”

AllchangeatBottomLockinBraunston

After28yearsofrunningTheBoatShop, FredandCarolBarnesareretiring,whichhas givenanopportunityforClareandWillHewitttotakeoverthisuniquecanalisedshop.

THE BoatShopis situatedbythe bottom lockofthe BraunstonflightontheGrand Union canalandisanAladdin’scaveof canalware, books,provisions,freshly baked organicbreadand ofcourse ice cream.

Fred andCarol haven’t gonefar, theynow liveinthe village and have been agreat supporttoClareduring thetransitionfrom beinga gardenerto becomingashopowner.

Clareand Will have agreat love ofthe canals,asdotheirchildren who both owntheir ownnarrowboats. Theyhave livedlocally alltheirslives,spending time inBraunstonandthenearby villageof Willoughby,soare wellknown inthe area;this hasalready been shown by the supporttheyhavehadintheirnew venturebyfriendsandfamily.

Clarehas abackgroundinthegift industry and specialised in sales throughoutthemidlands. Once

ClareandWillarelookingforward towelcomingcustomersnewand oldintheirquirkylittleshop. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

own

waterside enterprise. Beinginchargeof her owncanalised businesshasbrought hertwopassionstogether.

“The characterandcharmoftheshop isuniqueandtheopportunitytomeet new peopleandhopefully make their visittotheBraunstonlocksspecial never stops to appealtome.Whetherita giftfor afriendor astrollupthelockswithanice cream.Weare heretoserve.”

The shop willcontinue to supply boaters withprovisionsand supplies. Coal, sticks andlogs will be awellneeded additiontotheshop’sstock overthe winterandtheintroductionof acoffee machine.Gifts and canalware (handpaintedbyWill) will remainthe mainfocusoftheshopasthere aren’t many likethisleftonthe system. Theywillstill be takingpostalorders forthe popularbrass bridge plaques by phone01788891310oremailshop@ boatshopbraunston.co.uk

AllyStubbs,JuliaConstantine,CarolineCollins,JoanneBarkerandDi JeffreyatHettieandSidatMerciaMarinaBoardwalk. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Dayboats: agreen introductiontothewaterways

PhilPickinlooks at thegrowth ofdayboatsandtheirrolein thecontinuedmovetowards decarbonisingthewaterways.

DAYBOATS have longbeen apartofthe overall hirefleetonthe waterways,providinganideal waytonot only spendsometimeonthe water butalsoassomethingofanintroduction to the waterway system.

Overthepast few years,moreandmoreday boats have entered service,and many ofthesehavebeen poweredbyelectricmotors. Withdayhireonly allowingthe boatstotravelshorterdistances,in additiontotheneed forthe boatstoreturntotheir respectivehirebaseeachevening, makesday boats idealforelectricpropulsion.

Beacon ParkBoats

Onehirefleetthatregularlyhasmore customers than boatsavailableisthat of Beacon Park Boats, based in Llangattockonthe Monmouthshireand Brecon Canalnear the town ofCrickhowellin Wales.Thecompanyhasoperated dayboatsfor morethan23yearsalongside aholidayhirefleet, andcurrentlythereare eightboats inthedayboat fleet fittedwithlithium batteries and ShireEZ electric outboardsupplied by Barrus. Theseboats canaccommodatesixoreightpassengersand are equipped withallthenecessary safetyequipment andcovers forinclementweather.

Beacon Park’s director,Alasdair Kirkpatrick, said that thecompanyhas beenworkingwithBarrus for anumber of yearsto refinethedesignofthe motorsto better equip themtocopewiththe demandsoftheiruseon dayboatson acanal. In additiontotheextensive prop guards,Alasdair saidthat themotors usetoothedbeltdrives ratherthanshaftdrives. This reduceslubrication requirementsandhelps when replacementsare needed.

Phil James,seniorR&Dengineer atBarrus, told TowpathTalk:“The advantageofthistype (ofmotor) istheyworkwellinshallowwaterastheydon’tuse afancyexpensiveprop(whichoftenbreak).They useamercurycompatiblealuminiumprop,which meansinshallowwatertheydon’tbreak, theyjust eventually wear out.”

He went ontosaythatBarrushas“hirefleetsand commercialoperatorsthathave hadthem inusefor morethan2000hours”.

Manybenefits

AccordingtoAlasdair, dayboats have proved to be notonly popularbut alsoprovide anumber of benefitsthat might otherwise go unnoticed. These includeproviding families withan introduction to the waterways, which can sometimesprovide astartingpointfora long-termrelationship

withthe canals.Italsoprovides families with the opportunitytomessabout on thewater,something that isoften outofreach formost. With afleetof holidayhireboats,theopportunitytointroduce visitorstothe canalsystem,andtherebyhopefully gainmorebookings,can’t be overlooked.However, asAlasdair pointed out, he wouldlike to increase the sizeofthefleet,but unfortunately, alackofspace doesn’tallowforthis.

Beacon Park’s dayboats have adistinct environmentaladvantage over many otherelectric dayboatfleets,ofwhichthereare many.Witha sizeable solararray on theroofofBeacon Park’s boat housethat charges anin-housebattery bank, the boatscan be chargedeachevening withthe powerharvestedfromthe sunduringtheday. Evenon adullday,thesesolar panels canproduce significant quantitiesofpower,ensuringthat the rechargingcanbealmostentirely‘off-grid’.

Greencredentials

Undoubtedly,oneofthemostsignificant things aboutthe useofelectricdayboats,orelectric boatsingeneral,isthe lack of noise and,justas importantly,the reductioninCO2emissions andotherpollutantsfromconventionalengines. Butitisn’t just theelectricdayboats that offer these;Beacon Park alsohas acycle boat, which, asits name suggests,ispropelled by theeffortsof thoseonboard to pedal to providethedrivetothe propellor.This,along with paddleboardsandan electric-powered former Thameslaunch, meansthe climate-conscious boat user canchooseanumber ofdifferent ways to getafloat withoutcreating any carbonemissions.

Withmoremarinasandhirefleets seeingthe advantagesthat cancomefrom offeringday-hire to getpeopleout onthe water, we canexpectmore boatstoappearinthefuture. Let’shopethatthis notonlyencourages people to make fulluseof thecanal system buttodosoina sustainableand responsible way. Formoreinformationonthe range of dayboatsonofferfrom Beacon Park Boats, visit www.beaconparkdayboats.co.uk

Anotherfamilypreparestotaketothe water.

usingtheboat. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

AfewofBeaconPark’sfleetofdayboats. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

BeaconPark’scycleboat. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Right:Dayboatshelpto reconnectwithnature. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Nothingbeatsmessingaboutonthecanal. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Paddleboardsareapopularwaytogetafloatifyoudon’tmind gettingwet. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Plentyof roomevenif theweatherturns. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Mooringorstoring?Thatisthequestion

PhilPickinlooksintotheoptions availableforboatownersoverthe wintermonths.

AT THIStimeof year,manyboatowners will have alreadymadearrangementsfortheir boatsforthe coming winter.Inspections,blackingand repairs willundoubtedly have been scheduled, butfor some,theopportunityto putthe boat on hard standingforanextendedperiod isn’toneforthem. I’mthinkingmainlyaboutliveaboardboaters whowould normallycontinuallycruise. Butfor somewhoarebothcontinuouscruisersandwho have homes, theopportunitytoliftthe boat outfor sixmonthsisarealadvantage.Thisisofparticular interest to thesmallminorityof boatownerswho cruise duringthe summer,onlytoheadofftoother countriestoliveduringour winter.

Moorandstore

Thisparticular‘moorandstore’ plan wasdeveloped byAqueductMarinainCheshireandprovidesseveral advantages, notleastofwhichistheopportunityto carry outinspectionsandblackingwhilethe boat is outofthe water. Althoughthe marina chargesfor storage, thecostcan be somewhatoffset by paying CRT fora six-monthlicence.

Forthosewho haven’t seenthedetails,Aqueduct’s Moorand Storeplanisanoptionthat allows boat owners tostoretheir boat securely outofthe water, licence-free,whileitisnot beingused.Whenthe owneris readyto go cruisingagain,the marina staff will putitbackintothe water.Plansareavailable for six,nineoreven 12months,witheachplan includinganumber ofslipuses.Withengineerson site,theopportunityprovidedbyplansofthistypeto have the hullblasted,inspectedandblackedwhile instorage is obvious.

What islessobviousiswhythistypeofplanisn’t beingpromoted by anumberofother marinas? Many dooffer storage facilitiesontheir websitesalongwith detailsoftheirconventionalmooringfeesetc,but itdoesn’t seemthatmany areactivelylookingto promotethe storage ofboatsontheirpremises.

Tailor-madepackage

We spoketoMikeGoode,MDofDebdaleWharf, based atKibworthin Leicestershire, whose marinaincreased its hard-standingcapacityby 20 boatsaroundtwoyearsago.Miketoldusthat their approachismore towardsofferinga tailor-madepackage that allowsthe boatownerto pickandchoosewhat services they will make bestuseof, ratherthan offeringfixedpackages.

Like Aqueduct,Debdale toohasitsfairshareof boat ownersfromthe southernhemisphere who benefitfromthe opportunityto store theirboats outofthe water over winter.

Debdale hasinvested significantlyin security

andother serviceslinked to out-of-water storage, andtheycontinueto do so withmoredevelopments intheoffing. However, with Mike’s philosophy of ‘not halfdoing’ anything, it maybesometime before anyofficialannouncementsaremade.Headded that sinceCRT went over to monthlylicences,the interest in winter storage hasgrown. AstherepresentativefortheCanal and RiverTrust toldus: “Once aboatisout ofthe water, alicenceis not required.” Theywentontosay that thereare no rules regardingthestorageofaboatonprivateland, andcertainlynone with respecttoboatlicensing.

Drystack

When youlookatcoastal marinas, theconceptof boat storageisfarmoreadvanced,with facilities onofferfor boatstobeliterallystackedonracking systemsthat areaccessed by forklifts.Drystackisone such company that offersthis type of storageto boat ownersaftertheconceptofthistypeofboatstorage

beganin NewJersey in theUSmanyyearsago, with somecompanies evenofferingtowrap yourboatupfor you in the winter. Thismightnot be thetypeofservice your averagenarrowboat owner would be interested in,andthe thoughtofstacking narrowboatsupin ayardisonethat couldeasilygiveyou nightmares,butthe ideaofstoringyourboat for winteris seenasmore‘normal’ on thecoast, it would seem.With winter stormsmore likelyto causehavoc toGRPhullsthat layunprotectedat the coast,thisisanother reason for coastal boat ownerstowanttoprotect theirinvestments,but maybethereissomethingwaterways boat owners canlearnfromthis?

Availability

aboatinstorageisnotonlysaferbutmore environmentallyfriendlywithspillagesmoreabletobecontrolled onland.

The availabilityofa mixed storage andmooring planisdependentonthe availabilityof space.Not all marinashavethe space available to enablethem toofferthis service,andforothers,itwould seem that some don’tfeelthedemandisthereforthem todo so.Thisis somethingthat is borne outwhen searchingfor services availableon variousmarina websites.However,with ourveryseasonalweather

becomingever moreunpredictable,itmakes you wonderiftheopportunitytostoreyourboatinthis waywill becomeincreasinglypopularinthe years ahead. Moorand storeservicesalsoallowmarinas withlimited mooringcapacitytoeffectivelyincrease thenumberof boatstheyhaveonthe books even whenmooringcapacityislimited. Although schemeslikethismay notinterest themajorityof boatowners,somedofindthe optionof buildinginstorageandslipusagewith theirannualmooringagreement ideal.Andeven iftheir chosen marina doesn’toffer atailor-made package,mostmarinas willoffertocreate aplan that worksforthem.Withinterestinthistypeof agreementshowing nosignsofdiminishingitwill be interestingtosee if others begintoofferand marketsimilarpackagesin thefuture.

Workingon

PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Theuseof aslipwaycan,insomecases,befactoredintothestorageplansofferedtoboatowners.

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Storageprovidesanidealopportunityforworktobe carriedout. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Nell,storedandpainted. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Boatsstoredonhardstanding. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Storagefacilitiesareidealforboatsnolongerinthefirstflushofyouth. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Oldandnewboatstakeadvantageof storageondryland. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Topeight canalboatholidaysfor2025

FROM ruralretreatstovibrant citycentres, narrowboatholidaymakers canexploreBritain’s peaceful3000-milenetwork ofinland waterways, withthe choice of hundredsofwaterside destinationsandhistoric canalside pubstovisitalongthe way.Drifters Waterway Holidays (drifters.co.uk)offers over550 boatsforhirefrom45locations acrossEngland, Scotlandand Wales.Hereare Drifters’ Topeight canalboatholidays…

CruisetoCastlefieldBasin inManchesterandvisit theHardRockCafe

On aweek’sbreakfromDrifters’ narrowboat boat hirebaseat Acton Bridge near Northwichin Cheshire, boaters cancruiseto Manchesterand back,enjoying timeinthecountrysideas well asthecity.

