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Issue 157, November 2018
The regeneration gain
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P17 Once a scene of post-industrial dereliction, the canalside regeneration at Ebley Mill near Stroud. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON By Janet Richardson
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THE economic impact of waterways restoration was the focus of the All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group’s October meeting. Speakers Mike Palmer, Inland Waterways Association trustee and chairman of the Waterways Recovery Group, David Marshall, canal project manager for Stroud District Council, and Robin Stonebridge, chairman of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, gave presentations highlighting the importance of engaging funding bodies, local authorities and communities to enable schemes to get off the ground. Mike said that funders were often not willing to wait around for five years for a major scheme to materialise and he challenged MPs and others to change this
Canal and HS2 question
NORTH-east Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley asked a question in the House of Commons seeking assurance that HS2 would not stop boats from being able to pass underneath its proposed line to the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Lowgates near Staveley. The Secretary of State for Transport replied that he could give that assurance. The MP also mentioned the Chesterfield Canal’s 250th anniversary in 2027. Toby Perkins MP for Chesterfield had also asked a question about the canal and HS2 back in April. Chesterfield Canal Trust said it was “hugely grateful” to its MPs for this support.
thinking enabling the ‘waiting game’ to become the ‘waiting gain’ by kickstarting restorations. He gave the Eden Project as an analogy, commenting that it was still a ‘work in progress’ but it had delivered right from day one. On the waterways, the Hollingwood Hub had also achieved this despite the full restoration of the Chesterfield Canal being some way ahead. Mike commented: “Restoration is not just a means to an end, there are quantifiable benefits at every stage. The vision is to turn unfinished business to everyone’s immediate advantage.” Before introducing the presentations on the two in-depth studies, he added there were currently 12 case studies in the restoration portfolio, ranging from microtourism at Sowerby Bridge on the Rochdale Canal to the Heritage Heroes’ road to rehabilitation.
David Marshall stressed the importance of partnership working on the phased restoration projects: Stonehouse to Brimscombe and Stroudwater Reconnected. He said there had been all-party political support for the scheme, including the regeneration of Ebley Mill which has been transformed from post-industrial dereliction to a vibrant place to live, creating jobs and giving the whole area an uplift. In Stroud itself, the Wallbridge locks restoration had provided an interface between the town centre and the canal, with the Cotswold Canals Trust’s visitor centre and neighbouring café opened by one of the volunteers. He added that work was about to start on a new canalside development with a landing stage. • Continued on page 4
Eco-mooring zone
Weaver dredging complete
THE Canal & River Trust and Islington Council are creating an ‘eco-mooring zone’ for visiting boats, between York Way and Danbury Street on the Regent’s Canal. Supported by funding from Defra, the zone will include electric charging points to provide boaters with an alternative to running boat engines to generate energy. CRT research shows that, while the impact of boat emissions is minimal in comparison to pollution from road traffic, the people most at risk from engine fumes are the boaters themselves and using cleaner sources of energy could benefit their health.
A FIVE-month £850,000 project to deepen a two-mile stretch of the River Weaver from Saltersford Locks, north of Weaverham, to Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, is now complete. One of the beneficiaries of the deeper river is the Daniel Adamson ‘The Danny’ steam ship which now offers passenger trips along the river. The enlarged channel will also boost boat and ship repair business Northwich Drydock Company, which took over a former commercial boatyard at Hunts Lock in 2017. The phased dredging programme will continue in 2019 at the confluence with the River Dane and down to Hunts Lock.
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WELCOME ALTHOUGH as I write this with temperatures still hitting the low 20s in some areas, winter still seems a long way off, when the clocks go back on October 28 it will definitely be on the way. This month’s edition shows the transition between the seasons with festival reports rubbing shoulders with features aimed at the shorter days ahead. It has been a busy month which has seen me attending the Kennet open day, see page 17, the Parkhead Canal Festival, page 14, and the Canal & River Trust Annual Public Meeting, report on page 5. After a windy but unseasonably warm Saturday, we felt the effects of Storm Callum on the Sunday (October 14) at the Grantham Discovery Day, when it literally poured all day. But this did not deter the intrepid band of volunteers from the Grantham Canal Society who had been on site since 6am to finish erecting the marquees and gazebos for which it had been too gusty the day before. (Report next month) I was pleased to get home to a hot bath and on the subject of keeping warm in your boat during the winter months, we have a three-page feature on stoves and their safe operation starting on page 60. November also signals the start of Christmas shopping for those of us who are not so organised that they have it all done by the end of the January sales. Turn to page 57 for the first of our gift guides, with ideas for your boating friends and family. One of my most pleasurable days of the month was my visit to the Chichester Canal for the launch of Alison Alderton’s delightful book Boating with Buster – see report on this page – during which we had a trip along this southern canal, but more about this in the next issue. In the meantime, to coin a phrase from ‘Strictly’ now back on our TV screens, keep cruising.
