Towpath Talk July 2024 issue **FREE!**

Makingthefutureofthe inland waterwaysanelectionissue

ByJanetRichardson

THEinland boatingindustry isbanging the campaigndruminthe run-uptothe generalelectiononJuly4toseeksupport from candidates.

Following therecentflotillawith which FundBritain’s Waterwaystook itsmessage by watertoWestminster,it haswelcomedtheopportunitytospeak to anewgovernmentand reinforce

Locks dredged

the benefitsthat theinland waterways provide.

FBWchairmanLes Etheridge said:

“Therewill be many newfacesand our memberslookforward to talking with theirlocalMPandillustratingthe worth of ourinlandwaterways.

“Weare already seeingthe waterways deterioratingand businessessuffering. Ifunderinvestmentcontinuesthis will become worseuntil atippingpoint

Explorercruise

is reachedand waterways have to be closed,wasting thebenefitsas well as themillionsofhoursof volunteertime andmillionsofpoundsof publicmoney thathave goneintothecurrent network.”

TheInland Waterways Association reiteratedthismessagein apress statement, pointingoutthat almost70% ofparliamentaryconstituenciesinclude at leastone navigable waterwayorwaterway under restoration –andtheyare found

disproportionatelyinareas withthehighest proportionofdeprived neighbourhoods.

“Weask futureMPs to supportlocal waterwaygroups in theirconstituency andpressfor areviewofinland waterway funding. Whether you are standinginruralenvironments,urban areasorcities,weallneed and benefit from navigableandhealthywaterways.”

Speakers sought

DREDGING has been taking place at Branston, Dallow and Tattenhill locks on the Trent & Mersey Canal between Burton-on-Trent and Kings Bromley in Staffordshire The £60,000 investment by the Canal & River Trust has seen the removal of around 25 tons of sediment from each lock using a specialised grab barge designed for the purpose While the canal’s depth in the area is generally fine, boaters had reported running aground in some locks

BIRMINGHAM CanalNavigations Societyis proposingto runaslightly shorterexplorercruise nextyearspecificallysothathireboats from Alvechurchcan take part.This will beginand end in Birminghamfrom Sunday to Fridayand dateswill depend on availablecruiseleaders. BCNSis seeking aboateroracouple with reasonableexperienceof theBCN or apreviousexplorercruise, who would like toshowhow enjoyableit canbe.

THE IWA has revised and updated its list of people who give talks and lectures about the inland waterways The new speakers directory can be viewed at www waterways org uk; click on about us/speakers Anyone else who is willing to give talks about the inland waterways – whether about canals and river navigations in general or associated specialist subjects – is asked to email speakers@waterways org uk; likewise, any updates or corrections to the list

THISmonth’s generalelectionisthehot topic oneveryone’s lips now–andfor good reason.The outcomecould havea huge affectonthecountry’swaterways andcanal users. Given theuncertainty surroundingthefuturefundingofthe waterways’essentialinfrastructure, it’s imperativethat votersgraspthe possibleconsequences.

Thevastnetwork ofUK canals and waterwaysnotonly stands asa treasured cornerstoneof ournational legacybutalsoservesas avital supportsystemforlocalcommunities, leisurepursuitsand eco-friendly transportation. Nevertheless, the preservationand maintenanceofthese waterways relyheavilyongovernment funding, whichcould be altered (for betterorfor worse)dependingon the outcome.

The stancesofvarious candidates oninfrastructureinvestmentcould significantlyimpact the waterways’ future. Hence,votersmustthoughtfully evaluatewhichparty ismost capableof safeguarding thesecrucialassets.By votingwiththeinterestsofcanalusers inmind, voters maywellinfluencethe protectionofthis nationaltreasurefor futuregenerations.

Politicsaside,it’sapackededition and I’dliketohear readers’feedback onall mattersofthewaterways,not just politics!If you have anything tosharewith ourreaders,emailus (withimagesif possible): editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk

Enjoythe edition.

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Nextissue –Thursday,July25

Makingthefutureoftheinland waterwaysanelectionissue

•Continuedfrompage1

IWAquotedfigurespointing outthatthe inland boating sectoremploys morethan 41,000 peopleand supports almostafurther300,000 jobs throughassociatedwider tourism. Locallythereare many voluntarygroupswhose members supportandpromote thewaterwaysforthe benefitof the widercommunity.

It hascalledonMPstojoin andparticipate actively inthe AllParty ParliamentaryGroup forthe Waterways,which bringstogetherMPsand Lords to keep waterways matterson the Parliamentary agendaand enable scrutinyofrelevant bodies.

The valueofthe canals was alsostressed by the Canal&River Trust in itselection statement calling on allpolitical parties to recognise what theinland network of canals,reservoirsand dockscontributesfor people,

communitiesand businesses andtoinvest intheirfuture.

Chiefexecutive Richard Parrysaid:“Theymatternot onlytothe10millionpeople whovisitthem regularlyand feel betterbecause ofit,but to everyoneelse as well–because canalsenhancethe naturalenvironment, theyhelp tomitigateclimatechange, andtheyare integralto our futurewater securityand supply. We,the Canal&River Trust,are proudtoholdthese irreplaceableassetsintrustfor the nation.

“Webelieve thenew governmentwillneedand want an activepartnershipto keep ournetworkofcanals safe andopen,deliveringbenefitsto communitiesupanddown the country,and we willcontinue to make the case forthefunding necessarytosecuretheirfuture.”

Chairmanofthe National Association of Boat Owners, Anne Husar, pointedoutthat it

isnotonlyCRTthatisfeelingthe pinch butalsothe Environment Agencyand Scottish Canals, evidenced indeteriorating waterwaysand boat licence feehikes.She said:“Gradual deteriorationofthe system throughlackofmaintenance isobviousto boaters.Many arenow strugglingtokeepto theircruiseplansbecause of the regular, all-year-round appearanceofunplanned stoppages.

“Boatersarebeginningto giveupboating, findingitless enjoyableas wellasmoreand moreexpensive. It isevidentthat atipping point will be reached ontheaffordabilityof boat ownership;therewillalsosurely be acanaland rivermaintenance tippingpointifnothingchanges.”

The National Bargee Travellers Association(NBTA)urged the incominggovernmenttotakethe future of thewaterwaysseriously and make sure that its historic communityand wayoflifeis

preservedfromdiscrimination.

It is callingfor apublicinquiry, investigating“theexcessively punitiveandcommercialised approachtowardsboaterstaken by variousnavigation andlocal authorities.

“Boatersarethelifeblood ofthe waterways system –not just usersofthe waterways, butcustodiansofit.Wearea fundamentalpartofwhatmakes themsafe,beautifulandvibrant, givingthemnewlifesincethe endoftheirindustrial story.

“Theincoming government mustensure that ourway oflife, inallits wonderfuldiversity,is rightlyseenand respectedasa benefit to thewaterways,and as afundamentalpartoftheir future.”

Andindustrytrade body British Marineis callingon government tosafeguard thefutureofBritain’sinland waterwaysandensureinland navigation authoritieshavethe resourcestoprovidedecent

servicelevels to licence-paying boaters.It stated:“Today, Britain’s5000-milenetworkof navigable rivers and canalsplay adifferentbut equallyimportant roleinthe nation’ssecurity, well-beingandprosperity.

“BritishMarineiscommitted to workingwith government andthe navigation authorities, including the Canal&River Trust, the Environment Agency, theBroads Authority and Scottish Canals,toensure thenetworkremains safeand navigable so that people can continuetoenjoy the services andproductstheinland marine sector provides.”

RussellChase,ofFarncombe Boat Houseandchairmanof British Marine Inland Boating Association,concluded: “Governmentmustnotallow ourinland waterwaysto deteriorateasotherwise allits benefits,includingthe economic contributionthat ourbusinesses make,could be lostforever.”

Costlybridge repairs prompt‘slowdown’pleatodrivers

MOTORISTS arebeing urgedto slowdownandtakemorecarewhen crossinghistoric hump-backbridges that spanthe canalnetwork. The callcomesasthe Canal&River Trustcompletes a£100,000project to repairthelatestdamagetotheparapet of Barrow Bridge in Derbyshirewhen brickworkwasknockedintotheTrent &Mersey Canalbelow.

Regionaldirector LinnyBeaumont said:“Canalbridges,whichdate back hundredsofyears,are such an importantpartofourlocalheritage and charactersoit’sheartbreakingtosee themdamaged in such acareless way.

“Ifmotorists just slowed down abit and tookmorecareand attentionthen theywouldsave themselvesandus alot ofcostand aggravationandhelpusto

keep canalsaliveforfuturegenerations.”

Builttoallowhorsesand cartsto crossthe canal,thecenturies-old Barrow Bridgeis stillinusetoday but hasbeen hit16timesin20 years by moderntraffic. The trusthas spentthe pastfour weeks recovering bricks and carefully rebuildingthebridge.

Duetothe narrow widthofthebridge the road hadtobeclosed throughout

theworks buthas reopenedon completionofthe works. Each yearthe trusthas tofundmorethan£1million of repairstohistoric canalbridges acrossthecountry. In mostcasesthese arehit-and-runaccidents,leavingthe charityunabletorecoupitscostsfrom drivers’insurers, and havingtodivert resourcesawayfromothervitalworkto lookafterthe canalnetwork.

TheRochdaleCanalatLock92,inner-cityManchester.Urbanandruralareasbenefitfromnavigablewaterways. PHOTO:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

Swedishlifeboat rowedhome toLimehouse after155 years

A19thCENTURY lifeboathas been rowedacrossthe ThamestoLimehouse BasininLondon,site ofthe yard where shewas built.

There, acommemorativeplaque wasunveiledtomarkthevisitandthe RNLI’s200thanniversary.

Unveilingtheplaque, Canal& RiverTrust chairman DavidOrr said: “Thereturnof Lifbåt 416,builthere at Limehouse, is livingheritage.Inits heyday,Limehousewastheplacethat madetheconnection betweenthe sea andthewholeofthe canalnetwork.

“What eventslikethis reinforceisthat whenyou look at canals,andthelocks andtheengineeringthat sustainsthem now,thisistheheritage. It isthe stuffthat wasbuilt250 years agoandisstillinuse.”

Lifbåt 416,a self-rightinglifeboat builtto theRoyal National Lifeboat Institution’sspecification at Forrestt& Son, wasa giftto King Karl XV of Sweden from QueenVictoria’s wine merchant James GunstonChillingworthin1868.

The pioneeringself-righters built by Forrestt were tested by beingdropped into thewateron LimehouseCut–London’soldestcanal,whichopened in1770.

Lifeboat Lifbåt416 is rowedintoLimehouseBasin.

Savinglives

Afteranillustrious career saving80 livesonthetreacherouswaters around Skanör,southernSweden, Lifbåt 416 answeredherlast calloutin1939. She spentmorethan45yearsondisplay outside Falsterbo museum beforeher restorationto seaworthinessin1992.

In recognitionofthe boat’s origins,and to mark thebicentenary oftheRNLI,the Skanör-Falsterbo Lifbåtsroddarelag club arranged for

Lifbåt 416 to return to theUKbyfreight, participate in an eventattheRNLI headquartersinPoole,Dorset,before returninghometo Limehouse.

CRTheritage specialistPhil Emery added:“Thisfantasticprojectdraws attentiontothefascinatingmaritime industrialheritageofLimehouse. This wholearea wasfilledwithfactoriesand workshops –shipbuilders,chandlers, sailmakers andlatterlyengineand pump manufacturers.

Take atourofthe ToddbrookReservoirworks

THE Canal&RiverTrustishosting behind-the-scenetoursofthe worksat ToddbrookReservoir at Whaley Bridge from10am-3pmonFriday andSaturday, July 19-20.

One-hourslotsinclude atourofthe construction worksand an update on progressfromprojectengineers.

It hasentered amajorconstruction phaseandtheconstructionof anew spillway tothe sideofthe reservoiris wellunder way.This will replacethe oneonthefaceofthedam,which was damaged in the summerof2019after excessiverainfall.

CRTprojectmanagerDilwyn Parry said:“Many thanksto residentsfor theircontinuingpatience. We arenow expectingthe main reservoir restoration work tobefinishedbysummer2025.

“Prolonged wetweatheranddifficult groundconditions have bothproved challenging. Thankfullyfutureworks aremainly aboveground,soitmay be possibleto make uplosttime.”

Overthepast yeartrustcontractor Kier hasexcavatedthe routeofthenew spillwaychannelandinstalled hundreds ofpilesto supportthenewflowofwater.

Work hasnow started tolinethe water channel,which willinfuturecarry Todd Brookstreamandanyreservoir overflow down throughthe MemorialParkand into the RiverGoyt. It startedatthe bottomofthenew spillway structure

ProjectmanagerDilwynParry.

PHOTOS:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

by theparkandisprogressing backup towardsthe topofthe reservoir.

Oncethe mainconstructionphaseis complete, turretsinthe Memorial Park, partofthe reservoir’s newdesign,will be sandblastedwithartworkcreated as part of acommunityartproject by artist TomEdwards.

Dilwyncontinued: “This will be followed by demobilisationofthe construction site,buildingthenew sailingclubandextensivelandscaping to return Toddbrook Reservoirand Memorial Park back to publicuse.

“Weare expectingthe reservoir to refillnaturallyoverthe winterof2025/26 andthenhopefullybeavailable again for public sailing, anglingandother recreationalactivitiesfrom spring 2026.”

Tourplacesarelimitedandmay bebookedinadvanceviathe Canal &River Trustwebsite: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ restoring-toddbrook-reservoir

“Forrestt &Son wasfounded here in1788,longbefore the Regent’s Canal arrivedin1820,andthe self-righting lifeboatswerethe specialist productof the yard.Boats were literallydropped intothe LimehouseCuttotesttheir watertightnessand self-righting capabilities.”

He added:“We’ve carefullyconsidered thelocationoftheplaqueand I’m delightedthatvisitorswillbegiventhis insightintothe heritage of Limehouse in aprominent position forall to enjoy.”

Pilingforthenewturretandspillway.

ThecrewwithCanal &River TrustchairmanDavid Orrandguestsfortheunveilingceremony.(Inset:the commemorativeplaque.) PHOTOS:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

Thesiteofthenewsideweirandtumblebay.

Tallshipssailinto GloucesterDocks

Report &photos: TonyAldridge

THOUSANDSvisited thethree-day Tall Ships FestivalinGloucester Docksoverthelate Maybankholiday weekend.

Sixtallships welcomedvisitors aboard andeventsonthe water included Vilma sailinground exchangingcannonfirewiththe largershipsanddemonstrations by SevernArea RescueAssociation.

Theeventwas spread aroundthe dock areaandtheentryfee included admissiontothe National Waterways and SoldiersofGloucestershire Museums,and,onthe Monday, paddleboardinginthe docks.

Therewerestreetperformersand excellentactivitiesforchildrenin the Hideout. Stallsincludedthe IWA gettingsupportforthe FundBritain’s Waterwayscampaign.

Most services wererepresented at theArmy AirCorpstentandthe MarinersChapel hadspecial activities inits175th year.

Thereweretwo main stages for

awiderange ofartists.A popular performancebyTheOld Time Sailors keptthe attention of alargecrowd on Sunday andculminated on the Mondayafternoon with Nathan Evans. Throughoutthe weekendtherewasa Liverpool-based Submarine stagewith liveDJ.

On Sundayafternoonthiswasthe venueforthecity’smayor andsheriff awardingBestDressedBoat winners, announced by the town crier.Canal&

RiverTrust chiefexecutiveRichardParry and GloucesterMPRichard Graham attended.The Archbishopof Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, wasinthe cityonthe Saturdayandisunderstood to havepaid an unofficial visit.

Fora littleextrathereweretrips availableonthe DunkirkLittleShip, QueenBoadicea II,orself-drivehire boats from Gloucester Hire Boats. Classic fairground ridesincludeda helterskelter,carouselandbigwheel. Awiderange offood anddrink stalls supplementedthe many existinginthe dockarea.

Outsidetheinternationally renowned Neilson’sboatyard, with Kathleen and May there arealreadytall ship-style boatsinGloucester Docks. The little brig Stella and Dolphin aremuch travelled, withinterestinghistorieson displayalongside.

The next tallships eventinGloucester will be in2027aspartofthebicentenary celebrationsoftheopeningofthe Gloucester& SharpnessCanal and thedocks.

OneoftheBestDressedBoatwinners, Matilda

Tallshipsattending:

KathleenandMay: launchedin 1900,lastwoodenhullthree-mast topsailschoonerbuiltinBritain andprobablythelastofitstypein theworld.Duringrestorationthe mastsareinadjacentstorageand the largewhiteawninggavepeople protectionfromtheweatherwhile aboard,includingbelowdecksand enjoyingchildren’sactivities.

Phoenix:a18thcentury112ft eight-sailedbrigthathasappeared inseveral films. Grayhound:three-masted

lugger,firstshipofitskindtobe builtinBritainfortwocenturies. BroughtoliveoilfromHacienda deQueilesSpanishgroveandsold fromtheship.

SpiritofFalmouth:94ft MerseyPilotSchoonercrewed toGloucesterbyretired Armed Forcespersonnel.

Irene:118-year-oldketch,used forchartersandalsoseeninmovies likePiratesoftheCaribbeanand AliceThroughtheLookingGlass. Vilma:two-mastedtopsail schooner,builtinDenmark.

Canalrestorationgetsunder wayinStaveley

THEChesterfield CanalTrust celebratedthe start ofitslatest phaseofrestoration witha groundbreakingceremonyat Staveley.

LeeRowleyMP, Toby Perkins MPandCounTriciaGilby, leaderofChesterfield Borough Councilandvice-chairmanof the Staveley Town Deal Board, were joined by Tony Mitchell,a directorof O’BrienConstruction Ltdand Peter Hardy,chairman oftheChesterfield CanalTrust.

Peter Hardywelcomed everyone and said this wasthe culminationofthree yearsof preparatorywork. TobyPerkins said:“Thecanal is ahuge assettoChesterfieldandthe trust’svolunteersareinvolved in something that genuinely mattersandmakes adifference to very many people.” Coun Gilbywas pleasedthat anotherofthe StaveleyTown Dealprojects wasgetting under wayand said:“This wonderful asset will boostthetourist economyand people canuse it to walkand cycle, possiblyeven togetto work.”

LeeRowleyalsopraised the

volunteers,saying: “It’sjust amazingtosee that this hasgot going, it’s taken anumberof years to do butwe’re nowseeing anotherexampleof LevellingUp inaction.”

Tony Mitchell saidthat O’Brien’swas very happytohave theopportunity to dothe works whichwillbring joytothousands ofpeoplefor many yearstocome.

The civilengineeringcontractor is carryingout thefirstphase of an18-monthproject.

The companywillcarry out majorgroundworks to clearthe routeofthe canalandlandscape thesurroundingarea.

Next, theabutmentsforthe newTrans PennineTrailbridge will be builtand,in September, this38-metre-longstructurewill

be loweredintoplace.

Later alengthof canalwillbe reinstatedalongwith anewlock andanotheraccommodation bridge at the bottomof BellhouseLane. Therewillalso be apumping system anda new Bellhouse Basin will be built. Thetowpathwill be upgradedto amulti-usertrail, stretchingallthe wayacrossthe DoeL ValleytoRenishaw.

Finally,thewholearea will be plantedwithwildlife-friendly vegetationand aseatingareafor peopletoenjoythetranquillity ofthenewlyrestored canalwill be installed.

TowpathTalk readers will be ableto followtheprogressofthe worksastheyhappen by going totheChesterfield CanalTrust’s websiteatwww.chesterfieldcanal-trust.org.uk

This is oneof10projects fundedthroughthe Staveley Town Deal,a £25.2million

investmentinStaveleythrough theGovernment’sTowns Fund. Thetotalcostofthe canal restorationisaround£6million, mostofwhichwill comefromthe Town Deal. Go to www. chesterfield.gov.uk/ staveley-town-deal fordetailsofprojects. Thetrustcurrently hasan appealto raise£50,000to go towardsthecostofthe gates forthenew Keith AylingLock, namedafter aformerchairman ofthetrust. To learnmore, go tothe Chesterfield CanalTrust website.

Left: AcommemorativespadepresentedbyO’Brien ContractorsLtd. PHOTO:CHESTERFIELDCANALTRUST

Irene passingthroughthe recently repairedHigh Orchardbridgewhichwasliftedsuccessfully severaltimesduringtheevent.

Takingpartinthegroundbreakingceremonyare,fromleft: ChesterfieldCanal TrustchairmanPeterHardy,TobyPerkins MP, Coun TriciaGilby,LeeRowleyMPand TonyMitchellof O’BrienContractorsLtd. PHOTO:CHESTERFIELDCANALTRUST AnaerialviewofthesiteatStaveley. PHOTO:KENHARDY

Vilma exchangingcannonfirewith otherships.

Canal &River Trust regionaldirectorMarkEvanswiththecivicparty. Phoenix arriving,passingtheSULALightship.

Avariety ofvisitingboatswiththe Wallsstageandstallsinfrontof North Warehouse.

Cuttingreopenstoboattraffic

EASENHALL CuttingontheOxford Canalhas reopenedtonavigationwhile amajor repairproject by the Canal& RiverTrust continues.

After aperiodof intenserainfallin early February an estimated4000tonnes ofthe18m cuttingslipped into thecanal. Trustteams worked throughdifficult conditions,withcontinuedwet weather saturatingthesite,tofind asolutionthat involved installinga300maccessroad across neighbouringfieldsanddigging down thebankto remove the material fromthe canal.

Principalengineer Vaughan Felton said:“We’redelighted to be reopening theEasenhall Cuttingtoboats.Ourteam hasworkedhardindifficultconditions to getthecanalbackintoa navigable stateandit will be greattoseeboatsback usingthispopular route.”

The towpathwillremainclosed untiltheearly summer,with afurther update expectedbytheendofJune.

Repairingthelandslipat EasenhallCutting. Workinvolvedcuttingdownthebankto

Paddleunderthe Penninestripslaunched

FORthefirsttime, paddlesports fans will be ableto canoe through Standedge Tunnelasthe Canal& RiverTrust launches anew‘bucketlist’ experience.

Th re el ong weekendsof guided canoetripsarebeing offered throughthe longest anddeepest canaltunnel intheUK whichspans3.5 miles underthe Pennines betweenMarsden, near Huddersfieldin West Yorkshire, and DiggleinLancashire.

The datesare June 28,29and30; July 26, 27and28and August 23,24and25. Places, whichcost £100 fortwopeopleina tandem canoeor£55 for asolopaddlerina

canoe,are limited and arebookable at www. canalrivertrust.org.uk Yorkshire& North Eastregionaldirector Sean McGinleysaid: “Thisexperience isoneofthe many ways people canhelp supportour work whilediscovering thisamazingtreasure underthe Pennines.”

Gordon McMinn, volunteer team leaderandqualified pa dd le sp or ts instructor at thetrust, isco-ordinatingthe 18 trips eachtaking abouttwo hours. They will be oneway only, fromeitherMarsden toDiggleorDiggleto Marsden.

Participants will usethetrust’sopen canoesandwillbe

guidedbytrained staff and volunteers.

AllPPE(helmets, buoyancyaids,lights) canbeprovided; however, participants arewelcometouse their ownhelmets and buoyancyaids. Theywillneedto planthe returnlegof theirtrip,whichcould be aseven-mile walk backover thehillor, forthosewho have hadenoughexercise, there’salocal bus (Arriva 184)andlocal taxi services.

The charityisalso runningtaster canoe and stand-up paddle (SUP) sessionsfor non-experienced paddlersatStandedge this summer.Buy yourticketsonline fromCRT’swebsite.

LiverpoolSouthDocks

marinasmakeitfour in arow

THE Canal& RiverTrust hasbeen awardedthe international Blue Flag awardfor Liverpool’s RoyalAlbertand Salthouse Dock marinas forthefourth successive year. High standards ofenvironmental infor ma tion, management, safetyand boatingservicesearned top marksfor the36 hectaresofwater space caredfor by thetrust. Ateamoflocal volunteershelpto keep thedockswelllooked afterandclearoflitter. Thanks to thewater quality,thedocksare hometoanarray of

wildlifeincludingblue mussels,eelsand, duringthesummer months,moonjellyfish.

CRTharbourmaster Andrew Goudie said: “Weare delightedtobe awardedthisprestigious international Blue Flag awardforthefourth year runningand to be thefirstmarinaowners in Englandtoreceiveit.

“Our charityfaces soaringcostsoflooking after ourwaterways at atimewhen available fundingisstretched.So it’s more importantthan ever that we continueto receiverecognitionlike the Blue Flag for our work.”

Bothofthe Canal& RiverTrust’s marinas in Liverpoolconsist offingerandlinear pontoons,withupto60 vesselsaccommodated inAlbertDockand 46visitor canalboat mooringsand20longtermmooringsin SalthouseDock. AwardedbyKeep Britain Tidy,the Blue Flag marina award is aworld-renowned eco-award whichisonly awardedtomarinas that boastthe highest quality safetyand services,environmental ed uc at ionand management.

Theaward-winningmarinaatLiverpool’sSalthouseDock.

CRTaimsfor consistency

THE Canal&RiverTrustislookingto fillgapsbetween itsboaterfacilities to bringtheminline withits policyto ensureaconsistent levelof service.

Overthe past year,thetrusthas been rollingoutfullycontactless paymentoptionson pump-out machines,modernisingthefacilities, makingthemmorerobustand improvingconveniencefor boaters. Across thenetwork, more than70 pump-out machines have been upgradedtocontactlesspayment.

Head ofcustomer service Matthew Symonds said:“Weare committed toprovidingthe best possible boater facilitiesthat we canafford.

“This year we willcontinueto spendaround£2millionon boater facilities,withall butpump-outsfree at thepointofuse.”

There areseveral areasacrossthe canalnetwork wherethe trust wants toincreaseservices,with19spots requiringElsanprovisionand12 needingrefusefacilities.Itwill work withpartnerstofind waystofillthese gaps,which mayinclude making agreementswiththeprovidersof existingprivatefacilitiestoopen themtoallboaters.

In locations with over-provision, service pointsthat arerepeatedly affectedbyongoingproblems such as fly tippingand vandalism– plus non-essential services such as toiletsandshowers –may alsoclose ifdamageorvandalism makesthe costofrepairprohibitive.

In compliance withnew Welsh Assembly wastelegislation,thetrust is required to provide separated wasteand recyclingfacilities.Waste siteson theMonmouthshire& Brecon Canalwillbeconsolidated anditisproposedtointroduce anew facilityatGoytreWharf.Therewillbe nochangesonthe Llangollen Canal. Facilitiescurrently closed until furthernoticeare:Salterhebble, Calder&Hebble Navigation, retainingrefuseand waterpoint; Marple,Peak Forest Canal, facilility block beingrebuiltretainingall facilities;Lancasterfullclosure; Red Bull,Trent&Mersey,retaining Elsan andrefuse; Camp Hill,Grand Union, retainingElsan andrefuse; Tyrley, Shropshire Union,full closure and Govilon, Monmouthshire&Brecon, refusemovingtoGoytreWharf.

ThesiteofthelandslipatEasenhallCutting.

PHOTO:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

Fewerboats –and licences –inLondon andSouthEast

THE Canal& RiverTrust’s National Boat Count, conducted inthe spring each year,has seena 1.4%dropin boatnumbersonitsnetworkacross Englandand Wales.