The return routetravels54 miles,two locks(oneeachway) andtakesaround18hours.The routetravelsalonga sectionof theTrentand Mersey Canal andthroughthePrestonBrook Tunnel.Boaters thenjointhe lock-free BridgewaterCanal, cruisingthroughthe Cheshire

countrysideandthehistoric village of Lymm.Then it’s on through Stockton Heath and Sale,pastthe Manchester United footballground,SalfordQuays andthe OldTrafford Cricket Ground. In Manchester,boaters canmoorupatCastlefield Basin, withineasyreachofcitycentre attractions,includingthe Hard Rock Cafe.

NavigatetotheUNESCO

WorldHeritageCityofBath

On aweekendbreakfrom Drifters’baseatHilpertonnear Trowbridge in Wiltshire, boaters cantravelalongthe Kennetand Avon CanaltoSydneyWharf,on the edge of Bath CityCentre. On theway,the routepasses throughthemedievaltown ofBradford-on-Avon, witha choiceofindependentshops and restaurants. Thecanal crossesthe magnificentBath stoneaqueducts at Avoncliffand Dundas with spectacular views of the Bathvalley.

Once at SydneyWharf, boaters canmoorupandtake a15minute walkinto thecity centre. The journeytoSydney Wharfandbacktravels24miles,

passes throughtwo locks(one each way)andtakes aroundeight hours.

TravelthroughtheScottish LowlandstoEdinburgh

On afour-nightbreakfrom Drifters’canal boat hirebaseat Falkirk, canalboatholiday-makers can cruisealongthe Union Canal to Edinburghandback. The trip starts with apassagethroughthe FalkirkWheel,theworld’s first rotatingboatlift.Pubstovisit alongthe wayincludeThe Bridge InnatLinlithgowandThe Bridge InnatRatho.Visitormooringsare available at Edinburgh Quay,just afive-minutewalkfromPrinces Street.ThejourneytoEdinburgh Quay andbacktravels64miles, passesthrough sixlocks(three each way) andtakesaround 22 hours.

CruisethroughtheAire Valleyandupontothe Pennines

On aweek’sholidayfrom Drifters’baseatSilsdenin West Yorkshire, boaterscan cruise alongthe Leedsand Liverpool CanaltoBarnoldswickand back. The routetakes boatersalong

the valleyofthe RiverAireand throughthevillagesofKildwick, Bradleyand Snaygill.

At Skipton,boaterscanmoor uptoexplore thetown’s castle and have agreat choiceofplaces toeat. Three milesonthroughthe hills,the route reaches Gargrave onthe edge oftheYorkshireDales National Park.Furtheralongat Bank Newton,thereare seven locks that take boatersuponto the Pennines,thenonthrough EastMartonandGreenberfield.

At Barnoldswick, there’sa choiceofplacestoeatand the Pendle Waytoexplore. The journey travels 38 miles, passes through30locks (15each way) andtakesaround22hours.

AroundtheDroitwichRing

StartingfromtheDrifters’base at Worcester, thiscircuit can be completedona four-night mid-week break.

Theroute cruisesthe Droitwichcanalsthrough Droitwich Spaand sectionsof the RiverSevernand Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Route highlightsinclude: Vines Park in Droitwich;theancientvillageof Salwarpe;DiglisJunction;and viewsof Worcester Cathedral.

The journeytravels21miles, passesthrough33locks and takesaround16hours.

Glideacrossthe

UNESCO WorldHeritage PontcysyllteAqueduct

On aweek’sbreakfromDrifters’ narrowboat hirebaseatTrevor onthe Llangollen CanalinNorth Wales,boaters cancruisetothe historictown of Whitchurch andback. The journeyincludes crossing the38-metre-high Pontcysyllte Aqueducttoenjoy incredibleviewsofthe RiverDee valley. Placestoeatalongthe way include: The Pontcysyllte Chapel TeaRoom at Trevor;theBridge InnatChirk; theBoathouse at Ellesmere;andthe BlackBear at Whitchurch.Thejourney to Whitchurch andback travels52 miles,passesthroughfourlocks (twoeach way)andtakesaround 25hours.

Boatthroughthe

Staffordshireand Shropshirecountrysideto MarketDrayton

On aweek’sbreakfrom Drifters’ narrowboat hire baseat Autherley, canalboatholidaymakers cancruisealong the ShropshireUnion Canaltothe historictown of MarketDrayton,

homeofthegingerbread man. The routetakes boatersthrough the Staffordshireand Shropshire countrysideand aseriesofdeep cuttingswheretime stands still. Pubs to visitalongthe wayinclude:theBridge Inn at Brewood;the HartleyArms at WheatonAshton;andthe Junction InnatNorbury. The journeytoMarketDrayton andback travels53miles,passes through14 locks(seveneach way)andtakesaround24hours. BoatthroughtheBrecon BeaconstoLlangynidr On aweekendbreakfromDrifters’ base at Goytrenear Abergavenny, boaterscancruisealongthe MonmouthshireandBrecon CanaltoLlangynidr,enjoying spectacularviewsofthe River Uskvalley andBreconBeacons National Park.Pubstovisitalong the wayinclude:The Bridgend InnatGovilon;the Bluebell CountryInn at Crickhowell;and the Horseshoe InnatLlangattock. The journeytoLlangynidrand backtravels 32milesandtakes around13hours. Thereare no locksalongthis route.

FormoreinformationaboutDriftersboatingholidayscall0344 9840322orvisitwww.drifters.co.ukandforinformationabout visitingthecanalnetworkgotowww.canalrivertrust.org.uk

TheFalkirkWheel. PHOTO:JANETRICHARDSON

BridgeontheUnionCanal. PHOTO:JANETRICHARDSON

TheMonmouthshireandBreconCanal. PHOTO:JANETRICHARDSON

Autumnbreaks

ASTHEvibrantcoloursof autumntake hold,there’snobettertimetoescapeto the water.

Autumnbrings aquieter,more relaxedatmosphere,makingitanideal timefor alate-season Le Boat holiday. Asthe summercrowdsdisperseand thepaceoflife slows,these monthsoffer the perfectconditionsfor apeaceful retreat. Whetherit’ssoaking up thelast warm raysofthe yearorembracingthe crispairandcolourful landscapes,a Le Boat holidaycatersto everytypeof traveller,fromthoseseekingadventure tothosecravingrelaxation. Someofthe last-minuteautumnitinerariesinclude:

Re-discovertheThames,England

StartingfromLeBoat’sbaseinBenson, nestledatthetranquil, ruralend ofthe Thames, thejourneybeginsamidst rollingcountryside,farmlandand villages.Asix-hourcruisewestward brings youtothe historiccityofOxford. Here, theycanindulgein afternoontea withpanoramicviews at theAshmolean DiningRooms, followed by avisit to the stunningGradeIIlistedSheldonian Theatre to enjoyashow. Headingeast from Benson,afteranotherleisurelysix hoursonthe water,guests will reach Basildon Park.Thisgrand Georgian mansion, setwithin400acresofhistoric

parkland, wasfeaturedintheiconic perioddramaDownton Abbey. With dailyhousetours offeringinsightsinto thefilming, it’s amust-see forhistory andfilmenthusiastsalike. Mooring near Beale Park,thegroupcan easily walkuptothishistoric gemfor aday of exploration.

ExplorethebeautifulwaterwaysofFlanders,Belgium

OneofLeBoat’smost popular destinationsisthe regionof Flanders innorthern Belgium,which bursts into colourduringthe autumn. Here holidaymakers canexplorethebeautiful coastallowlands,whichareahaven

for seabirdsand beachgoers. Cruisers startandfinishatthe Le Boat basein Nieuwpoort,allowing themtotake in thehistoriccitiesofYpres,famousfor the beautiful ‘Halle auxdrapes’, and Bruges,aUNESCOWorldHeritage Site withcountlessmuseumsandexcellent restaurantstoexplore.

Enjoythewaterwaysof CanalDuMidi,France

Take atripalongthe CanalduMidi, with severalstartinglocationsholidaymakers cantraversemorethan150miles of scenic waterwaysalongthe17th century networkofcanalsthat connect the Atlantictothe Mediterranean. Dock anddiscoverthe stunning17th century ChâteauParaza, builtin1615 by Monsieur Ricquet,thechâteau, nestled intheLanguedoc region,isfamily-run

MooringsatthetopofNeptune’sStaircasejustoutsideFortWilliamon theCaledonianCanal. PHOTO:KILMALLIE.CCBY-SA2.0

andfeatures aluxuryB&Band alocal tapasbar.Idealfor romantic winetastinggetaways, immersed inhistory.

ExplorethehistoricAlsaceLorraineregion, France

BeginningfromLeBoat’sbaseinHesse, guests candiscoverthepicturesque Alsace-Lorraine boatingregion, choosing fromthree options based onpreference.Iftravellingwestward, guestscancruisethroughthedeepest lock inFranceto Nancy,known forart nouveauand grandbaroqueartand architecture. If headingnorth, there istheoptiontoexplore cosmopolitan SaarbückeninGermany.Choosingeast willallowguests toexperiencetheiconic boat lift at Arzvillerandjourneyonto Strasbourg, thehomeofthe European Parliament.Holidaymakers cantry

ahalf-shellalwayscomplement aprawndish.

Argentinianprawnson acool night

ByKevinThomas

WHENourdaysshortenandtheearly winterchill makesitselffelt,perhapsaneveningofplump Argentinianprawns will gladdentheheart.

then,in2022,come October,theparticulartypeof prawnsfromLidlwhich we liked,for some reason becameunavailable.

delicacies such as flammekuecheand baeckoeffe, washeddownwith wine fromthelocalarea.

BepartofHighlandhistory withLeBoatCaledonianCanal

In Scotland, Le Boat operatesonthe historic Caledonian Canal,which connectstheNorth Atlantic with the NorthSea.The62-milepassage runs from Loch Linnhetothe Moray Firth, with boatersabletoexplore the beautiful watersbetween Fort William and Inverness,includingLochNess. Holidaymakers canexplorethe region, andenjoyhilltop castles,quiet waterside towns, cosy pubs,whiskytastings,and beautiful scenery.Andforthoseinsearch of somethinga littlemoreactive, thereare plentyofopportunitiestomoorupand go mountainbikingorwhite-water rafting.

of spicedrice,with the half musselsin acream garlic andlemon sauce.Wealsohad fiery bird’s eyechilliesinoliveoil,andchoppedgarlicinolive oil to drizzle over ourprawnsand mussels.Add tothat anice wine,and awetblowy winternight aboardanarrowboat soon becomesatreat. TheplumpArgentinianprawnsweenjoy,whicharebranded

At theriskofpromotionaladvertising, although certainly withoutintenttodoso, we normally shop at Morrisons because itisconvenientand the varietyandpricessuit ourbudget. We also paya visitto Lidlforthe same reason –budget, and variety.

OneofLidl’s main attractionsforusfrom around October through to February,was the Argentinianprawns. There were slightlyless than 1kgina pack,and cost about£9. More importantly,and becausetheywereonlyavailable for afive-month period,itindicated sustainable yield harvestingfromthe deep Atlantic.Asa committedwildlifeconservationist,I amfully supportiveofthe sustainableyieldconceptwhen itcomes to theutilisationofnatural resources onour already over-utilised planetEarth.And

ThoseArgentinianprawns hadalwaysbeen a favouriteSaturdayevening meal of ours, accompaniedbya good wine.Whileonthe subjectof wine,our purchaseshavealwaysbeen guidedbythe sageadviceoncegiventous bya respectedSouthAfrican winemaker:“The cost ofthe wine hasnothing todo withthequality.If youlikea£4.50 bottleof wineit’s agood wine.”A truism.Inour case,however,it’smoreaquestion of ourtight budget keepingusliking‘good’£4.50 winebrands.Whenweperiodically purchase asix-quid bottleof wine,wereally feel we are splashingout,and savour themoment. With prawns,mypreferenceis aPinotGrigio,although IalsolikePortugueseMateusRose. Eitherbrand goeswell withshellfish.Brenstays with red. Normally aMerlot.

Withprawns beingthe subjectofthisarticle,I won’t waffle on aboutwine. Facinganautumnor

ithasbeenserved.Brenaddsthechoppedparsleytotheprawns whilesheissautéingthem.

winter without ourfavourite Lidlprawns would make us both ratherirritable over weekends.It wasbadenoughnotto be ableto BBQdueto inclementweather, buttogowithoutprawns would be torture.

Thankfully,one Saturdaymorningwhilein Morrisons,westopped for aquickperuseof thefish sectionandtheretheywere. Plump Argentinianprawns,whichalthoughbranded differently,andlessthanakg, certainly made upforitinsize. Theyseemedabnormallylarge and were soldononeofthosethree for£10 deals, sowe promptly boughtthree packages ofprawnsandforanotherfourquid apacket ofcooked musselsinthe halfshell. That evening, andwhile Imarvelledathow shedoesitin Sabi Star’s relativelycramped galleyspace,Brenworkedwonders with the prawnsand mussels.Theend result wasa mealfitforkings.Weeachhad agood serving of plump, succulent,sautédprawnsonabed

OneofourfavouriteSaturdaynight mealsaboard SabiStar duringwinter.

