Towpath Talk - October 2018

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VOTE FOR YOUR TOP TEAM P4

Issue 156, October 2018

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FESTIVE WEEKEND AT ST NEOTS P10

BLOWING BUBBLES AT THE ANGEL P23

Time to reflect on a glorious summer: a seasonal scene on the Coventry Canal at Brookhay Bridge as the leaves change colour. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES

ABC ACQUIRES MARINA GROUP

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Waterways have a role to play in tackling pollution

By Sarah Spencer

BOAT REVIEW: AFRICAN THEMED MOKORO P60 LOOKING FOR A FRIENDLY MARINA?

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THE Canal & River Trust (CRT) has urged the Government to consider the needs of boaters in proposals to reduce air pollution from open fires by introducing new legislation.

Award for lift

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on plans that would include banning the sale of coal as a household fuel, with the consultation period closing on October 12.

Restrictions could also be placed on

THE Anderton Boat Lift won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at Marketing Cheshire’s annual tourism awards. Staff received the award at a ceremony attended by more than 300 guests.

The lift, owned by the Canal & River Trust, attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year and last year won VisitEngland’s Best Told Story accolade. A Scheduled Ancient Monument with the same protection status as Stonehenge, the working lift still floats boats between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver. The next major event is the fireworks spectacular on Saturday, October 27.

the burning of wet wood, a practice often seen on canal boats.

If the moves go ahead, they could heavily impact on boaters, and the CRT is urging them to make their voices heard.

Responses will inform the final UK Clean Air Strategy and detailed National

Restoring the future

A NEW volunteer-led charity, the Wessex Waterways Restoration Trust, was due to be officially launched at Bushton Village Hall, near Royal Wootton Bassett on September 22. Its aim is to support the ongoing effort to restore the Wilts & Berks and North Wilts canals: the longest canal restoration project in Britain. The trust hopes to attract support from local volunteers who want to do physical work on projects that will last and is inviting everyone with a love for our countryside and our waterways to become a member and to show their support. www.wessex-waterways.org.uk

Continued on page 2

Air Pollution Control Programme to be published by March.

In its response to the draft Clean Air Strategy, the CRT is also calling for financial support to be put into the development of new, cleaner technology for the waterway sector.

Canal sections reopen

RECENT rainfall has enabled the Canal & River Trust to reopen some canal stretches and lock flights in the north of England which had been closed during the dry weather. These include the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Gargrave (below lock 30) to Newlay on the edge of Leeds (above lock 13), the locks at Bingley Five Rise and Bingley Three Rise and the Rochdale Canal between locks 1 and 34; check www.canalrivertrust.org for current restrictions. A partial reopening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is being trialled and the Glasson flight on the Lancaster Canal has reopened.

2 NEWS/COMMENT

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WELCOME AFTER one of the hottest summers on record and its resulting water shortages affecting canals, particularly in the North, September has seen temperatures returning to normal for the time of year.

Schools going back seem to signal a change in the pace of life and a noticeable increase in road traffic on the daily commute – even more of an incentive to take to the waterways before the end of the season.

Returning from Tapton Lock Festival, see report on page 23, I called at a farm shop near Worksop where two fields contained football-size orange pumpkins reminding us that we’ve got Halloween to come before even contemplating the C-word.

On a local level I was delighted to attend the launch of the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor at the IWA Festival of Water at St Neots which was also promoting the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park link.

See report on page 10.

I regularly cross the South Forty Foot Drain at Hubbert’s Bridge and have yet to see a boat on the 48-hour moorings near the Wheatsheaf Inn, opened a few years ago as part of the previously named Fenland Waterway Link project.

As it’s a route to nowhere apart from another pub, The Barge at Swineshead Bridge, that’s hardly surprising.

Travelling further afield, we have a host of event reports this month including the Alvecote Gathering on this page, the Angel Canal Festival, page 10 and more on pages 17 and 18.

Scottish correspondent Cicely Oliver takes a look at the current situation north of the border where the Forth & Clyde Canal has been cut in half by bridge closures, see page 97 and with the nights now noticeably drawing in, towpath astronomer Brian Jones tells us what to look out for on page 24.

Volunteers have been shortlisted for our new Towpath Talk Top Team award for 2017-18 – see details on page 4.

You can either use the form in paper or vote online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk The time of year is also approaching when it’s great to relax indoors with a good book. We’ve quite a few coming in – if you are interested in joining our team of reviewers, please let me know!

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One big weekend at Alvecote

By Harry Arnold

WITH just slightly fewer historic boats than last year – 56 as against the record 62 – Alvecote Marina’s eighth annual gathering of boats, based around The Samuel Barlow pub, still justified its One Big Weekend billing.

Held over the whole three days of the bank holiday

The Samuel Barlow pub and the attractions it hosted for boaters and visitors alike was the focus of the event.

(August 25-27), it certainly lived up to the standards that boaters and visitors expect from this Coventry Canal-based event.

On the water there were the usual daily boat parades and the popular winding competition, this year with an additional test of skill – rounding an ‘island’ without touching it.

The prize of the Alvecote Propmaster Award was won by Viv and Paul Barber on Whitby. A ‘booby prize’ of beer for the most spectacular mistake was won by Paul Ayres on Bream. The pub almost had a new canal carved across its car park.

The premier prize – the Les Lapworth Award for the best turned out historic boat as voted by the attending boaters – was won by Glyn Phillips and his wife with Aquarius. It’s a boat that they have not only owned, but kept in great condition and used extensively for 50 years – truly outstanding in an event with so many smart boats attending.

A whole range of attractions – floating traders and land-based stalls – surrounded The Samuel Barlow pub which also served a range of food, hosted a real ale festival and, once again, the increasingly popular ‘gin palace’. Live music acts performed outside and

Presenting the prizes: from left, Paul Barber of Whitby receives the Alvecote Propmaster Award, Malcom Burge, owner of Alvecote Marina who did the presenting, Roger Fuller receives the Les Lapworth Award on behalf of the owners of Aquarius, who left early and Paul Ayres of Bream picks up his booby prize of beer. inside the pub from the Friday night and throughout the three days, while a Monday evening jam session brought the weekend to a close.

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Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Assistant editor Sarah Spencer sspencer@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – tshaw@mortons.co.uk Advertising sales representatives Stuart Yule – syule@mortons.co.uk Chris Heaton – cheaton@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Tracey Markham Divisional advertising manager Sue Keily Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm. Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Advertising Tel: 01507 524004. Fax: 01507 529499 Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd. Tel. 01507 523456 Next Issue – October 25, 2018

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Alvecote Marina’s 2018 One Big Weekend attracted 56 historic working craft this year. PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES • Continued from page 1

Waterways have a role to play in tackling pollution It believes the waterways have a role to play in combating pollution and providing clean air spaces, as well as helping reduce transport pollution by moving journeys off-road.

However in recognising the inland waterways make a very small, but sometimes locally significant, contribution to air pollution – namely through boat dependence on solid fuel-burning stoves and diesel engines – the trust is arguing for a coherent Government-supported approach, including investment in alternative technologies, to help address these issues and incentivise change.

The trust wants to work with the Government and local authorities on a sector-wide plan to develop solutions for reducing the impact from power and heating on boats, while encouraging the uptake of reduced-emissions technology.

This would need to take into account the current difficulties boat owners face in making changes to engines and heating methods, particularly when the boat is someone’s home, it says.

CRT national environmental policy advisor Peter Birch said: “Many boaters are already very environmentally conscious but are hampered by a lack of ‘green’ alternatives to diesel engines and wood-burning stoves.

“It is essential that the needs of boaters are accounted for when drafting any new legislation.”

The proposals apply to England only.

According to Defra, around 38% of UK primary particulate matter emissions come from burning wood and coal in domestic open fires and solid fuel stoves. This compares with industrial combustion (16%) and road transport (12%).

The tiny particles in smoke can enter the bloodstream and enter internal organs, risking long term health issues as well as having more immediate impacts on some people, such as exacerbating breathing problems or triggering asthma attacks.

The range of options under consideration include: consumers who burn traditional house coal switching to alternative fuels (e.g. low sulphur manufactured solid fuels); consumers switching from wet wood to dry wood (with a moisture content of 20% or less); introduction of sulphur limits and smoke emission limits for all manufactured solid fuels.

Defra’s ‘Consultation on cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood’ can be found at https://consult. defra.gov.uk/environmental-quality/ clean-air-strategy-consultation/

NEWS 3

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Breach repairs target Christmas re-opening WORK has started on site to repair the breach at Middlewich on the Shropshire Union Canal after a 12m-deep hole was left in the canal bank in March leaving the Canal & River Trust with a £3 million repair bill.

The work is being funded by the Trust as well as donations from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the local community, which has already given more than £25,000 to an emergency appeal.

Senior project manager Andy Johnson thanked everyone for their support and donations. “A great deal of work has been completed to get to the point where we can actually start to repair this huge hole,” he said.

“Behind the scenes, specialists have been ensuring the ecology, heritage

and environment around the breach is safeguarded and engineers have been working on the complex design plan required to repair the canal.”

Contractors have been working over the last few months installing dams either side of the breach, removing dangerous trees and rescuing stranded boats. Since then a temporary access road and construction site compound have been established next to the breach and an access route along the canal bed has now been constructed to allow the physical repair work to begin.

Around 4000 tonnes of material were lost that will need to be replaced to repair the embankment. The canal repairs will include a flexible PVC membrane and a fibre reinforced lining. The Trust has a target to re-open at Christmas.

IN BRIEF Missing widebeam

Diggers on site at the Middlewich breach. PHOTO: CRT ● Anyone wishing to support this emergency appeal to repair the breach can log on to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/breach or alternatively text LEAK515 to 70070 to donate £5. Donations will go directly to repairing the canal.

Boston barrier works in progress

Andrew Bridgen, third from left, being welcomed to the team by ACA secretary Cyril Blackford and a group of canal supporters, alongside the canal at Waterworks House, Snarestone. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Ashby canal charity names local MP as first patron ASHBY Canal Association has named local MP Andrew Bridgen as the first patron in its 50-year history.