It alsosaw a1.2%increasein unlicensed boats, meaninglicence compliancenowstands at 91.8%.

Nationally, 32,602 boatswere recordedonthetrust’senforceable waters,downby479 –thefirst reduction recordedsincethe formationofthetrustin2012.

The drop in boat numbersismost significant inthe London &South East region,wheretherewere512 fewerboats than last year butan increaseinthosewithoutlicences. The caseloadandbackloginthe legalsystemhas beenexacerbated by vacanciesinthelocalteam.

Across thenetwork,thetotal number of boatswitha home mooringhas decreased by 3.7%while the totalnumberofcontinuously cruisingboats hasincreased by 4.9%.

CRTheadofcustomer service supportMatthewSymondssaid: “Boatingremains popular,but our nationalcountpaintsa picture ofthechallengesfacing many onthewater.Theoveralldropin licencecompliancecontinuesthe post-pandemictrend, withthecostof-livingincreases beingachallenge for many in society.

“Thereductioninhomemoorers andincreaseincontinuouscruisers may alsopointtowards the wider economicenvironment.”

Whenallother avenueshavebeen exhausted,thetrusttakesaction to remove boats. In thelastfinancial year106unlicensed,includingmany abandoned, boatswereremoved fromthenetwork.

Matthewadded:“Wedoeverything we cantosupportboaterswho arestrugglingtostayonthe water, and ourboatlicence customer supportteam anddedicatedboater welfare team work with boatersto findsolutions,includingaccessing available benefitsforthoseliving afloatonlow incomes. We urge boaterswhoarestrugglingtotalkto usas soonas possible.

“Theincomefromlicencefees represents about11%oftheincome we have each yeartoinvest in keepingthe canalnetworkopen and navigable.”

TheNational Boat Countisa physicalsightingofboats carried outbythetrust’stowpathteams duringMarch.Whereboatnumbers have changed nationally,itmeans that theseboatsarenolongeronthe trust’s waters.Where boat numbers have changedina region,itcould alsomeanthat aboathascruised out ofone regionintoanother.

Rollingout the redcarpet atSaleCruising Club

THEpicturesquebanksofthe Bridgewater Canalcamealive as140 boatsglidedintotheir moorings, writes Neil Parsons. It wasthe57thannual Rallyofthe Federationof BridgewaterCruisingClubs (FBCC), andthe airbuzzed withanticipation.

Rallydirector Michelle Cann andherdedicated team had orchestrated aweekendthat would rivalany blockbuster movie.

Lights,camera, action!

Glamo rous bo at er s, bedeckedinsequinsand tuxedos, stepped ashore. The Hollywoodtheme permeated everymoment, fromthegrand openingtothefinal curtain call.The canalbecame ourred carpet,andthe boatsour stars.

Four-legged companions strutted their stuffinthe dogshow,vyingforthetitle of‘waggiesttail’, whilethe

LocalMPAndrew Western presentstheFederation TrophytoTimandMary Bracegirdle,winnersof theBest TrimmedCraft andCrew. PHOTO:FBCC

‘commodore’sgames’ tested physical prowessanddexterity. Then, as thesun dippedbelow thehorizon,livemusicfilled theair.

Boaterstransformedinto charactersfromcelluloid dreamsforthefancydress parade.FredFlintstone

shared laughs with Dorothy from WizardofOz,while The Godfatherswapped stories withCruellade Vil.The parade woundthroughthemarquee, eachcostumemoredazzling thanthelast.

Localdignitaries,perched on aflotillaofelegant vessels, wavedtothecrowdduring thesailpast. Theirpresence lentanairofprestige,asifthe Oscars themselves were being awardedonthe water.

Quizzestestedbrains, and stalls offeredtrinketsand curiosities. Andfromhearty breakfaststofreshlycooked curries,theculinaryofferings were fit fora star-studdedgala.

In herclosingspeech, FBCC chairman PhyllisGreenough applaudedSaleCC’srally committee,itstirelessefforts having woven magicintoevery detail. Shealsothanked Peel Holdings,whosebarge ferried

themarqueeand equipment.

TheBridgewater Motor Boat Clubin Runcorn will hostthenextchapterofthis waterwaysaga. Untilthen, we eagerly awaitmore adventures, morecamaraderie,andmore unforgettablemoments.

FBCCchairmanPhyllisGreenoughwelcomesthedignitariestothe2024awardsceremony.

FBCCdignitariesandclubcommodorestakeinthe fullspectacleoftherallyduringthesailpast. PHOTO: PAUL TOWERS/PAULTOWERSPHOTO.COM

Museum’s stolen Tilleylampsrecovered

Trophy winners

• The WatchHouseCC claimedtheAlfHayman Trophyfortheclubwith thehighestproportionof members in attendance, atestamenttothe camaraderieatthe WatchHouse.

• Theclubalso scoopedtheBridgewater CanalMooring Trophy, presentedbyPeel Holdings,forthe mooringsshowingthe mostimprovementover theyear.

NB VintagePort from SaleCCearnedthe FederationTrophyfor itsimpeccablytrimmed craftandcrew.

NB Comfortably Numb,adornedwith lights,musicand dancers,clinchedthe FederationSilverBowl forbest-decoratedboat. In anail-biting finish, NB Jemsabi from Lymm CCsailedawaywiththe ‘CoupedeLumiere’, itsilluminateddisplay stealinghearts.

• Recognitionofa heroicact!JohnNealof WorsleyCChad rescued afellowboaterwhohad falleninto thecut. His courageearnedhimthe WalterKingTrophy,a beaconofgoodwill.

THREE Tilleylamps stolenfrom the NationalWaterwayMuseum EllesmerePorthavebeenrecovered thankstothekeeneye of aCanal& RiverTrust volunteerwho spotted themfor saleon awell-known internet auctionsite.

The trust’smuseums teamalerted the police,who recoveredtheitems; the sellerisnowassistingpolice.

CRTmanagerof nationalcollections Steven Bagleysaid: “TheTilleylamps arenow backwhere theybelong.

“Thank youtoourdedicated volunteerwho spottedthelampsfor saleandacted quickly,to thepolice for returningthelampstous, andto themuseumsteamfortheirdiligence intheaftermathoftheupsettingtheft.

“Wehavecarried outa thorough reviewandarelookingforward to anexcitingsummerof eventsand education.”

In February,11exhibits were stolen fromthe museumwhichholds90%of theUK’sinlandwaterways collection, includingaround15,000objectsand morethan50boats.

Theyincludedamodelboatalong with severalsmallmodelenginesand thethree large Tilley lamps.

Thecollection hadrecently been catalogued,enablingswift identificationofthe stolenexhibits.

Anyone withinformation about thetheftsshould speaktothepolice orcontactthetrustdirectly at the National Waterways Museum.

Jemsabi from LymmCC,winneroftheilluminatedboat trophy. PHOTO: FBCC

TheNational WaterwaysMuseumteam,fromleft:SteveBagley, managerofNationalCollections;AlecSwain,collectionstechnician; GeorginaWilson-Williams,collectionstechnicianwiththe recovered Tilleylamps. PHOTO: CANAL &RIVERTRUST

DiBaines,NeilParsonsandMikeCarrington, Watch HouseCCsecretary,commodoreandchairman,proudly showofftrophieswonbytheclub. PHOTO: FBCC

PHOTO:FBCC

BEFORE

TheDannycelebratesthe20thanniversaryofher rescueandthebeginningofherrestoration

Manyofusarebecomingfamiliarwiththebeautiful picturesoftheDanielAdamsonearningherkeeponthe RiverMersey,ManchesterShipCanalandRiverWeaver inCheshire,butitseemsopportunetotakealookback20years whenthingswereverydifferent.

InearlyFebruary2004,despitebeingauniquecentury-old maritimesurvivor,TheDannywasearmarkedforscrappingat Garston.Butwordofthissoongotaroundthetightlyknitmaritime communityandagroupof20individualsheldahastilyarranged meetingtoinspectTheDannyandDanielAdamsonPreservation Society(DAPS)wasformedonFebruary21,2004.

ThecampaignwasspearheadedbyMerseytugskipperDan Cross,withthehelpofTonyHirst,aformerdirectoroftheEllesmere PortBoatMuseum.Dan’semployerSvitzerMarine,onhearingof thesteamtug’splight,offeredtodrydockandsurveyherforfree toassesswhethershewasinfactworthsaving.Thenextthinghe knew,DanhadboughttheDanielAdamsonfromownerMSCCfor theprincelysumof£1.00andthecampaignwasunderway.

andrubbish.Asthe mediaandInternet forumsspreadthe wordabouttheDaniel Adamson’srescue, moremembersand volunteersjoined uptoDAPS,bringing much-neededskills, enthusiasmand, crucially,time.Ships’ surveyorsandengineers, pipefitters,plumbers, joiners,electriciansand manymore,retiredand stillinemployment,all offeredtheirservicesfree ofcharge.

Thescaleofthechallengebecameclearwhenthecostof insurance,simplytotowherfromEasthamtoaberthacrossthe riverinLiverpool,wasquotedat£2,000.Butwiththegoodwilland generosityofmany,themoneywasraised.Eventhoughshehad beenstationaryfor twodecades,andthe movefromEllesmere Portwouldnotbedone underherownsteam, anewchapterinthe DanielAdamson’s lifewasaboutto start.Therewasa determinationthatshe wouldsteamagain, andthesupportfrom manyquartersgave DAPStheconfidenceto throweverythinginto thecampaign.

beenstationaryfor twodecades,andthe movefromEllesmere Portwouldnotbedone underherownsteam, anewchapterinthe DanielAdamson’s lifewasaboutto start.Therewasa determinationthatshe wouldsteamagain, andthesupportfrom thecampaign.

Thenexttaskwas clearingtwodecades’ worthofmud,rainwater

Originalmembersof thecrewalsoturnedup, includingJohnDeakin, whoseknowledgeof thequirkyworkingsof theoldvesselproved invaluable.Butmore–muchmore-wasneeded. Thecommitmentand fundraisingdrivepaidoff, andinFebruary2015The NationalLotteryHeritage Fundawarded£3.8mtorestoretheDanielAdamsontofullworking order.Theexcitingnewsmeantthatshewouldonceagainbeable tosailunderherownsteam….Andhereweareeightyearson,still runbyouramazingvolunteersandtwomembersofstaff–these beforeandafterphotoshighlightthisamazingachievement. PeoplereturntimeandagaintoenjoycruisesonboardThe Danny….beautifulscenery,interestinglocalhistoryandallwhilst experiencingthesoundsandsmellsofanhistoricsteamship….but youwillneedtojoinustosavourthatbit! Allourcruisescanbefoundherehttps://www.thedanny.co.uk/ events

Anglian waterways isolated by closures

THEIWAisdeeplyconcerned aboutthedoubleeffectof fundingcutsandthe recent prolonged extremeweather onaccesstoand withinthe Anglian waterways. Boaters were finally ableto navigatetoand fromtheGreat Ouse asof June 10,now that thedesilting worksatSalter’s Lodearecomplete. The impact ofthelongstoppage was keenlyfelt by localboatyards andhireboatcompanies, whosetrade reliesonthe

navigableconnectionandthe effect hadbeencompounded by other stoppagesacrossthe Anglian waterways.

The River Nenealsoopened fullyon June 1after winter worksweredelayedbythe recentextreme weatherand navigationontheBedford Ouse is still affected by the ongoingclosureofBrownshill Lock duetofailure ofparts which willneed to be fabricated, withnodate yet availablefor itsreopeningdue tothecomplex nature of the repair.Furtherupstream, the CamConservators have hadto closebothBait’sBiteand Jesus Locksduetostructural concerns, withnotimescales yetavailable fortheir reopening.

Brandon Lock ontheLittle Ouse isalso closed untilfurther noticedue tosiltation. Abroken beamonthe Northamptonflight connectingthe canalsystemto the RiverNenefurtherlimits accesstothe region.

The ElyOuseandthe Middle Levels were isolatedfromone another for much longerthan usualthis year,and boatsare still unabletogetto theextremities oftheEly Ouse’s tributaries at CambridgeorBrandon,or to theUpperGreatOuse. While the waterwaysareopeneither

IWAleasesmoorings at StokeBardolph

THERE have always been mooringsof afashionfor commercialbargesstopping at the FerryBoatInnen route up or down theTrent.Theinn datesfrom1823.Fromthe1950s to the1970s,themooringsand associatedconcreteslipway were maintainedbyalocal sailingclubbased onthe river, butwhenthe sailing clubceased operationatthe sitejustover40years ago, the timber andconcretemoorings fellintodisrepair withonlyad hocrepairs carried outbylocal boaters.

With ashortage ofvisitor

side of allthese closures,the systemhas beenfragmented for alongtime withusers preventedfromaccessingkey facilitiesand services,andhire boatsbeingtrapped.

SueO’Hare, chairmanof IWA’sNavigationCommittee, said: “Combinedwith inadequatefunding, issues such as thesewillonly worsen astheimpactsofclimate change areincreasinglyfelt. The FundBritain’sWaterways grouphascometogether to campaign to persuade nationaland localgovernment to ensure that the benefits providedtothe public by the waterwaysdonot continueto be eroded.”

mooringsonthe RiverTrent, localboatersfromthe Facebook group‘VisitorMooringson the RiverTrent &Associated Waterways’, ledbyRobertAspey (nowIWA Nottinghamshire TrentGroup mooringsofficer), metonsitein2018to see what could be doneto repairthese dilapidatedvisitormoorings. Theywerenow in adangerous conditionwith many planks missingfromthefixed timber pontoon,onlyonemooringring stillpresent, and overgrowth overthewholesite.

Whencontacted, Canal& RiverTrustandthebrewerythat

ownedthe FerryBoatInnsaid theydidnotknowwho owned themoorings.Eventually, Severn TrentWater wastrackeddown as ownerofthefreehold. One ofits managersagreed to meet thegrouponsiteandthanked themforpointingoutthepoor stateofthetimbermoorings,as the water companywould have beenliableforanyaccidents.

With some financialhelpfor materials from Severn Trent Water,IWA and The Boating Association, over afour-year period theboaters carriedout significant improvements.

SevernTrentWater informed

thegroupthatthemoorings were on asectionofleased land,butnooneheldtheleaseat present. In orderto securefuture useofthemooringsfor boaters, IWAentered into negotiations to securethelease, whichit nowholds.Thereare additional improvementstoundertake, such as additional dredging andsignage. IWAwill maintain thesite, additional volunteers arewelcome.Postyourinterest on the Facebookgroup ‘Visitor Mooringsonthe RiverTrent &AssociatedWaterways’or contact Robert AspeyviaIWA’s head office.

75thanniversaryof1950 IWAFestivalofBoats &Arts

THE LeicestershireBranch oftheIWAandlocal partnersareorganising acelebratorywaterways festivalon June 7and8,2025 to commemorate the1950 Festivalof Boats& Artsheldin Market Harborough.Itisa historic eventfortheIWA and ahugesuccessthat becamethebenchmark for subsequentnational waterwaysfestivals. The rally wasatippingpoint inthe campaign to preventthelossoftheinland waterways system andtriggered therevivaloftheBritish waterways.

The two-dayfestival will behosted at Foxton, as Union WharfatMarketHarborough is nownolongera viable venue, beingfullof permanentmooringsand ahirefleetbase. Therewill,however, be acolourful cavalcadeof boatsupthe Harborough Armonthe Saturday

oftheeventtoachieve avisuallink to the historicfestivalsite.Floatingtraders,historic narrowboatsandprivatecraft will be arranged onthemain Leicester LineoftheGrand Union Canalabove and below the staircase flight, with land-basedactivitiesand attractions, tradingstalls,exhibitions,music andfastfood alllocatedinthe trust’sevent field adjacentto thecanal.

The eventwebsite www.iwaharborough75. orghas allthe informationaboutthefestival. Please contactAndrew Shephard,chairman ofthe LeicestershireBranch at:andrew. shephard@waterways.org.ukif youthink you mightbeavailabletohelp, eitherinthe planningandorganisationoftheevent, or just overthe weekenditself.

GUARANTEE

IWAidentifiesneedformorefunding

IN SUPPORTofthe multiorganisational Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign,IWA asked boatersfortheirviewson the stateoftheinland waterways networkandhowitimpactedon theircruisingin2023.

Atotalof726 boaters respondedanonymously. Boaterswereableto record specificproblems butthe main purposeofthe surveywas to obtain asnapshot of thecurrent stateoftheinfrastructure.

Boaterspainted apictureof decliningconditionsincetheir previouscruisesandinthelong term overthetotalperiod that theyhad beenboatingwith79%

recordingthelatter.

Aparticularinterest of the surveywas howthishad impactedtheenjoymentof cruisingin2023andtheir ability to complete plannedroutes withintheallocated time.Nearly halfof boaters responding reportedthat unplanned stoppages and majorproblems with waterwayscondition necessitatedreplanning. Other responsesidentifiedproblems withmoorings,theneed for moredredgingand vegetation management and poor provisionof service.

Akey question waswhether boaters’ experiencesin2023

wouldinfluencetheirfuture cruisingplans.Thegood news isthat 59% saidthat it would not have animpact,proving the considerable resilienceof boaters.However others would not return tocertain canals/ riversornotcruisefarfromtheir homemooring and sadly 12% saidthat theywereconsidering givingupboating, “Theseresultsprovetheneed forthis survey as asnapshot of currentconditionsanda benchmarktoenableusto identifyfuturedeterioration shouldfundingreduce,”said PeterMarlow,IWAtrustee involved withthe survey.

WorkParties

PLEASEcontactthebranchtoregisteryourinterestifyouwouldliketo attend awork party.Itisadvisabletowearstoutshoes,old clothing,andtotakewaterproofs.A packedlunchandrefreshmentsarealsoadvisable.

BurslemPort:July12 –10.302.30andJuly26 –10.30-2.30 Regular work partyon the BurslemArmoftheTrent &Mersey Canal, runby IWANorth Staffordshire& SouthCheshireBranchin partnershipwith Burslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke St, Burslem. Toolsandequipment will be provided. Contact Dave Broome:07974 966253ordave.broome45@

gmail.com BroughtonArms,RodeHeath, CheshireLocks:July18 –10am-3pm Monthly work party on theCheshireLockflight of theTrent&Mersey Canal, betweenKidsgrove and Wheelock. JointlyledbyIWA NorthStaffordshire&South Cheshire BranchandTrent& Mersey CanalSociety. Contact JohnLawson07940

878923or john.lawson@ waterways.org.uk NorthamptonBranch:July7 and16

Work partiesareusually heldone weekdayandone Sundayamonth,along the Northampton Arm. The tasks usuallyinclude vegetation clearance,weeding, litter pickingandpaintingatlocks. Contact Geoff Wood:geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk

Paulshowinghislatestworkofart.

CharactersoftheCut

PaulandAnthonySmith-Storey: NarrowboatLifeUnlocked

ByAliceElgie

AFTER13 yearsofhiringa smalldayboatfromEllerbeck NarrowboatsinChorley,and multiple walks along thetowpath withtheirdog Dexter,itwas achancemeetingthatfinally propelledPaulandAnthony Smith-Storey towardsliving aboard.

Paulexplained:“Webumped into alady who saidshe hadsold herhouse andboughtaboatand that it wasthe best thingshe had done.Itgotusthinkingthat we couldtrythelifestyleourselves.”

Four yearsand twoboatslater it seemsthetrial period ismost definitelyoverandcontinuously cruisingthe canalsof England hasturnedoutto be exactly the rightlifestyleforthem. Especiallyas,inparticular,Paul andAnthonylovebeingouton the cutinwinter. “Welovethe peaceinwinter, walksalong thefrost-coveredground,last leavesfallingfromthetrees, flocksofbirds –mostly starlings andvisitingfieldfares –andthat warm cosyfeelingwhen you get backaboardyourboatinfront ofthefirewitha hotchocolate. Someof ourfavourite memories areofwinteronthe canals.”

Theircurrent craft, aserial hybridelectric boat, wasbuilt by Oakumsandit wasimportant to thecouplethat it wasasgreen as possible.“We wanted to do theright thingsowehavean electric ovenandhob,are gas

andcoal-free,and cantopup thebatteriesfrom oursolaror generator.”They relyon solar on sunnydaysand tendto runtheir generatortotopupthebatteries inthe wintermonths.“We can cruisefor 6-8hoursandonly use20-30%of ourbatterypower.”

Ascontinuouscruisersthis optionisimportant, especially asnatureand wildlifeartist Paullikesnothingbetterthan findinginspiringmooringspots tonourishhiscreativity.“I’m alwayssat at thedinette by the duckhatchand thedaysI cansit with acupofcoffee, in abeautiful location,duckhatchopen, Dextersnoringbymysideand drawingismyideaofheaven.”

Paul studied artanddesign at St HelensCollege of Artfor twoyears butthen becamea full-time magician. He said:“I took a30-year breakfromart andthenCovidhitthe world,all my magicshows were cancelled, so Idownloadedsome courses and gotbackintoit.”Paulnow

Websites: www.paulsart.ukandwww. narrowboatlifeunlocked. com

YouTube: @NarrowboatLifeUnlocked

Instagram: @narrowboat. life.unlocked

Facebook: @morningstar73 X:@NBL_Unlocked

findshimself busy drawing British wildlife, andalsopet commissions that he sellsall over theworld.

“I have alwaysloved nature and wildlife,it’sjust something I’mdrawn to,pardonthe pun! Ilovetocapture that lookin ananimal’seyes, highlighting theircharacterandpersonality.”

FeedbackfromPaul’scustomers hasbeenhugelyencouraging andhe particularly lovesto bringbackhappy memories for petownerswho have lost their belovedpets and hasso fardrawndogs, cats,horsesand even petlizards!

“It’sarealhonourwhenasked to draw someone’spet.I try to capture allthedetailsand people saymyartwork looks like aphoto,but Istill want it tolooklike artwork.”

It seems thestars aligned when Paul’s burgeoning career asanartistcoincided with sellingupandmoving aboardaswhen several narrowboat folkhighlighted his work,things really began to takeoff.“David from Cruisingthe Cutand Kath andAnnamarie from The Narrowboat Experience were both very kind,featuringmy artworkontheirchannels.”

NowPaulisalsoa floating traderandlovessellingfrom thesideofthe boat. “Chatting is somethingIlovetodo andit’s really nicetomeet customerswhen I’mtrading.”

It’s this senseof communitythat is reallythe highlightfor both Pauland Anthonybecause despite

beingclosetonature andthe water,which offers awonderful way oflife,it’sthe people who have trulycaptured them.“We have made someamazingfriends andthat’s the realicing onthe cake forus.It’s thecommonground we shareforwhatever reason we got into boatinginthefirst place,beita love of boats, water, nature, or

that senseofadventure. We dothink peopleare friendlier by thecanal, too. It seems to attract like-mindedfolkwho appreciatethese wonderfulstretchesof water.”Somethingtells me PaulandAnthony arenow payingit forward,inspiring othersonthetowpath tothis wayoflife,just astheythemselves were inspired!

AliceElgieis awriterandyogateacherwho leadsonlinejournallingandmindfulness experiencestohelppeoplede-stressand reconnectwithnatureandthemselves. www.wanderingalice.world

We aredelighted toofferfor sale ‘WestviewMarina’, afamilyrunbusiness situatedon aprimelocationalongtheRiver GreatOuseatEarith,Cambridgeshire

ThesiteiswellmaintainedandissituatedalongtheRiverGreatOuse, aprime locationforpassingtrade.Themarinaoffersover100mooringssuitablefor cruisers,smallcraftnarrowboatsandwidebeams,withnearlyallhavingwater andelectricitysupply.There isampleparkingavailablealongsidethemoorings, withtheparkalsobenefittingfromsecuregatedaccessandCCTVforsecurity.

■ SituatedontheGreatOuseRiver

■ 100+Moorings

■ WorkshopFacilities

■ StockedChandleryOpen 7Days AWeek

■ Camping andCaravan Provision

■ ToiletandShowerBlocks

■ BoatLifting,Maintenanceand CleaningFacilities

■ Pressure Washing,Blackingand ScrapingFacilities

■ EngineeringServices

■ VisitorMoorings

EARITH,HUNTINGDON,CAMBRIDGESHIRE £1,750,000Freehold

Paul’sloveofnatureandwildlifeinspireshis artwork. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

AbeautifulexampleofBritishwildlifebyPaul. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

RiverCanalRescue loses‘oneofitsown’

PAULDrummie,a seasonedmarine engineer servicing the southern region of London, was highlyregardedby RiverCanal Rescue colleaguesand customersalikeforhis unwavering dedication toexcellence.

Throughouthis extensivecareerin thefield,Paulheld positions atnumerous prestigiouscompanies andevenestablished his ownmarine engineeringenterprise.

RCRmanaging director,Stephanie Horton, said:“We aredevastated; his diagnosis cameasa

shockandhisshort battlequicklyresulted inpalliativecareatthe

Douglas Macmillan Hospice,Stoke-onTrent, wherehesadly passed away afew monthslater.

“Paulwas anintegral partofthe southern engineeringteam;he waswell-liked,easy to get along withand atrueprofessional, lookingafter our customers as well as havingagreat talent forengineering. He’ll besorely missed by theteam.”

Paul waswell knownandfondly rememberedbymany. Formercolleagueand

1962-2024. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

friendChris Bennett saidhewas saddened by thenews.“We worked together at PyfordMarina;I worked in salesand Paul wasa fantastic

engineer with atalent forfindingwhat was wrongveryquickly and workingoutthe mosteconomicaland effective solutiontofix theproblem.

“Paulmade alot offriendswithin the industryasa mobile engineer.I’m very sad that you have passed away mate and Iwill alwaysremember ‘lefty-loosey,righty tighty’and‘Ifitfalls off,pickitupand somebodyelsecanuse it!’.Restinpeace.”

Donationstothe

Douglas Macmillan Hospice canbemade at:www.dougiemac. org.uk/donate

Landvaluesboostedbyrestoredcanals

LesGreen,publicityofficerfortheIWAChester &Merseyside Branch, looks at howproximityto awaterwaycanimpactonpropertyprices.

WHEN post-wargovernments were onlyconcernedwith closingwaterwaysand, apart from waterwayenthusiasts, nobodyreally caredwhat the old canals wouldlooklike, many became ablotonthe landscape.

That, we allknow,isno longerthecaseandawaterside frontage to apropertyishighly desirable.Estate agencies, developersand landowners aremorethanaware that this is reflected in theprice.

Knight Frank, aleaderin thepropertymarket, talks about‘theenduringappealof waterfrontliving’byproducing figures that show,onaverage, watersideproperties can currentlyproduce a48%price differential abovesimilar propertieselsewhere.

The highestdifferential was enjoyedbypropertiescloseto locksorlakes at upto71% but recently riversidehomes by the RiverClywedoginWrexham were measuredat64%.A manager at JacksonStops agency,whileadvocatingthat waterside properties werea good investmentdecision, described theproperties with amooringanddirect water frontage as ‘absolutegolddust’.

Thereare factorsthat can reducethedifferential, such astheproximityoffacilities, roadsetcbuttheexperts were confidentthat 20-30% differential wasreadily available.