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An inspiring read ad for long winter evenings enings By Janet Richardson
THE peaceful and picturesque Chichester Canal was the setting for the launch of a new book which will appeal to boaters, travellers and dog lovers alike. I had the honour of carrying out the ribbon-pulling ceremony for author Alison Alderton – whose features appear regularly on the Irish pages of Towpath Talk – on board the Chichester Canal Trust tripboat Richmond in the west Sussex city’s canal basin. Boating with Buster – the life and times of a barge Beagle, tells the story of Alison and husband Roger Harrington’s canine companion, who accompanied them on their waterway travels not only in the UK but also across Ireland and Europe rising
from the ranks of ‘sea dog’ to their trusty ‘admiral’. Beautifully illustrated with Alison’s superb photographs, maps, glossary, traditional canal art and a trail of pawprints, this 415-page softback book, published by Troubador under its Matador imprint, would make an ideal Christmas gift to grace coffee tables and bookshelves whether on board or on dry land. Having sadly never known Buster, who died at the age of 12, I was pleased to read that he hailed from my home county of Lincolnshire, his breeders Wendy and Doug Hall of Cliffmere Beagles having written one of the forewords. Author Brian Cassells, past president of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, also describes
Roger Harrington and Alison Alderton on board Richmond with their Beagle Sweet Courage Maksimillian. PHOTO: FIONA RUTH ETKIN
Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson pulls the ribbon of the book held by author Alison Alderton. PHOTO: FIONA RUTH ETKIN the book as a ‘long-overdue description of the many navigational adventures undertaken’. Although Towpath Talk readers will associate Alison with the Irish waters, she was on home ground for the book launch, having been born in Chichester going on to study art, design and photography at the West Sussex College of Design in Worthing. But Buster’s first outing on the waterways in this ‘heartwarming tail of canines, cruisings and companionship’ as described by the publishers, was on a hireboat on the Ashby Canal followed by a canoe trip down the upper reaches of the River Severn from Bridgnorth to Arley. Although Alison and Roger had enjoyed numerous boating holidays in England and had a share in a French cruiser in Burgundy, they hadn’t owned their own boat until they bought a Sagar Dutch barge named Lily, which coincidentally was Alison’s nan’s name, and embarked on a new chapter in their lives along the River Trent from Shardlow Marina. Their travels in Ireland have been welldocumented in Towpath Talk, but when a career move took the couple – and Buster
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Guests on board Chichester Canal Trust tripboat Richmond. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Alison signing copies of her book. PHOTO: FIONA RUTH ETKIN
– to Denmark, Lily was transported back to England and eventually across to Harlingen in the north of the Netherlands, their European voyages charted in the third section of the book. All through the pages, Alison and Roger’s love for their ‘Admiral, Buster the barge Beagle’ shines through the ups and downs of life on the water, with its comic moments, mishaps and traumas… an enjoyable and inspiring read for long winter evenings which may prompt you to plan your own adventures afloat. Following the launch watched by friends and family of Alison and Roger, we were treated to a fish and chip lunch and an enjoyable two-hour cruise on Richmond to Hunston Junction, where we were able to view the canal from the same spot as the artist JMW Turner for his famous painting of Chichester Cathedral painted around 1830. During the cruise Roger read excerpts from Buster’s story and Ian Milton chairman of Chichester Canal Trust told us some of the history of this canal, described as the city’s ‘green lung’. (A feature on the canal will appear in our next issue.) On return to the basin, we enjoyed further readings while Alison signed books in the Heritage Centre. Boating with Buster – the life and times of a barge Beagle is available from Chichester Canal Heritage Centre (pick-up only) or through Alison at www. alisonalderton.com/ or www.troubador. co.uk as a printed book, RRP £19.99 or as an ebook, £6.99 from online retailers. ISBN: 9781789014389
Comic tale is a novel boost for canal trust funds LICHFIELD and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) is benefiting from a novel way of raising money – it will receive proceeds from the sales of a new comic tale of cruising on Britain’s waterways. The First Cut, by Simon J Stephens, tells the story of three families hoping for a relaxing holiday on a hire boat cruising the Four Counties Ring. But little do they suspect how events will unfold, in this very English farce. Simon J Stephens spent most of his working life in retail before selling his house and moving on to a narrowboat, now moored in Penkridge, in 2012. Cruising the waterways of the Midlands and particularly Staffordshire, he spends his time reading and writing and walking his dogs.
His previous work includes two crime thrillers, Righteous Correction? and Redeeming Choices? He said: “Whilst there are numerous groups of hardworking, unpaid volunteers working to restore the lost waterways of this nation, a brief glance at any map will show you that restoring both the Lichfield and the Hatherton Canals will create a priceless link between the Staffordshire & Worcestershire and the Coventry canals, taking in the wonderful Pelsall village and making new cruising rings possible. “The sooner the canals are restored, the sooner we can all enjoy the benefits. “This is no vanity project – this area needs these links for sound commercial reasons and to
revitalise these places of such natural beauty. “I dream of the day that I make it as a novelist and help LHCRT complete the work with some of the royalties received!” All proceeds from the sale off The First Cut on Kindle Direct, priced £1.99 (ASIN: B07HN267CL) will be donated to the trust. The paperback version, available on Amazon, costs £7.99, and the royalties of £1 per copy will go to the trust. ABO VE: The cover of the book by Simon J Stephens which will benefit the canals.
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Canal trust celebrates 30th anniversary LICHFIELD’s canal restoration trust has celebrated the 30th anniversary of its foundation. More than 100 people attended Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s anniversary barbecue at Gallows Wharf, including local residents, volunteers, members, representatives from county, district and city councils and organisations who have helped the trust over the years. Among those present were the three remaining founder members, Eric Wood, Dennis Cooper and Phil Sharpe, who, in 1988, shared a vision of restoring two sections of the canal network that had been abandoned in the 1950s. The closure of the canals cut the link between the underused northern sections of the Birmingham Canal Navigations and the Coventry Canal to the east and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to the west.