The Conservative member for North West Leicestershire was invited in recognition of his long-standing and generous support of the charity’s activities.

Andrew said: “I’m very pleased to lend my name and support to ACA’s work to restore the canal all the way to the existing section at Moira Furnace and Conkers in the heart of the National Forest.

“This will bring further

environmental and economic regeneration to this area as it moves on from its mining heritage and becomes a top-class tourist destination.”

The northern section of the Ashby Canal was progressively abandoned to Snarestone up until 1966 due to the impact of local coal mining.

There are long-standing plans to restore the Ashby Canal from Snarestone to Moira. Over a mile has been restored between Donisthorpe and Moira, and work has now started to extend the canal from its terminus at Snarestone towards Measham.

PILING work and beam dredging have been taking place over the summer as part of the work on the Boston Tidal Barrier, designed to protect more than 14,000 properties against tidal flooding.

The dredging involves a heavy metal beam being dragged along the bed on outgoing tides, disturbing the silt which is then washed away as the tide goes out.

This photograph has been taken by IWA East Midlands chairman David Pullen, from a viewing area looking downstream towards the barrier construction works with Black Sluice Drain outfall (and the navigation lock out of shot), to the right.

On the left are the steel pilings reinforcing the wall of the Port of Boston to protect this from scouring and damage when the channel is reduced to 18m wide during construction of the barrier, and to the right are the beginnings of piling to construct the coffer dam where the main chamber of the barrier will be.

Describing it as a “wasted opportunity”,

David commented that it was a pity that these pilings were not to be used to form one side of the by-pass lock originally promised during extensive public consultations.

He added it was also frustrating that the Environment Agency and Boston Borough Council had yet to comply with the barrier inquiry inspector’s report to consult with IWA on the navigation management plan for the barrier. ● The Boston Barrier Hub on Marsh Lane is open every Wednesday from noon to 7pm if you have any questions about the project.

Email: Boston.Barrier@ environment-agency.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook. com/BostonBarrier Twitter/ Instagram: @BostonBarrierEA

HAVE you seen this Collingwood 60ft widebeam cruiser which was still missing as we went to press? The vessel with grey superstructure and black hull has distinctive mirror-tinted windows and both tiller and wheel steering.

It is powered by a Canaline inboard 50hp diesel engine. The boat was reported stolen from Greenford, Middlesex, on September 5 and last seen heading north during the week starting September 10. The matter is being dealt with by the Metropolitan Police under Crime Ref No: 140 9182/18. If you have any information contact 0208 502 6644 or email cclaimsuk@aol.com

Complaint to ombudsman

WATERWAYS Ombudsman Andrew Walker is to investigate the Wide Beam Action Group’s complaint against the Canal & River Trust’s recent licensing review, including the public consultation. He will also be looking at CRT’s complaints procedure, according to Stuart Tyler representing the group, which claimed that the Trust had exceeded its statutory powers as set out in the Transport Act 1962 and not acted in line with its own requirements as set out in its governance documents, with the result that the review and its outcome were flawed.

Rivers on radio

BBC’s Farming Today radio programme has an ongoing theme for each week’s early morning programmes, one of which has been river improvement, writes Elizabeth Rogers. Each day a different location was featured and these included work on the River Thames near Windsor to improve the riverbank.

Along the River Severn and one of its tributaries the objective was to improve connectivity for wildlife.

Local volunteer groups are playing a large part in the activities and involving the local community is one of their objectives.

Canalside gig

The Boston Tidal Barrier site. PHOTO: DAVID PULLEN

FOLK legend Julie Felix, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, will appear at the Wurzel Bush Folk Club at its new venue, Ansty Golf Centre beside the Oxford Canal at Brinklow Road, Ansty, on October 30. See what’s on diary dates on page 20.

4 TOP TEAM OF THE YEAR

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Help us choose our Top

EXCITEMENT is building as the five finalists in our new Towpath Talk Top Team award are revealed in this issue.

Readers have risen to the challenge of finding a group of unsung heroes who have gone that extra mile for their local stretch of towpath, canal or river, waterways association or community boat – and given our judging panel a difficult job of narrowing a large number of entries down to five.

The Top Team nominations have proved beyond doubt that there are lots of dedicated teams of committed volunteers out there – who all deserve recognition for the hard work they are doing for the benefit of the inland waterways.

Whether it’s by restoring a canal, looking after a stretch of towpath, manning a community boat, creating wildlife habitats or helping to preserve historical structures, people are coming

together to improve facilities, benefit the environment and generally enhance huge areas for the good of many local communities.

For the last two years, we have recognised individuals’ contributions with our Volunteer of the Year award, the accolade for 2017 going to the late Paul Mills who sadly lost his battle with cancer in September.

When he received his award Paul said: “The recognition is for the whole team and not just myself.” We have taken this on board and this year will choose a Towpath Talk Top Team as a tribute to Paul and his legacy, the Small Tasks Team Volunteers which he founded.

The award has again been generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd, which will be giving the hire of a day boat carrying up to 10 people.

Team

This year’s panel comprises waterway journalist, author and photographer Harry Arnold; Haley Hadley, sales and marketing director of award sponsor ABC Leisure Group Ltd; John Dodwell, who recently completed his five-year term as one of the Canal & River Trust’s founding trustees and is actively involved in a number of waterways organisations; and Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson.

We can now announce the five finalists and would like your help in selecting the winning team, which will be announced at a special presentation event.

You can either mark your choice on the form below or online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk with votes to reach us by close of business on Wednesday, October 31.

Readers’ votes will represent 25% of the final ballot.

Avon Navigation Trust Mobile Volunteer Team VITAL work that the Mobile Volunteer Team (MVT) puts in supporting a small team of full-time Avon Navigation Trust (ANT) staff who maintain and improve the River Avon Navigation for the benefit of all, sees them in the running for the award.

This initiative started just two years ago and forms a vital bridge between

the normal volunteers and the skilled works team.

Paul Cronin, volunteer director ANT, said: “MVT have carried out extensive repairs to the overnight moorings at Pershore which are one-sixth of a mile in length, as well as more minor repairs to other mooring areas.

“They were also able to assist in the

technical aspects of reopening a muchneeded additional overnight mooring at Defford Road near Pershore. This was part of a project carried out in collaboration with Vale of Evesham Specialist School as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

He continued: “They also operate the SWEEP project at Stratford-uponAvon on behalf of ANT, CRT and the local councils. This is about keeping the waterways of Stratford, river and canal litter and obstruction free.

“This regular operation benefits everyone on or near the waterways, whether fishing, walking, boating or just being by the water.”

Paul said it was a “privilege” to be able to nominate the ANT Mobile Volunteer Team as the Towpath Talk Top Team 2018.

ANT was established for the preservation, maintenance and improvement of the river for use by the public, and volunteers’ work is vital to achieving this objective and creating goodwill among the boaters.

Cotswold Canals Trust WORKING to promote, for the benefit of the community, the reopening of the Cotswold canals — the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn Canal – these volunteers would be worthy winners, believes Pat Harper, who nominated them.

“They work as one entire team,” said Pat. “The volunteers are doing so much on the Stroudwater Navigation and now they will be having the funding from HLF for part 1b (the critical length needed to link phase 1a to the rest of the inland waterway network at Saul) they will be doing even more as match funding.”

This year the volunteers’ efforts were recognised with a visit from the Prince of Wales, who went to Wallbridge in Stroud to perform the official opening of the first phase.

Prince Charles unveiled a plaque celebrating the work carried out from Stonehouse to Thrupp and the reconnection of the Thames & Severn Canal to the Stroudwater Navigation.

The project, led by Stroud District Council in partnership with the Cotswold Canals Trust and Gloucestershire County Council, has transformed a scene of dereliction and abandoned towpath into a waterway and wildlife corridor now enjoyed by the local community and a growing number of visitors to the area.

Largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project has involved civil engineering contractors working in conjunction with volunteers – who have contributed more than 138,000 hours since 2013.

Daniel Adamson steam ship preservation volunteers

Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers have carried out a huge variety of work, for example hedge planting, dredging, installing new towpath and improving access.

THE “unflinching and continued dedication over 14 years of a huge team of volunteers; from saving the vessel, campaigning for funding and now an incredible effort and amount of their time given to make her operational” is the reason Andrea Ward thinks this group would be worthy winners.

The Daniel Adamson steam boat was opened to the public for the first time in 30 years at Liverpool’s Steam on the Dock festival in 2016.

The 109-year-old tug was built at Cammel Laird in Birkenhead and was lovingly restored by a band of volunteers.

Georgia Hayes, who works as marketing manager for the project, said: “I am continually impressed by the expertise and enthusiasm of our volunteers.

“Like all projects we have a strong core team of volunteers who now

share the project and develop it by welcoming new volunteers to ensure the project can continue. We have had many new volunteers join us over the past year and each person soon finds themselves a role within the team.”

She continued: “Our team crew the ship for the public, manage its maintenance and restoration, assist with catering, cleaning, welcoming the public, hosting events for schools and helping with the marketing. The steam engine which is our volunteers never stops or tires!

“Nothing is too much trouble for our volunteers and as the project develops and takes on new challenges they are all ready for it and open to change.”

Carol Dunbavand, who nominated the team, said: “Without the dedication of everyone involved, there would not be the successful story to share.”

✂ Tick the team you are voting for:

Avon Navigation Trust MVT Cotswold Canals Trust

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Daniel Adamson Preservation Society IWA Northampton Branch

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Welshpool Canal Adoption Group

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by Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Alternatively, log on to www.towpathtalk.co.uk and vote online.

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TOP TEAM OF THE YEAR/NEWS 5

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Inland Waterways Association Northampton Branch – work parties on Northampton Arm INLAND Waterways Association (IWA) Northampton Branch adopted the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal from CRT in 2013 and runs two work parties per month, said Sandra Tidey, who nominated this group.