Watersidepropertyprices were quotedasbeingupby 23%inthe last fiveyears and that theyattracted54% cash buyers,higherthanthenorm. It isnotsurprisingtherefore that whenthe Sankey Canal drainedawayclosetoSpike Island in Widnes, leaving boatsaground,that property developersinterestedinthe landsoontobeavailable onthe Fidlers FerryPower Stationsitecontacted the Sankey CanalRestoration Societyto see what couldbe done.Lifeclosetoamuddy ditch willnotfetchthe same moneyaswhen swansand ducks areswimmingby!

Auctionprice

Oneverycurrent example in realtermsishappening at Crickheathonthe MontgomeryCanal(the ‘Monty’)closetoOswestryin NorthShropshire. It isunder restoration by volunteersof the ShropshireUnion Canal Societyand in 2023,funded by theNationalHeritageLottery, the society completeda further sectionof restoration, allowing boatstoreachan extendedwindingholenorth ofCrickheathBridge. The frontage wouldpossibly

allowsixto eightresidential narrowboatstomoor. The areaoflandthat wasput up for auctionimmediatelythe sectionof canalwasfinished wasestimated at oneacre. Termed asonly‘bare agriculturalland’withoutthe canal, JacksonStops agency calculated acurrentnational averagesellingpriceof£8845 peracre;however, with the canalfrontageatauction,a price just shortof£150,000 foroneacrewaspaid.

Thelanddoesnot have planningpermissionandthe auctionhousehad suggested aguidepriceof£90,000.

Immediatelytothe north ofCrickheathBridge on the non-towpathsideis PearTree House, awell-maintained property ownedbya volunteer forthe ShropshireUnion CanalSociety.

This sectionof canal waslittleused after1936, abandonedin1944and sincethen hadbecomean overgrownand at times muddyditch.Now under restoration,asthe volunteers pressontowardstheWelsh border,this willincludehis watersidefrontageasitisthe siteofthehistoricCrickheath Tramwayand Wharf. Funded by a£14,600grant fromthe InstituteofIndustrial Archaeology with specialist drystone wall volunteers completingthe restoration,it isestimatedforcompletion in Septemberthisyear.

Expectedtobebackin waterin2025,hiscurrent plansinclude asummer house/ workingart studio forhis wifein aprominent spot overlookingthe canal, landscapingthearea above thewharfandthen possibly mooringa narrowboat on the wharfasastaticself-catering holidayhome. In JacksonStops agency terms:absolute golddust!

PaulDrummie,

The restoration siteat Crickheath Wharf. PHOTO: LESGREEN

Sailing by

JonathanMosse’smonthlylook at freightdevelopment ontheinlandwaterways.

WHYisitthat so many peoplemourn theold ways of doingthings? Couldit simply be aromanticlongingforthe paceofdaysgone by or,justperhaps, asubconscious recognitionthat there wasmoreto‘the way’,intermsofits contemporaryapplication,thanmeets theeye ofitsdetractors?

Take movinggoods by sail-driven craft,forinstance.Superseded by steam andthen by dieselmorethana century ago, deep-sea,cargo-carryingvesselsare beginningtoreappear sportingvarious sophisticated sail-assistedpropulsion systems.

Aroundtheeastcoast of Britain, plyingthe largerestuariesof southeasternEngland,sail-driven Thames bargeshungonsomewhat longer, with thelegendary‘Bob’ Robertsoperating Cambria under canvasaloneuntilfinal retirementin1970.

Transportoffreight doesn’tcomeany moreenvironmentallyfriendlythanthat and,asthe Sea-Change SailingTrust–operatorsofthe Thames replica barge, Blue Mermaid –are demonstrating, thereisstill aroleforsailintheUK’s coastaltrade.

Inland, withlowbridgesand navigationsthat twistand turn to hug theland’s contours,sailbecomesless of apracticalpropositionandthediesel enginemoreofarealistic solution. Fuelledbyabiofuel such as Hydrotreated VegetableOil(HVO)bargescanachieve 90% carbonneutrality,placing them withinspitting distanceoftheir winddriven counterparts.So, foranisland

that imports97%ofits goods by sea, what’s not to like about their onward distribution by water?

Within20milesof ourshores, based ontheir positive experience over many decades,theFrench have just invested £4.3billionin buildingthe66-mile, Seine Nord Europe Canal–anentirely new waterway.While Britain hasalso seensuccess withinland waterways carrying, albeitonnot such alarge scale as ourcontinentalcousins,thereare no evidentplansto capitaliseonthe recent experienceofthe successful Tideway Project, nowalmostatcompletion.

Supersewer

The Thames Tideway Projecttobuilda ‘super sewer’,forthemostpartunder the bed ofthe river, hasproved an outstandingsuccessinthe wayithas beenapproached, in itsexecutionand in fulfillingawide rangeofenvironmental objectives.

Itsvision wasnot just to clean up the Thames,replacingBazalgette’s outmoded Victoriansystem, butto promote achangeinthe relationship betweenLondon, Londonersandtheir river. In fact,the sort of change needed acrossBritaininthe perceptionofour wider waterway transport arteries.

The statisticsareimpressive:more than5.7milliontonnesof material movedbyriver;saving344,000HGVs and17.5millionHGVmiles –equalto 36 returntripstothemoon.Thisin turn represented24,400tonnesofCO2 saved by using waterratherthantheurban roadnetwork.

As aspin-off,and very pertinent totoday’swaterways infrastructure hanginginthebalance,103individuals

passed Boatmastertraining, 50Training for SkillsAcademyriver apprentices were fundedbyTideway andfour safeguardedwharf siteson Tideway reinstatedtomaintaintheirviabilityfor cargohandling.

RecognisingthatHGVsareresponsible for 18%ofallemissions,wherever possible Tideway used the Thames to transportconstruction materials and excavated waste. In doingsothree corebenefits were identified:lower greenhousegasemissions,reduced trafficcongestionandfewer roadtraffic collisions.IntheeventTideway wasable toidentify asavingof71.5%in roadmiles by usingthe river.

Yetwithinastone’s throwofthe Thames, sittingbeside aconnected waterway,plansareafoottodevelopa railinterchange …but with anobvious componentomitted.

That’s right, this multi-modalproject isn’t, infact,allthat ‘multi’asI am unable to uncovera single referenceto waterbornefreightwithinthecompass ofthecurrent planningapplication!

Temporarywharfscanbe establishedonriverside constructionsitesjustforthe durationoftheproject.

Make nomistakeabout it:large companies masqueradingunderthe titleof ‘navigation authority’arein reality,moreoftenthannot,property developers keen to turn afastbuck by buildinghouses, officesandbijou apartmentsonwhat theypurporttobe derelictwharfsandquays.

Until watertransportisviewedas partofanationaltransportstrategy (in muchthesameway astrunk roadsand railways)profit-driven, piecemealdismantlingofkey waterways infrastructurewillcontinue apace,in completedenialoftheenvironmentally sustainable rolethat inland waterways freighthas to play. Forthisto become areality, national oversight ofalldevelopmentsthat have the potentialto conflictwith waterways freight-carrying should be thenorm, withindividualplanning applications calledinforconsideration at government level by the Department for Transport.

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The11th-centuryCityMill, whichstraddlestheRiver ItchenatBridgeStreet.

PHOTOS:NICOLALISLE

Discovering Winchester’sonly survivingflourmill ontheRiverItchen

NicolaLislecontinues hermuseumseries by exploring afascinating 18th-centuryflourmillin theheartofWinchester

WINCHESTERisprobably bestknown forits magnificent11th-century cathedralanditshistoricconnections to King Alfredand Jane Austen.Among its many other attractions,though,isthe lovely RiverItchen,whichsnakesits way along thecity’seastern boundaryand wasanimportantpartofthemedieval city’seconomy,with severalflourand cornmillsliningits banks. Today,only onemill survives –the11thcentury City Mill,which straddlesthe RiverItchen at Bridge Street,closetothehistoricheart ofthecity. It isoneoftheoldestsurviving watermillsintheUK.

by thelate15thcentury themill was derelict.

In 1744itwas substantiallyrebuilt by tenant JamesCooke,who was responsibleforthedistinctivecentral gableandthe easternextension seen today. Ayoung JMW Turnersketched themillwhenvisitingthecityin1795, producingone oftheearliestimagesof the buildingandshowing that little has changedsince.

From1820themill wasinthe handsofthe Benhamfamily,whoalso boughtsomeoftheadjoiningland.

TheBenhams rana successfulcorn millingbusinessuntil theturnofthe

century whencompetition fromnearby millsandtheintroductionofmore modernmillingmethods sawa gradual downturnintheirfortunes.Themill closed inaround1910.

Thebuildingwas repurposed as alaundryduringthe First World War, afterwhich it layderelictfor10 years.Threatenedwithdemolition, it wasrescuedin1928 by agroupof localbenefactors whoboughtthe mill, restored itand handedittothe NationalTrust.

In 1931themill wasleased to the Youth HostelsAssociation,becoming thefirstina chainof youthhostelslining

NowGradeIIlisted,CityMill is owned by the NationalTrustandisopen to the publicthroughoutthe year.Sadly, the waterwheeliscurrently outofaction pendingamajor restoration, butyou canfind outaboutthehistoryofthemill throughinformation boardsandarange ofartefacts,learnhow flour is made by harnessingthe powerofthe river, and read aboutthetrust’s plans to restore the waterwheel by 2025. The original Saxonmill wasrecorded intheDomesdayBookof1086,and at that time wasone ofthemostprofitable inthecountry. Sadly, acombination of poor harvestsandthe BlackDeath broughtabout arapiddecline, and CityMillisGradeIIlistedandownedbytheNational Trust.

IslandGarden,CityMill.

thePilgrims’Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Meanwhile,plans were afoot to restorethemillto workingorderandto startproducingflouragain.Bythe turnof thecentury,themill hadacquired anew waterwheelandgrindingequipment, thankstosomegenerousdonations, andafter major restoration work,the millopenedtothe publicforits first flour millingdemonstration in March2004.

Severe flood damage in2013-14, whenheavy rainfallsawthe RiverItchen rise to itshighesteverlevel,forcedthe temporaryclosureofthemill to enable substantial repairsto be carried out, andin2017 afundraisingappeal was launchedtoenableessentialrepairs to be madetothestructuralbeams of thebuilding.

Thedecommissioningofthe waterwheelin2023 willallowessential repair work to be carried out, withthe trustkeentopreservethisvitalpartof industrialheritage.Find outmoreabout theWinchesterCity MillWheel Appeal onthetrust’swebsite(detailsinpanel, right) andhowyoucanhelp.

Otherattractions at themillinclude theisland garden,atinywildlife haven cocoonedbythe RiverItchen. Look out for kingfishers, trout, salmonand water voles,and watch thetrust’slivefeed and archive footage oftheottersthat thrive inthislovelystretchof the river.

Once you have finishedatCity Mill, enjoyaglorious scenic walkalong the Itchen,includingthepromenade sectionknown as The Weirs, takingin the abundantlocal flora andfauna in this peaceful sectionof Winchester.

Helpfulinformation

Venue: WinchesterCityMill

Address: BridgeStreet, Winchester,HampshireSO23 9BH

Website: www.nationaltrust. org.uk/visit/hampshire/ winchester-city-mill

Openingtimes: Wednesdayto Sunday, 10am-5pm, throughout theyear

Admission: Free

Extras: Cafe,giftshop,secondhandbookshop,family-friendly activitiesandevents,toilets

Parkingavailable: Noonsite parking.Visitwww.winchester. gov.uk/parkingforcitycentrecar parks,orusetheParkandRide: www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/ park-and-ride/

Gettingthere: FromM3,junction 9(from north)orjunction10(from south);WinchesterStationone mile away; frequentlocalbusservices.

The Weirs,lookinglovelyinsummer.

Watt Way?

Twoyears agoAnita Weedymadethe switchfrom bricksandmortartoa floatinghome.SallyClifford chatstoheraboutherelectricwayoflife.

LIVINGin Kent canals wasn’tfamiliar territoryforAnita Weedy. Yet,having neverbeenonthe waterway,or setfoot on anarrowboat, theretired teacher and carerdecidedtosellherhomeand invest theproceeds ofher possessions into afloatinghome.

Anita recallsthelife-changing decisionshe madewhenshe purchased herelectric –and appropriately named –narrowboat, Watt Way,two years ago. Workinginademandingjob, Anita wanted to takelifeeasierasshe approached retirement, butshe was alsoseekingacost-effective andmore sustainable wayofliving.

The initialcontemplation to build astrawbale houseprovedprohibitive duetolandcosts.

Watchingavideo,onwhat she fondly referstoasthe ‘University of YouTube,’ turned Anita’s attentionto afloatinghome.

“I’mfrom Kent andthereare no canals.I have neverseena narrowboat and Ihadneverseena canalsowhenI got Watt Way it wasabig,big learning curve,”Anita recalls.Following extensiveresearch,she cameup with her ownspecificationsforher22-tonne, 57ft serial hybrid narrowboat.

“I knew Ineededittobe57ftlong so Icould go everywhere, and IknewI wanted itto be reverselayout. Ididn’t want to walkthroughthe backdoors into my bedroom, Iwantedtowalk intothekitchen because it makesmore sensetome.”

Anita,who hastwo grown-up daughters, cansleepfivewithinher spaciouslivingspace, providing sufficientroomfor familyvisits. The boat also boasts adiningand livingroom. Space wasn’tthe onlyconsiderationinthebuild–sustainability wasanimportant factor, asAnitaexplains. “I wanted itto be as sustainableas possibleandalsoIhada finite pot. Isold my car, my houseanda lotofthe pot went ontheboat.”

Goingelectric came outofAnita’s consciousnessto reduceherliving costs.“Idon’tneed to buydiesel so Ihavereduced my bills massively. The boat hasa diesel generator,the generatorchargesthebattery, butIfill itupprobablythree times ayear.”

Featheredfriends:someofthe wildlifeAnitaandCharliemeeton theircanaltravels.

Built by Mothership Marine,based in Oundle,Anitatookdeliveryofher boat in February2022whenit waslaunched in Oundle Marina.She admitslifeas aconstantcruiser hasn’t been plain sailing. Despite havinganinsight into boatinglifewhenherfriend,Roger, hired a40ft narrowboat for aweekfor hertolearnthe ropes, Anita suffereda slightmishapapproachingherfirstlock whensheforgottotieup Watt Way Thankfullyshe managed to remedy thesituation.

“You have to grow inconfidence. Idoalotofcheering andclapping when Imanagetodosomething,”says Anita. “That senseofachievementis outstanding.”Shealsoappreciates the supportofthe boatingcommunity. “It’swonderful. It makesyou feelpart of something.”

Anita hasalsobecomea passionateadvocateforpreserving andprotectingBritain’scanals.

Last yearAnitaandfellow supportersparticipatedina slow cruisetoLondonwheretheyhanded in apetitionto No 10 DowningStreet seekingthesameheatingsupport forthe boatingcommunitygivento UKhouseholdsduringthecostof livingcrisis.

AnitaalsosupportsFundBritain’s Waterways(FBW), acoalitionof organisations representingusersand supportersofinland waterwayswho arecampaigningtoprotectthe public benefitand natural capitalofthe waterways.“The UK hassomething that no othercountryhas got. Nowhereelsehas gotacanal system likewedothat is so extensiveand so

oldand so fullofhistory andweneed to be celebratingthat.

“Our waterwaysareuniquetothe UKand, outofthewholeofthe world nobodyhasanythinglikeit. Thereis noneofthis windinga windlassandthat

isthecharmoftheUK waterways.You areoperating itinthe same waythey did200 years ago–itislikeaworking museum,” explainsAnita. Beingaroundwaterisalso beneficialtowell-being.“Itisaknown

spaciouselectricnarrowboat, Watt Way.

factthatpeople withanxietyand depressionfeel betterwhentheyare by water,”saysAnita.

Testimonytothe appealofthe canal, andthe calmingbenefitsitbrings,are the appreciativeresponsesshe receives fromher weeklyvideoson YouTube and TikTokdocumentingherlifeon waterwithher beautifulshih tzucross chihuahua,Charlie.

“It’sabitof calmineverybody’s franticlives,” says Anita,whois colouringinher mapofBritain’scanals asshecompleteseachdestination. “Thereare 5000milesof navigable waterwaysand Iwanttosee every millimetre.”

To catchupwith Anitaand Charlie’s narrowboattravels searchNarrowboat Travelswith Charlieon YouTubeandTik Tok.

TorkseyLockCoffeeHouse open forbusiness

ByAlisonAlderton

TORKSEYLockisa wellknownmeetingplacefor boaters, cyclistsand walkers andisnowalsohometo anew cafe business.The TorkseyLockCoffee House, ownedand runbyJody andAmanda Bett,ispart of asmall,independent groupknown asThe Coffee Chain,based in Newark with another outlet at The Boat House, Thorpe onthe Hill. The original buildinghas beenthoughtfully renovated andsitsbesidethe poolon theLincolnsideofTorksey Lock at theentrance to the FossdykeCanal. Icameacrossthis

establishment aftera stressfuldownstream journeyonthe flooded Trent duringa finespringmorning withfluffywhiteclouds scuddingacrossthe wide Trentvalleyandit madea welcomesightfor sore eyes! It’s dog-friendlyand caters forfinecoffeeconnoisseurs andpastryaficionadosas wellasprovidingtastyhot andcoldsnacks.Thehomemadefood suppliedlooked temptingand therewere full veganoptions available. Prices werereasonableand thequalitywas excellent; especiallytrue ofthehot, rich,mugofmocha that revivedmeon theday. Thereare aboutsix tables outsideonthepatioanda similarnumberinside,allin demandwhile Iwas there. Some seatswereoccupied by membersofVelo Club Lincolntakingareststop. They informed methey were happily satisfied with theirfood anddrinkchoices, andpausedforabrief photo shoot before settingouton theironward cycletrip. If youfind yourselfin Torksey andwantgood, honesthome-produced food andqualitycoffeewhy notdropin? You’ll be glad you did!

Floatinghome:cruisingthecanalsonAnita Weedy’sbeautiful

Revitalisedmembersof VeloClubLincoln.

Boaters warnedto pay Thamesfees or risk afine

ABOATowner hasbeenfinedand must paycompensationforfailingto registerhis boat onthe RiverThames, following asuccessfulprosecution by the EnvironmentAgency.

TomRhima, of Worcester Park,Surrey, wascharged with failuretoregistera vessel under the EnvironmentAgencyInland WaterwaysOrder2010andfailure toobey directiontounmoorunder Byelaw 58ofthe Thames Navigation Licensingand General Byelaws1993.

He appeared at Staines Magistrates CourtonJune 4,whereheadmitted bothcharges.Hewasfined£50for the registrationoffence and£50forthe bylaw offence,with avictim surchargeof£40.

MrRhimawasfurther orderedtopay £1893.60 compensationtothe EnvironmentAgency. Thisis equaltotheannual boat registrationfeethat

should have been paidforthe period January1toDecember31,2023.

Thecourt heardthatEnvironment Agencywaterways enforcement officers were checkingboat registrations at RiverThames moorings at West Molesey in Julylast year,where theyfoundthe vessel HUI moored without registrationdetails onvisibledisplay.

On checkingthe EA national licensingsystem,theyfoundthat the boat’s annual registrationfees hadnot beenpaid.Asnoone wason board,theofficersaffixed anoticeof theoffenceto awindowofthe boat’s

cabin. On threemoreoccasionsin July,Augustand September2023, officersvisited the boat, each time servingenforcementnotices.

On twooccasions,the EA officers were accompanied by Surrey Fire &Rescueofficers, whoserved prohibitionnotices againstthe vessel, dueto safetyconcerns,andtaped off the gangway.

In court, Mr Rhimaclaimedthat theprevious owner hadtoldhimthat HUI came with mooringrightsand wasregistered– neitherofwhichwas the case.

Theunregistered HUI isthelargeboatinthe background. PHOTO:ENVIRONMENTAGENCY

ProdigiousprogressbyJuneworkparty

THEfirst of the ShropshireUnion Canal Society June work parties ontheCrickheathWharf siteof the Montgomery Canalclocked up arecord 580 volunteerhours over three days.

Fivevolunteers from PracticePlaninOswestry cametohelp outwith vegetationclearancethat wasstartingtochokethe hedgingwhipsplanted over winter.

Afurther10Arcadis volunteersfromas far afieldas Birmingham, Li ve rp oo la nd Manchesterhelpedwith liningandblocking the channel. Enormous progress wasmadeonall frontsand abig thank you is owed to allthosewho gave theirtime.

Thechannelin Phase 1A,northofthe compoundbyCrickheath Wharf, andPhase 1B, southofthecompound, is separated by afarm crossingwhichis beyond the scopeofthe current project.Thesiteofthis futureworkwill be protected by temporary dams in thechannel northand southofit with aconnectingpipe between1Aand 1B.

Wharfwalllookinggood.

Slowlydoesit. PHOTOS:SUCS

During this work party, afurther36mofchannel waslinedandblocked inthearea southofthe compoundthereby reachingthelocation of thetemporary dam. Aheroicachievement aidedbyfavourable weatherandthe additional volunteers. Therestill remains muchtocompletein this section:towpath andoffsidebanksatand abovewaterlevel,plus ofcourse constructing the temporarydam,but progresshas been rapid andis wellontrack.

In Phase1A, thefocus wasagainonplacing copingstonesbackon to therepairedwharf wall.This work party saw 16.7mofnew copings fundedbythe grant fromtheAssociationfor Industrial Archaeology placedonthe repaired wall.

Thenextlengthof copingsto be placedwill comprisetheoriginal stonesfrom thewharf that remain in good condition. So far, atotalof 43m of copings have been placed,39m remain.

This sectionofthe channel remains very wet withhighgroundwater levelsalthoughthese arecontinuingtodrop –slowly.

Anumberofadditional work parties have been arrangedoverthe summerperiod toensure workswillbecompleted before winter rainsfillthe channel again.

Priorityrepairsto Thatchamcanallock

DIVERShavetakentothe waterofthe Kennet &AvonCanal in Thatchamasthe Canal&RiverTrustcarries outrepairs toColthrop Lock.

Oneofthe busiestonthe riversection ofthe canal,thelock haddeveloped leakscaused by general wearandtear. The trustprioritisedworktofixtheleaks andensurethelock remains safeand available to boaters.

Areaoperations manager RobColes said:“ColthropLockisindaily useby boatersandit wasa priorityto getit fixed quickly. Insteadofdrainingthe canalwe’ve beenable to sendindivers tohelpmakea repair andplanthe works required laterthis yearwhenthelock gatesarereplaced.”

Oneofthediverswhocarriedout underwater repairstotheleaking lockgates.

&RIVERTRUST

All boatskept or used on the non-tidalThames must be registered annually, or riskprosecutionand afine.Boatregistration onthe Thames startson January1every year.

To register aboat call03708506506or visitwww.gov.uk/ register-a-boat

With much ofthedamagebelow the waterline, insteadofdrainingthe canal, aspecialistdiveteamtook to thewater to carryoutaninspectionandunderwater repair work.Thishelped minimise disruption forboaters,asthe navigation didn’t have to be dammedanddrained.

The workscostaround£5000and involved diversandlocal colleagues fromthetrustwhoprovidedrepair materials, support andwelfareand who tooktheopportunityto re-anchor amooringbollard thathadcomeloose.

Following theinspection,thedivers

repaired leaksinthe gate’splanks.They alsodiscoveredanissuewiththe seal at the bottomofthelock,which will require afurtherplanof work which can be incorporated into theprojectwhen thelocks gates,being manufactured at thetrust’sworkshop, arereplacedlater this year.

The repairsfollowrecentdredging andsignificant bank repairs caused by therecentfloodingoverthe winter period and have made asignificant improvementtothelock operation. Localteams willcontinuetomonitorthe lock’s performanceand schedulemore repairsifrequired.

Opendaytocelebratemarinaexpansion

THE Roydon Marina Village opendaywasa landmark celebration, markingtheunveilingof itsextension,adding 168 newberthsto the315-berth marina.

Oneofthehighlights wasacharity raffle which raised more than£400for theAlzheimer’s Society.

It wasnot just about introducing new berths but afulldayofjoy,exploration andcommunity spirit with hundredsofvisitorsable toexperiencethelively atmosphere.

Thisincludedlivemusic performancesfrom Hector

Cottam,anannualmoorer at Roydon Marina,andThe Purple Sound,alongside acaptivatinghula hoop performance by Coley Hoops.

Food vendorsincluded

EltonMossBoatbuildersfeaturedamongthe tradeexhibitors.

the marina’s Boathouse Cafe Barand Indian, Banh Mi Baby as wellas theCocktailand Cupcake Club.Thereweremarket stallsand outdooractivities forthewholefamily. Guests hadthe opportunitytodiscover theirdream boat orholiday homeamongadiverse selectionofopenlodges and boatsforsale at Roydon Marina Village owned by Lakeland Leisure Estates Exhibitors included Promarine Finance, Titan Boat Canopies, River

Raising aglassor twoattheTitanBoat Canopiesstand.

CanalRescue,Elton Moss Boatbuildersand Kingsground Narrowboats along with boat influencers Adam FloatingHomeand MayMoonNarrowboat. Many newenthusiasts signed up to be among thefirsttomoor at the newly extended marina which looks forward to welcoming more visitors and residents to Roydon Marina Village

FormoreinformationaboutRoydonMarina VillageandLakeland Leisure Estates, visitwww.lakelandleisuregroup.com

PHOTO:CANAL

Themarinanowhasmorethan480berths.

EnjoyingtheatmosphereattheRoydonMarina Villageopenday.

HybridMarinealongsideFischerPandanearthequayside.

Thelocalswanspaid avisitandattracted alot ofattention.

PlentyonofferatCrick2024

Words &photosbyPhilPickin

IT DOESN’Tseemlikea yearsince we undertook ourannualpilgrimage to Northamptonshirefor what is seenby many in the waterwayscommunityas the maineventofthe year –theCrick BoatShow.But,yes,ithas indeed been 12 months,and so we found ourselvesbackatCrick Marina andin thecompanyofthe mainplayers inthe inland waterways sectoramongmore than200exhibitorstofind outwhat is attractingattentionthis year. Asinpreviousyears,the event timetableincludedanumberof seminarscovering awide rangeof subjects, butitwas noticeablethat this yearthefundingofthe waterways

WaterwaysWorld,and RichardParry, chiefexecutiveofthe Canaland River Trust.Giventhelevelofconcern,itwas no surprisethat thetitleofthe session wasTheFutureofthe Waterways. Amonga numberofothertalksgiven onthedesign anduseofboats,itwas good to seegreen boatingandelectrical propulsion beingdiscussed aspartof the seminarprogramme.Evidence,as ifit were needed,that thesesubject areasareofincreasingimportanceand interest. So,withthat in mind,it was good to see thecontinuedpresenceof companieslikeLynchand Epropulsion alongside Hybrid Marineand arange ofbatteryspecialists. Butitwasn’tall ‘greentech’attheshow.Traditional engineand equipmentbrandslike Shire, Betaand Barruswerethere, with

the latter showcasingits recenttie-up with Hybrid Marine.

Newproducts

What stood outthis year wasthe number ofnew businessesofferingportable airconditioning units.Isthis duetoa change in ourclimate, orarethese the new‘must haves’ forboaters? Other newbrands included aUScompany called NewpowaUKLtd. Apparently thecompanyhas asignificant track recordinCaliforniaselling solarpanels andassociatedequipmenttothesailing community, so itisnowoffering its product rangetoownersof boatsonthe UK’swaterways.

