Towpath Talk - November issue FREE

TTOWPATH TO 80 PAGES

Issue 217, November 2023

TALK

FREE The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users

One stop shop for maintenance, repairs & refits

01926 492968

See page 37 for details

www.kateboats.com

BOATERS RALLY IN GLOUCESTER

P4

Seasonal shades

ROYAL VISITOR STEERS ETHEL TRUST’S PEARL

P7

Enjoying the autumnal colours along the Rufford Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

Boaters react to Canal & River Trust’s licence fee rises

FUNDRAISING APPEAL FOR ANDERTON LIFT

THE Inland Waterways Association is among the boaters’ organisations opposed to licensing surcharges announced by the Canal & River Trust.

Following the September announcement reported in Towpath Talk last month regarding the forthcoming changes, the trust has published further details about the increases in licence fees from April 2024 for boats without a home mooring and for widebeam boats.

In a press statement the IWA expressed disappointment that

P20

CELEBRITY LAUNCH OF DIANA THE DREDGER

P47

BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

P23

STOCK BOATS

the concerns it and many other organisations and individuals had raised about the ‘disproportionate’ increases for different user groups had not been ‘taken on board’.

“We are opposed to the introduction of surcharges that appear to be an attempt to change the principle that there is only one type of licence, the Pleasure Boat Licence.

“This has been reiterated by NABO (National Association of Boat Owners).”

Writing in Last Word on page 78 of this issue, NABO general secretary Peter

Braybrook states: “NABO believes ‘One Licence, One Charge’ and is writing to the trust’s CEO (Richard Parry) to restate it… many think that the trust is attempting to price boats off the water.”

IWA’s statement continued: “We are also still concerned about the divisive effect of the consultation and ensuing discussion and announcement on the boating community, particularly at a time when CRT and the waterways need everyone’s support.

“Boaters use the waterways in a wide range of different ways, either with

or without a home mooring. It is not necessarily the case that continuous cruisers use the system and its facilities more than boaters with a home mooring.”

CRT has announced that licences for all boats on its waterways will increase above inflation, phased in over the next five years from April 1. In addition to that, boats without a home mooring will see a total surcharge of 25% applied on top of the standard licence fee.

• Continued on page 2

Campaign plea

Staveley plans

Reunion weekend

AS THE Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign gathers momentum on the Canal & River Trust network, supporters of the Basingstoke Canal are also fighting for its future. This navigation is maintained by the Basingstoke Canal Authority and is under threat due to reduced funding from the county, local and parish councils. The committee of the canal society is lobbying local councillors and urging its 1000-plus members to join the national campaign.

CHESTERFIELD Borough Council’s planning committee has approved Derbyshire County Council’s application for the construction of the Staveley Town Basin Centre. It will include office areas, a workshop, commercial spaces for small enterprises, and a restaurant-cafe unit. Eleven units are planned within the centre, each equipped with kitchen and restroom facilities, while a new 40m footpath is scheduled along Hall Lane. The Chesterfield Canal Trust welcomed this project without objections.

ONE of the most popular events on the Waterways Recovery Group calendar – the Reunion Weekend – is back on November 4-5 after being on hold since 2020 due to the pandemic. The venue for the major weekend working party is the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in South Wales where the work will mainly be tree and scrub clearance on the main line between Newport and Cwmbran. Visit www. waterways.org.uk for more details and find out how you can get involved.

at

INSTANT FUNDS

6 MONTHS FREE MOORING on selected Stock Boats

A SELECTION of STOCK BOATS now available for viewing and Purchase.

Terms and conditions apply

Visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk Today!

Evesham Marina Kings Road • Evesham • WR11 3XZ info@eveshammarina.co.uk

hrs

t accoun r bank to you

Boats Available...60ft,1 bedroom Eurocruiser, 60ft Fully Fitted Shearwater Narrowboat, 60ft Sailaway Additions Narrowboat... More to Follow...

01386 768500

FOR YOUR BOAT

NO OBLIGATION VALUATION BROKERAGE FROM 5%+VAT (Minimum charge applies)

your bo from o at with one ur mari nas

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

CHESHIRE

www.whiltonmarina.co.uk

www.venetianmarina.co.uk

01327 842577

Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 2NH

01270 528251

Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DD

2 WELCOME/NEWS

November 2023

WELCOME WITH the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign continuing to gather pace and controversy over the Canal & River Trust’s licence fee increases, there has been plenty to exercise our minds this month.

You will already have seen on the front and this page about reactions from the IWA and NABO, especially to the surcharges for boats without a home mooring and widebeams; turn also to page 78 where NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook highlights a trend of increasing costs and reducing facilities.

In contrast there is growing support for FBW, the most recent event being a rally in Gloucester where boaters and other canal users went on the march, 70 boats having gathered in the docks, see Tony Aldridge’s report on page 4. In a ‘call to arms’ on page 77, Aqueduct Marina MD Robert Parton stresses the need to join the campaign to support and secure the future of the ‘creaking inland network’.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – there was a positive vibe at the Northern Canals Association autumn meeting as reported on this page.

And also the more welcome news for affected restoration projects of the scrapping of the HS2 phase from Crewe to Manchester – see reports on pages 3 and 12.

Other ‘feelgood’ stories include a milestone for the Swansea Canal Society on page 3, a royal visitor to the Ethel Trust in Sheffield, see page 7 and a return of horse boating to the Chesterfield Canal, turn to page 10.

Another growing trend, fuelled by environmental concerns, is the move towards electric propulsion.

This month we have two pages (44 and 45) under the ‘greener boating’ heading with features by Phil Pickin and Sally Clifford.

And as we begin the countdown to the festive season, Santa cruises are back – see What’s On (page 18) or turn to page 46 for some gift ideas.

Janet

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – November 23, 2023

Independent publisher since 1885

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

Independently proven pick up: 34,450 copies

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Glimmer of hope in a time of gloom?

NORTHERN Canals Association (NCA) members gathered on Sunday, October 8 for the second time this year, writes team member Sue Ball of the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

Their autumn meeting was hosted by the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society (MBBCS) in Radcliffe, Manchester.

Welcomed by NCA chairman Ivan Cane and MBBCS trustee David Barnes, delegates were treated to a whistle-stop tour of the canal – on film. Built in the early 1790s, the 15-mile canal climbs from its junction with the River Irwell in Salford by 17 locks and six aqueducts, heading north west to both Bolton and Bury – effectively a Y-shaped canal.

A major breach in 1936, never repaired, led to ultimate abandonment with 60% of the canal no longer in water. The MBBCS was formed in 1987 to protect the canal and campaign for restoration.

With infectious enthusiasm Matthew Clark, MBBCS publicity, gave a vibrant picture of the current state of affairs, good and bad, by means of video presentations. From restored locks in the city centre Lockgate Square, surrounded by redeveloped residential, commercial, retail and hospitality neighbourhoods, through derelict wasteland and the site of the 1936 breach, the rural stretches towards the moors beyond showed the potential for natural environment enhancement and improvement. It is clear and admitted that restoration of this canal consists of a series of ‘small’ projects leading to ‘staged’ restoration.

Local developers Scarborough Group International, Watson Homes and Peel L&P gave their perspective on the redevelopment of canalside brown and greenfield sites. Each of them is at a different stage of the process; Scarborough Group has a part-completed development at Middlewood Locks and Watson Homes has just gained consent for its affordable homes development at Creams Mill, promising to repair the 1936 breach and envisaging the canal back in water on this stretch by 2025.

Peel L&P is just embarking on the planning application process for a stretch between Radcliffe and Bury, promising restoration of a two-kilometre stretch of canal, including Elton Reservoir, creation of a ‘canal corridor’ with opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife enhancement and protection of existing canal structures.

Restoration perspective

Patrick Moss (Moss Naylor Young) then gave the national restoration perspective.

Starting from the very early days of canal restoration – the Bradford Canal 1870s, Thames & Severn 1930s – and ever onward, this provided an overview of the past, present and possible future for canal restoration projects. Given that at society restoration level it is very easy to lose sight of the ‘bigger picture’ it was refreshing to see the last 50 years or so of canal restoration put into context.

Every scheme is different and we’re all fully aware that most of the ‘easy’ schemes are now complete, especially those connected to the national network. Those remaining, and there are many, generally require complex and expensive engineering solutions.

The regulatory framework covering restoration schemes has dramatically changed in complexity from the early days while the funding around during the 1990s/Millennium has dried up. The message was, however, that although we may be in a lull just now, although the ‘canal restoration mania’ (whoever would have thought we’d hear of that phrase) of the 1980s/90s may have passed, all should not be gloom and despondency.

Major schemes will complete, especially significant canals linked to the system. Small local restoration

Northern Canals Association (NCA) members on a towpath walk along the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal through Radcliffe. schemes will come to the fore with local aspirations dominant. Funding is now dependent on a multitude of outcomes.

Modern restoration is very complex and very expensive.

Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry then took to the floor with words on Future Funding and Prospects for Restoration. From an overview of CRT’s Annual Report and Accounts he moved to the unhappy situation resulting from the recent Defra announcement of the progressive reductions in government grant funding up to 2036/7.

While pointing out that Defra grant funding has been falling for years and that there were, inevitably, ‘political’ considerations behind the decision, he was able to report that MPs are generally supportive of the current protest campaigns. He commented: “I’ve had more letters about this than anything else.”

Everyone is already aware that it will not be possible to sustain the waterways network in its current format post-2027.

Thus, it is vital to convince ‘government,’ whatever its colour, to recognise the impact the loss of the benefits of waterways will have, not least the risks of rising public safety issues and the likelihood of a ‘vicious circle’ of cause and effect arising.

Mobilising support for CRT’s Keep Canals Alive campaign is well under way. Apparently nine London councils have written a joint letter to Defra signifying support and pointing out the perils to London alone in the reduction in funding. Protest boat gatherings are taking place, a parliamentary reception is planned, and a Canal Manifesto will be published ahead of the general election.

Angela Rayner had already written a piece in the national press, and, from this meeting, Richard was heading straight to the Labour Party conference in Liverpool where a group of Labour MPs had requested a meeting with him.

In the meantime, to the 98 restoration projects across England and Wales, 20 of which have CRT ownership, the message is: there will be even tighter funding from CRT; there will be moral support and ‘limited’ practical support, but CRT has to adopt a ‘risk averse’ approach to the future, taking on no additional responsibility without funding. Any restoration has to extend the wider benefits of waterways and, finally, the worst case scenario is, inevitably, CRT has to concentrate on keeping the ‘core’ waterways/services intact, thus any threat is likely to be greatest at the extremities of the network. Serious stuff.

Community engagement

After lunch – where much networking occurred – local community engagement in the canal was brought to the fore. Tina Harrison, chair of Growing Together Radcliffe, Community Champion since 2017, described how the canal was valued in Radcliffe and how her role was to question any local council decisions, councillors and officers making those decisions.

Radcliffe Athletic Club secretary, Ian Swan, sang the praises of ‘running along the canal,’ with quotes from club members. Mytham Primary School head Angela Bogle, together with colleague

Stacey Day, showed, described, and spoke enthusiastically of how practical studies out on the canal furnished many areas of the curriculum for their ‘future citizens.’

Gill Smith of Radcliffe Litter Pickers described how this local group, initiated just prior to the Covid pandemic, has gone from strength to overwhelming strength in the locality, picking their litter not just along the canal but in the whole surrounding area.

Rob Langdon, CRT community engagement officer NW, demonstrated CRT’s new storymapping initiative, an online map of the canal which can be updated with information by anyone who has access to such – historical photos, videos, maps, links to other websites, to name but a few. Rolled out first on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the MBBC is the second and very hot off the press.

Tracey Clarke, chair of the Accessible Waterways Association and a visually impaired narrowboater, described its work in aiming to raise awareness that there are disabled people who boat, that not all disabilities are obvious and promoting the Boaters’ Blue Card, an ‘awareness’ badge for display on a members’ boat, telling passers-by that there is a disabled person on board who could be less aware of or less able to react to situations. It is hoped this will

CRT chief executive Richard Parry talking about the impact of funding on restoration projects.

PHOTOS: AL FRANCO

Updates from current restoration projects: · Manchester Underground Canal – a ‘water feature’ in Central Manchester. · Lancaster Canal – on the northern reaches of the system where ‘the next bit is the hard bit’? · Pocklington Canal – nine miles and nine locks, almost totally covered by SSSIs, where further restoration is frustrated. · Wendover Arm – where CRT has suspended restoration over issues pertaining to asphalt coal tar used in an earlier time. · Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals – issues with plans for a terminus basin on the outskirts of Leek. · Montgomery Canal – the next project to fund restoration of the remaining two miles of ‘dry’ canal linking to the Welsh Section is under way.

NCA meetings in 2024 are on Sundays March 17, Lichfield and October 6, Montgomery. Venues in 2025 will be – March, Cromford and October, Newport. help to generate understanding and consideration from fellow waterways folk.

Following the meeting, around 20 went on a quick jaunt to inspect the stretch of the MBBC through Radcliffe.

Here they met with representatives of the angling club – who help to keep this length clean and intending to raise a workboat to assist. Those who had uploaded the Storymapping app were able to use it to discover the history of the various railway crossings, find where the Roman road once passed as well as history of the wharves and other features, as they passed.

MBBCS trustee Al Franco wound up proceedings with personal impressions of the day commenting on the inclusivity that canals bring, the plethora of outcomes, educational value, pride of place and how new technology is being used to promote and enhance enjoyment in our waterways.

I came away from the day with a feeling of hope; there was a vibrancy, positivity, a ‘can do’ and never give up feel to the messages emanating from all contributors. We just have to keep going.

Boaters react to Canal & River Trust’s licence fee rises • Continued from page one W i d e b e a m boats (2.16m/7ft 1in-3.24m/10ft 7½in) will see an increase from the existing 10% surcharge to a 25% surcharge; those without a home mooring will see both surcharges combined, increasing from the existing 10% to 50% over the five years. Wider boats (over 3.24m/10ft 7½in) without home moorings will see an increase from the existing 20% surcharge to a 75% surcharge.

There will be a reduction of the prompt payment discount from 2.5% to 2% and a reduction in the online

payment discount from 2.5% to 0.5%.

According to the trust the licence fee accounts for 11% of its revenue. The announcement stated: “The increases being introduced from April 2024 will help with the increasing cost of looking after the ageing canal network – at a time when government has announced significant cuts to public funding.

The trust is targeting a step-change in income generation from towpath users and other supporters, with fundraising income projected to grow by 10% each year – while

other commercial waterways income, including from anglers, paddle sports and moorings, is also set to increase.”

IWA reacted: “We appreciate that the trust has no option but to try to raise more from other sources to compensate. However, increasing the licence fee beyond inflation risks pricing boaters off the system, or boaters simply being unable to pay, which could result in a net loss. We would like to see CRT achieving a considerable increase in the non-boating income from all those who currently enjoy the waterways and whose benefits will suffer if they deteriorate.”

NEWS 3

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Swansea Canal project reaches major milestone SWANSEA Canal Society recently reached a major milestone in its work to regenerate the historic Swansea Canal.

After several years of work by society volunteers and supporters, a previously infilled section of the waterway in Clydach became a water-filled mooring basin.

The newly completed basin was flooded for the first time during an event attended by funders and project supporters from across the community.

A new launching ramp was also unveiled for use by canoeists and a bywash water channel that will maintain canal water levels.

The work was made possible thanks to the Welsh Government Brilliant Basics programme administered by Visit Wales with additional grants from Swansea Council, Postcode Community Fund, Glandŵr Cymru (Canal & River Trust in Wales) and the Canoe Foundation.

Swansea Canal Society chairman Coun Gordon Walker said the society had been able to complete the first phase of reopening the canal through the Clydach Lock site. “This will help to link Clydach town centre to the delightful canal corridor where people can enjoy healthy recreational activities.

“If further funding can be secured, the buried lock on the site will be fully reinstated so boats can once again travel into the town.

“Swansea Canal Society volunteers are keen to continue working closely with Swansea Council and Glandŵr Cymru, the owners of the canal, so the Swansea

The new launching ramp.

The bywash will help maintain canal water levels. PHOTOS SUPPLIED Canal at Clydach can be developed as a major new visitor destination.”

Glandŵr Cymru director Mark Evans said: “The regeneration of this infilled section of the Swansea Canal is another exciting step forward in the restoration of a waterway rich in history and which continues to play an important role in the Swansea Valley today. We value our strong relationship with Swansea Canal Society and are delighted to have supported the new canal basin which is set to bring huge benefits to the local community and the people who have access to the canal all year round.”

Guests also saw how work is progressing on formerly derelict retail premises that are being transformed into a canal centre and a vibrant community asset.

Swansea Council leader Coun Rob Stewart said: “We’re delighted to have contributed £22,000 from our economic recovery fund towards phase one of this fantastic canal project. We’re also pleased to have helped deliver more than £210,000 in funding – including from the Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme – to purchase and complete the Swansea Canal Centre building.

“We plan to offer funding for the scheme’s exciting second phase as well – and we aim to make an announcement on that in the near future.”

Rebecca Evans, MS (Member of Senedd) for Gower, third from left, cuts the ribbon watched by, from left: Tonia Antoniazzi, Gower MP; Coun Gordon Walker, Swansea Canal Society chairman; Julie James, MS for Swansea West; Mike Hedges, MS for Swansea East; Coun Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader; Jeremy Miles, MS for Neath and Mark Evans, Glandwr Cymru Wales & South West director.

HS2 announcement is good news for Ashby Canal

By Les Heath

CANCELLATION of the northern section of HS2 is almost certain to result in an extension of the Ashby Canal by almost a mile and the creation of a new canal wharf at Measham.

The wharf will include a waterside development of shops, cafes and pubs only a stone’s throw from the High Street.

Ashby Canal Trust has always had long-term hopes of restoring the whole canal a few more miles to Moira; the northern part having been lost through coal mining subsidence.

Trust chairman Geoff Pursglove said: “It is something we have been

wanting for a long time and with the developers in place and planning permission already sorted out it should happen quite soon.”

Now that the Government has scrapped this section of HS2 this land has been released which will ultimately benefit the canal network.

Developers Ideal Country Homes have said they will pay for a 1100m section of the canal to be reinstated to Measham. At the moment it stops just north of Snarestone. The developers will be allowed to build 450 homes in Measham as part of the deal.

In a statement they said: “As a result of the recent government announcement that HS2 is cancelled the

development can now go ahead and provide much needed affordable housing and commercial investment into Measham.

“A significant feature of the waterside regeneration will be the restoration of 1100m of the Ashby Canal providing a watered section for a new wharf adjacent to Measham High Street.”

Major step

Some years ago a group of local residents and Leicestershire County Council realised the potential of restoring the abandoned section of canal.

The restoration of the section as far as Measham, thwarted by HS2, will now be a major step in the long-term

plan for the complete reopening as far as Moira.

The canal, built in the 1790s, did not flourish until a new coal mine was opened at Moira in 1804. It then prospered throughout that century until coal mining subsidence forced the closure of the last eight miles. The fact that it is lock free is a popular attraction for many of today’s boaters.

The final commercial coal run from the canal was to Croxley Mills, Herts, in 1972. Since then a half mile section of canal has been reopened at Moira Furnace.

See the IWA’s reaction to the HS2 announcement on page 12.

4 NEWS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Gloucester boaters rally to support Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign

The procession of boats passing the light vessel Sula. PHOTO: PAUL NICHOLS

Assembled boats in Gloucester Dock.

THE main dock at Gloucester was filled with 70 boats on September 30 at the start of the rally in support of the Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign, reports Tony Aldridge.

Thirty of these had arrived in procession the eight miles from Saul Junction, finally through Llanthony Bridge. Many of historical significance, they soon moored up and made a great spectacle for the assembled press, local MP and senior members of waterways organisations, local and national.

Even the Severn Bore made it a special day, a five star, first in four years, but this huge wave unfortunately prevented the promised boats from Tewkesbury and Upton upon Severn joining the rally.

There was then a march from the National Waterways Museum around the additional moored boats in Victoria Basin to the North Quay where the Inland Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust had gazebos. Many of the potentially affected groups – walkers, cyclists, disabled people, model boaters, paddleboarders and anglers – were represented.

At noon, prompted by the ringing of the historic Atlas Bell, all boaters made as much noise as possible, even an air raid siren was heard. There had been a lot of publicity in advance of the event, organised by the small team in Fund Gloucester’s Waterways (FGW), but Gloucester certainly heard there was something to visit!

Speeches then followed, the sound system enabling many of the boaters, some five or six abreast, to hear from their boats. FGW chairman Colin Brooks set the local scene with the reminder that budget constraints had already closed the Gloucester and Sharpness

The procession arriving under Llanthony Bridge.

The march approaches North Quay. bridges on Tuesdays and limited the hours on other days, preventing boaters from moving after work in the evenings.

This, with the deterring information about dredging, had significantly limited the number of boats visiting the canal, adversely affecting related businesses including the National Waterways Museum. Neilsens, the internationally renowned ship repairer – a major feature of Gloucester Docks – has been unable to have much business for a year as depths are too shallow.

All this before the recently announced cuts are effective.

Many of those present had been volunteering to restore and maintain the waterways. They remember the dilapidated condition in the early 1960s and do not want them to go back to this state.

Colin said: “In England and Wales there are 5000 miles of navigable canals and rivers, 1569 locks which require lock gate renewal every 25 years, 53 tunnels, 3112 bridges, 370 aqueducts and 74 reservoirs. Despite around 800 million visits each year this total infrastructure contributes virtually zero income towards its maintenance.

“The Toddbrook reservoir partial collapse in 2019, risking the village of Whaley Bridge, was only saved by prompt action. The emergency repairs cost £10 million, the permanent repair is costing a further £16 million. As a result CRT now has to budget £25 million reserves from annual income for such a similar occurrence – as none of the structures are insurable.”

He added: “Looking at the disaster of the two dams in Libya recently and the loss of life that occurred there, this accounts why a ruptured dam is on the

top 10 risk listed by the government National Security Risk Assessment recently published.”

National situation

IWA and FBW chairman Les Etheridge spoke about the national situation and the risks to many sections of the waterways if not maintained. Waterway projects can regenerate both rural and urban areas and improve the lives of millions of people. They are well placed to improve the health, well-being and longevity of the many people living near them, through increased physical activities and social prescribing.

Waterways are blue-green corridors that allow opportunities for reconnecting disparate habitats, biodiversity net gain and improvements for wildlife.

Thousands of tonnes of freight are moved every year on our canals and

rivers. Transporting goods by water can mean lower carbon emissions while also removing hundreds of vehicles from the roads.

Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of more than 70 organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways. The next event is the Westminster Campaign Cruise on November 14, and all are encouraged to sign the petition.

Ken Burgin, trustee representing Cotswold Canals Trust, spoke of the importance of the waterways for water transfer and the frustration of the funding and volunteer hours over decades to restore canals to link to a potentially closed network.

Adrian Main, on behalf of Avon Navigation Trust, explained how the trust has major flood challenges, gets

Looking down on the rally where many of the audience were listening from their boats. PHOTOS SUPPLIED UNLESS INDICATED

no government funding but suffered reduced income in the last year as fewer boats are travelling through to Gloucester.

Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry then explained the challenges even at current levels of funding and that inflation is increasing costs, before the proposed reductions in government funding.

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, thanked the organisers and explained that Gloucester Docks was one of the main attractions to the city. He pledged his support to keep them operating and looked forward to the bicentenary celebrations in 2027.

Senior members of Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust also attended the event.

After the speeches senior members of the CRT regional team were available in their gazebo to answer the many concerns expressed to the FGW team.

Many boaters are anxious about the further increases in licence and mooring fees they are suffering, for reduced hours and facilities. They fear this will result in reduced boat activity which on many canals will allow weeds to encroach and cause navigations to close through silting and towpaths to become impassible.

Richard Parry had detailed conversations with Neilsens, Richard Graham, lead volunteer of Kathleen & May and was interviewed by the BBC and ITV crews present.

As well as good media coverage on TV and in the local press, some positive moves have already started since the rally and the Canal & River Trust locally is willing to support Gloucester City Council’s interest in the Docks 200 celebrations.

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Python had to be bow hauled past a section of wall that had collapsed in Worksop town centre.

Left: Richard enjoys a tea break with the crew.

Richard Parry with regular Python volunteer Jenny Ennis.

Canal boss volunteers for the day

CHIEF executive of the Canal & River Trust Richard Parry swapped his day job for volunteering when he joined the crew of Chesterfield Canal Trust work boat Python.

The 94-year-old ex-British Waterways narrowboat is used for clean-ups along the canal, partially sponsored by CRT. It is crewed by volunteers and is usually out working for about 60 days each year.

CRT is very keen to encourage people to volunteer and Richard set an example by joining the Python crew for the day.

They covered about four miles of the canal from Osberton to Worksop, taking about seven hours altogether.

Some volunteers walked along the towpath picking up litter, but the great advantage of the boat is that it can get at rubbish that is floating in the canal, especially on the offside.

Work boats can also trim overhanging vegetation and sometimes pull out the inevitable shopping trolleys or other

sunken obstructions. This work makes the canal look much nicer but is also vital for wildlife which can often be harmed by getting caught or cut by cans and bottles or by eating bits of plastic.

Buoyed up

It was raining for much of the day, but the volunteers all stuck to the task, buoyed up by plenty of tea when needed.

Richard certainly played his part in rubbish collection, but also took the time to talk to the volunteers and to listen to their concerns and their opinions about possible improvements.

Upon arrival in the middle of Worksop, everyone had to disembark so that the boat could be pulled past a section of wall from an adjacent shop car park that had collapsed.

CRT hopes to be able to do a temporary repair of this wall in the next couple of months in order to restore normal navigation.

Fishing for rubbish along the offside of the canal.

GOES

At the end of the day, Python was crammed with a very large number of bags packed with rubbish, mostly plastic, plus lots of branches from low hanging willow trees.

All the volunteers, including Richard, went home tired and damp, but proud of a very useful day’s volunteering to keep the canal looking good for its many users, both on and off the water.

To learn more about volunteering on the canal, search for Chesterfield Canal Trust or Canal & River Trust.

Some of the rubbish picked up during the day. PHOTOS: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

Canalside dwellers take their complaints to the Ombudsman

SEVEN of the eight investigations by the Waterways Ombudsman in the past year were from householders living next to the canal and only one was from a boater.

These figures were revealed in the annual reports for 2022/23 published by Waterways Ombudsman Sarah Daniel and the Waterways Ombudsman Committee.

The Ombudsman scheme deals with complaints about the Canal & River Trust and the Avon Navigation Trust, which are referred to the Ombudsman after completion of the trusts’ own complaints process.

This is the fourth annual report of the Ombudsman Sarah Daniel who

commented: “As a result of recommendations made in final decisions the Canal & River Trust commissioned bespoke training for its customer service advisors which stresses the importance of good quality, consistent and clear communications with customers.

“It has also reviewed some of its policies, demonstrating the impact that an external and independent Ombudsman can have.”

During the year, the Ombudsman received 41 enquiries about the Canal & River Trust, none about the Avon Navigation Trust.

The majority of contacts, 32, had not completed the internal complaints process and were referred

N&

back to CRT. Sarah also received 13 enquiries about bodies outside jurisdiction and signposted them to the correct dispute resolution scheme.

Five new investigations were opened and eight investigations were closed.

Of the eight investigated complaints, one was upheld, one was upheld in part and six were not upheld. Three of the Ombudsman’s final decisions were accepted by the complainant and the trust completed the required remedies.

The Waterways Ombudsman Scheme continues to be approved by its Competent Authority, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, in line with the requirements set out in the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Regulations.

The Waterways Ombudsman Committee oversees the work of the scheme and remains satisfied with the operation and funding of the scheme.

The annual report of the Waterways Ombudsman Committee and the Waterways Ombudsman for 2022-23 is now available online at: woc-annualreport-2022-23.pdf (waterways-ombudsman.org)

N&

KEEP TOILETS SAFE FOR LONGER For your nearest dealer visit www.elsan.co.uk Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

N

G R E AT BRIT ISH PROD UCT S

6 NEWS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The ‘good, bad, and getting better’ bits around Marple Words & photos: Colin Wareing

LET’S start with the bad; a wall on Lock 7 on the Marple flight of locks has moved, the one nearest the towpath side.

A large hole appeared near the lock ladder and there is further movement visible to the other side of the ladder.

The flight was closed to all boating traffic on August 17, once again severing the Cheshire ring.

This follows on from a rebuild and reopening of Lock 15 of the flight over the winter of 2017-18 and then a similar situation occurring at Lock 11

with a rebuild over the winter of 2018-19.

A stoppage notice was issued by the Canal & River Trust closing the whole of the Marple lock flight while engineers carried out a detailed survey which concluded that the lock wall had moved substantially over a short period of time and the lock could not be operated or navigated through safely.

According to the trust’s update in mid-October, its teams are currently in the design phase for the repair. “While we are currently unable to advise when

The holes behind the towpath side wall of Lock 7 on the Marple flight. the lock flight will reopen at this stage, it is unlikely that navigation will resume before Easter 2024.

The New Horizons fully accessible community trip boat, run by volunteers of the Stockport Canal Boat Trust, using the top lock of the Marple flight as its base.

GUARANTEE DELIVERY

TPT delivered to your door for only £1.58 an issue Issue 171, January 2020

TALK

all waterways users

TOWPATH

read for FREE The UK’s Number ONE

96 PAGES

FREE INSIDE

2020 YEAR PLANNER YOUNG VOLUNTEER EARNS AWARD

Winter waters

P3

NEW APPEAL FOR PRESIDENT

P4

NARROWBOAT’S UNUSUAL CARGO

p24

Narrowboats moored on the Leeds

West & Liverpool Canal at Parbold, W

By Janet Richardson

BOAT TREKKER AT FINAL FRONTIER

P25

FOR BREAKING NEWS & BOATS FOR SALE visit our website

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ATS FOR SALE A BOATS Starts on

P63

COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 are revealed k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath Top Team award which has been k Top Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

r The r. will take place in the new year. off a winning team receives the hire day boat carrying up to 10 people, generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. The runner-up will receive a £100 voucher to spend at Midland four Chandlers at Braunston and all donation finalists will receive a £100 towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

Talk. tth Tal publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

at around 8pm to Lendal Bridge on the River Ouse said officers on December 4. North Yorkshire Police f two men for attended “after concerns were raised with their touch in their 60s who had been out of bodies. Fire .” Upon arrival officers found the family.”

The deaths and ambulance services both attended. although did were being treated as ‘unexplained’ a post-mortem not appear to be suspicious and The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

A Canal & River Trust team fitting a new head gate to Lock 9 of the Peak Forest Canal.

“In the meantime, our local team, with the help of our volunteers, have completed vegetation works along the lock flight and we are reviewing what further works we can do over the winter to make the most of the extended closure.”

Further up the flight at Lock 9 the trust has taken the opportunity to bring forward work that was in the winter stoppage programme to replace the head gates on this lock.

These works were expected to be completed in mid-October.

At the top of the flight there is building work in progress on the wharf which means that the New Horizons community trip boat is now using Lock 16 as its operating base.

Around the corner at the top of the Macclesfield Canal, the old wharf warehouse is being renovated as a community space and facility, good news as at one time it seemed that it may have been lost to public use as planning permission was applied for to

The former wharf warehouse – a Grade II listed building – is being renovated to serve as a community space with a heritage and health and well-being centre. Work is ongoing on the roof and stonework. convert it into a residence. That didn’t happen but the wharf itself has been lost as a transshipment point as further mews cottages are now being built on it, though as part of the redevelopment a

new boaters’ service block is nearing completion.

Once it opens it will be a great improvement on the old Elsan and water point which were well past their sell-by date.

To save you having to track down a copy every month, take advantage of our special offer

Delivery from just £19

As part of the wharf redevelopment, a boaters’ service block is nearing completion.

This great deal means you will pay just £1.58 for your copy to be delivered to your home.

That’s cheaper than chips!

Call 01507 529529

QUOTE OFFER CODE: TPT01

www.classicmagazines.co.uk/TPT01

The former canal wharf at Marple being redeveloped for housing. It will be known as The Yard and will provide seven three- and four-bedroom mews cottages.

NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

New community barge gets royal sail of approval

WALKERS on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal towpath were astonished recently to see HRH, The Princess Royal, steering a 57ft-long barge into Sheffield city centre.

Princess Anne had flown in by helicopter to view the work of the Ethel Trust, an award-winning charity, providing day and residential waterways experiences for

disadvantaged groups in South Yorkshire.