TheCaylusBridge, reflectedintheCanalduMidi,France. PHOTO:CHRISTIANFERRER.CCBY4.0

Don’tbecomea rescuestatistic

Aswemoveintoautumn,theexperts at RiverCanalRescueareremindingboaterstotakesomeprecautionary measures to protecttheirboats againstsuddendownpoursandchangesinwaterlevels.

THE surgeofstormshittingtheUK earlierthisyearresultedinRiver CanalRescue(RCR) responding tomoremajor incidentsin thefirst threemonthsof2024thanitdid for thewholeof2023;155 majorincidents betweenJanuaryand Marchagainsta totalof121 last year.

Precautionarymeasures

RCRmanagingdirectorStephanie Horton told TowpathTalk that boats eithercouldn’tcopewiththedeluge of rainor were unableto rise inline withincreasingwater levelsduetotoo tightropes.

In thecaseofone callout, aboat sankaftertryingtoturn in strong currents.It endeduplistingand catchinga tree stumpwherewater overwhelmedthe vents.

Anumberwerealsoswept downriverwhenflood waters and

flow increased, depositing them, semi-submerged andmilesfromtheir homelocation.

Stephanieexplained:“While notallsituations canbeavoided, ownersshouldchecktheirmooring ropesare looseenoughto cope with suddenchangesinwater levels,and if amooring is at riskofflooding, run aropetolocationsthat canstill be accessed evenin aflood situation.

“Tostopa vesseldrifting on to landwhen waterlevels rise,position ascaffold poleor poles,oraboarding plank,betweenthe boat andthe river/canalside edge andfix it into position.Thisactsasa mooringpost, preventingflood watersfromfloating the boat onto land.

“Alwaysthinkwhenmooringup what could happen; will you need additionalmooringlines(if so,rig them so youcanadjustfromthe boat

Electricenginemaker teamsupwith world famous yachting race

ELECTRICpower companyePropulsion hasannouncedanew partnership withthe America’sCup. The Southamptonbased firm, which makeselectric motorsforleisure boats, willprovide powerforthe race’s AC Bot,racemarkers whichprovide boundariesfor sailors and spectatorsin theoldestsailing competitioninthe world.

Da nn yTao, ePropulsionchief executiveofficer,said:

“We’re delightedto partner withAmerica’s Cuptopowerthese innovative race marks andelevatetheclimate consciousnessofthis competition.

“ePropulsionis dedicated to promoting andfurthering sustainabilityonall fronts,and we’revery pleased withthis opportunitytodoso withthe AC Bot and

America’sCup.”

Thecompany producesthe Navy Serieselectric outboard motors. It provides efficientandclean powerforaluminum fishingboats,dinghies, daysailersandcruising sailboats, and suitable forsaltandfreshwater. They useE-Series Li thiumIron Phosphatebatteries whichareperfectfor smaller vessels with minimalinterior storagespace.

and getonand off easily).Ifon ariver known forits strong flow, investingin chains isanoption,butmoreimportantly, moorto somethingthat’sstrongenoughto hold20tonsofboat.”

Wateringress

It’s notonlythe weather,however,that causes wateringress; badlyworndeck boardsandleakingstern glands arealso keycontributors.

Stephanie said:“Enginebayscovered by marine-ply deck boardsaresupported by aC-shaped steelchannelwithdrain holestocollectanyseepingrainwater. If thedrain holes areblockedwithdebris, leavesanddirtetc,then waterflows over thechannelsidesintotheenginebay.

“Overtime,the woodendeck boards decay,creatingawider gapbetweenthem, and so thedownwardspiralcontinues; more debrisfallsintothechannelholes and more waterflowsintotheengine

bay.Preventthis by replacingworndeck boardsandclearingdrainageholes.

“Ifastern glandleakswhenthe vessel is stationary,it canflood theenginearea. Asthis collarof rubberorbrassformsa barrierwherethepropellershaftexits the hull,itmustbewell-greased withtight packing. The grease shouldactas aseal whilenot inuseand youcantightenitby adjustingthe nutonthe sterntube.

“Ifgreasingandtighteningtheadjust boltsfailstoslowtheleak,thepacking may need replacing. Addressthisfast; aquickbuild-upof water will cause the vesseltosink –even if youhaveabilge pump,itwill soon be overwhelmed.

“Whenthepropellershaftis turning,a sternglandshouldonlyleak afewdrops aminute(dependentonage andtype).

Watermustcirculatethroughthe stern glandto keepitcool.If you’reunsurewhat adjustment to make,check the sterngland temperature;ifit’s toohot,thepacking’s

tootight. Water build-upintheengine baywillcause the vesseltositlowerinthe water, whichin turn puts shower, sinkor air outletsnearertothe waterlevel,often withdevastatingresults.

“Wateringressshouldnot be aproblem if you have abilge pump.Ifpossible, invest in an automaticoneasit’s more reliablethan amanual. Oncelefton the ‘automatic’setting, itsfloatswitch dictates whenitshould pump,ensuring animmediate response to wateringress.

“Should aleakdevelopfromelsewhere, suchas thecoolingsystemorhull,it will keep your vessel safe.However,ifyou’re leavingyourboatforlongperiods youdo need to regularly checkthe battery.

“If you have abilge pump,installan environmentallyfriendlybilge filter, such as Bilgeaway– this stopsyourboat pumpingpollutantsinto thewaterways andis aconditionofthe BoatSafety Scheme.”

InvestmentplannedasFazeleyMarinasold

WATERWAYcontractorThe RothenGrouphascompleted thepurchaseofFazeley Mill Marina in Staffordshire fromABCLeisure, allowing itaccesstothe vast Birmingham canalnetwork.

FazeleyMill Marina will see improvementsand repairs toitsmoorings,and otherfacilities,accordingto Rothen managingdirector IanRothen.

“FazeleyMill Marina marksasignificant new chapterforThe Rothen Group. It isalreadya

popularspot formooring, givenitscentrallocation andlocalamenities,and we areexcitedtostartworkon bringingimprovedfacilities toitsusers.

“Asacompany, we are very passionateabout protectingtheUK’shistoric canalsand waterways.

“Wewillthereforebe usingthe marina as anew strategicbasetoenhance ouroperations,bringingus closertoBirminghamand hundredsofmilesofcritical canals.”

Locatedatthe junction ofthe Birminghamand FazeleyCanalandCoventry Canal,the2.2acremarina willprovide acrucialnew footholdclosetothe busy Birmingham waterways, allowing thecompany to continueits work in servicingand maintaining theUK’scanals.

TheRothenGroup provides avarietyof services, fromlock maintenanceand bridge repairtoweeding boatsand tughire.

TheRothenGroup

acquired FazeleyMill Marina from ABCLeisure Group, which ownsand operates17inlandwaterway marinasacrosstheUK,with alltheassociatedservices. Carl Onens,managing director ofABCLeisure Group, said: “Aspartofour strategy tofocuson inland waterwaymarinasfor holidaylettings, we believe The RothenGroup’s plansfor Fazeleyalign withthe best interestsof both the marina andthe widerUK waterways network.”

Waterwaycontractor,TheRothenGroup,hasbought aFazeleyMillMarinainStaffordshirefromABCLeisure Groupandpromisednewinvestmentatthesite. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

THE manwhoiscredited withcreatingandleadingthe Canaland RiverTrust,Robin Evans,hasdied.

Mr Evans wasthefirstchief executiveofthetrust,having previously served asthe boss ofBritish Waterways. Currenttrust chief Richard Parrysaid Mr Evansledthe teamwhich successfully createdtheneworganisation in2012.

“Robin wasableto navigate throughallthe political hurdlesto successfullycreate andlaunchthe Canaland RiverTrust in July2012,”said Mr Parry.

“Hisleadership,visionand tenacity wasinstrumentalin this,theculminationof years ofpainstakingeffortand skillfulnegotiation. Ayear laterhesteppeddownfrom his role,havingseenthenew

charityfullyestablishedand thelong-termfuturefor our canalnetworksecured.”

Mr Parryadded:“We all owehim adebtofgratitude forcreatingthegreat organisation we area partof today.”

RobinEvans,thefirst chiefexecutiveofthe CanalandRiver Trust.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

OldLady,beingpumpedoutbythe rescueteam.

Narrowboat, OldLady,withher roofjustvisible. PHOTOS:SUPPLIED

BEAUTIFULBOATS BUILTTOLAST

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).

OurweldersarecodedtomeetMCA requirements.

H NOWINTHE WATER H

Thesizeis40`x10`andbuiltusing20mmforthe baseoftheboat15mmforthesidesand12mmfor theuppersections. Theprocesstheyuseiscalledextrusionwelding

whichistypicallydoneonthermoplasticsduetotheir responsetoheating.Unlikeothertypesofplastics whichburnwhenheatisapplied,thermoplastics liquefyandhardenagainuponcooling.

Extrusionweldingistypicallyusedtojoin componentssuchastanksandpipes.Intrenchless construction,sectionsofthermoplastic(mostoften polyethylene)canbeextrusionweldedtogetherto formamonolithicpipestructuretobeinsertedinto thehostpipefor rehabilitation.

Inotherapplications,extrusionweldingisideal forapplicationsthat requirelengthy weldstobe madein asingle run.Althoughmostcommonly

doneonHDPEsheets,extrusionweldingcan beperformedonotherthermoplasticssuchas polyvinylchloride(PVC),polypropylene(PP),and polyvinylidenefluoride(PVDF

Thiscanalboatis readytobe asailaway,at presenttheinteriorsarenotallcomplete,for futureprojectsformationplastichavethehelpand expertiseof amultiaward-winningyachtandnaval architect

BOATYARDSERVICES

•Engineand Heating Servicing

•Breakdown Calloutand Repairs

•Gas,ElectricalandPlumbing Specialists

•BSC’s &SafetyExamination Work

•EngineSalesandInstallation

•Traditionalboatpainting

•SpecialistsinHistoricenginesandcraft

•BoatBrokerage

•Diesel Tank ScrubbingandBug Removal. MOORINGS

•MarinaMoorings

•LongandshorttermMoorings

•Coal,Gas,Diesel &Pumpouts

DRYDOCK

•HullBlacking

•BasePlate Blacking

•2 PackEpoxy Coating

•MicrobiologicalHull Treatments

•Anode Replacement

•Cabin Painting

•Welding

•Surveys

SIGRID

£48,500

48ft,2007,VikingAfloat.JustArrived,verywell maintainedcraftwith aversatile 2+2berth layout.Idealfamilyboatorfor acouple.

SHUGLEY

£49,950

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

TRANQUILLITY£29,950

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

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

TA-RA-A-BIT£38,500

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

SARAHJANE£64,950

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

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

SANDPIPER£50,750

50ft,1992,MarqueNarrowboats. Awellpresented 2+2berthsemi trad,with recenthullsurvey.This wouldmakeanideallive-aboard for acoupleorawellappointed cruising/holidayboat.

50ft – Calcutt Boats Clipper Hull by Andicraft with

Buckle fitout

1.8.

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

COLLINGWOOD70' WIDEBEAM 'Dreamcatcher’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

ORCHARDMARINA60' X9' PIONEER 'Scallywag' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£96,950

COLLINGWOOD60' X12' 'Buggerlugs' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£119,950

BOAT 70' X12'06'' 'Persephone’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£199,950

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

SUPERBVIKING 275£57,995

35Hp 4strokeoutboardengine, Bsc2028, alloriginalgelcoat(notpainted),hull polishedandnewantifouling,includes newmooring ropes,clean fenders,etc, FREEDELIVERYwithin250milesorlocal mooring available, VIKING26 £17,995 CentreCockpit,Length26ft,Beam6ft10ins, Built1990,6 Berthsin 2cabins,LIFT OUT COCKPITSIDE FOREASYACCESS, cooker,toilet,shower, hotand cold water system,12and 240voltselectrics,CREAM LEATHERETTECUSHION COVERSWITH BLUEPIPING,poweredbyaMercury15hp4 stroke outboard engine, BSC2027, original whitegelcoat(notpainted),hullpolished andnewantifouling,includesnewmooring ropes,clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERY within250milesorlocalmooring available.