Portablebatterypower wasalso evidentwith, amongothers,Fischer Pandapromotingthe Clayton PowerLPS

II powersystem. Marketedasbeing ‘ultra-compactandhighdensity’, they canbecharged from avarietyof powersources,allowing usersto be trulyoff-gridforsignificant periods Althoughnotneworunique,itseems toprovidefurtherevidenceofthe trendwithintheindustryfor efficient energy storage. At atimeofincreasingconcerns aboutthe purity of drinkingwater aftertheissues withthe supplyin Devonrecently,it wasinterestingto talktothe representative of Aegina, aUVLED water purification system that is saidto be able toprovideclean drinkingwaterfromalmostany source.Categorised as “class A”,the unituses UV lighttopurifythe water afterithas been filteredtoremove

Asalways,thecanine visitors to Crickseemed toenjoythemselves.

largeparticulatecontamination.The systemlooksto be highly efficientand hasbeendesignedforthose who own motorhomes,etc.

The obviousadvantage for theboat ownersisthe reduced need fortank storageand overcomingconcerns about alackofopportunitiesto refilla tank.It is just ashamethat thecurrent publicity

regardingthe stateofUKwaters must make promotinga systemlikethisallthe moredifficult.

Oldmeetsnew

Despite theimageofthe waterways being averytraditionalpastime,itis interestingtosee that, althoughnot new, subjectslikevloggingare being

Swilgate, alsoprovedtobepopular.

addedtothe seminaragenda withan opportunityto‘meetthevloggers’ inthe form ofFranand Richfrom FloatingOur Boat. The ‘firesidechat’gaveattendees theopportunitytoaskquestions about continuouscruisingandthelifeofa YouTubevlogger.

Crick, asusual, gave visitorschance to participateinvotingforthe Favourite Boat in theShow, whichthisyear wasawarded to Kingsgroundandits narrowboat Highgrove.This year’s widebeam awardwenttoa boat built by The BespokeBoatCompany.In contrasttothenew boats, theHistoric Narrow Boat Club matchedlastyear’s recordnumber of boatsondisplay, with members on handtochat withvisitors. Moored alongside thehistoric boatswas oneofCRT’snewestworkboats builtin the workshops at Aqueduct Marina. With anumberofCRT staff on hand,it madeforanunexpected butnonetheless interestingdeparture fromtheother boatsonshow.

Despitefiguresrecentlyreleased by CRTshowing a7%declinein boat numbers, allofthe boat buildersasked saidtheywerebusywith buildslotsfilled formonths,ifnot years, ahead. Even takingthedecreaseintoaccount, there arestillsomethinglike32,602 boatson the system,whichshouldprovideplenty ofinterestedvisitors forCrick 2025, which will be from May24-26.

Withthis year’s showhavinghad afew problemsas aresultoftheheavy rain before andduring theshow,fingers crossed for areturntothe warm anddry weatheroflastyear’s event.

THE John Bunyan Community Boat offers arange of scenic river cruisesalongthe River GreatOuseinBedford until October,enabling bothlocalpeople

andvisitorstoaccess the wonderful river environment.

It hascarried around 55,000-pluspassengers overthepast 10 years on varioustrips,from

Kempstoninthe west toGreatBarfordinthe eastandalongBedford Embankment.

The John Bunyan will be running30-minute tastercruises at the BedfordRiver Festival on July 20-21whereit canbefoundnextto BedfordTownlockon thelowerriver.

Othertripsduring the summerinclude ahistory cruise along theembankmentto learn aboutthehistory of Bedford’slandmarks fromtheUpper River and, by popular demand,afternoontea cruises, lunch, teaand cake and fish andchip cruises.

Enjoya lively music eveningcruisefeaturing IrishceilidhbandInis Eireora jazz cruise. Thereare also Sundayand Thursday afternooncruisesand one-wayfamily walker tripsfromPriory Marina to Sovereigns Quay.Forinformation and bookingsvisit www.bmkwaterway. org/johnbunyanboat/ Communityboat

Thetrust alsoruns the12-seatertrip boat Electra operated by volunteersonthe Grand Union Canal, Milton Keynes. Cruises runthrough tomid-Decemberon

EtruriaIndustrialMuseum

Etruria JunctionStoke-on-Trent

Saturday27th &Sunday28th July1100to1630

Shirley’s 1857Bone &FlintMill‘InSteam’

Theonlyoperationalpotters’millintheworld runningfrom1230 Experiencetheatmosphereof aworkingcanalside Victorian manufactorydrivenbyan1820sbeamengine &1903boiler BlacksmithDemonstrationsintheForge RailwaymemorabiliaexhibitionintheCanal Warehouse TeaRoom andToilets

EntrancetoMuseumandMill£10.00peradultORguidedtourofthemill (subjecttoavailability)£15.00peradult.Under16sfreewhenwith apayingadult

Etruria ValeRoad,Etruria,Stoke-on-TrentST14RB info@etruriamuseum.org.ukwww.etruriamuseum.org.uk

Tendersdue:18th July2024 at 14.00UK LocalTime Location:Grantham

theGrand Union Canaland includecreamteas,fishand bubbles,ploughman’slunches andcoffeeand cake. Youcould alsoenjoy arelaxing cafe bar cruise or ahalf-day cruisetoFenny Stratfordor Cosgroveand backwithlunch. Forinformationandbookings visitwww.bmkwaterway.org/ electra/

Crew call

TheJohnBunyan CommunityBoatis lookingfor achairperson toleadthevolunteersand managementteam inthe day-to-dayoperations oftheJohnBunyan communityboat.

Ifyouareinterestedinthis role,emailvolunteering@ johnbunyanboat.org

Bothboatsareoperated onbehalfoftheBedford& MiltonKeynes Waterway Trustwhichisalwaysonthe lookoutfornewvolunteers. Theycantraininthe cabin,onthedecktohelm andtoqualifyas aboat master. Forthosewhoenjoy

workingwithcustomers, therearerolesavailableas cabincrewandaspartof thepurserteam. Allfundsand donations raisedwillgotowardsthe developmentof a16miles (26km) newwaterwaypark, whichwilllinktheRiver GreatOuseinBedfordto theGrand UnionCanalin MiltonKeynes. Ifyouwouldlike tovolunteerorknow otherswhowouldlike togetinvolved,please emailvolunteering@ johnbunyanboat.orgor www.bmkwaterway.org/ electra/volunteering/for moredetailsaboutthe organisation.

Rubberducksanddragonboatsreturnto PaddingtonBasin

THE Rubber Duck Raceand Dragon Boat Regattaare making asplash againin July onthe PaddingtonArm inaid oftheCosmiccharity.

It supportsthe children’s andneonatalintensive care units at St Mary’s andQueen Charlotte’s Hospitalsin Londonandhopesto raise morethan£45,000.

On Thursday,July25, up to3000 rubberducks will be released into the canalatMerchantSquare (Paddington, LondonW2 1JX)atnoonfortheannual Rubber Duck Race over 100metres.Ducks canbe

sponsoredforjust£3each.

The funcontinues laterthat eveningasthe Dragon Boat Regattatakes overthe canal from5-9pm.

TraditionalChinese dragon boats, mannedby16 rowers andonedrummer,will racein a100mcompetition.

Botheventsarefreefor spectatorsto attendalong the canaltowpath.However, sponsoringducksand dragon boat teamsraises vitalfundsfor Cosmic’s efforts supporting criticallyill childrenandtheirfamilies, as wellasprovidingequipment and resourcesforhospital

staff. There will be live music, outdoorbars, street food and morefestivities.Fordetails andto sponsora duckvisit cosmiccharity.org.uk

Spectatorswatchthe rubberducksonthe PaddingtonArm.

Theall-electric Electra onthe GrandUnionCanalatMilton Keynes. PHOTO:GILLPRINCE

The JohnBunyan communityboatonthe

WHAT’SONINJULY

IfyouwantyoureventlistedinourfreemonthlyWhat’sOnsectionemailyourentrytoeditorial@towpathtalk.co.ukorusetheeventsformat www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events.Pleasecheckwithorganiserswhethertheeventisgoingaheadbeforesettingoutonyourjourney.

UntilJuly20

StaffordRiverwayLink: Display of artefactsunearthedbySRL volunteers fromthe canalatBrereton Library. Talbot Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS151AU. It willthenmove to BaswichCommunityLibrary,Lynton Avenue,Baswich,StaffordST170EA from July 24until September4.

July5-7

StratfordRiverFestival: Three daysoffunandfestivitiesalongside the RiverAvonoppositetheRoyal Shakespeare Theatre.

July7

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal:LittleVenice–Camden.Warwick Avenue tube station at 2.30pm.Normal charge £20;concessions,studentsand accompanied children16and over£15; 8-15£5;under 8free. Prior booking recommended,contact London Walks: 02076243978oremaillondon@walks. com

July12-August28

GillShaw: CanalBoatLives Photographic Exhibition. Marylebone ArtSpace,StMarylebone ParishChurch, 17 Marylebone Road, London,NW15LT.

July13

AqueductMarina: Boatingevent, 10am-4.30pmfollowed by livemusic 6.30pm-late.Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull,Cheshire CW56DX. EveshamRiverFestival: Incorporatingannual Russell NewberyRegister Rally, decoratedand illuminated boat parades.

July13-14

Black CountryLiving Museum: 1940s weekend: daytimeactivitiesand eveningevent on July13. Booktickets at bclm.com

Canal &River Trust: SharpnessPort 150thanniversarycelebration with guidedwalks, boat tripsand exhibition. SharpnessDockers Club,Berkeley GL139UN,10am-4pm.

July19

LouthNavigation Trust: Boules at TicklepennyLock, 6pm.www. louthcanal.org.uk

July19-21

GnosallC’Fest: Three-day communityfestival with boattrips, floatingmarket, historicboats,canal history,livemusicand refreshments at local pubs.Gnosall, StaffordshireST20 0DA.www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk

Thames TraditionalBoatFestival: 45thfestivalfeaturing largestdisplay of traditional boatsinEuropeand fleet of Dunkirk‘Little Ships’. Funfamily dayout celebratingbestinBritish boatbuilding, streetfood, shopping andcamping. Live music everyday. Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames RG92HY,openfrom10amdaily.www. tradboatfestival.com

July20

PershoreRiver Festival: Themed ‘Riverof Dreams’withall-day live music, children’sfunfair,teaand cakes plus wateractivitiesincorporatingthe Wychavon Games Bell Boatingevent, Bell Boat teamcompetitionsandtry-itoutpaddleboardand kayakingsessions with BonkersActivitiesand Wychavon Kayakand CanoeClub.

July20-21

BuckinghamCanalSociety: CosgroveCanal FestivalandCraft Fair:Historicboats,trade stands,craft stalls, gamesandentertainment. www. buckinghamcanal.org.uk BedfordRiverFestival: Free event

includingboattrips,liveentertainment, raftanddragonboatraces,funfair, food anddrink,craftsand stalls.Riverside venuesthroughoutthe town.

July21

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross– GranarySquare–St Pancras.King’sCrossmeettaxi queue sign nexttoPretaMangerat2.30pm. Normalcharge £20;concessions, studentsandaccompaniedchildren 16and over£15;8-15£5;under 8free. Prior booking recommended,contact London Walks:02076243978or emaillondon@walks.com

July23

RiverFoss Society: 4.4-mile riverbankeveningwalkfrom Blue Bridge to Huntington withoptional refreshments at the Blacksmith’s Arms, Huntington. Meet6pm BlueBridge. Formoreinformationcontact Derek Chiverstolethimknowyou arecoming at derek@chivers.plus.com

July25

DuckandDragonracing: Paddington Basin,LondonW21JX, inaid of Cosmic charity. Ducks12-2pm; dragons 5-9pm,alsolivemusic,outdoorbars, streetfood andmorefestivities.http:// cosmiccharity.org.uk

RiverFossSociety: SocialPint’na Chatat the Mason’sArms, 6Fishergate, York,7pm.Aninformalmeet-upfor membersandfornon-membersto findout aboutthe RiverFossSociety. July27-28

EtruriaIndustrialMuseum: Summer steamingatthe museumonthe CaldonandTrent& Mersey canals at Stoke-on-Trent.

GatheringofHistoricBoats: Audlem Mill,CheshireCW30DX.

Trippingacrosstheborder

THE populartrip boat George Watson Buck based onthe MontgomeryCanal in Llanymynech has restartedSunday 30-minutetripsbetween Englandand Wales following asuccessful survey ofthe boat. Based at the Llanymynech Wharf VisitorCentre inthe Limeworks Heritage Areain Llanymynech, thetripsareidealfor visitorstothearea to get asenseofthe heritage and wildlifeof theMontgomeryCanal. Vo lunteer-run, boththe boat and visitorcentreofferan interestinginsightinto the canalandplans for itsrestoration.

In for mat ive exhibitionsintheold stableblockhighlight thehistoryassociated withthe Montgomery Canal,which wasbuilt to carrylimestone fromlocalquarriesas wellaspassengersand agriculturalgoods. The visitorcentreis openeverySunday –and August Bank Holiday

Monday– untiltheend of September. Opening hoursare 1.30-4.30pm. Entrancetothevisitor centreisfreeand boat tripscost£5foradults and£2.50 perchild. No bookingis required forthe boat tripsandthevisitor centrehas light refreshments available and apicnicarea.

Stepbackintime at ‘The Trad’

EVOKINGthe nostalgiaofboating from abygoneera, the45th Thames Traditional Boat Festivaltakesplace over theweekendof July19-21. This popular,long-runningevent offersmoreattractionsonthewater, intheairandontheland at Fawley Meadows,Henley-on-Thames, RG92HY.

Openfrom10amdaily,thefestival offersanexcitingandfun dayout forthewholefamily,celebratingthe best inBritish boatbuildingaswellas streetfood,shoppingand camping.

This year ‘TheTrad’ will seethe largestfleetofDunkirk‘Little Ships’ ever to attendthe eventand the largestdisplayoftraditional boats in Europe.Alsoamphibiousand militaryvehiclesandaircraftofthe GreatWarDisplayTeam. The CrookedBilletwillbring its pop-up gastropub.Alivemusic programme everyday includes such well-known namesas Clearwater Credence Revivalonthe Saturday. Fordetailsofticketpricesvisitwww. tradboatfestival.com

The George WatsonBuck tripboatat LlanymynechWharf. PHOTOSUPPLIED

MusicimpresarioPete Waterman,withmicrophoneinhand,andTim CoghlanofBraunstonMarinainthesmalldrydockduringthe recording ofBBCRadio4’sOpenCountyin2020.Behindis amodernnarrowboat beingpaintedbyDaveBishop.Thedockisbelievedtodatebackto 1792,sincewhenithasbeenincontinuoususe. PHOTO:BBC/HEATHERSIMONS

Thesamescene,littlechange,inAugust1950,witha SamuelBarlowyard-handpaintingthefore-endofa motor. PHOTO: IANWRIGHT

Thefirstattemptedconversionof ahorse-drawn woodenbuttyto amotorin1929atthethenNurser’s Yard.Theconvertednarrowboatwas ForgetMeNot forthe‘NumberOne’HenryGrantham. PHOTO:WHITLOCK/ CARNECOLLECTION

ThelegendarypainterFrankNurserworkinginthat samedockin1950attheotherendofthatsame motor. PHOTO:IANWRIGHT

BraunstonWharfcirca1953,withtheoldengine shopstillusedforitsoriginalpurpose,andtheold dieselpump‘foroilingup’attheentrancepoint. PHOTO: AUBREYBERRIMANCOLLECTION

RedWheelday forBraunstonMarina

By TimCoghlan

EARLIERthis year,wereceived good newsthat ourformalapplicationfora National TransportTrust’s RedWheel heritage plaque wassuccessful. At our suggestion,it’ll be formallyunveiledby musicimpresarioand steamenthusiast Pete Watermanat10amon Saturday, June29,anhour beforetheformal openingofthis year’s rally.

Pete hadoriginally suggested that we should applyforoneandthen backedthe application. Membersofthe TransportTrust will be in attendance, includingJerry Swift,deputychairman ofthe NationalTransport Trust. The official guests willinclude RichardParry, CEOofthe Canal&RiverTrust, retired CRTchairmanTonyHales,and Mike Will,chairmanoftheIWA. Joiningthem will be Lady SheilaSuchetwho,inher capacityasjointvice-presidentofthe IWAwithher husband SirDavid, will be formallyopeningthe rallyas SirDavid hadtocancelduetoanunforeseen change to his filming commitments. Attendees at the rally willalsobemost welcometojointheunveiling.

The plaque will be mountedtothe walloftheformerengineshop,whichit is suggested wasbuilt by theWomen’s LandArmy duringthe Second World War. There’snoconclusivepro it butI wastoldthis in my early days ofacquiringBraunston Marina,c.1989, by alocal who remembereditbeing built by them.Certainly,the evidenceforthe building’s constructionduringthe warisverystrong, as the buildingdoesn’t appearin survivingphotographsfrom beforethe war, andit’s certainly thereinphotographsimmediat afterwards. Thebrickwork to the buildingisveryfine,withthe pointingso good,thatat atimewhencement wasin desperately shortsupply,itwas sowell mixed that it’s survivedsome90 years or so withoutneedforanyrepointing!

from theyard. Theenginescouldthen be worked oninsidethe building, which includedametaltestingtank.

Thechangefromwoodenhorsedrawnnarrowboatstomotors had occurredquitequickly, startingin thelate1920sandearly 30s withthe developmentofthe Pettersemi-diesels. Someexistingbuttieswereconverted in the yard’s smalldry dock fromhorsedrawnboatstomotoror were new-built asmotorsinthenewlarge shedoutside that dock.

The overhead hoisttotheengineshop still survivesandis believed to still be operational,thoughthepresentusage of the buildingisasawoodworkingshop forthefitting-outof boats, built byPeter Nicholls SteelBoats.Asectionofthe buildingwasalsoconverted to thenew marina’s pump-out roomand laundrette, withthenewdiesel pump located nearby. It’s onthe outside wall ofthis roomthat theplaque will be mounted,facing the marina’s iconic HorseleyIronworks bridge,whereit’ll be well seenbymarina usersandvisitingboats.

The ideathat we should applyfor thisprestigious awardhad neverreally occurredtome. Althoughwehavea collectionofhistoriccanal working buildings,which we’d redandarestill inuse, we area smalleroperation compared tothe

Theconstructionofthe building includedanasbestosroofoverhangover the survivingsectionoftheformerline oftheOxfordCanal. Araised quayside wasalsobuiltunderthe overhang to facilitateworkingonboatsunder cover. An overheadhoistwas supplied, reachingout overthe canalforlifting enginesinand outofthe‘motors’ of the Samuel Barlow fleet that operated

Thelaunchofthe Raymond inJune,1958atBraunstonWharf,which, despitehighhopes,provedtobethelastwoodenworkingnarrowboat builtforthecanals. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

25or so bignamesonthe waterways who’d already received RedWheel plaques.Theseincludethe Hatton Flight andthe BlisworthTunnel,andthere’s already aplaque at BraunstonBottom Lock covering thegreater Braunston area.However,the suggestionof making ourown application cameinthe summer of2020when Pete Waterman cameto Braunstonto recordaprogrammefor BBCRadio4. He hadalsodisclosed that as aCoventryboy,bornandbred,he’d often been fishingherewithhisfatherin the1950swhenit wasstill aworkingboat yard.Sohehad first-handknowledgeof itfromthosedays.

Pete interviewedmefor Open Country by theentrance to oursmalldock.I told himthat webelieved thedock had

beenincontinuoususefor boat fitting and maintenancesince1792. On air,I showed himacopyofaphotographof exactlywhere wewere standingtaken by theearlyIWAenthusiast IanWrightin August 1950. Pete wasamazed. He then went ontointerviewthe wellknown canalboatpainter Dave Bishop, who waspaintingawaybehind usduring my interview. Dave hadbeen trained by thelegendaryRon Hough,whoin turn hadlearntfromFrank Nurser,and so theapostolic succession hadcontinued down thegenerations.Petealso interviewed Pete andKaren Flockhart, withtheirtraditional rope fender business.Furtherinterviewscontinued until recordingwascompleted;Peteand Ithen retired to the canalside Admiral Nelsonfor awell-earnedpint. It was here that he recommendedBraunston Marina should applyforthe RedWheel plaque.Therest, astheysay,ishistory. Therewas stillthequestionofthe plaque wordingthough,andthe questionof just whenBraunston Wharfhadopened,asthisdate would appearforalltimeontheplaque. The ParliamentaryAct fortheconstruction oftheOxfordCanal waspassed in1769 and,amazingly, by 1794the handdug canalhad beencompleted from Coventry to Napton,andindoingso, had passedthroughBraunston.Compare that withthe snail-likeHS2!

ButjustwhendidBraunston Wharfbegin?

Thereisanadvertisementinthe Northampton Mercurydated 1774 offeringcoalfor saleatBraunstonthat’d comefromCoventry,butexactlywhere inBraunston wasthewharffromwhich it wasbeingsold cannot be established

Raymond,assistedbyRoger GolderoftheFriendsofRaymond, intheopeningparadeofthe2023 Rally.

withcertainty.Therehad beenanother wharfofwhichlittleisknown,and has longceased to exist,which wasnear today’sMidland Chandlers, just the other side oftheA45 towardsRugby. However, there’sa delightful advertisementinthe Northampton MercuryofJuly20,1778,that does mention ‘BraunstonWharf’ –the name that survives to thisday.And this date we have chosenfortheplaque,whichnow reads:“Ahub of the canalnetworksince 1778. Developed as afreight transfer facilityand stillinusefor maintenance of canalcraft.Thelastwooden boat was builtherein1958.”

That same1778advertisementreads: “Coals,atBraunston Wharf. The Dealers intheCoal-Trade,atBraunston-Wharf, beg leavetoacquainttheirfriends and customers,that they maydepend upon being constantlysuppliedatthe aboveWharfwith Hawkesbury Coals (commonly calledthe BedworthCoals) ofthe very bestquality,andthelowest prices;but forthefuture. Readymoney must be paidupon loading, as the smallprofits,atwhich such dealersare determinedtosell, willnot permitany creditto be given.”Thereare hintshere ofthat line inthetraditionalIrish song The Wild Rover, aregularfavouriteinthe David BlagroveTribute session in the beertentat Braunston Rallies:“Iasked herforcredit,sheanswered me ney. For customlikeyours,I cangetanyday!” JerrySwift,deputychairman, National TransportTrust,said:“TheRed Wheel celebratesthehistory of Braunston Wharfand willcomplementthe Red Wheelfurtherdown thecutthat highlightstheBraunston CanalVillage: botharepartofthis keyhubontheUK canalnetwork.”

LadySheilaSuchetsteeringthe

PHOTO: TIMCOGHLAN

Where the Red Wheel plaque will be mounted: the old engine shop seen here at a previous Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

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Newpresident-electand directors at BritishMarine

BRITISHMarine hasannouncedthe appointmentofanew president-electandfive non-executivedirectors to its boardfollowing avoteatthe recent BM council,which representstheinterests ofthemembership.

The boardpositions, whichare effective from July 18, attracteda rangeofapplicantsand thenewly appointed directorsarepoised tobringa wealthof diverseexpertiseand innovativeapproaches.

Theyare:PaulKnoxJohnston,sales and marketingmanager at HavenKnox-Johnston; Miles Moorhouse, headof marketingat Fairline Yachts Ltd;

PaulKnoxJohnston’scareer hasencompassed boatsales,yacht charters,marine financeandmost recentlyinsurance, wherehehas beeninstrumental inbringingback theHavenKnoxJohnstonname.

Luke Morrison,chief executive/managing directorofRooster SailingLtd; Carl Onens (treasurer), managing directorofABC Leisure GroupLimitedand Malcolm Stewart, head ofcommercial marine at HavenKnox-Johnston.

British Marine has alsoannouncedthe appointmentofLyndsay McClay,thecommercial manager of Marine IndustryNews,asthe newpresident-elect.

Shewill serveinthis rolefor twoyearsbefore becoming presidentin July 2026.

Lyndsay said: “Since Ijoinedtheindustry in2015,I'veaimedto supporttheamazing peoplewhoarethe

Incomingpresidentelect Lyndsay McClaybringsa wealthofexperience tothehelmandwill assumethe role of presidentinJuly 2026. PHOTOS:BRITISH MARINE

Newapprentice awardto launchatSouthamptonshow

backboneof oursector. I’mreallylooking forward to working with ourpresident, chairman,fellowboard membersandthe entireBritish Marine teamtodrivesuccess andinnovationforthe wholeindustry.”

British Marine chiefexecutive Lesley Robinson said:“Each newdirector bringsa wealthofexperience and anew perspective that is vitalfor our continued strategic progress.

“I lookforward to workingclosely withthemand with ourpresident-elect, LyndsayMcClay,to navigatetheexciting opportunitiesahead.”

NewtreasurerCarl Onensismanaging directoroftheABC LeisureGroupwhich hejoinedasfinance directorin2006.He recentlycompleted afour-yearterm asanelected businessboating representativeon theCanal &River Trustcouncil.

Marinebusinessesdonate lifejacketstoboatingcharity

TWOneighbouringorganisations have come togethertocelebratea donation which willaidthe safetyofuserson localcanals.

MidlandChandlers hassuppliednew life jacketstoitsBraunstonneighbours, boatingcharity LNBP Community Boating, withthehelpof Hampshirebased lifejacketand survivaltechnology specialistCrewsaver.

LNBP,whichprovidesshortbreaks

andlongerholidaysforcommunity groupsandorganisations aboarditstwo full-sized narrowboats, hadidentified theneed to replaceitsageingstock.

Chairman John Tobin said:“Weare so gratefulforthe generosityand effortsthat MidlandChandlersandCrewsaverhave made withthedonation/sponsorshipof life jacketstous.

“Wehavealwayshad astrong relationship with Midland Chandlers andlookforward tofurtherdeveloping ourcloselinksas well as some new

THElaunchof anewBritish Marine Apprenticeofthe Year awardissetto be one ofthehighlightsatthe Southampton International BoatShow in September.

Thisprestigiousaccolade seekstocelebrate thetalents of outstandingapprentices withinthe marineleisure, smallcommercialand super yachtsectors.Thewinner will be presentedwitha speciallyengraved trophy markingtheirachievement.

British Marinechief executiveLesleyRobinson said: “Thisaward not onlyhighlightsindividual excellence butalso underscoresthevital role that apprenticesplay inthe futureofthe marine sector.”

Shewillbepartofa distinguishedpanelof judgesjoined by:Jasmine Kundra–aformer BBC’s Apprenticeparticipant; LornaWagnerfrom

MaritimeUK Solent;Manj Mahey,headoftraining, BritishMarineand Tasha Joyce, EPAoperations manager,British Marine. Thecompetitionis opentoall apprentices

whoarecurrently active on any apprenticeship standard offered by their organisation –from businessadministratorto marineengineer,first-year newcomers rightuptothose

intheirfinalassessment stages.

Thejudgeswill review allnominationsafter entriesfrom member and non-memberemployers closeonJune30. Ashortlist of10finalists willundergoa final reviewandthe ultimate winnerdecided.