With barges based in Sheffield and Thorne, near Doncaster, the trust was celebrating the arrival of its brand new state-of-the-art community barge, Pearl.

Having viewed the advanced technology on the boat, including a hybrid engine assisted by solar panels, the

The newly launched Pearl.

TWO new trustees have been appointed to the Canal & River Trust following approval at its council AGM. Sir James Bevan and Chris Fellingham will serve for an initial three-year term in these unpaid voluntary roles, both having a passion for the waterways.

Chairman David Orr said: “All of us at the Canal & River Trust look forward immensely to working with both Sir James and Chris and adding their individual skills and experience to those of our existing board members.”

He also thanked outgoing trustees Susan Wilkinson and Sarah Whitney.

Sir James Bevan served as chief executive of the Environment Agency from 2015 to 2023 and brings relevant experience in managing an organisation with similar challenges.

He said: “The restoration of the canals and revitalising of our rivers

is one of the greatest success stories of my lifetime. I am delighted to join the Canal & River Trust as a trustee and be able to play a part in that story in the coming years. There is still much to do both to secure that past legacy and to sustain and develop it for future generations.”

Chris Fellingham will join the board after a career in the City of London managing investment portfolios. His expertise in asset management, based on both capital and environmental concerns, will be of immense value.

He said: “Over many years I have travelled extensively on the canals.

From the peaceful helm of a 65ft canal boat I appreciated the healing and relaxing effect the water environment has on mental and physical health. I see my role as a trustee at the Canal & River Trust as a way for me to help preserve this essential network for future generations.”

The Princess Royal steering Pearl on the journey back to Victoria Quays. PHOTO: MANDY BULL/ETHEL TRUST

Taking a trip along the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, Princess Anne is pictured in the bow with trustee David Tuck and the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Dame Hilary Chapman.

PHOTOS: HEDLEY BISHOP/ETHEL TRUST UNLESS INDICATED

Princess Royal, an accomplished sailor, took over the steering from the skipper for the return trip into Victoria Quays.

Back on shore, Princess Anne generously took time to talk to every one of the trust’s volunteers individually, before officially naming the barge by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

New trustees at CRT

A smiling Princess Anne with Anne Griffiths and David Tuck.

The Ethel Trust is currently recruiting new volunteers, and if you can spare two days per month, then check out the trust’s website www.etheltrust. co.uk or email ethelbarge@gmail. com for more details. No boating experience is required as full training will be provided.

If you know of, or are part of, a community group that would benefit from the trust’s services, then get in touch and experience these fantastic barges!

Trustee David Tuck, left, introduces the Princess Royal to Ethel Trust volunteers Anne Griffiths, Sally Winslow, John Batley and Chris Dinsdale.

High quality rigid frame, semi-flexible and portable

SOLAR PANELS

for narrowboats, yachts, leisure vehicles and off-grid power systems

Our products:

• Flexible and rigid frame solar panels • Solar charging kits • Solar charge controllers • Inverters and inverter chargers • Deep cycle gel and AGM leisure batteries

Your benefits:

Special products and prices for boat builders, marinas, chandleries and other trade

No need to pay for electric hook up Save money on fuel No more smelly and noisy generators Freedom to travel independently from shore power Keep your batteries topped up while in storage

Why buy from us:

Inverter charger Fibreglass Aluminium Aluminium 250W flexible reinforced 160W reinforced 50W solar panel flexible solar narrow flexible panel solar panel

Rigid 310W solar panel

Gel batt ttery t

Towpath Talk readers - quote TPT2023 for FREE next day delivery

More than 50,000 boat and motorhome customers Over 400 different products in stock, of all shapes and size - leading brands Bespoke narrow-fit and multiple solar panel kits No quibble 30 days return and refund policy FREE lifetime technical product support

For more information visit www.photonicuniverse.com email info@photonicuniverse.com or call 020 3150 1111

8 NEWS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Wander by water along this picturesque canal

The 250th anniversary of Team effort Ripon Canal has prompted “The original Derelict Land Grant of was upgraded to a full grant a timely volunteering call. of£250,000 £500,000 in early 1996 which enabled to let a contract to restore the last Sally Clifford finds out more. BWB half mile.

TOWPATH

TALK

RIPON Canal’s 250th anniversary was marked with celebrations and an appeal for volunteers to care for its future.

This pretty 2.3-mile stretch of waterway meanders through a historic North Yorkshire city renowned for its cathedral and racecourse.

In the canal basin where representatives from organisations including the Canal & River Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Ripon Civic Society and the YMCA gathered, the Mayor of Ripon Sid Hawke, accompanied by his consort Linda Hawke (Mayoress of Ripon) unveiled a plaque commemorating this important achievement on Saturday, September 9.

Speaking about the occasion, they said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to open the celebrations at the canal. We had a relaxing boat trip down the canal, which we would highly recommend.”

Coun Hawke also thanked Richard Willis for organising the event. Richard was instrumental in reopening the waterway.

For six years he has transported passengers along this scenic stretch on his 30ft-long 12-seater Pride of Ripon trip boat, but his interest and association with the canal spans more than 40 years.

Built in 1773 by William Jessop, the Ripon Canal was designed to link rural Ripon with the River Ure, and onwards to York and the port of Hull.

The arrival of the railways signalled its decline. Pleasure reignited the popularity of canals and Ripon is no exception.

Richard and his wife, Hazel, were instrumental in kick-starting the campaign for the canal to become navigable again when, on seeing the canal basin six inches deep in the late 1970s, they started writing letters to the local council and local councillors.

Under the heading of the then newly formed Ripon Canal Society they were able to attract grants.

With the support of the mayor at that time they organised a public meeting in the town hall which the mayor offered to chair and were overwhelmed with the turnout.

“It was rammed and we went forward from there,” recalled Richard.

He explained that with the support of British Waterways the canal partially reopened in September 1986. A decade later, after dredging and draining, the remaining part of the canal was once again navigable.

GUARANTEE DELIVERY From just £19

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT02

“I was lucky to be involved from the beginning but there was a lot of other people involved as well,” said Richard, crediting the team effort to restore the canal for others to enjoy.

“The restoration programme was not

particularly for navigation, it is a linear park, walk by water, and there are so many people walking up and down and a lot of that is for the nature of our waterway.”

Seeing the trip boat travelling up and down the canal also piques people’s interest, according to Richard, who is well-versed in the canal’s past and present which he often relays to his passengers.

“It (the canal) didn’t lead to any development of Ripon, but it has done more since it has been restored,” he said.

“It is a linear park the whole distance

The beauty of Ripon Canal is enjoyed by pedestrian traffic on the towpath.

PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

of it and the development of the wildlife variety as well.”

Richard believes the canal also provides another dimension for visitors to Ripon to enjoy alongside its other landmarks.

“It engenders them to feel a contentment in the city, being in a nice place to visit, people enjoy being on the boat.”

The Canal & River Trust is inviting people to volunteer on the Ripon Canal and become part of its ongoing story.

Volunteer team lead Lucy Dockray said: “We rely on volunteers to help us maintain this picturesque canal. It’s a

Hazel and Richard Willis, who run Ripon Scenic Cruises with their daughter Victoria.

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY RICHARD WILLIS

great opportunity to spend time outdoors with a fantastic team of volunteers. The roles vary – from painting to cutting back undergrowth, helping boats through locks to protecting the habitat of a wide range of wildlife. It’s a wonderful place to volunteer.”

One of the trust’s current volunteers, Lesley, said: “There are so many ways you can volunteer and you don’t need to be skilled – I started volunteering three years ago, not knowing anything about canals, I haven’t even been on a boat.

“If you like being outside, getting to meet new friends, learning new skills and feel like you’re doing something useful, give it a go, see what you think.”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities visit canalrivertrust. org.uk/volunteering Virtual open day on the Ripon Canal – Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) To find out more about Ripon Scenic Cruises visit www.riponscenic-cruises.co.uk

Ripon Scenic Cruises ready to transport passengers from the Ripon canal basin along the canal.

PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

Closing the Shropshire Gap on the Montgomery Canal THE Shropshire Gap has become the colloquial term for the unrestored section of the Montgomery Canal between Crickheath Basin to Llanymynech, on the Welsh border.

But the gap is steadily diminishing as work continues at Crickheath South and Schoolhouse Bridge.

This work has been helped in no small part by public donations and volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS) working at Crickheath South, but recently funds have been bolstered by several grants.

Tom Fulda, project manager for SUCS, explained: “The grant of £14,600 from the Association of Industrial Archaeology has been widely reported and work on the Tramway Wharf wall is well under way with help from members of the Dry Stone Wall Association who are bringing their expertise to the project.

“The National Grid Electricity Distribution awarded a grant of £7351 to the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust from its Community Matters Fund for environmental improvements. And work on the 320m of towpath, being built by our volunteers from SUCS, is nearly complete with the scheduled 75m of tree planting to follow.

He continued: “Oswestry Rural Council has also given money to help with the improvements of the towpath

and there has already been a marked increase in footfall. Weeping Cross is a charitable organisation set up in the 1960s to support the restoration and conservation of historic industrial sites and it has donated £1000 for tools that are now at work on the project.

“And finally, the Postcode Lottery has given a grant of £17,000 from its Local Trust for Community Projects to help the canal reach Schoolhouse Bridge. We are so grateful to all these organisations for

Work continuing at Schoolhouse Bridge.

their help and support as we beaver away, restoring the Tramway Wharf wall, the channel from Crickheath Bridge to Schoolhouse Bridge and of course, the towpath, which is coming on in leaps and bounds.”

Tom added: “We’ve had so many positive comments from passers-by as they enjoy the beautiful rural landscape

and hopeful boaters, who can’t wait to cruise down to Schoolhouse Bridge and beyond. I would encourage everyone to come and have a look at the work that’s going on – it’s a great local endeavour.”

There are two water test areas set up at present to see if the canal channel needs to be lined as it was not originally when it was built in the 1790s.

The tramway wall at Crickheath. PHOTOS: SUCS

CHARACTER 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Characters of the Cut

RiverMouse – Laura Lee Tanner

By Alice Griffin

IT WAS a bright November Sunday in 2021 when singer-songwriter Laura Lee Tanner would embark on her first step in the creation of the folk quartet, RiverMouse, that she now fronts.

Strolling past The Fox & Hounds pub in Stony Stratford, close to where her narrowboat was moored on the Grand Union Canal, she heard the sound of traditional folk music and decided to go inside and investigate.

Laura shared with me: “Being originally from Cornwall it was a familiar sound to me, but one I hadn’t heard for many years. Travels on my narrowboat home had led me to spend time in London and along the Rivers Lea and Stort, as well as the Oxford canals and the Thames, but apart from playing drums in a post-punk band in London, I was mainly writing and playing songs on the boat to the audience of ducks and my cat, Millie.”

Despite writing and playing music of many styles, since living on the water it’s simple songs about nature and the seasons that instinctively come to Laura. “I have sat on many towpaths and around many fires singing these songs and drawn inspiration from my surroundings and the daily contact with the elements.”

Laura told me that her impulse to write a song can take hold

on a lovely autumn morning after a long journey, or in the presence of an explosion of spring blossom in the hedgerows along the canal.

“Sometimes songs spring simply from admiring the way sunlight falls on a bare willow tree in winter!”

But on that Sunday – the day of the pub – there were no plans for singing as Laura was recovering from a cold and had lost her voice. “I crept into the pub and sat on a bar stool, feeling the familiar and comforting warmth of the music wash over me.” The barlady very kindly made her a cup of tea and as Laura sat nursing it, she made the decision to come back another day with her guitar and join in. “When I returned with a song a few weeks later, it was as if I had arrived home.”

Band members

Through these weekly sessions Laura met Johnny, who plays fiddle, and Neil who would join RiverMouse later, on mandolin. “Johnny is a natural musician and has been playing folk fiddle since childhood. His knowledge of traditional music is encyclopaedic, and we both have the same approach to harmony and passion for performance.”

She went on to tell me about Neil: “He has an e xt e n s i ve background in music and is in several bands. It’s wonderful to have his ideas and skills on board and to have someone to sing harmonies with me!”

Laura met the

RiverMouse – Neil Mercer on mandolin; Simon Chinnery, bodhrán; Laura Lee Tanner, guitar and Johnny Ginn, fiddle. person who would eventually complete RiverMouse on New Year’s Day 2022 at The Boat Inn in Stoke Bruerne.

“Simon plays bodhrán (Irish drum) and is a gifted poet and lyricist. He told me he wrote sea shanty lyrics, which I offered to put to music and shared with him that I wrote my own songs too, about life on the water.”

The addition of Simon and his bodhrán drum rounded off the overall sound of this burgeoning band beautifully and at this point Simon, Johnny and Laura began meeting at The Boat and playing sea shanties along with some traditional tunes. What followed were a few small, local events before Neil officially joined on mandolin and guitar, bringing his own songs and tunes, which fitted well with the style and feel of the band.

It wasn’t long though before things developed even further. Laura told me: “With the sound I had been looking

Duck collector is not quackers

Words & photos: Les Heath

WHEN Pete Gammond and his late partner Jeanette began collecting rubber ducks for their narrowboat Andromeda her justification for their unusual hobby was: “The important thing is it makes people smile.”

That was around 18 years ago and although Jeanette died three years ago Pete has ensured her legacy lives on by making people smile every day.

Just short of 300 ducks now adorn the roof of Pete’s boat

when moored and there are even some inside together with duck bunting, duck masks and a variety of duck-related objects.

Pete, 65, has travelled the canal system extensively with his dog Heidi so his ducks have brought smiles throughout the waterways both for boaters and passers-by on the towpath.

“It all began at Crick Show around 2005 when we were looking for something bright to put on top of our mooring pins,” said Pete.

“We thought plastic ducks

Pete Gammond by the side of his boat.

for complete, we decided to record an album of original material. Johnny had recommended a friend and fellow musician, Richard Gleave of Golden Riddy Music, as a sound engineer and we started recording at his studio near Leighton Buzzard.”

The quartet all love rehearsing together and playing by water seems a given with RiverMouse appearing throughout 2022 and 2023 at canalside events including the Cosgrove Canal Festival. As Laura explained: “What I love most about living on the water is being connected to my surroundings and being directly influenced by the changing seasons.

“No day is ever the same, and there is always something unique and beautiful to notice and appreciate.”

It’s heartwarming to see reflections of – and reverence for – this world captured and immortalised in songs and music that we can all enjoy!

would be a good idea and to this day I still have them on top of my mooring pins.”

He added that friends, family, other boaters and even complete strangers began donating ducks and as a result the collection just keeps growing.

“If someone gives me a duck we photograph them with it and their duck stays on the front of the boat for a week,” said Pete. “All the time I am being given new ducks or items that are duck related and they are nearly all different.”

Pete is a former police officer and former services manager for the Gypsy and Traveller Service of Oxfordshire County Council.

When cruising he keeps his ducks in four large hessian bags inside the boat. When not cruising he has a permanent mooring on the Oxford Canal at Banbury, having previously had a mooring on the Grand Union Canal with his last narrowboat Robin.

Singer-songwriter Laura Lee Tanner.

RiverMouse play tunes and original songs inspired by life on the water.

The band consists of: Laura Lee Tanner – vocals, guitar, flute, whistle, recorder Johnny Ginn – fiddle Neil Mercer – guitar, mandolin, vocals Simon Chinnery – bodhrán (Irish drum) Their upcoming album Reflections will be released on CD and digitally on Bandcamp this autumn.

Find details on Facebook: RiverMouse Album artwork features an original painting by Jan Vallance: www.theartboat.co.uk Band photos: fellow boater Joanna Brown Alice Griffin is a travel and nature writer, yoga teacher, and creator of the Slow Into The Seasons Community. www.alicegriffin.co.uk

Pete now has a poster on the side of the boat (pictured left) which jokingly states that he does need all the rubber ducks that passers-by can see on the roof of Andromeda.

Some might think he is quackers but he knows it’s all worth it when he sees the smiles that his colourful array of ducks bring to people’s lives.

Left: The duck poster on the side of the boat.

Duck sentinels on the front of the boat.

Just a few of the ducks on the boat roof.... all colours, sizes and styles, ready to raise a smile.

Duck bunting inside Andromeda.

10 NEWS

November 2023

Horseboating returns to the Chesterfield Canal

EVERY year since 2019, the Chesterfield Canal Trust has put on displays of horseboating in Worksop. Charlie, the horse, could be seen on many summer Sundays towing Dawn Rose along the canal from Shireoaks to Worksop and back.

This always attracted crowds of people keen to see a spectacle which dates back 250 years to when the canal first opened.

Unfortunately, earlier this year Charlie was diagnosed with arthritis, so the vet said that his towing days were over. As you can imagine, this caused much disappointment because Charlie had become a star in his own right.

The search for a suitable replacement was on, causing much frustration, but then along came Tilly! She is a 16-year-old cob x dales and placid – a vital character trait when there are lots of people around.

A trial was held at Shireoaks, and all went well, so the date for her first public appearance was set for Sunday, September 17. Her owner, Kevin Morgan, took her over from Thorne and it turned out to be a triumph with lots of people delighted to see horseboating again.

Unfortunately, there are no plans for a repeat this year, but dates are already being arranged for 2024.

Coun Martin Thacker, left, and supporters pulling Dawn Rose from Shireoaks to Worksop and back.

Cuckoo boat

Dawn Rose is the only Chesterfield Canal Boat in existence; they were sometimes known as cuckoo boats and were unique to the Chesterfield Canal.

The design scarcely changed from the 1770s right up to the 1920s when the last ones were made. Up to the end of commercial use in the

Tilly hauling Dawn Rose with owner Kevin Morgan.

1950s, they were still horse drawn; they were never equipped with engines. A mast was used when they ventured on to the River Trent.

The last cuckoo boat on the canal rotted away over 40 years ago.

A group of Chesterfield Canal Trust members decided to build a new cuckoo boat. After much research, they drew up a list of all the timber that was needed.

This was published in the trust’s magazine, and sponsors were found for every piece within a few weeks.

Seven-and-a-half tons of fresh Lincolnshire oak and boat-skin larch was then bought and stored in a secret location to season.

An appeal also went out for traditional hand tools of the type used a century ago because the volunteers wanted to discover

the old way of doing the work. No power tools were used at any stage.

Construction started in 2011 in a corner of Shireoaks Marina.

The work was led by David Bownes who has a vast knowledge garnered by talking with working boatmen on the Chesterfield Canal. He was involved with working on cuckoo boats as a young man, so he was one of the very few people alive – possibly the only one – with real working knowledge of their construction.

As a result of this build, there are now several others who have picked up this knowledge. David was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chesterfield Canal Trust at its AGM in 2015.

It took four years to complete the boat. Some of the planks (or strokes) that make up the sides are 27ft long, 10in wide and 2in thick.

They had to be planed exactly and then put into a home-made steamer for several hours before being bent into place. There are 90 planks along the bottom. Each one had to be shaped precisely and they were then fixed into place by 360 home-made nails, each 9in long and hammered upwards.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The North East Derbyshire District Council boat pull team with Dawn Rose volunteers.

Tilly and Kevin Morgan.

PHOTOS: JOHN BATES

Vast quantities of old rope, tar, pitch and linseed oil were used to make the boat watertight.

Dawn Rose was finally launched in 2015 and was the subject of a very elaborate naming ceremony a few weeks later.

The Friends of Dawn Rose was formed to raise funds to keep the boat in good condition. They run an annual boat pull where groups can tow the boat for a fee

and raise money for their chosen cause. In September, a group led by the chairman of North East Derbyshire District Council, Coun Martin Thacker, pulled Dawn Rose from Shireoaks to Worksop and back, raising more than £2300 for the Chairman’s Civic Appeal supporting the Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield.

Coun Thacker said: “It was a glorious day and I’d like to thank everyone who took part for raising such a magnificent sum for my charity appeal.

“I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Chesterfield Canal Trust for their support, along with the crew of Dawn Rose who assisted us on the day.”

To find out more, search for Chesterfield Canal Trust and follow the links to Dawn Rose.

Lord Mayor books a visit to barge

Word is spreading about the Marjorie R floating bookshop in Leeds, as Sally Clifford found out.

The new low-energy design hull allows for full solar electric power with an extended range or serial hybrid option.

Lloyd's Register Rules-based design provides a choice of alloys, Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Mild Steel with the confidence of the highest standards.

CALL TODAY 01908 686 796 Ask for George or email info@avalonmarine.co.uk

MOORED in the trendy waterside setting of Leeds dock, Marjorie R remains oblivious to her global fame.

Queues of visitors, some from abroad, recently flocked to see this 77-year-old former workhorse of the waterway after seeing TV and media coverage of her National Historic Ships (NHS-UK) award acknowledging her transformation from coal carrier to floating bookseller.

Launched in November, Hold Fast Bookshop, christened after the nautical saying often tattooed across sailors’ knuckles to hold on in stormy seas, has secured Marjorie R’s future as the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Al Garthwaite, and Alderwoman Angela Gabriel discovered when they popped in to meet Marjorie R and her proud owners Chris and Victoria Bonner.

Marjorie R has been part of the Bonner family for 10 years.

Originally a houseboat, it was the obvious change of use for Victoria, a book lover and former librarian.

After viewing the extensive range of new and pre-loved books on board, Coun Garthwaite, who is also an avid reader, purchased two books.

“As Lord Mayor I like to come and visit any places in Leeds, but especially those that have won prestigious awards like this,” said Coun Garthwaite.

“And, being an avid reader, it is a treat to visit a bookshop as part of my general work day.”

Interestingly, Coun Garthwaite has an interest in waterways.

While running a media production company

Coun Garthwaite sits down with a good book, accompanied

by Alderwoman Gabriel at Hold Fast Bookshop.

From left: Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Al Garthwaite, with Chris and Victoria Bonner, owners of Hold Fast Bookshop and Alderwoman Angela Gabriel. she helped to produce the Lottery-funded film Yorkshire from the Aire which involved chatting to owners of converted coal barges along the River Aire.

During their visit Coun Garthwaite and Alderwoman Gabriel also learned about the important people in Marjorie R’s past through the onboard photographs of the barge’s namesake, Marjorie Reed, the wife of Reginald Reed who was a consultant director for Hargreaves, and her skipper Norman Claxton.

“Everything I have

seen seems to be really innovative and interesting. A fantastic use of an old coal barge and well worthy of this award,” said Coun Garthwaite.

“It is nice to have recognition from the Lord Mayor of Leeds and because she is such an avid reader we had a really nice chat about books and what she has been reading which is great,” added Victoria.

Visit uk.bookshop. org/shop/holdfast bookshop. For more information visit https://holdfastleeds. co.uk

Hold Fast Bookshop, moored in Leeds Dock, is attracting global attention after receiving its National Historic Ships (NHS-UK) award. PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

D OL S AT BO

Celebrating the award of a new green flag for Cheshire’s Trent & Mersey Canal are local canal manager Paul Reynolds, centre, with trust staff and volunteers, plus volunteers from the Middlewich Clean Team. PHOTO: CRT

New green flags for North West waterways MORE than two-thirds of the North West region’s canals have been given Green Flag Award 2023/24 status by Keep Britain Tidy.

The designation of a further 33 miles of the Trent & Mersey Canal takes the regional total up to 268 miles of Canal & River Trust waterways in Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

This means the entire length of the Trent & Mersey through Cheshire, stretching from Preston Brook in the north to Kidsgrove on the Staffordshire border, has the special award. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal through East Lancashire is also a new extension for 2023.

CRT chief executive Richard Parry said the number of green flags is a testament to everyone

who works or volunteers with the trust, including those in the community who play a vital part in helping to look after their local canal.

He said: “These green flags showcase the breadth of what the waterways have to offer: free, accessible green space on the doorstep of millions. Our historic canals are places in our towns and cities where people can relax, get close to nature and feel the health benefits of spending time by water.

“And now we’re facing another challenge, with a significant reduction in our government funding after 2027 recently announced.

We’re calling on the public to join our campaign to Keep Canals Alive so we can secure the support they need to avert the decline that we saw during

the last century.”

Canals are an intrinsic part of the nation’s landscape with the quintessentially British sight of a narrowboat, lock or a humpback bridge familiar to anyone in towns or countryside alike. As well as being visited by around 10 million people every fortnight, CRT’s waterways are used by around 35,000 boats.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Oxford Canal bridges get £650,000 lift THE Canal & River Trust is carrying out a £650,000 upgrade programme on four of the Oxford Canal’s iconic wooden lift bridges.

A familiar part of the Oxfordshire landscape for nearly 250 years, the bridges were built to allow local farmers and residents to cross the newly dug canal.

However, with funding for the construction of the 18th-century canal tight, instead of more expensive fixed ‘humpback' brick structures, cheaper-to-install lift bridges were built in their place along the Banbury to Oxford stretch.

The four bridges being upgraded are currently operated using a simple counterbalance system and are among 19 Grade II-listed accommodation lift bridges on the Oxford Canal.

CRT London & South East director Ros Daniels said the work would make them safer to operate and more durable while retaining their unique lock and heritage value. She added: “For many people these bridges are the defining feature of the Oxford Canal.”

Wear and tear on the ageing

bridges, coupled with weather conditions and occasional incorrect usage, can result in the lift mechanism not functioning properly.

The trust has been granted Listed Building Consent for the installation of manual hydraulic winding mechanisms which will enable safer navigational passage for boaters and access across the canal for pedestrians and vehicles.

This work will enhance the longevity of the structure by providing more controlled opening and closing, while also preserving their special heritage interest.

Work on Chisnell lift bridge (No 193) has been made possible thanks to support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, while the installations at Shipton (No 219), Wolvercote (No 233) and Perry’s (No 234) are being undertaken as part of the trust’s winter programme of works.

Officially opened on January 1, 1790, the Oxford Canal originally carried coal from the West Midlands to Oxford and London and was a commercial success for almost half a until the arrival century railway. of the

Boats Wanted!

We’re having a busy time for boat sales and as a result we now need more boats to sell Call for details

Tel: 01270 760 799 Boatfinder Brokerage Services

@BoatfinderBS

Middlewich Canal Centre is home to the following family of companies

You can find all of our companies at Kings Lock Boatyard, Middlewich. CW10 0JJ Chisness lift bridge No 193 prior to the upgrade. PHOTO: CRT

WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM

12

IWA ROUND-UP

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

IWA welcomes HS2 cancellation

THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has welcomed the cancellation of HS2 Phase 2 as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Cancellation of HS2 Phases 2a, 2b and HS2 East will avoid major noise impacts on waterway users at numerous locations and remove the blight on several canal restoration projects.

Phase 2a (Fradley to Crewe) was authorised in 2021 and early environmental work has been undertaken. Its cancellation and removal of its safeguarding ‘in weeks’ will remove the threat of major disruption and noise to the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood Marina with its semi-residential boaters.

Phase 2b West (Crewe-Manchester) is currently before Parliament. Its cancellation and removal of its

safeguarding ‘by summer next year’ will remove the threats of disruption and noise at the Middlewich Branch Canal crossings and to the on-line moorings at Park Farm, Stanthorne. Also at the three proposed Trent & Mersey Canal viaduct crossings and to residential boats at Oakwood Marina, along with the threat of possible subsidence of the canal around Billinge Flash.

It is not yet clear if the current CreweManchester Bill and its Select Committee hearings will be dropped or if the Manchester section which doubles up as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail route may be retained pending a decision on a modified Network North scheme.

Either way, IWA is unlikely now to be called to put its case for better noise protection for canals to the Select Committee, or to receive the promised

response to its questions about ground stability in Cheshire.

Restoration schemes

The HS2 East (Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway) plans had not been updated since abandonment of the East Midlands to Leeds part of Phase 2b East in the 2021 Integrated Rail Plan.

Its cancellation and removal of the safeguarding on Phase 2b ‘by summer next year’ (which presumably includes HS2 East) will enable the Ashby Canal restoration at Measham to proceed as part of the stalled Measham Waterside housing development. It also removes a crossing of the Coventry Canal at Polesworth.

Confirmation that the East Midlands to Leeds route has been abandoned and removal of the safeguarding on that section, simplifies the Chesterfield

Award presented for first time in a decade

Bob Fox collects the branch award on behalf of the Birmingham Black Country and Worcestershire branch. PHOTO: IWA A NUMBER of awards were presented by the IWA at its recent annual meeting to individuals and groups, celebrating their contributions to the association and to the waterways.

The Vivian Bulkeley-Johnson Salt prize, recognising an outstanding contribution to waterways freight, was awarded this year for the first time since 2013. Recipient John Spencer runs GPS Marine, a family firm based on the rivers Thames and Medway and engaged in a wide range of inland waterways activities.

He has been running a lobbying campaign to promote inland waterways freight across the board, certainly not limiting himself to GPS’s sphere of operation. He is largely responsible for the fact that pretty well all the commercial operators on the Thames are now running on HVO with the very substantial savings in emissions and particulates this represents.

Over the past couple of years, John has been extremely helpful in guiding the IWA Sustainable Boating Group with its trial work with HVO for use in inland waterways craft, and has won a wide range of freight, logistics and sustainability awards.

Subsequent to his nomination for the Salt, John has taken over as chairman of the Inland Waterways Freight Group and will be leading an active campaign to increase the use of the waterways for freight.

Richard Bird medals

There were two recipients of Richard Bird medals which are awarded to members whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the association over a sustained period. They were presented to Alan Smith and Dave Pearson.

Alan was nominated for his quiet background support for the vast amount of IWA work carried out by Christine Smith. At the Canalway Cavalcade he can always be found working on an information stand or some other part

of the background work. He is also a regular contributor to the waterways press, often writing to correct errors that have appeared in print.

Dave Pearson has served on the Birmingham Black Country & Worcestershire Branch for more than 10 years, with four years as chairman.

He has supported many events, acting as harbourmaster and has been instrumental in developing and maintaining good relations between IWA and local waterways organisations such as the BCN Society and Coombeswood Canal Trust. He also largely initiated the Bradley Canal Restoration and actively supports the Lapal Canal Restoration.

Christopher Power Prize

John Dodwell received the Christopher Power Prize which is awarded to a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.

He nominated the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust to receive the cash prize associated with this award, which is given to a waterway restoration group associated with the winner, where the winner is a named individual. John received the trophy, a carved wooden otter, presented to the association by Volvo Penta.

John is chairman of the Montgomery Canal Partnership which brings together various groups interested in completing the restoration of the canal, including the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. As a result of his skilled leadership, the reputation of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust is at an all-time high.

Branch Achievement Award

The Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch were the winners of the Branch Achievement Award which, in the opinion of a panel consisting of the national chairman, deputy national chairmen

and chief executive, has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the association’s aims and objectives during the past year.

Not only has the branch carried out all its regular activities in terms of work parties and monitoring planning activities, but also through its members being highly active in promoting the Fund Britain’s Waterways aspects of IWA’s Protect Our Waterways campaign, ensuring the success of the Birmingham Campaign Cruise in August, and also in the gaining of Heritage Inland Port status for Stourport.

Cyril Styring Trophy

The association’s premier award, the Cyril Styring Trophy, goes to an IWA member who has, in the opinion of the trustees, made an outstanding contribution. This year it was presented to Christine Smith.

She has worked in many roles in IWA, bringing boundless quantities of enthusiasm and efficiency. Christine was not only deputy chairman, but also publicity manager and liaison officer for Canalway Cavalcade for a number of years. This meant that she has had more or less a full-time job for months at a time, but has still found time to encourage others and has shown determination and resilience in the face of obstacles placed by statutory bodies.

Christine has ensured the success of Canalway Cavalcade and has been largely responsible for it becoming such a major event. She was also publicity manager for the Festival of Water and, before moving out of London, served on the South London branch committee, helping to ensure the high quality of social events they run.

Canal restoration at Staveley which will no longer need a deepened lock and an extra lock on the section to be restored at Staveley under the Towns Fund. This also finally confirms avoidance of crossings of the River Soar at Kegworth, Cranfleet Cut on the River Trent, the Erewash Canal, Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation, and Aire & Calder Navigation.

Phase 1 which is under active construction will be completed, although with a smaller station at Euston. It will include the currently partly delayed section beyond Coleshill to Fradley and the Handsacre Link where it will join the West Coast Main Line. So the works affecting the Lichfield Canal restoration have not changed, with construction of the replacement Cappers Lane canal bridge and the canal diversion under Cappers Lane Viaduct expected to continue, although the timescale is uncertain.

But the Trent & Mersey Canal bridge at Fradley and the grade separated junction at Streethay are clearly no longer needed.

IWA has sought to engage constructively with HS2 for more than a decade and has achieved various improvements to their plans, most notably saving the Trent & Mersey Canal at Fradley Wood End from devastation by three unnecessary viaduct crossings.