The trust’s founder members saw that restoring those links would revive an important part of South Staffordshire’s heritage, regenerate neglected urban and rural areas and provide a wildlife corridor with benefits for the community through leisure activities like boating, walking and cycling. Trust chairman Christine Bull, who asked Eric Wood, the current president, to cut a specially created cake, said the occasion was primarily to thank LHCRT’s 150 volunteers, including the many younger people who have helped in recent years. The event also coincided with the Lichfield 10k, from which many of the trust’s volunteers had hot-footed after providing a water station for participants in the run. Among the runners were a team of supporters who raised £900 in sponsorship which will go towards the £1 million Tunnel Vision Appeal,
‘Boating issues’ top list of complaints to CRT THE number of complaints made to the Canal & River Trust (CRT) last year was slightly higher than average, according to the Waterways Ombudsman’s Annual Report. It shows the number of complaints entering the CRT’s complaint process was 252, slightly above the average over the past five years of 225. During the year the Ombudsman received 35 enquiries about the trust, slightly down on 39 last year. Fifteen new investigations were opened, which was one more than the previous year, and the number of completed investigations was 14, three lower than the previous year. Of the 14 investigations completed, one was upheld, while in a further four investigations the complaint was either upheld in part, or elements of it were upheld. Goodwill awards were proposed in three cases, although in one case the complainant did not accept it. Once again there was a very diverse range of complaints, with the majority being about boating issues, including the treatment of boaters without a home mooring. Of the other complaints, there was one about the routing of HS2, as well as others in some way related to land or property. In the second full year of a new customer survey process there continues to be a good response from complainants, with very positive feedback about the Ombudsman’s investigation process. Complainants are asked to complete a survey before a report into their complaint is issued to gauge their view of the process rather than the outcome. The Waterways Ombudsman scheme deals with complaints about the CRT which are referred to the Ombudsman after completion of the trust’s own complaints process. The Waterways Ombudsman Committee oversees the work of the scheme and remains satisfied with the operation and funding of the scheme. The annual report of the Waterways Ombudsman Committee and the Waterways Ombudsman for 2017-18 is now available online at: www.waterways-ombudsman. org/media/1112/ombudsman-annual-report-17-18.pdf
Guests at Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’ s 30th anniversary celebration barbecue look on as chairman Christine Bull introduces the three remaining founders, Phil Sharpe, Eric Wood and Dennis Cooper. PHOTOS: LHCRT set up to provide a canal tunnel under the Cross-City railway line. It is hoped to install the tunnel at the same time as a railway bridge is built to accommodate a proposed Lichfield
Southern Bypass extension beyond Birmingham Road. For more details of ways of donating to the appeal, please visit www.lhcrt. org.uk/tunnel-vision.html
Black Sluice ‘de-maining’ gets go-ahead THE ‘de-maining’ of waterways in the South Forty Foot catchment in Lincolnshire will be going ahead, the Environment Agency has announced. This means that the watercourses will no longer be classified as main rivers but will be re-designated to ordinary watercourses and responsibility for them passed from the Environment Agency to Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board. Comments from a public consultation have been taken into account and the proposal is to de-main 16.8km of low consequence watercourses, the South Forty Foot Catchment having been chosen as a pilot area for the Rationalising the Main River Network project (RMRN). The watercourses proposed for de-maining are: Ewerby Catchwater, Northlands Dyke, Horbling Catchwater, New Cut and Diversion, Atkins Cut and Pointon Lode. The Environment Agency is making this transfer as a ‘determination’ under section 193C (1) of the Water Resources Act 1991. This represents a formal decision to change the main river map. Abigail Jackson, RMRN South Forty Foot
pilot lead for the Environment Agency, said: “By transferring these selected watercourses to our local partners, we can focus our resources where they are most needed, retain our strategic overview of flood risk management, and ensure that the right people are managing the right watercourses and assets in the right places. “For local communities, this re-designation also represents more choice in how their watercourses will be managed with decisions on watercourse maintenance being made at a more localised level.” The decision took effect on October 8 and the change will appear as a proposal on the main river consultation map for around six weeks to allow for appeals to the decision. The main river map was due to be formally changed to reflect the determination on November 19. Anyone who wants to appeal should email fmpso@defra.gsi.gov.uk explaining why they disagree with the decision. Or write to: FCERM team Defra, third Floor Seacole Building (SW), 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.
Plans for new Stonebridge Lock boater hub NEW boater-led boat maintenance services are to be located at Stonebridge Lock in London, the Canal & River Trust has announced. Following a significant amount of work to improve the area, much coming from the community, a boater-based social enterprise will now use the site to provide a new boat maintenance yard. The aim is for Stonebridge,
on the River Lee Navigation, to become a hub for the boating community, providing the services most needed by boaters. The new venture will focus on the smaller in-water repairs and maintenance that affect many boat owners. This will initially include Boat Safety Scheme examinations and associated repairs, servicing and gas works, as well as tuition in boat
handling and engine servicing. With a call for more waste services in the area, the team is also planning on introducing a ‘Bins by Boat’ service similar to that previously trialled in Paddington. The team intends to collaborate with boaters and will be attending community events and holding open days to meet local boaters and hear their ideas.
IN BRIEF Spread the love
DON'T forget the ducks this winter is the message from Peter Birch, national environment policy advisor for the Canal & River Trust. But he added: “Bread’s not great for a duck’s health as it’s nothing like their natural diet so don’t overfeed them with large quantities of it. Try to swap it for healthier, more natural treats like oats, corn, defrosted frozen peas or cut-up leftover veg. Also exercise portion control. Spread the love, and visit a new family of ducks to prevent large quantities of food from clogging up the same places and potentially damaging the environment.”
Complaint dismissed
WATERWAYS Ombudsman Andrew Walker has dismissed the Wide Boat Action Group’s complaint against the Canal & River Trust’s recent licensing review including the public consultation. He has completed his investigation and informed WBAG that the case is now closed. WBAG spokesman Stuart Tyler said that the group is now looking at the options available. Two petitions were presented to CRT at the recent Annual Public Meeting, see report on page 5.
Sign work
DERBYSHIRE County Council is working closely with Friends of the Cromford Canal, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and DerwentWISE to produce new site interpretation for the canal at Whatstandwell and Ambergate. Work is continuing on the interpretation of the recently restored brake vans and the incline, including the Cromford and Sheep Pasture engine houses, with support from DerwentWISE. (The Portal, Autumn 2018)
Talk on RNLI
A TALK on the wide range of activities carried out by the much-valued RNLI charity will take place on Friday, November 9. Called ‘Three things you do not know about the RNLI’, it will be presented by Mark Thomas for the IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch at Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club, Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon, ST9 9DU, starting at 8pm. Non-members welcome. Contact Sarah Honeysett on 01782 772295 for more details.
Magnet warning
A FATHER and son who drowned while treasure hunting were found standing upright in the Huddersfield Broad Canal, an inquest heard, writes Geoff Wood. Martin Andrews, 43, and his son Jack, 19, from Pudsey, died while magnet fishing on June 16. They were found ‘vertically submerged’ close to each other by police divers, Bradford Coroner’s Court was told. Coroner Martin Fleming concluded they died as a result of misadventure and warned about the ‘inherent dangers’ of the practice.