Thefinalists will be announcedonAugust 2,eachreceivingfour complimentaryticketstothe Southampton International BoatShow forthemselves andtheir guestsand will be invited to the Apprentice RecognitionCeremony on Tuesday, September 17,whichcelebratesthe emergingtalentinthe marineindustry.

As part of the ceremony, the winnerofthe first British Marine Apprenticeofthe Year awardwill becrowned, withcertificates presented to eachof thefinalists.

Streamlined approachtodinghyinsurance

MARINEinsurer

HavenKnoxJohnston has unveiledaspeedy online ‘quoteand buy’ toolwhich allows dinghy ownersto get an insurancequotein lessthan30 seconds.

Having spent considerabletime discussing and listening to what customers really want, thisnew offeringfromHaven KJ isaimedat craftingthe whole dinghyinsurance processintoaslicker experience. Efficiency and

simplicityarekey, meaningowners nolongerneed to answerahostof questionswhich aren’t relevantto theirdinghyorinput extensivepersonal detailsto generatea quote.

“Wehavealways been committed tounderstanding andaddressingthe unique requirements of boatowners,” said Paul Knox-Johnston, salesand marketing manager.“Through ourextensive engagementefforts, we'vegained invaluableinsights.

initiatives with boththemandCrewsaver intimestocome.”

LNBPhasalsobeen awardedafurther sizeablecontributiontowardsthecost of thelifejacketsfromtheRugby Group BenevolentFund.

WishingLNBPevery success, chairmanGraeme Fuller saidthe fund wasdelightedtosupportthis worthy cause.

Representativesfrom Midland ChandlersandCrewsaverofficially handedover thenew stock to trustees andexecutivemembersof LNBP during theCrickShow tradeandpreviewday. Crewsaveralsogavea short impromptudemonstrationand guidanceonthenewlife jackets,which were on handforLNBPduringitsannual commitmenttorunningtheshow’strip boatsacrossthe weekend.

Speaking aboutthedonationand furtherstrengtheningofthe relationship

Theresultis our enhanceddinghy insuranceoffering andthe introduction of ourrapidquote and buytool, bothof whicharedesigned to providedinghy enthusiasts witha betterinsurance experience.”

HavenKJhas also takenthe opportunityto tune itsdinghyinsurance policiesto match theevolvingneeds andpreferencesof dinghyowners.

TheAll-Weather policynow includes coverfordinghy racing, inland

andcoastalusein theUK,30days’ useinEuropean Continental waters as wellas road andferry transitas standard.

A‘base layer’ policyoptionis availabletoprovide abasiclevelofcover often required by sailingclubs and events,including £5mThirdParty Liability.

HavenKJ remains dedicatedto cateringfor the diverseneeds ofthemarine industryright acrosstheUK, couplingindustryleadingcustomer servicewith comprehensive coveroptions foryachts, motorboats, narrowboatsand muchmore.

FormoreinformationaboutHaven Knox-Johnston’sdinghyinsurance,or insuranceforanyothertypeofboat,visit www.HavenKJ.com

LNBPofficials,inblue,withPeterFordofCrewsaver,TomStott, MidlandChandlersandGraemeFullerandJohnBrooks,RugbyGroup BenevolentFund.

betweenthethree parties,Tom Stott, sales manageratMidlandChandlers, said:“Iamdelightedthatwecan support

LNBP CommunityBoatingwiththis donation,asensuringsafety forall canal

usersisofutmostimportance. “Our strong relationship with LNBP andCrewsaver underscores ourshared commitmenttothelocalboating community.”

OliviaRichards-Smith,apprenticemarineengineer atSunseeker. PHOTO:RICHARD TARR

ByPhilPickin

AquaSpirit –thelatest sponsoredhireboat from AquaNarrowboats

THEideaof sponsoredhireboats isn’tnew andoverthe years it has provedpopular with anumberof boat ownerswho want to seeareturn ontheirinvestmentwhileenjoying the waterwaysthemselves.Soitis interestingtosee thelatestsponsored hire boat fromoneoftheindustry’s mostrespectedboatbuilders,Aqua Narrowboats, whichcelebratesits20th anniversarythis year. Fromitsmodern basebetween UttoxeterandDerby,the company hasbuiltnotonlya growing numberof sponsored and bespoke boats butalsoareputationforhighquality.

The latestis Aqua Spirit which,by thetimeyou readthis, will have been launchedand joinedfourothersin thisgrowinghirefleetbased atBarton Marina.Currently,itonlyoperatesout of Barton, butAquahopesto be ableto offer anotherbaseasthefleet expands. The hire fleet is just part of awiderange of servicesandproductsfrom Aqua Narrowboats, whichalsobuilds bespoke boatsand supplies awiderangeof boat furnishingsviaAqua Furnishings.

Itslatest projectisa 58ft semi-cruiser stern narrowboat finishedinabright red,off-whiteandbluecolour scheme anduses aColecraftshell. Aqua Spirit hasbeenfitted with aBeta42,although

other hybrid marineoptionsare availableaspartoftheoptions available tosponsoredboatbuyers. Although the boat isn’tbespoke you would be unableto tell,giventhequalityofthe finishthroughout.Itiswhat you could call semi-bespoke inthat therearea numberoflayoutoptionsfor anyone lookingtobuy asponsoredboat. These aredependent uponthelengthofthe boat, with moreoptions beingavailable forthemorepopularlengths.

Internalqualities

In the case of Aqua Spirit,thelayout provideswhat would seemtobevery comfortable accommodationforupto six people, therebywideningthe hire opportunitiesforthe owner, who,aspart ofthepackage, hasfourweeks per year tousethe boat themselvesthroughout thefiveyears of thesponsorship.Atthe endofthis period,the boat retiresfrom thehirefleetand becomesa private boat.During thefiveyears within Aqua’s fleet,the boat is maintained, winterised, cleanedandgenerallylooked afterwhile earningthe ownerup to 38%ofincome fromeachrental.

Theschemewould seemof particularinteresttothosewhoenjoy the waterwaysandareplanningfor their retirementwitha viewtodoing alotmorecruisingwiththeextratime

theywillhaveavailable.Overthe five years, they gettoenjoy their boat and offsetsomeofthecostswhile having itprofessionallymaintainedbefore potentially becomingcontinuous cruisersorliveaboardsthemselves. If theychangetheirminds,Aquaoffersan optionto sellthe boat viathe companyif

Technical specification

Length: 58ft

Style: Semi-cruiser stern withlocker

seats

Engine: Beta43 withhospitalsilencer

Electrical: Wiring for solarpanels, Victronbattery monitor

Berths: Six

Shell: Colecraft

Galley: Quartz worktops,Thetford Oven,Fridgemasterfridge and microwave

Price: £189,995

Builder’sdetails: Aqua Narrowboats (MFG) Ltd, TheBoatHouse, Tomlinson BusinessPark, Woodyard Lane,Foston,DerbyshireDE655BU. email:info@aquanarrowboats. co.ukTel: 01283 585718 www. aquanarrowboats.co.uk

they decidetheywantorneedto.

Asforthe boat itself, AquaSpirit isasgood as you mightexpectfroma companythathasbuiltits reputationon beinga‘cutabove’overthelast20years.

The galleyfeaturessomeimpressive curvesinthemid-greyquartz worktops; thesematchthehighglosscupboard anddrawerfronts.A stainlesssteel sinkhasbeen insettooneside,andto theotheris athree-burner gashob.A

Thetfordovenandgrillarelocated above aFridgemasterfridge,and amicrowave completesthe galleyinventory.When theboatretiresfromthe fleet,the owner maylook to additemslikea freezerand washingmachine.

There areplentyofcupboardsaround the galleyandthroughoutthe boat more generally. Thebreakfast bar, which separatesthelarge lounge fromthefood preparationarea,providesaveryuseful shelf.This hasbeen madefromoak,as hasthe rest of theinterior fitout,with

theexceptionofthe flooring, whichis LVT. The kingfisherdesignseeninthe Romanblindscontinuesthroughoutthe boat and canbefoundonthe porthole buttonsinthe main bedroom. The lounge seatingissubstantialand canbeconfiguredinanumberof ways toprovide berthsfor twopeople,bethey insingleordouble beds.Theseatingcan also accommodateupto six aroundthe removabletables stowed next tothe TV anddisplay unit.Whiteradiators providetheheating, andnumerous cornershelves with13A socketscloseby provideanidealplacetocharge phones, etc,outofthe way. Theseshelves canalsobeseenabove thetwo singleberthsinthenextroom. These beds canbeturned into adouble if required,andthe room isfitted withanadditionalTVand reading lights abovebothbeds. Theroom looked comfortable,cosyandprivate, somethingoften lackingonahireboat.

AquaSpirit onthecanalforthefirsttime. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

AquaSpirit’s galleyandlounge beyond. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Impressivequartzgranite-toppedwalkthroughgalley. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Acomfortableandspaciouslivingarea. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Thetwosingleberthsthatcanbeconvertedinto adouble. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

The walkthroughbathroomissizable, with alarge showercubicle,macerator toiletand amodernwashbasinin keepingwiththe boat’s overallstyling.

Again,thereisplentyof storage onoffer, whichyou canimagine would be needed if youhad sixadultsonboard.

The main bedroomisfitted witha foldableking-sizebed that allows easy accessaround thebedand to theforward doorsduringthedayand becomesa large bedatnight.Again,morelarge wardrobesare providedon bothsides ofthe bed, anda largeportholehas beeninstalled on each side of theboat. Asinthetwin room,readinglightshave been fittedonbothsides ofthe bed,and doubleforward doors provideaccessto theforward deck area.

Overview

Lookingover AquaSpirit,you tendto forget that itisostensibly ahireboat. The only remindersofthisarethe occasional warningsignandinstructionplateyou mightsee withinthe boat. The qualityis excellent,putting it aboveyouraverage hire boat. Butthen again,nothingabout Aqua Narrowboatstends to be average. The companyrightlypitchedits work at thehigherendofthe scaleand would seemtobereaping the rewards. In

Aboatdog’s story

Reviewer:JanetRichardson

WHEN Isaw the coverofTobyofthe WhiteCity,The Boat Dog’sStorybySheila Stewart, IknewI wasgoingtoenjoy this book.

NotonlyamI adog loverbutthepainting of Toby reminds meof my first Jack Russellterrier so itstrucka chord straight away.

Thisdelightful talefromthe author of Ramlin Rose tells howthis‘runt’ of thelitterissaved from beingdrowned and wormshis way intotheheartsof Alf(Number One, CaptainAlfred Hone, junior)ofhorsedrawnnarrowboat WhiteCity,his wife Lizzieanddaughters Rose andBetty who theirother buttywas namedafter.Butfirst he hastoprovehe canwalktheslippery plank from thebank ontotheboat.

Based on atruelifeBanbury-based boatingfamily,it alsodrawsonevents duringthe Second World Warsuch

addition, Aqua recentlyannounceda collaboration withOrtomarine to help withthenextproject, an electric boat withtalkof asecond Aqua/Orto boat on the books.

AquaSpirit,liketheotherboats availabletohirefromAquaNarrowboats, willprovide anumberofoptions. If you simply want tohire aboatfor aholiday, it would seem you will getoneofthe highest-qualityhireboats available. If you areinterestedinowninga sponsoredboat, with aviewto making somemoneyand eventuallyowning yourboatoutright, youcoulddofar worsethanconsideroneofAqua’srange. Andif youwanttohavea bespokeboat builttoyourindividualrequirements, maybetryingout oneofthehireboats would be agoodplace to start.

asthe bombingof Coventry andits impact on theboat people carrying vital cargoesalongthe Midlands canals.

It includesother real-life characters includingauthorand jointfounder of the IWA, LTCRoltand artist DenysWatkinsPitchford,known as BB,whosedrawing of Toby of theWhite City appearsin Narrow Boat.

Butthe staris Toby,‘withhistail cutshortandhis earsallwrong’ whose adventures andmishapsand the peoplehemeets along ‘his’Oxford Canaltowpath make for rivetingand movingreading. He isnottheonlyfourlegged crewmember –Bob thebeloved boat horseisjoined by Jack the muleand Betty’srabbits Budgie and Sampson. Thankstothe author’spainstaking research,the book alsoprovides asnapshotof commercial carrying

duringthe waryears andthedemiseof horse-boatingas moreandmore ‘hengined’ boats took overaswellas competitionfrom roadand railtraffic. Th ec ov er anddelightful illustr at ions throughoutthe book were commissioned fromacclaimed canalartistDC

‘Dusty’ Millerand thereisalsoa map ofthe Midlands canalsanddetailed plansofmotor

Thewalkthrough bathroomprovides plentyof room whiledividingthe mainbedroomfrom the restoftheboat. PHOTO:SUPPLIED Throwingouttherulebook

Thesizeis40`x10`andbuiltusing20mmforthe baseoftheboat15mmforthesidesand12mmfor theuppersections. Theprocesstheyuseiscalledextrusionwelding

whichistypicallydoneonthermoplasticsduetotheir responsetoheating.Unlikeothertypesofplastics whichburnwhenheatisapplied,thermoplastics liquefyandhardenagainuponcooling.

andhorse-drawn narrowboats.

Sheila Stewartdied in2014 butthe book wasnever published inherlifetimeand wasreleased for publicationbyher familyin2023.

Toby oftheWhite City,The Boat Dog’s StorybySheilaStewart is publishedbythe CanalBookShop(126 pages, paperback, £11.95)andis availablefromwww. canalbookshop.co.uk ISBN: 978-17399896-4-4

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

Inotherapplications,extrusionweldingisideal forapplicationsthat requirelengthy weldstobe madein asingle run.Althoughmostcommonly

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

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

Aniceviewevenifyouareatthesink. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

H NOWINTHE WATER H

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SituatedontheRiverThames HolidayHireCruisersfrom 2to12berth Hourly,Daily,ShortBreakHireAvailable Weofferapersonalservicetoboatersofalltypes. Servicing, repairsandalljettyservicesavailable Tel:01189574323Email:Cbsboathire@gmail.com www.cavershamboatservices.co.uk TheBoatHouse,Fry’sIsland,ThamesSide, Reading,BerksRG18DG

Enjoy apeacefulandtranquilholidayon thepicturesequeFenlandwaterways

Busman’sholidayforfloatingcoalman

IN WHATisessentially anomadicexistence, Rich Nutterliveson boardhis narrowboat Roach,originally builtin1935for Fellows, Morton &Clayton Ltd,oneofthecountry’s largest canalcarriers.

Hisconstantcompanionislively Cairn terrier cross, Telford,wholovesthe outdoor

life, andtogether they deliver much-needed coal,gas anddieselto canalside boatsalong their route. Theyregularly travel alongthe canals and rivers of Staffordshire, Worcestershireand Warwickshire, butalsospend muchof their time servingcustomersalong the waterwaysof Birminghamandthe BlackCountry.

organiserofthe Tipton festival.

“I’mastoundedathow populartheeventis provingtobe,”heenthused.

“Thereactionfromlocalpeopleandthe supportofthe canalboating community hasbeen phenomenal.

Bridge Boatyard Ely,Cambridgeshire

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

“Within 48 hoursoftheonline system going livewehadaround 40 boatsbooked in.Almost halfof these areoneslike Roach that were built pre-Second World Warfor carryinggoodsaround thecountry.

Visit:savethepuffer.co.uk

“Welovevisitingthese parts,”said65-yearold Rich,whooriginallyhails from the north-eastof England,andmovedonboard Roach four years ago. “Wegetto seesome real backwaters suchas Withymoor Islandnear Nethertonandthe tucked away EngineArm in theheart of industrial Smethwick.

“Butwhat we’rereallylookingforward to this yearistakingthe boat to theTiptonCanal &CommunityFestivaloverthe weekend of September21-22.Itwill be abitlikea busman’sholiday, butthe atmospherewill be greatand we’llsimplymoorup,relax and enjoy the event. Don’tget me wrong, if any of ourfellowboaters need abag of coalora diesel top-up,we’ll be happytooblige.”

Narrowboat Roach hasbeencapturedon many occasionsthroughthelensoflocal waterwayphotographer KevMaslin,who specialises inhistoriccraftandisalsothe

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

“Itseemsthat everyoneis keen tocome to Tipton,which becameknown duringcommercial carryingdaysasthe Veniceofthe Midlands, due to its highconcentrationofcanals,” headded. Roach maybea shade over 70ft in length,but thepair’s floatinghomeis thetinycabin tothe rearof theboat, whichprovides about6ft x10ft of livingaccommodationandalsocontainsan engine room with avintage ListerHR2which providesthepropulsion.

“Itmight appearlikereallygoing backtobasics, butit’sa greatway of life.

“Wehaveeverythingweneed for day-to-day living. The back cabinisniceandcosy,plus we get to wake upin adifferentlocationeachmorning,” said Rich.

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

Richand Telfordcruisingthecanalon Roach. PHOTO:KEVMASLIN

Internationalboatoperator launchesnewmodel

ANEW agreementhas beenannouncedbetween Le Boat andGroupeBeneteau underits Delphia brandin Poland.

The deal will see Europe’s largest boat rental companyinvestmorethan£100million into its internationalfleet over thenext10years,giving travellers agreater rangeofoptionstochoosefrom whenplanningtheir self-driveboatingholidays.

Le Boat’s managingdirector CherylBrownsaid: “We’re delightedtobebuildinguponourlongstanding relationship withGroupe Beneteau to supportthenextstageofLeBoat’sgrowth.

“Withtheseinnovativenew boatsand stunning potential cruisinggrounds,thisoffers us afantastic opportunitytogrow boththe charterand boat sales sidesof ourbusiness.”

Ofthe400new Delphiaboatsto be built over thecomingdecadefor Le Boat, 100 will be madein thenextthree years,includingatleast 25in2025.

Theseorders will be acombinationofthe current Horizonrange,plus34of apremiumnew one-to-twocabin boat namedLibertywhich will be launched in 2025. In addition,the twoindustry leaderswill alsobedevelopinga newthree tofourcabinmodelforlaunchin2027.

sisterboatacrossLeBoat’s17cruisingregions in Europe and Canada.

To caterfor Le Boat’s ownershipprogramme,the agreementwillalsoenablecustomerstoinvestin thenew boats.

Theprogrammeallows ownerstoenjoy guaranteed incomewhiletakinganaverage ofeight weeks’ holidayevery yearontheir ownboat, ora

Thisnewmodel will bedesigned incollaboration with Le Boat and will have bothprivatevariantsand anexclusivecharter version.Theywillincludefull airconditioningand asuperiorfly bridge.

The newLiberty boat rangewentonsale from June 6and will be availableto sailfromselected Le Boat basesinFrance,Germany,EnglandandThe Netherlands.Noexperiencerequired. Formoreinformationvisitwww.leboat.co.ukor call02392801630.

Sizingup aSaturdaysourdoughsarnie

ByKevinThomas

WHENitcomesto culinary skillsmineare non-existent. Bren, my wife,hashonedthe preparationoffood down to asortofwizardryI canonly marvel at. My inputamountstosnapping the oddpic.Imight addthoughthat thispicturesnappingneedstobedonequickly because Bren hates someonelookingoverhershoulder,while sheistryingtoconcentrateonproducinga meal forus.Understandable,Iguess.

Historicallymyown sandwich-makingalways lackedany form of imagination. Marmite was my go-tofillerchoiceorcrunchypeanut butter. PeriodicallyI’d become reallyimaginativeand make acheeseandtomatosandwich,andthen spillmostofitonthefloor.In1988 we went to the US on asafarimarketingtripandwhilethere finally learnt what apropersandwichshouldlook like. We hadstopped withanAmericanfriend at asandwich vendingcornershop.Thechoiceof breadsand sandwichfillers wasmind-boggling

andnotmerelylimited to turkey breastorham, orblandthingssimilar.Itincludedahugearray ofpickles, chillies,cheesesandtomatoes.Thelist went on,includingthingswehadneverheardof. Whileintheshop we alsolearnthow Americans decidedontheir favourite sandwichwantsbefore theyevenentered theshop.Itwas so busythe counterstaff weren’tinclinedtowaitwhileyou dithered over decidingwhat you’dlike. Feeling underpressure, we indicated our friend’s four-tiered sandwichbeingconstructed and,optingforan easywayout,ventured:“We’ll have what he’s having.”Duetothesheer volume and varietyoffillers,eatingour sandwiches was amission. It wasalsoa lesson learnedandan awakeningintothe humbleartofsandwiches. Unfortunately, Saturdayson Sabi Star aren’t lazy days.Our weeklyshopgetsdone, plus laundry, and amixofother boat choreslikefilling the watertank etc. By midday,we’re normally both peckishandlookingforward to alunchof some sort,ortowhathasbecomeour regular

Launchingthenewpartnershipare, fromleft:MartinSchemkes,Delphia branddirector;CherylBrown,Le Boat’smanagingdirectorand Yann Masselot,Delphiachiefofbrandsand communicationofficer.

Saturdaysourdough sarnie.Reeves Bakery in Devizes sell asourdoughloafinwhiteorbrown, andeitheras afarmhouseorroundloaf.They also sliceitfor you.Narrowboaterscruisingthrough Devizes woulddo welltotryaloafastheyare in highdemand by sourdoughaficionados.

Additional purchasesweenjoywith our sourdoughsarnieare;cottage cheesewith chives,lettuce,pickledgherkins, cucumber, ham, cheese,brawn,tomatoes, springonions, avocados,mustard, Turkish-stylegarlicsauce andanyotherinterestingstuffthatcatches oureye.Whenpreparingourlunch, Brenfirst placesthe selectionoftoppingsonto aplatter, andthendrizzlesoliveoilon to the sourdough slices beforelightlytoastingthem in afrying pan. Oncethat isdonetheslicesareplacedon ourindividualplatesand weselectfromthe platteronthe worktop what we’ll have on our individual sarnies.

It’s aneasy-to-prepareand afillingmeal, with Brenusuallyonlyhavingoneslice to my two.

Thesandwichtoppingsplatteronthegalleyworktop.

Techtalk:boatinsurance claimshandlingunder attack

In2023,RiverCanalRescue(RCR)warnedboatownersaboutthirdpartyONLY insurancepoliciesandhowambiguouswordingcouldleave themunabletorecovercostsfor avesselrefloat,removalandpollution managementiftheirboatsinks.It’snotjustthird-partypolicywording underfire;RCRhighlightsthatevenwhenyou’vedoneeverything correctly,youcanstillendupin asituationwhereyour claimisdenied.

ONE such case is KeithGray from Manchester.Heand partner,Niall Senior,boughta62ft narrowboat Wind Whistle in November last year.They found the boat on FacebookMarketplaceand,after avideoviewing, they drovesome 270miles to Newhaventoviewit.

“Thesellerswereliveaboards andmodifiedthe boat between 2020-23,” Keithexplained.

“Theoriginalempty steel hull (replatedin1979) wasweldedto anew steelcabin superstructure andthey’dspray-foamedthe inside of thesteelshelland completely refittedthe cabin spaces. Even though theboat hadnoengineandneeded craningoutandtransportingto Manchester, the sumsaddedup.

“Aswewerenewto boating, we askedthe sellersiftheyknew of asurveyor. Thesurveyor made aseriesofpre-purchase recommendations,suchas addingskinfittingsand valves, blockingupunusedholes in the sternandfitting bilgealarmsand pumps,whichthe sellersagreed to putright.”

Keithalso askedthe sellers whatinsurertheyused,reasoning that if theywentwiththe same company,theywould be less likelytohaveany problemsas theinsurer wasalreadycovering the boat and wouldknowits history andmodifications.Keith paid apremiumforhis policy–nearly£850includinglegalcover.

“Beingboatnovices,wewanted to make sure wewere coveredfor alleventualities.”

The boat wascranedintoNew Islington marina in December withplanstoinstallanengine inthe spring.

“WelefttheboatonChristmas Evetovisitfamily;this wasduring thetime storms were hittingthe UK.We’dhadan issuewiththe domestic watertank,whichwe needed to fillthree timesina shortperiodoftime, sowewere concernedabout wherethe waterwas going,butotherthan that, we thoughteverythingwas fine. Over theChristmas period we experienceddaysofsevere windsand rainandon Boxing Day, aneighbour sent us aphoto of ourboat. Within10minutesof ourarrival,it sank.

“Havinglosteverything, we contacted ourinsurerand hopedtheywould spring into action –butall wegotwasan emailacknowledgingreceiptof ourclaim.They offeredno help re salvage orfindingtemporary accommodationand wewere lefttodeal withthesituation ourselves, eventuallycontacting RCRwhoorganised thesalvage andprovided supportand advice.”

Afterthe boat wasraised, theinsurer sent asurveyor. He opined the rebuildingand fittingout workshad been undertaken withoutadequate care and attentiontoacceptable boat buildingpracticesand constructionstandards, and reported the boat ‘notfit for purpose’.

Keithcontinued: “Hesaid Wind Whistle hadpoorstability, alotof weighthadbeen added higherupandtherewasno ballast,causing the boat tolist significantlyandallowinglarge volumesofwaterto collectin thebilge.Duringthe refloat RCR highlighted therewas alackof ballast, butbeing newtoboating we hadnopriorknowledgeof the importanceofthis.”

After raising Wind Whistle, RCRinstalled abilge pump with abatterysoiftherewas morewater ingress, it would automaticallypumpitout.

Keycontributorstothe sinkingidentifiedas:

•Thedomesticwater tankand watersystempipeworkhad not beeninstalled and secured inan appropriate manneror withthe rightmaterial.

•Therewasno,ora significant lack of,ballastbeneaththe cabinfloorboards,negatively impactingthe boat’s stability, andthe cabinfloorboards were laidand secured in such away theycannotbelifted toallowthe retrospective installationofballastinthe underlyingbilge.

•Weightwasadded highup without appreciating theeffect thismighthaveonthe boat’s stability.Thick/heavytilesand timberwereaffixed andused

Cheers!MontgomeryCanal volunteerstoastcashboost

NORTHShropshire-based HenstoneDistillery ishelpingthe ShropshireUnion CanalSociety raisefundsto restorethe MontgomeryCanal.

The specialistdistillery,whichproduces awide rangeofdrinks,isoffering online customers a5%discountwhentheyquotethe code Monty24ontheirorder.This willalso trigger a10%donationtowardsthe restoration ofthe MontgomeryCanal.

Thisappliestothedistillery’sentiredrinks rangewhichincludesfivegins,11whiskiesand three rums.

HenstoneDistillerydirectorChris Toller said: “I frequently walkalong this canaland see theexcellent work the volunteersaredoing. Ishare theirvisionofa fully restored canaland it’s greatthat Henstone Distillerycan playa part.”

to linethe cabinsidesand deckheadsand averylarge wall-mountedmirrorwas affixedtothe cabinsideinthe saloon.

•Hullopenings were incorrectlyconfigured andan inappropriatelyblanked-off out-of-useskinfittingwasleft throughthe hull,closetothe waterline,suggesting alackof appreciationofthe impactthis mayhaveonseaworthinessin general.

•Theplasticskinfittings were notfittedwitha valveand thereforeopen/unsealed; proprietaryskinfittings were notinplaceinthetwoopenings inthe porthulltopsides, adjacenttothe galleysink.

•Therewerenobilge pumpsor alarmsfitted andtheopenings were not watertight.