However, HS2 has never properly recognised the major noise impacts on canal users, and particularly on the residential use of boats, and the noise mitigation measures at many of the canal interfaces were therefore inadequate.

While construction and operational noise will still affect the Grand Union, Oxford and BCN canals, IWA is relieved that many others will now be spared, and that the two canal restoration projects blighted by uncertainty can now proceed unhindered.

Council leader visits Shrewsbury local canals exhibition

ARRANGED and hosted

by IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch to publicise the canal network, the local canals exhibition also featured displays by three other local canal groups: the Shropshire Union Canal Society, the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust and the Friends of the Montgomery Canal.

One of the organisers, Alan Wilding, said: “We were all very pleased that council leader Lezley Picton joined us and she engaged with all the exhibitors before posing for a group photograph with some of the IWA team.”

Coun Picton, who recently spoke at the official opening of the reconstructed section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath, said: “Our canals provide so many opportunities for us to get out into our lovely

Visitors at the local canals exhibition in Shrewsbury.

PHOTOS: ALAN WILDING

countryside, whether it be on the water or walking the towpaths. I will continue to support the restoration of our canals and look forward to further visits in the future.”

Michael Limbrey, branch president and chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, commented that Coun Picton, together with Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire, had helped establish the new cross-border grouping, the Marches Forward Partnership.

The partnership, between Shropshire, Powys and other neighbouring authorities, aims to encourage cross-border economic activities of mutual benefit. Another exhibitor, David Carter, of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, said he was pleased to hear Lezley tell him, during her visit to the exhibition, that the Montgomery restoration is S h r o p s h i r e ’s number one project in this respect.

Michael also highlighted the fact that the Government’s recent

Levelling Up investment in Powys has not been matched in Shropshire despite there being only two miles left to restore in England.

Co-organiser of the exhibition, Susan Wilding, said she was pleased that the IWA and the other three groups had been able to co-ordinate such a comprehensive presentation of local waterways and added: “It was good to hear so many positive comments about our canals from visitors and also to receive direct support in the form of donations and purchases of our 2024 waterways calendar.”

Shropshire council leader Coun Lezley Picton is pictured, second from right, visiting the exhibition with, from left: Susan Wilding, Philippa Bursey, Michael Limbrey and Michael Haig.

Get involved – work party dates

PLEASE contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes and old clothing, and take a waterproof. You may want to take a packed lunch and refreshments.

NORTH November 18-19 IWA Manchester Branch: Working with

the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society at Prestolee on Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22 at their regular work site, Prestolee Road, Little Lever, Bolton BL3 1AD. Contact Barry McGuinness, 07875 999825.

EAST November 5 and 21 IWA Northampton Branch: Work

parties are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month, along the Arm, 10am-2pm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks.

Contact: Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@ waterways.org.uk for details.

gardening, litter picking and painting.

Work parties are dependent on weather being agreeable. Contact: Pat Durham on 07510 195918; email pat. durham@waterways.org.uk

work party at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal. 9.30am-1.30pm. Work can include vegetation clearance,

Somerset area, 10am-1pm. Contact: Mike Slade at mike.slade@waterways. org.uk; 07977 263840.

Tuesdays IWA Milton Keynes Branch: Regular

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

13

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Marine Breakdown Assistance

JOIN TODAY!

24/7 across the UK Inland Waterways.

• NO callout or hourly charges.

• NO restrictions on age, make or size of your boat.

• Home start • Crew relay • Breakdown assistance • Boat recovery

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

FROM

ONLY

£75

A £30 surcharge applies to all callouts within the M25

er ent Parts Cov *Replacem ing lud inc rts ge of specified pa

Covers a huge ran couplings, starters, gearbox & drive plate, more.** alternators and many

River canal rescue (rcr) provides its members with year round 24/7 national breakdown and recovery assistance.

After you’ve broken down, we can pick up the repair bill with our replacement parts cover (rpc).

Application Form

PLEASE SELECT A LEVEL OF MEMBERSHIP. (Tick Box)

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: (dependent on membership level) • Breakdown assistance and recovery.

• Home-start assistance.

• Yearly inspection of engine and electrical system.

• Relay of crew to home base.

• Crisis coordination and message relay service.

• Provision pick-up service.

• Practical and technical telephone assistance.

• Water Nav App • Replacement parts & labour for specified items.

ABOUT YOU. (please use block capitals)

• National breakdown & recovery. Home start £320 and crew relay. Cover for any vessel or any user. Annual engine and electrical Inspection of registered boat.

• Unlimited callouts.

INCLUDES REPLACEMENT PARTS COVER (RPC).

• Member = Vessel, covered for all users • Member = Registered user, covered on any boat

Email:

GOLD

SILVER

£235

• National breakdown & recovery. Home start and crew relay.

• Maximum 7 callouts.

• Member = Registered user and vessel.

INCLUDES REPLACEMENT PARTS COVER (RPC).

• National Breakdown & Recovery.

BRONZE £195 • Maximum 4 callouts.

• Member = Registered User and Vessel.

INCLUDES REPLACEMENT PARTS COVER (RPC).

RETAINER • Registers the member - provides the same £75 priority and access to services but pay on use. *Breakdown and assistance charged at a flat rate of £50 per breakdown.

• Member = Vessel NO REPLACEMENT PARTS COVER (RPC).

Add Replacement Parts Cover inc (RPC) for £75.

Title: Mr

Mrs

Miss

Ms

PAYMENT DETAILS. Other

Please choose a method of payment.

Surname:

Cheque (Made payable to RCR)

Forenames:

Credit Card

Address:

Card No:

Postcode:

Security No:

Telephone:

Debit Card

Exp Date:

Issue No:

ABOUT YOUR VESSEL.

I understand that this application form is subject to terms and conditions and that my membership will become active once I have received a copy of these in my membership package.

Name of Craft:

Signature:

Reg No. of Craft: Type of Craft: Cruiser, Narrow Boat, etc: Length: Width: Hull: Wood

Fiberglass

Steel

ENGINE DETAILS. Type: Inboard

Outboard

Under Warrantee: Yes Make:

No

Engine: (cc/HP)

Electrical System: 12 Volt

24 Volt

Fuel: Petrol

Two stroke

Diesel

Other: Registered Moorings: (if any)

Date:

I’m happy to receive information about other services from RCR. We will never share your details with outside sources REPLACEMENT PARTS COVER. Now after you ‘ve broken down, we can pick up the repair bill.

• Pays up to a maximum of £1,000 per repair.* • Covers a huge range of specified parts** including the gearbox and drive plate, couplings, alternators, starters, and many more.*** • You can make up to 4 claims per year.

• No restrictions on the age of the engine. *£50 excess per claim. **Excludes consumables such as cables, filters, rubber components and the like that require routine wear and tear replacement. ***Full details in your membership booklet.

Please return form and cheque (if applicable) in an envelope addressed to: Freepost, River Canal Rescue

01785 785 680 | www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

14 FREIGHT

November 2023

The cost of carbon Jonathan Mosse’s monthly look at freight developments on the inland waterways.

Carbon catastrophe v carbon kind! that might affect global warming and the road to net zero is, today, about as well developed as the Mappa Mundi’s cartographers’ understanding of the real world of 1300. At least their paucity of technology gave them more than a passing excuse!

The fact that we still champion road transport over

ARGUABLY, the main attraction of the city of Hereford is not its waterway, the River Wye, but a unique piece of cartography holding pride of place, exhibited in its Norman cathedral.

This medieval treasure, known as the Mappa Mundi, depicts the world as it was viewed in the year 1300.

Measuring more than 5ft by 4ft and displayed on a single sheet of vellum, the map shows the inhabited or known world of the time, depicted with east at the top: the place where the sun rises.

It shows the history, geography and destiny of humanity as it was understood in Christian Europe in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Visitors marvel at the complete lack of comprehension as to the extent of the world and the general naivety that this implies.

Our contemporary understanding of the true cost of carbon, and how it should be factored into any calculation

Still (just) a working wharf.

PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE

rail and water is not really so different (and equally topsy turvy) from drawing a map with east rather than north at the top. In terms of carbon emissions, it represents a world understanding about as well developed as that of 13th-century Christian Europe and a similar, limited concern for history, geography and the destiny of humanity.

But what the Mappa Mundi does demonstrate, in spades, is a willingness to engage with issues of the time and to further understanding, however crude the tools then available might have been.

If nothing else it established context, something that is sadly lacking in an examination of the significance that carbon plays in contemporary transport.

In any scrutiny of emissions, the figures have been at our fingertips and well rehearsed for a long time now, such as the 75%+ reduction in emissions for a given tonne/mile when barges are compared with lorries. And this before any mention of the effects of congestion.

Cheapest option?

By no means a new concept as this book, published in 2007, demonstrates.

So rightly, the next stage is to start putting a price on carbon (together with its accomplices) and then factoring this

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

into any calculation involved in moving goods from A to B before finally arriving at the cheapest option.

Although European carbon cost figures seem to be somewhat at variance with those quoted for the United States, it doesn’t affect the principle: namely, that it is internationally accepted that emitting carbon has a cost and, logically, one that should be added on to any price quoted for moving goods, to arrive at the true net cost.

Once that fundamental concept is accepted, you can start to spin the equation in one of several ways. Take, for instance, the slightly tongue-in-cheek enquiry made at a recent waterways freight meeting: “How soon will we be digging out the Grand Union to six feet so we can carry containers?”

Without breaking stride, the reply came back: “When the cost of carbon goes up £10.” Dismiss this as flippant repartee if you will, but be prepared to revisit this exchange in a decade’s time when our policy makers have shed their current vested interest blinkers, finally grasping the carbon nettle.

Now try another deft flick of the reflective wrist by imagining a Thames

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

In conjunction with low carbon fuel, commercial carrying by water represents a theoretical reduction in emissions of 97.5%. wharf in the centre of the Metropolis. An eye-watering sum of money will secure it for mixed development, which in turn will attract a carbon cost typical of a similar building project, pretty much anywhere in the UK. Once finished and handed over by the developers, in carbon terms, that’s pretty much that… or is it? That wharf could have serviced barge traffic on the river for the next I don’t know how many years. Each load delivered or collected, when compared with the lorry traffic now committed to doing the work, would have represented a considerable carbon cost saving, which would very quickly have added up to a value well beyond the price the sale to the developer realised.

My point being that pretty much every action, particularly in the field of transport, has a carbon cost. The challenge is first to recognise the universality of this and then to agree on a methodology to apply this cost (in all its myriad forms) in order to make meaningful price comparisons before being totally overtaken by the effects of global warming.

Get 12 issues of Towpath Talk delivered to your door from just £19 a year. THAT’S £1.58£1.16 JUSTJUST £1.16 A COPY THAT’S A COPY

CALL 01507 529529 LINES OPEN WEEKDAYS 8.30AM TO 5PM OR VISIT WWW.CLASSICMAGAZINES.CO.UK SUBSCRIPTION FORM

NOVEMBER 2020 2023 FEBRUARY

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

Payment method 1.

One Year (UK)

£19 (Direct Debit)

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

£22 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque) £25 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque) £31 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque)

Payer’s details (must be completed)

FROM ONLY

£19 £14

A YEAR

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

DIRECT DEBIT

Instruction to Bank/Building Society to pay by Direct Debit: I would like to change/take out a subscription for £19 per annum (UK only) Account in the name of Account number

Sort code

Name of Bank/Building Society Address

Surname

Email

Postcode

Telephone

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

Mobile

Year of Birth

Address

Signature

Postcode

2. DEBIT/CREDIT CARD Visa Please debit my:

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

Date

Reference number (office use only)

Mastercard

Switch/Maestro

Card number:

Surname

Address

Start date

Postcode

To view our full privacy policy please visit www.mortonsmediagroup/privacy.htm, you will be able to unsubscribe from communications at any time

3 digit verification code Signature 3.

/

Expiry date Switch issue number Date

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

/

15

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

SCAN ME

FOR LOCAT

ION

Independent Marina | Fantastic Cruising Location | 5 Gold Anchor Marina Clean Marina Accreditated | Everything You Need On One Site

TWO WAYS TO STAY Short & Long Term Boat Storage | No CRT License Required * Individual Water & Electric Points | Secure Site | Chandlery | Engineering Team

01270 525040 | www.aqueductmarina.co.uk Only applies when boat is out of the water on our privately owned hardstanding facility

16 MUSEUM FOCUS/HERITAGE

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Discovering canal history in Chichester Nicola Lisle enjoys a visit to the Chichester Ship Canal Heritage Centre in the latest in her museum series.

CHICHESTER’S canal basin today is a peaceful backwater, the perfect place to stroll or sit and unwind alongside boats, ducks and a variety of wildlife.

For more than n 80 years years, though, this w was a busy industrrial hub, linked t o Chichester Harbour by the Chichester Canal and used by sea-going vessels carrying a variety of goodss, from coal, graiin, malt, flour, tim mber, wool and wine to t naval supplies and gold bullion.

The Chichester Canal was the only commercially viable section of the ill-fated Portsmouth and Arundel Canal, built as part of a wider scheme to connect London to Portsmouth during the Napoleonic Wars. This enabled military equipment and other goods to be transported safely along inland waterways, avoiding the more hazardous waters of the English Channel.

Masterminded by engineer John Rennie – whose previous credits included the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Caen Hill Locks and the Crofton Pumping Station – the scheme was presented to Parliament in 1803 and again in 1810, without success.

When a new canal opened in 1816 linking London to Littlehampton via the Thames, the Wey and the Wey-Arun Navigation, Rennie once again put forward a plan to continue the connection to Portsmouth via the River Arun, with an additional link from Hunston to Chichester. Supported financially by Lord Egremont, the proposal was agreed by Parliament and the bill passed in July 1817.

The Chichester Canal opened with a grand fanfare on April 9, 1822 and over the next few years brought economic prosperity to the area, with flour mills, warehouses, coal and timber merchants, boat builders and many more springing up around the canal basin.

The remaining section of the Portsmouth and Arundel Canal opened a year later, but was beset with financial and structural problems from the start.

The end of the Napoleonic Wars meant the expected levels of trade never materialised. Competition from the railways sounded the death knell, and the main part of the canal closed in 1858.

The Chichester leg of the canal continued to thrive, but by the turn of the century trade was declining and commercial use of the canal ended in 1906.

Themed trips

Restoration of the canal began in the 1970s by the Portsmouth and Arundel Society – later the Chichester Canal Society and now the Chichester Ship Canal Trust.

A 19th century stable block now houses the Heritage Centre. A series of information boards tells the story of the canal, from

The historic Poyntz Bridge.

The Canal Heritage Centre. the originall proposal to the formation of the canal company, the building of the canal, the official opening, the working life of the canal and its gradual decline, its usage during the Second World War and beyond, and its restoration and revival as the leisure waterway of today. Touch screens offer more detailed coverage.

There is also a model of a typical working canal boat of the late 19th/early 20th centuries, old newspaper cuttings, drawings and changing themed displays.

Nearby is a small cafe and gift shop, with plenty of outside seating near the canal.

Two restored boats, Kingfisher and Richmond, run scheduled and chartered trips from March to October, and there are various themed trips throughout the year. Booking is now open for this year’s Father Christmas trips!

A pleasant four-mile walk along the towpath takes you to Chichester Harbour, where refreshments are available. As you leave the canal basin, you will pass Poyntz Bridge, an old swing bridge originally at Hunston Junction, just over a mile along the towpath, but restored and relocated at the Canal Basin, on the site of the old Padwick Bridge, in 1997.

A series of sculptures along the canalside encourages youngsters to learn about the history of the canal and its wildlife.

At Hunston Junction you can see the canal with Chichester Cathedral and the Downs in the distance – the same view that JMW Turner painted in 1828 (now in the Tate Britain collection).

From Chichester Harbour, you can either return to the canal basin along the towpath, or there are buses to the city centre, a few minutes’ walk from the basin, if you’re feeling a little weary!

Chichester Canal Heritage Centre

Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8DT h t t p s : / / c h i c h e s t e rc a n a l . o rg . u k / about-chichester-canal/heritage-centre/ Open daily, 9.30am-4.30pm Free admission Getting here: Bus and rail services to Chichester city centre; short walk to the canal basin. By car, M27/A27 (Chichester bypass), then A286; canal basin almost immediately on the right.

Limited free parking available.

Kingfisher heading into the canal basin.

Paint your lock

By Tim Coghlan, Braunston Marina

THE Narrow Boat Trust’s pair of boats, Nuneaton and Brighton, were loaded ready for their annual autumnal coal run in early September.

This would take them and their cargo of 24 tons of bagged smokeless coal down the Grand Union Canal into London, on to the Thames and then back up the Oxford Canal to the Midlands.

The following afternoon the pair, breasted-up, departed for the Braunston Flight. I followed on foot to help with the lock wheeling which, as the Narrow Boat Trust’s patron, it was both my duty and pleasure to do.

Seeing a pair of loaded working narrowboats on the Braunston Flight is now something of a rarity, and something not to be missed. It is a sad thought in the heyday of canalcarrying, during an average year some 6000 pairs of boats would pass through that flight, coming day and night, every 15 minutes.

Even in the early 1960s, there were still quite a few pairs doing so, as was so well recorded by Mike Webb in his recently republished book of photographs, The Twilight Years of Narrow Boat Carrying. But now such things are well and truly in the past.

After some tough lock work, I arrived at what today is called Lock 4. To the working boatmen it was called Shop Lock, due to one of the three terraced cottages – now all merged into one well-restored house – then being a shop, which served the needs of the passing boatmen and the local farming community.

While working Lock 4, I saw, at a short distance up the towpath, a young man engrossed in painting the scene in oils. He was working quickly on his small canvas, mounted on an easel, which had an

inbuilt palette where paints were hurriedly being mixed.

The painting was coming together remarkably well, the perspective quite photographic and the afternoon light on the subject matter showed the results of careful pre-planning by the artist.

I had work to do and hardly glanced at this artistry. But I made a note to come and take a proper look on the way back, once we had seen the boats through the Top Lock, still two locks beyond, that lock still having its original name.

Coming back to Lock 4, and now with gongoozlertime on my hands, I introduced myself to the painter, and he likewise.

With his permission, I took a good look at his work-in-progress, taking a photograph and also one of the subject matter beyond.

I learnt that the painter’s name was David Pilgrim; he now lived in Braunston and was a professional landscape painter. I asked

David Pilgrim painting a picture of the former Shop Lock Cottages at Lock 4 on the Braunston Flight. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN him if he was a member of the Guild of Waterway Artists, which holds an annual exhibition at our Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rallies, but he said he was not.

When I later looked him up on the web, I learnt that he was born in 1975, and is now a full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, which holds regular London exhibitions.

Like some of the great Impressionist artists, he prefers working ‘en plein air’, that is, painting from nature, working outdoors wherever possible, and

The former Shop Lock Cottages as they are today, now sympathetically converted to one very desirable canalside house. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

in all weathers – and if necessary, finishing off paintings in his studio.

Looking at David’s website I noticed that most of his works were of coastal and estuarine scenes, in the great tradition of the post-war Wapping Group of Artists. So living in Braunston, he was about as far from the sea as it is possible to get, but he was centrally located to go off in any direction.

There was nothing I spotted on David’s website of canal scenes, and there was only that one I had seen in progress. I suggested to him that with the quality of his work, there could well be an opening for him on the waterways.

For starters, there were several other canal scenes round Braunston crying out for him to paint. And hopefully he would take a stand in the artists’ tent at next year’s Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally.

Below left: the three former Shop Lock Cottages in August 1965 – photographed

by Mike Webb and included in his publication The Twilight Years of Narrow Boat Carrying. The cottages appear to be empty.

The elm trees beyond were all lost to Dutch Elm Disease, but other trees and vegetation have more than replaced them.

PHOTO: MIKE WEBB ESTATE

17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Did you know?

GJW Direct Narrowboat insurance includes River Canal Rescue (RCR) membership.

Get a quote today www.gjwdirect.com 0151 473 8000

* 0% Interest

available

Scan this code with your phone for a quick quote!

*10 interest free instalments available on premiums over £100 – see policy wording for full details.

GJW Direct is a trading name of Munich Re Specialty Insurance (UK) Limited, registered in England: 01262636, Union, 2-10 Albert Square, Manchester, M2 6LW. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 310539) and acting as a managing general agent on behalf of certain insurers.

18 WHAT’S ON

November 2023

Santa on the Chessie

THE Chesterfield Canal Trust will be running its popular Santa Special cruises again in the lead up to Christmas.

Believe it or not, our bearded friend has managed to clone himself to appear on four boats simultaneously!

He will be present on all the cruises where there will be a present for every child and a mince pie (or similar) and a drink for every adult.

The cost is £10 per person. All bookings are made online; go to www. chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk and follow the links.

The trust’s tripboat John Varley II will be running from Tapton Lock in Chesterfield on November 25-26 and on December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 22-23.

Madeline will be running from Hollingwood Hub in Staveley on

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17.

Hugh Henshall will be running from Shireoaks Top Lock on December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 21-23.

Seth Ellis will be running from the Chequers Inn at Ranby on December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 23.

Bookings opened on October 1 and well over 400 seats were taken in the first three days, so do not delay – book today!

Santa in the snow beside Madeline. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Christmas cruises on the canal SANTA will be heading to the Basingstoke Canal soon with sailings from the Galleon Marine boatyard at Odiham.

Trips on the wheelchair-accessible boat will take place on

Saturday and Sunday, December 16-17 and Wednesday to Saturday, December 20-23.

All proceeds will support Accessible Boating and the cost per person is £15; babies under one year go

free, and will include a gift for children 12 years and under, hot drink or squash and mince pie and a colouring activity.

To book call 07392 551365 or email santa@ accessibleboating.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER

If you want your event listed in our free monthly What’s On section email your entry to jrichardson@mortons.co.uk or use the events form at www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Please check with organisers whether the event is going ahead before setting out on your journey.

Santa with passengers on the Seth Ellis. PHOTO: JOHN BATES

November 2 IWA Leicestershire

Swansea Canal 225th anniversary exhibition on tour THERE’S still time to see a special exhibition looking back on 225 years of the Swansea Canal which has been on tour throughout the valley after six months on display at the National Waterfront Museum Swansea.

The exhibition is a partnership project with Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, and Swansea Canal Society, which looks back on the influential role the canal has played in the Tawe Valley for more than two centuries.

It was seen by thousands of visitors at the National Waterfront Museum and will be on show at Craig y Nos Country Park between Monday, October 30 and Sunday, November 12. Glandŵr Cymru heritage adviser David Viner and Alan Bowring, from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, will also be hosting talks on the 225-year history of the canal on Thursday, November 9 from 2pm-4pm.

David Morgan, development manager for Wales at Glandŵr Cymru, said: “After a successful exhibition at the National Waterfront Museum we are now taking the exhibition in partnership with Swansea Canal Society out into the community to the people who live alongside the Swansea Canal.

“The tour is a great exciting opportunity for local people who have not had the chance to visit the museum to see the exhibition and discover more about the role the canal has played in Swansea’s history, and to raise awareness of its impact today and the importance of our work to ensure that we continue to keep canals alive.”

The celebrations for the 225th anniversary of the canal have been made possible thanks to funding support from The National Lottery

Branch:

Guest speaker Bob Williams from the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, and an update from Linny Beaumont, director CRT East Region. The Gate Hangs Well, Syston, Leicestershire LE7 1NH, 7.30pm. Non-IWA members welcome, £2.50 donation requested towards expenses. Contact andrew. shephard@waterways.org.uk

Birmingham Canal Navigations Society: The Dudley Canal Trust by

Tracey Dix Williams. Titford Pump House, Engine Street, Oldbury B69 4NL, 7.30pm.

November 5 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Royal

The entrance to the Morfa works at Hafod. PHOTOS SUPPLIED Heritage Fund in Wales.

Providing a valuable transport route, plus water and power for trade and industry, the Swansea Canal ran for 16 miles and was built to serve collieries, iron works and copper works in the Tawe Valley. Today it's a walking and cycling route with five miles currently

fully navigable by boats. Glandŵr Cymru works with the Swansea Canal Society who are striving towards the full restoration of the remaining sections of the canal.

Discover more about the Swansea Canal 225th anniversary online at canalrivertrust.org.uk

Victoria Dock – East India Dock.

Meet Royal Victoria DLS station, IFS Cloud/Seagull Lane exit) at 2.30pm.

Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15 £5; under 8 free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com November 7 Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society: Tunnel

Steam Tugs on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal by Cath Turpin. The meeting room behind The Weighbridge, Scarfield Hill, Alvechurch B48 7SQ, 7.45pm start.

Free admission, small charge for hot drink and biscuits, non-members very welcome.

November 9 IWA Lichfield: Radford Bank and

the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, 10.15 for 10.30am start.

Meet in the car park of The Radford Bank Inn, Radford Bank, Stafford ST17 4PG. An easy 5½ walk along the canal and surrounding areas of Weeping Cross and Wildwood.

Optional meal at the pub afterwards.

Members and non-members welcome. Contact Clive Walker at clive.walker@waterways.org.uk The Swansea Canal at Coed Gwilym Park.

November 10 North Staffordshire & South Cheshire IWA: Archive photos of

our local canals by Steve Wood.

Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club, Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon, Stokeon-Trent ST9 9DU, 7.45 for 8pm start. Non-IWA members welcome; admission free (donations to waterway causes welcome), refreshments available. Contact socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk November 11 Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust: Newent Spring Fayre,

Newent Memorial Hall GL15 1PT (next to the Market Square Co-op), 9.30am-3pm. Proceeds in aid of trust, admission free.

November 14 IWA Northampton Branch: At the

heart of the 1923 boatmen's strike: A century on by Kate Saffin, 2.30pm.

The meetings are held in the upstairs conference room at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB. All are welcome, not just IWA members.

There is a car park, and refreshments are available. A £2 donation towards expenses would be appreciated.

November 15 IWA Lichfield Branch: Trials and

tribulations of boating by Stephanie Horton, RCR. Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane, off Walsall Road, Lichfield WS13 8AY, 7.30 for 7.45pm.

November 16 Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust: Harold Armitage with

more tales from South America.

The Royal Oak, Much Marcle, 7.30 for 8pm.

November 19 Erewash Preservation & Development Association: Open

day at Sandiacre Lock Cottages, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5LA, 10.30am-3.30pm. www.ecpda.org.uk IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker Street tube station (Baker Street north/Lords exit) at 2.30pm. Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15 £5; under 8 free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com

19

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

million Death toll now at 25

A

frican elephants are facing an ext xtinction t crisis unlike anything seen before. It has even reached the point of poac chers firing machine guns out of helicopters into entire herds.

Thesse magnificent creatures, know wn for their remarkable intelligence, deep emotions, and strong family bonds, are hanging by a threa ad due to a devastating surge in po oaching. Demand for ivory has explode ed over the past decade, leading to the illegal killing of over 20,000 African elephants each year.

Th heir magnificent tusks are carved into me ere trinkets - sym mbols of greed for those wh ho value them ove er the precious lives of the ese majestic bein ngs. We stand at a critical cro ossroads. Withou ut immediate action to curb ivo ory demand and enforce strict regulations, po oaching could de evastate elephant po opulations beyon nd recovery.

Sir David Attenborough, Fauna & Flora Vice-President

© Gary Morrisroe / Fauna & Flora

Extinction looming for African elephants

“If you value the natural world – if you think it should be protected – then please support Fauna & Flora.”

That’s why Fauna & Flora has put out an urgent call to the global community to help them put more protection in place for African elephants.

The Ziama Massif forest situated between Guinea and Liberia offers one of the last viable habitats to support Critically Endangered African forest elephants in West Africa. Since 2009, Fauna & Flora has been training and equipping rangers there to conduct patrols that prevent elephant poaching. But much of the forest lacks any formal protection, allowing easy access for poachers to hunt and kill elephants.

Fauna & Flora has developed an action plan alongside partners to put more protection in place for elephants. Donations are urgently needed to expand current operations, enabling more rangers to safeguard these beloved creatures. Your donation could provide essentials like uniforms, boots and protective gear, allowing them to patrol the forests and remove any threats that they encounter.

Please go to www.fauna-flora.org/elephant, call 01223 749019 or use the cut-out coupon below, sending it to: Freepost RTKS-ZCXSHSBT, Fauna & Flora International, 126 Fairlie Road, Slough, SL1 4PY by November 17th.

Your donation could enable more rangers to safeguard these majestic beings.

© Ru uben Bañuelos Bons / Fauna & Flora

Fauna & Flora’s century-long dedication has yielded effective conservation strategies that deliver real, impactful outcomes. Together, we can rescue these wondrous creatures from the brink of extinction. Please, don’t let them vanish from our world.

© Gurveena Ghataure/Fauna & Flora

I’ll help save the African Elephant Even the simplest of equipment could save the life of an elephant

£21

could fully equip one scout with the uniform and equipment needed to conduct patrols including boots, waterproofs and a backpack.

£52

Title

Full name

Address Post code

Please accept my donation of £

to help get more protection in the field

I enclose a cheque payable to Fauna & Flora International OR Please debit my credit/debit card Card number: Expiry date:

/

Security code:

Signature(s)

SDPRS23-ELETOW

Make your gift go further at no extra cost The Government’s Gift Aid scheme allows us to reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 you give Fauna & Flora International – at no extra cost to you. All you need to do is tick below.

I am a UK taxpayer and would like to Gift Aid all donations I have made to Fauna & Flora International in the last four years and all donations I make in the future, until I notify you otherwise.*

could operate a patrol aircraft for an hour, enabling our teams to monitor vast areas for signs of poaching.

Date / / Please keep in touch with project updates, appeals and event Phone or Email invitations via: Post

could buy a whole new GPS system, allowing patrol teams to map out and strategically plan their routes for patrolling across the huge landscapes that are home to African elephants.

Your email For privacy info see www.fauna-flora.org/privacy For Gift Aid info see www.fauna-flora.org/how-we-spend-your-donations Date Tick if you would like an acknowledgement for your gift in the post.

Please return to: Freepost RTKS-ZCXS-HSBT, Fauna & Flora International, 126 Fairlie Road, Slough SL1 4PY, UK.

£72

Your phone

*I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax for the current tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax claimed on all donations in the tax year, otherwise I will be responsible to pay any difference, I understand that Fauna & Flora International will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given.

Registered Charity No. 1011102. Registered Company No. 2677068

/

/

20 ANDERTON APPEAL

November 2023

Richard Parry, chief executive and Fran Littlewood, project manager, launch the Canal & River Trust’s winter fundraising appeal.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The Anderton Boat Lift from above.

Keep Anderton Boat Lift alive

Canal charity launches winter fundraising appeal

A NEW winter appeal has been launched by the Canal & River Trust – Keep Anderton Boat Lift Alive – as the charity undertakes a major refurbishment plan.

The unique 150-year-old structure, the world’s first major commercial boat lift, needs an upgrade to enable the ageing machinery to continue transporting around 3000 boats a year, 50ft between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver Navigation below.

Project manager Fran Littlewood said: “Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘seven wonders of the waterways’ and it is our mission to keep it operational for generations to come.

“Ever since the boat lift was created to provide a vital trade link between the river and canal, it has been a challenge to maintain. Salty water meant the original hydraulic rams rusted and seized up, and these were eventually replaced with a 1908 electric pulley system to haul the boat caissons up and down.”

A Scheduled Monument, it is operated by the trust which runs the surrounding site as a popular visitor attraction.

Each year thousands of tourists enjoy trips through the lift and along the river to Northwich aboard the Edwin

Clark trip boat, named after one of the lift’s 19th century creators. As well as welcoming up to 100,000 visitors each year, the site also offers educational visits for schools, and a range of volunteering opportunities.

In addition to the work required to preserve and protect the iconic structure, there is also a proposal for upgrades to the visitor centre, the amenities and grounds surrounding the boat lift, as well as plans to construct a contemporary education and events space and the development of new learning, skills and outreach programmes.

Development phase

The first milestone was achieved last December, when the trust was awarded a £574,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the development phase of this essential project.

“By January 2024, we are looking to appoint the main contractor, who will design and plan the works programme over the summer,” Fran continued.

“The trust will be seeking further grant funding and support from local businesses and philanthropists, which will be vital in enabling us to deliver the project.

“If all goes well, the plan will be to close the lift in early summer 2025 and

The Edwin Clark trip boat waits to enter the lift.

reopen it 12-18 months later. This means that boaters and visitors can expect to enjoy a full summer season of boating in 2024 and potentially a short window around the following Easter before it is wrapped in a protective encapsulation skin to give it a special 150th anniversary upgrade.”