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One of the last links with pre-war hire boating By Harry Arnold
THE RECENT death of David Wain OBE at the age of 90 has severed one of the last links with the pre-Second World War days of hireboat operation on the canals. It has also deprived the waterways scene of a veteran skilled and enthusiastic entrepreneur, administrator, advisor and volunteer – and for me a long-time friend. His father’s company, originally Inland Cruising Association Ltd then later Inland Hire Cruisers Ltd, was one of the first to hire out holiday craft on Britain’s canals, beginning in 1935. Based at Christleton,
David Wain at his official retirement as chairman of the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council on November 19, 1992.
just outside Chester on the Shropshire Union Canal, it was ideally located for cruises on what became the Llangollen Canal. The iconic company slogan ‘Float through the Welsh Mountains’ reflected this and contributed much to the retention of this officially closed canal. Born on October 24, 1927, David was educated at the King’s School, Chester, and worked in the family business, with a break to serve in the Royal Air Force from 1945 to 1949. On his father’s death in 1956, he took over as company chairman and managing director. He served as Honorary National Secretary of the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators on Inland Waterways (APCO) (now British Marine Inland Boating) from 1962 to 1969. Then it was decided that it was too onerous as a voluntary job and – on being elected chair – David recruited me as APCO’S first part-time paid Secretary. He served as chair until 1974, then again in 1975/6. Later he was elected a life-member and President Under the 1968 Transport Act the Government created a new body, the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC). David was appointed to this and in 1977 promoted
as Chair, a post which he held until his retirement in 1992. From 1976 to 1981 he was also a commissioner of the Water Space Amenity Commission. David was appointed an OBE in 1983 for his services in the development of tourism and recreation on Britain’s inland waterways. In 1974 he was involved in a joint purchase of Llangollenbased Welsh Canal Holiday Craft, historically known for the operation of its horse-drawn passenger boats. David came up with the idea of a Llangollen Canal Museum based in the wharf building. This was designed and created by a small team mainly comprising David, Tony Lewery, Edward Paget Tomlinson and myself. We won the British Tourist Authority’s top award for that year’s outstanding Tourist Development in Great Britain, competing against other massively staffed and financed projects.
Canoeing interest
David was always heavily involved in IWA, serving as a North West Branch committee member from 1954 to 1963, when, apart from business, I first met him. In 1992 he was appointed an IWA national vice president. With a family interest in canoeing (his son
was a world champion) he was a past chairman of the Welsh Canoeing Association, and vicepresident, then president of the British Canoe Union (now British Canoeing). He was a vice president of both the Shropshire Union and Trent & Mersey Canal societies, a trustee of the Anderton Boat Lift Trust and of The Waterway Trust. The number of Chester-area groups and charities that David supported is far too many to list. Following the setting up of what is now the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, David served as a trustee and as chair of the organising committee. He became very involved with us in the restoration of the Montgomery Canal, becoming a trustee, then vice-president of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. Then, as HRH The Prince of Wales took a serious interest, became a member of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and a trustee of the Rainbow Boats Trust for the disabled. Working with Cammell Laird apprentices, (somewhat constricted as it had to be constructed to ‘shipyard standards’), David designed the first of a number of community boats to be built by the company.
The regeneration gain
David Wain proudly watches HRH The Prince of Wales steer Heulwen/Sunshine towards Welshpool on July 28, 1976.
PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES
To be based in Welshpool, where its successors still operate, it was funded by the efforts of the ladies of the IWA. It was one of David’s proudest moments when he accompanied HRH The Prince of Wales as he launched and steered it towards Welshpool. What is truly remarkable about his life and work is that David had quite severe dyslexia and always struggled with reading, which only the family and some of us
• Continued from page 1
Guard against canal crime
David Marshall also referred to the ‘incredible importance’ of dry access to encourage use of the towpath. He added that they had entered into an enhanced partnership with the Canal & River Trust and the Inland Waterways Association to work towards reconnection to the national network and in the future, a water transfer scheme could help solve water shortages in the south east. Drawing on similarities between the canals, Robin Stonebridge said that CCT as in Chesterfield Canal Trust also had its isolated section which, he believed, would have been restored many years ago if it had been in the south. Hollingwood Hub had been created on the derelict Staveley Works site – once the biggest industrial complex in the world – where in 1996, Waterways Recovery Group and volunteers had started to dig out the lock chamber, which had been filled with concrete. The lock house is now the trust’s HQ. As well as adding value, Robin said that the restoration had stimulated the local economy and brought industrial heritage to life, but there were the missing links including the nine-mile unrestored section. The proposed Chesterfield Waterside Development would bring 1100 houses, 300 apartments and 400 jobs on a massive site with £320 million private sector investment and the ‘Iron Link’ – the Staveley works corridor – would create a whole new community including 1500 homes. At Hollingwood Hub, the gift shop and café opened on day one, since when 12 people have been trained, six of them going on to run their own businesses. It has become a venue for music, concerts, cultural and inter-generational work through all sorts of activities and workshops.
A WARNING has gone out in a bid to ensure boaters don’t become victims of crime when their vessels are left unattended in the winter. “The real message I would like to get out is: don’t leave your boat unattended for long periods, it’s worthwhile leaving it in a marina or with a friend if you are not going to be there,” said Gareth George, Canal & River Trust (CRT) London Mooring Ranger (West). “It’s about not giving people the opportunity. People walk the towpaths and notice those boats that are left. “Compared to the cost of refitting your boat or recovering it when it has been stolen, a marina is not an expensive thing to do.” He added a padlock from a pound shop was “not the way to secure a £30,000 boat”. Gareth said crime involving canal boats was “not a major problem” and when break-ins did occur they tended to involve vessels left for long periods and happened in spates. “Sometimes the problem is getting the police to take it seriously. Sometimes the canal is the dividing line between different forces and councils. “The police have been having massive restructuring and cuts and the problems are not a high priority for them. “Also boaters don’t tend to phone the police. ‘Old-school’
Hollingwood Hub – a success from day one. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
HS2 information events:
Tuesday November 6, Aston Hall Hotel, 2-8pm Friday November 9, St Thomas Centre, Brampton in Chesterfield, 2-8pm Friday November 16, Speedwell Rooms, Staveley, 2-8pm Saturday November 17, Bainbridge Hall, Bolsover, 12noon-5pm The draft environmental statement is the last and most important consultation before the HS2 Phase 2b Bill goes to Parliament. Chesterfield Canal Trust is urging supporters to back its efforts to ensure that restoration can go ahead at Lowgates and Norwood by responding before the closing date of December 21. See www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org Robin added that there was still the HS2 problem, but although the new route was less intrusive, the spur to the Staveley Infrastructure Maintenance Depot crosses the canal at Lowgates, where the trust work party is currently restoring the canal. Within hours of the Secretary of State for Transport giving an assurance that HS2 would not stand in the way of canal restoration at Norwood and Lowgates, new
maps were published showing exclusion zones around the projected work site. APPWG vice-chairman Lord German, who chaired the meeting, summed up the main themes of the discussions, which included the importance of partnerships and engagement and social capital, concluding with the question: “Do we need from Government some sort of planning policy paper for the waterways?”
who worked closely with him knew. His wife Nora – very much involved in all he did – checked all his letters and reports. He eventually even overcame this with the use of a computer. David is survived by Nora, daughter Sarah, son Nick, five grandchildren and one great grandchild, to whom the condolences and best wishes from all of us on the waterways who knew him are sent.