“They have just clocked up 8000 volunteer hours and their aim is to improve the canal corridor for all its users – and it certainly has improved over the last five years,” she said.

Work has included vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Locks 14 and 17 have been completely repainted, the lock landing below Lock 17 has been completely cleared and the narrows above Lock 17 has been cleared of overhanging vegetation. Other work has been carried out at the top of the Arm. “We have put in a nature trail using mosaic slabs and the designs were done by two local schools,” said one of the leaders, Geoff Wood, adding the group had also involved local scouts.

“We have really built on the aim of trying to improve the canal corridor for everyone – including cyclists, walkers

and runners. We have done that by making it far more user-friendly and appealing to people to come and use the facilities and walk the towpath. It has made a whole lot of difference.”

Geoff added the volunteers were

usually people who had an interest in the outdoors and waterways and were trying to “give something back”.

“There’s a fun and friendly atmosphere and anyone who wants to come along is welcome,” he said.

Welshpool Canal Adoption Group WELSHPOOL Adoption Group started volunteering with the CRT in 2015 and members carry out varied works along the adjacent stretch of the Montgomery Canal, from Abbey Lift Bridge to Belan Locks.

The team was nominated by Michael Limbrey, who said: “Otherwise known as the Thursday Restoration and Maintenance Project Supporters – TRAMPS are an active part of the Montgomery family.

“Formally their adoption runs from Refail (Berriew) to Bank Lock, but they gladly venture further when needed.

“With 20 members spread between Ellesmere and Newtown and a regular weekly attendance of 10 to 12, the group contributes over 2000 volunteer hours a year. In the last couple of years, the average member has contributed 80 hours a year and three of them have averaged nearly 400 hours.”

They undertake veg management, painting and litter picking, as well as repairs to boundaries, totems and other curtilage, plus waterborne activities.

The volunteers at Welshpool Adoption have adopted an old CRT workboat, Mantis, which had been gradually sinking at Maedy Bridge on the Montgomery Canal. She was donated to the Welshpool group and a small team of volunteers raised Mantis and brought her back to life. She is now beautifully restored.

Michael continued: “The group’s contribution to the Montgomery Canal goes well beyond basic maintenance tasks and includes the repair of serious leaks at Berriew and Pool Quay and preparation of the Pant railway crossing site for removal by Waterway Recover Group and they hope to offer active assistance at their future work camps.”

Environment Agency bags award at Festival of Water A PRESTIGIOUS 55-year-old trophy has been presented to Environment Agency staff as thanks for their hard work in helping boaters make the most of Anglian waterways this summer.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) made the gesture at their Festival of Water at St Neots as the Environment Agency welcomed hundreds of boats and thousands of visitors to the River Great Ouse over the bank holiday weekend (see festival report on page 10).

Since 1963, the Best Working Boat award has been presented to working vessels, and this year it went to two EA boats – the Ouse II Know and Ouseabout.

Irven Forbes, the Environment Agency’s Anglian waterways manager, said: “We’re delighted with this recognition of our teams’ hard work to maintain our waterways for people and wildlife.

“This summer, the hot, dry weather presented some challenges like weed growth, fallen trees and lower levels on some of our navigations, so we’re extremely pleased to have made a contribution to a very successful festival.”

He added: “We’ve had so many great comments from visitors about the Great Ouse and the River Nene – it’s given us a real boost to help people enjoy them while getting closer to nature.”

The IWA award recognises the efforts of the team over many months to make sure boaters had smooth sailing on the region’s waterways.

Just days before the event, for example, it was all hands on deck to make sure a broken lock didn’t hamper visitors reaching the festivities.

Hemingford Lock on the River Great Ouse suffered a mechanical failure – the drive shaft had separated, meaning the lock couldn’t be operated, even by hand. Getting the lock up and running again as soon as possible became a priority, and the team dropped everything to repair it in under 48 hours.

Andy Hubble and Matt Yallop of the Environment Agency’s Anglian Water team pose with the IWA’s trophy for Best Working Boat.

PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

And over the previous months, EA teams pushed the boat out to make sure Anglian waterways were in tip-top condition for both local boaters and visitors to enjoy.

This included refurbishing eight of the region’s busiest locks used by around 7000 boaters every year, revamping 10 landings, clearing a number of large fallen trees, de-shoaling on the rivers Great Ouse and Nene, and spending an extra £60,000 on de-silting the tidal Great Ouse at Denver, Salters Lode and the Old Bedford on top of the regular annual de-silting and weed clearance.

To make it easier for boats to navigate, teams also made half a dozen passes to clear duckweed from the Old West channel – work that must be done carefully in hot summer conditions to avoid having a negative impact on the environment and wildlife.

The work is part of the Environment Agency’s £2.5 million investment in the 353 miles of navigable Anglian waterways, protecting them for the future as an important part of the nation’s rich heritage and beauty, and recognising all they contribute to our environment, health and wellbeing and economy.

You can find more information about Anglian waterways at https:// www.northamptonmarina.co.uk/.

Thames winter work plans THE Environment Agency is investing £2.4 million this winter, as part of its annual programme of essential works along the non-tidal length of the River Thames.

Major lock refurbishment work will start on October 29 at Molesey Lock, Caversham Lock and Teddington Lock,

from November 1 at Cookham Lock and from December 1 at Rushey Lock.

Other projects during the winter will be carried out at Grafton Lock, Pinkhill Lock, Kings Lock, Culham Lock, Day’s Lock, Whitchurch Lock, Mapledurham Lock, Blake’s Lock and Sunbury Island.

6 NEWS

IN BRIEF Canalside glamping

THE Broads Authority’s planning committee has approved an application by farmer Luke Paterson to build 10 glamping pods alongside the North Walsham & Dilham Canal near Dilham village. His company owns the canal almost up to the first lock and this development forms part of a farm diversification project along 400m of the canal accessed along Oak Road. Two designs of pods with water and electricity supply have been proposed which will be located at 40m intervals to provide privacy for holidaymakers. Set back 20m from the canal, they will be available for year-round hire.

Towpath reopened

A STRETCH of upgraded towpath on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal was recently reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, writes Geoff Wood. The canal towpath at Silsden, West Yorkshire, has been improved as part of a £2.9 million scheme to boost cycling and walking beside four Yorkshire canals. After the ceremony, there was a community event with music from a brass band, bike checks, refreshments and information stalls. Guests included Keighley MP John Grogan, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for waterways.

A ferry apt name...

A NEW ferry service is now operating across the River Ouse on the outskirts of York, writes Geoff Wood. The aluminium wheely boat Bryan Ferry is powered by an electric motor and has a ramp at the bow. Bryan Ferry is now carrying passengers between Beningbrough and Nun Monkton, village communities which are cut off from each other by the river. The service will operate until October and saves passengers a long trip by road through York. Many years ago a ferry service operated at the same spot but it ceased to run in 1952.

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New moorings will make attractive weekend break

By Sarah Spencer

NEW moorings have been installed at South Kyme on the Sleaford Navigation in a bid to promote the area as a weekend destination.

The completion of the landing stages marks the end of the first part of the ‘Destination South Kyme’ project, designed to enhance the River Slea for boaters.

Sleaford Navigation Trust secured £34,000 for the project under the Kesteven LEADER Fund, a pot of cash supplied by the EU. It has seen the creation of two landing stages on the section also known as Kyme Eau, which are 48-hour visitor moorings.

South Kyme Parish Council is the landowner and will police the length of time boats are stopping. Sleaford Navigation Trust is grateful for its support of the project.

Chris Hayes, chairman of Sleaford Navigation Trust, and secretary Steve Hayes, said “absolutely” they were pleased with the work, carried out by P&R Plant Hire.

“Some parts were challenging, basically because the clay was extremely hard,” said Chris.

“But they have done a very good job.”

She said they had left the ground seeded so it was already starting to green over.

They added pulling the bid together had been a lot of work and said they were grateful to the LEADER team of North and South Kesteven councils for their help.

While both landing stages are accessible to narrowboats and smaller cruisers, one is at a lower height to facilitate canoe access.

It is hoped that awareness that there is safe mooring without having to resort to the use of a gangplank will help make the Sleaford Navigation and South Kyme an attractive stopping-off point for boats travelling along the River Witham, and help to make more people aware of the navigation.

There are no facilities on site and, as yet, no winding hole in the immediate vicinity.

An easily accessible path to the landing stages makes it easier for local residents and visitors to get closer to the water.

The funding also allowed for a series of interpretative boards making visitors aware of the heritage of the waterway,

The completion of the landings should make South Kyme an attractive weekend destination for boaters. PHOTO SUPPLIED which brought trade and prosperity in the 18th century, and a work party in September in South Kyme put up two of the new notice boards, with the artwork still to be completed.

It is hoped to site another at Chapel Hill (where the River Slea flows into the River Witham).

Chris said: “We have put the notice boards in to give something of the heritage of the waterway and also to point to other things like walks within the village and attractions such as Cogglesford Mill, Sleaford Museum and Navigation House.”

The work party also cleared some of the mud in the river that was in front

of the moorings, to improve the depth of water for boats.

Chris said: “It’s a pleasant diversion off the Witham and the mooring makes it a weekend destination.”

She said two boats were planning to use the new moorings in October and a celebration boat gathering would take place in May. Sleaford Navigation Trust is working to restore the Sleaford Navigation from the River Witham, at Chapel Hill, through to the Lincolnshire market town. Currently eight of the 13 miles are open to full navigation, although the whole length of the navigation can be canoed.

Oxford water safety initiative gives a raft of good advice to boaters OXFORDSHIRE County and Oxford City Councils have been taking part in an initiative to distribute safety advice leaflets to boaters, writes Elizabeth Rogers.

The two councils are represented on the Oxford Water Safety Group,

together with the Environment Agency, Thames Valley Police, the Fire Service and South Central Ambulance Service.

Council staff were on board a boat which left Osney Lock in the west of Oxford to visit boaters they met along the River Thames.