In 1983 it was declared unsafe and shut down for nearly two decades before it was restored around the Millennium.

Fran added: “It is remarkable that this impressive, eclectic heritage structure is still working. If we deliver this important upgrade project now, it will hopefully ensure that we keep Anderton Boat Lift alive for many years to come – continuing to delight thousands of visitors and connecting two busy waterways for boaters.”

To donate to the Keep Anderton Alive appeal, please go to w w w. c a n a l r i v e r t r u s t . o r g . u k / keepandertonalive Boat trips through the lift stop for the 2023 summer season at the end of October. Over winter (November-March), the Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre continues to welcome visitors to the cafe and site at weekends only – Saturdays and Sundays, 9.30am-4.30pm. The trust’s popular Santa Cruises will run on all four weekends through December.

For more information, check out the Canal & River Trust website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ places-to-visit/anderton-boat-liftvisitor-centre or call 01606 786777.

The salt chutes and lift construction.

An Army band plays at the reopening celebrations in 2002.

The boat lift in operation over the summer.

Boats gather on the Weaver at the bottom of the lift in its industrial heyday. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

22 FEATURE

November 2023

Becci and Markus Pamely-Bast making music on their narrowboat.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

A variety of colourways.

Dyed in the wool

An ethical homespun narrowboat business going global

By Deena Ingham

WOOL inspired and funded the development of many of our UK navigable waterways but now our waterways are proving the direct inspiration for hand-dyed wool that’s going global.

The colours created by RiverKnits are unique designs by narrowboaters Becci and Markus Pamely-Bast. These corporate engineers began the business on their narrowboat home, while Becci was pregnant.

She devoted her maternity leave from a high-pressured corporate environment to growing a baby and a business too.

It was a risk, but one which paid off.

Becci remembered: “We had fleeces everywhere – we were moored on the River Nene at the time.”

At this point she omitted to point out the couple met through their love of folk music (both are accomplished musicians) so the boat was also housing Becci’s accordions, and Markus’s double bass which had to live most of the time in the bath! They began continuous cruising once their son Bryn was born, but the business rapidly began to outgrow the 60ft Drowsy Maggie.

They found studio premises once served by a branch of the Grand Union Canal at the Royal Ordnance Depot in Weedon Bec. Sadly now non-navigable but still in water (to the delight of ducks), it’s just a short walk from moorings at Weedon Bec for passing boaters.

Dyed skeins drying.

All colours of the rainbow.

One of the Shetland sheep of the Ashby flock which graze alongside the Grand Union Canal at Braunston.

That move allowed Becci and Markus to grow their business, and reclaim the boat as a home for them and their young son. Markus’s return to violin from the double bass also released more space aboard!

Unique colourways

Their business may have moved off the water, but the waterways still flow through the business. The unique colourways they create are anchored in the waterways and surrounding nature.

The Nene range has the vibrant Kingfisher with its blend of turquoise, greens and teal with a flash of orange.

Honey Sunrise reflects the beauty of autumn sunrise peeking through copper leaves. Mind the Cill is another delicate blend evocative of canals, inspired by the greens and browns of canal locks.

Other shades exquisitely reflect elements of the nature surrounding the waterways, from rosehips to brambles and sweet chestnuts, carefully dyed and gently blended. All these yarns create unique finished products. It’s unclear if their unique marl Chimera yarn ‘My other boat is a yacht’ was inspired by a bout of wishful thinking!

Wool bagged ready for use.

Wool wash bars.

Keen knitter Becci wanted to work with wool.

walls, and unless it’s high summer they are usually wearing examples too.

“We both love wool in its purest form, sourced sustainably from local flocks, and a lot of our colour inspiration is drawn directly from our life on the canals and rivers. We use acid dyes which are specifically designed for use with wool and silk,” said Becci.

Their precision engineering backgrounds have resulted in a unique business advantage for them, and for their customers. Thanks to meticulous spreadsheets detailing the precise make-up of every single shade they create, they are able to dye consistent repeatable colourways.

The business began from an idea of Becci’s. A keen knitter, she wanted to work with wool, once the source of Britain’s wealth, described as ‘the jewel in the realm’. To this day a reminder of the principal source of national wealth in the Middle Ages sits in the House of Lords – the Woolsack. This square cushion, seat of the Lord Speaker, is stuffed with wool and covered with red woollen cloth.

Becci and Markus were keenly aware of the decline in the wool industry from its heyday but the flocks of sheep they saw grazing as they cruised the waterways gave them the idea of sustainably sourcing local wool, ensuring it would be spun in the UK and creating unique colourways for the finished product.

At his request Becci taught Markus to knit and crochet: “And he’s better than me now. Even though I taught him the English way – he now knits the Continental way.” (Perhaps an automatic return to his Germanic roots).

Items by them both adorn the studio

Local producers

Working with local producers, meeting their sheep and understanding the process of rearing and shearing to produce high quality wool is important to them both. They support their sheep farmers and the wool they dye is part of a community of enterprise.

The Shetland sheep of the Ashby flock owned by Lynne and David White graze alongside the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Their wool, together with that of Leicester Longwool sheep from Barry Evans’ and Chris Sander’s flock that grazes just down the A5 from the RiverKnit studio, forms the unique Northampton Shear range.

The vibrant, creative community RiverKnits has generated is probably down to the engaging nature of its owners as much as their passion for their products. The community includes not just sheep farmers but UK spinners in Yorkshire and Devon who use heritage equipment, and also the crafters who use their yarns. While their hand-dyed wool is sent to customers in the United States, Australia and Europe, any passing crafty boaters and local crafters have the chance to join Becci and Markus in the studio at their free Wednesday evening Stitch Folk sessions.

The couple work with knit and crochet designers, weavers and other (often floating) artists like Charlotte’s Arts with her unique lino prints. Together they create patterns, goods and workshops to inspire crafters. Some of Becci’s own patterns enable crafters to make good use of small quantities of wool, creating unique items from leftovers.

The workshops they run enable others to share their passion for hand dyeing, and are, like everything they do, fully inclusive and accessible. If you visit in person you may even get to see Hermann in action. He’s a hank winder from Germany and appropriately has had a European folk dance composed for him by Becci. Hermann helps reduce the travel miles of their finished products.

Making the lifecycle of their products as sustainable as possible is fundamental to the RiverKnits brand, from production, through treatment of wool to final recyclable and reusable packaging. They only use natural fibres in their yarns and source as locally as possible, ensuring all wool is spun in the UK. Dyeing is a process which uses significant quantities of water, but Becci and Markus reuse water and exhaust all their dye baths so there is no risk of pollution and no waste from unused dyes.

Caring for the products that crafters make from their beautiful wools is important to them too, and their respect and love for wool comes across in every element of their business. The finishing instructions for Becci’s intricate Singing Stones mosaic mittens pattern reads: ‘Gently block your mittens by giving them a lukewarm bath.’

Like the rivers and canals they reflect, RiverKnits hand-dyed wools and the garments Becci and Markus create will last a lifetime if treated with the same care and reverence evidenced by the couple for their business and all those who produce their raw materials.

Becci and Markus arrange live folk music sessions at The Pomfret Arms in Northampton, first Friday of every month. Musicians of all levels welcome.

Stitch Folk 6-8.30pm every Wednesday at RiverKnits – an informal weekly craft and natter.

Tea and coffee served free of charge with additional treats of biscuits and sometimes cake!

Building 5, the Royal Ordnance Dept, Weedon.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

23

24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Scan here for updates!

New widebeam and narrowboat moorings in Roydon, Essex conveniently located 30 minutes from central London by train.

Phase one is scheduled to complete in March 2024 with 168 new moorings boasting composite anti-slip walkways, smart card electric bollards, electric car chargers, recycling bins and a new facility building featuring bathrooms, laundry and elsan.

NEW MOORINGS Reach central London in 30 min.

Fantastic facilities

Widebeams & narrowboats

Competitive rates

Price freeze! 2023 mooring rates will remain unchanged until 31st March 2025 CHANDLERY & SALES OFFICE

HOLIDAY PARK

C

B D E

G

MARINA RECEPTION & BOATHOUSE CAFE BAR É

F SERVICE QUAY

A

H

RIVE

R STO

RT

I

J

N NG

AY QU

ITI WA

RIV

ER

STO

RT

WILDLIFE RESERVE

MARINA ENTRANCE & EXIT

BY WATER

Reserve your mooring today!

01279 792777 | marina@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk | roydonmarinavillage.co.uk | Roydon, Essex CM19 5EJ

MARINAS & MOORINGS 25

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

FRADLEY MARINA

07941 167 087

A marina that offers you a choice

A family owned marina set in rural Worcestershire, but minutes away from the M5, gives all boaters great travel opportunities.

The 238 berth marina is located on the Droitwich Canals, ideally situated for great cruising albeit for a short break or long holidays. It is within easy walking distance of the Spa Town of Droitwich.

Private, tranquil moorings nestled in the Staffordshire countryside just a stone’s throw from historic Fradley Junction on the popular Trent and Mersey Canal.

• 60 full length moorings • Water and 16amp electric • Modern shower block • Car Parking • Electric Gates • Recycling • Workshop & Slipway • Elsan • WI Fi & CCTV • Laundry • Fuel • Nationwide Boat Sales brokerage Our workshop and slipway is taking bookings for blacking • painting • servicing • surveys • repairs • new boat fit out • interior remodelling • furniture & cabinet making To contact the workshop please call Fradley Narrowboats on 07542 824262 or email fradleyboats@gmail.com

www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

Set in beautiful countryside at the junction of the River Severn & the River Avon in Gloucestershire. Flood protected moorings, water and electric at berths, fuel, pump-out, and staff on hand 7 days a week. Gantry crane and work area for blacking.

MOORINGS AND BOAT SALES For viewings and information please call 01684 293737 or email: sales@tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

This marina offers you ■ Security for you and your boat ■ Full length jetties, in a non flood environment ■ First class facilities, including luxury shower block and launderette ■ Shop and Chandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout, Diesel, Water ■ Boat Blacking options available ■ Hardstanding, Service Area, and Cranage Pad facilities ■ Calor Gas Stockist ■ Caravan Motorhome CL site

Blisworth Marina Cruising mooring - Go cruising for 3 months and get 20% discount Pay for 2 years and get a discount of 10% on 2nd year Widebeam berths available

www.droitwichspamarina.co.uk Tel: 07970 626807 or 01905 317250 For Boat Sales please visit our website

Droitwich Spa Marina Ltd Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 7DU info@droitwichspamarina.co.uk Tel: 01905 317250 Mobile: 07970 626807 www.droitwichspamarina.co.uk

Blisworth Arm NN7 3FG www.blisworthmarina.co.uk info@blisworthmarina.co.uk 01604 879827

26 MARINAS & MOORINGS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Hill Farm Marina

South Stratford Canal The View Restaurant is now fully open www.theview-eat.co.uk • Enjoy private access to a traditional 200 acre beef and sheep farm • Dogs run free in designated areas.

• Watch the changing seasons, the wildlife and the animals on the farm • Enjoy the complete peace, freedom and tranquillity of being in the countryside • Access some great lock free cruising for day trips, weekend or longer voyages • Easy access to the motorway network • Onsite laundry, Hairdressers and Dog Grooming

Pillings Lock Marina WINTER MOORINGS AVAILABLE

It goes without saying....

• A secure place to moor your boat, and park your car • Luxurious showers, communal areas, pump out and fuel etc.

• Free unlimited WIFI • Electricity and water connections • Extra wide pontoons available

Please watch the progress www.hillfarmmarina.co.uk email info@hillfarmmarina.co.uk or call David on 07971 118953

Boat Brokerage Workshop & Slipway Licensed Restaurant

01509 620990 www.pillingslockmarina.co.uk Flesh Hovel Lane, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 8FE

Fenny Marina Finding peace away from home

www.thefennymarina.co.uk

moorings@fennymarina.co.uk | Fenny Marina Ltd Station Fields Southam CV47 2XD

Tel 01295 770461 ✔ Wi-Fi ✔ Electric & Water ✔ Shower & Toilet ✔ Totally Secure ✔ CCTV ✔ Elsan & 24-hr Pump-out ✔ Diesel, Gas, Coal, Logs, & Kindling ✔ Rural Location ✔ Rubbish & Recycling ✔ Courtesy Lighting ✔ Chandlery ✔ 15 Min drive from M40

MARINAS & MOORINGS 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

TPIF

KNOWLE MOORINGS BAKERS LANE, SOLIHULL

Award winning, family run marina on the River Nene in Earls Barton.

WINTER 2023/24 MOORINGS SPECIAL OFFER FOR TOWPATH TALK READERS BUY 4 MONTHS AND GET THE 5TH MONTH FREE! Valid for November only

OFF-LINE NON-RESIDENTIAL 20 BOAT MOORINGS NOW OPEN. GRAND UNION CANAL, BETWEEN BRIDGES 68 & 69 ALONGSIDE ‘THE BLACK BOY’ PUB & RESTAURANT WATER & ELECTRIC PER BERTH, OPEN ALL YEAR, VERY PICTURESQUE & TRANQUIL SETTING, SAFE & SECURE, COMPETITIVE RATES.

(Please quote – TPW11 for this special offer)

PLUS FOR BOOKINGS OF 3 MONTHS OR MORE, RECEIVE: FREE 2 bags of Smokeless Coal (Supatherm/Excel) - Worth £40* FREE 1 self service pump out token - Worth £22* PLUS A FREE Welcome Breakfast for two at our award winning The Boathouse Cafe*

t: 01604 812057 e: info@whitemillsmarina.co.uk

www.whitemillsmarina.co.uk

TELEPHONE 07813 156950

*For full terms and conditions, please visit our website

Sherborne Street, Birmingham B16 8DE 0121 455 6163 / 0121 454 5367 www.sherbornewharf.co.uk or email@sherbornewharf.com

Our boat yard facilities are located canal side, on the main line outside the Distillery

Moorings in the heart of the city Mooring in the centre of Birmingham City

We are in a unique position on the Birmingham Canal Navigations and have berths available close to the city centre serving all types of boaters for overnight, short term and long term moorings.

QUIET AND SECURE MOORINGS BOAT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

GAS, DIESEL AND PUMP OUT

Boat engine service £225.00 Single day empty and refill £250.00 V bottom boat extra charge (at the time of booking you must inform us if your Boat is V-Bottom £100.00 Extra days in the dock if already booked in for blacking or service will be charged at £70 per day Blacking consists of jet washing the hull of the boat down and making sure area is clean and dry, should we find anything of concern we will contact you to inform you. We can offer various blacking products please call us and speak to us.

Anodes are £150 per pair and fitting/welding is £60.00 per pair if purchased from us.

All other works are charged at £60.00 per hour

Blacking is charged per foot length of the boat 40 FEET 45 FEET 50 FEET 55 FEET 60 FEET 65 FEET 70 FEET 75 FEET

£600 £675 £750 £825 £900 £975 £1,050 £1,125

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

28 MARINAS & MOORINGS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PYRFORD MARINA

A HIDDEN GEM

WINTER MOORINGS AT PYRFORD MARINA With premium marina facilities and a fantastic River Wey location, tranquillity and convenience come hand in hand at Pyrford Marina.

Access over 20 miles of navigation stretching through the heart of Surrey directly from Pyrford Marina and join the many beautiful and exciting routes waiting to be explored.

A popular family bankside pub is a stone’s throw away, and fantastic transport links and plenty of amenities are in very close proximity. Onsite facilities include parking, pre-paid electricity and water supplies to your berth, dry dock, a brand-new launderette, newly refurbished showers and toilets, and on-hand staff 7 days a week during office hours. This first-class marina has everything you could possibly need.

CALL 01932 340739 TO FIND OUT MORE www.tingdeneboating.com

Touring Park

Glamping Wagons

pyrfordmarina@tingdene.com

MARINAS & MOORINGS 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

www.goolemarina.co.uk Email: info@goolemarina.co.uk Tel: 01405 763985

Goole Marina, The Timber Pond, Dutch Riverside, Goole, DN14 5TB

Services:

•Dry Dock •Slipway •Welding •Blacking •Shot Blasting •Engine Servicing •Solar Panel •LPG Gas Safe work •Joinery Services •New Boats •Boat Brokerage •Electrical Work •Painting

Facilities:

•Water/ Electricity •Bottled Calor Gas supplier •Pump out •Laundry room •Heated toilets, Shower room with under floor heating •Licensed bar with outside seating area •Postal address for live aboards •Chandlery •Diesel

Goole Marina is located in a basin connecting to the Aire and Calder Canal and close to the commercial port of Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The marina provides an ideal base for cruising the waterways of Yorkshire as well as giving easy access to the Humber Estuary and the North Sea. We have a marina basin to accommodate 150 boats of various lengths & widths.

We can accommodate all types of craft from Cruisers to Narrowboat and Barges.

All types of moorings, garden moorings to floating pontoons, which can be accessed 24hrs a day.

Our new Marina Café, Coffee Dock, is now open to the public.

Open Monday – Saturday 9am until 3pm.

Everyone welcome!

Northampton Marina

The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways

Call us on 01604 604344 or 07867 580129 to arrange a visit or to make an enquiry.

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm www.visitanglianwaterways.org www.northamptonmarina.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Northampton Marina

Nestled alongside Becket’s Park, Northampton Marina has a secluded, countryside feel whilst being within easy walking distance of the train station and town centre with its many shops, bars, restaurants and theatres.

Located at the junction of the River Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, it is ideally placed for exploring both Anglian Waterways and the wider canal network.

Offering boaters a friendly stay with access to a great choice of cruising routes.

Our award-winning facilities building is open to all marina customers, including washrooms, laundry, pump-out and Elsan disposal point. All of our berths have access to water and electricity. Our landscaped grounds provide a relaxing recreation area with BBQs and picnic tables.

We offer permanent, visitor and winter moorings.

You can also purchase your Anglian Waterways boat licences and navigation keys from our full time Site Officer.

Why not make Northampton Marina the base for your next boating adventure?

30 MARINAS & MOORINGS / PRODUCTS & SERVICES

November 2023

H HAREFIELD AREFIELD MA MARINA ARINA

Bridge 180, Grand Union Canal, Harefield UB9 6PD Tel: 01895 822036 muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Facilities include:- Pump out - Chandlery - Boat sales/ - Slipway brokerage (up to 65ft) - Covered wet dock - Engine inboard/ outboard repairs - Water and electric - gas and coal points - Diesel

200 secure, non residential rural moorings in secluded countryside setting 5 mins from M25/M40.

One days cruising from the Thames.

NARROWBOAT AND WIDEBEA M WINDOWS

F.O.C. no obligation measure & sample viewing at your boats. Centrally located for your convenience.

PLEASE NOTE:

01827 313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

Our standard curtain lining includes a Teflon finish for added protection from moisture and soiling

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

LithiumBatteryShop.uk 12V 180Ah Battery £685

EXPOST THE SECURE MAILBOX PROVIDER

An Expost mailbox will give you a Real street address, with up to five different named users, you can have your mail forwarded to a collection point or have it scanned so you can view on our secure scan viewer. As well as having a fixed postal address for your own private correspondence, it can also be used for business.

£20 discount when you enter canal in the promo box when you join.

Includes: Bluetooth App / Heater / Active Balancer

Please phone for our range of Electric Propulsion Batteries 20kWh £4800 Tel / WhatsApp: 07808 181717 Email: info@LithiumBateryShop.uk www.LithiumBatteryShop.uk

Web: www.expost.uk Tel: 0333 7890011 Email: support@expost.uk

Made in UK

smlmarinepaints.co.uk

01285 862 132

PREMIUM PRODUCTS FORMULATED BY EXPERTS FOR THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION & FINISH

32 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

November 2023

Woodworks Boat Fitting Bespoke boats to any stage of completion • Repair and alteration service Wheelhouses and dogboxes made to order

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.boat-fitting.co.uk PHOTOS - VIDEOS - INFORMATION Unit 72, Road B, Boughton Ind. Est. New Ollerton, Notts. NG22 9LD 01623 860 553 email: info@boat-fitting.co.uk Proprietor: Andrew C. Hooke B.A. (Hons)

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

NORBURY WHARF Limited

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Telephone: (01785) 284292 E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

One stop shop for all your boating needs DRY DOCKING AND BLACKING from £20.00 per foot.

Now taking bookings for 2024

Liveaboards are welcomed

Shared ownership the affordable way

Ownashare manages a fleet of narrowboats which operate on a shared ownership basis.

This means that owners of 1/12th shares can enjoy at least 3–4 weeks’ holiday afloat each year, school holiday weeks are available at a small premium.

Tel: 07800 902323 for more details

www.ownasharecruising.co.uk

TURN TO

PAGE 63 T

- Easy access to the boat is provided by our specially constructed bridge which reaches out to either the bow or stern of your boat. Free 240V hook-up is provided while the boat is out of the water.

O VIEW RANGE OF OUR BOAT FOR SALE S

❖ LIVEABOARDS WELCOME ❖ DOGS AND CATS NO PROBLEM ❖ FREE ELECTRICITY WHILST ON THE DOCK

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

Your needs . . .

Seagoing

Saildrives

Inland Waterways

Marine Generating Sets

Spares & Support

36 years of customer centred focus, listening to needs and delivering long term value solutions.

Specialists in customer advice and support at all points of a products life.

Superb after-sales service via our network of approved engine installers and spares stockists.

D I E S E L

14 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with mechanical or hydraulic gearboxes. Full hydraulic drive option available.

Super silent acoustic housings, 3.5 or 5.0 kVA travel power and bow thruster options available.

REDUCE CO2 BY 90%! Compatible for continuous use with HVO fuel.*

H Y B R I D

*If other FAME bio fuels are used or mixed we strongly advise use of our alternative fuel kit option. Available for new or retro fit-able to existing engines.

43 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with single or twin 48v hybrid electric drive motor/generator(s).

E L E C T R I C

NEW Beta 14 E-Drive, 14kW constant electrical propulsion power.

Fully integratable with 48v battery management inverter charger systems.

Fully integratable with BetaGen/BetaSet generators.

5 year self-service warranty, recreational use only terms & conditions apply.

. . . our tailored solutions

delivering reliability and peace of mind

www.betamarine.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1452 723492 Email: sales@betamarine.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 33

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

ON BOAT HAVEN OTHERT Facilities include:

Moorings, Slipway Hull Blacking & Maintenance Workshop, Brokerage Gas / Diesel / Coal / Pumpout Engine Repairs & Servicing

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Closed Sunday

Hebden

A comfortable seating solution for limited space!

Mobile: 07581 459309

Email: info@othertonboathaven.co.uk Otherton Boat Haven Ltd, Otherton, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5NX

Fully pocket sprung | sofa or sofabed | including modular footstool space saving | two seating positions for optimal comfort.

Simple & Stylish Space Saving Solutions for Narrowboats!

01274 800334 • info@sofabedbarn.co.uk

www.sofabedbarn.co.uk

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

Stock Boats

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

New Sailaway Additions £89,950 • 60’ x 6’10” • 1 bed • 2023

A 2023, 60ft, One bedroom, Sailaway additions boat. Offered with 2 MONTHS FREE MOORING. This boat gives you the opportunity to put your own mark on it, made a little easier with the installation of the electrics, heating, and plumbing including fully installed shower enclosure.

UP TO 6

MONTHS FREE MOORING

Monty - Semi Traditional £69,950 • 57’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • 2008

A much loved and well maintained 2008, 57ft semi traditional boat, built by Equinox and professionally fitted out, Brief layout is Galley to the fore, saloon, bathroom, engine room and then bedroom, Bsc 2026 and last blacked 2022, A mooring is available if required.

on selected Stock Boats

Subject to terms and conditions

Contact Marc or visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk today!

Evesham Marina Kings Road • Evesham • WR11 3XZ info@eveshammarina.co.uk

01386 768500

34 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

FULLY SERVICED CRUISING AND RESIDENTIAL MOORINGS AND FULL BOATYARD SERVICES • Iver (Slough Arm) and Northolt (Paddington arm) • Secure sites with private parking • Delivery of gas, solid fuel and diesel direct to your boat • Electricity, water, elsan and pump out • Showers and laundry • Chandlery • Mechanical, electrical, and carpentry work undertaken • Craning, grit blasting and blacking • Two part epoxy hull treatment • Fuel polishing service

sales@high-line.co.uk 01753 651496 www.high-line.co.uk THE BOATYARD MANSION LANE, IVER, SL0 9RG

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

NARROWBOATS AND WIDEBEAMS FOR SALE IN WEST LONDON FOR SELLERS • Free moorings • Sales location with established footfall • Open 6 days / week • Trade Plates for unlicensed craft • Pre sales preparation and repairs FOR BUYERS • Free guidance and advice • Comprehensive handover • Secure clients bank account • ABYA qualified brokerage staff • Industry standard documentation PRIVATE BUYER’S SERVICE • If you are buying privately, we can offer the following services: • Advice on all aspects of purchase • Provision of documentation • Secure Clients bank account • Bespoke service – as much or as little as you want, priced accordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk 01753 652502 / 07860 480079 www.vcmarine.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 35

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

S

TR

E

AY E TH

WHARF

Coventry Canal

Lichfield

LT

D

Your One Stop Shop for all your boating needs Steelwork | Stretching | Chandlery | Timber Work | Shot Blasting asting Mechanics | Boat Safety | Electrics | Paintwork | Gas Safe | Cranage C

The new low-energy design hull allows for full solar electric power with an extended range or serial hybrid option.

Lloyd's Register Rules-based design provides a choice of alloys, Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Mild Steel with the confidence of the highest standards.

CALL TODAY 01908 686 796 Ask for George or email info@avalonmarine.co.uk

Highest Quality work at a Traditional Working boatyard

7

DAY CALL OUT

Bottom Blacking | Full DIY service available 3 day slip, undercover plus 3000 psi hot wash £317.00 + VAT Telephone 01543 414808/07824 848444 office@streethaywharf.co.uk www.streethaywharf.co.uk

THE BOSUNS LOCKER KIT

A Multi surface polishing & cleaning kit for larger marine craft up to 75 ft. long. The Bosun’s Locker Kit has all the products in one kit to deal with most marine surface problems and restore them to how they should look & quickly.

The different surfaces of your boat tend to suffer in differing degrees from weather. It does not matter if your boat is in England, Scotland, Wales or overseas, weather is the key to 90% of boat surfaces breakdown.

The Bosun’s Locker Kit has all the products in one kit for you to deal with most marine surface problems and restore them.

FIRST FOR WINTERISING YOUR BOAT

THE BOSUNS LOCKER KIT IS JUST £56.00 Plus P&P Do you have questions about this kit?

Call James on 01299 896117 Or Order directly on www.bulletpolish. co.uk (In the Marine dropdown menu)

www.bulletpolish.co.uk

***4. #%4 4'

# 2

# 9&# &2 9& '#" #& 6 – 9 ) # 2 ( .3

#+ 9 " -0 7 15 0-0! (1 79

& # 9 #) % #+ ) # ' 6 + 0 * #

#+ % #) %3 ▪ - #+ – # "# %%'# * % ' 4 ▪ % #) ) ▪ 1) #6" & 2 * 2 # " #%2 & 8 % #) ▪ $ && ▪ %& # # ▪ ( # # %'#) +%

/ # 8 /

/ # 9 #) % – #+ 6 % 6 # ! % 5' " '& – 9 #) – & # " #% 6 " # #+ # % 9 ## * &% "'# % # % 2 " % # & %4

# %

%

/ + & '#% + 6 3 – 3 " % # +2 9 &'# + 9' +

5# " # # * & # * & '# %" #% ) * / ## %

& # , %& *

# %% # % %& *

+% # : %& # 9& %% %& 4

- & # & - & #&' 8 &* " "# ' &%

!' " # "' "%

36 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

REFLEKS HEATERS

Since our first heater in 1975, we have supplied All UK - and exported ‘World Wide’ Including many installations to cabins in ANTARCTICA. We offer the Full range of these heaters, will send you all details Contact our sales office - 7 days / week’ We will send you full details -

UK (0) 1429 862932

sales@nauticalworld.co.uk

34080

Will soon be “50 Years” with

CAST IRON STOVES

BUY AND FIT BEFORE THE AUTUMN RUSH SEE THE RANGE ONLINE OR IN OUR 65 STORES

13 Great Styles

SELLING TOP QUALITY MULTI-FUEL STOVES FOR OVER 30 YEARS

Flue Pipes In Stock

5kW

5kW BARREL III

5.1kW

£

346 inc.VAT

£

706 inc.VAT

.80

7.9kW

BUCKINGHAM II

£

358 inc.VAT .80

BLAKENEY

£

514.80 inc.VAT

£

526.80 inc.VAT

4.9kW

REGAL IV

.80

CHESTERFORD

5 EASY WAYS TO BUY...

CALL & COLLECT AT STORES TODAY

CLICK & COLLECT OVER 10,500 LOCATIONS

IN-STORE

TELESALES 0115 956 5555

ONLINE machinemart.co.uk

SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

Calls to the catalogue request number cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Calls may be monitored.

All prices correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to change products and prices. All products subject to availability, E&OE.

WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU CAN COUNT ON EBERSPACHER TO KEEP YOU WARM

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

HYDRONIC HS3 D4E HEATER This latest heater is now in stock. 4.3kW output and only 1.3kW at low, ideal for narrowboats.

Kits from £1695.00

LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF EBERSPACHER HEATERS & SPARE PARTS

HYDRONIC D4WSC EXCHANGE SERVICE For only £535.00 receive one of our factory reconditioned units when you send us your old, non functioning D4WSC or D5WSC*.

*Service exchange T&Cs apply

CALLSTART APP

Control your heater through your phone

Easy installation. Simple on/off.

Run time settings. iPhone & Android SMS notification. £159.00 SIM not included.

Espar Ltd T 01752 491900 web@espar.co.uk www.eberspacherdirect.com www.espar.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 37

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock 50% OFF DRY DOCK SPACES E AVAILABL !

W O N CALL

UP TO

ANODES W ALL HULL BL ITH & ANTIFOUL ACKING ING. FOR A QUOT CALL ATION TODAY

Kingfisher Marine Electrical Live it – Install it – Sell it – Support it

Live aboard Narrowboaters British Marine Trained (BMET) Installations in Gloucestershire Nationwide Delivery Specialist advice Victron, Sterling, Solar Batteries (Sealed, AGM, Gel, Lithium) and so much more!

• Hull Blacking & Antifouling • Fabrication & Repairs • Painting & Sign Writing • Electrical • Plumbing and Gas • Paint and Boat Care • Inboard & Outboard Servicing • Fenders and Ropes • Engine Spares & Repairs

Free delivery over £75

Check out Narrowboat Electrician on Youtube

info@kingfisher-marine.co.uk www.kingfisher-marine.co.uk

TRADLINE ROPE AND FENDERS Treat your boat this Autumn

Visit us and see the largest Indoor working dry dock and well stocked Chandlery on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal You’ll find us just 1 mile along the canal from Gloucester Docks or at

338 BRISTOL ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL2 5DH

01452 415430

Email: office@hhdd.co.uk www.hempsteddrydock.co.uk

Our mooring line kits make a fantastic set of starter or replacement ropes. Choose your rope lengths and choice of 7 colour combinations Fully spliced with an option for mooring chains

For current offers see

www.tradline.co.uk

Tradline Rope & Fenders, Braunston Marina, Northamptonshire NN11 7JH Tel: 01788 891761. Email: tradline@btconnect.com

Kate Boats

One stop shop for your boat!

The same skills that keep our hire boat fleet running reliably and looking good can be available for your boat.

• Blacking • Welding • General engineering • Engine servicing • Engine replacement • Painting from touch up to a complete repaint • Electrical repairs and installations • Gas safe engineer on site • Heating repairs and replacement • Internal repairs and refit • BSS and hull surveys organised We have recently invested in a trailer to pull boats out of the water for blacking, bookings now being taken for blacking in 2023.

www.kateboats.com 01926 492968

38 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

HiQ

MARINE SERVICES UK LTD

November 2023

Based in Nottingham, offering quality services across the Midlands

Have you checked your Webasto before winter?

We are authorised service agents, taking bookings now.

With over 50yrs experience we provide quality workmanship at sensible prices.