Gareth George, centre, with Jamal Thomas from the CRT London enq uiries team out with police in Little Venice. PHOTO: CRT
boaters like to try and sort things out themselves. But if people don’t report things they don’t exist to the police. Report every single theft. Whether it’s a can of fuel from the roof or solar panels, it needs to be reported.” Gareth said actual thefts of boats were “quite rare” and in London there were about three or four a year (with 60-70% of continuous cruisers in that area) and probably about the same again in the rest of the country. He said the number of breakins could vary, adding: “It’s all about where you leave it and how you leave it.”
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Boating’s contribution to the ‘NHS’ of the waterways By Janet Richardson
MAKING sure that the inland waterways are relevant to future generations is at the heart of the Canal & River Trust’s foundations, chairman Allan Leighton told the annual public meeting held recently in Birmingham. “We have got to make a national asset into a national treasure which the whole of the country enjoys,” he told an audience of waterway stakeholders, partners, boat licence holders and members of the media at the IET Austin Court. “We have laid very firm financial foundations which gives us confidence in the future. Everything we do is rooted in local communities.” Mr Leighton also referred to the changing economic and political climate but stressed that navigation is at the heart of the waterways and boating can make a big difference to the nation’s well-being. “We have the NHS on one side – we are the Natural Health Service,” he commented. Presenting the 2017-18 annual report, chief executive Richard Parry described a year of significant progress and change during which income of more than £200 million had been generated for the second year in succession with investment income exceeding £50 million for the first time. The waterways had benefited as never before from local communities giving their time and charitable expenditure of £153 million including £27.6 million on maintenance, repairs and minor works and an increased spend of £7.7 million on dredging. He added that 10,000 tons of material are being used in the reconstruction of the Middlewich breach which is expected to be finished by Christmas. The rebuilding of Marple Lock 11 should be completed before the end of March 2019. Chief investment officer
Stuart Mills said that net income had increased by nearly 40% since the trust’s formation as a charity in 201213. Long-term bonds had been issued in three tranches of £50 million each with an average 30 years’ fixed interest of 3%. CRT was also expecting to finalise the sale of its marina arm BWML over the next couple of months with a range of attractive offers on the table.
water but involved people using the towpath. National hydrology manager Adam Comerford described this summer – with May to August being the driest on record – as almost a rewind of what had happened in 2010, the last time stretches of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal had to be closed due to water shortages.
Challenging year
A variety of questions from the floor were fielded by Richard Parry. These ranged from the effects of Brexit on the investment portfolio to waste disposal points. Pamela Smith from the National Bargee Travellers Association said that there had been an increase in their mental health caseload; Richard referred to the work of the welfare officer and the chaplaincy service and said that many special arrangements were in place. Senior Waterways Chaplain the Rev Richard Alford also stated that he had received complaints about the aggressive nature of letters from solicitors acting on behalf of CRT; Richard replied that the trust worked very hard on the tone of its own letters and would look into the cases mentioned.
Head of customer service support Jon Horsfall said it had been a challenging and very exciting year for boating and the boating business. A third of boating customers had responded to the licensing review and 2000 to the London Mooring Strategy consultations. From April 2019 prompt payment discount will reduce from 10% to 5% and in 2020 will still be 5% but with two components – 2.5% for prompt payment in full and 2.5% for using an automated method. Broad support had been received for customers in respect of the new charging system with the addition of three new width bands which will be phased in from April 2020. Licence evasion was at its lowest level to date at 3.1%, which had been achieved against a backdrop of significant growth and also some significant social challenges in the country. “Now most of what we do is about helping our customers stay on the water,” he said. Reporting on the challenges of managing health and safety on an open access network, chief operating officer Julie Sharman said there had been 313 incidents over the past year representing an improvement on the previous period. Of these 52% involved slips, trips and falls, 16% as a result of crime and 14% from boat sinkings and hang-ups. There had been 30 fatalities, the majority of which were not related to activities on the
Awards celebrate variety of projects A VARIETY of projects received recognition in the Canal & River Trust’s 2018 Living Waterways Awards presented recently in Birmingham. Sponsored by Kier, Amco Geffen, Arcadis, CPC Civils, Fountains, Land & Water and Vinci, the awards seek to recognise exciting and inspiring waterway-based projects across the UK. Chairman of the awards assessment panel, CRT trustee Sue Wilkinson, said: “This is the 15th year of the awards and, as ever, the assessment panel faced a tremendous challenge in selecting which projects to recognise; we congratulate all finalists.” A rigorous assessment process saw the expert judges travel across the country from Powys to Glasgow and from London to Burnley before selecting the finalists for the 2018 Living Waterways Awards.
Question time
New trustees THE annual public meeting was followed by the 15th meeting of CRT’s governing council at which two new trustees were appointed. Jennie Price and Sarah Whitney replace Frances Done and Manish Chande who have completed their second volunteer terms and retired from the board. CRT chairman Allan Leighton welcomed them both to the trust and also thanked the retiring trustees for their wisdom and commitment.
CRT chairman Allan Leighton (left) accepts petitions from Chris Brown, director of the Wide Boat Action Group. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES Stella Ridgeway, chairman of the National Association of Boat Owners, asked about boaters’ representation on the new regional advisory boards while Ivor Caplan, national chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, asked about the safeguarding of the waterways heritage and buildings at risk. On the issue of speeding cyclists on the towpaths, Richard acknowledged that CRT’s Share the Space, Drop the Pace campaign was not having the effect they would like in some places and there would be a conversation about this at the following day’s board meeting.
Stuart Tyler of the Wide Boat Action Group questioned the introduction of the new licensing width bands which could see them paying a 20% increase. Richard responded that this was a small surcharge which would be introduced gradually and he was confident that this was a fair position. Following the meeting Chris Brown, director of the Wide Boat Action Group, presented two petitions to Allan Leighton opposing the increased licence costs and expressing ‘no confidence’ in CRT. Meetings were held afterwards with Richard Parry and Jon Horsfall.