As well as distributing the leaflets and safety items, they spent time at each boat reminding the users of the dangers that arise if rotten gang planks and damaged ropes are not repaired immediately and gave a warning about any complacency

regarding fire risk. They also stressed the danger in consuming too much alcohol.

They emphasised the importance of proper boat maintenance and the installation and regular battery checks of all smoke alarms.

Safer surface for boaters in six hours THE Well Creek Trust work party who carried out resurfacing of the Upwell Mooring took just under six hours to complete the job.

This will make the mooring non-slip and safer for boaters.

The Well Creek Trust is a charity dedicated to maintaining the survival of the Well Creek that runs through Upwell, Outwell, Nordelph and Salters Lode in West Norfolk and the resurfacing was just one of many jobs carried out by the trust every year.

The Well Creek is an important inland navigation link between the Nene and the Great Ouse rivers.

The trust was formed in 1970 with the aim of ensuring the survival of this ancient natural watercourse for all time.

Volunteers carry out a lot of the work over weekends, with some done during the week, especially when the trust has had no choice but to engage contractors.

Some of the Well Creek Trust committee volunteers, who carry out lots of maintenance work, on the non-slip mooring. PHOTO: WELL CREEK TRUST

Herb garden to benefit women’s health IDLE Women is celebrating the launch of the UK’s first medicinal herb garden for women and girls, located beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Idle Women and Humraaz Women’s Support Services have purchased 2500sq ft of land adjoining the waterway in Nelson, Lancashire, on which they will develop the project.

Rachel Anderson (left) and Cis O’Boyle in the area earmarked for the medicinal herb garden. PHOTO SUPPLIED

The physic garden is dedicated to medicinal herbs that women have used for centuries for common ills; from menstruation to pregnancy and childbirth, and beyond to menopause and old age.

The launch event held in September marked the beginning of the first phase of the project.

Idle Women invites the participation of any women who are interested in learning the practical skills involved in architectural landscaping, building an outdoor classroom and compost toilet, and biodynamic gardening and permaculture.

Idle Women is an art and social justice project formed to create inspired, vibrant and adventurous spaces with women and girls, in places that are least imagined.

Volunteer days at the physic garden, located at the end of Hargreaves Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7DB, take place every Thursday, 11am to 4pm, in all weathers. Take a packed lunch. No booking required, just turn up.

RYA SPOTLIGHT 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the national body for all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.

Brexit and boating – what’s new?

The RYA seeks to ensure that recreational boaters’ needs and concerns are heard in the negotiations.

THE UK’s preparations for leaving the EU continue, with the EU Withdrawal Bill – which transposes all EU law into UK law at the point of exit – passing its final Parliamentary stages and pressure increasing on the Government to set out its preferred ‘end state’ relationship with the EU after Brexit.

Further to agreements reached last December and in March, both sides are now working on finalising the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement, to take effect from the end of the Article 50 period on March 29, 2019. This will address areas including the UK’s ‘divorce bill’, the rights of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa, and commitments relating to the Northern Ireland border.

After withdrawal, a 21-month implementation period is expected to commence, lasting until January 1, 2021, during which the UK’s current relationship with the EU will remain, though UK representatives will no longer be present in the EU institutions.

A political agreement between the UK and EU setting out heads of terms on their relationship after the implementation period

is also due to be published this autumn, following the European Council meeting in October.

Over recent months, the RYA has been in touch with ministers and officials across Government to ensure that the needs and concerns of recreational boaters are heard in the negotiations.

In the months ahead, the membership association will continue its dialogue with Government to argue for a Brexit deal which does not impose unreasonable customs costs, as well as additional disruption and red tape, on recreational boaters.

The RYA’s expert lobbyists will also argue for a reasonable border control regime for recreational boaters, if and when they travel to and from the EU. On July 12, the Government published its Brexit White Paper, titled The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, setting out in more detail the UK’s desired model for its end-state relationship with the EU. While the White Paper provides a more detailed blueprint of the UK Government’s aspirations for the UK-EU relationship after the implementation period

How clear will the way forward be for recreational boaters after Brexit? PHOTO: RYA than at any point since the 2016 referendum, the EU’s initial response to the document suggests that it is far from certain that it will form the basis of any agreed settlement. The White Paper also still leaves a number of important questions unanswered for the recreational boating community in the UK. Firstly, while the Government intends to seek a close customs relationship with the EU to take effect after the transition period, further clarity is still required on how the Union goods status of recreational boats will be affected by their location on

the key implementation dates and how subsequent voyages between the UK and the EU will be treated.

There is also still uncertainty around the future UK-EU relationship in relation to VAT. This is not covered in any detail in the White Paper and an amendment made to the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill on July 16 would mean, if the Bill is passed into law, that the UK could not be part of the EU’s VAT regime.

This has the potential to affect a significant number of UK recreational boaters and is

an issue that the RYA is keenly alert to.

Finally, the White Paper only provided a limited amount of information on the UK’s proposed migration policy to replace free movement of people.

Further information on this, including proposed new border controls on recreational craft travelling between the UK and the EU and any new scheme for seasonal workers travelling for business purposes, is expected to be included in a separate Immigration White Paper to be published in the autumn.

The RYA is already engaging

with officials across Government to seek further clarity on these issues and to ensure that the UK recreational boating sector continues to enjoy the freedom to visit and navigate throughout the EU after Brexit.

To add your voice to the 112,000 members who are supporting the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms, visit www.rya.org. uk/go/membership and join today. For further information about the RYA’s lobbying activity, please contact the Cruising, Legal and Government Affairs team at brexit@rya.org.uk.

8 NETWORKING

SOCIETY NEWS

New Cotswold boats

A CROWD gathered at Blunder Lock in Eastington recently for a special ceremony to officially name two new workboats for the Cotswold Canals Trust. They had been designed by long-standing CCT member and volunteer Tony Jones and were given names in memory of members of his family: Jasper, after Tony’s grandson who died of a degenerative disease two years ago and Stuart, named by Tony’s daughter Kerry, in memory of her husband who died of cancer. Four generations of Tony’s family were present. Reg Gregory, western depot manager, thanked the volunteers for their hard work building the punts.

Award honours

BASINGSTOKE Canal Society has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of more than half a century of work on the Basingstoke Canal. The Robin Higgs Award was presented recently to Mike Gordon by the society for his work on the canal over the last five years. He organises the Lengthsmen scheme and the volunteer crewing of the Basingstoke Canal Authority’s patrol boat.

On the map

CROMFORD Canal has found itself ‘on the map’. The canal has achieved national recognition by being included in the latest edition of Nicholson’s Guide to the Waterways Vol 3 Birmingham and the Heart of England. Nicholson’s has in the past included only fully navigable canals and rivers, but this has now been extended to include those under restoration.

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Helpers sought for new workboat VOLUNTEERS who help look after the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal are calling for more helpers to join the crew aboard their newly refurbished historic workboat.

With support from the Canal & River Trust, the team recently completed a special restoration project bringing the workboat Naburn back into operation.

They will use the boat to reach parts of the waterway and banks that they could not previously get to, helping them enhance the waterway environment for all who visit.

They now need more people to come along and be part of the Sheffield Towpath Taskforce – a team of dedicated volunteers who head out regularly to ensure the canal environment is an attractive place for wildlife and the hundreds of people who use it each week.

Volunteer leader Anthony Walker said: “Volunteering is a great way to spend some time outdoors, meet new people and learn new skills, and also to give something back to your local community. And in Sheffield you have the added bonus of getting out on the water aboard the newly restored Naburn, so please come and join us.”

Sheffield Towpath Taskforce meets on the first Saturday, second Friday and fourth Tuesday of every month. The next dates are: October 6, 12 and 23.

Canal & River Trust staff and volunteers mark the relaunch of Naburn. PHOTO: CRT Volunteers will get involved with a variety of tasks, such as painting, vegetation management, lock maintenance and litter removal. No previous experience is necessary and there’s no minimum time requirement

● To find out more about volunteering on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, visit: https:// canalrivertrust.org.uk/ volunteer

‘All welcome’ to clear overgrown vegetation from Chesterfield Canal

Mystery feature

MAPS have revealed a mystery feature on the Cromford Canal. A previously unknown basin off the canal on the Ironville lock flight was spotted by Martyn Taylor-Cockayne on some early maps, according to Friends of the Cromford Canal magazine The Portal. Situated on the offside between locks 3 and 4, its purpose is as yet unknown, but it may have served the pottery between locks 2 and 3 (the building still stands) or the brewery which once stood there. The maps showing it are dated around 1840 and 1855.

Crew call

HUDDERSFIELD Canal Society is looking to get more volunteers to crew the group’s own boat. The Marsden Shuttle operates a ‘water taxi’ service between Marsden Station and Tunnel End for visitors to Standedge Visitor Centre. The aim is to do this every weekend between Easter and the end of October – but the society needs crew who will receive training. More details: 01457 871800; hcs@huddersfieldcanal.com; www.huddersfieldcanal.com

– people are welcome to come along as often as they can and should be willing to learn and get hands-on. Meeting points will vary, so volunteers should sign up to the mailing list online to receive regular updates.

Volunteers clearing vegetation on the Chesterfield Canal. PHOTO SUPPLIED

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help clear overgrown vegetation on the Chesterfield Canal.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust will once again be working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust to help with the vegetation cutting between Kiveton Park and West Stockwith.

The focus of the work will be on the offside bank, where a boat is required for access, to open up the navigation and improve the local canal network.

This will involve using bowsaws, loppers, secateurs and various other tools. A woodchipper will be used by qualified volunteers to dispose of the cuttings in an eco-friendly way.

All personal protective equipment will be supplied, along with all tools.

The trust’s newly restored ex-British Waterways workboat Python will be the working platform, providing shelter, welfare and refreshments. Take your own lunch.

Everyone is welcome and will be given a site induction and any relevant training required for the role.

The proposed schedule is shown (right), however there may be some amendments, especially to

Group wages war on ‘water soldier’ HALESWORTH New Reach Group has been working with Millennium Green volunteers to clear ‘water soldier’ from a section of the canal.