• Engine and gearbox servicing and repairs • Stern gear servicing and repairs • Electrical system design, installation and repairs for both 12 and 240V, including batteries and inverters • Solar panel system design, installation and repairs • Diesel heating system installation and repairs • Bow thruster repairs • Installation of the latest SMART technologies • Free estimates • Prices per job not per hour Tel 07741 650559 Email enquiries@hiqmarine.co.uk www.HiQmarine.co.uk

WHAT'S IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR FUEL TANK? More & More customers are frequently complaining they have had their tank cleaned by a competitor, only to break down again. They call Tankbusters who attend and take samples from the tank and find the fuel still has water / diesel bug and rust in the tank. Clearly a COWBOY JOB. Tankbusters filter to One Micron & Removes water to 100ppm

Used one micron filter bag & 100ppm water removal filters with saturated diesel being filtered

Magnet filter bowl

Rust on magnet

Rust & diesel bug on magnet.

Tankbusters filter first by magnet removing larger particles of rust! Fuel/other contamination is then filtered to a 1 micron filter bag. Water filters remove water to 100 parts per million (ppm) using tankbusters own filtration equipment.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

L R I N A arine E T m S

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS

UPVC TANKS

Water & effluent tanks, battery boxes, shower trays

ANY SHAPE & SIZE MANUFACTURED

Call today for a free no obligation quote

Engine Service – Fixed Price £185.00 inc VAT Call 01299 877222 for details

CALL TANKBUSTERS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

DISTRIBUTORS & STOCKISTS FOR MAJOR BRANDS

GO TO:- www.tankbusters.co.uk - for full details of Fuel Cleaning Services and Equipment.

Call 07974 808277 or email: bruce@tankbusters.co.uk

FULL BOAT YARD SERVICES

ELY MARINE LTD NOW OPEN

60 Ton Lift Capacity at Hermitage Marina (Earith)

DIESEL, GAS, SOLID FUEL & PUMPOUTS ENGINE REPAIR, SERVICING, REPLACEMENT ALL MARINE ENGINEERING SERVICES INTERNAL REFITS, IMPROVEMENTS, REPAIR ELECTRICS, WATER, GAS, HEATING INSTALLATIONS

DIESEL TREATMENT PRODUCT

FOR YOUR CHANDLERY NEEDS

Blacking - Anodes - Epoxy - Welding

Extend blacking interval and boat life by waterline epoxy coating Electrical Leakage testing

ELY MARINE LTD

Telephone - 01353 664622 Email - info@elymarine.co.uk www.elymarine.co.uk

OIL, FUEL, AIR FILTERS & BELTS ENGINE SPARES, ANTIFREEZE & COOLANTS BATTERIES, INVERTERS, ELECTRICAL SPARES FULL RANGE OF DECK & CABIN FITTINGS ALL SPARES & CONSUMABLES

HANKOOK BATTERIES

ELSAN PRODUCTS

ENGINE LANE, STOURPORT, WORCS DY13 9EP 01299 877222 enquiries@starlinenarrowboats.co.uk Open: Mon/Fri (8am-5pm) Emergency breakdown: 01299 877222 - 7 days a week

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 39

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

DO YOU LIVE AFLOAT?

WHIXALL MARINA

Are you worried about the future of your lifestyle?

DRY DOCK

We are the only membership association set up, in 1963, to protect the interests of live-aboard boaters. We need your support to be able to continue our work. So join us, in promotion, development, representation and protection of our chosen lifestyle. Interested?

See more information on our website www.rboa.org.uk. or telephone 0330 057 7180 to find out how to join and get involved in the safeguarding of the future freedom of living afloat.

Annual membership from only £30.00.

The Residential Boat Owners’ Association Studio 2 Waterside Court Third Avenue Burton on Trent DE14 2WQ

• Hull Blacking • Stern Gear Repair & Replacement • Anode Replacement • Surveys Fully qualified, experienced and conscientious staff, providing quality work at a fair price.

We are situated on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal

ANGLO WELSH LTD ALDERS LANE,WHIXALL SHROPSHIRE SY13 2QS

Telephone: 01948 880996 Email: whx.base@anglowelsh.co.uk

Discover Our Idyllic Retreat & Enjoy Summer With an abundance of wildlife, peace, tranquillity and our experienced team on hand, you can relax and enjoy your own little piece of heaven.

Secure your berth on the Llangollen Canal, the most beautiful canal in the country!

Call 01270 524571 or email sales@swanleybridgemarina.com Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybridgemarina.com

J.D. BOAT SERVICES GAILEY LTD

The W har f, W at l i ng St , G ai l ey , St af f s ST1 9 5 PR 01902 791811 en q@ j d b o at s . co . u k www. j dboat s . c o. uk

SPECIAL ISI NG IN BO AT RESTO RATIO N & REP AI R Cabi n Ref i t s W o odwor k Pa i n t wo r k St eel wor k

En g i n e s El ec tr i c s Sol ar Panel s Hy b r i d Pr o pu l s i o n HARDST AND ING DI Y F ACIL IT I ES STO RAG E

40 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

November 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Keep your en

Genuine branded filt oil & engine servicing accessories

 Expert Advice We can provide expert advice gained from years of hands-on practical experience, many of our staff own boats themselves and some even live aboard.

Real Shops

 Real Shops

With Midland Chandlers you have the With Midland Chandlers you have the benefit of dealing with a long established benefit of dealing with a long established company with four bricks and mortar company with three four bricks bricksand andmortar mortarshops shops and a large central distrbution shops and a large and acentral large central distribution distribution centre.centre. centre.

 Prompt Service With substantial stocks and industry leading service levels, we aim to despatch all items in stock within 48 hours of payment to ensure you receive your order promptly.

Clunky gearbox?

Get £50 credit to spen trade in your old gear

Bring your qualifying one of our stores for our team to check it for you. Once checked in and approved, we will issue your credit and recycle your goods.

Braunston

Preston Brook

Willington

 01788 891 401

 01928 751 800  WA4 4BA

 01283 701 445  DE65 6DW

 NN11 7HB

* PRM, Hurth ZF & Baysan Gearboxes only.

Shop over 5,000

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 41

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

ngine running smoothly with our engine servicing accessories

ters, g

Cruise into Autumn with our unmissable seasonal savings!

nd on anything when you box.

goods in to

d

Save up to 85% on selected products, while stocks last

SAVINGS up to 85% off

SAVE £££’S BIG CLEARANCE SALE! While stocks last!

products online www.midlandchandlers.co.uk

   

42 INSURANCE & FINANCE / PRODUCTS & SERVICES

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

CLEANING’S A PLEASURE WITH MIRACLE LEISURE! LADDER-MATE

COMBINATION RESCUE LADDER/GANGPLANK

Have you fallen into the water and struggled to get out?

Most accidents happen in or around locks.

Getting out of the water is hard with wet heavy clothes.

The bank sides are high and no hand holds to get out.

This versatile lightweight (LADDER-MATE) stores securely on your roof with the free ladder lock supplied. £125 + £30 p&p to any location on UK mainland or free collection (Please call us)

A FULL RANGE OF CLEANING PRODUCTS

Brass-mate (Brass polish) Miracle Wax Polish (Boat polish) Wash’n’Wax (Shampoo) Miracle Brass Brite (Tarnish Remover) Weather-Mate Gel (Brass Protection) Port Hole Mask (Magnetic)

Cotton Stockinette (Cleaning Cloths) Canopy Klean Bilge & Hull Cleaner Full range of Tiller Pins

This is an attachment that slides over the tiller bar when it is raining and you can pop the brolly in the top of the tube secured by a thumb screw.

Choice of sizes.

from

Over 100 tillerpins in stock visit www.tillerpins.co.uk www.miracleleisureproducts.co.uk e: sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone: 01902 686569 or Dawn 07909 086868

Over 10,000 claims paid to 100% owner satisfaction

BROLLY-MATE

Hands-free attachment that slides over the tiller bar.

£25 + p&p

Narrowboat insurance made easy

PROP-MATE

Keeps your weedhatch clear

Half cleaned mushroom

£22 + VAT each + p&p

£40,000 £50,000 £60,000 £70,000 £80,000 £100,000 £150,000

from from from from from from from

£72.00 £85.00 £99.00 £107.00 £115.00 £155.00 £235.00

Lowest rates for qualifying owners www.newtoncrum.com

01424 718800

64 years of excellence, providing better boat insurance.

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority # 307035

Get a quote in 20 seconds On cover in 2 minutes Low on-line premiums Get the App - craftinsure.com/app

craftinsure.com 03452 607888 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

BUSINESS NEWS 43

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Greener boating P44-45 Holidays & Leisure Christmas gift guide P46 Technical Diana the Dredger P47

River Nene marina welcomes Ian as new facilities manager

WHITE Mills Marina has appointed Ian Tuckley as its new facilities manager.

He joined the awardwinning Northamptonshire marina in June and will be responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the marina and its facilities, taking over from Gary Butcher who has retired after five years as operations manager.

Ian’s lifelong passion for boats began at the tender age of nine with his first solo captaincy being an Avon tender powered by a pulland-go Seagull outboard, an engine which he still has to this day!

“I am only ever truly happy either on, in or under the water,” commented Ian who has qualifications in an array of associated activities, be it by sail, motor, paddle or pressurised cylinder. “My appointment to facilities manager is something of a dream job and I am now thoroughly looking forward to assisting all our boaters with their adventures afloat.”

Ian’s love of the canals and rivers has grown with his interest in narrowboats and their working heritage now even surpassing his first passion, the sea. He proudly operates a tug deck narrowbeam with vintage

White Mills Marina’s new facilities manager Ian Tuckley. PHOTO SUPPLIED Lister towing a replica butty.

Ian has amassed a wealth of management experience

primarily in wholesale food distribution and latterly in outdoor adventure education. This experience combined with his love of the waterways will clearly stand him in good stead as he pursues a new path in his career.

Marina owner John Skinner added: “We are pleased that Ian has agreed to join the team, and we are now looking forward to exciting times ahead and moving the marina forward.

“I would like to thank Gary for everything he has done for the marina over the past five years and wish him well in his retirement.”

Coffee morning tops previous totals BOATERS and visitors to the Macmillan Coffee Morning held at White Mills Marina on the River Nene in Northampton dug deep to raise a magnificent £1350 for the cancer support charity.

It is the eighth Macmillan fundraising coffee morning that the family-run marina has held since it opened for business in 2016 and each year the previous event’s total has been smashed.

Organiser Kay Elderkin said: “We absolutely love being a part of the world’s biggest coffee morning.

“We are always amazed by people’s generosity and kindness, from the folks that had stalls and the friends who baked cakes and volunteered during the day through to the businesses who donated raffle prizes and the people who bought raffle tickets.

“It’s a terrific cause and one which White Mills Marina is totally dedicated to supporting.

“We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

Live musiic att Aqueduct Marina

A WARM evening provided the ideal atmosphere for Aqueduct Marina’s live music evening.

Around 60 moorers and caravan site visitors enjoyed an evening of music provided by acoustic duo Alan and Cathy while the audience relaxed with a drink at the Church Minshull marina.

The event proved to be such a success that more social events are planned with the next being a curry and quiz night.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to keep an eye on Aqueduct Marina’s social media pages.

Links can be found on www ww ww. w aqueductmarina.co.uk

Acoustic duo Cathy and Alan making music at Aqueduct Marina. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Inland interest at Southampton show

Marina office manager Kay Elderkin and facilities manager Ian Tuckley with members of the boathouse crew in the background. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Boat insurance market moves

INSURTECH company Ripe has increased its share of the boat insurance market by acquiring completed specialist boat insurer, Craftinsure.

The deal, subject to customary closing conditions, is the first that Ripe has made since Aquiline Capital Partners invested in the business last year.

Established 22 years ago, Craftinsure currently has more than 23,000 policyholders and, with Ripe’s existing Insure4Boats brand, this acquisition increases the foothold to more than 50,000 policyholders. Craftinsure founders, Mark Lee and Rob Cage, will continue to lead the business.

Ripe chief executive Paul Williams said that the announcement marked the beginning of the company’s strategy to expand through targeted acquisitions in specialist leisure, lifestyle and small business markets.

“This is a landmark moment for Ripe as we expand our boating portfolio through Craftinsure. Our two businesses share digital synergies and a likeminded, customer-focused approach.”

Rob Cage said: “As boat owners ourselves we set out to bring the best possible insurance options to people who love boating as much as we do.

We are confident that through this move, we will be able to leverage Ripe’s

P48-49 P50

technology and marketing expertise for our customers.”

An insurtech is a company that uses technological innovation to make the traditional insurance model more efficient.

Curtis joins Howden Group

Plymouth-based marine insurance broker Curtis Marine has been acquired by the Howden Group to become part of its expanding marine practice trading under the Haven Knox-Johnston name.

The family-run business will join Euromarine, A-Plan Marine and Howden Fastnet.

Curtis Marine has been providing marine insurance solutions to the South West region for the last 40 years, organising cover for vessels ranging from dinghies to luxury motorboats and for marine businesses, from sole traders to marinas.

Steve Hook, head of Howden Marine Practice, said: “Our aim is to create the UK’s most client-focused marine insurance proposition and deliver a wide choice of products combined with expert advice and excellent value for money to our clients. Acquisitions like Curtis Marine are key to helping us achieve this objective.”

Curtis Marine director Aidan Mepsted added: “Our business success has been

made possible due to the hard work of our excellent staff, and support from our loyal customers and insurance partners.

We look forward to joining the Howden Marine Practice and developing the business as it continues to expand in the marine insurance sector.”

NOTTINGHAMSHIREbased Ovation Boat Services Ltd was among the inland waterwaysfocused exhibitors at the recent Southampton International Boat Show.

Boatbuilder and surveyor Chris Williams, who also runs Ovation Boat Surveys, thanked all those who visited the company’s stand. He said: “Inland boats are not the main focus of the show, but we had over the week a good level of interest.”

Among the boats currently being produced in the company’s unit at Redhill Marina is the Charnwood Hobbit.

A new concept, it’s a shorter narrowboat up to 42ft of simpler design both in terms of shell and fitout which, said Chris, hopefully helps

Chris Williams promoting the Charnwood narrowboats from Ovation Boats at the Southampton International Boat Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED hold the price down. He said: “We are pushing this in the first instance with an all-electric drive with solar and generator add-on options. A standard diesel engine is also available. We will be taking an all-electric to the Crick 2024 Boat Show.

“The Charnwood Euro is a low-key launch into

the Dutch barge market.

We are just putting it out there that we can build this type of vessel.

“The Charnwood Choice or Edge is what we have been producing for some time, in the main a typical 60ft reverse layout narrowboat. Hobbit and Euro hopefully broaden the opportunities.”

Innovation partnership between ePropulsion and RYA ELECTRIC propulsion innovator ePropulsion has been announced as the Official Innovation Partner of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) for 2023-2027.

The four-year partnership, which will see ePropulsion and RYA collaborating on a number of initiatives, was unveiled at the recent Southampton International Boat Show.

Across the RYA’s annual conferences, ePropulsion will showcase its sustainable technologies and innovations to boating enthusiasts. For 2024, it will support the RYA Green Club of the Year Award, with an ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo Unit provided as a prize for the winning club.

The partnership’s unveiling event saw leading figures in the marine

industry gather to hear about the advantages of electric boating.

Steve Bruce, global OEM sales

Announcing the new partnership are: ePropulsion sales director Steve Bruce, RYA environment and sustainability manager Phil Horton and RYA chief executive Sara Sutcliffe.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

director of ePropulsion, said: “By focusing on electric engine solutions, we're taking a massive leap forward in mitigating the negative environmental effects of conventional boating.

“Our partnership with the RYA marks a pivotal shift towards sustainability in the maritime sector.

We'll be working hand-in-hand to introduce cutting-edge electric engine technologies that are not just efficient, but eco-friendly. This four-year journey promises to set a new course for environmentally responsible boating.”

RYA chief executive Sara Sutcliffe said: “Through this new four-year partnership, we’re looking forward to working together to test, develop and evolve electronic marine propulsion into the future."

44 GREENER BOATING

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Making the switch Phil Pickin asks: do we already have the infrastructure in place for electric boats?

Electric day boats provide an ideal introduction to the waterways. PHOTO: ABC

Plenty of space in the bow.

Shining the light on Sunny Day

As reported on our Holidays & Leisure pages (Issue 216, October 2023) ABC recently launched its second all-electric day hire boat, Sunny Day. Phil Pickin looks at its green credentials.

BASED on the Coventry Canal at Springwood Haven Marina, 36ft Sunny Day is powered by a 14kW Beta Marine E Drive motor supplied by a bank of 200 A/H Lithium Lifepo4 batteries.

On the roof are two flexible solar panels that, on a good day, deliver 300W, which will go some way to top up the batteries; however, they are not intended to charge the battery bank.

This is something done overnight in the marina.

This battery bank has been updated since the first electric day boat, which is currently operating out of Kings Orchard Marina.

As Dave Taylor, technical manager at ABC, said: “This is a learning process that sees us improve and develop the systems we use on each boat.”

Undoubtedly this knowledge, built up as each of these boats is built, will come in very handy in the future should the company decide to make

the transition over to electric in its main hire fleet.

The evolution of this growing fleet of day boats will be extended when a third boat is launched for use out of the New Mills Marina in Derbyshire.

Another advantage is that Onboard Energy is part of the ABC group. The company has a long track record of installing a wide range of systems, including those generating electricity by either solar or wind. Storage, too, is an evolving area with new and increasingly more efficient battery formulations coming on to the market.

By having them as part of the group, coupled with the practical experience

Shoreline charging on a frosty morning in a canal marina.

The current charging infrastructure will be familiar to all canal users. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

HAVING been an EV (electric vehicle) driver for some time, I’ve become used to the comments surrounding the lack of public charging.

This is probably the most common issue raised by those who’ve yet to make the switch.

It would seem that the same question – or obstacle – is often cited as a major reason why 100% electric boats won’t catch on.

If you talk to the Canal & River Trust, even before the announcement of the level of the Defra grant, you would be told that there just isn’t the money to invest in charging points along every stretch of canal.

And when you come to think about the size of the problem, it has a point!

But to leave the issue at that would be to overlook a few important factors that might otherwise be overlooked.

Firstly, the waterways are in something of a unique situation.

When EVs appeared on the nation’s roads, the only way to recharge the majority was via a 13A socket in the owner’s home.

Higher-powered home chargers soon followed, and now we have a mix of public and private chargers.

Many will argue that there aren’t enough public chargers but things are improving, albeit slowly.

an HVO tank, installing EV chargers in the car park and calculating the carbon footprint of the business.

The marina, like many modern marinas, already has electricity to every mooring and has now discovered just how much CO2 the business is producing; the company is now looking to make reductions across the board, so being able to help boat owners, whose craft are increasingly hybrid and 100% electric, is of particular interest to him.

At the time of writing, there is already a new 100% electric boat staying at the marina, an indication of the level of interest already being shown by boat owners.

When asked about the prospect of marinas becoming charging stations, Robert’s view was that the requirements of electric boats differ from those of electric cars in a number of ways, many of which are linked to charging. Boats on the waterways often spend the majority of their time on a mooring.

Apart from the fact that they are using little or no power when not in use, this time on a mooring also provides ample opportunity for the batteries to be charged. Another major difference is that unlike electric cars, which are used for longer journeys, an electric boat will rarely need motorway service station-style rapid charge.

Therefore a 16A connection, as currently used in many marinas, will be more than adequate for an overnight charge. As demand increases, marinas will install a few ‘fast charging points’ for those who are cruising more aggressively.

Given Canal & River Trust’s current economic issues, it’s unsurprising that the establishment of a charging infrastructure isn’t high on its to-do list.

Although there are still only a relatively small number of electric boats on the waterways, numbers are growing, so let’s hope that the waterways sector enjoys an easier transition away from fossil fuels (when it comes to charging infrastructure) than that of the automotive sector in the UK.

PHOTO: AQUEDUCT MARINA

Good-sized washroom for such a small boat. the company is building up with the development of these day boats, could well put ABC in a very good position when it comes to the operation of electric boats.

The company has also found that those who hire for the day are often likely to return to book for a week or longer, having had the opportunity to enjoy the canals.

Current boat owners may also be interested if they are considering a move away from fossil fuels.

Charging network

The Beta Marine E-Drive 14kW motor. PHOTOS: PHIL PICKIN UNLESS INDICATED

ELECTRICAL SPEC SHEET

Beta E Drive 14kW – water cooled/joystick controls for forward and reverse 200 A/H Lithium Lifepo4 complete with CAN Bus x 3 Victron 48/5000/70 inverter/ charger 2 x 150W solar panels with 150/35 MPPT Smart Solar charge controller Isolated DC/DC converter 48/12-30 Lynx Power in for individual fusing of batteries and distribution

The Victron equipment installed on Sunny Day.

Cerbo Gx for communication via the Web External Smart BMV battery monitor External camera with display via front control panel screen Internal AC equipment includes:

Induction hob Fridge Microwave Kettle Toaster Tubular bar heaters

A choice of seating inside or out.

However, the canal community already has a network of chargers! The national marina network already has facilities to charge batteries on boats, something it does on a daily basis.

This may seem something of an overly simplistic solution to the problem, as there is always the question of having available moorings, plus the costs to recharge and power consumption needed should a sizeable number of electric boats all want charging at the same time. But the fact remains that the bare bones of a system are already in place.

Arguably one of the UK’s higherprofile inland marina owners is Robert Parton. His marina, Aqueduct, in the village of Church Minshull in Cheshire, is working hard to become as ‘green’ as possible by installing

GREENER BOATING 45

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Will the Government’s climate policies impact the waterways?

Words & photo: Phil Pickin

IT CAN’T have escaped your attention that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made some important announcements regarding the country’s progress towards achieving net zero when it comes to our CO2 emissions.

Part of these included changes to the date on which diesel and petrol engine production would cease. It now stands at 2035 rather than 2030.

Asaresultoftheannouncement, many businesses, particularly those in the automotive industry, expressed their annoyance at the change. The question is, do these changes impact the waterways or the companies that supply goods and services?

In a recent question Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, asked the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey

‘what assessment she has made of the potential impact of climate change on (a) inland waterways and (b) the costs of maintaining inland waterways’.

The reply from Rebecca Pow, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, stated: “Ministers do not have a role in operational matters on inland waterways, which rests with the navigation authorities that own and manage them.

“This includes having appropriate maintenance programmes in place to ensure public safety and resilience of their assets and infrastructure against the effects of climate change. Under the upcoming fourth round of climate adaptation reporting (ARP4), introduced under the Climate Change Act 2008, the Government will invite the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency to report on

their canal and river activities.”

Towpath Talk asked Matthew Symonds, Canal & River Trust acting head of customer service support and national boating manager for the leisure sector, if he felt these changes would impact the waterways.

Deadline

He said: “The Government has only given the overarching deadline of 2050 in the clean maritime plan for boats (including inland navigation) to be net zero.”

He added that CRT is ‘awaiting more detail from the Government on how this will be introduced’. It’s unknown when this information will be made available as, to date, the trust has been waiting for two years.

Andrew Growcoot, CEO of Beta Marine, told us that, as far as it is aware, marine diesel engines are exempt from the plan to phase out internal combustion engines.

Many boaters are already doing what they can to cut their carbon emissions.

It would seem that any change to the deadline will make little difference to Beta’s activities.

A representative of British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure industry with more than 1500 members, told us: “It

is very difficult to say what the effects of the recent government announcement to push back the 2030 deadline on the sale of petrol and diesel engines to 2035 for the automotive industry will have on the marine industry.

“The announcement only directly affects the automotive industry; the ban did not include the marine sectors, which are governed by separate legislation to the automotive industry and are following strategies such as the clean maritime plan.

“As with all other industries, the aim is to be net zero by 2050 and this hasn’t changed.

Indirectly the delay could mean slower/reduced R&D for EV and other alternative propulsion technology development as there is a lot of cross-industry technology transfer.”

The spokesman continued: “All sectors/industries are of course working towards net zero by

2050. British Marine is committed to continuing to support its members in achieving this as early as possible.

“The first step in doing so is to understand the potential alternatives and the full environmental/carbon footprint of implementing these alternatives.

To this end, through its ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) partnership, British Marine has recently been part of commissioning a report which is due to be released to its members later this year focusing on identifying suitable propulsion technologies for the recreational craft sector to help gradually reduce and/or neutralise the footprint from fossil fuel carbon in the marine leisure industry.

“We also continue to liaise between industry and government to ensure the infrastructure and regulations are in place to facilitate the switch to alternative fuels.”

Taking charge of propulsion

We are progressing towards an electrically charged future. Sally Clifford checks out an electric trip boat.

WE ARE a plug-in generation.

Most things we possess, from cars to computers and other technological gadgetry, require charging and, as we head closer towards an electric future, it’s no surprise to find electric boats are being introduced on the canal.

Increased fuel costs, along with the growing consciousness to reduce pollution and protect the planet, are among the considerations for adopting a greener approach to the way we live and the canal is no exception.

Faced with an ageing diesel trip boat, members of Huddersfield Canal Society has turned its attentions to electric as a way of powering its future.

Mike McHugh, society trustee and boat supervisor, explains its ambition is, eventually, to expand its fleet.

Since launching its electric boat – the Marsden e-Shuttle – in May 2022 the society has located its original 12-passenger diesel boat at Uppermill where it runs 15-minute-long trips from outside Saddleworth Museum and Gallery.

Prior to its relocation, the diesel previously ran the half-mile stretch of canal between the lock by Marsden Station and the Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre.

This picturesque route by the entrance to the 3.1-mile-long tunnel – the longest and highest above sea level and deepest underground canal tunnel in Britain – is now served by its electric counterpart.

Built by Cauldron Boats with fitout by Andrew Crook of Brayzel Narrowboats Ltd in Garstang on the Lancashire Canal, the 32ft long 12-passenger narrowboat was designed to specifications by a team from the

Huddersfield Canal Society has launched its Marsden e-Shuttle trip boat.

Huddersfield Canal Society including Mike, Eric Woulds and Terry Lomas.

Wheelchair lift

In comparison to the society’s original diesel boat launched in October 1991 by the singer David Essex, the all-electric craft produces no pollution and has lower running and maintenance costs.

Powered by a Waterworld 10kW 48v DC motor, the steel craft relies on 24 x 2v 800Ah Leoch batteries and a Victron 3000W inverter charger.

The batteries are recharged overnight from a 230v AC landline. When fully charged they are capable of powering the boat for six hours’ continuous running at moderate speeds.

A Vetus 48v DC 3.1kW Bow Pro bow-thruster assists with manoeuvrability as, unlike its diesel predecessor, the boat cannot be turned at the canal’s narrowest point by the tunnel.

It also features a water-cooled stern gear and is capable of being used in the dark.

There are drop-down access ramps at either side for wheelchair access and the fully heated cabin boasts a Passenger Lift Services wheelchair lift.

Outside the cabin there is sufficient space to seat six people, including one wheelchair space.

“I don’t know of many trip boats like this,” said Mike.

He explained that electric boats are popular in other parts of Europe where electric propulsion has been enforced

on the canal system, but believes hybrid boats and increased charging points could prompt more take-up on canals in the UK. Eric Woulds, trustee and volunteer skipper, explained the background for going electric.

“Electric propulsion was regarded as essential. Although specifying a diesel engine would have been far easier, we want to promote the concept of ‘green’ boating. Like cars, it’s the way things are going, and the new boat will still be around many years after this becomes the norm.

“However, in the UK it’s still quite a novel means of propulsion, so builders with the relevant expertise aren’t that common.”

Extensive research of batteries and builders led them to Cauldon Boats, near Stoke-on-Trent, who built the shell, and Brayzel Narrowboats Ltd. Once complete, the boat was launched outside the Standedge Tunnel in May 2022 by Robbie Cumming, well known for his TV Canal Boat Diaries.

Crew members, from left: Syd Barnett, skipper, Peter Taylor, skipper, Trevor Ellis, vice-chairman of the Huddersfield Canal Society and Mike McHugh, boat supervisor and trustee.

PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD

The bow of the streamlined looking Marsden e-Shuttle.

Bridal market

To date, the shuttle has transported around 10,000 passengers. “Last year was its best year,” said Mike.

Passenger donations are ploughed back into the society to help with boat maintenance costs.

Founded in 1974, the society, which is based in a former lime shed constructed by the Huddersfield Canal Company in 1820, has a buoyant membership of around 400.

Its aim is to protect and promote the canals for the enjoyment of others.

Mike explained the society relies solely on volunteers to crew the vessels which run trips during the local half term holidays and every weekend between Easter and the end of October.

Its biggest success is in the bridal market. In addition to the regular ‘taxi’ trips from Marsden Station to Tunnel End, the e-Shuttle is also transporting bridal parties.

Bedecked with bunting and balloons, the e-Shuttle has provided a wedding taxi from Lock 42 to the visitor centre wedding venue for 15 weddings since it launched.

“The society was responsible for restoring the canal, that was a major achievement, and this gives us a real future,” said Mike.

To find out more about the society or to get involved visit https:// huddersfieldcanal.com or email hcs@huddersfieldcanal.org.uk

Inside the Marsden e-Shuttle which can comfortably accommodate 12 passengers.

46 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE/ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

November 2023

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Find the perfect present here

Celebrating 21 years at Transcool Ducting kit available as an accessory

Cool your Boat in Style with Transcool

Use handle to carry or hang Use 12v/24v or 13amp plug mains electrical power

Energy efficient-low power draw

Compact & Light

Coolest Air delivery*

Adjustable vents to direct airflow - Keep dogs cool in your vehicle

Transcool E3 is Designed & Constructed in Australia Environmentally friendly 0.7amp - 1.7amp variable speed control

Use stationary or mobile

Four Air Vents to give you flexibility to cool your space.

Transcool will move and refresh with cooler air from its four directional air vents. Add your favourite essential oil, Transcool will diffuse it into your cabin.

Add a duct kit for a more direct air flow great for your Galley and a favourite with dog owners.

leisure 07767 262 477 sales@iiequii.com iiequii iiequii.com

2 colours to choose from

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Simple solutions can sometimes be overlooked

TRANSCOOL is celebrating 21 years of cooling this year. Who do you know that already has one of these spot coolers that can make that difference when you’re moored or travelling?

We are passionate about Transcool; it’s a compact, portable evaporative cooling unit. It delivers you muchneeded cooling on board, whether that’s your cabin, galley or even for dining outside. It’s lightweight and very portable with a carrying handle, so it can be moved around with ease to anywhere that would benefit from additional cooling.

The four fully directional air vents allow you to control where you would like the air delivered.

Did you know we have a ducting kit as an accessory, providing even more control for direct and concentrated cooling?

These are particularly popular with pet owners who find peace of mind knowing their pets are also benefiting from the cool air during the hot summer months.

Another thing to note is that Transcool doesn’t create excess moisture in your environment but assists with the movement of clean filtered air in and around

your space.

We aim to in n spire trust by prroviding useful information while acknowledging feedback from our long-term customers. We have had first-hand experience particularly through outlets like Crick Boat Show, where customers report back to us that Transcool is a favoured solution for cooling and comfort on their boat while using very little power; that’s 1.7amp on high

A black Transcool unit, also available in white. PHOTO SUPPLIED down to the whisper quiet down at 0.7amp, all from your choice of a 12-volt or mains power lead.

Contact: Phone: 07767 262477 Email: sales@iiequii.com Website: iiequii.com

TRAVELSAT

THE SPIRIT OF THE CANALS

0 7914 401 036

 smhicks@btinternet.com

ipple? t r ou y ’s t a Wh

www.travelsat.me.uk

INTERNET CONNECTION ON THE MOVE

The Problem…

Poor 3G/4G/5G and £799 Wi-Fi signals on your travels?

The Solution…

MAXVIEW ROAM A powerful 3G/4G/5G mobile and Wi-Fi solution.

please drink your towpath tipple responsibly

“ ™

an exclusive selection of canal-themed spirits

www.towpathtipples.co.uk

www.canalshop.co.uk The Canal Shop Company Unit W115, 25 Telford Way, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 8UN, United Kingdom.

T: 01604 931 039

I have just had the Maxview Roam system installed and it is brilliant! I now get download speeds comparable to being in a house, and that’s a 500% increase in speed. The device is discrete and expertly installed with a test before I bought to ensure the device was worth having. All I can say is, I wish I’d known about this along time ago. Absolutely brilliant and recommending it to all my friends!

”

FEATURE 47

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Actor and canal enthusiast Sir David Suchet pours sparkling wine over Diana’s name plaque watched by Athina Beckett and Terry Cavender of the Buckingham Canal Society and, in front, Tim Coghlan and his granddaughter Camilla.

Goodbye Diana; hello Diana the dredger Tim Coghlan explains his recent legacy-gift to the Buckingham Canal Society.

WHEN I turned 75 last year – still at the helm of Braunston Marina, and enjoying it too much to contemplate retirement – I decided to bring forward some of the charitable pledges I had made in my will.