6ins,Beam8ft2ins,Built1990,4Berths, cooker,separatetoiletcompartmentwith portaloo,pumped watersystem,12 and 240voltselectrics,poweredbya

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

VIKING 32 CENTRE COCKPIT£39,995 Length32ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built2016,6 Berthsin 2cabins, cooker,fridge,2toilets, shower, hotand cold watersystem, warm airheating,poweredbyaMariner25Hp 4strokeoutboardengine, Bsc2028, FREEDELIVERYwithin250milesorlocal mooring available,includes ropes, fenders, etc

MARGARET

SIR KAY£33,500

£89,000

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

40ft by 6ft10instrad stern,builtin1999 by R&DFabricationspoweredbyNanni 35hpinboarddiesel engine,Enteringtheboatfromthe sternthereiscupboardstorage /lockerthisareaalsogivesaccess to theelectricsfusesetc.Fromthe stepsisthedinettewhichgives comfortableseating for4people with storageunder,thisalsomakes aguestdoublebed.Moving forwardisthegalleywithunitsport& starboardincorporating 4ringgashob,oven& grill,matchingsink &drainer,fridge,toaster& kettle. Thereisasmallshelf,towelrail,andample storage &work-toparea. Thebathroomisnextwithshower, hand washbasinsetincupboardunitandportapotti toilet.Moving forwardagainisthemaincabinwith fixedseatingwhichmakes adouble bed with storageunder,large wardrobe,cornerunitwithTV,wall mountedTV,foldingtable,and aReflekswithbackboilersupplyingthe centralheating radiators. The crafthas12 &240velectrics,calorifierwithimmersionheater, frontcratch &aBSC validuntilJune2027.

Thecraftisclean &tidy ready foruse.Ithas12 &240v electrics,calorifierwithimmersionheater, BSC validuntilApril2028.

STOVEPIPE WELLS £42,000 60ft by 6tf10ins, Trad Stern,built1999 by R& DFabrications,poweredbyabrandnewBetamarine45hp inboarddiesel.Fromthebowisthemaincabinwhichisopenplanallowingfree standingfurniture. Thestarboard sidehas asolidfuel stove mounted on atiledplinth &surround.Movingdowntheboatisthe Pullmandinette whichoffers comfortableseateddiningwith storageundertheseating,italsomakes aguestdoublebed. The galleyhas a4 ringgashob,acircularsink &drainerwithtiledsplash-back,fridge,andspacetoinstall aeye level oven&grill. Thereisalso asidehatchofferingadditionallight&ventilation. Thebathroom comprisesof asmallbathwithshowerover, hand washbasinwithtiledsplash-back,portapotti,a pump-out toilet,themainbedroomwith afixeddoublewith storageunder,wardrobewithsetofdrawersbelow, Theboathas12 &240velectrics,twinalternators,2kwcombiinverter,80ampbatterycharger,Webasto diesel centralheating,and aBSC validuntilMay2025.

Need a Survey or Boat SafetyExaminer?

Services

isanindependentcompanyproviding professionalandcomprehensivesupport professionalandcomprehensivesupport servicestoNarrowboatsandInland servicestoNarrowboatsandInland Waterwaysvessels. Wa

BasedinNorthamptonshireweare ideallyplacedtoofferourservices.

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What apicture!

ROYALNational Lifeboat Institution representativesfrom Lough ReeRNLI recently participated in aspecialphoto moment– One Momentfor One Crew –tocreatea photographic record ofthoseinvolved with thelifesaving charity inthis,its200th anniversary year.

Thecharity,which wasfounded in1824, asked its volunteers andstafffromaround IrelandandtheUK (bothcoastaland inland waterwaysbased)totakeaphoto ofthemselves,their crewortheirteam,at ascloseaspossibleto 18:24hrson August1.

Whetherlifeguards on abeach, lifeboat crew at astation, fundraisers at an event, or volunteers in amuseum –all involved withthe

charityhavebeen encouraged to submit aphotoofthemselves representingtheirRNLI role at whereverthey maybeonthisdateand time.

On abeautiful summereveningat thelifeboat station, at Coosan Pointonthe shoresof Lough Ree, volunteers posedfor the specialpicture. Membersofthe Inland Waterways Associationof Ireland(IWAI)who hadgatheredforthe prestigious Shannon Boat Rallyserenaded themwith agreat rendition of happy birthday.

Meanwhile,other inlandRNLIbases were alsotakingpart including Lough Derg RNLI,celebrating its ownmilestoneof 20 yearsin service during2024, with re presentatives

gatheringalongside theirlifeboatat Dromineer.And,in the North, Carrybridge RNLImembers were picturedwith their Atlantic85 lifeboat outsidetheirnew state-of-the-art station buildingonthe shores of LowerLough Erne. Re presentatives includinglifeboat crews,fundraisers, shop volunteersand staff fromRNLIcommunities allacrosstheislandof Ireland have alltaken partand thephotos have beenuploadedto anonline portalto be used inthecreationof amontage image.

The RNLI celebrated its200thanniversary earlierthis yearand thisphotographic moment is oneofa rangeofeventsand programmeswhichthe charityhas organised to mark itsbicentenary.

AnjieRook, RNLI

associatedirector,who is overseeingtheRNLI's 200thanniversary programmes,said:“The RNLIhasbeen saving lives at seafor200 years thanksto itsincredible people–thecourageous lifeboatcrewsand lifeguardswho puttheir ownlives at risk to save others;thededicated fundraiserswhoraise theincometo power those rescues; the committedvolunteers whogivetheir owntime in arange ofother roles

NewDunbrodyFamineShip visitorexperiencelaunched

THE Emigrant Trail, anew Dunbrody Famine Shipvisitor experienceonthe RiverBarrowinNew Ross,Co. Wexford, has beenofficiallyopened by Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Theupgraded experience tells the famineemigrant story,centred ona reproductionofa 1840s vesselthat set sailforAmericaduring theGreatFamine.

The newimmersive visitorexperience uses amixofdigital interpretationand archivematerial. Thisincludes personallettersand recordsfromthetime, as wellassightsand

DrCathalGallagher,deputyCEOInland FisheriesIreland,ÉannaNíLamhna, biologistandenvironmentalistandDr MatthewJebb,directorNationalBotanic GardensofIreland PHOTO:SUPPLIED

BIOLOGISTandenvironmentalistÉannaNí Lamhnahaslaunchedthefirst everIrishbook onaquaticplants –featuring 401different river, lakeand pondplantspecies.

The 576-page Aquatic PlantsinIreland:A Photographic Guideidentifiesflorainfreshwater habitatsacrossthecountryusingconcisetext andmorethan1200fullcolourphotographsand diagrams.

Speakingatitslaunch at the Botanic Gardens inGlasnevin, Dublin, Ms Ní Lamhnasaid:“This ground-breakingtomeisapioneeringresource that Ihope will reacha vast audience,athome and abroad.

“It’salsoausefultoolfor childrenand students. Theycan nowaccessabespokeIrish textbookthat comprehensivelydetailstheextensiveflorathat cometolifeintheirnearbywatercourses.

shopfrontsfamiliar to NewRosspeopleand visitors to thetown, tovividlybringtolife oneofthemostpivotal eventsinIrishhistory, andhelpsvisitors to connect withthe humanstoriesofthose whojourneyedacross the Atlantic.

The newenhanced visitorexperience TheEmigrantTrail received €880,000 in capitalfundingfrom the RuralRegeneration DevelopmentFund, €295,000infunding from FáilteIrelandand €425,000infunding from Wexford County Council.

Fáilte Ireland estimatesthat overa 10-year period,the

The

Dunbrody Famine Shipexperience hasthe potential to attractover 211,000 additional local, domestic and overseasvisitors, generatingmorethan €9millioninvisitor expenditureforthe local economyand supporting36jobs. Discovermore aboutthe Dunbrody Famine Ship at:www. dunbrody.com

suchasgiving outwater safetyadviceorhelping to runour retailshops and museums,and the staff whoprovide vital support to our volunteers.

“Wehaveencouraged anyonewho hassome formofinvolvement withtheRNLIto participateinthis special photographic event, to capturea record of everyonewho, at this momentintime, isplayingsomepartin theRNLI’slifesaving work,continuing itslegacyand securingits future.

“Duringour 200thanniversary

year we have been rememberingour past,celebratingthe lifesavingservice we provide today, and aimingtoinspire futuregenerations oflifesaversand supporters.Itis very much about celebratingthe people oftoday'sRNLIand,we hope,inspiringthose futuregenerations who willtaketheRNLI intoitsthirdcentury of lifesaving.”

Forfurther informationabout theRNLI’s 200th anniversary, visit: www.RNLI.org/200

“ThisIrishaquaticplant encyclopaedia isunique.Andinitthediversityof ourlakes, reservoirs,ponds,canals,rivers, streams, ditches,bogpoolsand wetlands,are morethan matched by thediverse plantspeciesthat call theseplaceshome.”

Aquaticenvironmentsareparticularly vulnerabletothreats posedbybiodiversityloss, climatechangeandthe spreadofinvasive species. The book includes anumberofinvasivealien plant speciesthat arerapidly expandingtheir rangeinandalongIreland’s watercourses,many havingserious adverseeffectsonnativehabitats andbiodiversity.

The guide wasfundedbyInland Fisheries Ireland(IFI), with supportfromINVAS Biosecurity Ltd,andcompiled by three experienced Irish field ecologists –ProfJoe Caffrey,DrRonan Matson andDr Rossa Ó'BriainofIFI.

Thebroad ecology ofplantspeciesis summarised and maps alsoillustratetheir nationaldistribution.

The full-colour publicationcosts€40for the softbackedition,€70forthe hardbackversion.

Aquatic PlantsinIreland: APhotographic Guidecanbe purchased online at: www.fisheriesireland.ie

MaritimeMileBlueway Trailencourages

explorationofBelfast’swaterfrontandwildife

ANEWoutdoor educationalandfamily experienceaimedat encouraginglocals, visitors, schooland communitygroups to exploreBelfast’s historic waterfrontandfind out aboutits wildlifehas beenlaunched.

The Maritime Mile Blueway Trail begins nexttothe pontoon atAC MarriottHotel, City Quays, crosses theLaganWeir, and continuesalongthe waterfront,across to Belfast Harbour Marina,before concludingatTitanic HotelBelfast.

Each stopis marked ona

downloadable map, whereparticipants canfindcluesand fascinatinginsights into Belfast’snatural heritageand maritime environment.

The marina recently earnedits Blue Flag statusaftermeeting

standardsinareassuch as safety,accessibility, cleanlinessand envir on mental education. Thenew trail strengthensthe connection withlocal tourismandactively engagesthe public inaspectsofBelfast

Harbour’ssustainable developmentand maritime heritage. Thereare 10 stops alongBelfast’siconic waterfrontwith questions,cluesand facts, allofwhich can be easily found ona seriesofinformation panelsof allshapes andsizesalongthe self-guidedroute. Everyonewho completesthe experience will geta Maritime Mile Blueway Trailcertificate. The Maritime Mile BluewayTrailisopen until November 4and isfree.Discovermore at www.maritimemile.com TheBigFish. PHOTO:TOURISMIRELAND

ArchiveimageofIreland’sBallycottonRNLIcrewin1936. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Carrybridge RNLI PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Dunbrody FamineShipatNewRoss, Co. Wexford. PHOTO: FÁILTEIRELAND

Thegreyheron

ByKevinThomas

THE grey heron(ardea cinerea)isubiquitous to mostoftheUK’scanals andinland waterways.

Asidefromperiodic sightingsofthe purple heron(ardea purpurea), ararevisitor to theUK, thegreyheronistheonly heronfoundhere. In SouthernAfricathereare 10heron species,including thegrey,and wherever we lived in SouthernAfrica thevarious heron species were fairlycommon.

Most of thegrey herons I’ve comeacross in my wanderings have been relatively humanhabituated,and youcan approachthemquite closely beforetheyflyoff, clumsilygrabbingheight withflappingwings. They’realsoproneto perchingonpontoonsand boat button fendersasthey searchthe waterforprey.

Opportunisticfeeders, they’llpredateonday-old ducklings without hesitation. I’mmorethan convinced after having seenita fewtimes,that duringspring, grey herons arethe mainculprits predatingonducklings withinthe marina.

Herons I’vewatched lingermotionlessinthe

reedsfringingthe water, andwhenmotherduck comes swimmingpast with hernewlyhatched brood. Zap! Oneducklingless. Afew weeksago,I sawa heronliftoffandflyacross the canalwitha wriggling ratheldfirmlyinits beak.

Astalkingheronisquite comicalto watchand we have aregularvisitorto ourpontoon who keepsus amused withitsefforts at catching fish. It’s allneck, legs andfeet.Periodically itleapsintothe water and ratherthanflounder because ofthedepth, manages toleapbackup onto apontoon. Invariably, without afishandlooking quiteembarrassed.

I’mnot sure where the localherons’breeding colonies,orheronriesas they’recalled,arelocated. We’veonlyeverseen solitaryheronsor at most, two. The longest-surviving grey heron wasrecorded ashavinglived to 37 yearsinDenmark.Some grey heronsare known tomigrateand European birds have been recorded crossing the Sahara Desert. The population in the UKis currently about 13,316breeding pairsand inIrelandup to 10,000.