Jennie Price has been chief executive of Sport England since 2007 and recently announced her departure later this year; she also chairs the Youth United Foundation, is a member of the Health & Wellbeing Advisory Board at Disney and a Visiting Fellow at Cranfield School of Management. Sarah Whitney has been director of Whitney Consulting since 2012. She previously held senior positions at CB Richard Ellis, DTZ Holdings, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She holds non-executive positions at University College London and The Land Trust, and is a senior visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge.
The Heritage & Conservation Award went to Hetty’s Tea Room at Froghall Wharf, on the Caldon Canal near Stoke-on-Trent. PHOTO: CRT
Award winners Art, Culture & Events: Burnley Canal Festival, Lancashire; runner-up: Hereford River Carnival, Herefordshire; commended: The Idle Women: Recreating the Journey, national. Built Environment: Merchant Square Floating Pocket Garden, London; joint runners-up: Knostrop Weir foot & cycle bridge, Yorkshire and Somers Town Bridge, London. Engaging the Community – large scale:
Woodside, Firhill & Hamiltonhill Development Framework, Glasgow; runner-up: Waterspace Bath, Somerset. Engaging the Community – small scale:
Nowka Bais, Birmingham; joint runners-up: The Wanderer Community Workboat, Worcestershire and Idle Women, Lancashire. Heritage & Conservation: Hetty’s Tea Room, Stoke-on-Trent; runner-up: Restoration of Church Bridge & Pocklington Canal Bicentenary, Yorkshire; commended: New Mills Marina, Derbyshire. Learning & Skills: Rivertime Boat Trust, Berkshire; runner-up: Leicester Young Ecology Adventurers, Leicestershire. Natural Environment: Mon & Brec Green Infrastructure Improvement Programme, Powys; runner-up: Lower Misbourne Enhancements, Buckinghamshire; commended: Bringing Back the Bulbourne, Hertfordshire. Outstanding
Achievement
(Posthumous) Roger Hanbury.
Award:
6 NEWS
IN BRIEF Maid lottery blow HOPES that the UK’s last railway-built paddle steamer Maid of the Loch would sail again next year have been dashed after the Heritage Lottery Fund rejected a bid by the Loch Lomond Steamship Company for £3.7 million, writes Hugh Dougherty. Company chairman, John Beveridge, said that everyone involved was ‘absolutely devastated’ by the news, especially as HLF had encouraged the charity to lodge the bid. But they have vowed to fight on. “We believe so much in the project and what it can do for the area. It’s a setback, but we will have to come up with a different route,” John added.
New police boat A NEW £220,000 police boat to patrol rivers, canals and coastal areas will be shared by forces across Yorkshire, writes Geoff Wood. The 10m Cheatham marine catamaran will be fitted with two 300bhp Mercury engines and will be capable of speeds of more than 40 knots. A police spokesman said the new vessel would mean the police could work more effectively with fire and rescue services, the coastguard, RNLI and Humber Rescue.
Poppy attraction
THE Canal & River Trust welcomed nearly 28,000 visitors to the towpath in Middleport over a six-week period during August-September. The Trent & Mersey Canal was the perfect vantage point for visitors viewing a nationally-important poppy art installation which was on display at Middleport Pottery. Trust volunteers gave up 1755 hours between them during this period, to assist visitors with finding their way, providing history knowledge and answering questions about the local canal.
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‘Lovely jubbly’ boat brings smiles to Peak By Geoff Wood
TROTTERS Independent Trading Co has set up shop on the canals – with a narrowboat inspired by classic BBC TV comedy Only Fools and Horses. But you won’t find Del Boy or Rodney wheeling and dealing on the waterways – it’s the work of boat owner Tony Vaughan, who has fashioned the stern to look like the famous Reliant Robin van from the series. Tony, from Greater Manchester, whose boat is a long way from Peckham on the Peak Forest Canal at New Mills, Derbyshire, says he came up with the idea over a few pints in a local pub. The boat is now fashioned in mustard yellow and regularly travels along the canal to nearby Whaley Bridge, with ‘New York – Paris – Peak Forest’ painted on the side. Fellow boat owners are a little puzzled by Tony’s creation, but, like the unforgettable programme itself, it never fails to raise a laugh.
The Only Fools and Horses-inspired narrowboat belongs to Tony Vaughan – just don’t call him a plonker! PHOTOS: GEOFF WOOD
Car makes a splash at slipway celebration
Andrew Thriscutt with the Mayor of Waverley, Coun Denise Le Gal, and his extended family. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
THE Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT) made a splash when it unveiled its latest renovation project – a slipway at Dunsfold Park on the Surrey/West Sussex border. The opening ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of Waverley, Coun Denise Le Gal, and launched by an amphibious classic car. The stunning blue Amphicar, owned by Mike and Jane Stallwood, is one of about 4000 made in Germany in the 1960s and can travel up to 70 miles an hour on land, and seven knots in water. It was among a number of boats, kayaks and canoes to take to the water to mark the latest chapter in the Wey & Arun Canal’s restoration. Along with the slipway, the trust has created a wharf and landing stage at the site. The build was made possible
by a generous donation from the Thriscutt family in memory of their parents, Nancy and Sydney Thriscutt. WACT international member Andrew Thriscutt travelled from Canada to unveil a plaque dedicating the slipway to his father. He said his father had had a lifelong interest in engineering and he and his brothers had wanted a fitting way to honour him. He added: “This slipway is an engineering feat and we know he would have been proud of all that has been done to make it a reality. “I would love to think that the canal will one day be open from the bottom to the top. “Having a beautiful canal is an asset and we should improve it and keep it for all to enjoy.” The build began back in 2016, with the majority of the work taking place over the past year, during which time the volunteer
The completed slipway.