My purpose was to have the pleasure of seeing them being put to good use in my lifetime.

I had already pledged a donation to the Buckingham Canal Society, as well as to some other canal societies involved in restoration projects, which have supported our rallies and boat shows over the years. But for these good people, we would most certainly have lost substantial parts of the canal network that we enjoy today. And from a personal point of view, these restored canals have helped to provide my family’s livelihood, as well as giving me a long, fascinating, and rewarding working life.

The Buckingham Canal Society has in particular been a great supporter of our rallies for many years. Its purpose is to restore the relatively small 10-mile or so Buckingham Canal Arm off the Grand Union Canal from Cosgrove, north of Milton Keynes, to Buckingham. The canal began closing in various stages since about 1925, when the last complete navigation of the canal was recorded. Into modern times, only a few hundred yards have survived at Cosgrove.

Since the Buckingham Canal Society began in 1993, it has made good progress.

It has not only extended that surviving section from Cosgrove for a mile or more, involving rebuilding Bridge 1 – the works

almost entirely carried out by volunteers – it has also carried out other restoration works along the route and has put in place an agreed plan to carry out the full restoration of the canal.

The major problem has been how to construct a canal tunnel under the postSecond World War upgraded A5, going north from Milton Keynes. A solution has now been found, and more importantly, funding has become available for what will be a major project. Otherwise, there are only two locks to rebuild, and the original route of the canal largely runs through open country, with all landowners being co-operative for the full length of the restoration route.

When fully restored, the Buckingham Canal will make a fine rural canal for boaters, walkers and other canal users.

And being so close to the expanding Milton Keynes, it will also provide an important rural lung for that town, as well as acting as a buffer to further urban expansion northwards. So all in all, given the project’s relatively modest size, and the good start that has been made, a full restoration in the not-too-distant future is very feasible. Indeed, I could just live to see that canal restored!

A practical memorial

In making my gift to the Buckingham Canal Society, I asked if some of the money could be used in some way to commemorate my late wife Diana, who died of cancer in 2014 aged only 57 – with the balance going into the general pot. I didn’t want a statue, or anything of that sort. Di was a no-nonsense, very practical person, and would not have wanted it.

In 1988, with four young children, and my facing redundancy in the City,

Sir David Suchet cutting the ribbon to reopen the 500 metres of the partly restored Buckingham Canal.

Mike Freeman, a founding member of the Buckingham Canal Society in 1992, about to cut the celebration cake.

Tim Coghlan with his wife Diana and young family at the partly restored Braunston Marina in 1990. The photograph was taken for a glossy magazine feature on their bold ‘Escape to the Canal’, and the family had put on their best attire. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN COLLECTION Diana gave me enormous and very brave support in backing my Braunston venture, which could have cost us everything if it had failed. Fortunately, the venture worked, and Di took to the canals like the proverbial duck to water.

In the years to come, we visited many waterways, including restoration projects, both in the UK and abroad, and she took a great interest in them. And not surprisingly, she made a good many friendships with those involved. So, I thought this would be a great way of remembering her involvement with the waterways.

The society came back with a very nice idea. The Canal & River Trust had offered to sell it a second-hand narrowcanal dredger, which was now surplus to requirements. I agreed that part of the funds I had provided would buy that dredger and pay for a major overhaul, including a total rebuild of its engine, and other machinery, together with a full repaint. The dredger would be renamed Diana, and would work primarily at the Buckingham end which, prior to its abandonment, was a narrow canal.

Diana would also work on the Cosgrove end, which is a wide canal, working with

the society’s wide-canal dredger, which amazingly is called Louise – the name of one of our three daughters.

The full restoration works to Diana have now been completed, including a complete rebuild of its Lister SR3 engine, and a repaint in the Buckingham Canal Society’s livery. It is already in full use and has been nicknamed ‘Di the Digger’!

Formal launch

On the morning of September 2, Diana was formally launched at Bridge 1 by the actor and canal enthusiast Sir David Suchet. He had known Diana from when he and his wife Sheila had bought the narrowboat Lark Rise from Braunston Marina in 1991, and then moored it with us for three years. It was for his family’s use, giving them time away from his filming episodes of Poirot. David told me many years later that his Lark Rise years with his family at Braunston Marina were among the happiest of his life.

Formalities began with my address from the stern deck of Diana, explaining to all why I had made the gift. David, who was with me, then spoke kindly of his memories of Di, whom he described as

The front end of Diana through the restored Bridge 1, before the deeper stern end got stuck on the remaining stop plank. PHOTOS: VICTORIA JANE

PHOTOGRAPHY UNLESS INDICATED

‘a very generous, gracious and charming person’. He then read the canal sonnet by the Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh, which opens with the lines: ‘Oh commemorate me where there is water, canal water preferably…’.

He then moved on to the formal launch proceedings, saying: “I name this dredger Diana,” before pouring a glass of fizz over its new name plate. He completed the renaming by saying: “May God bless her and all who dredge in her!”

Formalities continued with David cutting the ribbon for the formal reopening of the 500m of restored canal beyond the bridge. There followed an attempt to navigate it on Diana – the first boat to do so since the 1930s. The dredger’s Lister engine was brought to life, sounding like a growling panther. But the lowest bridge stop plank was still in place and the deeper drafted rear end of Diana got stuck on it.

But at least the front end poked its nose into the green yonder, with David acting as its theatrical figurehead.

It was now time to celebrate with a sparkling wine and cake party, to which all attendees were invited. They included former BW chief executive Dave Fletcher and his wife, who continue their interest in canals and canal restoration schemes.

The cake was cut by Mike Freeman, a founding member of the Buckingham Canal Society, whose motto was ‘We can restore the Buckingham Canal!’ Like me, he hopes to live to see its completion.

After the reception, David then separately presented the Friends of the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne with the annual £1000 cheque Braunston Marina has given them each year since the Friends were formed in 2006. The money was for the maintenance of the museum’s historic narrowboat Sculptor, which for this occasion was moored at the beginning of the Buckingham Arm above Cosgrove Lock. The cheque should have been presented by David to the Friends at our recent rally – but Sculptor was out on the Parade of Narrowboats at the time.

By way of a final thought, as Diana will be leading the charge in terms of heading the re-excavation of the canal, she might well be the very first boat to navigate the whole of the Buckingham Canal since its closure began in 1925!

She is already in full use, and it is hoped that due to her good work, the first 500m will be opening properly for navigation within weeks. In fact that restored section-in-progress already appears as fully navigable in the latest edition of the Nicholson Guide, with consequentially one or two unfortunate attempts by boaters trying to navigate it in its unfinished state. But thanks to Diana the Dredger, this will all change soon.

48 HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley Nature Reserve

Ideas for a Christmas getaway WITH quiet canals, frosty towpaths, historic waterside pubs and festive destinations to enjoy, a holiday on Britain’s peaceful canal network is a great way to get away this Christmas.

Drifters Waterway Holidays (www.drifters.co.uk) offers winter cruising from a number of its bases, with boats offering accommodation for between two and seven people.

It’s free to moor almost anywhere on the network, so a narrowboat could provide the perfect base for a rural retreat, or to enjoy Christmas and new year celebrations in exciting waterside destinations.

01606 833668 Middlewich, Cheshire

Drifters’ boats all have central heating, hot water, TVs and DVD players. Some also have multi-fuel stoves and Wi-Fi. So, whatever the weather, it’s always nice and cosy on board.

Drifters’ prices over Christmas and new year start at £940 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four, weekly hire from £1300.

Cruise through the Welsh mountains to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen

From Drifters’ canal boat rental base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around two hours to cruise to Llangollen. There boaters can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting this beautiful town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains.

Things to see include the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens and the Horseshoe Falls. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with river and mountain views.

Heading south from Drifters’ narrowboat hire base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, boaters can reach Fradley Junction in around five hours. The journey passes through five locks and 12 peaceful miles of Staffordshire countryside, including the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Places to visit along the way include The Wolseley Centre run by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Wolseley Arms and the village of Handsacre with its pub The Old Peculiar. At Fradley there are walking trails at the Fradley Pool Nature Reserve and the Swan Inn. Skate on the open-air ice rink at Warwick Castle

From Drifters’ base at Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, canal boat holidaymakers can cruise to Warwick and back to explore its medieval castle on the banks of the River Avon. Over Christmas, visitors to the castle will find a 20ft high Christmas tree in the Great Hall, Stories with Santa in the library, a Christmas market and open-air ice rink.

Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Blue Lias pub at the bottom of the Stockton Flight and the Cuttle Inn at Long Itchington.

Cruise the sea lochs and canals of Sccotlan nd’ss Wesst Coast in an oriigin nal steam powered Clyyde Pu uffe fffer.

Tel: 07780 936407 Visit: savethepuffer.co.uk

Hire boats returning to Kate Boats’ Stockton base. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

A seasonal scene with a smattering of snow. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

Travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere

From Drifters’ canal boat hire base at Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, it takes around four hours to reach the pretty historic town of Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Along the way, the route passes Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park.

Once at Ellesmere, there’s a choice of independent shops and restaurants, as well as formal gardens, woods and castle grounds to explore.

Float through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon

Puffer Steamboat Holidays

A winter’s view down the Hatton flight towards Warwick. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

From Drifters’ narrowboat rental base on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, it’s a six-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey takes boaters through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way.

Once in Stratford, boaters can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a short walk from this popular tourist town’s excellent choice of theatres, restaurants, markets and museums.

The canal base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON For more information about Drifters boating holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visit www. drifters.co.uk For more information about visiting the canal network go to www.canalrivertrust. org.uk Some routes could be affected by winter maintenance work on the canal network.

Oakwood Marina 01606 331961 g glamping@oakwoodmarina.co.uk l www.oakwoodmarina.co.uk G+

We have 25 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, why not come and get away from it all by spending time in one of our beautifully furnished bell tents, or camping with your own tent or campervan.

The Wilder family, who own the place, have an attitude to the campsite that befits their surname. Grazed by cows in some parts and cut just once or twice a year for hay, the meadows are otherwise left long and wild in summer. A few footpaths have been conscientiously mown in between pitches to help guide you around the fields and over to another lake attached to the canal that’s a wildlife hotspot and a good place to watch for herons.

THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 49

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Bromley reopens with new face at the helm Words & photos: Les Heath

THERE was disappointment among boaters when they learnt of the closure of The Bromley at Fiskerton on the River Trent in Nottinghamshire.

But fortunately their sorrow was short lived when less than three weeks later a new licensee took over the helm.

As reported in last month’s issue of Towpath Talk the pub, formerly known as The Bromley Arms, closed its doors when the brewery was unable to find anyone to take over.

However, Damion Bradley, who has been running The Inn On The Green a few miles away at Coddington, near Newark, decided to take on the challenge.

Damion has spent nine years as manager at the pub and the last two as landlord.

By the time this issue of Towpath Talk is

available at chandleries and other outlets, it is intended that the Bromley will be back to serving food Monday to Saturday from noon to 9pm and from noon to 6pm on Sundays. A grill night is being organised for Thursdays.

The Bromley, which has always been popular with boaters from Newark and Farndon marinas, has a floating pontoon for customers and also has outside seating overlooking the river.

The Bromley at the side of the River Trent.

New licensee Damion Bradley.

Bren’s cold winter’s night oxtail Words & photos: Kevin Thomas

WHEN I was a kid, oxtail was always a part of our cuisine and over the decades it has also become a favourite meal of ours.

We have oxtail at least once a week if we are able to. The farm butchery where we buy our meat rears its own grass-fed Aberdeen Angus cattle, so I guess the oxtail we eat comes from its Aberdeens, and it is good. During the 1950s my late mum used to cook oxtail in a pressure cooker. It was a large pot we were all terrified of because we thought it would blow up!

My love of oxtail endured from boyhood, and on into my career as a game ranger, except in the Rhodesian National Parks Department the oxtail was replaced by buffalo tail. Bren does a really good oxtail, using a saucepan or sometimes our slow cooker.

Here is her oxtail recipe which I really look forward to each time I see her come out of the butchery with a packet of vacuum-packed oxtail, particularly so now on our cold winter nights.

Using an empty plastic packet, pour in two tablespoons of flour, two teaspoons of chilli flakes (optional), add salt and pepper, plus two teaspoons of mixed herbs. Then shake it all up so it mixes.

Dog Friendly Pub & Tearoom Serving real home cooked food & good drinks.

01858 545250 www.theblackhorsefoxton.co.uk Foxton, Leics, LE16 7RD

The Tudor Arms

Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge on the Gloucester/ Sharpness Canal Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day 14 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more and ideal for visiting friends and relatives Bookings are now being taken for Christmas and New Year

Sliced red onions and garlic, if required, are placed in the saucepan.

Ensure you cut the excess fat off the oxtail pieces before placing them in the packet with the flour mix.

Shake it well, ensuring the oxtail is well covered with the mix. Next, chop up two large red onions and place in the saucepan, add to this two tablespoons of light olive oil and then fry the onions until they are soft.

Add the oxtail and lightly brown the pieces all over. Add 500ml of red wine (optional), and then add enough water to cover the oxtail. Bring it to the boil, and then let it simmer for about two and a half hours before adding carrots and beans, or vegetables of your choice, until cooked. Serve on a bed of mashed potato with diced spring onions mixed into the mash.

Add enough water and 500ml of red wine (optional) to cover the pieces.

01453 890306 enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk www.thetudorarms.co.uk

The Leigh Arms • Moor at Bridge 208 on the Trent & Mersey Canal • Real Ales served • Children’s play area • Traditional British and Authentic European Dishes

Because I like more heat than Bren I add sliced red bird’s eye chillies to my serving.

Bookings now being taken for Christmas

The Leigh Arms, Warrington Road, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4QT. Tel 01606 853327

www.leigharms.co.uk

Fox Narrowboats

Enjoy a break on the Cambridgeshire Waterways Try and ensure you source a nice oxtail, and before using remove all the excess fat.

Simmering merrily away with the veggies added.

Day Boat Hire

Our day boat hire lets you meander along the Fenland Waterways. The boat can hold up to 10 people.

It has a galley complete with hob, fridge, cutlery and crockery, along with a toilet plus indoor & outdoor seating areas. Collection from 9:30am, returning by 6pm.

Cambridgeshire Narrowboat Holidays

On our Narrowboat holidays, you can relax on board in the cosy living space and discover the beautiful Fenland countryside. Visit Peterborough, Ely, St Ives, Huntingdon or Cambridge.

Our Narrowboat holidays can be taken as a week, weekend or mid week break. We can also supply " '! ! #! " " # "! " $ through Spring, Summer & Autumn.

Moorings

# ! "! ! " !# ! let on a daily or long term basis. We can accommodate boats up to 70ft.

We also offer a range of services from slipway, with hoist and cradle " ! ! & ! # ' # ! ! $ ! % " ! ' #! ! !

Email: holidays@foxboats.co.uk Web: www.foxnarrowboats.com Fox Narrowboats Ltd. 10 Marina Drive, March, Cambs, PE15 0AU

50 TECHNICAL

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Preparing your boat for winter

THE winter seems to be arriving a little sporadically this year with some of the highest temperatures in early October recorded, but as I write this the chilling north winds are blowing!

For a number of owners the boat won’t get much use after the middle of October and for others who are liveaboards it’s really important to start digging in and making some carefully preparations for the winter months.

Regardless of which type of owner you are, there are a few good basic tips that for several years I’ve tried to reiterate.

Hopefully these will help boat owners protect themselves and their investment.

Often it’s the first real freeze at some point midway through the winter that gives many boat owners a bit of a wake-up call; last year several parts of the system were frozen solid for more than a week when craft were frozen bankside or in their berths.

My father had taught me in the past that good prudent wintering of a craft will extend engine and systems lifespans; basics like draining off water tanks and hoses, not forgetting the loo and ensuring

Make sure the craft isn’t overloaded and watch those freeboards from discharges and weed hatch! PHOTO: BEN SUTCLIFFE-DAVIES there is a good strength of antifreeze through the engine’s water systems.

We always winterise the engine and even then would still pop down every couple of weeks just to turn it over. It is

sensible if you are a liveaboard to try and regularly run the engine at least once a week afloat – but in winter and hunkered down it’s not often a priority.

With inboard engines make sure the right strength and levels of antifreeze are in the system. With modern antifreezes if they are over three years old they can start to corrode the internals of the skin tank and engine as the chemicals break down.

If not properly winterised the main engine block can suffer from a cracked head on the water jacket. If shore power is available try and protect the engine with some sort of background heat; a small electric oil heater placed within the engine compartment is a great help.

Make sure the deck drains are effective and clear, not blocked, and that the bilge pump actually works, ideally with a float switch fitted. And if you have a heating system try and ensure that the frost stat settings will work.

Several years ago I attended one craft that had so much timber stowed on board, ready to burn, on the aft deck and cabin roof that the weed hatch and exhaust were dipped under the

Fast electric charging for boats

By Phil Pickin

TO CATER for a growing demand for electric propulsion, both inland and in coastal locations, businesses will be looking to establish charging networks.

The first company to design and develop a dedicated marine fastcharging network is, according to its network operations director Kafil Sardar, Aqua superPower.

He told us that the company has created a ‘network with technology, functionality and features tailored specifically for this sector’. It has been designed to be accessible to boat users via the Aqua app or RFID card, enabling users to view a map showing charger locations, offering navigational aids, and managing charging sessions.

Kafil continued: “Electric propulsion is the most significant trend in the boating industry to reduce carbon emissions and protect coastlines and inland waters.” He added that global and local environmental regulations are driving change in the marine sector and that Aqua superPower represents a sustainable solution for putting in place vital marine e-mobility infrastructure.

Rather than simply installing charge points, it would seem Aqua is looking at a rather more holistic approach. Kafil told us: “Aqua owns, operates, and maintains the network using its own Cloud-based backoffice system. Aqua’s IP-65 rated hardware is specifically chosen to withstand the challenges of the marine environment.

“Takingadvantageofdevelopments in the automotive industry, Aqua has adopted the CCS (Combined Charging System), ensuring the safest and most reliable charging for both leisure and commercial electric boat users. Aqua’s network now expands across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the US and the UK, with many more locations to follow.”

When asked about the company's plans to expand into the UK’s inland waterways sector, he said: “Since there are currently just a few charging stations available and using shore power is not practical in the long run, our focus is on deploying quick

One of Aqua superPower’s Aqua 75 marine superchargers.

PHOTOS: AQUA SUPERPOWER LTD

An example of an Aqua Pod electric boat charge station. charging options in inland waterways.”

It is envisaged that this will happen over the next three to six months.

Given that the need for rapid charging isn’t particularly high on the waterways, and that much of the charging is already being provided on overnight moorings in marinas, we asked if he felt that the waterways marketplace would require different

chargers than those they install in coastal locations.

Kafil replied: “We provide both DC and AC charging options. DC charging supports high-powered boats with bigger batteries, but because many boats, particularly narrow canal boats, rely on AC charging, we will normally provide 7-22kW charging options. We intend to simultaneously charge numerous boats at a single charging station in a few hours by focusing on AC 7-22kW charging solutions.”

The organisation with the greatest overview of our waterways is the Canal & River Trust. When asked if the trust had a strategy in place for the future transition away from fossil fuels and the establishment of a charging network, a spokesman told us: “We haven’t yet got an agreed strategy for electric charging, but when we do, it will be very much targeted as an enabling strategy to encourage third parties to fund/install electric charging points.

“Currently fewer than 350 boats claim the electric boat discount out of 35,000-plus, so there is no demand to justify an extensive network of charging points – especially when there are so many other demands on our resources.”

Aqua superPower network operations director Kafil Sardar previously worked at ChargePoint Services (GeniePoint Network) where he managed 4000-plus charging points.

Classic frost damage from the coolant system freezing! Check your antifreeze now and replace if it is more than three years old.

PHOTO: BEN SUTCLIFFE-DAVIES

waterline. This caused the craft to sink.

Items stowed on the cabin roof can also make a vessel very unstable as well.

There are more and more owners who have certainly become too complacent in the wintering protocol of their craft. Often I find, when undertaking insurance claims for water damage, a PVC water tank that has frozen and split, spilling the contents of the tank into the bilges. Not so bad if it’s a water tank but a little more of an issue and certainly a bit more smelly if it’s a plastic holding tank!

If you are not on board try to remember to drain down the whole system including the tanks, water pump and remove the plastic filter bowl that very commonly gets broken by ice; it’s worth also removing any small amount of water left in the bowl of the loo too!

Regardless of if you are on board or not, the use of lagging and using small electric oil-filled heaters set with a frost stat can be very useful.

Locate or make a small hatch within the rear of your main accommodation so you can access your bilges. Think about fitting a small bilge pump and even a float switch bilge alarm. Then if you do have an issue with any water system’s hoses that may have blown off, just like the water pipes in the loft of your house you will prevent the bilges filling up and the cabin soles getting wet from the underside. It always amazes me how many owners never look in the bilges.

Check your alarms

The Boat Safety certification now requires at least one carbon monoxide alarm. My view is: think about having one in each area where you or others sleep as on a boat that could be 60ft long the chances of hearing an alarm if you are in deep sleep is low. If you have a

wood burner, please make sure the seals are all in good condition; avoid burning damp wood and make sure the hearth is appropriate.

Running a diesel heater is a great way to warm a boat but be mindful of how the exhaust is fitted and located. Lastly, if running a generator be aware of an incident where a vessel was moored next to another boat and over a period of time it passively filled the adjacent vessel’s cabin with carbon monoxide through the side vent. So it’s not always what is going on with your own vessel to consider! Please check your carbon monoxide alarms work!

My advice on ice or water damage is simple – prevention is always easier than cure. If you don’t take reasonable steps to protect your craft you may find that there is no insurance cover either! This autumn why not start with a clean sheet, don’t overload the craft and be mindful of water level heights that do change in the winter.

Pop down and check the boat out regularly, ensure systems are drained and the engine is properly protected. Getting into a good routine of winterisation will over time save pounds long term.

Likewise before recommissioning check that the systems and your water tank are all okay and all those water hoses are intact! Fuel filters should be replaced and any water build-up in the fuel tank should be removed.

Make sure the engine is working properly and no water is obvious in the oil and likewise, if you’re too busy don’t be ashamed to ask a marine engineer to give it the once-over before they get too busy. A second pair of eyes sometimes helps all of us.

My father always used a small 30W light bulb in a biscuit tin rigged to a small thermostat under the engine. These days the small oil heaters are so cheap and the cost of running a small heater on a thermostat is pennies if power is available. It’s a very prudent investment compared with a replacement engine!

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies celebrated 40 years in the marine industry in September 2018. He started boat building with his father and uncle and initially built wooden craft, but over time he has also built craft in GRP, steel and aluminium. He has been a marine surveyor for more than 20 years and is now a fellow and full member of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) as well as of British Marine and the Inland Boat Building Association.

Make sure your boat is ready for the winter weather. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

51

52 BUILDERS

November 2023

Free 1 night stay in the 5 star Titanic Hotel, upon completion of deposit, when visiting our factory. Subject to availability, see full terms & conditions.

ONLY £1K DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR BUILD SLOT EURO 60 X 12’6

SHEARWATER 60 X 6’10

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Tel: T el: 0151 0151 2 298 98 9 9602.

602. sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk 72 7 2 St St JJohns ohns R Rd, d, Liverpool Liverpool L L20 20 8 8BH BH

THINKING OF BUYING A BOAT? VISIT OUR FACTORY AND SEE OUR FULL RANGE OF BOATS!

AVAILABLE NOW

HOXTON 70 X 12’3

SAL 60 X 12’6

BUILDERS 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

01270 525040 www.knightsnarrowboats.com Units 4-5, Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DX

BOOK A BUILD SLOT FOR 2024 AND GET 3 MONTHS FREE MOORING

Bespoke Built or Shroppie Range Exclusivelyy brokered at Aqueduct Aq queduct Marina

Get touch today to discuss your contact dream narrowboat ‘58ft in ‘Shroppie’ in build now. Please for more details.

FOLLOW US ON

• Narrowboats • Widebeams • Dutch Barges • Bespoke • Offering Shells & Sailaways

Lee and Garry welcome all their customers, whether first time owners or old friends, a quality shell built to your specifications at affordable prices

Now you can find us on facebook, search

‘X R&D Boatbuilders’

Come and see us at Unit 67, Road A, Boughton Industrial Estate, Boughton, near Newark, Notts. NG22 9LD D Call 01623 863576 or Garry 07830 720879, Lee 07723 021798 Our website is packed full of images of past and current builds, visit: www.xrandd.co.uk

50 years combined experience

54 BUILDERS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Jonathan Wilson Boatbuilders Ltd Just Superb STEEL BOATS Sailaways & FULLY LINED Sailaways

Also Fully Electric Sailaways with market leading technology managed and warranted systems for peace of mind Narrow, Widebeam and Dutch Barge available We have secure widebeam moorings with parking in the HEART OF SHEFFIELD CITY, 5 mins walk to Sheffield train station & city centre

For more information, please call J Wilson on 07815 904721 or L Wilson on 07815 900670 www.jonathanwilsonboats.com

LOUIS AND JOSHUA BOATS 57’ Jonathan wilson hull traditional bow and stern to include, 1 set of side doors, front and rear doors, Sliding hatch, stern tube, 4 anodes, 2k epoxy primer.

All hull variations and extras available on request.

Basic • Vetus 40HP engine or equivalent with starter battery • Primed with Jotun Epoxy 2K primer • 5 chrome mushroom vents • 5 Caldwell single glaze windows with 4 Portholes Total = £42,737 plus VAT Basic Plus – includes all above • Fully battened • 30ml of spray foam • 3 ton of ballast • 25ml hardwood insulated floor Total = £47,307 plus VAT

Savvy Sailor – includes all above

• Sides and roof lined with accents of American white oak or equivalent • Front and rear bulkheads • Bathroom and bedroom walls to customer spec • Solid oak doors • Porthole and window solid oak reveals Total = £60,307 Plus VAT Captain Suite – includes all above • Full electric to include Victron inverter or equivalent, water pumps, down lights, under gunnel lights, USB ports, double socket fronts and light switches

• 12v and 240v distribution panel • 4 x 110a leisure batteries • 300W solar panel system with a smart Victron MPPT controller ( 2 panels) • Full plumbing system to include, 4 radiators.

• 5kw diesel heater • 55L twin coil colarifier with 240v immersion heater • 600L stainless steel water tank Total = £75,957 Plus VAT OPTIONAL EXTRAS • 2k spray applied paint work, 1 colour £6,000 plus VAT 2 colour £8,000 plus VAT 3 colour £10,000 plus VAT • Semi traditional stern £2,000 plus VAT • Square back £2,598 plus VAT • Bow thruster £2,750 plus VAT • Cruiser stern £1,298 plus VAT

Fullfits from £133,000 + VAT Stanilands Marina Lock Hill Thorne DN8 5EP 07725 979108 07815 904721

BUILDERS 55

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

t

JD NARROWBOATS LTD  We understand this is a life changing decision, so we welcome you to visit our working boat yard to see what we can offer you prior to looking elsewhere.  Top quality materials used, from the shell to the fit out

Bespoke Boat Builders Narrowboats & Widebeam

 We work with the customer throughout each stage within the boat build and happily discuss the process step by step  Only 20 mins from Willington, 5 mins from Sawley Marina.

Why not come and see what we can do for you OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 8.00-4.30 Sat 9.00-3.30 Sun By Appointment

Sailaways  Full Fit  Repaints  Repair  Servicing Dobsons Wharf, The Wharf, Shardlow, Derbyshire DE72 2GH

3

We have

boats in build

Call Workshop: 01332 792271 or Mobile: 07952 378679 jdnarrowboats@gmail.com  www.jdnarrowboats.com

From Hull only to fully fitted narrow & wide beam boats built to your own design 57ft cruisers fully fitted from £125,500 Aintree Beetle range starting from £43,000 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM www.aintreeboats.co.uk 0151 523 9000 | info@aintreeboats.co.uk Units 14-16, Brookfield Trading Estate, Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AS

56 BUILDERS / BROKERAGE

November 2023

Your Boat • Our Expertise Over 28 years of experience selling individually inspected, well presented boats from your own mooring anywhere in the UK, or from our base at North Kilworth Marina, LE17 6HY

Whether you are buying or selling our website is packed with information and updated daily

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements.

Boats are built to order to any stage of completion – from a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished.

We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters.

Our latest trip boats include Crusader Comunity (Widebeam with Hybrid propulsion - full MCA certification), Electra (Narrowbeam with electric propulsion - 12 passengers) and Kingfisher Mark (Widebeam with electric propulsion 12 passengers).

Our welders are coded to meet MCA requirements.

Standard fee of 6% + VAT with a loyalty discount for returning customers

01788 822 115 • admin@abnb.co.uk

Expert advice and guidance when buying and selling your Narrowboat At Swanley Brokerage we take pride in our professional approach and unrivalled reputation in selling narrowboats for our clients.

Our friendly and experienced Brokerage team ensure our clients sail smoothly through the buying and selling process.

If you would like to find out more about what we can offer please call 01270 524855 or email sales@swanleybrokerage.co.uk Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk

BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

W NE TING LIS

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

www.ashboats.co.uk

steve@ashboats.co.uk

MANDOLIN WIND £69,950 Built to a high standard by Cherilton Boats in 2012 with Stunning steelwork by XR&D; Recent full exterior repaint. 60ft Semi-trad, narrowboat, Aft Galley (granite work tops), pullman dinette, lounge, shower room (with pump-out), Forward bedroom. Lovely woodwork, high spec – washing machine, bow thruster, Mastervolt, battery management. Lovely condition.

Ref 1503

W NE TING LIS

NEW CONCEPT PREMIUM 577 £139,500 57ft cruiser style narrowboat, due for Completion with a high spec and lovely quality. Reverse layout with bedroom forward, Aft galley, central living. Still some scope for buyer input (exterior colour/ extras etc). Bow thruster, Victron electronics, solar panels, very stylish interior. Can be viewed by Appointment. (Pictures of similar boat).

Ref 1494

ICE PR UCED D RE

Ref 1496

W NE TING LIS

Ref 1488

MANRIQUE £89,500 58 x 10ft sailaway by Orchard Marina 2019 with trad stern and high quality owner fit-out. Good spec, with plenty of storage and bedroom aft, shower room, galley with breakfast bar, side doors etc opening to the spacious forward living area.

BOURNE 54 £78,500 54ft Peerless built trad with a Bourne Boatbuilders full refit just completed. New interior with bedroom aft, lounge forward.

All new appliances, New exterior paintwork. Stunning woodwork.

New appearance.

Ref 1502

LD

SO

Ref 1498

MELLOR 16 £125,000 NEW BUILD 57 ft cruiser style narrowboat completed Sept ’23 and now available for immediate delivery with all certification/ warranties etc. Aft living area, forward bedroom. Lovely contemporary interior.

NANETTE £99,500 60 x 10ft by Jazzymaid Boatbuilders 2017 cruiser stern.

Aft galley, spacious living area, bathroom, forward bedroom.

Masses of storage cupboards/ drawers etc. Bow thruster, washing machine, aft canopy etc.

Ref 1501

LD

SO

REF 1500

CAROLYN £48,950 40ft trad. Lovely maple interior with Corian galley worktops and excellent joinery. Very good overall condition; 4 cyl Shire engine and bow thruster; Aft bedroom, shower room, galley and lounge forward.

PURPLE EMPEROR £75,000 55ft cruiser style, very high spec, craftsman built narrowboat.

Stunning interior woodwork (mahogany, ash and oak). Reverse layout of aft galley, dinette, shower room, bedroom, forward lounge. Immaculate throughout.

Staniland Marina, Lock Hill, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5EP

Tel: 01405 816992 www.stanilandmarina.co.uk On the Stainforth & Keady Canal, convenient for all waterways in the north

Narrow/Widebeams

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale

Brand New 2023 Steve Ellis Boatfitters 57’ Narrowboat – Stunning Reverse Layout Fitout with Vetus 42hp Engine & Bowthruster. 4 berths, Eberspacher heating, solid fuel stove, Pullman dinette, master cabin, spacious Corian galley.

MUST VIEW £159,995 Brand New 2023 Steve Ellis Boatfitters 52’ Narrowboat – Ready to be fitted, call us for more details. Build it to your own specifications. P.O.A

M & N Narrowboats, 27’ Narrowboat. Recent Beta 20hp. 4 berth in 1 cabin, usual comforts £12.995

Cruisers

Doral 250SE Sports Cruiser. Mercruiser V8 250hp. 6 berths in 3 cabins. Modern sports cruiser with spacious cockpit & cabin.