Rescuing Max

Maxisfound,coldbutotherwiseunharmed,near WoodShoal.TheAthloneSubAquaClub boatandmembersstandbyto receiveMax. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BargeBeagle –sniffing outgood findsforcrewswithcanines

ByAlisonAlderton

WEALLloveastory with ahappy endingdon’twe?And BargeBeagle, beingnodifferent, wasthrilled to recentlylearnof asuccessful rescue mission madeinIreland by the Athlone SubAqua Clubinvolving aJackRussellterrier.

On August18,the Athlone SubAquaClubsuccessfully respondedtoadistresscall regardinga missingdog,Max, who hadfallen overboardfroma cruiseronnorth Lough Ree. Clubmembers quickly launchedtheclubboatand proceeded to theareawhereMax waslastseen.

Uponarrival,theyconducteda thorough searchandlocatedthe little Jack Russell terrierfloatingin

hislifejacketnearthe Wood Shoal. Maxwas overjoyed to be broughtaboardthe Athlone SubAqua Club boat. The club members carefullyexamined Max, andwhilea bitcoldand shakenfromtheordeal,he was otherwise ingood health.

“Weare thrilled to have been ableto reuniteMax withhis family,”saidclubchairpersonJanet Mullen.“Thisincidentunderscores thecriticalimportanceof wearing lifejackets,notonlyfor people but for ourpetsas well,when outon the water.”

Maxwas wearinga Swedish designed Balticlifejacket when he fell overboard. This is amakewhich BargeBeagle

PetsontheCut

Bordercollie,Gillie

ByAlisonWilkerson

ONMANYa canaltrip, eithercruisingorwalking (asunlikethesinger Bruce Springsteen,I wasnot born to runorcycle for thatmatter), Iget to meet andtalkto many people. Apparently, Ican “talk forEngland”andtendto “waffle on”. Ialsoloveto see wildlifeand pets and, likepeople,theyrange from young to oldand in-betweenasit’svery difficultto guess ages

nowadays...especially whentheydon’tlooktheir age, just likehandsome bordercollie Gillie, who is13 yearsold (orshould that be young, as he certainlyyoung at heart anddoesnotlookhis age at all). He travels withhis owner Heatherwho has hadhim since he wasa puppy. He camefrom aworkingfarmwhich hadworkingcolliesina village wheresheused to liveand occasionallythey go backandvisitthefarm

Aplayonbirds

himselffavours andisstocked by numerousoutletsworldwide. Find outmoreat: www.baltic.se Lough Reeisthe secondlargest ofthe Shannon’sgreat lakes and frequentlyreferred toas an inlandsea.Just spotting Maxin this vast expanseofwater wasa job welldone by theAthlone Sub Aqua Clubwhich,since2023, hasoperatedan8mHumber OceanPro semi-rigidinflatable boat (RIB), poweredbyasingle Yamaha 300hpoutboard, built by Humber BoatsofHull,EastYorks.

Athlone SubAquaClub was foundedin1971 withthe main aimoftrainingmembers to partake in scubadiving and snorkelingaswellasother skills

shopwherehewas born for reunionsandhe gets treatedtomince.

NowadaysGillieand Heather spendtheirtime inherlovely camper van, onher boat orin Spain,as theystaythereduringthe wintermonths.Believeit or not, Gillieactually has aSpanishpassportand probably barksSpanish. Theboat, Heather’s first,despiteherfamily havingyachtsinthepast, waspurchased just overa year agofromLimehouse Basin (formallyknown as Regent’s CanalDock) in London,whichisthe gateway betweenthe RiverThamesand over 2000miles of navigable canalsand rivers along the LimehouseCut whichistheoldest canalinLondon.

relatedtothesesports suchas boathandling,watersafety, diver’s firstaidandmore. While Athlone SubAquaClub isprimarily asportsdivingclub, italsoprovides avoluntarysearch and recovery (S&R) serviceinand around Athloneand the wider midlands region. Youcanfind out moreaboutthe Athlone SubAqua Club by goingtoits Facebookpage orvisitingtheinformativewebsite at:www.athlonesubaqua.ie Ahuge thank you to Liam Sherringhamandthe Athlone Sub Aqua Clubforallowing Towpath Talk tosharethis story,andit’sa pawsupfrom BargeBeaglefor helpingout little Maxinhishour ofneed.

HandsomebordercollieGillie,just13yearsyoung. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Herlovelyboatis a38ftcruiser stern narrowboat, powered by aBarrusengineand theylovesharing their time togetheronit.

Nowretired after acareerinteaching (you deserve amedal), Heatherenjoys travellingwithGillie andeven volunteered onthe Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire all-electricCommunity Boat whichis runby volunteers.Electra isa 12-seatertrip boat on theGrand Union Canal and youcan booka trip

including food, cafe bar, halfday, walkand guide cruisesplusheritage open daysandtalks,etc.Visit www.bmkwaterway.org/ electraformoredetails. Whilecruising, Gillie staysbelow deck which is safer,especiallywhen navigatingsolo at the helm,andhelovesto peopleandanimal watch thoseonthetowpathfrom thecomfortofthe stern, butonlyonce safelyand secured moored up. He ismorethancontent indifferentenvironments –whether abuilding,a boat orthe van–plus heparticularlyenjoys

exploringonwalks. Toy-wise, wellhe destroysthem,eventhe so-called indestructible ones.Unfortunately, hedoesnot getonwith catsdespite havinglived with oneasapuppy,and hisfavouritepastime is watchingoutforthemand squirrels (ofcourse), but luckilyheneveractually catchesthem.Waterfowl ontheother hand,heis notinterestedorbothered by them at all, in fact,he completely ignoresthem, whichisactuallythe best option Gillie,especially knowing howdefensive they are.

Safelyonboard. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Shininga lightonthecanals g g

Lighthousesmaybringtomindsolid,windsweptstructuresonrockypromontories aroundthecoast,butdidyouknowtherearefivelighthouses,orunmannedor signalbeacons,ontheCrinanandCaledonianCanals? g ,

THE twolighthousesonthe Crinandatefromthemid 19thcentury,40–50years afterthe canalopenedin the early1800s.Positioned at thesealocksateitherend ofthe canal, at Ardrishaig andCrinan,the beacons were built to guidethe crewsoffishingvesselsand commercial boatssafely ontothe canal.

The Second WorldWar blackoutimpactedthe canalsas muchas the general population. On September1,1939,the engineerand managerofthe Crinan Canalwasordered to ‘extinguish navigationlights asarranged’bytelegram fromthe Admiralty. The originaltelegramform still existsinthe canalarchives,

nowheldinthe National Recordsof Scotland. Adifferentstyleof lighthouseisfoundon the Caledonian Canal. Pepperpotlighthousesare short, roundtowers topped by aconical roof,so-called because of thesimilarityto apeppershaker, andallon the Caledonian builttoa similarspecification. At Fort Augustus, thelighthouseis situatedwhere thecanal enters the southernend of Loch Ness.It’smuch photographedandoften describedasScotland’s smallestlighthouse.

Gairlochy, at theentrance to Loch Lochy, hasbotha pepperpotlighthouseand what’s thoughttobethe base ofanArgand lamp,atype

Kelpies’lightingupgraded

markingthe junction at the northernendof Loch Ness, wherethe canalentersLoch Dochfourandthencethe RiverNess. Originally alight wasshonefrom acurvedglasswindowfacingthe lochand tended by alightkeeper.Bonawasthesite of adrover’s ferry,usedto transportlivestock acrossthe water and, formanyyears,a smallpassengerferry.

ofoil lamp that provideda very bright light. The base isinscribed withthe maker WWilkins,LongAcre, London.WilliamCrane Wilkins wasalampmaker and manufacturered Argandlamps.There’sa similarbut more complete structureatClachnaharry, at thenorthernendofthe Caledonianin Inverness, where the canalentersthe Beauly Firth. Athirdpepperpot lighthouseisfound at Corpach SeaLockat the westernendofthe canal, inscribed ‘1912’ abovethedoor.Thereare nolighthousesorother infrastructuredetailedon the1805 survey orthe1813 plansofthe Caledonian Canal. By 1848, achart of the canalshowslights at Fort Augustus,Gairlochy and Bona butnone at the sealocks at Corpach or Clachnaharry.

Bona lighthouse, at Lochend, wasdesigned by ThomasTelfordinaround 1815,and by 1848had been altered to formalighthouse

Thelightswould have originally been poweredby gas. Todaytheelectriclights areautomated and regulated by theNorthern Lighthouse Boardwho specifythe characteristicsofthelight –thecolour,patternand intervalsofthelightflashes –and maintainedbyScottish Canals.They’retestament to thehugevarietyof structuresthat formScottish Canals’estate,allofwhich (apartfromthe Monklands Canal) have Scheduled Monumentstatusdue to theirhistoricand national importance,described by Chris O’Connell,heritage manager at Scottish Canals, asanopen-air museum.

InnovationwinsontheCrinanCanal

SCOTTISH Canals, andpartner Mackenzie Construction, have wonthe ScottishCivil EngineeringAward 2024 forInnovation from theInstitution ofCivil Engineers (ICE) Scotlandforthe Crinan Canallockgate replacement.

TheCrinanCanal hasbeen thefocusof athree-yearwinter worksprogrammeto replacelock gatesand installnewoperating equipment. Thisyear the gatesofCrinan sealock, lock15, were replaced. Alarge, 130-tonneheavycrane

wasneeded to liftthe gates. The innovative solution–aplatform allowing thecraneto be placedoverthe sea lock ratherthanon the road –minimised roadclosuresand disruptiontothelocal community.The design and manufactureofthe platforminvolved12 months’development. Thisconceptis seen elsewhere, butrarely at thescaleneeded at Crinan. Engineers estimatethe equivalent of76days’worth of road closures were avoidedbyusingthe platform.

Thedesignof the gates hasbeen improved,givingthem alifeexpectancyof around40–50 years, longerthansomeof theassociated parts.

TheKelpiesweredramaticallylitatthe Kelpies10event,celebrating theanniversaryoftheirfirstdecade.

THE Kelpies,thetwo magnificenthorse head sculptures watchingoverthe Forthand Clyde CanalatHelix Park in Falkirk, areundergoing maintenanceintheir 10thanniversary year. Scottish Canals isupgradingand repairingthe Kelpies’

lightingaspartofthe ongoinginvestment intothesemuchlovedstructures. The £75,000 workswill alsoallow theKelpies tomirrorlightups with the FalkirkWheel. The Kelpiesandthe Falkirk Wheelaresometimes litin aparticularcolour on aspecific date to

promoteall sortsof events,fromcharitable awarenessdaysto sportingachievements. Requestsfora lightdisplay at either venuecan be made to Scottish Canalsvia scottishcanals.co.uk. Find outaboutthe Helixandthe Kelpies tours at thehelix.co.uk.

Festivalis asplashhit

THE2024KirkintillochCanal Festival wasahit withthe thousandsof peoplewho attended theannualfestival,centred around Southbank Marina onthe Forth and ClydeCanal on the weekend of August 31– September1. Events were heldthroughoutthe town,onand off the water,with aconcert andfireworksonthe Saturdayand thepopular Family Funday onthe Sunday,withlotsto see anddo.A varietyofboattrips were on offerduringthe week leadinguptothe mainevents, includingstorytelling, breakfast andfishsuppercruises.

In July,EastDunbartonshire Councilorganised aboat-building programme to celebratethe canal. Ledbyatraditional boat builder fromtheArchipelago Folk School, ateam of volunteersfromthelocal communitytookpartina five-day project to build a12ft-longskiff by hand.The teamthen sanded, painted and varnishedtheskiff, named Fine &Dandy. The boat wasofficiallylaunched duringthefestival. It will be used in outdoor education work,helping localschool pupilsandgroups get outontothe canal.The skiff will be particularly beneficialforthose withmobilityissuesandunable to usestandardkayaksandpaddle boards,enablingsafeandinclusive accesstothe canal.

Improvementstothe design andinstallation processmeanthat theseparts,including the seals,can be replacedbydivers avoidingtheneed tode-waterthelock chamber.

Following atriallast

year,thenew gates arrivedatCrinanwith some parts already attached,andother parts manufactured off siteanddelivered readyforinstallation, improvingquality control. Thecanal wasusedfortransport as muchas possible, further reducing heavy lorry traffic. More than 160tonnesofplant andequipment, the newandoldlock gatesandthe huge beamsneededfor the craneplatformwere transported to Crinan by pontoonbarge. The canalwas closed to navigationduring the winterandthe section betweenlocks 14and15dewatered. More than 100 fishand crabswererelocated to thecanal at Ardrishaig. As reported in March’s

edition,significant issues were foundin Crinandummylock (theformer sealockin useuntil the1930)and thefirst phaseofthe repairswas completed beforethe canalwas reopenedattheendof April.