The Mayor takes to the water with Andrew Thriscutt and Amphicar owner Mike Stallwood. workers had to endure flooding, Arctic temperatures and searing heat to get the slipway to completion. The Mayor said: “It’s a great achievement to have restored something like this, often in difficult conditions. “I believe it’s important to support initiatives such as these for the whole community; it benefits us all in making a green corridor, not just those in Surrey but our neighbouring communities too.” Site manager Dave Evans led the volunteers, who came from across the UK to assist WACT’s own working parties. WACT chairman Sally Schupke said: “Congratulations to our volunteers who have transformed this site and in particular Tony Ford, the project manager, and Dave Evans, the site manager. “We are delighted that the Mayor of Waverley was able to join us today and officially open the new slipway.” Tony Ford added: “We are most grateful to the Thriscutt family and all those who made this project possible.”
CRT makes new West Midlands regional appointments NEW regional director of the Canal & River Trust’s West Midlands region is Adnan Saif. He has worked in local government, regeneration and economic development for more than 20 years and, until March 2012, was chief executive of Urban Living. In April 2012, he started a social enterprise initiative that seeks to improve leadership and service delivery in local government and civil society and
was also chief executive of the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester. CRT has also appointed John Hudson to chair its Regional Advisory Board in the West Midlands. He was chairman of Birmingham Airport for 20 years until 2017 and served as High Sheriff for the West Midlands between 2017 and 2018. He has also enjoyed a daily walk on his local towpath for the last 20 years.
New West Midlands regional director Adnan Saif. PHOTO: CRT
RYA SPOTLIGHT 7
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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.
Inland training abroad – why take it? SPENDING holidays or living on the peaceful waterways of the Canal du Midi is a dreamy prospect, but for many the red tape and confusion surrounding the rules of navigating Europe’s waterways can put people off. So what’s required? While learning basic safety, boat handling and rules of the road through training is not mandatory in the UK, RYA qualifications can be used as evidence of your boating competence to hire companies abroad. If you intend to pilot your own boat abroad you will be required by law to hold a licence.
How do I gain a licence?
For extended holidaymakers with their own boats or those living aboard their own boats
and barges abroad, gaining the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) including the CEVNI examination is a must. This can be taken at certified training centres in the UK or abroad.
All-in-one training
Steve Bridges owns RYArecognised Training Centre Bargecraft, on the Canal du Midi in south-west France. His threeday barging experience attracts professionals towards the end of their working life to join a tightknit boating community of a more permanent kind. As well as gaining the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman qualification and subsequent International Certificate of Competence (ICC) including
Navigating locks is one of the key elements of the three-day Bargecraft ex perience.
the CEVNI exam, the course provides valuable insight into the French culture and community spirit of living afloat.
Culture and community
“It’s the longest village in the world,” said Steve, who set up the training centre after buying a 21m Dutch barge of his own. “Everybody knows everyone and wherever you are there is always someone willing to help.” With an unwritten rule that aperitifs should be served after 6pm with your neighbour as well as traditional barbecue gatherings in the local villages, it’s easy to see why such a social and relaxing lifestyle should appeal.
Making it happen
Stephen (62) and Erin Freeman (59), from Rotorua in New Zealand, spent five years holidaying on hired barges, cruising around the Garonne and the Baise. They fell in love with the French culture, food, wine, peaceful canals and friendly camaraderie of boating life. The Freemans’ dream is to buy their own boat and retire in France, spending five months of the year cruising the waterways. The closest place to New Zealand to undertake the inland waterways helming training courses was Europe. There were a number of options available to the Freemans: undertake
training within the French system, but the exam written in French was another hurdle, or take the Inland Waterways Helmsman training at an RYA recognised training centre. In the end they decided to add the Bargecraft RYA Inland Waterways helmsman training experience to a holiday in France, giving them the vital accreditation needed and improving their knowledge, skills and confidence along the way. The course taught them the importance of safety, awareness of dangers, teamwork, using the correct nautical language for clear communication with others on the water, navigating locks and how to make a clear plan.
The overall experience
“It was extremely worthwhile,” said Erin. “Even though we’d had some experience with hire boats, the training given is minimal at best; a quick tour of the boat, detailed written instructions and a short demonstration on the water and off we went! We feel far better equipped now. “We became far more confident handling a large barge, in particular experiencing navigating 18 locks. “And all this in this comfort zone of having an instructor on board at all times, not to mention some fantastic hospitality and great food.”
Navigating the European waterways. PHOTOS SUPPLIED For more information about the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Course visit www. rya.org.uk/go/IW-courses
What is CEVNI?
Code Européen des Voies de Navigation Intérieure (CEVNI) is the code governing navigation on the interconnected European inland waterways. In the same way leisure boaters on coastal waters are expected to know and abide by the rules of the road, boaters on many of the inland waterways of Europe, especially in places that are heavily utilised by commercial traffic, are expected to know the CEVNI. CEVNI is a written or online test which validates the Inland Waterways section of the International Certificate of
For more information about training and also cruising France’s inland waterways, visit www.bargecraft.com Competence (ICC). The ICC enables you to prove that you are at the required level of boating competence for that particular country. For more about the ICC visit www.rya. org.uk/go/ICC.
Where can I take the ICC/CEVNI Test?
The ICC/CEVNI test can be taken through RYA recognised training centres and affiliated clubs that are authorised to carry out the test. Joining the RYA is a brilliant move if you want to apply for an ICC, as the cost of applying for it is covered by your membership fee – www.rya.org.uk/join
8 NETWORKING
SOCIETY NEWS Montgomery challenge THE IWA has nominated Berriew on the Montgomery Canal as a qualifying destination in its Silver Propeller Challenge scheme which encourages boaters, canoeists and paddleboarders to make more use of less frequented waterways. Berriew and Gronwen Wharf – the present limit of navigation on the canal in Shropshire – are included in 30 destinations, see www.waterways. org.uk/silverpropeller (Shroppie Fly Paper, summer 2018)
Keep VIC steaming
A NEW owner or group is being sought to take on VIC 56 – the only Kent-built steamship still operational – and keep her steaming and open to the public. Bought 40 years ago from the Ministry of Defence by current owner, Henry Cleary, the ship has had major recent work on the boiler and hull and is in good operating condition with the help of active volunteers. It is hoped either a new individual owner may come forward or a group ownership scheme could be set up, possibly as a charity. Interested parties are asked to make contact by the end of January 2019, email: jhenrycleary@aol.com (National Historic Ships UK, September 2018)
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Waterway awards celebrate outstanding volunteers VOLUNTEERS who have helped keep the waterways “a special place for everyone” were celebrated at an awards ceremony. Winners were announced by the Canal & River Trust (CRT), together with the Marsh Christian Trust, at an event in Birmingham which brought together volunteers from across the country. Now in its fourth year, the awards were hosted by Richard Parry, chief executive of the CRT, and Charles Micklewright, trustee of the Marsh Christian Trust. The winners each won a prize of £500 per category, donated by the Marsh Christian Trust, a grant-making body that supports environmental, social welfare, arts and heritage charities. In addition, the CRT presented gold badges to 97 volunteers who had donated 2000 or more hours of their time to the trust. Richard Parry said: “We have many amazing volunteers and these awards recognise those that have made an outstanding contribution to helping us to keep our waterways a special place for everyone – boaters and other visitors alike – to enjoy. “Last year our volunteers donated in total over 600,000 hours of their time to care for our canals and rivers; this outstanding effort shows how much people across the country value their waterways.