Water soldier is an invasive plant that, if left to grow, would eventually cover the entire surface, blocking light to the water below.

Fortunately, its roots are not very deep and so it can be pulled off the surface quite easily, but a boat is needed to collect it.

the later dates when some additional days may be added.

To volunteer or for further information, email python@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk.

October 2/3: Turnerwood Flight (above Turnerwood); October 4/7/9/11: Summit Pound (Kiveton Park); October 16: Turnerwood Flight (between Turnerwood and Shireoaks); October 17: Shireoaks to The Lock Keeper (Worksop); October 19/21/24: Downstream of The Lock Keeper (Worksop); October 27: The Lock Keeper (Worksop) to Osberton; October 31: Osberton to Ranby; November 2: Ranby to Barnby Moor (Charlie’s Lock); November 4: Barnby Moor (Charlie’s Lock) to Retford; November 7: Retford to Clayworth; November 9: Clayworth; November 10: Clayworth to Wiseton; November 16: Wiseton to Drakeholes; November 18: Drakeholes to Shaw Lock; November 21: Shaw Lock to West Stockwith; November 24: West Stockwith to Wiseton; November 26: Wiseton to Clayworth; November 30: Clayworth to Retford; December 2: Retford to Ranby; December 5: Ranby to Barnby Moor (Charlie’s Lock).

HIGH PRAISE FOR WALL VOLUNTEERS

In this case the team used a canoe, as the water was already too weedy for the punt. They also took the opportunity to collect litter.

The hot weather over the summer has not been good news for fish and volunteers have not seen much life in the canal lately, although they did spot an eel earlier on in the year.

The recent rainfall should help the situation.

New brickwork at Geldeston Lock. PHOTO SUPPLIED IF you are near Geldeston on the River Waveney – perhaps having a drink at The Locks Inn – take a look at the newly restored lock wall on the other side of the river.

Clearing weed by canoe. PHOTO SUPPLIED

IWA Water Recovery Group volunteers spent several weeks rebuilding the 17th century brickwork over the summer. It shows what volunteers can achieve on a waterway in a relatively short time.

NETWORKING 9

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River People

Francesca Breeze catches up with RCR engineer, Sam Johnson, to find out about his typical week.

STAFFORD-based River Canal Rescue (RCR) is often described as the waterway’s ‘fourth emergency service’. It’s the UK’s largest national breakdown and recovery service provider, operates on a 24/7, 365 basis, covers a network of around 3600 miles and responds to some 150 call-outs per week.

Alongside founders Stephanie Horton and Trevor Forman are 18 office-based employees and 19 call-out engineers, keeping boaters moving and the navigation clear.

Sam Johnson covers the West Midlands but will travel further if needed to assist colleagues elsewhere. According to the Inland Waterways Association, this region covers 510 miles of canal and river navigations with 490 locks.

“Every week is different,” he concedes. “I can get called out for anything from a blown fuse to a sunken vessel and everything in between.” Last year he attended 313 breakdowns, equating to around six per week.

During the summer, he attends five call-outs a day covering Gloucester to Wigan and in winter, 10 services a week over the same area. In addition, there are return visits to boaters with Replacement Parts Cover claims, restocking, picking up stock and supporting other activities.

In the week before a bank holiday, for example, Sam starts the Monday by preparing for three services and two engine inspections. He travels from Stafford to Northwich for a 10am start and then on to Aquaduct marina and Tattenhall (his last job cancels as he arrives on site).

Part of the service provision is to spend time with owners (if they’re interested) to ensure they understand what has been done and some of the common issues their particular engines can have.

On his way home, the office informs Sam of a breakdown so he diverts to Kings Bromley to investigate an overheating issue.

On arrival, he finds the water system empty; he tops it up and runs the engine to look for leaks before heading back to Stafford.

On Tuesday, Sam is back in the office for team-leading duties and to prepare slides for a presentation the following day.

He uses the database to extract

data on call-outs, servicing, key performance indicators and engineer feedback.

While in the office Sam helps to diagnose issues, provide general advice and work with the parts department to identify parts for a ‘non-standard engine’.

At the Wednesday meeting, Sam helps to present information on successes, areas of concern, aims for the coming year and in-house engineering awards. He is also asked to brief all engineers on new procedures, processes and the latest health and safety legislation and to check whether there are any equipment issues.

Sam has Thursday and Friday off but with the bank holiday approaching, he knows he will need to hit the ground running on his return, so pops into the office to see how call-outs are progressing and if anyone needs assistance.

Weekend call-outs

On Saturday his first call-out is on the Huddersfield canal, covering for an engineer who’s off. It’s a customer with an old Lister JP2 engine which is not revving and lacks power.

Sam diagnoses the boat is grounded and the prop fouled so he gets in the water to clear the prop and together with his apprentice, manually moves the boat. He checks the engine to find that due to the vessel listing, water has been pulled into the fuel system from the fuel tank. He clears the filters but recommends the tank is cleaned urgently.

He is then asked to attend a Canal Contracting job (separate RCR division) on the Rochdale Canal, where a customer has a badly fouled prop which needs a lift out (with the bank holiday weekend there are no tows or yards available). Sam investigates what options are left and gets in the water but is unable to remove as he estimates more than 15ft of mesh is around the prop. As it is a Springer hull, even using a lock cill to gain access is not an option so a tow and a dry dock is booked.

Another call-out comes in, but as Sam has been in the water twice already the job is held over until Sunday, giving him

Sam Johnson joined RCR as an apprentice in 2012 after completing an engineering course at Stafford College.

After serving as an apprentice for two years he spent a year as a junior engineer. He said: “I’m still in training for various things, but this job is perfect for me because it involves engines, I can be ‘hands-on’ with my diagnostics, help people and there are opportunities to advance in my career.” time to recover. He heads back to Stafford.

It’s 11am Sunday and Sam arrives on the call-out on the Rufford Arm of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. A Ford engine keeps cutting out and he diagnoses water contamination.

He replaces the fuel filters but the lift pump has water in it and will need replacing. Sam contacts the office in order to find a suitable replacement, takes photos and undertakes a mini inspection while on site. The fuel pump will be replaced though the customer’s Replacement Parts Cover.

On his way back to the office, Sam is diverted to an emergency ‘taking on water’. On arrival he discovers the engine is nearly submerged so quickly deploys the ‘gulper’ (in-house term for a very large bilge pump) and clears the water to find the weedhatch seal has failed.

He undertakes a temporary fix, advising the customer that although operational, the engine and gearbox will need a flush and the alternator and starter motor may need to be dried out or overhauled. He passes the job to Canal Contracting to provide an estimate.

Summarising his role, Sam says: “It’s a great feeling when you can help people continue their travels; we’re as passionate about the boats as their owners and are always keen to discuss what’s causing the problem and how, if possible, it can be prevented in the future. In general, boat owners are appreciative of our advice, which makes the job even more rewarding.”

● To find out more about River Canal Rescue visit www. rivercanalrescue.co.uk or call 01785 785680.

Sam in the water during rescue training. PHOTOS: RCR

10 NEWS FOCUS

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Festival launch for wetland corridor

PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES

By Janet Richardson

Environment Agency river inspectors Matt Yallop, Mervyn Day and Andy Hubble patrol the River Great Ouse. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Narrowboats moored four abreast. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES

THE Anglian waterways were the focus of this year’s IWA Festival of Water held over the August bank holiday weekend at St Neots in Cambridgeshire.

Thousands of people flocked to Regatta Meadow alongside the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire where around 100 visiting boats were moored for the event, having travelled via the River Nene and the Middle Level Navigations.

St Neots town crier Ian Payne declared the opening of the event at which the Tillerpin Trophy was presented by Coun Richard West, chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, to Steve Bragger, representing next year’s hosts Lee Valley Regional Park.

They were accompanied by Coun Barry Chapman, Mayor of St Neots, with IWA national chairman, Ivor Caplan, IWA eastern region chairman, Chris Howes and Environment

Agency Anglian waterway manager, Irven Forbes.

Thanks were expressed by Ivor Caplan to St Neots Town Council for hosting the event. Referring to the 6500 miles of canals and rivers which IWA aims to protect and restore, he stressed their importance to the life of this country and the need to work with its partners to preserve the fragile canal system.

Speaking about the focus of the event to campaign for two new waterways, Chris Howes said that at the moment, reaching the area by boat from the national network involves a long and tortuous journey.

The Bedford & Milton Keynes Partnership has been working towards a link to the southern end of the River Great Ouse and IWA has also teamed up with the Environment Agency and Lincolnshire County Council to launch the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor.

A proposed Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park would provide a new 16-mile link from the Grand Union Canal

in Milton Keynes to the River Great Ouse in Bedford. As well as creating regeneration opportunities for local communities along its route, it would also provide a strategic connection to the waterways of East Anglia.

Another new waterway linking the River Witham in Boston to the River Nene in Peterborough was launched as the northern part of the original Fens Waterways Link.

The Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor project is being reinvented to overcome funding and logistical issues and IWA is working with EA and Lincolnshire County Council to drive the project forward. .

Although only 30 miles apart, the journey currently involves either crossing the Wash or a 250-mile journey encountering 135 locks, a route that is not navigable for widebeam boats. The link would open up a new cruising, cycling and pedestrian route, a wetland corridor and bring welcome economic regeneration to areas along the route.

Coun Richard West, chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, prepares to hand over the Tillerpin Trophy to next year’s hosts Lee Valley Regional Park, represented by Steve Bragger (second left) with IWA national chairman Ivor Caplan (left) and Coun Barry Chapman, Mayor of St Neots (right). PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

NEWS FOCUS 11

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Bev Blow and Stuart Garfoot of Sugarfoot gave out copies of Towpath Talk from their stand – and their stocks were soon snapped up! PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Visitors browse around the stands on the Regatta Meadow. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

The St Neots Air Cadets Band lead the dignitaries to the opening ceremony. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON “This festival is the cornerstone of IWA and is our opportunity to set out our stall to the wider community,” Chris added.