Gairlochy lighthouse,litupatnight. PHOTO: SCOTTISHCANALS

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

CrowdsthrongSouthbankMarinafortheconcertandfireworks. PHOTO:EASTDUNBARTONSHIRECOUNCIL

PHOTO: SCOTTISHCANALS

ThelighthouseatCrinan. PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

BeautifulQuays:SalfordQuaysinManchesteris apopulardestinationforvisitorsandtouriststothecity.

PHOTO:MARKETINGMANCHESTERANDRICHJ JONES

DaysOut Manchester

Ourseriesisdedicatedtoshowcasinguniquedaysoutnearspecialcanals.Whether you’reintogongoozling(watchingboatingactivities),leisurelytowpathwalks,wildlife spotting,boattripsorevenretailtherapy,ourcanalsystemhassomethingfor everyone.Thismonth,we’reshiningthespotlightonManchester,with closelinksto thewaterwaysand acitythathasplentytooffervisitors.

BySallyClifford

ITSevolutionfrom‘Cottonopolis’ to avibrantcityofculture, music,sport and scientific innovation hasled to Manchesterbecomingone ofthe mustsee citiesaroundthe world.

Renowned asthebirthplaceofthe Industrial Revolution,the ‘Cottonopolis’ nickname camefrom Manchester’searly successinthecottontradeand was bolsteredbythedevelopmentofthe Manchester Ship Canal.Openedduring QueenVictoria’s reign, this36-mile-long seaway runningfromthe Mersey Estuary into ManchesterisoneoftheUK’smost vibranttradinghubssupportinga range ofindustries.

CheshireRing

Corriecobbles:theCoronationStreetExperiencegivesvisitorsthe chancetoseebehindthescenesofBritain’slongest-runningsoap.

PHOTO:THECORONATIONSTREETEXPERIENCE

Ashton Canal, builtinthe18thcentury, contributedtoManchester’s textile and coal transportationeconomy.Ashton, alongwiththeBridgewaterCanal,is among thewaterwaysintheCheshire Ring –oneoftheoriginalcruising rings–providingopportunitiesfor pedestriansand cycliststo appreciate thegreencorridors withinthisindustrial landscape wherethe buildings,which played such animportantpartinits past,havehelpedtoshapethecooland vibrantcitystandingheretoday.

Shoppers’paradise: TraffordCentreshoppingandleisuredestination.

PHOTO:TRAFFORDCENTRE

Forthevisitorsandtouristswhocome to exploreManchesterthereare plentyof attractions to entertainand occupynot leastthe stadiums,Co-op Live –withits canalside bar –beingthe latestvenue bringingbig names to acity renowned down thedecadesforitsinfluential impactontheglobal music scene.

HometoThe Halléorchestra, the former Haciendanightclubandthe birthplaceof bandsincludingTheHollies, James,NewOrder,Oasis,TheSmiths and TheStone Roses, Manchester’s fascinatingmusichistoryunfoldsintours andtrailsaroundthecity –asightseeing must for musicfans. Stadiumtoursof ManchesterCityand Manchester United ensurefootballfansare cateredfortooin this progressivecity.

Stepbackintime:ManchesterMuseumboastsaround4.5million objectsfromnaturalsciencesandhumancultures.

PHOTO:MANCHESTERMUSEUM

Overview:theviewoverlookingtheRochdaleCanalinManchester.

PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

MediaCityandTheQuays

Afineexampleofforward-thinking innovation,thisis apopular visitor andtourist destinationoffering12.8 acresof publicandoutdoor space andaccessibilitytoandfromGreater Manchesterwithtram, bikeand walkingroutes.

Home to theBBC intheNorthandITV, this waterfront locationonthebanksof thehistoricManchesterShipCanalin Salfordoffers avibrant entertainment scene,bars,restaurantsandshops,as

wellascultural landmarksincludingThe Lowryandthe award-winningImperial WarMuseum North. Closeby, thesetofBritain’slongestrunningsoapbeckonsfansto stroll thosefamous Corrie cobblesinan exclusivebehind-the-scenestour with Continuum Attractions.TheCoronation Street Experienceisa fantastic wayto exploretheprops, sets and someofthe street’s familiarlocations,the Rovers ReturnandThe Kabin,inthecompany ofanexperttourguide.Whether youare

visitingfor aday,a weekendorlonger, thecityboasts many moreattractionsto educateand entertain.

CastlefieldViaduct

Lastyear’s multi-million-pound redevelopmentofManchester Museum,oneof the UK’s largest university museumsshortlistedin theArtFundMuseumofthe Year Award2024andhometoaround4.5 millionobjectsfrom natural sciences and humancultures, along withthe transformationof Castlefield Viaduct, thelandmark330-metre-long,Grade II-listedsteelstructure, areindicative of acityembracingpositivechangefor thefuturewhileacknowledgingthe importanceofitspast.

Builtin1892, Castlefield Viaductis locatedintheoldestpartofthecityand wasbuilt by Heenan andFroude, the engineerswho worked on Blackpool Tower. Until1969theviaduct carried heavy railtraffic in andout of Manchester Central StationandtheGreatNorthern Warehouse. Disused butmaintainedby National Highways,thelandmarkhas beengiven anewleaseoflifethroughits temporarytransformationintoa‘garden inthesky.’This beautifulgreenspace, made possible by privatedonations andfundingfromthe People’s Postcode Lottery,isfreelyaccessibleuntil autumn 2024. Feedbackandideasfromits openingwillhelp toshapethefuture of theviaduct.Formoreinformationvisit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Otherplacesofinterestincludethe Northern Quarter,withits boutiques, cafes,independentshopsandvibrant

markets;Chinatown’sbakeriesand restaurantsanditsfamousparadeaspart oftheChinese NewYear celebrations in February,andThe Village, avibrant canalsideinclusiveneighbourhoodof bars,clubsand festivalscentral tothe city’sLGBTQ+community. Strollortakea busortaxiaroundthe sightsofinterestor appreciatethe peace andtranquillity with aboattour.

Forthoseseeking entertainment underone roof,then avisit tothe TraffordCentreisa must.Located afewmiles outofManchester,this shoppingandleisuredestinationboasts restaurants, cafes,barsand acinema.

Thereare plentyofeventstakingplace hereall year round –and with SeaLife Manchesterand the LegolandDiscovery Centrecloseby, it’s worthplanning aheadto make themostofyourvisit. Make Manchesteryournextstop.

FACTFILE:

Furtherplacesofinterest include:

JodrellBank: www. jodrellbank.net Traffordshoppingcentre: www.traffordcentre.co.uk

TheScienceand IndustryMuseum: www. scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk

TheLowryTheatre: www. thelowry.com

RHSGardensBridgewater: www.rhs.org.uk

CoronationStreetExperience: www.coronationstreetexperience. co.uk

EastLancashireRailway: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

ChesterZoo: www. chesterzoo.org

ChatsworthHouse: www. chatsworth.org.uk

TheFlower Bowl entertainmentcentre: www. theflowerbowl.uk

Formanymoreplacesof interest: www.visitmanchester.com

Cheers:theCircus Tavern, aformerhousenow‘the smallestbarinEurope’in PortlandStreet,Manchester. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

Towpathtranquillity:cyclists andpedestrianscanmakethe mostofthetowpathsaround Manchester.

The TowpathAnggler

Ourmonthlylook at theanglingscene

ByDavidKent

FURTHERto my Julyarticle,I cannow report that,withtheexceptionofone morebitofdecorating, things at home areprettywelluptodatenow.One real bonusisthat, after severalweeks ofchange,mylittle office isonce again fullyoperative. Surprisingly Ihavemore orlesscaughtupalready.

My heavyinvolvementwiththings at clublevel hasnotdiminishedalthough,it hastobesaid,therejustmay be aglimmer oflightattheendofthe very longtunnel now. At theveryleast we should be able to make someprogress beforetheonset of winter.Sadlydueto ‘politics’and an ongoingreluctanceforcertainpartiesto accept responsibilityforcertainthingsthe finishinglineis still some wayahead.As Ihad mentioned,oneofthe keyissues hasbeentheimpactof seriousflooding inthepasttwo yearsespeciallyandthis procrastinationcontinuesto make myself and my colleaguesincreasinglyfrustrated anddisillusioned.

Positiveapproachtotowpath issues

As many of youknowIaminvolvedwith thetrust’sTowpathsGroupand Idetect, oflate,thatamorepositiveapproachto tacklingthe many towpathissuesisslowly emerging. Youwillrecallmewritingabout the Towpath PolicyDocumentwhich was released inthe springandthat, thankfully, inthe final versionthe text reflected someofthecrucialpoints raised by our anglingclubcustomers.Onceissued, the documentanditsimpact were always goingtobemonitored andreviewed. We arenow nearthetimewhenthis canbe doneforthefirsttime.Idonot getthe impressionthat things have changed thatmuch and,indeed,there is stillthe odd‘horror story’, butitwill begoodto hear reportsfromaround the waterways. However, by employingacombinationof betteraccessmanagementand general usagecombinedwithtargetededucation Iamhopefulthat we canalllookforward to animprovingsituationinthefuture.

NationalChampionships

Mid–AugustsawtheAnglingTrust Division 1NationalChampionshipson theLeeds-Liverpoolnear Wigan. Iwas notable to attend butI understandthat it wasagreat success.Credit is dueto theATteam butespeciallyallthelocal Wiganteam for awell-organised event. The Division2 Nationalis scheduledfor the Aire &Calder/New Junction canalsin acoupleof weeks’time.Itseemsthey are currently puttingthe finishingtouches to sectionsandaccesspoints. Ibelieve this will be anothergood one. The CRTCanal Championshipsare

wellunder wayand,onlookingback at my records,this will be the11th yearofthisevent. Notsurprisingly, refinements have hadtobemadebut the championshipsstill provide ahigh-level eventfor ourcanal matchmen.The2024 NationalCelebrationof YoungPeople and Fishingalsolooked good with well over 300participants(see storybelow).

Temperaturesplayinghavoc withfishing

Eachmonth Icomment onthe changeableweatherandtheeffect itis havingonour sport. Essentially nothinghaschangedsincelast time. We aregettingreasonable daytimetemperaturesbut overnight temperatures have regularlydropped to single figures sincemid-August.Itis playinghavoc withthefishingwhichis clearlyreflectedinresultswhenanglers aresayingtheyare oftensittingbiteless untilmid-afternoon. Iguessthiswill continueas we progresstowardswinter. Ihavehad very few reportsoflate andthosereceived showindifferent resultswith matches on theShroppie, Birmingham/Worcesterand even my localErewash canals beingwon with weightsvarying between4lband10lb. Ididhearofone match withquite outstandingweightsontheGrand Union wherethe winner put37lbonthe scales. Thiscomprised mainlybreamplusone double-figurecarp. Rivers appearnotto have beenanybetterwith20lb generally agoodweight. ARiverfestqualifierwas fishedlastweekontheTrentclose towhereIlive.Itwas really hard with sectionsbeing wonwith5lbor so. While my office wasunavailable Idid manage to geta fewmorematchesin. Oneortwo verysatisfyingresultstoo capped on Bank HolidayMondaywhenI put142lbonthe scalesinacharity event inaidofhomelesspeople in Derby.I hadnotchedathirdplacetheprevious weekend with75lband afourthplaceon my first rivermatch for years weighing 4lb6oz. Ihaveoneortwomatcheslined upon venueswhich Iquitelikesofingers crossed my little runcontinues. Tightlines.

National fishingcelebration gets hundredsofyoung people hooked

HUNDREDSofyoung anglerstravelled to the West Midlands to takepartinthe Canal&River Trust’s National Celebration of YoungPeopleand Fishing. Heldon September 14/15on the Shropshire Union CanalinStaffordshire &Shropshire, theevent wassaidtobethe largest gatheringofyoung anglersindecades. The eventwas part of thecharity’sLet’s Fish! programme,which has introducedthousands

of young people to the sport. Let’sFish! introductoryevents provide everything needed to enjoya fishing sessionfree on theday,suchastackle, bait,a rodlicenceand fishingpermit,aswell as experttuitionfrom acoach,made possible thankstofunds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. John Ellis,national fisheriesandangling manageratthe Canal &RiverTrust, said: “It’s amazingtosee how

popularanglinghas again becomeamong young people in recent years.Weknowthat spendingtime by water is good for people’s wellbeing, andfishing is the perfectsporttotake time outandclear your head. OurLet’s Fish! events have introduced thousandsof young people to the sport.” To findout more about National Celebration of YoungPeople and Fishingvisit: www. canalrivertrust.org.uk/ things-to-do/fishing

Beebright:thecolourfulQueenBeesculpturein SackvilleGardens. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

Grandentrance:thebeautifulImperialArchin Manchester’sChinatown. PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

PHOTO:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

The WetWeb

ByHelenGazeley

THE cyanide spillin Walsallis majornewsthis month,butnotall waterpollutionisasdramatic. FriendsoftheEarth(FoE) hasjustreleased amap highlightingpollution‘hotspots’acrossEngland.