240v, Hob, Microwave, Fridge, new canopy, recent antifoul. £29,995

Collingwood 57 x 12 2013. Canaline 52hp, Stunning Fit Out. Appointment essential. See more pics online. £134,995

Brand New 2023 Sea Hunter Viper – Tohatsu 30hp, fully loaded.

Upholstery, tonneau, radar arch, lighting, ideal fishing boat £15,995

Collingwood 60 x 13 Widebeam 2020 – Stunning top end fit out, won’t be around for long. Register your interest with us. £189,995

Fletcher Zingaro 30 Sports Cruiser. 2 x Volvo AQ151 138hp.

New canopy ’22, Well presented. Lying Boroughbridge. £15,495

SO L D SO L D

Reeves 52’ Narrowboat 2002 – Isuzu 38hp. 4 berths in 2 cabins, ex-Black Prince. Recently repainted above and below waterline.

Well presented and good value £49,995

Salter Bros 30 Broads Cruiser – 32hp BMC, 4 berths in 2 cabins, typical spacious broads cruiser with galley, saloon & heads. £19,995

New Staniland Boats 2023 57’ Narrowboat – Vetus 42hp, Bowthruster, 4 berths in 2 cabins, Oak/Birch fitout, spacious saloon, large Corian galley with all appliances fitted. Walk-thru bathroom, full size shower, master king cabin. £159,995

Seamaster 27 – 32hp BMC, 4 berths in 2 cabins, good value starter cruiser. £8,495

58 BROKERAGE

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Buy, sell, or part exchange today!

lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

Something extraordinary...

Coming Soon to Tattenhall Marina!

Barton Marina

Tattenhall Marina

LUXURY FLOATING LODGES | £POA

YOGI | 57 X 12FT DUTCH BARGE REPLICA | £145,000

Take a virtual tour

Indulge in ultimate luxury at Barton Marina’s floating lodge.

Two en-suite double bedrooms, modern interiors, panoramic windows, and an open-plan living area with a sleek kitchen and comfortable seating. Experience year-round comfort with amenities like electric panel heaters and air conditioning. Coming soon to Tattenhall Marina.

Experience Yogi, a stunning 57ft x 12ft Dutch Barge Replica from 2009, meticulously crafted with elegance. Resting in Cheshire’s countryside, Yogi, a ‘floating home,’ awaits new owners to restore her inner beauty for a cherished home or cruising vessel at Tattenhall Marina.

Brand new boats...

Barton Marina

Video walkthrough by @adam.floatinghome

Project boats...

Caen Hill Marina

Shakespeare Marina

BRAND NEW - COLLINGWOOD ELECTRIC

BRAND NEW - COLLINGWOOD

BLUE DRAGON

60FT ELECTRIC NARROWBOAT | £199,500

60FT CRUISER STERN | £149,950

55FT CRUISER STERN | £29,995

Other boats...

Great Haywood Marina

Saul Junction Marina

Roydon Marina

CAPRICE

GENESTA

GRAND DUKE

33FT CRUISER STERN | £26,995

58FT TRADITIONAL NARROWBOAT | £85,000

62FT SEMI TRAD NARROWBOAT | £92,500

9

BOAT SALES OFFICES

07534 655702

07354 902086

07585 956804

07748 036638

07513 708099

SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

BROKERAGE 59

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Reliable central heating and hot water for boats of any size

www.dieselheating.com

JACK FROST

£47,000

MARSHLAND ECHO

£26,500

2004 45ft - M+P Steelcraft hull with first owner fitout. Boat Safety Until August 2026.

1992 56ft – Pat Buckle Boatbuilders hull and Louis Wilson fitout. Powered by an BMC 1.8 4 Cylinder with a Hurth Gearbox.

FIRWOOD

MERDEKA

£50,000

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

ALICE MAY

£27,000

ED C U RED Alice May - 1984 51ft - Arkwright Hull and owner fitout. Powered by a BMC 1.5 with a PRM160VR2 Gearbox. Boat Safety Until April 2023

£58,000

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

Peaceful Canal Boat Moorings in the Heart of the Country

Facilities include: Water points, electrical outlets, pump-out, sewage disposal, perimeter lighting, floodlit car park, 24hr security, picnic/barbecue area, uploading at your boat, fuel, repairs, chandlery.

MARINE ENGINES

BMC Specialists

Specialists in servicing, rebuilding and spare parts for BMC. Our respected quality re-manufactured BMC 1.5 and and 1.8s marinised for keel cooling from £2820 If it’s BMC we have what you need Call us now!

GEARBOXES

• PRM 125 D2 • PRM 150D2 • PRM 280 D2 A range of high quality re-built gearboxes are also available.

ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.calcuttboatsshop.com

Open 24/7 for all your BMC and Hurricane spare parts and all your other chandlery needs online.

T: 01926 813757 E: boats@calcuttboats.com www.calcuttboatsshop.com

Tomlow Road, Stockton, Southa m, Warwickshire. CV47 8HX

60 BROKERAGE

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking -Taking full boat painting bookings for 2024

BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Bottom Blacking • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys

GREAT DEALS ON EBERSPACHER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

BOAT OF THE MONTH

CARNABY

£31,950

740ft, 1937 Harland & Wolff Tug, lovely ex GUCCCo carrying craft shortened and presented in 1980’s BWB maintenance craft style.

Benefits from tidy condition, new bottom and steelwork by Steve Priest, lister HR2 rebuilt by Dave Ross

LOCKDOWN

SARAH JANE

£64,950

SHUGLEY

£54,950

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

£64,950

New just arrived, 65ft semi-trad, 2007 built by Liverpool Boats, immaculate internal with new bathroom and kitchen, Isuzu 42 engine, last blacked 2020. BSC March 2024.

TRANQUILLITY

£34,950

42ft Trad 4 berth, 1981 by Colecraft. Excellent condition, Hull shotblast and 2 pack epoxy, BSS expires: 11/2025. 1 owner from new very reluctant sale!

57ft, 1991, North West Narrowboats. A reluctant sale of a very well cared for craft, one owner from new. Mitsubishi engine, solar panels, central heating, recent hull survey. 10/6/4 steel spec.

VISIT US AT Alvecote Marina, Robeys Lane, Alvecote, Tamworth B78 1AS Tel 01827 898585 narrowcraft@alvecotemarina.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 08.30 - 17.30. Sundays & Mondays by appointment

For latest info and offers, follow us on twitter @AlvecoteMarina ON THE COVENTRY CANAL - ONLY 5 MINS FROM J10 M42 BY ROAD

www.AlvecoteMarina.co.uk

BROKERAGE 61

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

LARGE CHOICE OF

WIDEBEAMS NARROWBOATS DUTCH BARGES

NEWLY LISTED WIDEBEAMS AVAILABLE FROM £100,000

COLECRAFT 70' WIDEBEAM

'Sunflower' | Price from £149,950 | pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

WIDEBEAMS

COLLINGWOOD 64' X 12'

AQUALINE METROFLOAT 60' X 11'

'Skylark' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Mamatunde’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'One Life' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£174,500

£139,950

£119,950

£114,500

COLLINGWOOD 58' X 11'

SAGAR MARINE MINI-LUXE

COLLINGWOOD 60' X 12'

COLLINGWOOD 62' X 12'

'Monkeyhangers' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Lady Macbeth' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Den Within Willows' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Gwenevere’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£99,950

£177,500

£139,950

£129,950

GJ REEVES SEMI TRAD 70'

PETER NICHOLLS STEELBOATS 55'

COLECRAFT CRUISER STERN 36'

BRUMMAGEM BOATS 32'

'Itchen To Go’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Water Woodstock' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Beauty' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Ibis' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£79,950

£54,950

£35,950

£32,950

BARGE BLUEWATER 62' X 12' 06"

COLLINGWOOD PIONEER 60' X 9' ‘Adventure Two' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£89,950 NARROWBOATS

NEW AND USED BOATS AVAILABLE FROM 10 UK LOCATIONS

BERTHING AT ANY TINGDENE MARINA GUARANTEED* WITH ALL CRAFT SOLD!

SPECIALIST WIDE BEAM AND NARROWBOAT SALES OFFICES Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames and Kennet Marina | 01189 477770 *subject to availability

Tel: 01933 551622 boatsales@tingdene.net www.tingdeneboating.com

62 BROKERAGE

November 2023

Tel: (01788) 891373 Fax: (01788) 891436

Braunston Marina Ltd The Wharf Braunston Nr. Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 7JH

On the Internet: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk

FOR SALE CHISWICK

SOLD £78,000

71ft 6” /21.82m Trad Style, Hull by Harland and Wolf –1937, F/O 2006, 2/4 Berth.

MELITA

£19,950

30ft /9.15m Cruiser Style 1985, Hull & F/O by Delph Marine, 3 Berth

REDUCED VICTORIA

SOLD £49,950

52’(15.85M) – Semi Trad 1996 – Hull by Michael Cull F/O by Lockhart boats, 2 berth, Trad engine midships.

THE HIGGLER

ON REFLECTION

£39,950

57ft /17.38m Trad Style 1990, Hull By Colecraft, F/O by Len Beachem, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE

REDUCED £64,950

60ft /19.29m Semi Trad Style 2007, Hull & F/O by Aqualine, 2/4 Berth

WIBBLY WOBBLY

£129,950

60ft /18.3m Semi Trad Style 2014, Hull Tyler Wilson, F/O by Milburn Boats, Reverse Layout & Hybrid Engine, 2/4 Berth,

FOR SALE SILENE

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

UNDER OFFER £59,950

57ft /17.37, Trad Style 2007, Hull & F/O by Northwich Boats, 2/4 Berth

SAM TOO

£64,950

57ft /17.37m Trad Style 2005, Hull & F/O by Ledgard Bridge, 2/4 Berth

THERE ARE MANY GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELL YOUR BOAT.....

Here are just two:  

We have a proven record for high and quick turnover of boat sales founded on our famous and prominent location An excellent and efficient purchasing procedure for our buyers backed up by our comprehensive boatyard facilities and services, and attentive, caring staff.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE THIS SEASON

• Moorings • Narrowboat Sales • Steelwork by Arrangement • Chandlery • Pump Out • Laundrette • Diesel • Calor Gas • Dry & Wet Docks • Blacking • DIY Facilities • Engine Repairs & Servicing • Painting & Signwriting • Rope Fenders • Refits & Alterations

BROKERAGE 63

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

NORBURY WHARF Limiitedd

New stock arriving shortly

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values

REF 10516 - Duchess 69 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. REDUCED TO £35,000.00

REF 10526 - Hedgepig.

50 foot tug style narrow boat. UNDER OFFER.

REF 10529 - Defiant 60 foot tug style narrow boat. REDUCED TO £59,995.00

REF 10532 - John Henry 50 foot traditional stern narrow boat. REDUCED TO £36,950.00

REF 10533 - Countess Rose.

55 foot traditional stern narrow boat. REDUCED TO £54,950.00

REF 10535 - Little Grebe 48 foot semi-traditional stern narrow boat. £46,950.00

REF 10536 - Blue Moon 60 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED £38,000.00

REF 10537 - Duck Duck 60 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED £38,950.00

REF 10538 - Golden Finch 57 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. £33,950.00 - UNDER OFFER

REF 10539 - Queen Maeve 46 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED £31,950.00

Please visit our website for a full list of boats currently For Sale

The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Tel: (01785) 284292 • E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

64 BROKERAGE

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

David Mawby Ltd

NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 3LX

T: 07721 382619 E: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com W: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisers are available to view by appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experience and 2,500 boats sold.

VIKING 26

£25,995 VIKING 22

Length 26ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2001, 6 Berths in 2 cabins, cooker, fridge, shower, hot and cold water system, toilet, 12 and 240 volts electrics, recent new upholstery and canopy, powered by a Mercury 20Hp 4 stroke outboard engine (new 2022), Bsc 2026, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles

£28,995

Length 22ft, Beam 7ft8ins, Built 2007, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, cassette toilet, warm air heating, fridge, 12 and 240 volts electrics, NEW CANOPY, powered by a Honda 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available,

New Viking Cruisers

Show Boats Now Available to view at our indoor showroom.

Prices From £39,995.

Including Outboard Engine PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST OFFERS

VIKING 20

£22,995

Length 20ft, Beam 7ft4ins, Built 2003, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, cassette toilet, shower, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, recent new canopy, powered by a Tohatsu 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available,

Wanted

Modern Inland Waterways Cruisers, Viking, Atlanta, Shetland, Mayland, Dolphin, Norman, etc, must be in original condition.

Cash waiting for right boats.

Please call David on

07721 382619

As the Viking Motor Cruisers Premier Agent we are delighted to announce the arrival of the NEW VIKING 26 WIDE BEAM GOLDEN CROWN EDITION to celebrate 50 years of Viking Motor Cruisers. With new easy access lift out cockpit sides, new open plan cabin layout, 2 tone cockpit upholstery and warm air heating as standard, along with the usual fittings including cooker with hob, grill & oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, cassette toilet, 12 & 240 volts electrics, 6 berths, and a 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine.

Priced at £64,995.

Book your viewing now on 07721 382619.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

SPONDON

£57,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2007 by Colecraft and fitted out by Streethay Wharf, Cruiser Stern, powered by a Nanni 50Hp Diesel engine with hydraulic drive and hydraulic bow thruster, 1 owner from new, reverse layout, with galley at stern, pullman dinette, large shower room, Reflex diesel stove and Webasto diesel heating with radiators throughout the boat, Victron 2500 inverter charger, 12 and 240 volts electrics, washing machine, dishwasher, etc, Bsc 2027.

FUTUREST

£49,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1998 by Ian Davis as a traditional boat with a boatman’s cabin and powered by a Russell Newbury 18Hp traditional engine in engine room. Current Bsc. The hull is constructed with a 12 mm base plate. The boatman’s cabin has a single berths, an Epping solid fuel stove, pull down table & storage cupboards. Moving forward is the engine room with side hatches both sides, next is the washroom with a shower, porta potti toilet and sink, followed by a the galley with a Belfast sink, shoreline fridge, full size gas cooker and side hatch. Moving towards the bow of the boat is the main living area with a Morso solid fuel stove with back boiler giving heat to the radiators, free standing sofa bed, corner storage cabinets and under gunwell storage with fold up table and chairs.The boat includes a front cratch cover, colarifier, washing machine,and Tv.

LITTLE TROJAN

£29,995 SALLY CASS POO

Length 32ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2003 by Sea Otter Boats, 1 owner from new, powered by a Nanni 21Hp 3 Cylinder Diesel engine, Less than 160 hours from new. Rear cabin comprises of a galley with a full size gas cooker, shoreline fridge, worktop with sink and drainer, cupboards with TV mounted above, dining area which converts to a small double bed, and controls for the Webasto heating. The front cabin has a double bed, along with the toilet and shower compartment, with a cassette toilet, shower and sink. A new canopy is on order for the boat. The craft is fitted with diesel heating along with 12 and 240 volts electrics and a battery charger. The BSC is valid to 2027.

£54,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2004 by Dave Clarke with a Trad Stern, fit out by Bridgecraft, powered by a Thornycroft diesel engine, Standard layout with bedroom at stern with a fixed double bed, next it the large bathroom with shower, pump-out toilet and sink, the galley in next with units both sides and a side hatch, followed by the main living area, the boat is heated via an Alde boiler with radiators thoughout the boat. There is also 12 and 240 volt electrics and immersion heater. The Bsc is to May 2026.

This is a very clean and tidy vessel.

Narrowboats URGENTLY required for brokerage or outright purchase.

(Free valuation, free storage, fast payout on completion, competitive rates, terms apply) Please contact David on 07721 382619

Website: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Email: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

BROKERAGE 65

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT MY JOY 33ft Atlanta centre cockpit cruiser built by Viking. Propulsion provided by a Honda 30hp

Outboard petrol engine with the assistance of a bow thruster. Hot water and central heating provided by a Malaga. Electrics comprising of a 12v, 240v landline, Inverter, 1 starter, 3 leisure batteries and a solar panel.

The galley offers a Smev cooker & hob along with a fridge, and dinette seating. We can find 2 bathrooms, both with a shower, one with a Pump Out and one with a cassette toilet. 6 berths is arranged over a fixed double bed in the aft cabin, convertible dinette, and convertible seating in the fore cabin. The centre cockpit features timber wood flooring along with a canopy cover. BSC May 2025. Blacked 2022.

£29,950

MAYBEL 58ft Trad built by Heron Boat Builders in 2004. Isuzu 42hp engine with a BSC 55kgf

Bow thruster. Electrics 12v, 240v landline, Sterling Pure Sine Wave Inverter, 1 starter, 3 leisure, 1 bow thruster batteries, Sterling Power battery charger. Galley - Country Leisure Midi Prima, Country Leisure Argent 4 burner hob, Shoreline fridge and a Bush microwave. 4 berths - fixed double bed and a sofa bed. Maybel has 2 bathrooms, the main housing a Thetford toilet, Shower and vanity basin and a 2nd with a cassette toilet and a vanity basin. Configured to offer a wealth of storage and the potential for a work/office space. 2 Side Hatches. BSC 2027. Blacked 2022.

£79,950

DE VROUWE PANACEA 60ft Dutch Barge by New Holland Steel Barge with a central

cockpit. Propulsion provided by a Perkins 440 92hp engine. Hot water supplied by an electric immersion heater, central heating via a Hurricane burner. Electrics comprising of a 240v landline, Victron Energy 12v/100am Inverter, Fischer Panda 5000i Generator, 1 starter and 3 leisure batteries and 2 x 265w adjustable solar panels. In the kitchen a Shoreline fridge, a cooker and 6 burner gas stove.

Bathroom - pump out toilet, vanity basin and bath with mixer taps. Accommodation is offered over 6 berths comprising of a Fixed Double in the stern, double sofa bed in the saloon and the luxury of a dining area which can convert into a double. BSC June 2026. Blacked 2020. Offering something a little different and boasting a wealth of space and storage she could be perfect for you.

£99,950

L’ANCHOIS 60ft by 12ft Widebeam Cruiser. Built by Collingwood in 2016. She has everything needed for continuous cruising or shore-based living. Canaline 52hp engine and a PRM 150 gearbox. Electricals 12v, 240v landline,Victron Multiplus 3000 inverter, 1 starter & 4 leisure batteries along with 4 x 250w solar panels with Outback Flexmax power system. Open and spacious galley offering a cooker, Shoreline fridge with freezer compartment and a double Belfast sink. Through the saloon onto the bathroom where we find a compost toilet, bath with shower over, vanity basin and Hoover washing machine. 3 Berths, 2 Cabins.

Master bedroom custom king size bed with underbed storage. Second bedroom custom-built single bunk.

L’Anchois has been beautifully crafted, if you are looking to begin a life on the water without having to compromise on space and home comforts then enquire about L’Anchois today!

£129,950

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

1

Fenny Marina

2

Finding peace away from home...

Blisworth Arm, Blisworth Northampton NN7 3FG Telephone: 01604 879827 www.blisworthmarina.co.uk E-mail: info@blisworthmarina.co.uk

TO PROMOTE YOUR MARINA ON THIS PAGE CALL TANIA ON

01507 529489

3

South Oxford Canal Between Bridge 136 & 137 Close to Banbury Station Fields, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2XD T: 01295 770461

Image supplied by The Inland Waterways Association

4

E: moorings@fennymarina.co.uk

3

W: thefennymarina.co.uk

OverWater 4

5

5 2

Marina Audlem, Cheshire Beautiful • Peaceful • Friendly At the heart of the Shropshire Union

01270 812677 Voted Marina of Distinction 2015 - 2017

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Audlem, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AY

A small, friendly marina in a tranquil, private offline basin with 21 miles of lock free cruising 230V electric supply, water points and wi-fi on site, with local amenities within walking distance

07401 297 253

mooring@crickwharf.co.uk www.crickwharf.co.uk NN6 7XT

1

66

November 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Need a Survey or Boat Safety Examiner?

Dave Freeman

Over 25 years experience on the inland waterways

Marine Surveys & BSS Examinations For a Competitive Quote & Prompt Service

Tel 07918 677782

Covering all Areas Based Bridge 69 Trent & Mersey Canal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

Alan Buckle Boat Safety Scheme Examiner

Independent friendly service Covering the Midlands and surrounding areas.

07856 686363

bsswithalan@gmail.com

MARK

EDWARDS MABSSE

Boat Safety Scheme Examiner All classes of vessels examined Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificates Caravans, RV’s and domestic properties

Tel 07970 384047 Areas covered: 2, 4, 5

NIGEL CARTON BSS

Completely independent.

Good rates and a friendly service.

Areas covered:

2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10 Call: 07989 388109 Email:

nigel.carton@btinternet.com

RHYS KILLIN Dip.S.C.Sur

BSS Examiner BSS Examination from £160

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Tel 07748 861795 rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

Services

is an independent company providing professional and comprehensive support services to Narrowboats and Inland Waterways vessels.

Based in Northamptonshire we are ideally placed to offer our services.

Our services include: • Hull condition, Pre-purchase, Insurance and Valuation surveys.

(Accredited YDSA member) • Marine consultancy.

Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.

AREA COVERED: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14

07903 945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

DELTA MARINE SERVICES

Marine Surveying

♦ Pre-Purchase Condition Survey ♦ Valuation ♦ Insurance Condition Survey ♦ New Build/Conversion Project Supervision & Consultancy ♦ Damage Assessment ♦ Litigation Advice & Claim Assessment ♦ Areas covered 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 14

Mob. 07831 355543 Tel. 01926 499337

www.delta-marineservices.co.uk

Narrowboat Surveyor

Cetec Marine

Michael Clarke

A friendly and professional fully insured service Steel, GRP & Timber craft Pre-purchase surveys Insurance surveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing

Est. 1992

& Boat Safety Examiner Dip.S.C. Sur AMIMarEST Areas covered: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 • A Friendly and Professional Service • Fully Qualified & Insured • Ultrasonic Pre-purchase & Hull Condition Surveys • No travelling Charges - All areas covered Northampton based

Robert W. Burton BEng(Hons), GradIIMS, MIET

Marine Surveyor & BSS Examiner

BSS Examiner, Marine Surveyor & Marine Technical Consultant

Surveys, BSS examinations, valuations and consultancy Scotland & Northern England, Areas 16, 1, 2 & 3.

Mob: 07794 862 022 Email: robert@burtonmarine.com

01604 858 868 07944 856 351

Phone Chris Holmes 07860 254369 01784 464899

surveyors@cetec.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

Areas Covered 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

www.burtonmarine.com

• Boat Safety Examinations inc. commercial craft • All gas repairs & fittings

BOB HURST TO Your Local BSS Examiner ADVERTISE based at HERE South Kilworth CALL TANIA ON 07720Phone: 424396 Email: 01507 robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com 529489 Areas Covered 9 & 10

Offering over 30 years experience WITHIN A 30 MILE RADIUS OF BIRMINGHAM

Thomas Tighe 07973 321997 tomtighe@hotmail.com

For

BSS Examinations Contact

Charles King Leicestershire based

info@monarchmarine.co.uk 07836 210 656 www.monarchmarine.co.uk

67

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

BALLAST

BOATS WANTED

CANOPIES

BOAT BUILDER

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

GRAPHICS

GRIT BLASTING

BOAT PAINTERS HEATING

BOOKS

CANALIA

BOATS FOR SALE INSURANCE CANOPIES

COURSES

68

November 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

INSURANCE

LED LIGHTING

MAIL FORWARDING

MOORINGS

MAPS

SERVICE & REPAIRS

MAIL FORWARDING

MOBILE MARINE ENGINEER INSURANCE

MOORINGS

SERVICES

69

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

SERVICES

SERVICES

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

TRANSPORT BY WATER

WINDOWS

SITUATIONS VACANT

72 GREAT OUTDOORS/PETS

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Plants along the towpath – November

Our gardening correspondent Lee Senior concludes his bi-monthly series for this season.

in semi-shade in our gardens too.

If you are having a bonfire this month, please check the wood first for any lurking hedgehogs that may have taken refuge. Also, why not build a basic natural AUTUMN is a great season hibernating shelter to get outdoors and enjoy the Check for for these struggling colourful and scenic landscape. hedgehogs before creatures using decaying tree branches and woody Nature provides its very own lighting a bonfire. garden prunings? dazzling firework display at this PHOTO: LEE SENIOR time of year. Our countryside Hedgehog houses can and waterways are backlit by fiery leaf also be easily made, using spare timber colours, giving a sure-fire grand finale or plywood. They can also be purchased before the onset of winter. ready-to-use, relatively cheaply online.

Autumn is also a great time for many Meanwhile, at ground level, lurking in the undergrowth, Colchicum autumnale interesting fungi, both on the ground (autumn crocus) quietly goes about its and sometimes on trees too! Meanwhile business, flowering in a less dramatic insects such as woodlice and stag beetles but no less beautiful way. This plant is quietly go to work on the decaying fallen quite unusual in that the flowers appear foliage. before the foliage, which comes later.

Japanese anemones come into their It won’t be long before the hardy, own during late summer and early shade-loving cyclamen coum joins the autumn, both in the wild and in our party too. Carpets of this diminutive but own gardens.

They prefer dappled shade and come durable plant can be enjoyed in woodland across the UK. It grows well in containers in whites and various shades of pink.

A play on birds

Ken Norman continues his series of frivolous bird cartoons which he creates while relaxing on board his narrowboat Daedalus.

Musings on a canalside walk

Words & photos: Kevin Thomas

AUTUMN is one of my favourite seasons for walking. The morning air is invariably crisp, with dew-laden spider webs, hanging like jewelled necklaces, adding to an early morning’s enchantment.

With the heavy early morning autumnal mists burning off as the sun rises, so too, do trees along the cut slowly change colour in tandem with the unstoppable progression of the season. Their reflections in the water become softer, with a mix of gentle pastel hues.

The abundant natural beauty surrounding us, changing with each season as if a page has been turned, soon makes one realise how nature is truly an artist, and not a scientist.

Pets on the Cut Minnie is no mouse Words & photo: Alison Wilkerson

Star support for Big Plastic Pick Up

TOWPATH

TALK

CELEBRITIES are leading a nationwide appeal to clear wildlife-rich canals of harmful plastic waste.

Fourteen million pieces of plastic end up in and around the Canal & River Trust’s waterways each year – with 500,000 pieces flowing out to sea. This is despite the trust’s volunteers spending more than 100,000 hours each year clearing litter from towpaths and a £1 million annual clean-up bill.

Strictly Come Dancing professional

GUARANTEE DELIVERY From just £19

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT04

Neil Jones said: “I’ll be partnering up with my litter picker to help out with the Big Plastic Pick Up. Plastic and litter can be dangerous to both people and wildlife, so we urgently need to keep up the fight against it. Together we can help banish plastic rubbish by canals for good.”

Other star supporters include TV presenter and singer Cerys Matthews, presenter Gaby Roslin, celebrity chef and presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, zoologist and presenter Megan McCubbin, Strictly winner and comic Bill Bailey, actor and presenter Tony Robinson, Property Ladder star Sarah Beeny and, of course, The Wombles!

Plastic waste along the country’s waterways has a devastating impact on the precious habitats that are home to wildlife and nature – such as ducks, swans, otters, endangered water voles, fish and amphibians – with many species of wildlife at risk of permanent harm from litter pollution.

The Canal & River Trust is appealing for people to donate £14, pick up 14 pieces of litter and encourage 14 friends to join in. All the funds raised will go towards cleaning its waterways.

These photos reflecting an autumn morning’s freshness were taken along the Kennet & Avon Canal near Devizes, west of the Caen Hill Flight.

AFTER a long break from staying aboard our narrowboat due to health issues, we finally embarked on a little four-day trip to see if I could finally manage working the locks as I have always been ‘mistress of the locks’ (and galley) in the nine years we have owned our boat.

Our journey began up the Grand Union heading north and most of the locks were not bad, even for me, until we got to the bottom lock of the Stoke Bruerne flight in Northamptonshire as I had to get assistance opening the paddles on the gates and opening the gates as the beams were troublesome too.

Walking to the next lock, I noticed a cascade, as it was evident that there was an issue and after an hour of assisting hire boaters with balancing the water levels to avoid flooding the marina at the bottom, we carried on up to the top lock, only to be flagged down by Richard, one of the very helpful Canal & River Trust volunteer lock

keepers (VLKs) who was one of the Tuesday gang (joined

by Martin and Terry), who told us to moor up as the lock was out of action due to a paddle repair.

Wedulymooredupbehind a 1997, 45ft narrowboat built by Liverpool Boats and propelled by a Lombardini 1900cc, three-cylinder diesel engine. It was owned by Liz and Dan who had a very happy and lovely three-yearold Staffordshire bull terrier called Minnie.

As it was obvious we were going to be moored up together for some time (it turned out to be an hour and a half ), we had a chat and fussed and played with Minnie on the towpath.

Luckily we had a tennis ball on our stern which we gave her, which was a godsend as her favourite toy is a ball and she had lost hers that morning when the ball launcher launched it too far!

Minnie had been purchased as a 10-weekold puppy from a breeder in Yorkshire and did not bat an eyelid at cruising on the boat which been purchased in 2019 from Whilton Marina. She does not like tunnels though and

Minnie with volunteer lock keeper Richard. goes inside to sleep in her own bed covered up by a blanket and even makes a fuss if she is not covered up, especially at night, waking up her owners who have to put it back on her.

She gets on with other dogs but is better with older and bigger dogs and will eat everything including wet and dry food, plus she does tricks which she

kindly showed us... the most impressive was knowing her left from her right when lifting her front paws and of course rolling over. She won’t be doing that while walking over a lock gate as she’s nervous on them, possibly due to having fallen in a lock once but luckily she was on a extendable lead and swam to the cill, where Dan managed to rescue her.

SCOTTISH WATERS with Cicely Oliver 73

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

Canal ‘walkies’ aids terrier rescue group

SHONA Marshall and her dog Betty walked the 65 miles from Bowling to Lochrin Basin, along the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals, at the end of September.

The pair undertook the challenge to raise money for the charity Kerry Blue Terrier Rescue. The charity comprises a group of dedicated Kerry Blue enthusiasts in the UK who Betty and Shona’s volunteer their time to care walk started from for Kerrys in need. More Bowling. PHOTOS:

Shona rescued Betty when she was just 16 months old.

Betty is now eight and over the past seven years she’s been Shona’s walking companion. Since 2021 they’ve completed all 282 Munros and 226 Munro tops, including the unique rock slab the In Pinn, the Inaccessible Pinnacle, summit of Sgurr Dearg mountain on Skye which can only be climbed.

Shona managed with the help of a guide while Betty SHONA MARSHALL than 100 Kerry Blues have ascended the rockface in the been rehomed since 2016. All funds guide’s backpack. raised go directly to helping the dogs.

Shona was keen for a challenge in the central belt, to give supporters and terrier owners the opportunity of meeting up. Betty’s prey drive isn’t too strong and she showed no desire to plunge into the canal so Shona was able to enjoy the walk and the wildlife along the way.

The pair enjoyed the Falkirk Tunnel and the colourful lights but found the cobbles a little slippery at points along the towpath. It’s quite different walking on the hard towpath surface compared to Betty at the Falkirk Wheel, before their more usual hills but Betty is used to heading up to the Union Canal just spending long days hill walking and trots along happily. Shona carried a flag with beyond the top of the wheel. the rescue’s logo and she’s grateful to all those who stopped to chat and give her and Betty encouragement.

They are more usually found on the hills. Although Shona walked the 80-mile circuit of Loch Ness in 24 hours a few years ago, with Betty joining her for some sections, her

Seagull Trust welcomes heron visitors

THE Kirkintilloch branch of Seagull Trust Cruises is extremely grateful for a generous donation of new lifejackets from Seago, timely replacements for its existing kit.

Members recently enjoyed a visit from not one, but two herons; one to the Kirkintilloch boathouse and the other actually on board a boat trip.

The trust, run entirely by volunteers, provides free canal cruises for people with special needs from their bases at Kirkintilloch, Ratho, Falkirk and Inverness.

Members of the Kirkintilloch branch showing off their new lifejackets.

Heron no 2, visiting the boathouse.

The duo on the Union Canal. focus is on hills and mountains rather than waterways.

Betty is one of very few dogs to have ticked off all the Munros (and Munro tops) and Shona is hoping that she and Betty will get a full house of the other Scottish hill lists (Corbetts, Grahams and Donalds), together with the English and Welsh Furths, to ensure Betty will have bagged them all. They’ve already walked many of them together.

Shona also intends to tackle the Irish hills, but without Betty as dogs are generally prohibited.

Shona and Betty at the end of their canal journey.