The insurer rejectedtheclaim, citing: Keith andNiallfailed tocomply withthe surveyor’s recommendations, thevessel wasnot maintainedforthe useintendedandit wasina poor condition, causingwater incursionwhich wasnot sudden, unforeseenoraccidental(which theywouldcover).

Keithconcludes:“The claims handler referredtoexclusions -lossordamagetothe vessel dueto repair/alteration/ maintenanceand gradual deterioration,unlessitcouldnot have been identifiedbya routine inspectionandcouldnot have been preventedbyservicing, maintenanceorreplacementetc.

“Weusedourlife savings forthat boat andnowwe have nohome,nomoneyand no possessions;we’ve lost everythingand ourinsurereven declinedtopay forthelift-out and towing away of theboat. We’reangry andfrustrated.”

Keith,acreative director, and Niall, amusician,arecurrently homeless, reliantonthe goodwill offamilyandfriends. Having lost everything, theycannotaffordto rent andare trying to return Wind Whistle to aliveablecondition. To helpthem start againand create anewhome,they’ve set up aGoFund Me page https:// gofund.me/42b33c32

ShropshireUnion Ca na lS oc iety volunteersrecently completeda£2.8 millioncivilengineeringprojecttorestore navigation of the MontgomeryCanalto CrickheathBridge, theproject havingwon anationalGround EngineeringAward in November2021.

RestorationofthehistoricCrickheath Wharf isongoingwitha £14,600grantfromthe Associationof IndustrialArchaeology.Local authoritieshavealsofundedimprovementsto thetowpathand afurtherquarterof amileof canalisbeing prepared for rewateringcourtesy ofthe ShropshireCountyCouncil-ledRural Prosperity Fund.

SUCS chairmanDavid Carter said: “There arestudieswhichrevealthe positiveeffecta restored canalcan have on ruraleconomies. What we areshowing by workingwithlocal companieslikeHenstoneisthat, evenduring

restoration,thereare still substantial impacts onthelocal economy.”

The Shropshire UnionCanal Societyisvery grateful to HenstoneDistilleryforits support. Orders canbeplacedwithHenstoneusingthis link:henstonedistillery.com

AselectionfromHenstoneDistillery’s rangeofspiritsandliqueurs.

Expertskick-start‘rethinking’ofRCRimplications

ByJanetRichardson

TWOmarine surveyorsare testing the waters regarding regulations governing boat buildingontheinland waterways.

TomKeelingand Peter Brookespresented thefirst editionoftheirdiscussion paper, Rethinking PostconstructionAssessment, in January. Aimedatinland waterways marine surveyors andbrokers,thepaper outlinesthethree kindsof vesselthat need consideration againstthe RecreationalCraft Regulations2017: own-built for ownuse,part-completed (sailaway)andcompleted boats. The paperarguesthat RCR2017doesnot applyto amanufactured boat oncein privateownershipandthat the current understandingofthe scopeofthelegislationneeds revisiting.

Accordingtothe introduction,thelegislation states that post-construction assessment(PCA) appliesto aproductwhen ‘firstplaced onthe market’or‘firstput into service’thereforeits application to privately sold and ownedusedvesselsis questionedinthepaper. It alsodiscusses the distinctionbetweenbrokersof theseboats anddistributorsof new buildsand suggeststhat brokersand marine surveyors

involved intheused boat marketarecleared ofany responsibilitytoconsider RCR 2017conformity,orwhether PCAisrequired.

The paperwas broughtto ourattention by Braunston VintageDiesels specialistTony Redshaw whoisconcerned abouthow thecurrent regulationsapply to specialist rebuildsandconversions.

He explained: “People believetheycannothave old/vintage/classicengines in anew build.Anyengine designed or builtpriorto1960 as amarineengine canbe installedirrespectiveofthe 2017 rule.”

Five-yearrule

Tony referredtofive-year rule whichstatesthat aself-built boatmust be keptfor fiveyears beforebeing sold, toexempt allthepaperwork. Otherwise if offered forsale withinthe fiveyear period it must conform totheRCD(RecreationalCraft Directive).Afterthat it canbe soldonfreely andwithoutany compliance with RCD/RCR. Accordingtothe paper, between 1998and2017

thousandsof narrowboats were manufactured by individuals,manywaiting thefiveyearsto sellinsteadof paying forCE-marking. Tony commented: “Asweare no longerinthecommon market (EEC)thisis irrelevant.”

The procedurerequiringa post-constructionassessment alsoappliestoaboatwhich hashad amajorengineorcraft conversion, i.e. stretching the vesselor hashad achangein itsintendedpurpose. Tony addedthaton numerousoccasionssincethe introductionofthe Boat Safety Scheme some25 yearsago, he hasasked for apiechart showingits benefitsinterms ofsafetybut withoutresponse. In theirsummary,the authorsofthe papersuggest that sailawayvessels have been incorrectly categorised since1998and overapplicationofthelegislation andalliedprocesses has occurred.Aprivate boat in privateownership is not in the scopeofRCR 2017,and as such isfree to be modified without regulation asthe owner seesfit.

ThepaperRethinkingPost-constructionAssessmentcan bedownloadedathttp://www.smallcraftservices.com Feedbackshouldbeemailed to info@smallcraftservices. comorpeter@technicalsupport.ltd.uk

The2017RecreationalCraftRegulations,updatedin November2023,canbeviewedatwww.gov.uk

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Alotofworkneedstobedonenow. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

ChrisandHenry TollerfromHenstone Distillery. PHOTOS: HENSTONEDISTILLERY

Also FullyElectric Sailaways withmarketleading technology managedand warrantedsystems forpeaceofmind

Narrow, Widebeamand DutchBarge available

We have securewidebeammooringswithparkinginthe HEARTOFSHEFFIELDCITY, 5mins walk to Sheffieldtrainstation &citycentre

LOUIS AND JOSHUA BOATS

57’Jonathanwilson hulltraditional bowandstern to include,1setofsidedoors,frontand reardoors, Slidinghatch,sterntube, 4anodes,2kepoxy primer.

All hull variationsandextrasavailableon request.

Basic

•Vetus40HPengineorequivalentwithstarter battery

Savvy Sailor –includesallabove

•Sidesand roof linedwithaccentsof Americanwhiteoakorequivalent

•Frontand rearbulkheads

•Bathroomand bedroomwallsto customerspec

•12vand240vdistributionpanel

•4x110aleisurebatteries

•300Wsolarpanelsystem with asmartVictron

MPPTcontroller (2panels)

•Fullplumbingsystem to include,4radiators.

•5kwdieselheater

•55L twin coil colarifierwith240vimmersion heater

•PrimedwithJotunEpoxy2Kprimer

•5chrome mushroomvents

•5Caldwellsingleglazewindowswith 4Portholes

Total =£42,737plus VAT

BasicPlus –includesallabove

•Fully battened

•30mlofsprayfoam

•3tonofballast

•25mlhardwood insulatedfloor

•Solidoakdoors

•Portholeandwindowsolidoak reveals Total =£60,307Plus VAT

CaptainSuite–includesallabove

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

•600Lstainlesssteel watertank

Total =£75,957Plus VAT

OPTIONALEXTRAS

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

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

Total =£47,307plus VAT

•Semitraditionalstern£2,000plus VAT

•Squareback£2,598plus VAT

•Bow thruster£2,750plus VAT

•Cruiserstern£1,298plus VAT

BEAUTIFULBOATS BUILTTOLAST

Establishedin1974,Colecrafthavegainedtheexperience andexpertisetoensurethattheboatwebuildforyouwill lastforyearstocome.

Allourboatsarecustomdesignedandbuiltto individual requirements.

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

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

OurweldersarecodedtomeetMCA requirements.

KI WI RO SE

Type: Inland Cruiser

Length: 24ft Width: 8ft5in

Moored at: Sawley

BLUEIRIS

Type: Narrowboat

Length: 57ft Width: 6ft10in

Moored at: Crick

DR AG ONFLY

Type: Narrowboat

Length: 31ft Width: 6ft10in

Moored at: Crick

SPAR TAN

Type: Narrowboat

Length: 58ft Width: 6ft10in

Moored at: Crick

JA SMINE

Type: Narrowboat

Length: 68ft Width: 6ft10in

Moored at: Sawley

LA ZY DA YS

Type: Widebeam

Length: 60ft Width: 12ft6in

Moored at: Sawley

BOATYARDSERVICES

•Engineand HeatingServicing

•Breakdown CalloutandRepairs

•Gas,ElectricalandPlumbing Specialists

•BSC’s &SafetyExamination Work

•Engine SalesandInstallation

•Traditionalboatpainting

•SpecialistsinHistoricenginesandcraft

•BoatBrokerage

MOORINGS

•MarinaMoorings

•LongandshorttermMoorings

•Coal,Gas,Diesel &Pumpouts

DRYDOCK

•BottomBlacking

•AnodeReplacement

•Cabin Painting

•Welding

•Surveys

BOATOFTHEMONTH

TRANQUILLITY£34,950

42ft Trad 4berth,1981byColecraft.Excellent condition,Hullshotblastand 2packepoxy, BSSexpires:11/2025. 1ownerfromnewvery reluctantsale!

SOLD

SHUGLEY £49,950

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

SIGRID

£48,500

48ft,2007,VikingAfloat.JustArrived,verywell maintainedcraftwitha versatile 2+2berth layout.Idealfamily boatorfor acouple.

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

TA-RA-A-BIT£42,500

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

SARAHJANE£64,950

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

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

SANDPIPER£50,750

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

attentive,caringstaff.

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

240voltselectrics, CREAMLEATHERETTECUSHION COVERS WITHBLUEPIPING, excellentcanopy, powered by aSuzuki20Hp 4stoke outboardengine (new2023),Bsc2028,alloriginalgelcoat(not painted),hullandsuperstructurefullypolished, newantifouling,includesnewmooring ropes, clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERYwithin250 milesorlocalmooring available

SUPERBVIKING 275GREATSAVINGONNEW£69,995

Builtin2023andinalmostasnew condition, Length 27ft6ins +bathing platform extensions, Beam9ft,EASY ACCESSREARDOOR,6 Berths, HiLinespecincludingCookerwith 2ringhob,grilland oven,fridge (12and 240volts),shower, electricflushcassettetoilet,12and 240 voltselectrics, WARMAIRHEATING,BOWTHUSTER,HARD WOOD CABINFLOORING,FLEXITEAK COCKPITFLOORING, STEREO, FISH FINDER, STEREO,UPGRADED COCKPITUPHOLSTERY, poweredby aMariner40Hp 4strokeoutboard enginewithpowerliftandhaving coveredlessthan50hours(fullyservicedandincludesbalanceof manufacturer’s warranty),BSC2027,alloriginalunmarkgelcoat, hullandsuperstructurefullpolished,newantifouling,includesnew mooringropes,clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERYwithin250miles.

VIKING22 £19,995

WideBeamcalledLauraBelle,Length22ft,Beam 7ft8ins,Built1995, 4Berths, cooker,fridge,shower, toilet,hotand cold watersystem,12and 240volts electrics,CREAMLEATHERETTEUPHOLSTERY WITHBLUEPIPING,NEWCANOPY, NEWFLOOR CARPETSANDHEADLINING,poweredbya Honda25Hp 4strokeoutboardengine (justbeen fullyserviced),Bsc2028,alloriginalgelcoat(not painted),hullandsuperstructurefullypolished, newantifouling,includesnewmooring ropes, clean fenders,etc,FREEDELIVERYwithin 250 milesorlocalmooring available

HOORAY HENRY£31,500

60ft by 6ft10ins,trad sternnarrowboatbuilt2005approx by LiverpoolBoats,poweredbyIsuzu38hpdiesel engine.Fromthe sternismainbedroomwhichis agoodsizecurrently requiring abed,thereisalarge wardrobewhichwillneedfinishing regardinghandlesandcatchesetc.Moving forwardisthebathroomagain thisrequires adegreeofplumbing work connecting ashowerandtray,sometilingandtimber worketc. ThereisaPullmandinetteoffering comfortablearea fordiningwith storageundertheseating,thisisalso aguestdoublebed.Moving forwardagainisthegalleywithunitsrunningport &starboardcomprisingofa stainlesssteelsinkanddrainer,fridge,4ringgashob,andan eyelevel oven&grill. Themaincabinisopenplan allowingfree standingfurniturecurrentlywith 2xarmchairs,and anewlyfitted stove.Thiscraftisbeingsold as aprojectthatrequires areasonableamountofTLCtobring to acomfortable standard.Oncethe workis completedthis wouldmakeanexcellent residentialboat.Ithas12 &240velectrics,Inverter,and acurrentBSC

SIR KAY£33,500

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

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

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

ASHBOATS LTD

NEWBOAT– AVAILABLESOON, BYNEWCONCEPTBOATS.

57ftcruiserstyle,the4thboatintheirPremiumrange, currentlyinbuild.Reverselayoutwithbedroomforward, livingareaaftandgalleyandshowerroomcentral. Very highqualityandhighspecwithsolarpanels,Victron electronicsincludingSmartPanel,stylish,contemporary interior.

£139,500INC VAT

NEWBOAT– SAILAWAY, AVAILABLENOWFROMSTOCK.

57ftcruiserstyle,narrowbeamwithsprayfoam insulation,windowsfittedwithportholedforward, linedinterior,Canaline42enginefullyinstalled.This boatisonhardstandingat aboatyardalongsideNew ConceptBoatswhocaninstalanythingrequiredbythe buyerat areasonablecost.Theexteriorispaintedin darkbluewithcreamcoachline.

£65,950INC VAT

NEWBOAT– FULLYFITTEDAND AVAILABLENOWFROMSTOCK.

57ftcruiserstyle,narrowbeambyMellorBoatswith reverselayout.Largelivingareaaftwiththesolid fuelstoveinhearth,galleywithquartzworktopsside doorsetc.centralshowerroomandforwardbedroom, extendingtothefrontbulkhead –nofrontcockpit. Brightandcheerfullivingspace.Keenlyforsalewith offersinvitedcloseto £110,000INC VAT

NEWBOAT– CURRENTLYINBUILD, AVAILABLEINAPPROX.2 MONTHS

52ftsemi-tradnarrowbeamfullyfittedbyaward winningBourneBoats.Stunningqualitywoodworkwith cupboards,shelvesanddrawersineverypossiblespace –a‘fully’fittedboatineverysense.Aftgalley,forward bedroom.Thesteelshellwillbegritblastedand2-pack paintedforlonglastingexteriorfinish –tothebuyers’ colourchoice.Outstandingquality.

£126,000INC VAT

SPECKLEDJIM£74950

70ft TylerWilsontradwith ahigh qualityoak &ashinterioranda perfectlayoutfor afamily.Main bedroomaft,showerroom,2 singlebedroomswithbunkbeds overstorage,galleyandforward livingarea. Wellequipped,good condition,BSCtoOct’27.

Ref1517

BRISTOL FASHION£49,950

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

Ref1508

TOMMY’SDREAM£32,950 40ftcruiserstylenarrowboat, JohnWhitebuilt(weunderstand) in1998.Conventionallayout, bedroomattheback,shower roomwithcassettewc,galley andforwardloungewithSquirrel stove.IsuzuengineandnewBSC.

NARROWESCAPE£89,500 57ftcruiserstylenarrowboat, completedearly2022,lightan airymoderninterior –aftgalley, centrallivingarea,walk-through bathroom(cassettewc)forwardmain bedroom.Canaline38,solarpanels, recentlyepoxycoveredhull. Vgood condition.

ATLANTIC

£89,500

Beautiful60fttrad,withGardner 4LKinengineroom,Boatmans cabinandwellcraftedwood interior.Completed2008byBlack Countryinspiredcraftsmenand offeredinexcellentcondition. Gorgeouslinesand areal headturner.

MYRTLE

£62,500

58ftcruiserstylebyBridgewater Boatbuildersin2007.Aft bedroom,forwardlivingarea, withdinette,galley,shower room –allto agoodsize. Excellentconditionthroughout, andverywellmaintained.

Ref1507

SMOKEYJOE£39,950

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

GREGWELL

£42,500 57fttradstylecompletedin2011 bytheverytalentedengineer,first owner.Areal‘engineer’s’boat, builttolastwith apractical,reverse layoutofgalley,livingarea,shower roomandbedroom.Functional ratherthanpretty,butwith everythingworkingasitshould.

Ref1519

Aunique32ftnarrowboatwithwheel steeringforward(Inthecabin)and tillersteeringonaftdeck,plentyof windowsanddesignedas aweekender withsleepingpotentialaftanda make-upbedforward.Wc/showerand cookingfacilities.Hardlyused. HUGEDROPINPRICETO£20,000 Ref1509

Ref1506

PEARLGRACE£27,950

Ref1520

Ref1518

52ft – Steve Nicholls Hull with a 2016 fitout Burscough boats Powered by a Canaline 38 with PRM Gearbox. Boat Safety New with Sale.

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

49ft – Napton Narrowboats hull and fitout. Powered by a Shire 1952 with

Boat safety

REDHILLMARINA

New&UsedNarrow boats,Widebeam,DutchBarges &Cruisers Please call for further details on 07429253325

-Built 2013 -Single VetusDeutz DT44 114hp DieselEngine

-Bow &Stern Thruster -7.2kvaGenerator /Solar Panels -KabolaBoiler

We haveawiderangeofboatsavailableforpurchase,including narrowbeams,widebeams, canalcruisersand more. Whether you’re lookingfor anew boatora used vessel forabargain, we havesomething foreveryone.

SERVICESONSITE

■ Boat fit outfacilities ■ PaintShop ■ Hoist&slipway forupto60tonBoatsWidebeams&DutchBarges

Fortrade &customerenquiriesplease contact: REDHILLMARINE, RatcliffeonSoar,NottinghamNG110EB Tel: 07760627421 e-mail: enquiries@redhill-marina.co.uk

WideBeamBargebuilt by BluewaterBoatsLimited. Thebespokebuildingandfitout of this bargemeansthe attention to detailand materialsused areofanexcellent standard. Thisincludeshardwoodflooringwith underfloorinsulationthroughout,Oak tongueandgroovecabinsides,builtin entertainment cabinetsandgraniteworktops. Theroofhatchandportlightsensure alightandairyinteriorandthewheelhousewith atableand seats offers aseparate livingarea,allheated by acentralheating systemandradiators.Fully equippedwith every conveniencerequired forlivingafloatoras aluxuryholidayhome. KERENSA£160,000

NEWARKMARINA Farndon Road,Newark,Notts,NG244SD 01636704022 joanna.parsons@newark-marina.co.uk www.newark-marina.co.uk

SAGARMARINEDUTCH BARGE 'Lady Macbeth' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£149,950

GRANT &LIVINGSTON58' 'Pheonix' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

VIKINGCANALBOATS65' X12' 06'' 'Treacle Mine’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£195,950

'Amber' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net £64,950

COLECRAFT60'X10'6'' 'Freya' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£129,950

COLECRAFTNARROWBOAT 'Rasmunda' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net £64,950

HERITAGEBOATS62'X 12' ‘Geanna' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£119,950

NARROWBOAT 50' 'Dulcibella’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

01932343275

01684593111

£52,950 01933551622 boatsales@tingdene.net www.tingdeneboating.com

NewfullyfittedNarrowboats

•New 60’narrowboat, semicruiser stern, reverselayout,diesel propulsion,isonbrokerageat AqueductMarina,£164,995incl. (AqueductMarina,NantwichCW56DX- 01270525040)

•New 42’narrowboat,cruiser stern,tradlayout,electricpropulsion, isonbrokerageatABNBNorthKilworthMarina,£155,000incl. (ABNB,NorthKilworthMarina,LE176HY -01788822115)

• Refurbishment, 70’ narrowboat,tradlayout,trad stern,dieselpropulsion, £98,750incl. (AtOvationBoats)

•Nextcommissionedbuildslotfor

IntroducingHighgrove...winnerofFavouriteBoatatCrick2024!

Amongthedazzlingarrayof vessels at Crick,one boatstoodoutandcapturedthehearts of both judgesandvisitorsalike:‘Highgrove,’ built by KingsgroundNarrowboats forLakeland Leisure Estates. It iswithgreatpridethatweannounce thatHighgrove wasawardedtheprestigioustitle of FavouriteBoatinShow, atestamenttoher exquisitedesignandinnovativefeatures. This4-berthnarrowboathasbeencrafted exclusivelyforLakeland LeisureEstates, and every detailspeaks to the commitmentofKingsground to create aluxurious vesselthatnot onlylooks

WOTNOWHEELS |£49,995 |2007 45FTSEMITRAD |TATTENHALLMARINA

AVERSATILE 4BERTHBOAT IN GOODCONDITION. AMPLEOPPORTUNITY FORPERSONALISATION.

PERFIK |£55,950 |1995 50FTTRAD |SAULJUNCTIONMARINA

ATRUEMASTERPIECEOFCRAFTSMANSHIPAND DESIGN,WITHRECENTSIGNIFICANTUPGRADES.

immaculate butalso respectstheenvironment. The boatfeaturesamixtureofrepurposedmaterials andhighquality touchpointsthroughout,including walnut,ebony, copperandquartz. Theuse of such high-quality,eco-friendlymaterialsshowcasesa dedication to preservingnaturewhileprovidinga luxurious experience.

Theinteriordesignbringstheoutside worldinto thisprivatesanctuary, usingrichleafygreensand mutedearth tones to create aserene floatingoasis. Highgrove isnowavailabletopurchase;visitour websiteoremailsonia@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk

SLOW ANDCURIOUS |£140,000 |2013 70FTWIDEBEAM |ROYDONMARINA

ALUXURIOUSANDBEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED4 BERTHCRAFTED BY VIKINGBOAT BUILDERS.

MESSAGEINABOTTLE |£72,000 |2006 65FTNARROWBOAT |GREAT HAYWOOD

RECENTLYREFURBISHED TO AHIGHSTANDARD.A COMFORTABLE &STYLISHLIVINGEXPERIENCE.

BLOWINGFREE |£58,500 |1994 54FTSEMITRAD |SAULJUNCTION EPITOMIZESTHECHARMANDFUNCTIONALITY THATMAKESLIFEONTHE WATERSOAPPEALING.

RICO-SHEA |£67,750 |2006 60FTCRUISER STERN|CAENHILLMARINA

ANEXCEPTIONAL,VERSATILEBOAT BY AQUALINE, BLENDINGLUXURY ANDPRACTICALITY.

We were ecstatic to unveilournewmarina extensiontothe communityandourindustrypeerswith aday fullof entertainment,stalls,delicious foodanddrinksandopportunitiestojoinour community. Theday wasaresounding successwith asignificantsum of moneyraised forAlzheimer’s Society, aflurryofmoorersreservingthenewberths andmuchinterestinourcurrently availableboatsandlodges. Pleasevisitour websitetoreserveone of the remaining moorings at roydonmarinavillage.co.uk,call01279792777oremailenquiries@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk.

BOATBUILDER

BOATPAINTERS

BOATS WANTED

SPAREPARTS

BOATSFORSALE

Blennervilleandthe TraleeShipCanal

FORmanycenturiestheold port of Fenit served asthe seaportfortheimportant Co KerrytownsofArdfertand Tralee. Aroundthemiddleofthe17thcentury, following pressure fromlocalmerchants, anewlimestone-facedquaywas built by thelocallandlordatBlennervilleonly 3km outsideTraleeonthe southsideof the RiverLee estuary.This becamethe majorseaportforTraleeand aperiodof prosperityensued.

Notonly wasthequayusedforthe import andexportofgoods, in particular cereals suchas wheat, barleyand oats, butitwasalsothe gateway forcountless emigrants seekinga better lifein North America. The tallship Jeanie Johnston calledhereonseveral occasionsand wassaidtobetheonlyemigrantshipon whichnopassengereverdied.In1990 the replicawas builthereatBlennerville beforesailingtoDublinwhereitis currently mooredonthenorthbankof the Liffey.

Around 1800 SirRowland Blennerhassetthad awindmill constructed onthequay, reputedto be thelargest windmillinIreland. Unfortunately, overtheensuingyearsa build-upofsilt reducedboththedepth of water at thequayandthe widthof theentrancechannel. Furtherpressure frommerchantsandtraders, pushing for betterportfacilities,resultedin the buildingoftheTraleeShipCanal. Constructedbetween1834and1846, the canalextendedfor3.2km froman entrance1kmfurtherdownstream,the

TraleeShipCanal,lookinginland fromtheswingbridge. PHOTO: RAYMONDNORRIS,CCBY-SA2.0

Usefulinformation

Tralee: Findoutmoreabout Tralee, thecapitalofCoKerry,andthe surroundingareabyvisiting: www.tralee.ie

BlennervilleWindmill andvisitor Centre:

BlennervilleWindmillis afully restored18th-centurywindmill locatedontheWildAtlantic Way near Tralee,CoKerry.Theworking windmillisthecentrepieceofa largevisitorexperiencewhich includes displaysonthehistory of milling,Blennerville’sroleasa famineemigrantportand amodel railwayexhibitiononthefamous Tralee &Dingleline.Discover moreat: www.blennerville-windmill.ie Tralee Rowing Club www.traleerovingclub.com

WildAtlantic Way

TheWildAtlantic Way, 1600miles (2600km)inlength,isoneofthe longestdefinedcoastal routes intheworld.Itwindsitswayall alongtheIrishwestcoastfrom theInishowenPeninsulainthe northdowntothe picturesque townofKinsale,CountyCork, inthesouth.In2024, theWild Atlantic Waycelebratesits10th anniversary.Findoutmore: www.thewildatlanticway.com

The re-gatedsealock. PHOTO: RAYMONDNORRIS,CCBY-SA2.0

othersideofthe RiverLee estuaryfrom Blennerville,through asealock andthen aswing bridge to alarge terminalbasinat Prince’s Quay onthe outskirtsofTralee.

Followingtheopeningofthe canal, Traleeexperiencedaperiodofrapid growthandthe seaportatBlennerville fellintodisusewiththe windmillalso closingby1851.Again,the canalwas subjecttosiltingand by thelate19th century,ships were offloading into smalllighters.

In thelate1880s anewdeep waterport wasconstructedatFenitandwhen afew yearslater arailway wasconstructed from Fenit to Tralee the canal’sfatewas sealed.The canallimpedonintothe 20thcentury butby1951, havingfallen intodisrepair,itwas closed.

Aspart ofanambitiousplanto

Lookingtowards TraleeBayfromthe sealock. PHOTO:ADRIANPLATT,CCBY-SA2.0

The replica Jeanie Johnston, Dublin PHOTO: ALISON

Acknowledgements

ThankstoFáilteIreland,Geograph Ireland,TheNationalLibraryof IrelandandWikipediaCreative Commonsfortheuseofimages withthisfeature.

TheoldBlennervilleswingbridge. PHOTO:COURTESYOFTHENATIONALLIBRARY OFIRELAND

revitalisethearea,boththe windmill atBlennervilleandtheTraleeShip Canalwererestoredinthe 1990s. An apartmentcomplex wasbuilt at Prince’s Quay,a new swingbridge wasinstalledandthe sealockwas re-gated,allowing pleasurecraftto reachTraleeonce again.The towpath alongthenorthernbankofthe canal nowformspartoftheDingle Wayand allowsexpansiveviewsacrossthe River LeeestuarytothemountainousDingle peninsulaoroverTraleeBay todistant Fenit Island. Unfortunately,dueto alackofregular useandthe removaloftheupperlock gatesin2014,the canalisnow once againinaccessibleandonlythelocal TraleeRowingCluband afew kayaks disturb thetranquil watersofthe canal.