Most of thosetop 10hotspotsare, asmightbe expected,in London.However,Salford isin second place, Worsleyand Ecclesin third,and Birmingham HodgeHill and Solihullin10th.Positionshavebeen judged accordingtofourlevelsof pollution– air, water, lightandnoise–andwhethertheyare above thresholds agreed to harmwildlife.Inthe worst affected,thresholdsarebreachedforallfour.

Accordingtothe FoEmethodology,27%of neighbourhoodsinEnglandarepollutionhotspots, butthoseare just theworst.Themap showsthat mostof Englandhascrossed thepollutionthreshold in at leastone category.For waterbodies,the FoE identified thosewithan Environment Agencyrating of ‘poor’or‘bad’ andaddedits ownthresholdof336 hoursofsewagespillsin2023.

Youcancheckthe FoEassessmentofthearea you’re in by entering the postcode.Not so easy if you’retravelling,ofcourse. If youcanspot anearby road name,thenthe RoyalMail’swebsite will reveal the postcode you’rein(www.royalmail.com/finda-postcode).Alternatively,UKpostcode.co.uk will findtheestimated postcodefrom yourcurrent GPS position,if youallowaccesstothisfrom your device.

Watercompanies reportedincreased sewagespillsin2023.Allstormoverflow pointsarenow fittedwitheventduration monitors,thankstoGovernment requirements.

Sewagecan resultinalgalblooms,which reducetheamountofoxygeninthewater.

PHOTO:FRIENDSOFTHEEARTH

The mapispartofthe FoE’scampaigntoraise supportforanactof Parliamentthat would enshrine people’sright to ahealthy environment by law. Youcan throw your weight behind this at action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/ demand-legal-right-healthy-environment-wildlife Lightfreightgoesgreen Allisnotdoomandgloom,though.While water pollutionitselfis aproblem,our waterwaysare increasingly beinglookedatfor asolutionto pollutionelsewhere. In Londoninterestisrisingintheideaofmoving lightfreight –that’s parcels,toyou andme –byriver. DHL hasrun ariverfreightservice since2018and shifted overthree milliontonnesofcargo via water in 2023. Withthe numberofparcelspredictedtodouble

Heritageunderthehammer

Asummerofauctionsthatincluded aflurryofcanalandinland waterwaysmemorabiliaintheirline-upsaw, amongotherhighlights, aScottishlochpostersellforfourfigures,twoNorfolkBroadsposters attractinginterest,and a76-year-oldIan Allanbookletaboutcanals thatwillbeatreasuretroveofinformationandnostalgiaforthe successfulbidder.GeoffCourtneyreportson abusyauctionscene.

THEtop-sellingposterwent underthe hammer at aGW Railwayanaauctionon July 21 for£1100andfeaturedasteam passengervesselon Loch Lomond. It wasissuedjointly by theLMSand LNERand was the work oftop maritimeartist Norman Wilkinson(1878-1971). Asecondposterinthe same auctionwasaBRissuepromoting theeastcoastyachting centreof BrightlingseainEssex. It wasby anotherleadingmaritimeartist, Frank Mason(1875-1965), and went for£500.

Talisman Railwayana’sJuly 13 auction at Newark wasthe settingforthebraceof Norfolk Broadspostersthat went for £640and£300. Both were also the work ofFrank Mason,the first beinga BR issuepromoting ‘theholidaythatisdifferent,’ whilethe second wasanLNER posterillustratingleisurecraft andeelfishing. ABRWestern Region‘The enchantingRiver Dart’ poster by Charles King (1901-90)alsosoldinthe auction,for£100.

ThisBRNorfolkBroads postersoldfor£640at aTalismanRailwayana auctiononJuly13. PHOTO: TALISMANRAILWAYANA

IanAllan ABCswerea vitalelementoftransport enthusiasts’armoury inthe 1940s–the first waspublished in1942 –andthroughoutthe ensuingdecade,andalthough muchoftheaccentwas on railway locomotives,carsand

buses, acanals booklet was publishedin1948.

Thisdelightfulbooklet was writtenbyH Newton, andan example wasinacollection of six ABCs on avariety of subjectsthat soldas asingle lotfor£65inthequarterly emailand postalsaleheld by PaperchaseAuctionsfrom July 14-30. Subjectswithinthe64 pagesrangefromthe English canalsystemand canalcraft (andthe peoplewholivein them)to ajourney by canal boat and alistofGrand Union Company’sboats,andthecopy that went underthe hammer alsoincludeditsoriginal map ofthecountry’scanals.

Other canaliainthe auction were three 18th and 19th-century Parliamentary Acts,theoldestandhighest priced beinga 1774 Actfor amendingthe Actfor making theAire& Calder Canal,which went for£16.

Finalmention goestoLacy Scott& Knight of Bury St Edmunds,whosecollectables

by 2030,last year The CrossRiver Partnership(CRP–anorganisationthat looks toaddress sustainability challenges)co-ordinated afour-week London Light FreightRiverTrail. Goods were loadedatDartfordInternational FerryTerminal,transported to Trinity Buoy Wharf (Tower Hamlets)and Bankside Pier (Southwark) andthentransferredtocargo bikesandEVsto theirfinal destinationsincentral London. Results foundthat threevans wereremovedfromthe roads perdeliverytrip, emissions savingsincluded92% fornitrousoxideand96%for carbondioxide,and eachdeliverytripbyriver savedoverthree hours’ drivingtime.

It'snot somethingthat canbeinstigated overnight. Writingin AirQuality News,CRP programme managerFiona Coull, said: “CRP’s trialdemonstratesthat thereisa precedentfor successfuland sustainablelightfreight operations onthe Thames.However,enablingthis at scaleis thenexttask.”

Hurdlesto overcomeincludetheneed for better infrastructureand navigationofpier ownership

Youcanfindthestatusofyourareainthe FriendsoftheEarthpollutionhotspotmap byenteringyourpostcodeonitswebsite.

PHOTO:FRIENDSOFTHEEARTH

structures,which caninvolvealarge numberof organisations.Furthertrialsshouldhelpestablish thelevelofinvestmentneededtoovercomethese andotherchallenges.

It'sanexcitingoutlook,though,asincreased smallfreighttraffic wouldnotonlyimprove deliverytime reliabilityand offernew business opportunities,buthelp reduceairandnoise pollutionand trafficcongestion –asmall step towardsreducingthecolourdepthonthe FoEmap and makinglifehealthierfor humansand wildlife. Findthe mapatfriendsoftheearth.uk/nature/ do-you-live-pollution-hotspot.

Finally,thechemical spill at Walsall.The Canal and RiverTrust setupa crowdfundingappeal, hoping to raise£10,000 to help rehabilitatethe canalandits wildlife.A dayafterthe appeal was launched,ananonymousdonor pledged the fullamount.Sincethen anewtargethas been established –£25,000,ofwhichover£22,000 had beenraised at thetimeofwriting. The appealcloses middayonNovember1and canbefoundhere: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/walsallspill

TheBlackwaterestuary andStMary’sChurch arecentralto arailway carriageprintofMaldon thatsoldfor£90at aLacy Scott &Knightauctionon June21.

PHOTO:LACYSCOTT &KNIGHT

auctionon June21includeda railway carriageprint of Maldon inEssexbyHenryDenham (1893-1961).Thepaintingby Denhamshows aBlackwater estuaryscenewiththe12th century St Mary’s Church inthe backgroundand sold for£90. Therealisationsquoted forthe GWRailwayana and Talisman Railwayanaauctions exclude buyer’spremiumof 15%(+ VAT),thatfor Paperchase 12.5%,andforLacyScott& Knight 22.5%(+ VAT).

‘TheenchantingRiver Dart’isthetitleof aBR WesternRegionposterthat realised£100at Talisman Railwayana’sJuly13sale.

PHOTO: TALISMANRAILWAYANA

ThisIan AllanCanals booklet waspartof collectionthatwent underthehammerfor£65ata two-weekemailandpostalsale heldbyPaperchaseAuctionsin

Apassageintime

There’s moretothetunnelsonourcanalnetworkthanmeetstheeye.JohnSouter continueshisnewseries,exploringthewondersofourextensiverangeofcanaltunnels.

TO FACILITATEtheefficientworking ofthe canalnetwork, approximately42 milesof tunnelswereconstructed in Englandand Wales,ofwhich abouthalf arestillopen.

Thisismorethanthecombinedlength ofallothercanal tunnelsinthe world anddoesn’tincludetheextra(approx) 47milesofunderground canalatWorsley as partoftheBridgewater Canal.

As wellas583locks, 2963bridges and 337aqueductsthereare also55tunnels, ranginginlengthfromjust25yardsto over three miles,alongthe2000+miles of ourinlandwaterways.

Let’stakealook at thismonth’s… DudleytunnelcompletedJune1779 ForLordWardtoget hiscoaland limestonefromnearby minestothe main canalnetworkitmeantgettingpast nearby CastleHill.

Buildinglocks overthehill was expensiveandtime-consuming, so ratherthangooverthe hillhe decided tothroughit,thereby creatingthe tunnel.

The contract went to JohnPinkerton, buthewasdismissed in1787 forwork considered unsatisfactoryandhe had

bond. IsaacPratt then resigned in May 1789 because the tunnel wasn’t straight –havingdeviatedfromitslinein several places.Josiah Clowesthentook overand by 1792the variousparts of thetunnel hadbeen connected.

The first sectionofthe tunneltook four yearstoconstructusingonlypicks, shovelsand gunpowder.

The settingofgunpowderchargeswas anespecially difficult jobforgrown men so boys aged 9+,who were by this age ableto work withtheirfathersasminers, hadthe jobof lightingthe fuses,primarily becauseoncelitthe boyscould runaway fasterthananadult!Unfortunately, some ofthe fuseswereunreliableand 1in7 ofthe boys were killedindetonationrelatedaccidents.

The tunnelisonly wideenoughfor one-wayworkingandas‘time was money’leggers hadamaximumoffour hourstoworkaboatthroughthewhole 1.8milesof tunnelorface paying afine. Boatswereallowedtotravelthroughfor fourhoursinonedirectionbeforethe directionwas reversed.In1830theeachwaytraveltime wasfurther reduced to three hours. Arenowned legger,Jack Wheeler, whooncehe’d legged aboat

then turnedonhisside so that hecould ‘run’theremainingdistanceofthe tunnel wall.

It is arguably thesecondlongest survivingtunnelonthenetwork, althoughthisis amootpointasthe tunnelisnot strictlycontinuous.Itisin factdividedbyCastle Mill Basin,70ft acrossatthe bottom,sloping outwards andupwardstowardsthesky,andlined withtrees, andalsoShirtsMillbasin, so it could be argued that thelengthisinfact threeseparatetunnels.

Despite initialproblems,the tunnel wasacommercial successwith boat passagesin1853exceeding41,000 being leggedthrough.This wasthe equivalent of100 boatsperdayand at timesthere could be atwo-milequeueof boats waitingtoenter the tunnel.

By 1959traffic throughthe tunnel had virtuallyceased andtheBritishTransport Commission wanted tocloseit. In 1960 theIWAorganisedacruisethroughthe tunnel to protestagainstitsclosurebut astraffic continuedtodiminishthe canal and tunnelfinally closed in1962.

Afteritsclosureagroup ofenthusiasts decidedtoattempttotravelthroughthe tunnel,but having passed throughitthey scovered when reaching Park Head ocks that thesehad beendeliberately damaged to preventfurther navigation. Fortunately,thisproved fortuitousas on returningthroughthe tunnelthey discoveredabottle with amessageinit. wasbecause of contactingthewriters ofthemessagethatplansweremadeto tempttorescuethe tunnelfromany furtherdeteriorationandthefirststeps kentodothiswastoarrangeregular tripsthroughthe tunnelon Sundays.

To tryandpreventthisBritish Waterwayserectedbarriers at the entrance to the tunnel,but thesewere swiftly removed.

Theactivitiesofthe campaigners were formalised by thecreationofthe DudleyTunnelCommittee, which wassubsequentlyapproachedbythe Workers’ EducationalAssociation aboutatripthroughthe tunnel.Press advertisinginvitedpeoplewho were interested in ‘a lastchance’triptoattend and,asaresult,300 people turnedup and asecond boathadtobeorganised with150 peoplebeing crammedinto each boat.

Thissuccessledinparttotheformation ofthe Dudley CanalTunnelPreservation Society(DCTPS), latertheDudleyCanal Trust, whichwasthenfundedtorestore the canaland tunnel by Dudleycouncil

TALKBACK

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

Continuouscruisinglicenceorsell?

Dear TowpathTalk, We sold ourVikingBoatinMay 2024.Wewereunable to finda suitablemooringinthearea of RiverLee.Wedidjoin aboatclub, however, they saidtheywere unableto offer asuitable mooring andfeltit best if we didnot belong totheclub,forwhichtheygaveno reason. We felt very upset.