Visit kerrybluerescue.co.uk to find out more about Kerry Blues, the rescue or to make a contribution.

Beithir moves into a new home at Stockingfield Bridge THE Kelpies’ cousin, the Beithir, arrived at Stockingfield Bridge on the Forth & Clyde Canal in September.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost placed the first tile on to the creature which will form the centrepiece of community artwork on the site. The Beithir is a mythical serpent in Scottish folklore and so a relation of the Kelpies located at the eastern end of the canal, mythical shape-shifting spirits in Scottish tradition.

The huge headpiece of the structure, which had to be cut into nine pieces for transport from the sculpture

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, with Ruth Impey of Make it Glasgow, John Paterson, CEO of Scottish Canals, and Nichol Wheatley. PHOTO: PETER SANDGROUND

studios in nearby Maryhill, will now be connected to the body, formed using reclaimed material from the site.

The entire artwork will be covered in mesh, coated in ferro cement and finished with mosaic tiles.

The Beithir was d e s ig n e d by Stockingfield Bridge’s artist curator Nichol Wheatley, who will work with Ruth Impey and Louise Nolan of Make it Glasgow to complete the project over the next five years.

Officially Pinkston Watersports Centre opened in is home to Scotland’s only December 2022, artificial whitewater course. the aw a rd PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS winning bridge

has landed another accolade, this time at the Structural Steel Design Awards 2023.

Scotland’s canals celebrated a double win when the Pinkston Watersports Centre won Best Outdoor or Adventure Tourism at the 2023 Thistle Awards which celebrate the Scottish tourism industry.

Pinkston is a community paddlesports centre opened in 2014 in a former canal basin, location of the longdemolished Pinkston Power Station and, until it was subsumed

by Glasgow’s M8 motorway, the junction of the Monkland and Forth & Clyde canals.

Canal society celebrates successful fundraising BRIDGE 19-40 Union Canal Society has reached its funding target with the help and generosity of people who attended fundraising events.

Grants were also received from funders including the National Lottery Fund Scotland, Edinburgh Airport Community Fund and Thomas Brown and Sons.

The society’s 45ft boat, Bluebell, was sold when it became uneconomic to repair her for use as a passenger boat. The funds mean that the society’s members will be able to purchase a replacement. The society thanks everyone who helped to raise funds – whether by telling friends and family, sharing the campaign on social media, or donating – it is truly grateful.

A new boat will provide recreational opportunities for members and other voluntary organisations with the main aim of improving life through socialising and leisure, and to the public by encouraging them to experience and enjoy the tranquillity of the canal from the water. Bluebell’s replacement will also allow the society tyy to take part again in events on the canals.

The search is now on to find the

new boat. Ideally the society would like a 40ft day boat of standard narrowboat beam, or a 40ft day boat with a 9ft beam, which would allow for more space and added comfort, especially when carrying younger or less able passengers.

However, due the increased price of canal boats and the funds available, members accept they may have to purchase a sailaway which they would fit out themselves. They realise this may not be easy, but everyone is enthusiastic and keen to get a boat back on to the water by summer next year.

The Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society is based on an eight-mile stretch of the Union Canal between Bridge 19, the first bridge in West Lothian after the Almond (or Lin’s Mill) Aqueduct, and Bridge 40, west of Philipstoun. It aims to encourage local communities along the canal to take an interest and help maintain the canal as a pleasant amenity for boating, walking, cycling or fi fisshing.

Stockingfield Bridge stretches over the Forth & Clyde Canal at Stockingfield Junction. PHOTO: PETER SANDGROUND

Birthday celebrations for Clyde puffer VIC 32, the last steampowered traditional Clyde puffer, celebrated its 80th birthday with a series of open days and a Big Birthday Weekend at Crinan.

More than 300 visitors took advantage of the access-all-areas tours which included the wheelhouse, engine room and original crew accommodation.

On display were entries to the Children’s Art Challenge, run for Argyll children earlier in the year.

Almost £1500 was raised

for the Puffer Preservation Trust, the charity that continues to restore and maintain the vessel for future generations.

The Big Birthday Weekend celebration at Crinan in June welcomed around 150 people to tour the puffer and enjoy tunes from the Mid Argyll Pipe Band, a highlight for the crew and visitors.

VIC 32’s former custodians Nick and Rachel Walker joined in to cut the birthday cake on the Saturday. They

VIC 32 in steam.

Puffers were so called after the puff of steam from their funnels.

Nick and Rachel Walker cutting the birthday cake.

bought the vessel in 1975, restoring and converting her to carry passengers.

Booking is open for cruises and day trips in 2024 at savethepuffer. co.uk Take a holiday onboard and cruise the Crinan or Caledonian Canals, or along the Scottish west coast.

Day trips, resuming in 2024, depart from the puffer’s base at Crinan or from Glasgow.

A registered charity, the society is always pleased to welcome new volunteers. Find out more at bridge19-40.co.uk

PHOTOS: SEAGULL TRUST CRUISES

Heron no 1, cadging a lift.

Bluebell, the society’s former passenger boat, passing Narrowboat Farm on the Union Canal. PHOTO: BRIDGE 19-40 UNION CANAL SOCIETY

Members of the Mid Argyll Pipe Band onboard the puffer.

PHOTOS: PUFFER PRESERVATION TRUST

74 DAYS OUT

November 2023

Days Out –

Fradley Junction

This series picks locations for great days out near some very special canal highlights – anything from the perfect spot for gongoozling (watching boating activities) to an idyllic towpath stroll past extraordinary waterways heritage sightseeing, or perhaps a short boat trip and even a bit of souvenir shopping. The canals are full of heritage and engineering wonders, and are also a calm haven for a wide diversity of wildlife and birds. You’ll also see boats on the move and breathe the balm of water in rustling green surroundings.

Words & images – Coolcanals: Phillippa Greenwood and Martine O’Callaghan

THE Coventry Canal was built with the intention of linking Coventry to the ‘Grand Trunk’ route (now the Trent & Mersey Canal), and nowhere is their connection more clear than at Fradley Junction. The Coventry Canal ends just beyond a swing bridge where it meets the Trent & Mersey.

Fradley Junction sits at the heart of a flight of five locks, lifting the Trent & Mersey Canal into woodland towards Rugeley and Great Haywood, and descending past Fradley Marina towards

Alrewas and Burton upon Trent. All the locks and bridges at Fradley are Grade II listed and date from the 1770s.

There are fabulous views from Shadehouse Lock and lock house at the top of the lock flight. The bridge

by Junction Lock is a popular spot for gongoozlers as boaters can struggle with the sharp 90-degree bend from the Coventry Canal straight into Junction Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Fradley is a popular hotspot with an award-winning nature reserve, a Canal & River Trust Welcome Station, a pub (the Swan, known as the ‘Mucky Duck’) and teashops to tempt visitors to linger a while.

Looking across the canal towards the cafe.

The entrance to Fradley Pool nature reserve.

Hunts Lock and the towpath towards Alrewas.

Fradley Shadehouse Lock, bridge and house.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ANGLING 75

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

The Towpath Angler Our monthly look at the angling scene SINCE completing my last contribution for Towpath Talk things have been relatively quiet.

The only meeting of note was the Annual General Meeting/autumn meeting of the National Council. This time we were in Milton Keynes.

True to form there were updates on all the key strands of the business including, as always, a comprehensive report from Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry.

Time was taken to explain the developing route to secure further government funding. Clearly the trust has numerous hoops to jump through but I concluded that the strategy seems pretty sound.

However, as the chairman pointed out, all of us must pull together to convince the powers that be that our waterways are far too valuable an asset to the country to be considered simply ‘nice to have’ as opposed to being essential to the very fabric of society.

It was reassuring to hear council give its endorsement of the Towpath Policy document and the plans for an ongoing review going forward. As I said last time one massive improvement to the original draft was the inclusion of the word RESPECT. The relevance that has is significant to say the least and will, I feel sure, help quite a lot of users across the spectrum to accept, and help develop, this document to ensure it will meet the changing needs in the future. Without doubt it should make for a better life for all on our towpaths.

Junction Lock 11.

Looking back

I have been writing these articles for 16 years now and have all my drafts archived.

I often find it very interesting to look back through the previous years to see what was happening and specifically to see if much has actually changed.

I have just read the article l wrote in October 2013 which was just over a year after the ‘birth’ of the trust. I was reporting then on a recent council meeting where one of the principal topics for discussion was HS2.

Both the Executive and several members expressed concern about the potential impact on the canal network and its users.

The decision taken was to retain an ongoing watching brief while holding a neutral position. It is weird to say the least that the future of HS2 as was then planned is, as I write, very much in doubt. The eastern leg across to Leeds was discounted some time ago and now the leg to Manchester. I know that locally one section of canal has, thankfully, escaped.

Venue dilemma

Autumn leaves.

Swing bridge on the Coventry Canal.

FACT FILE Fradley Pool

Fradley Pool is an award-winning nature reserve with a bird hide, pond-dipping platforms by the pool and a tree sculpture trail. It is a great place for spotting wildlife and birds so keep your eyes peeled.

Alrewas

Just a short walk along the Trent & Mersey’s leafy towpath from Fradley Junction, the pretty village of Alrewas sits close to the River Trent. Once famous for basket weaving from the trees which grew in the river’s floodplain, it is now known as the location of the National Memorial Arboretum, just under two miles from the canal. Below Alrewas Lock, the canal actually joins the River Trent for a short way.

Location

Fradley Junction

OS Grid ref: SK140140 Canal: Coventry Canal and Trent & Mersey Canal How to get there By train

•

(Staffs & Worcs Canal) www. anglowelsh.co.uk Aqua Narrowboats, Bartonunder-Needwood (Trent & Mersey Canal) www. aquanarrowboats.co.uk

Nearest train station is Lichfield Trent Valley National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950

There are visitor moorings along the canal through Fradley.

Traveline 0871 200 2233

Local tourist info

By bus By car

Canal & River Trust car park near the cafe On foot

The towpath at Fradley Junction is very popular with both walkers and cyclists

By boat

Nearest boat hire: • ABC Boat Hire, Huddlesford (Coventry Canal) www. abcboathire.com • Anglo Welsh, Great Haywood

Moorings

• Staffordshire Tourist Info www.enjoystaffordshire.com • Coventry Canal Society www.covcanalsoc.org.uk • Trent & Mersey Canal Society www.trentandmerseycanalsociety. org.uk Canal & River Trust

Use the Canal & River Trust website to find specific local information www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

The Angling Trust Division 2 National Championship took place on the upper sections of the Shropshire Union with Nantwich being used as the event HQ. This was a first for this venue and the local clubs who delivered a great event. I have received

David Kent

some very positive feedback about the job they did. Well done all!

Division 1 was, of course, on the mighty Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and, again, was a great success. However there is now somewhat of a dilemma because, traditionally, a rotational system of venues has been operated, i.e. conventional canal, big canal/drain and river but it is becoming increasingly difficult to apply this regime due to all the increasing requirements regarding access, safety and vehicle parking. In fact there are very few venues, including rivers, which are truthfully fit for purpose these days. There are solution options, of course, but these will probably mean breaking with that tradition.

Stoking up

I said last month that, generally, catches appeared to have stabilised with many venues producing decent returns.

Obviously the fish are beginning to ‘stoke up’ in readiness for winter so better catches are, perhaps, only to be expected.

It seems, though, that not every venue is on good form. A group of anglers I know fished on the Aire & Calder last weekend and really struggled, recording less than 20lb of fish between them. Not a good return especially as some had made a 150-mile round trip. Similarly a small contest on the Trent close to where I live was won with just two bream for 3lb.

My own results remain quite mixed. I am still experimenting with the method I have mentioned before. I am definitely getting more confident with it but still so often revert to the tried and trusted methods one of which has served me well recently, giving me a section win and an outright win.

As winter approaches though I will certainly be spending more time with my new method as the venues I will be fishing lend themselves better to this. Even so, I will continue to have an open mind to some extent as it is vital to adapt to the type of swim and weather conditions.

We are rapidly losing daylight at the end of the day as we move towards winter so try and get in a few visits whenever you can.

When you find some feeding fish at the moment it seems you probably will not need any special baits or tactics. Common sense and a bit of patience takes some beating.

Tight lines

Get Fishing grants back THE Get Fishing Fund has relaunched with grants of up to £2500 per organisation available via the Angling Trust.

Since 2019 the Environment Agency has invested more than £400,000 of fishing licence income in 300 Get Fishing Funded projects nationwide, and enabled thousands more newcomers to get into fishing.

The Get Fishing Fund, which is administered by AT, supports organisations to run events and

activities that help get people into fishing.

Funding can be used to purchase fishing tackle, equipment, event shelters and resources to help run events, making it as easy as possible for newcomers to get fishing!

I n t e r e s t e d organisations are recommended to review the fund guidance notes available at www.anglingtrust.net/ getfishingfund and are welcome to contact the Angling Trust to discuss their application and

give it the best chance of being successful.

Funding applications can be made on the Angling Trust website at grants.anglingtrust. net/online-applicationforms or search Get Fishing Fund.

The contact for GFF applicants is admin@ anglingtrust.net Deadline for applications is Friday, December 8, 2023.

Applicants can expect to receive an update on the status of their application by January 31, 2024.

76 WET WEB

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The Wet Web

By Helen Gazeley

WHEN people say they’ve had a rewarding year, they usually mean it metaphorically, but it’s something that Sam Keay and her team can say literally about 2023.

Sam may be known to readers for her roaming cafe and bar, Cake on the Cut, run from her strikingly decorated narrowboat Spirit of Florence.

Perhaps it was the name that directed her thoughts to alcohol, as she’s gradually evolved her business over the last few year into Gangplank Spirits and Preserves, becoming a limited company last year.

Last month, two of her products were awarded a star by the highly coveted Good Taste Awards. Of all the products entered in the annual awards, from more than 100 countries, on average only 35% receive any kind of star rating, with around 25% being awarded a star for being ‘simply delicious’.

“We’ve not entered any competitions before,” said Sam. But through its entries, Gangplank was invited to have a stall at the International Cheese Festival and enter the International Cheese Board Awards. Here, Sam won a fistful of gold, silver and bronze awards for her preserves, such as Sweet Tomato and Chilli Pepper Chutney and Wild Garlic and Apple Jelly. She secured a gold accolade for her Fig Whisky plus silver for her Blackberry, Apple and Honey Whisky. Quite a haul!

So far everything has been produced on board, with the boat being gradually adapted to greater and greater production and only empty bottles being stored off site. “We’re at complete capacity,” said Sam, who produces 200-300 litres a month.

“We’re hoping, for our next move,

Sam Keay and Jan Lucas were ‘really thrilled’ to receive the Great Taste awards. to get a canalside wharf unit. There’s a lot of interest in the whole thing, but I can’t lower prices until I can increase production.” Also on the horizon, once capacity is increased, is the possibility of working with fruit farms to take produce that doesn’t, as Sam said, “even meet the ‘wonky’ criteria” and is generally wasted.

In the meantime, Sam gathers her ingredients from the wayside, where fruit trees are not uncommon, as in times past working narrowboaters used to plant trees to provide food along the routes. She also does swaps with people who bring fruit to her every year.

This season she’s processed 80kg of

The Spirit of Florence on one of her many stops along the towpath. PHOTOS: GANGPLANK SPIRITS AND PRESERVES damsons and 50kg of plums, along with much other produce.

“None of us expected it to take off the way it has,” said Sam, whose team now includes long-time friend d Jan Lucas (‘bar tender, bottler, transport, storage, taster, spiritt and jam maker’) and son-in-law w Mo Patel (‘media mastermind and video artist’).

At the time of writing, Gangplank’s rewarding year may not be yet over as, nominated for Microbusiness of the Year, Sam and her team were looking forward to travelling to the awards ceremony in a couple of weeks’ time. “We’re not expecting

GUARANTEE DELIVERY

to win, but we thought it would be fun,” she said. Given Gangplank’s success already, it’s hard to feel this might not give them a hat trick for 2023.

Currently, Sam m tours Spiritt of Florencee around the water ways from April to the end o f September and mo oves to landbased activity in the winter months. After a succee ssful launch into Ch h ester’s 2022 Christmaas market, you’ll

find her at one of the wooden chalets at this year’s market, which starts on November 17. Order via the Gangplank website (https://gangplank.shop) or visit stockists The Calveley Mill Shop, Tarporley; Longmans Farm Shop, Nantwich; Venetian Marina, Cholmondeston; Middlewich Wharf; and Heritage Marina near Stoke-on n-Trent, all in Cheshire.

Sam wa as awarded a ‘simply deliciou us’ star in the Great Taste Awards for her Raspbe erry and Mint Gin and Wild Slo oe Gin.

NOW AVAILABLE IN INDUSTRY LEADING CERAMIC COATINGS

TPT delivered to your door for only £1.58 an issue Issue 171, January 2020

TALK

all waterways users

TOWPATH

read for FREE The UK’s Number ONE

96 PAGES

FREE INSIDE

2020 YEAR PLANNER YOUNG VOLUNTEER EARNS AWARD

Winter waters

P3

NEW APPEAL FOR PRESIDENT

P4

NARROWBOAT’S UNUSUAL CARGO

p24

Narrowboats moored on the Leeds

West & Liverpool Canal at Parbold, W

By Janet Richardson

BOAT TREKKER AT FINAL FRONTIER

P25

FOR BREAKING NEWS & BOATS FOR SALE visit our website

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ATS FOR SALE A BOATS Starts on

P63

COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 are revealed k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath Top Team award which has been k Top Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

r The r. will take place in the new year. off a winning team receives the hire day boat carrying up to 10 people, generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. The runner-up will receive a £100 voucher to spend at Midland four Chandlers at Braunston and all donation finalists will receive a £100 towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

Talk. tth Tal publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

at around 8pm to Lendal Bridge on the River Ouse said officers on December 4. North Yorkshire Police f two men for attended “after concerns were raised with their touch in their 60s who had been out of bodies. Fire .” Upon arrival officers found the family.”

The deaths and ambulance services both attended. although did were being treated as ‘unexplained’ a post-mortem not appear to be suspicious and The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

To save you having to track down a copy every month, take advantage of our special offer

Delivery from just £19 This great deal means you will pay just £1.58 for your copy to be delivered to your home.

That’s cheaper than chips!

Call 01507 529529

QUOTE OFFER CODE: TPT05

www.classicmagazines.co.uk/TPT05

QUALITY THERMAL BREAK WINDOWS Channelglaze Ltd continue to improve living conditions for live aboard boaters with our thermally broken aluminium boat window.

An elegant and well-crafted product that provides boaters with a more comfortable and energy efficient boat.

COME AND VISIT US AT BoatLife, NEC 15th - 18th Feb 2024

Tel: 0121 706 5777 Email: enquiry@channelglaze.com WWW.CHANNELGLAZE.COM

TALKBACK 77

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023 Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

An attack on the continuous cruisers THE changes proposed by the Canal & River Trust to the licensing structure where continuous cruisers will not only pay an above-inflation increase for the next five years on the ‘standard’ licence fee but also an annual surcharge are just one more attack on us.

This proposed increase and the surcharge are being justified on the basis that we, the continuous cruisers, use more of the system and facilities than boats with a mooring.

According to CRT’s figures there are 5000 continual cruisers against a total licensed boating community of 33,000.

Most boats that come out of their moorings each year tend to cover far greater distances over the year and at higher speeds than a plodding itinerant boater!

At this time of austerity, and in the middle of a nationwide cost of living crisis, for CRT to propose these options directed at a minority group of possibly some of the poorest of our society, certainly a group living on low incomes, must call into question its management’s moral compass and its so-called ‘charitable’ status!

Brian D Jarrett By email

Issues we have to live with

I CANNOT agree with Peter Braybrook’s comments (Last Word, Issue 216, October 2023) about the reason for less lock usage, despite more boats, in recent years.

We cruise extensively every year and conclude that the recent increase in boats is mainly due to the large and growing number who have defined themselves as continuous cruisers but spend long periods moored in the same location.

They are often single-handed

A ‘fright’ of locks READING John Souter's explanation about flights of locks (Last Word, Issue 215, September 2023) reminded me of part of a sketch I wrote featuring two old blokes standing by a lock.

A: “They come in frights, locks do, frights of locks they call them when more

boaters who do not use locks as willingly as those who have a journey to undertake, with crew to help. Of course, the situation in London only increases this position.

While the current state of the canal network, and vegetation growth on both sides of the cut, is an issue which we have to live with, it should not prevent you enjoying our wonderful waterways.

Nick and Wendy Waddington NB The Hunky Dory

than two or three are gathered together.”

B: “Why’s that?”

A: “It’s when they’re single handing uphill and they go into a lock and see two people standing by the top gates with windlasses in their hands and ignorance in their eyes. That’s why they’re called frights!”

Phil Clayton, BCNS

Presenting a united front

WITH Christmas getting nearer perhaps we should all think a little differently!

We are all thinking about how we are affected by the Canal & River Trust’ s proposed changes to the licence fees and structure.

Perhaps what we

should be considering is how does this affect people who are less fortunate than ourselves.

While many of us don’t like the look of ‘crusties’ on our canals and rivers, take a step back – why are they in this situation? Let’s try and give them a leg up

not push them down.

This is surely what their ‘landlord’ CRT should be addressing in its duty of care as a ‘feel good charity’.

Let us unite as a group of feeling people that enjoy boating. Becoming divided will not serve any of us long term.

Brian D Jarrett By email

A call to arms

Robert Parton, managing director of Aqueduct Marina and British Marine president-elect, talks to Phil Pickin about the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign.

WITH the waterways under unprecedented financial pressure, Robert Parton stresses the need to join the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign to support and secure the future of what he calls ‘the creaking inland network’.

He said: “The Canal & River Trust and other navigation authorities are already struggling to maintain their ageing and national heritage infrastructure. The muchdelayed announcement this summer about the future funding of the inland waterways was, if I am being polite, very disappointing.

“If I am being honest, it is an insult to the many excellent businesses that have invested heavily in the inland network. It is imperative that the Government also invests in the navigation authorities properly, so they remain an active cruising network.

“I am sure there is plenty that CRT and other navigation authorities could do to be more efficient and intelligent with the funds they have. But the new proposed settlement feels like telling a professional sports team the future is to be an amateur club and to just rely on volunteers and goodwill.

“W We need to demonstrate via the Fund Britain’s Waterways camp paign that the goodwill has already been exhausted. I would hope that every canalside business, as a minimum m, puts its name and logo to the campaign n.”

When asked about the future, Robert told us: “To make a prediction fo or the next six months, I see a return to the pre-Covid activity ty, y as the virus hop pefully becomes a fading memory,” though he reported seeing an increase in Covid among his team.

He is also concerned that the Bank of England will keep interest ratess at or above their current rates for too lon ng. He predicted: “Rates will remain nea ar the current levels, and inflation will dro op but not as low or as fast as some would d like.

“Boating will remain in demand and the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign will quietly gain traction and atteention as the next general election draws closer. Environmental legisllation backed up by the increeasing evidence of climate ch hange affecting our daily lives will continue to be a very real issue.”

Robert’s final point about climate change comes at a time when the issue has become even more pollitical, given the recent changges to the path to net zero maade by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

How this all pans ou ut for the waterways remains to be seen.

Robert Parton: hopin ng every ry y canalside busiiness will join the campaig gn.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

78 LAST WORD

November 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Where did that word come from?

John Souter continues his series exploring the origins of commonly used boating terms.

MANY of you may be familiar with what a lot of the words that boaters use mean – but have you ever stopped to wonder where the words we are all too familiar with actually originated from?

Here are more examples of words whose origins may hopefully inform you, and, in some cases perhaps, even surprise you.

would make way to allow it immediate passage.

A good example was the Shroppie fly, a streamlined, round-bilged narrowboat of only 6ft beam used for urgent and perishable goods on the Shropshire Union Canal.

Although the word is thought to have a reference to the speed of a bird in flight, it is likely that it originated from the 1790s Dutch word ‘vlieboot’, with ‘vlie’ meaning river and implying speed.

Fore (Fore-end)

The front or forward part of something, as in forehead, and in a nautical sense more specifically referring to the bow of a boat or

Flyboat (fly boat, fly-boat)

This refers to a swiftly moving express canal boat carrying priority cargoes, also alternatively but less well-known as swift boats or gig boats.

The boats worked non-stop travelling all day and night without mooring for any length of time except to change horses in relays. The boats were usually towed by two horses at a gallop with the horses being changed regularly every few miles, and with two crews working in relays.

The team would often travel at more than 10mph and other boats encountering a flyboat

The galley in a modern narrowboat. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

ship. It can also be used to describe the furthermost end of something, the foredeck, or the forecastle – properly pronounced fo’c’s’l. It is thought the word originated as a prefix in Old English with the sense of ‘before in time or position’.

Galley

This is the word more traditionally used to describe the equivalent of a kitchen or cooking area in a boat or ship.

It’s believed that the word may have a link to the Latin word ‘galea’, meaning a galley as in a slender Mediterranean ship propelled primarily by the use of oars worked by slave rowers.

This is then linked to the idea that kitchen staff on a ship or boat may have thought of themselves as ‘slaves’ to the ship’s crew in terms of their catering demands, which then evolved into them being regarded as ‘galley slaves’.

It’s also possible that the word may come from the Old French ‘galie’ meaning ‘cooking range on a ship’ dating from the 1750s.

Gongoozler

A word used to describe an

Shropshire Union flyboat Saturn. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON inquisitive bystander, and often, but not exclusively, those found watching events by locks and other places where boats might be seen or be gathering.

The word was first recorded in the Glossary of Canal Terms found in Bradshaw’s Canals & Navigable Rivers of England and Wales 1904.

The exact origin is unknown but is thought to come from

slang to mean ‘an idle spectator’, especially one who stares for a long time.

In Bradshaw’s book de Salis suggests that the word could originate from Cumbria, but it is also suggested that it could relate to the Lincolnshire dialect expressions of ‘to gawn’, meaning to gape or stare vacantly, or perhaps most likely ‘to gooze’, having a similar meaning.

The Foxton Lock Flight is a popular spot for gongoozling. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Canals were made for boats NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues.

I WRITE this in the busy time that follows a NABO Council meeting. It is busy, not just because there are the minutes to record, proofread and distribute but also because there are many issues that have been discussed that demand our action.

The recent announcement by the Canal & River Trust that licence charges are to increase at a rate above inflation and that additional surcharges are to

be levied on boaters without a home mooring and owners of widebeam craft has brought a huge response.

In investigating the legal position concerning the possible introduction of ‘roving mooring permits’ by British Waterways in 2008, NABO received this opinion from legal counsel: “BW cannot alter the meaning of 1995 BW Act to create new categories of boaters.

If BW is dissatisfied with the ’95 Act, the solution is to seek amendment to the primary legislation and not distort its meaning by means of guidance.”

NABO believes ‘One Licence, One Charge’, and is writing to the trust’s CEO to restate it. The increases which are to continue for the next five years have been estimated to double the cost of a licence for a larger widebeam boat and rise by 60% for a boat without a home mooring. Many think that the trust is attempting to price boats off the water.

It appears to be commercial insanity.

Plastic challenge

At the same time there is a view that the boating experience is not what it used to be. Weed and silt, plastic and rubbish hinder cruising. It is not unreasonable to expect that the weed hatch be left

unopened except at the end of the day’s movement to check for any persistent debris or when an unexpected object fouls the blades.

This was the case when I first hired and navigated the Black Country ring in 1999. I checked the prop at the end of the day as the hire company asked and the only thing apart from weed that I removed was an elastic band that had somehow got itself on to a blade.

This summer I had to stop and clear the fouling up to once an hour on the Wyrley & Essington Canal.

When I returned home I got an email from the trust asking me to join in the Plastic Challenge. It suggested that 14 million pieces of plastic are deposited on the towpaths and in the canals. I think it asked me to contribute £14 and made suggestions like picking up plastic for 14 minutes or removing 14 pieces of plastic.

I deleted the email! I must have removed 14 pieces of plastic a day entwined in the weed on the prop.

I know a boater who has collected 14 black plastic bags of rubbish on a summer cruise.

Lack of facilities

Also what we get is decreasing. The trust has minimum levels for basic Customer Service Facilities (CSF). These are water, Elsan disposal and rubbish disposal to

be located four hours (a nominal day there and back) apart. However, on my cruise this summer I found no rubbish disposal facilities in Wolverhampton or on the Wyrley & Essington Canal within eight hours’ cruising.

My enquiry to the trust received the explanation that they had been removed from Wolverhampton because the land in which they stood had been sold.

No one had thought of providing an alternative before the sale completed.

NABO has heard of difficulties because of stoppages that have limited access to facilities within a day. The CSF in Leeds is up for closure because the costs of upkeep are too high. No alternative has been proposed yet.

With no facilities between Apperley and Castleford the day’s cruise would be 11.5 hours.

Customer dissatisfaction

Any business depends on satisfying its customers. The current trend is to dissatisfy boaters by increasing costs and reducing facilities. The general condition of the canals is also seen to be deteriorating with many locks left for extended periods on single paddle operation and many structures visibly cracked and dilapidated. The depth or lack of it is always a topic of conversation when we talk about how

we got on while on our cruises.

New blue and white dog poo bins are now being removed because of lack of personnel to empty them. Litter bins are also doomed for the same reason.

No one can deny that investment is required and long-term funding is essential but raising the cost of boating in this manner will undoubtedly lead to a number of boaters saying enough is enough and leaving the water.

Canals are not the only means of enjoying Britain’s countryside and waterways. The view from the tiller has a particular charm but the view from a canalside caravan park or the other access point for a motorhome also could satisfy the need. The road fund licence however is also subject to changes and surcharges on fuel type and other factors so there is no respite there. Let’s not get into a ULEZ debate or think about the environmental pressures like smoke-free fuels.

I have no space to talk about Calor Gas, weevils, invasive species, electrical infrastructure, lithium batteries and hydrogen-fuelled propulsion or any of the other interesting topics that keep coming to mind. But I will be taking every opportunity to keep them at the forefront of our meetings with the trust, locally, regionally and nationally.

Canals were made for boats.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2023

79

80

November 2023

NEW BUILDS

-

The Abode 64’ x 12’6” Widebeam Brand New £174,950 ex VAT

-

PRE OWNED

BROKERAGE

-

WIDEBEAMS ON BROKERAGE

Serendipity 60’ x 12’ Widebeam 2018 XR & D £154,950

Bumblebee (2 Bedroom) 70’ x 12’6” Widebeam 2019 Collingwood £164,950

-

-

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

SERVICES

-

The Cawood 71’ x 12’6” Widebeam 2022 Collingwood £147,950 ex VAT

Baby Euro (2 Bedroom) 60’ x 10’ Widebeam 2018 Collingwood £139,950

N A R R O W B O AT S O N B R O K E R A G E

-

The Shearwater 60’ Collingwood New £154,950 inc VAT

The Henry Reid 57’ Lymm Boats 2021 £129,950

Lady Jayne 70’ Collingwood 2020 £124,950

Olinda (Hybrid Propulsion) 60’ Aintree Boats 2015 £119,950

Blue Badger 60’ Collingwood 2019 £104,950

Barbara Alice 57’ M & D Boat Builders 2009 £64,950

Belthane RNDM3 Engine 59’ RW Davis 1998 £59,950

Californian 60’ Colecraft 1990 £49,500

Moorehen 45’ Liverpool Boats 1998 £47,500

Roly 47’ Harborough Marine 1978 £39,950

-

NOW

IN

STOCK

-

-

N E W B O AT R A N G E

The Euro Cruiser • • • • • • •

-

The Cadence

60′ x 12’6″ Euro Cruiser Rounded Stern Hydraulic Wheel Steering 60HP Canaline Diesel Engine Reverse Layout Webasto Diesel Central Heating Pumpout Toilet 95KGF Bow Thruster inc Tube

• • • • • •

£174,950 ex vat

60’ Cruiser Stern Narrowboat Beta 50HP Diesel engine Diesel Stove Bow & Stern Thruster Sterling Pro Combi S 3.5KW Inverter & Battery Charger 5KW Webasto

£144,950 Inc Vat

One of the UK’s Leading Suppliers of Widebeams & Narrowbeams Our PRICE PROMISE GUARANTEE is your reassurance that you cannot buy cheaper. Being an Approved Supplier means we sell at exactly the same price as the manufacturers so we cannot be beaten on price even if you go direct

Email: info@narrowboatsltd.co.uk

-

-

Authorised supplier of

www.narrowboatsltd.co.uk Wincham Wharf, 220 Manchester Road, Cheshire, CW9 7NT

Telephone 01606 47078