Thanking the team which had helped to pull it all together, he concluded: “IWA is a membership charity and most of what we do is thanks to the work of volunteers.”

EA Anglian waterway manager Irven Forbes described the Great Ouse as a beautiful river. Referring to the challenges presented by one of the driest periods, he said that they also had been reacting to any events which could impact on the festival and had been forced to clear a number of large trees very quickly as well as removing duckweed so that boats could get through.

As well as the colourful display of boats, attractions at the three-day event included boat trips on board the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’s John Bunyan trip boat, the chance to have a go at canoeing and stand up paddle boarding, live music, craft stalls, classic cars, children’s rides and the chance to drive a digger under the guidance of restoration experts from IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group.

A procession of illuminated boats on the Sunday evening was followed by an impressive firework display contributed

by St Neots Town Council.

Next year IWA’s Festival of Water will take place at Lee Valley Park, Waltham Abbey on the Lee Navigation.

The Boston to Peterborough Waterway Corridor was launched at the festival.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

WRG volunteer Emma, whose day job is a civil engineer, shows young visitor Eva the controls of the digger. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES

A successful toss of the line by this young visitor. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

12 IWA ROUND-UP

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AROUND THE BRANCHES WITH IWA’S GEMMA BOLTON

Autumn clean-up on the Grand Union Canal IWA Warwickshire will be holding its autumn clean-up on Saturday, October 14 and plans to have a full hopper by 1pm.

Signing on is by the bridge on the Grand Union at Rushmore Street, Leamington Spa CV31 1JA from 9.30am.

All equipment, including grapples, will be provided, but the branch recommends that volunteers wear stout footwear and old clothes due to the nature of the task. Contact Brian Bayston on 01926 831508.

Community boat trips at Rugeley FOLLOWING the success of last year’s trips, IWA Lichfield Branch, together with the Truman Enterprise Narrowboat Trust, once again ran a series of community boat trips on the Trent &

Mersey Canal in Rugeley in September.

Trips for the elderly, young people and disadvantaged groups were all free of charge thanks to a grant from Rugeley Parish Council.

A historic timeline has been created by IWA Northampton branch and Delapre Primary School. PHOTOS: IWA

New mural for motorway bridge SEVENTY metres of motorway bridge on the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal have been given a new lease of life by IWA Northampton Branch in collaboration with Lemon Pop Workshops.

The bridge, which had been a focus for graffiti for a number of years, now features a historic timeline of Northampton through the ages, including Northampton Castle, the Battle of Northampton in the War of the Roses, the Great Fire of Northampton, the importance of the boot and shoe industry and the building of The Guildhall, up to the floods in 1998.

The project was supported by pupils and staff from Delapre Primary School, whohadalsoworkedontheNorthampton Arm Nature Trail mosaics, another IWA Northampton Branch initiative.

Year 6 students were asked to share their ideas for the design, which included their favourite places and buildings in Northampton. Sixty children plus staff and volunteers then spent three days transforming the site with rollers and paint brushes.

With time to spare, a large red narrowboat with helmsman, swans, trees, shrubs and flowers was also created on an adjacent wall.

IWA Northampton Branch is planning on continuing this project with artwork on the offside wall and is appealing for ideas and help from local artists. Please contact northampton@ waterways.org.uk

One of the boat trips along the Trent & Mersey Canal in Rugeley.

PHOTO: MARGARET BEARDSMORE

IWA WORK PARTIES IN OCTOBER Anyone intending to attend one of these events for the first time should contact the organisers beforehand and wear suitable clothing and footwear. If staying all day take a packed lunch unless other arrangements are indicated.

EAST

Sunday October 7 and Tuesday October 16

IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: Work party in the Chester area alongside the Shropshire Union Canal, 10am-4pm. Work will include painting and vegetation clearance. Contact Jason Watts: jason.watts@ canalrivertrust.org.uk IWA Manchester Branch: Work party in Greater Manchester, 10am-4pm. Tasks will include vegetation clearance, litter picking, painting and pulling rubbish out of the canal. Contact: 07710 554602, secretary@ manchester-iwa.co.uk

Tuesday October 9

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch supporting Burslem Port Trust: Work party on the Burslem Arm, Stoke-on-Trent, 10am-3pm at Middleport.

Contact: Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk

Sunday October 14

IWA Lincolnshire Branch supporting Sleaford Navigation Trust: Volunteers will carry out a variety of tasks to maintain the navigable section of the Sleaford Navigation. Contact Chris or Steve Hayes: 01522 689460, workparties@sleafordnavigation.co.uk

MIDLANDS

IWA Northampton Branch: Work party on the Northampton Arm. 10am-2pm. Work usually includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance and litter picking. Contact Geoff Wood: geoff.wood@ waterways.org.uk.

IWA Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch: Work party in Kidderminster, meet 10am at Limekiln Bridge. Volunteers will concentrate on clearing plastics. To confirm contact: david.struckett@waterways. org.uk

Friday October 19

IWA Lichfield Branch: Work party in Lichfield – 10am to 1pm. Contact Neil Barnett: neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk

NORTH

Thursday October 11

Year 6 pupils working on the mural.

Successful lock wind at Hurleston IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch held its seventh annual lock wind at Hurleston Locks at the entrance to the Llangollen Canal in mid-August.

With 16 enthusiastic helpers at various stages over the weekend, volunteers were able to work boats through the bottom three locks on the four-lock flight for most of the time, and also sell home-made produce as well

as Christmas cards and calendars to passing boaters. In total the lock wind raised more than £500 in donations and sales.

Interrupted access to the Llangollen Canal for many craft due to the breach at Middlewich didn’t prevent boat numbers being slightly up on last year, with close to 100 boats being worked over almost three days.

Saturday October 20

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust: Work party on the Uttoxeter Canal at Bridge 70, Crumpwood, 10am3pm. Contact Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk

Thursday October 18

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Work party on the Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal, 10am-3pm.

Contact: John Lawson 07940 878923, John.lawson@ waterways.org.uk

Tuesday October 23

SOUTH

Tuesdays October 16 and 23

IWA Oxfordshire Branch supporting Banbury Canal Partnership: Work party on the Oxford Canal near Banbury, 9am-1pm. Contact Colin Garnham-Edge bcpontheoxford@gmail.com

WEST

Every Tuesday and Saturday in October

IWA West Country Branch (Bridgwater): Work party in the Bridgwater area. 10am-1.30pm. Please let us know if you are intending to join us by 6pm the day before – contact Mike Slade 07977 263840, mike. slade@waterways.org.uk

Every Saturday in October

IWA West Country Branch (Taunton): Work party in the Taunton area. 10am-1.30pm. Please let us know if you are intending to join us by 6pm the day before – contact Steve 07855 794256, stevebulgin@icloud.com

For further information on any of these events please contact Gemma Bolton on 01494 783453 or email gemma.bolton@waterways.org.uk Details can also be found on IWA’s website at www.waterways.org.uk

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13

14 NEWS FOCUS

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Louth MP in push for canal project progress

By Sarah Spencer

AN IMPORTANT step forward in the restoration of a Lincolnshire canal was made at a special meeting to drive the project forward.

Hopes are high that plans made by the Louth Navigation Trust (LNT) could come to fruition after a new partnership has been formed including many of the agencies involved.

However the group was also dealt a blow just days after the meeting in June by a breach at Keddington Lock.

LNT secretary Paula Hunt said: “This caused a problem with water flow in that part of the canal so over the summer we have been dealing with that and trying to see how we can sort it out because nobody actually owns the lock, but it is scouring away at the north bank and undermining the footpath on the south bank.”

The scouring could eventually encroach on the remaining gabions and wall remnants, which support a wellused footbridge over the lock.

“In order to keep the public right of way safe, something needs to be done,” said Paula.

“But there’s a bit of a shortage of money at the moment so we are hoping to get a group together who can get some funding and get it sorted out.”

Paula said the lock was not listed – and therefore didn’t need to be repaired as a lock – but that it was important water

continued to go down the centre of the channel, in order to supply an abstraction point a few yards above the lock, used to feed the down-stream course of the River Lud and a watermill at Alvingham.

“We are working as a pressure group to try and get that back to where it should be,” said Paula.

She said it wasn’t a flood risk, but the longer the situation was allowed to go on the more work would be required to get it sorted out.

Long-term aim

The meeting, designed to reinvigorate the long-term aim of the restoration of the full 11-mile length of the canal from Louth to Tetney Lock, was spearheaded by local MP Victoria Atkins and also attended by local politicians, LNT, the Inland Waterways Association and the Canal & River Trust (CRT).

A draft partnership document has been prepared, which should garner the support of bodies such as the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council and others.

The first priorities have been set as the seven miles from Alvingham to Tetney Lock and the return of access for boats.

Paula said it would be the 250th anniversary of the original opening of the canal in a couple of years and that date ‘would be something to aim for’.

“It was very uplifting to have people round the table and we will do all we

Volunteer working parties are making great strides at Ticklepenny Lock. PHOTOS SUPPLIED can to help something happen,” said Paula. “We have now got to keep the momentum going. A further meeting is planned for October and hopefully that will get some strategies down.”

LNT’s progress has so far been hampered by question marks over land ownership and a low-level oil pipeline preventing boats from reaching the navigation, with work still going on to resolve these issues.

Paula added that in a busy time for

LNT, working parties during the summer had managed to uncover a hidden wall at Ticklepenny Lock and this had caused a lot of interest on social media.

As with many other canals, the arrival of the railway brought competition for freight traffic and the navigation was leased in the late 1800s by the Great Northern Railway Company. But it was the disastrous Louth flood of 1920 that sounded the death knell for the canal and it was finally abandoned in 1924.

The restored Louth Navigation Warehouse played a major role in the town’s Zero Degrees arts festival in the summer.

Outfalls exhibition Louth Navigation Trust (LNT) has found itself at the centre of an exciting arts project.

Outfalls is a collaboration between Judith Tucker (visual artist) and Harriet Tarlo (poet), drawing on 30 years’ experience of working with landscape in their respective fields.