CaroilinCallery(IrishFamine Way)presentedCaptainDenis Rowan, RV CelticExplorer,withreplicaBronzeShoestobe transportedtoCanadaduring aMarineInstitute researchtripto markthelaunchoftheGlobalIrishFamine Way.

PHOTO:COURTESYOFBROUDERMARKETING/FÁILTEIRELAND

RoyalCanal Famine Walkgoesglobal

THE National Famine WayCommemorative Walk,which starts in Strokestown,Co Roscommonand followsthe banksof the RoyalCanal into Dublin’sDocklands, hastakenplace. Theevent, held oversixdays,wasled by theAmbassador ofIrelandto Canada, Eamonn McKeeand representativesofthe LiverpoolIrish Famine Trailto mark the launchoftheGlobal Irish Famine Way. TheGlobal Irish Famine Way, officially launchedonSaturday, May25,isanextension of the National Famine Wayandisthelargest heritage trailin the world. Thetrailfollowsthe journeysofallIrish Famineemigrants aroundthe world,

includingtheUK, Canada,the United States,SouthAfrica and Australia. Children’sshoes cast inbronze, thesymbol ofthe National Famine Way, will be installed at each significant locationontheGlobal Irish Famine Way, beginning this year with Canada andthe UK(Liverpool). Apairofthebronze shoestravelledby seafromGalway to Newfoundland, CanadaontheMarine Institute vesselthe RV CelticExplorer wherea seriesof commemor at ive events marked theirarrival. Meanwhile,a furtherpairofbronze shoes were carried onthe walk to Dublin andthentakenon to Liverpooland

Clarence Dock where morethanone million Irish Famine poorwere broughtintoLiverpool duringAnGorta Mór (TheGreat Famine). This yearthe 165km walkalongsidethe banksof the Royal Canalwas not without itschallenges as major workstothe Royal CanalGreenway resultedinsome diversions.However, itishopedthat the walk will becomean annualevent.

The NationalFamine Wayisopentoalland at anytimeofthe year. Walkerscan purchase anofficialpassport and have it stamped alongthe routeas well as listentoassociated famine storiesthrough afreeapp. Youcanfind out moredetails at:www. nationalfamineway.ie

BronzeshoesalongsidethebanksoftheRoyalCanalin CoRoscommonmarkingtheNationalFamine Way. PHOTO: COURTESY OFANDREWDOWNES/FÁILTEIRELAND

Uniquebarge-inspiredplantersforGrandCanaltown

THE canalsidetown of Sallinsin

Co Kildarehas receivedanumber of barge-inspired flowerplanters toadornthebridgeacrossthe Grand Canal.

The uniqueplanters, commissioned by Sallins Tidy Townsand handcrafted by Crann Designsusingrecycled oakbarrels,railway sleepersand curtain ringsasportholes,replaceold planterswhich were built by thelocal men’sshedgroup and hadservedthe community wellformorethanfive years.Inthe spiritoftheprevious planterswhich were decoratedwith wording, thenewplanters have names,

chosento reflect thelocal community andculture: Cairdeasmeaning friendship,LeChéilemeaning together,Suaimhneasmeaningpeace andSláintemeaninghealth.

Sallins,alwaysabrightandcheery placetovisit withitsdiverse and friendlycommunityofliveaboard boaters,will be evenmorecolourful nowthankstoSallins Tidy Towns! DiscovermorebyvisitingSallins Tidy TownsandCrann Designson Facebook.

BargeplanteratSallins.

PHOTO:COURTESYOFSALLINSTIDYTOWNS

ALDERTON

Walkingthe verybestof theLeedsand LiverpoolCanal

LeeSeniordescribeshisfavouritesectionswalkingEngland’slongestsinglecanal

AT JUST over127mileslong, the Leeds-Liverpoolcanalis aseriously impressiveTrans-Pennine route. The diversityofthesceneryand places alongthe wayoffers somethingfor everyone.Thereare many notable highlights,far toomanytomention, so Iintend to focusonthe must-see parts ofthe canal.

Walkingwesttoeastwiththe prevailingwindgenerally behindus, we leave CanningDock, Liverpool. Thesedaysthedock istheimpressive startingpointofourjourneyacrossthe PenninestoWestYorkshire. Leaving LiverpoolwepassclosetoAintree racecourse, homeofthefamousGrand National race,held everyApril. With about23milescompleted, we reach BurscoughBridge, thenorthernpart ofthesmall West Lancastriantown of Burscough. Itshistoricwharf these daysishometoaimpressiveretail development. Nearbyisarailway station withtrainsto Manchester, Wiganand Southport.Thereare good buslinkstoo.

Just underfourmiles later, we reach thevillage of Parbold.Ofinteresthere is the attractive distantvista neatly framedbyParbold Hill. Meanwhile, backatcanalside,thereisadistinctive former windmill,lastused inthemid 19thcentury.Wereachthe iconic Wigan‘pier’, sevenmiles later. Thereis ofcourse noactualpierortideorbeach! We aretoo far inlandforthat. Instead, theareaisanoldwharfthat wasused forloadingcoalonto waitingbargesvia atramway.BothWigan Wallgateand WiganNorth Western stationsarejust a10-minute walk away,offering great linear walkopportunities.

Soonafterwards, theimpressive WiganFlightcomprises23locks spanningaheightof200ft overthe nexttwo and ahalfmiles. An attractive ruralsectionthen eventuallyleadsto thetown ofChorley. Soonafterwards BlackburnandBurnleyfollowsuit. Allthree townsofferplentiful railand busoptions.

Theone-mile-longFoulridge tunnelisn’tfar away now.The tunnel is aremarkablefeatureinits ownright,

althoughthereis no actual walking routethroughit.Instead, adetouris necessary via Foulridge Reservoir,a very pleasingalternative. The highest town ontheroute,Barnoldswick (locals callit Barlick)isreachedonthe wayto Greenberfield Locks. The locksmark thesummitof thewhole route at 487ft. The only wayisdown! It’s afascinating spottoo withanold pump houseand oldlockkeeper’scottage,onwhat isa delightfully ruralsectionofthe route. Therearerollingfieldsandlong-range Penninevistas aplentyand the towpath surfaceisin good conditiontoo.Near thelocks,thecounty boundaryis locatedasthe RedRosegives wayto theWhite Rose countyof Yorkshirefor thoseofuswalkingeast!

Movingon, we reachthetinyvillage ofEastMartonandthefamousdoublearchedbridge. Thisis oneofthemost talked-aboutfeaturesofthe canal andthe Pennine Waywalksharesthe towpathhere, asitpassesunderneath thedoublebridge!Thisarrangement iscertainlyunusualandthe second bridge wasbuiltto maintainthe heightoftheA59road abovethe canal. Shortlyafterwards, the self-proclaimed gateway totheYorkshireDalesis reached. It isofcoursethe attractive NorthYorkshire markettown of Skipton

withitsmanyattractions.

The next sectiontowardsthe West YorkshiretownofKeighleyalsomakes fordelightfulwalkingcountry,offering yetmoreenticingYorkshirescenery.

The smalltownofBingley is four milesfurthereast. Here theGradeI listed Five Rise Locksare nationally renowned as oneofthe wondersof British waterways. Theyrisea totalof 60ft over adistanceof320ftandare the steepest flightoflocksinthe UK. Saltairevillage,aWorld Heritage Site,is just afurtherthree miles away.Saltaire isfamedastheplacethatSirTitus Salt builtforhis workerswho were employed at hisextensivemillslocated there.

Shipleyisjust1.5 milesfurtherand beyonditisonlya further13milesto theendof ourwalk.Along the wayisa tantalisingglimpseofKirkstall Abbey before the urbanconurbationof Leeds begins.TheLeeds-Liverpool Canal makesagreat choiceforlinearwalks.It is rarelyfarfrom publictransportandis idealfor acar-freeweekendordaytrip. Muchof thetowpathhas agoodsurface, thoughparts canbemuddyunderfoot afterheavy rain. Whether your tasteis in wildlife,industrialhistory,glorious unspoiltcountrysideorfascinating engineeringachievements,thereis muchto see anddo.

Amilepostalongthewayonthe LeedsandLiverpoolCanal. PHOTO:LEESENIOR

MeetBob,theJackRussellterrier

ByKevinThomas

HAVING ownedafew extremelyloyal Jack Russellterriersover theyears,I’vealways hadasoft spotforthe breed,ortousetheir internationalacronym, JRs, so Iwas pleased when Iwas giventhe opportunitytomeet Bob. He’sa lively two-year-old rescue Jack Russellbelonging to Caen Hill Marina moorers,Kev and Lyn. TheyrehomedBob throughthe Dogs Trustandhelives very happily with them aboard their52ft boat, Ena.Watching thethree ofthem interactit’s obvious Bobisdevotedtohis new owners.

Heritage

Dogs Trust

During theearly stages of ourchat, Kevand Lynmade mentionof somethingwhich they feltneeded sharingwith otherboat-dwelling folk.This beingthat the DogsTrusthas noproblem withits rescuedogsfinding homes aboardboats. Seemingly, somefolk who wouldloveto ownarescuedogare reluctanttotry anddo so duetotheerroneous belief that because theyliveonaboat, the DogsTrustrescue organisation won’t allowthemtorehomea dog.Hopefully,this will putthatconcernto rest andotherdogsneeding alovinghome willalso be ableto finda new lifeontheUK’sinland waterways.

It’s adog’slife

Aplayonbirds

Awholly Britishbreed, the Jack Russellis classed as asmall terrier,eithersmooth, rough,orbrokencoated andcan be anycolour. The breedwas first bred in NorthDevon during theearly19thcentury whereitwasused forfoxhunting.The personwhooriginally developed theJack Russellasa breedwasa hunting-lovingcountry parson,the Reverend John‘Jack’ Russell, born in1795,afterwhomthe breedisnamed. The breed’s directlineage canbetracedbackto thenow-extinct English whiteterrier.

Bobiscertainlya happy, well-adjusted

Jack Russell,ifnot abit vocalwhenhe wantsto expresshisviews,and it’s clear to allthat he thoroughlyenjoyshis boat-dwellinglife,plus thelengthy dailywalks he takesalongthe canal andsurrounds.Kevand Lyn,whooriginally hail from Swindonand have beenlivingaboard their boat fortwoyearsnow, believe Bobmay have previouslybeen used as aratterbecause wheneverhe goes fora walk,aclosewatch has tobe keptonhim. Ifheisfreed ofhis leadforashort while, theslightest whiffof ratscentsetshimoff. Thereafterit canbecome abitof amissionto get himbackonthe lead.I guessin Bob’sintelligent Jack Russellmind, coupledwiththebreed’s highlevelsofenergy,he ismerelycarrying out oneofthe rolesthis terrier wasoriginally bred for.Astheysay:“It’s inthe genes.”

BingleyFiveLocksontheLeedsandLiverpoolCanal. PHOTO:LEESENIOR

Kev,Lynandtheir rescueJackRussell,Bob.

BehindtheWheeltours returntopopularattraction

VISITORS canenjoy theunique experienceofexploringinsidethe world’s only rotatingboatlift.Tours, limited to eightpeople pertour, will takeplacemonthlyandinclude ashort presentation, abrunchorlight lunch,a walkaroundthesiteandtheopportunity to see insidetheWheelitself. As wellasthe walking, visitorswill have to climbseveralflights of ladders. TheFalkirkWheelwasofficiallyopened by HM The Queenin2002 and it soon became amajor touristattraction,as well asanamazingway oftransiting between the Forth& Clydeandthe Union Canals. It wasa revolutionarysolutiontothe problemof replacingthepreviousflight

of11locksaspartofthe Millennium Linkprojecttorestorethe Forth& Clyde Canal andreopenthe Lowland Canals. The Wheelclosesfor its MoTeachwinter andin2023–24underwent a£2.7million upgradetothecontrolsystem,including state-of-the-artwaterlevel sensor technology,improvedenergy efficiency andenhancedsafetysystems.

Scottish Canals’head of destinations, Ross McMillan,said:“Hundredsof thousandsof people have experienced ourboattrips butonly ahandful have ever stepped insidetheheartofthe Wheeland we can’t waittosharethis magicalexperience witheveryone.”

Book atourvia scottishcanals.co.uk

Go ForthonscenicexplorercanalcruisesinJuly

TAKEadvantage ofthree different cruisesofferinga rare opportunity toexplore both theForth &Clyde andUnion Canalsfromthe Falkirk Wheel. LUCS,inassociation with Scottish Canals,willtake passengersonan11-mile,one-way cruisewith atripontheWheel, throughthe FalkirkTunnel and acrossthe Avon Aqueductto Linlithgow.

The ConnectedCanalscruise visitsthesiteoftheoriginaltop lock andthehistoric UnionInn

New marinafortheUnionCanal

ANEW marinaat Winchburghwasofficially openedand handed over to Scottish Canalson Friday, May3.Thelocal community,including hundredsof school children, came outinforce toenjoythecelebrations.

LUCS (Linlithgow Union CanalSociety) boats Victoria, Leamington and St Magdalene were joined by boatsfromtheBridge

19-40 UnionCanal Society andelectric boatsand canoesprovidedbyScottish Canals,ina flotilla carrying 60 guests,withtheleadboat carryingScottishCabinet SecretaryforTransport FionaHyslopandScottish CanalsCEOJohn Paterson. Aftertheformal presentationand awater safetydemonstration, LUCS providedboattripsalongthe canal, carrying around 350

passengersduringthe day. It wasalongbutthoroughly enjoyableand successful dayfor the LUCS volunteers.

The four-hourreturntrip betweenLinlithgowand Winchburghsaw crewsand members leave Linlithgow at 8am,returning to the LUCS basin at 7pm. Winchburgh, 12miles west of Edinburgh, isthe centreofnewdevelopment, providingnewhomes,

schools, improved transport, outdoor spaces and amarinalinked to the Union Canalwhich runs through thetown.

The marina is nowopen forvisitingboats.Itcan accommodateupto20 narrowboatswithplans for afurther29onlinemoorings onthe canalitself.Leisure moorings willbe availableas thedevelopment progresses, withplansforan eventual eightresidentialmoorings. More informationis available at scottishcanals.co.uk

RYAScotland volunteerAlanis celebratedfor yearsofdedication

ALAN Falconerof CastleSemple

SailingClubin Lochwinnoch hasbeen awardedanRYA ScotlandImpactAward. The Impact Awards aredesignedto recognise outstandingcommitment andimpact withinthe Scottish sailing community. Recipientsofthe award, givenonlytothose whotruly makea difference,are nominated by the wider boatingcommunity.

He hasbeena stalwartvolunteer at theclubfor manyyears,spendinghuge amountsoftime, energy andeffortto manage afleet of23club boatsandthe maintenanceand repairstoensure they arereadyforothers to sail.

Alan hasalsohelpedthe cadets,giving uphistime overthe summer –andmost Sundays–tohelpteachtheyounger membersof theclub.

RYAScotlandvolunteersandstaff enjoyingthevolunteers’evening.

PHOTOS: RYASCOTLAND

Alan’simpactwashighlightedlast yearwhenhe hadtospendsometime away due to illhealth. The scaleofthe work needed to coverhiscontributions wasimmense. As Castle Semple Commodore PeterCollingssaid: “… we realised just howmuchworkhe’d beendoingkeepingallthe boats maintainedandespecially with cadets.” In recognitionof hisefforts, he was offered anhonoraryclubmembership whichhe subsequentlydeclinedsoas to keep makinga financialcontribution. Alantrulyloves beingout onthe water, apassionhe’s worked hard to share withothersthrough his volunteering.

In addition tohisinvolvementatCastle Semple,Alanwaspreviouslychairman at ClydeWindsurfingClub.

Upon receivinghis RYAScotland

in Falkirk, withtwotripsthroughthe Wheelitself. The thirdcruise, another one-way trip,takespassengerstothe Kelpies,takinginthe15locksbetween theWheel and Helix Park.Tickets can bebookedvia bookings.lucs.org.uk/

The priceincludes asoupand sandwichlunch,teas,coffeesand scones,and areturncoachprovided fortheone-way cruises.

LUCSvesselsen routeto Winchburgh,with Victoria leadingtheway.

Revolution at theFalkirk Wheel

REVOLUTION Festival Flotilla2024tookplace at theFalkirkWheel on Saturday, May25. The popularannual event included aflotilla with privateboaterstravelling from Lock 16onthe Forth&Clyde Canalin companywith boats fromthe Forth&Clyde CanalSociety(FCCS), LUCS,GoForth &Clyde

andthe Sorted Project. Adayofentertainment andactivitiesfollowed, includinglivemusic, adog showandlotsof off-andon-the-water activities,including boat tripsprovidedby LUCS andFCCS. In theevening, boaters enjoyeda socialeventon boardFCCS’s Voyager. FCCS vice-chair Scott

Castel,who washeavily involved inorganising theflotilla,said: “Revolution Festival hasbecome asignature eventinthe Falkirk Wheel calendar for membersofthe public, localcommunities, and tourists. We’redelighted that this year we canjoin thecelebrations with aflotilla.”

Welcomesupportforspecial needscruisesontheUnionCanal

THEEastofScotlandbranchof the SeagullTrustCruises charity, operatingthreeboatsfromits baseatRatho,receivedwelcome supportfromindependent retail consumers’ co-operativeScotmidin theformofvoucherstohelpprovide refreshmentsforpassengerswhile outonthecruises.

Impact Award,Alan said: “You know, whenIthinkofallthetrophies Ihave hadinthepast for sailing, thisone–the factthat it’s animpactI’vemadeon sailing, it reallyis... well I’mkindoflost forwords .I’m very,verypleased and thank youverymuch.”

RYAScotlandisthe national bodyfor allformsof recreational,competitiveand professional boating. Volunteers’ Week, theannualcelebrationofvolunteersand volunteering,washeldinthefirst week of Junethis year.RYA Scotlandhosted avolunteers’eveningatthe Falkirk Wheelon June 4tosay thank you and acknowledgethe hugecontribution made by volunteers.Thewell-attended eventallowed volunteerstheopportunity toconnect with RYAScotland staff, board membersandother volunteers.

Withfourbranchesonthe Union, Forth& Clydeand Caledonian Canals,thecharityisentirely run by volunteersandprovidesfree canaltripsfortheelderly,infirm andthose with special needs. About 2000cruisestakeplace each year, takingaround22,000 passengers out inthefleet of nine speciallyadapted wheelchairaccessibleboats.

Eddie Thorn, presidentof Scotmid, said: “TheSeagullTrust is awonderful charitywithan enthusiasticteamof volunteers.We at Scotmidarepleased to be ableto supportthemintheir effortsand

wishthemandtheirpassengers allthe best forthe2024 seasonand beyond.”

Most ofthe Rathobranchclients comefrom nursing homesand care homesthroughoutthe Lothians, Fifeandthe Borderstoenjoya two tothree-hourcruise, often stopping forlunch at Almondell Aqueduct beforereturningtoRatho.

StuartRennie, branchchairman for SeagullTrustCruises at Ratho, said:“Weweredelightedtoyet again be supportedbyScotmid,whichI am sure will be appreciatedbyour passengersastheycruisealongthe Union Canal. Like allorganisations, itis becomingmoreandmore difficulttofundour operation, andtocontinuetoprovide our free serviceto ourall-important passengers.Scotmid’s latest generouscontributionreallyismost welcome.” Find outmoreatwww. seagulltrust.org.uk

StuartRennie(branchchairman,Seagull TrustCruises);Eddie Thorn(Scotmidpresident);CherylParkinson(Seagull TrustCruises) onthecanalneartheRathobase. PHOTO: SEAGULLTRUSTCRUISES/SCOTMID

TheflotillaarrivingatWinchburgh. PHOTOS:MIKEWILKINSON

AlanFalconerwithhis RYAScotland Impact Award.

RYAScotlandvolunteersand stafftryingoutScottishCanals’ e-boats.

TheflotillaarrivingattheFalkirk Wheel,ledbyFCCS’s Maryhill PHOTOS:SCOTTISHCANALS

Visitors enjoying the Splash Zone at the Falkirk Wheel.

DaysOut

Exploring the city ofChester

Ourseriesisdedicatedtoshowcasinguniquedaysout nearspecialcanals. Whetheryou’reintogongoozling (watchingboatingactivities),leisurelytowpathwalks, wildlifespotting,boattripsorevenretailtherapy,our canalsystemhassomethingforeveryone.Thismonth, we’reshiningthespotlightonNantwich,with close linkstothewaterwaysand atownthathasplentyto offertovisitors.

ByPhilPickin

CHESTER hastobeoneoftheUK’smost historiccities,withitshistory dating backover2000 years.That history is todaymixed withallthetrappingsofa moderncity, buteverywhereyou look, thereareremindersofitspast; many of theseremindersareeasilyaccessible to the narrowboat visitor.

Nestledinthe north-westofthe country, Chester offers auniqueand picturesqueexperiencetovisitors whoarrive with theShropshireUnion Canalandthe RiverDee,bothflowing throughthecentre ofthehistoric, completelywalledcityof Chester. And

it’s at ChesterBasinwheretheymeet. As aresult, thereare very fewcities that provide narrowboat users with sucha vantagepoint to enjoyacity with such arichhistory,stunning architectureand vibrantculture.

Oneofthecity’suniquefeatures, andonethat iseasily accessible from many stretchesofthe canal,isitscity walls.Chesteris renowned forits well-preservedRomanandmedieval walls,aswellasthelargest Roman amphitheatreinBritain. Butitisthe wallsthat encirclethecitycentrethat providethebackdroptomanyviewsof thecity.Althoughaccesstothem canbe achallenge forsomeduetothe number of stairsinvolved,the wallsprovidean opportunityto seethecityfrom avery differentperspective.

Forthosewhodo walkalongthem, theyalsooffera close-upviewofthe famousEastgateClock.

Citycentre

Withintheconfines of thecitycentre, visitors willfindtheimpressive 1000-year-oldChester Cathedral with what arethoughttobesomeof Europe’s finestexamplesofmedieval carvings. Notfarfromthisimpressivebuildingis the700-year-oldRowsGalleries,home to many differentshopsand businesses. If youdovisit,try to rememberyou are walkingwhereRoman legionariesonce walked.Thesewerenot theonlyearly visitorstothe city. Vikings,Normansand Anglo-Saxonsarealsothoughttohave ‘paid avisit’.

Accordingtolocalinformation, Chesterisalsohometotheoldest racecourse in Britain. Locatedashort distancefromthecity,thecoursebrings inevenmorevisitorstothecityon race days.Butforthosewhoarelookingfor amorerelaxingplacetovisit,there is Grosvenor Park,whichis apublicpark inthecitythat consistsof20acresof landoverlookingthe RiverDee,which provides arefreshingbreakfrom abusy citycloseby.

Butifyou arelooking foran opportunity toenjoy somethinga littlelivelier, Chesterhas anumberof

Just some of the architecture and history Chester has to offer

PHOTO: MARKETING CHESHIRE

Chester’sRomanamphitheatre. PHOTO:CHESTERBID

Chester TownHallisanimposingbuildingandhometothelocal Tourist InformationCentre. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

TheChesterLockFlightinuse. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Itisn’tjusttheboatingcommunitywhomakeuseofandenjoythewaterwaysinChester.

canalside restaurantsandbarswhich offer aperfect opportunitytosavourthe localcuisineandunwindafter aday of sightseeing. Therewould seemtobesomething for everyone, whichiswhat youwould expectfor acityofthis sizeandinthis impressivelocation.

Narrowboataccess

Butfor narrowboat users, thefeature hastobethecloseproximityofthe canal tothecityandthefactthat, in many locations,the canalrunsalongsidethe city walls and is closetomanyofthe mostnotablehistoricsites.WithChester beingthecounty town itisthehomeof theCheshireRing, whichconsistsof97 milesof canaland 92locks, whichissaid totake 50 hours tocomplete. The three main canalsofthe Ring runthroughthe countyandincludethe Macclesfield Canal,whichruns throughCongleton and Macclesfield;theTrentand Mersey,

which runsthrough Middlewichand Wheelock;andthentheBridgewater Canalthat runs throughLymminthe north.But it is theShropshireUnion Canalthatskirtsthecity wallsand makes for aspectacularurbanlandscapeto cruisethrough.

The area aroundtheChesterbasin isnot onlywhere the canalandthe rivermeetbutisalsorepresentative of whereoldandnewmeet,withmodern buildings sittingalongsidethe canal. Historic buildings sitclosetosuburban housing, andamongallthisisthe wellknown drydock.

Andasiftocompletethepicture, the main railline runsclosetotheflightof lockstoprovideanexampleof road, rail and canaltransportationmixed with thousandsof yearsofhistory,all within astone’s throw ofeachother.

Forthose who want to venturealittle furtherfromthecity,thereare twovery differentworld-famous attractionsof

Chester ZooandtheAndertonBoat Liftnottoofar away,provingthat Chesterandthe surroundingarea cancaterforalmosteveryone.

FACTFILE

Further places ofinterest include: Canal &River Trust: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ places-to-visit/chester ChesterZoo: www.chesterzoo.org

VisitChester: www.visitcheshire. com/chester Chester: www.chester.com VisitEngland: www.visitengland. com/things-to-do/chester Telford’sWarehouse: www.telfordswarehousechester.com ChesterBoat: www.chesterboat.co.uk

TheTowpathAngler

Ourmonthlylook at theanglingscene

ByDavidKent

ALTHOUGHlessinvolved inangling politicsthan Ioncewas,Iamstill very much awarethat thereisplenty goingon. Those whoreadthiscolumn regularly willknowonlytoo wellthat Ioften make thepointthat allthenational agencies who have adirectorindirectimpacton anglingshould be workinginunisonfor thebenefit of allparticipantsandthose whoselivelihoodsdependonthe sport beingbuoyant. Iamnot naïveenough to believeany collaborationinany contexttobetotally harmoniousbutany differencesshouldeither be resolvedor acceptedsothat we cancollectivelydo the very best forthe sportandeveryone involved withit.Thereisneitherthetime northe resources to be incompetition, andI appreciate that thisdoesnot just applyto oursport.Thetrouble is,the grassroots peopleare, sadlyall toooften, thelosers.

Lastmonth Ireferredtotheimpact ofthe many floodingevents, making particularmentionofthedevastation to many of ourfisheries,including someof ourbelovedcanals,whichare oftenvictimsoflandslipsandbreaches following heavy rainfall.Ofcourse, changesinglobalclimatepatternsare undoubtedly oneofthe keycauses although,I believe, nottheonlyone. Whateverthe reasons,itisabundantly clearthat afull rethinkandthenupgrade offlood preventionand landdrainage strategyisessential. Iacceptitisa complexproblemwhere therewillnever be aone-size-fits-all solution. However, it strikesmethatevenas anon-expert, Ican see that thereare somepretty basic measuresnecessary, whichshould be implementedacross thecountry. Theseincludea complete desiltingofriversand watercourses(how oftendo we hearthiscited as amajor causeofflooding)andalsoa change in the wayflood defencesareconstructed to ensurethat, insteadof beingableto withstand aone-in-100-yearevent, they should be ableto withstand aone-in300-yearevent.