We then hadachoicetoeither continue with the boat andgeta continuouscruisinglicence with

theCRT orto sellthe boat, which we eventuallydidafter25 yearson therivers andcanals.Westill walk alongthe rivers Leeand Stort. However, Iamsurprisedatthe numberof boatsthatdon’t seem tomove every14days.

Kind regards Ray

Royalperchforkingfisher

Dear TowpathTalk, Pleasefind (below) aphotoofa kingfisheron thesignpost at the LangleyMill basin. Thiswasthe pointwherethe Erewash Canal endedand theCromfordCanal andthe Nottingham Canaljoined. Thephoto wastaken by John Barker,vice-chairoftheFriendsof CromfordCanal.The kingfishersat for aboutfive minutes.

Regards John Guyler FriendsofCromfordCanal work parties.

AkingfisheronthesignpostattheLangleyMillbasin.

and, somewhat ironically,British Waterways. By fundinghalfofthecost ofthe repairs Dudleybecamethefirst local authorityinthecountrytofinance canalrestoration.

Easter1973 sawthe reopeningof thetunnel,advertised asTRAD1973 (TunnelReopening atDudley 1973) which wasagreat success with300 boats and over 14,000visitors attending.

The trustthen began runningtrips throughthe tunnelwhereboats were at first legged through.Understandably thiswas averytiringprocessand,as aresult,the boat wasconverted to electricpower,renamed Electra,and becamethefirst electric passengercarrying boat in thecountry.

In 1979 subsidence caused amajor collapseinthe tunnel440 yardsfrom thesouthern portal. It took over10 years to findthefinancetopayforthe

repairsduringwhichtimethe tunnel wasclosed.Thetunnelwaseventually reopenedin1992.

Astricttimetableofpassage is imposedwitha banonengines creatingexhaust fumes,butthereisa tugavailablefor towedpassage through thetunnel by priorarrangement.

Interestinglythe tunnel was originallymeasured at 3172yds butthis wasamendedtoitsshortenedlengthof 3154ydsas aresultofaworkingparty havingcarefullyleggedthroughthe tunnelandaccuratelymeasuringits totallength again.

The tunnelis perhapsuniqueamong canaltunnelsinthat itislicensed for civilweddings,withthebridearriving on aDudleyCanalTrust tug. The actual ceremonyisperformedinthe Singing Cavern,which hasroomfor 50 guests onlandand afurther50on aboat.

PHOTO:JOHNBARKER

FocusonEdHelps

Inthisissue,wefocusonEdHelps,formermanagingdirectorof ABCLeisure,andfindoutmoreabouthisworkandwhathefeels arethechallengesfacingthewaterways.

ByPhilPickin

EDHELPSwas borninEastLondon andleft school at 16 beforegaining qualificationsthroughtheOpen University. He wasa competitive canoeist, completingthe125-mile Devizesto Westminsterraceand many moreinternational canoemarathons. He went ontoqualifyasaBritish Canoe Unioncoachandexaminerin aneffort to putsomethingbackintothe sporthe’denjoyed. He readilyadmits to havingalwayshad an interest in boatsand waterwaysand spentmany hourstrainingonthe canals around London.

Ed then went on toachieve therank of Staff Sergeant/PlatoonCommander inthe RoyalMilitaryPolice reserves, whichprovided,inhis ownwords “great experiences”.

He alsoworkedforthe AA inthe motorindustryand qualifiedas an advanceddriverandmotorcyclist–usingtheseskillstoraisemoneyfor charitybytakingpartinEnduroIndia onmotorcyclesanddrivinga1960 Ford Thames Dormobileonthe Italian Job, anannualcharity runtoItaly for vehiclesthat featuredinthe1966film raisingmoneyfor achildren’scharity. He hasalsoridden aHarleyDavidsonacrossAmericaonthe iconic Route66andthendown the Pacific CoastHighway from Canada to Mexico,aswell as on anothertrip taking aRoyal Enfield bulletacross the Himalayasthroughthe Khardung Lapass, thehighestmotorable road inthe world.

Ed hasnow retired from canoeing andmotorcyclingandmovedto cycling to keepfit.

He hastakenpartina numberof charityridesandcompleted theLand’s EndtoJohn O’ Groatschallenge.Hehas alsoplannedand riddenseveral European long-distance routes of1000miles.

TT:WhereintheUKareyoubased?

EH: IliveinWorcestershire,close to theDroitwich Canalandnearthecentre ofthe canalnetwork.

TT:Whendidyou firststart working withintheinlandwaterwayssector,and forwhom?

EH: In 1998 Ihad acareerchangefrom themotorindustryand startedrunning AlvechurchBoatCentres withthree hire bases, nowthe muchbigger company known asABCLeisureGroup.

TT:Whatpositiondoyouhold,andwhat dotheseinvolve?

EH:Havingsteppeddownasmanaging director,I am nowa non-executive director, arolethat provides supportto, andchallenges, theexecutive team.

TT:Weunderstandthatyouheldaboard positionwithinBritishMarineuntil recently.Canyoutellusmoreaboutthis roleandwhatyouachievedinit?

EH: Forsix years,I wasa non-executive directorontheBritish MarineGroup board.Thispositionhelpedtoguide thedirectionofBMinmodernisingand supporting theindustry.Asnon-executive directors,werepresentedthemembership withintheorganisationand supported theexecutiveteamindeliveringthe objectives.Theresponsibilitiesincluded thedeliveryofthe Southampton International Boat Show.

TT:Wealsounderstand that there is goingtobea reorganisationofthe inland waterways groups within BM, assumingitispassedattheAGMand youareelectedasthefirstchairofthis newgroup,whatwillbeyouraims?

EH: Manyyears ago, APCO(NowBM inlandboating)andtheCBA(nowInland BoatBuilding) were twoorganisations. Iwaspreviouslyon theexecutiveof BM InlandBoatinguntil Itookupthe

positionon theBMgroup board. ABC is amemberofbothorganisations,as area lotofthemembers,and many have the samechallenges andobjectives,soit makessensetobring bothorganisations backtogether to shareknowledge and representtheinland sector. Thereare someareas that willonlyaffect orinterestsomepartsofthenewgroup, ormay requirespecialistknowledge;this iswhereprojectgroups will be formedto investigateandleadonthese.

TT:Whatdoyoufeelarethemain challengestobusinessesoperatingon thewaterwaysatthemoment?

EH: The generaleconomicsituation anduncertaintycreate someofthe biggestchallengesforall businesses. The underfundingofthe navigation authoritiesthatmaintainthe waterways

which we all relyontooperateour businessesarearealthreat.

TT:Howdo youseethenew groupbeing abletohelpwith those?

EH: We arestronger together, representingtheinlandboatingindustry havinga bigger voice.Expertiseand contacts withinbothsectors canbe shared forthe overalldevelopmentand successoftheindustry.

TT:Howdoyoufeelaboutthefutureof thewaterways?(positiveornegative)

EH: The canals andriversare afantastic environment for boatingactivitiesand relaxation.Theyare part of theunique historyoftheUKandareusedandvisited by many people fromhomeandabroadfor many differentactivities,not just boating. The biggestchallenge to businessesis

the reliabilityand maintenance of these waterways. Very few peoplevisit acanalor river, or goboating, andcomebacksaying theywillneverdothis again.

TT:Yourwebsitedetails anumberof challengesyou’veundertakeninthe past.Doyouhaveanyothersplanned?

EH: Ihavejust returned from a600 mile cycletripto Parisduringthe Olympicsand Ihavenothingplanned... butIamsuresomethingwillpresent itself overthe winter. Ibelieve theachievementofphysical goalsis astate ofmind. The body will do morethanthemind believesit can. This isnodifferentfor anything in life that you do.Planning, practiceandtraining gives you theconfidencethat anything is possible.Determinationandfocus ensuresyou achieveit.

Events,dearboy...andthe ability to be flexible whenneeded

NABOgeneralsecretary

PeterBraybrook commentsonsome moretopicalissues.

PERSONALLY, ourboatinghas not beenimpeded by unplanned stoppages butmanyhavehad theiritinerariesaltered by unexpectedevents.

We have becomeused to expectingtheunexpectedin the same wayasweanticipate the boat comingtheotherway at thenextbridgehole.

Butleastexpected was thenoticeof arestriction for Tardebigge TopLockNo58to

only be opento boatsofless than6ft9in(2.05m) wide.This effectively removedthe Worcester and Birmingham Canalfromthe listofnavigable waterways asthe greatmajorityof narrowboats are builtto abeamof6ft10in. Mine certainly wasin1984.The notice wasamendedthenextday stating that boatsof213.4cm(7ft) beam would getstuckso, thankfully,the canalremainsopen.

Continuousmoorers

Therehas beensomechatter abouttheproblemof ‘continuous moorers’.

Ourregularcolumnistin NABO News haspointedout that no boat is ‘continuously cruising’ andmostboats spend mostof theirlifemoored.

Aninland waterwayscraftis very unlikely to operatelikean oceanlinerorfreighter, which moorsfortheshortest period possible to take on passengers and suppliesor cargo. The rest ofitstimeis spentplying the oceans.

Thereare nowveryfew commercialcraftthat work the waterwaysinthe wayof the workingboats of thepast

whichtieduponlyovernight ortodischarge andload cargo. The hire fleetsshould be like this.Theirexistenceis to be out providingleisuretotheirhirers andprofit to theirowners.Too oftenrecentlythere have been reportsoffleetstied up at their bases,whichisnot good for anybody.

There will alwaysbethose who ignorethe rulesandmoor on waterpoints,locklandings andvisitormooringsforlonger thantheyshould. Theseare ascommonon canalsasthe cars that park inconsideratelyonpavements anddisabledcrossingpoints. Thereisa sectionof society that thinkstheyare entitled to doastheylike. In the town centres,thereare many parking enforcementofficersandtraffic managers who putticketson offendingcarsand keepthe roadsflowing. Even so,not everybodygetscaughtevery time.And some seemtothink ifonedoesnot getcaughtthe bad behaviouris somehow exonerated andokay.Ofcourse, itisn’t.Onthe canals,there arenotenoughenforcement

officerstoevenpatrolthehot spots,and so thechanceof gettingcaughtbythe navigation authorityis very small.All we candowhen we come to cloggedvisitormooringsor facilitiesismoan aboutitand move on hopingfor aspace at thenextone.

Licenceterms

Ofcourse, such behaviouris coveredonCanaland River Trust waters by the‘General TermsandConditionsfor Boat Licenses’,whichweassentto when we renew ourlicences. Idoubtthat everybodyreads themorunderstandsthem.For instance, areweall on agenuine journeywhen away from our homemooring? In ourcase, we aregoingthere andbackagain andtakingourtime aboutit.May to Octoberinfact.Thereisan undefineddestination. We are away fromthehome mooring andenjoyingthe varietyofthe Englishcountryside. Butwehaveahomelifeas wellas aboatlife.Sosometimes the boat will be unused while we attend to matters at home. Is thisunreasonable?

Canthe navigation authority tellushowweshould useour boats?Apparently,thejourney cannot ‘containshort, repeated movementoverasmallpart of thewaterwayforanextended period’.Whatdoes that mean? Canonedefine ‘short’,‘small part’ and ‘extendedperiod’?And whyare we limitedbytheterms andconditionstomooringfor14 dayswhen, accordingtothe1995 BW Act, boatswithouta home mooringcanmoorforanyperiod that is reasonablynecessary?

My guess wasthat it wasto explainthe reasonforan overstay that thedog-eared lightfaded message‘Broken Down’was Sellotapedinside awindowof anempty boat moored on alock landing. It isoften ignored that not onlydothe navigation authorities have thepowertoenforceterms andconditions for theprovisionof their services,but theyalsohave the powertowaivethem. That ‘offending’ boatmay have been grantedpermissionto overstay. Onlythe navigation authority andthe owner willknoworneed to knowthecircumstances.

NABO doesnot wishto see anysortofdivisiveness. We

warnedthetrustthat thiscould come aboutbytheimposition of surchargeseffectivelytreating some boatsdifferentlyfrom others.All boatersshouldenjoy the benefitsofboating without criticism, andwith respectfrom other boaterswho mayuse their boatsinadifferentway from ourselves: Vive ladifference!”as theFrench wouldsay.

Winter approaches sowe need to keepan eyeonstoppage notices.Allthe winter works programmeisnowincluded onthe navigationnotices and stoppagespages onthe CRTwebsite,sopleasereview this before makingajourney. Everythingfromfallentrees to worksbyHS2arelisted. It is relatively easytosearch forthe waterway youhope to navigate betweendesired datesto revealtheintentions ofthetrust. As in yearspast, all stoppagesaresubject to change,sometimes at short notice.Thereisa usefulfacility to registerfor text oremail notificationsif you so desire;as Iwaswritingthis Iwas alerted tothenavigation restriction at Tardebigge notedabove.

EdHelpsatAlvechurchMarina. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

“Ilikeahomewithlots of sparerooms filledwithclutterthatweneveruse.” (saidnoone ever)

There’sanotherway. Choosefreedom,

together with Aquavista.