The Outfalls project focuses on the Louth Canal, an interest first sparked when the pair encountered its outfall at Tetney Haven on the Humber Estuary.

Judith and Harriet spent time at the Louth Navigation Warehouse – the home of LNT – in the summer, as part of the town’s Zero Degrees arts festival.

Examples of their drawings and poems were put on display and visitors were encouraged to talk, fill in memory cards and take along any mementoes and photographs connected to Louth Navigation.

These were to be incorporated into the work of the artists and will feed into a final exhibition of work at the LNT in October.

Louth Navigation Warehouse has been at the centre of the regeneration of the town’s Riverhead area and the canal. It is a Grade II Listed building due to its historical significance.

Built as a wool warehouse in the 1770s, it reopened in 1999 following restoration, with the help of grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council and European funding.

‘Groundwork Lincolnshire’ acquired the freehold of the premises, however East Lindsey District Council purchased the building for community use last year – much to the relief of the LNT members who had feared it going to private developers.

The Outfalls exhibition of art and poems featuring Louth Navigation opens on Sunday, October 14 at the Navigation Warehouse and runs for two weeks, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

HERITAGE 15

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Watch this space as Hardy heads for dry dock As we went to press with our September edition, historic narrowboat Hardy, which was awaiting restoration at Banbury, sank again. Les Heath takes up the story.

HISTORIC narrowboat Hardy, which spent four years sunk at Braunston, is now well on its way to a new life thanks to Tooley's famous boatyard at Banbury.

The boat was refloated earlier this year and towed to Banbury (Heritage, Issue 155, September) for restoration.

However, she sank again in the canal outside Tooley’s yard and five pumps were required before the boat could be brought into dry dock.

Matt Armitage, who has operated Tooley’s for the

last 16 years, said the restoration was a whole new venture for his historic yard.

“We would like this as a showcase to bring in visitors,” he said.

“A group of business people has come together and a trust is being formed (on September 6) to enhance the boatyard and promote projects like this.”

Matt said the restoration was being carried out mainly through the goodwill of a dedicated group of volunteers, all of whom had tremendous experience in this field.

“Any extra will come out of the boatyard pocket at the moment,” said Matt. “We will be going for funding but it’s early days yet.”

He said that there were other historic narrowboats in a sorry state all over the country which would be scrapped if no one came to their rescue.

Audlem landmark fenced off for safety reasons

By Harry Arnold

THE towpath outside the Shroppie Fly pub – one of the best-known canal scenes in Britain – has been closed for safety reasons.

A Canal & River Trust team recently fenced off the area around the wooden crane at Audlem Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal. Boats over 50ft will not be able to access the waterpoint by the Shroppie Fly pub; the nearest alternative is at Lock 13.

The crane jib timber is clearly badly rotted close to the main upright timber and generally the crane is in poor shape. It stands outside the pub which was once the canal warehouse at the wharf, close

by Audlem Mill.

Though the crane is not the original, was not used in canal carrying days (that was an iron crane a few metres away), and is not functional, it has been there for more than 45 years. It is in fact a Great Western Railway crane.

Local folklore is that it came from Audlem station, which closed to goods in 1967, but it actually came from a goods yard in the Birmingham area.

A sunken Hardy before being pumped out.

Volunteers inspect Hardy the day the boat was taken into Tooley’s dry dock. PHOTO: LES HEATH

One man who was at the yard to see Hardy taken into dry dock was Chris Harlow, who actually operated the vessel as a working boat for five years.

Chris, who formerly worked for British Waterways operating narrowboats from Regents Dock (now Limehouse Basin), bought the boat in 1965 and managed to get the occasional contract.

He was delighted to hear that an initial inspection showed the bottom was quite sound.

With regard to the future Matt said: “It’s a case of watch this space. The whole thing is a completely new venture and we don’t know where it is going to lead.”

The crane outside the Shroppie Fly. In the background is the Telford-designed lock cottage. Much of the canal in Audlem is a conservation area, and it is critical that the crane is quickly restored to good health. Also, the fencing is blocking the towpath, which is a public footpath, though there is a very close alternative route. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES

16 PETS

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Pets on the cut

700-mile walk takes donkey traveller along towpaths

A trio of purrrrrrrfect pals Alison Wilkerson finds a dog and two cats who live aboard in harmony (well, almost!).

ONE warm evening, at the tail end of spring, I had the pleasure of meeting two handsome two-year-old cats, Otto (black and white) and his brother, called Nine, who is all black.

They live with Arthur, a nine-yearold wheaten terrier, their owner Joanna and her two children aboard a 1996, 70ft Liverpool-built narrowboat, powered by a Mitsubishi Thornycroft 155, 67hp engine, at their permanent mooring on the Grand Union Canal.

There’s plenty of brotherly love as Otto and Nine get on very well. They came from MK Cat Rescue (https://mkcatrescue.org), when they were tiny kittens at just eight weeks old and were brought up on the boat, which Joanna has owned since purchasing it from Great Haywood in 2014.

Please note that unfortunately, some rescue centres will not allow the adoption of cats to live on board boats.

Joanna always wanted to live on a boat.

This is her first one and, despite having no experience, she had looked at numerous ones before buying and getting a survey completed, which is always recommended.

She has learnt by doing and loves the independence, the close boating community and believes she has finally fulfilled her ambition.

She has owned Arthur since he was a puppy and he adapted well to living on the boat and the cats’ arrival. The boat cruised, moving every 14 days, for the first three years between Stoke Bruerne and Leighton Buzzard, mooring well away from busy roads.

Now finding their feet in a permanent mooring, the cats are incredibly loyal and love spending their time exploring and venturing off on their hunting expeditions, including for rabbit and pigeon.

Brotherly love: Otto and Nine have been brought up on board.

By Sarah Spencer

Terrier Arthur sometimes gets bossed about by his feline companions. PHOTOS: ALISON WILKERSON These occasionally take two or three days but they always return to sleep on the cosy beds of Joanna’s children.

Otto and Nine are not fussy with food or brands, which is a blessing and bonus for their owner. They are not afraid of water and rather enjoy chasing ducks for fun.

They have in the past fallen in a few times but Otto does have a habit of fighting with dogs and both of them boss Arthur around, so much so that when on chaperoned walks, he has to walk at the back!

Arthur’s habit is jumping off the boat on to the towpath before mooring and occasionally jumping off the wrong side and ending up having to swim.

On one occasion, at 2am near The Black Horse pub, he went out for his final ‘spending a penny’, of the night and again, unfortunately, yes... you guessed it, jumped off the wrong side.

In pitch black, he panicked and swam to the other side of the canal. Dressed in her pyjamas, Joanna had to run over the nearest bridge to pick up a very wet and shaggy dog. Luckily he now double-checks which side he’s on before jumping.

Meeting this trio of perfect pals made my evening.

AN adventurer and his donkey companion are attempting an epic 700-mile journey down the length of western Britain – mostly by canal towpath.

Adam Lee and his intrepid animal friend Martin are walking from the lighthouse at Cape Wrath on Scotland’s north west coast to the lighthouse on Isle of Portland on England’s south coast.

The pair raised a few smiles in Lancashire recently when they were spotted taking in the surroundings of the Lancaster Canal, which runs from Kendal down to Preston.

Adam and Martin enjoyed a rest on the lovely canalside

Adam and Martin the donkey on the Lancaster Canal towpath during their long walk. PHOTO: IAN TRAINER

at Crooklands, where they were photographed by Ian Trainer, one of the Lancaster Canal Trust heroes keeping the Waterwitch trip boat alive.

Frank Sanderson, Lancaster Canal Trust member, sent us the pictures and said: “Here they are, obviously enjoying the Lancaster Canal on the cut off northern reaches.

“A group of Germans walking the canal found this highly amusing.”

Adam, who lives in Liverpool, is an experienced traveller and walker and in 2016 walked 600 miles along the Pamir Highway from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan.

Last year he walked 200 miles from Liverpool to Stranraer.

He documents his journeys through writing and photography on his blog Adam Walks (www. adamwalks.wordpress.com).

He has trained Martin to accompany him after learning about the care and management of donkeys.

The pair set off at the end of May, using the trip to raise money (through the JustGiving website) for the charity Centrepoint, because of the work they do to support homeless young people.

The aim was to raise £2000, but the total has already topped £2500.

EVENTS ROUND-UP 17

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Boaters’ weekend at Tamworth Cruising Club

By Harry Arnold

TAMWORTH Cruising Club is one of the oldest on the Midlands’ canals and has a complicated history of name and other amicable changes. A number of boat owners from the Tamworth and Lichfield area based at three locations at the top end of the Coventry Canal met almost 60 years ago.

The club that they formed initially came under the aegis of the Coventry

Canal Society and was named Coventry Canal Society – Northern Branch. With a main base at Kettlebrook in Tamworth,

by Bridge No.74, in 1964 it broke away from affiliation to the society – although continued to support it – and adopted the present name.

Some of the members moored in the remaining arm of the Wyrley & Essington Canal at Huddlesford Junction. These moorings were improved and eventually there was an agreed split with Tamworth

CC and in September 1978 Lichfield Cruising Club was formed with an HQ at Huddlesford.

Tamworth CC has continued to develop its base at Kettlebrook and now has a large club room, next to the basin and about 1000ft of moorings in and around this. Plus, further offside moorings on the other side of the DerbyBirmingham railway line, running up to the bottom of the two locks of the Glascote Flight.

Tamworth CC members and the public enjoy Saturday’s barbecue by the basin moorings at Kettlebrook.

PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES

With commodore Jane Lees (left), Tamworth’s deputy mayor Richard Kingstone presents Dawn Ibbetson of the boat Kingswood with the best-dressed boat award.

In addition to the club room facilities, which include a licensed bar and outdoor seating area, there is hard standing which can accommodate a small number of trailable boats, a slipway for members’ use and a toilet disposal point. When space is available there are temporary and winter moorings.