Allthe keyevents scheduledfor 2024 areeitheralreadyunder wayorare about to start. ImentionedtheAnglingTrust Nationalslastmonth butinaddition, ofcourse,thereisthe CRTPairs Championship,its NationalCelebration of YoungAnglersevent, notforgetting numerousLet’s Fish events(see page 76)which,while notcompetitions per se,often see many ofthe youngsters trying to dothat littlebit betterthan eachother.Althoughall aboutangling onthefaceofit,I remain afirm believer that Let’sFishisalsothe best medium currently operatingforenablingyoung peopletolearn aboutthe canals,the canalenvironmentandtheimportance of canalsin acommunity. Indeed,one keylessonthe youngsterslearnduring thesesessionsistohaverespect at all

timesforotherusers. Like mostcanal users, anglersdisplay respectforothers. That said,thereisstill asmallminority whoneed to dothings better.Let’s Fish helpsshowthe youngsters just how importantthisis.

Theweatherfinallyturns

Following thehorrendous weather during springwhich,among other things,caused watertemperatures to remain reallylowandthis,inturn, delayedthe spawningprocess,itis probablyfair tosaythat fishingnow is juststartingtoimprove. Acouple of weeks agoI heardreportsof water temperatures hittingthe‘magic’16/17 degreesCelsius benchmark, whichis oftenthetriggerthat fishneedtoget cracking, andthe majority will have reached. Resultsfromaroundallthe waters would seemto supportthis; silver fishgenerallyaredoing welland Ihave heardgreat resultsfrom variouscanals includinga match-winningweight ofmore than 20lb. However, abetter reflectionofhow aparticularwateris fishingare thesupportingweights.In one case amatchon oneoftheYorkshire canals saw10lborsoneeded to win everysection.Weightsfrom stillwater venuesaregettingthere too.

Ihavefishedthree times since writingmylastarticlefor Towpath Talk,finishingsecond in onematch andthirdintheother two andpicking up acoupleofbrownenvelopesalong the way. Ienjoyedallthree matches, not leastbecause the weatherwasgood and we all stayed dry, butalsobecause each match wasachallenge insofaras you hadtoreally work hard to getaresponse andthenmakethe rightdecisions at the righttimetogetthebest outofaswim. My top weight fromthesematcheswas 70lb,just2lb behindthe winner.Club matchesareunder waynow so,all being well, Iwill be onthebankmoreoften. Iguess many of you will be makingthe mostofthelongeveningsatthemoment. Arguablythisis stillthe best timeto go fishing.Itdoesseemthattackleandbaits moreappropriatetothetimeof yearare workingnow.Iamnot saying throw cautiontothe wind butbemindfulof thechangeable weatherwhich willoften dictatehowthe sportwill be. Tightlines.

Safety advice foranglers

WITHpollutionin rivers continuingtocause concern,theAngling Trusthas issued new safefishingadvicefor freshwateranglers. The trust’sHealth &Safety Guidancefor FreshwaterAnglers coversallaspectsof freshwaterangling, includingminimising the riskof becoming illdueto sewagein waterways.Italso outlinessixsimplesteps

everyangler canfollow to avoidcontact with harmfulbacteria,such as E. coli.

The sixsteps are:

•Never putwetlines in yourmouthorany otheritemsoftackle thathave been inthe water.

•Wash yourhands with soap and wateror useasanitiser before eating andafterfishing.

•Clean anywounds as soonaspossible and wearprotective clothing.

•Ifyou do fallin, keep your mouthclosed and avoiddrinkingwater.

•Showerassoon as possibleif you’vebeen in potentially infected water.

APDFcopycanbe downloaded fromthe Advice section at:www. anglingtrust.net/news

•Coveranycutsand grazes with waterproof plastersbeforefishing.

Chester’sBridgeofSighs. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

ThefamousEastgateClock. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

The WetWeb

ByHelenGazeley

WITHthe startofthe schoolholidays, areyou lookingfor waysto priseyour childrenfromtheir screensand get them outdoors? Let’sFish! –described by theCRT as“the UK’smostpopular programmeofanglingevents” –isin fullswing,withmorethan400 events takingplaceacrossEnglandand Wales inconjunction withlocalanglingclubs. Since2016,it’sofferedopportunities everyyeartotryfishingforfree,with tackle,bait,arodlicenceand afishing permitallprovided,alongwithexpert one-to-onecoaching.

John Ellis,theCRT’sheadoffisheries andangling, says:“It’s so important to keep canalsaliveasthey’reonthe doorstepofmillions of peopleand we knowthat regularly spending time by the waterisgoodfor people’swell-being. We’reproudthat ourLet’s Fish!events have introducedthousandsof young peopletothe sport.”

Let’sFish! is just oneofa rangeof initiatives by variousorganisationsto introducetheenjoymentoffishingto younger generations.

The AnglingTrust is running beginner andfamily-friendly sessionsthroughout the summeras part ofitsongoingGet Fishing campaign (www.anglingtrust. net/getfishing).Andforanyone wanting tostrikeout ontheir own,it’s highly likelythat AnglingDirectstores(www.

Let’sFish!sessions,likethisone ontheTitfordCanalinJune2022, aresuitableforchildrenfromthe ageofsix. PHOTO:CANAL &RIVERTRUST

anglingdirect.co.uk)around thecountry will be offeringfreewhipkitsforunder16s. These simple rods aregenerally made availableintimeforthe school holidays,sokeepaneye on socialmedia or yourlocalbranch.

Of course,weallknowthat fishing istoutedasoneofthemost relaxing pastimes,butit’s also beingresearched astherapeutic.InMay,a four-year project,led by UniversityCollege London,was announced. It aimsto trackhow social prescribingoffishing, gardeningandotheractivitiesmight reducelonelinessandmentalhealth difficulties inchildren agedbetween nineand13.The projectaims to involve

600 pupilsasitexpandsnextyear. Fishingfor Schoolsalreadyknows howeffectivefishingcan be asa children’spastime. Initiatedin2007to offer students with learningdifficulties away backintoformaleducation,its reachspreadtomainstream schools anditnowoffers free resourcestomore than30 schoolseach year,offeringa counterbalanceto education’scurrent emphasisontargets and results.

“Weknowlearningintheclassroom doesn’t suit everyone,” it says in its Impact Report 2007-2019(www. fishingforschools.co.uk/impact). “By usingfishing as amedium, itallows youngpeople to understandthebasics of geography, mathematics–weights,

measures,geometry– andliteracy. We openup aworld ofaquaticconservation andpreservationandthecomplex world beneath ourrivers,lakes andstreams.”

If you’d liketohelp kidsgetinto fishing, thereare variousvolunteering opportunities with someofthe organisationsmentioned,as wellas The MayFly Project, whichhas hada UKpresencesince2021,after being foundedinthe US in 2015. It gives one-to-onementoring to childrenin foster care throughteaching flyfishing andconservation, buildingself-esteem andconfidence withthenewskills. Find outmoreonthe website:www. themayflyprojectuk.org/what-we-do Fishingfor Schoolsand Let’sFish!

Sustainableboating:batteries

IWASustainableBoatingGroupmember JonathanMossecontinueshisserieson off-gridboating.

ICAN waxlyrical endlesslyon the subjectofbatteries but,at the risk of over-simplification, I’llconfine myself to some very specificand directly relevantareas,targetedat practical applicationsforinland waterwayscraft.

Essentially, we’relookingat twoverydifferentchemistries: leadacid(LA)andlithium.The former willincludeflooded and sealedcells;AGM; gel,lead carbonandthelike, buttheyall demandthe samefour-stage charging regimecomposed of bulk,absorption,floatand equalisation,to bemetona regularbasis, ortheir overall capacity will become steadily depleted. Thisisobviously challengingunlessalandlineis regularlyavailableor youcruise forextendedperiodsoftime.

Lithium-ion toocoversa multitudeofsins butthe boater

will be lookingatlithium-ion andlithiumironphosphate (LiFePO4) …orrathershould, on safetygroundsalone,only be lookingatthemorestable LiFePO4chemistry.With lithiumbatteries,the rigorous LA chargingregimegoesout ofthe windowandtheycan be treatedjustasyou wouldyour phoneorlaptop. Thereare tempting opportunitiesto purchase lithium-ionbatteries(largely second-hand,ex-EVor bus) which,set against the priceof newLiFePO4examples,look very attractive. However, you are (literally)playingwithfirehere and Icanconfidentlypredict that it willnot be toolongbefore theyare outlawed.Todate, the onlyrecordedlithiumbatteryrelatedfires, recorded on leisure boats, have beenfromlithiumionbatteriesindevicesthathave

beenbroughtontothe vessel. Havingdecidedto go forthe convenienceandimproved overall performanceof LiFePO4batteries,theyneed to be managedwithin aseries offairlytight parameters.For this,a batterymanagement system(BMS)is required andit caneitherbeincorporated into anindividual batteryorbea standalonedevice,connectedto abattery (orbankofbatteries). In the secondinstance,thereis generallygreaterflexibilityfor multiplebatteries to be wired bothin seriesorinparallel. LiFePO4and LA chemistries shouldnot be mixed in the same bank,norshould LiFePO4batteries be seen simplyas drop-in replacements forpreviously installed LA examples.The internet promotesexamplesofdevices and strategiesfor such infernal mixes butthe bottomlineisthat it will notbetoo long before insurancecompanies catch up with suchdevilmentand they areoutlawed.Lackofspace preventsmefrom goinginto furtherdetail.

However, thereare at least three acceptablestrategies outthereallowing the safe replacementandintegration of LA chemistrywithlithium which, with twinalternator systems, involvethefitting of someformofalternatorcontrol andbatteryprotectionand, with asinglealternator system, chargingofthe leisurebattery bankvia abatterytobattery (B2B)devicefromthe LA starter

both see competitionasimportant, to meet young people’s desire to succeed. Let’sFish!isencouragingyoung people tofollow uptheirintroductorysessions by attendingregionalcelebrationslater inthe summer,supported by Let’sFish! coaches.Theeventsculminateinthe NationalCelebrationof YoungPeople and Fishing, withthebiggestline-up of youthfulfishinginonelocationthis century,onSeptember14-15onthe ShropshireUnion Canal. In October,the DaiwaGlobal CommunitiesCelebrationinvites young people withancestralconnectionsto countriesaroundthe worldto take part. Find outmoreontheCRTwebsite(bit. ly/3wZy9K4).

battery. The thirdpossibilityis viaadevicethat combinesthe outputsof bothalternators, the outputofwhichcan be programmedtomatch lithium batterychargeprofiles.

In anutshell,theinternal resistanceofa lithiumbattery isconsiderablylowerthanthat ofan LA battery andassuch the chargeit istakingneeds to be carefullymonitored and controlled. Addtothisthe BMS which,onceitdetects afull charge,closesdown almost instantaneously,usually with disastrous consequences to an alternator’s internals.

Left:Proprietarysystems (andsupportforfitting)are availableforintegrating lithiumandsolarPVinto yourexistingelectrical system.

Furtherinsightisavailableat: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jgoIocPgOug&t=15s. As withtheconversation turningtodifferenttypesof toilets,withina couple of minutesof two ormoreboaters meeting, so toodoesthe highcostoflithiumbatteries compared with their LA counterpartssoonarise when this equipmentisdiscussed. Takingwholelifecosts,there isprobablyactuallyverylittle init,withlithium winningout comfortablyontheinherent convenienceofitscharging regime. However, thereisa considerable differenceinthe purchase priceof seemingly identicalexamplesofwhat is ostensiblythe sameproductand specification.Not alllithium batteriesarebornequal;some, forinstance,are farmoreableto withstandthe rigoursof boating thanothersthatmaysimply have been specified tositquietly inonelocation.When Ichose my own30kWbatterybankI was lookingforGradeA cells(Band Care availablemorecheaply)of prismaticconstruction,rather than cylindricalor pouch configuration.

Finally,think ‘accreditation’: fewsurveyorshavethenecessary skillstodeterminethe safety or calibreofa sophisticated electrical system.However, installation (orsign-off) by an accreditedelectricianprovides reassuranceandBritish Marine hasalreadydevised asuitable qualification.

British Marine welcomesits newpresident,Robert Parton

ByPhilPickin

AFTER twoyearsaspresident-elect, Robert Parton, ownerof Aqueduct Marina,recentlytookup the post ofpresidentofBritish Marine,the tradeassociationfortheUKleisure, superyachtandsmallcommercial marineindustry. It seemedagood time to determinewhat his appointment wouldmeanforthe waterways sector.

RobertopenedAqueductin2009and tookan Advanced Marina Management coursewith BM in 2012. He joined the MidlandscommitteeofBMand was thenelectedchairmanin2017until 2019.After beingappointedtothe boardofBritish Marinein2020,he becamepresident-electin2022.

Robert,together withhis wifeAndrea and, at thetime,three youngchildren, opened Aqueduct Marina 15 years ago. Sincethat timetheyhavenotonly built athrivingbusiness buthavealsogot involved inthe work of British Marine and,inparticular,theassociations linked to theinlandwaterwaysandthe marina sector.

This wassomething of amajorchange ofdirectionfor aCheshirefarmer,but hispreviousfarmingexperienceof workingwithunpredictable weather hasgivenhiman appreciationofthe changingclimate, somethingwhich continuestoinfluencehisworkand, itis reasonabletoexpect, the work he does asheadofBritish Marine.

We spoketoRobertshortly beforehe took partinthe FundBritish Waterways eventheld at Westminster,which involved anumberofMPs and senior

figures withinthe waterwayssector. Robert waskeentopointoutthat the campaign to fight foradditionalfunding forthe waterwaysisofvitalimportance to everyone.Havingtaken alongwalk alongthe canalwithIWAchairmanLes Etheridge,theconversation resulted inhelpingsow the seedsoftheFBW campaign,whichhe wouldnowliketo see thewiderindustrysupportasmuch as possible.

It isn’t foraltruistic reasonsthat Robert wantstosee the waterways flourish, although somemightsee itthat way. Asecureandproperly funded canaland waterwaysystemwill benefit everyoneandtheenvironment, somethinghefeelsstrongly about. Over thepastfew years,heandhisteam have worked hard to reducethe carbon footprintofthe marina,a processthat hasn’tbeeneasybutonethat he would

liketosee BM helpmoremembers embark on.As aresultofthis work,not only hastheteam atAqueductbeen ableto reduceits carbonfootprint, but it hasalsobeenoneofthefirst marinas to offer HVOfueland,morerecently, hydrogen.As aresult,Aqueduct has been awardedgoldanchorsand gained TYHAclean marina accreditation.

Trainingisalsosomethingthat Robert believesbusinesses,regardless oftheirareaof work,shouldtake seriously.AsaCertifiedMarinaManager andanend pointassessorforthe Marina and Boat Yard apprenticeship, heis keento see progressinthefield oftrainingforthe marine sector. With colleges that cansupportand work with apprenticesthinontheground away fromthe southcoast, remotely located marine businesses often struggleto gainthe marine specialist trainees and college supporttheyneed.So, maybe we canexpectmore emphasisonthis areaduring Robert’s twoyearsasthe head oftheassociation.What he has expresseda keeninterestinisformore membersto make useofBritish Marine specialist training coursesavailableto them, whichareinadditiontothelegal, political, representational,technical and marketingguidanceand support available to all1300members. So we canexpectmore emphasison environmentalissuesandincreased fundingforthe waterways, be they CRT, EA orwhoever;theimportance oftrainingtodrive up standardsin theindustryandtoencouragethe BM membershiptonetwork morewith morecollaborationanddiscussion

Yourchancetowritetousonanytowpathtopic: Towpath Talk,POBox99,Horncastle,LincsLN96LZoremaileditorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Coirrollperils

Yourchancetowritetous onanytowpathtopic: Towpath Talk,POBox99, Horncastle,LincsLN9 6LZoremaileditorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk

Nantwichshowersneedto beopen

THEcustomer servicefacilities showers at Nantwich onthe ShropshireUnion Canalhavebeen closed formonths.

Icalledthe Canal&RiverTrustand wastoldthis wasdue to vandalism butitlooks asiftheyhavebeen disconnected.

Thereare well over150 boats that permanentlymoor at the local marinasandotherprivatemoorings, as wellasthe hundredsofholiday boatsthat visiteverymonth.Ifallthe boatsweretouse their ownshowers therewouldn’t be afish alivefor miles.CRT shouldprovideadequate essential servicesforitscustomers.

Kind regards Steve Garratt –byemail

withinthe variousassociationsthatmake up BM.Oneeventheisparticularlyproud ofistheinlandassociation’sautumn conference,themostrecentofwhich washeldin Worcesterandsaw80-plus delegates attend.ThisissomethingRobert is keen to seemoreofacrosstheentire marineindustry. Whenhe isnot busy running his ownmarinaandundertakinghis BM commitments,heisalsoonthe board

Dear TowpathTalk, The articleinyourFebruaryissue –Trent towpathto be transformed by £2m revamp –caughtmyeye. Lastyear ourpropencountered one ofthosecoir rollsonthe Stratford and Avon. Severalhoursof workby John Tweats of Stockport–anangel who wasbehindus– followed by acalloutto boat sharecompany BCBM (pictured)set usfree.Twentyplusyearsonthecutand we’ve neverencountered anythingnearas tenacious.Wewould strongly suggest another wayofencouragingplantlife. Regards

ChristineHowze –byemail

ofthe SouthCheshireChamber of Commerce. Outsideofwork, heisa seasonticketholder at Manchester United,andifhe canfindtime,you may alsofindhim onhis localgolfcourse or on the Southampton Municipalcourseafter ameeting in TagusHouse. Butwithabusycoupleof yearsahead ofhim,itremainsto be seen just what opportunitieshe will have to work on his swing!

RobertParton,presidentofBritish Marine. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

AssistancefromBCBMtohelp sortthecoir roll. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

TheteamattheAqueductMarinastand. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Wheredidthat word comefrom?

JohnSoutercontinueshisseriesbyexploringtheorigins ofcommonlyusedboatingterms.

MANYofyou maybefamiliar withwhat alotofthe wordsthat boaters usemean. Buthaveyou ever stoppedtowonder wherethe wordsweare alltoofamiliar withactuallyoriginated from?Hereare moreexamplesof wordswhoseorigins mayhopefullyinformyou and,insome cases, perhapsevensurpriseyou.

Rudder

The broad,flatpieceofhingedwood or metal vertically attachedtothe sternof aboatwhichprojectsdownwardsinto the waterto be used for steering. It is the forceofthewater againstthe rudder bladethatmakesthefore-endof aboat turninthe same direction to whichthe rudderis pointing.

The word is thoughttocome from the OldEnglish word ‘rodor’meaning ‘paddle,oar’.

Saloon

The nautical namegiventotheliving areaon aboatsimilarto aloungeor livingroominahouse.

It’s theAnglicisedversionofthe17th century French word ‘salon’meaning ‘reception room’.

Slipway

Aramporothersimilarareasloping fromthebanksideandtowardsandinto the water andonwhich largeboatsand shipsarebuilt inpreparationforeasier launching, i.e.easy‘slipping’ into the water.Oncanals,theslipways were often set at acute angles to thecutdueto many boatsbeing built to lengths widerthan

the canalitself. The term is also used forsmallerslopingareasused tolaunch smaller boats, e.g. from trailers reversed intothe water.

The word is believedtocomefrom the13thcentury Middle English word ‘slippen’meaning ‘tomove’,andalsothe OldEnglish word ‘weg’meaning‘way’,or possiblythe Middle English variantof ‘away’meaning‘alineofpassage’.

Sluice

AFenland/EastAnglian termfor alock, originallyfromthemeaningofa water channelthat carriesa rapidflow of water with asluice-gatetocontroltheflow, especiallyintimesofflood conditions.

The word is thoughttodatefrom circa 1400, beingashorteningofthe Old French ‘escluse’ meaning‘sluice, floodgates’, or alternativelyfromthe Latin ‘exclusa’meaning‘barrierto shut outwater’.

Starboard

The right-hand side of avesselwhen lookingtowards thebow.Believedto originatefromtheAnglo-Saxonword ‘steorbord’ (‘steor’ meaning‘steer’ plus‘bord’ meaning ‘side’),which subsequentlyevolvedintothe Middle English‘sterbord’ meaning‘steering board,sideonwhichavesselwas steered’.

Early vessels, especially Germanic ones, were steered by alongoar or steering-boardextendedoverthe righthand sideofthe vesselfromwhich ‘steering-board’ evolved into ‘starboard’.

Stern

The rear of avessel, andinparticularthe outside rearmostpart.

Believed tocomefromtheearly13th century,possiblythe OldNorse word ‘stjorn’meaning ‘steering’,orOldFresian ‘stiarne’meaning‘rudder’. Hencethe link withthebackorrearofthe vessel.

Strake

Theseare thehorizontalbarsorbands protectingthesides,bow and sternofa vessel.Thetermcanalsobeusedtorefer to amouldingfitted tothe outsideofthe hull,usually at deck level to protectthe topsides.

The word is thoughttoderivefromthe mid-14thcentury Middle Englishasa

Thetillerisusedforsteering. PHOTO:JANETRICHARDSON

Starboardistheright-handsideof avesselwhenlookingtowardsthe bow.

developmentofthe word ‘stretch’from theOld English word ‘streccan’.

Tiller

Awoodenormetal rodorpole handle attachedtothe rudder post/swan’sneck andusedfor steering.Pushing against thetiller will make the rudder turnand thereforegivesthe boat itssteerage. The meaningofa‘bartoturnthe rudderof aboat’ wasrecordedinthe 1620s,possiblyfromthemid-14th century OldFrench word ‘telier’ meaning‘stock’(of acrossbow),orfrom theLatin word ‘tela’comingfromthe MedievalLatin word ‘telarium’meaning ‘weaver’sbeam’, bothofthelatterused inthe senseofgivingdirection.

Generalelectionprovides chance to highlight theconcerns of waterwaysusers

NABOgeneralsecretary PeterBraybrook commentsonsome moretopicalissues.

HOPEFULLY,you have all pickedupacopyofthisissue as soonasithitthedistribution pointwhereyou usuallyfindit and turnedstraighttotheback pages!There is only aweek untilthe generalelectionon July 4!The boatingcommunity isnot generallyconsidered to be alarge elementinthe determinationoftheelection. Many donot vote.Manyquip

that theyare floatingvoters. Othersconsiderthemselvesto be insignificant in thewhole schemeofthings.

However, in ademocracy, we must hold to thebeliefthat everyvotematters.I encourage you to useyourvote. Iamnot reallyconcernedaboutwhoyou vote for butpleasehavecertain thingsinmindwhen selecting yourchosencandidate.Around aquarteroftheparliamentary constituenciesinthe United Kingdom have anavigable waterway withinthem.These areallimportantforheritage, floodpreventionandcontrol, effluentmanagement, drinking watermanagement, leisure uses and natureconservation. The 2023 Defrareviewshowed that central governmentisnot willingtofully recognisethe nationalimportance,pay for the benefitsthat canalsand riversprovideandacceptthe fullcost. It isimportantthatwe elect representativeswhoare willingtotakea positive viewof thebenefitsthat waterway use contributes to the national wellbeing. Whoever winsthe right to formthe nextgovernment, theneed to highlight these

issues willnot go away and the FundBritain’sWaterways movement, inwhichNABOisa majorparticipant, will be ready tospeakup forthe navigation authoritieswhofindtheir fundingrestricted by shortsighteddecision making.

By thetime you read this, we will have completed the June ExplorerCruiseorganised by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society. We have spentafair amount of time in thearea overthe yearssince ourfirst-evercruiseonthe BlackCountry Ring in ahire boat. That took usthroughthe centreofBirminghamtwice and we lovedit. Londondid notgiveusthe samefeeling. The Birmingham canals speak loudlyoftheindustrialheritage that spawned thembut have broughtabout atremendous transformationsincethedemise ofthe coal,ironand steeland heavy manufacturingindustries. Muchof the regenerationis inpartduetothe work ofthe BCNS,whosecurrent strapline is “Cleanitand cruiseit”.

Thegreatdifference about ourtravelsthistime will be that we will be incompany. So often

we have seemedtobetheonly boat onthemove.Wewillalso hearfromtheexperts someof thehistoryandheritage that the remoterpartsof thenetwork provide.Itwillalsoincludea visitto theCanal &RiverTrust’s Bradleyworkshops, whichare nowtheonly worksmakinglock gatesforthewholeofthe Canal &RiverTrust's system.

OurtripuptoBirmingham is over aroutethat we have navigatedmanytimes.Itisstill differenteverytime.CRT has beenbusyoverwinter placing pre-plantedcoirrolls at regular intervalsdown the concretepiledsidesofthe canal. Why? Onlythewater voleswho previouslycouldnot boreinto theconcretewillappreciate thesenew habitats. Thistimethe weather was reasonably kindtousand carefulcheckingofradar weatherpredictionshelped ustododgethedownpours so that we didnot have to boat in heavyrain. Butthe evidence ofthedamage wreakedby extreme weather wasthere thewhole way. We were held up by afallentree.Fortunately onthe same stretchof canal,

inthequeuecomingtheother way, wasour localcoal boat operator.Hecleared away the branchesfromthetrunk over the canaltoformanarchthat his boat couldfitunderneath. Withinanhour wewere all movingagain.Whatwould we do withoutthecoal boats who regularly plythe canalsto deliverthenecessitiesofcanal life?Thedeepdraftonthe boats helps keepthechannelsclear of siltand theexperienceof theoperatorsissharedamong thecommunity withoutfavour. We were certainlygrateful that he wasequippedwiththe wherewithaltocutus atunnel!I didnot see himatworkbecause thebanksweresuchthat Icould notactuallyland.This wasthe sectionofthe canalwherethere once wasatunnelwhichdidnot have atowpath. In otherplaces,therewere towpathswhereIwouldnot want toland. The heavyrains ofthis springhaveleft many deepin mud, rutted by bicycle tyresandall butimpassable to walkers. Ihavenever seen them so bad. At onelock Ilet off my crew at the startofthe lock landing andgavethema

difficulttasktowalktothelock asthetowpathwas puddled, very muddyandslippery with thorn bushesimpingingthe walkwaytothe extentthatit wasalmostimpassable.Where aboathadcomeadriftfrom itsmooringsthetowpathwas under water,impedingthe re-mooringprocess. Ispoketoone of Canal& RiverTrust’s rangers, whose jobitisto walk about20miles oftowpath aday toprovide sightingsofallthe boatsinthat patch.Heagreed that thereare somepathsthat arenow so narrowed by vegetationand subsidencethat he is at riskof fallingintothe canal. Ourlocal waterwaysmanager hastold methat thereisabsolutelyno moneyfortowpaths.

Icongratulatethe volunteers onthe ChesterfieldCanalfor the valuable work that theyhave beendoing to renovatetheir towpaths.Perhapstheywill inspireotherstodothesame. Many towpathsare designated as long-distance footpaths and someareincludedinthe nationalcyclenetwork.Surely itistimethat thesetoo gotthe attentiontheydeserve.

PHOTO: JANETRICHARDSON

Theslipwayat Aylesbury. PHOTO:JANETRICHARDSON

Denversluice. PHOTO:JANETRICHARDSON

“Holidays, funactivities,moneytospend. I’dratherhave amortgage forever.”

(saidnoone

ever)

There’sanotherway. Choosefreedom, together with Aquavista.