The club has a busy social calendar and we went along to its annual Boaters’ Weekend over August 3-5, when on the Saturday afternoon, it is open to the public. For members there were other events and entertainment on the Friday and Saturday nights and the Sunday morning. On the Saturday afternoon there was a barbecue, other refreshments, and a number of stalls and games.

President of the club is the Mayor of Tamworth but, as he was otherwise engaged, Saturday’s opening ceremony was performed by deputy mayor Richard Kingstone. Appropriately, he has a family

Richard Kingstone presents the award for the best traditional canal costume competition to joint winners Jenny Brown and club commodore Jane Lees. history of canal boating. Introduced by club commodore Jane Lees, he also judged the best-dressed boat and best traditional canal costume competition.

The sunshine added to what was an entertaining day.

Exciting times ahead for annual Whitchurch Boat Rally

Elizabeth Webb with her ‘Give Peace a Chance’ themed narrowboat. PHOTO: GEOFF WOOD

Rain puts damper on Burnley festival

By Geoff Wood

ODDS were against a full house at the 2018 Burnley Canal Festival. The venue had moved and attendances were well down on previous festivals despite fine weather on Saturday and on the Sunday it rained.

The temporary closure of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to the water shortage did not help either. Whereas there were usually many boats tied up at the wharf, only two local craft made it through.

To cap it all, the pub, the Inn on the Wharf, through which there was normally access to the festival, had closed down, leaving visitors faced with a quarter of an hour’s walk to the centre of the festival at Sandygate Square.

A nearby car park was virtually empty, possibly due to high parking charges.

All praise though to the two local boat owners who made it through. Paul Sperrin, who lives in Burnley, had his boat

at Reedley Marina and there were no locks to cross to get to the festival.

He said: “I was able to get here quite easily and I wanted to take part.”

The boat brought by Elizabeth Webb caused great mirth as she had decorated the craft with models of The Beatles.

She said: “I like to have a different theme each year and this year it was Give Peace a Chance.”

Many visitors paused to look at her boat on their towpath trek but apart from the two boats and an occasional trip boat the wharf was empty.

Always worth a look was the visitor centre at the traditional entrance to the festival.

It depicts the early days of Burnley as a textile centre and there was a cosy upstairs room with a coal fire where tea was being served.

It was a shame that the festival did not have better luck, perhaps next time it will hit the mark.

THE annual Whitchurch Boat Rally was held in the small north Shropshire town recently amid rumours that this event could be the last, writes Phil Pickin.

Organised by The Whitchurch Waterway Trust, the rally takes place around lift bridge 31 and along the Whitchurch Arm of the Llangollen Canal; a location that provides ideal moorings for the trade and craft boats.

Baked on Board seemed to be attracting a lot of attention with their pizzas, as did the craft boats and the stalls and displays along the towpath.

Given the local rumour that the event was to end after the 2018 rally, we were keen to get clarification on this. Helen Brockman, secretary of the Whitchurch Waterway Trust, was eager to dispel the rumours, saying that the organiser, Lindsey Green, is looking to take a back seat – something that Lindsey herself reiterated.

A good gathering along the arm of moored boats, fundraising gazebos and visitors enjoying the sunny and warm weather. PHOTO COLIN WAREING She said: “After 19 years of hosting and organising the rally with my family and friends, we are taking a back seat and letting younger and fresher minds drive it forward. I am looking forward

Passengers boarding Canal & River Trust work boat Bala, which local volunteers had converted into a passenger carrying vessel to give people a trip along the canal.

PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

to working with the new team.

There are exciting times ahead.”

So it would seem that far from coming to an end, the Whitchurch Rally is likely to go from strength to strength and,

it is hoped, the location and dates should remain roughly the same. More information on the trust and the rally can be found on their website www.whitchurchwaterway.uk.

Baked on Board attracts attention from visitors.

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

18 EVENTS ROUND-UP

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Festival highlights ‘undiscovered’ canal

By Elizabeth Rogers

OXFORD Canal Festival, revived this year after a break, thoroughly achieved its objectives.

Held on a sunny early autumn weekend, it attracted large crowds of boating enthusiasts as well as the local community in the north-west area of the city and also other visitors from far and wide.

The aims of its organisers were to make the general public aware of the presence of the ‘undiscovered’ canal in their city, to celebrate it, and to provide a day which people of all interests could enjoy.

The three-day programme began on the Friday evening with live music in the Wolvercote White Hart Inn where Three Chords and the Truth were playing. The ‘Oxford Chain Gang’ then told the story

of the men from Oxford prison who built the canal.

Main event was on the Saturday at the Aristotle Lane Recreation Ground in Jericho where there was something for everyone. First event was a canal walk in the morning followed in the afternoon by a dog show and fancydress competition. There was also much interest and lively competition in the Canal Olympics.

Young contestants are spurred on in the Canal Olympics.

Visitors could learn more about the canal and the pleasures to be found there on boat trips and by joining a wildlife walk.

Further events during the weekend were a canal cinema, at which short canal-related films, some made by young people, were shown.

Oxford-based singer-songwriter Ben Avison on stage at the White Hart Inn. PHOTOS: JEFF SLADE The festival was supported by the Canal & River Trust, with the Inland Waterways Association, Thames Water and other organisations involved.

The proceeds will go towards the restoration of a narrowboat which is to be used as a community space, including for performances.

Sebe Ntege delivered a blend of African sounds.

Steph Pirrie and the Jericho Singers were in fine voice at the revived Oxford Canal Festival.

Melksham Festival is a recipe for success

By Elizabeth Rogers

MELKSHAM River Festival is now in its fourth year and this September it brought a crowd of around 7000 people to the King George V playing field and the River Avon which runs alongside.

The festival in its present form is an enlarged event, following its amalgamation four years ago with the town’s food festival.

The Rivermead Primary School mermaids went on to finish second in the Foxhangers Raft Race. PHOTOS: LINDA DE SANTIZ

So as well as enjoying life by the riverside and watching and taking part in the water-based activities, the visitors could browse to their heart’s content around a variety of foods and delicacy stalls held by local businesses, many offering locally made or grown produce.

Local craftspeople also displayed and sold their products.

The festival is run by a committee comprising representatives of a number of organisations in the town, chaired by the Mayor of Melksham, Coun Adrienne Westbrook.

Also represented is the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, which organised the river trips and also held an information stall provided by the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch, where visitors could learn about the trust’s restoration projects.

The trust had two boats on the river, Damselfly and Mary Archard, the latter being specially adapted for wheelchair

SLOUGH FESTIVAL IS BLESSED WITH SUN

By Garry Banthorpe

ONCE again the Slough Canal Festival was blessed with the autumnal sun shining over this popular event.

Crowds of people enjoyed the many sideshows and events such as ferret racing, bird of prey demonstrations and miniature traction engine rides which were free of charge.

The IWA stand was there to promote the awareness of our waterway system and there was plenty to eat and drink as visitors walked round.

On the waterside the trip boat was operating even though there was a breakdown which stopped proceedings for a short while. But there was not the

number of canal boats that have usually attended.

I counted, with the trip boat, four craft, which was seen as disappointing. There are many reasons why they stay away, including problems of getting fouled up at the basin end due to the canal’s infrequent use.

More needs to be done to entice craft to this event and it would be nice if awards were reinstated such as the best turned out and decorated boat and the craft that has come the longest way and the provision of an evening bar with some entertainment.

Ending on a good note, thanks are given to those boaters who did turn up and remind us of why the event exists in the first place.

Passengers on board the Mary Archard included Melksham town crier Peter Dauncey and wife Joan, left.

Wiltshire Canoe Club offered taster sessions.

users. It is named after trust supporter Mary Archard, who left a generous legacy towards its work, enabling it to acquire a boat suitable for use by people with disabilities as well as by the able-bodied.

Visitors could also take to the water for a taster session in one of the canoes provided by Wiltshire Canoe Club, which is based in the town.

Other river-based activities were a raft race and for the particularly intrepid, a zip wire across the river provided by another contributing organisation, the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Trust.

The sun shone on both days, encouraging the crowds to linger and enjoy all that was happening.

As well as the food and craft stalls on the field there was a series of children’s

races as well as a climbing wall, face painting and fairground rides.

A big attraction was Frankie the shire horse and there was plenty of interest in the fire engine brought by firefighters of Wiltshire Fire Service.

And as well as selecting delicacies at the food stalls to take home with them, visitors could enjoy tea and cakes at a specially decorated 1940s tearoom.

A look back to bygone days at Leigh

By Geoff Wood

THE Leigh Canal Festival charmed locals and visitors alike – with more than a look back to bygone days.

Starting point for the festival was the Miners Welfare Institute in Kirkby Road.

From there you were led into a funfair with drinks and food stalls.

The music was loud but well chosen and of particular interest to the younger visitors was a giant slide and a fairground thrill ride.

The Pirate Boat was among the floating traders. PHOTOS: GEOFF WOOD

From the funfair it was a few steps to the canal towpath on the Leigh branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal where there was an array of narrowboats, some selling wares, and even a pop-up art gallery.

Perhaps the highlight among the craft moored there was NCB George, built in 1910 to carry coal and iron and now a floating exhibition area which tours the North West. Home for George is now the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port but the unpowered craft is often on the move.

Coal mining was the seam running through life in Leigh, Lancashire. The local Bickershaw Colliery was opened in 1830 and transport by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal made the distribution of coal relatively easy. This continued until 1972 when road transport took over.

The colliery continued to operate until it finally closed in March, 1992. Parsonage Colliery, the last pit to be sunk in Leigh, was one of the deepest in the country, going down to more than 3000ft (900m).

The NCB boat George is now a floating exhibition area.

But the mining heritage – and the music of the day – went on, thanks to the colliery band which won various regional and national trophies.

Today the site of Bickershaw Colliery has been reserved for housing and employment space in an area which previously saw hundreds of miners toiling underground.

This was the fourth annual canal festival at Leigh. Let’s hope it continues to thrive, although over the festival weekend, the weather could have been kinder.