Vandals target planters PLANTERS at various locks towards the top of the Northampton Arm are to be repaired over the winter after they were targeted by vandals. Some planter backs were taken, some planters were completely removed and some planter backs required re-fixing. IWA Northampton Branch joint task party organiser Geoff Wood said he did not know if the timber was taken for a particular purpose or whether it was ‘sheer vandalism’. The plan was to replace the missing timbers over the winter as the task parties work their way down the arm carrying out by-pass weir clearance. “The situation will be monitored and if we have any further incidents we will decide whether we want to maintain or remove them,” said Geoff. (Endeavour, Northampton Branch newsletter, August 2018)
Awareness
MANCHESTER, Bolton & Bury Canal Society (MB&BCS) has been awarded £10,000 to work with five local schools next year and hold a celebration day in June, from the Awards for All lottery fund. This follows a successful heritage and arts celebration day in December which prompted a funding application to build on increased local community awareness of the canal. (MB&BCS newsletter, August 2018)
“Recent research shows that spending time by water makes you happier and healthier and we believe that volunteering with us is good for your mental and physical well-being, as well as helping the waterways. I would encourage anyone with a little time and a lot of enthusiasm to come along to their local Canal & River Trust group and get involved. “Volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference to your local community while also doing yourself a power of good and we would be delighted to welcome you along.” Current chairman of the Marsh Christian Trust, Brian Marsh, said: “We hope that we can continue to raise the profile of our nation’s waterways and those that give their time to them through these awards in years to come.” The winners from each category were: Volunteer Ambassador Award: Recognising those volunteering with the CRT in customer-facing roles, engaging with the public and promoting the importance of the canals and waterways. Winner: Tom Misselbrook, volunteer on the Worcester & Birmingham and Droitwich canals and at Gloucester Docks. Volunteer Specialist Award: Recognising those who volunteer with the CRT within specialist teams such as engineering, hydrology and marketing. These volunteers contribute expert and
Gold badge award winners who had donated 2000 or more hours of their time to CRT. PHOTO: CRT technical skills that are a huge asset to the organisation, and often come up with new ways of working. Winner: Bill Darch, volunteer at the National Waterways Museum. Volunteer Impact Award: Recognising volunteers with the CRT who have made a significant impact through their dedication, ability to bring about changes, and who show drive and enthusiasm for the organisation. Winner: Michelle Hale, volunteer on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Volunteer Leader Award: For volunteers who take on the responsibility of leadership, using skills to plan, deliver,
promote and celebrate their team’s work. Winner: Marcus Hill-Jones, who has volunteered with teams in the East Midlands and Yorkshire & North East waterway regions. Volunteer of Special Merit: An additional award for a volunteer who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in their role and made a special contribution which the judges felt could not be overlooked. Winner: Imelda Weeks,volunteer in the trust’s North West waterway region. (Imelda received a donation towards a local celebration event with her volunteering team as a gesture of thanks and appreciation.)
Dudley trust wins learning quality award
The channel being lined and then block paved. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Montgomery volunteers closer to December target THERE are now less than 70 metres to go before Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers reach their December target on the Montgomery Canal restoration project and can fill the section with water to test it. This follows successful work parties during September when great strides were made with channel shaping, lining and block laying between Pryces Bridge and Crickheath, near Pant. The volunteers completed 30 metres of block paving in one weekend (September 7 to 9) when four layers of waterproof material were laid across the channel and this was covered with concrete blocks. In all, 3000 were laid down over the three days. Then another 25 metres were completed over the weekend of September 21 to 23, when the terrible weather that was forecast did not materialise. This enabled another significant length of channel to be shaped as usual using diggers and prepared for lining and block laying which will weigh the layers of liner down.
There are now less than 70 metres to go to reach the December target point of a dam, when the section will be filled with water to test it. Also, contractors engaged by CRT to construct the winding hole at Crickheath are making rapid progress, installing piling along a considerable length of the winding hole. It is estimated that both ends of the 735-metre stretch will be restored, in water, and have boats by 2020/21. The Shropshire Union Canal Society has been involved with progressively restoring the channel of the Montgomery Canal since 2008. The first 100 metres, Phase 1A, have been shaped, lined and water tested. The next 125 metres, Phase 1B, have had a French drain put in place to ensure that from now on any residual water and ground water can be easily pumped from the channel, thus enabling shaping and lining to be done in dry, stable conditions. The shaping and lining is now two-thirds complete.
DUDLEY Canal & Tunnel Trust has once again been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. The accreditation recognises excellence in provision for schools and learners when they visit the location. “We’re so pleased to have this awarded to us again,” said Sarah Fellows, heritage activities officer for Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust. “Our programme of workshops and boat trips for schools has been receiving rave reviews from teachers and students since we introduced new opportunities back in 2015 when our Portal building opened, so it’s great to see this hard work recognised.” The badge assures quality in six different areas of performance, including the activities and experiences offered, the learning provided, health and safety and support from venue staff before and after the visit. “We can’t wait to welcome even more students to us this year,” said Holly Wain, heritage activities assistant. “Our caverns are a really special place and such a unique visit for schools.” As well as heading underground for a boat trip into the hidden world under Dudley, students can take part in an interactive workshop session on a variety of topics including Black Country Canals & Industry, Life on a Working Boat, Sedimentary Rocks &
Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust’ s programme of workshops and boat trips for schools has been highly recommended by teachers and students. PHOTOS: DUDLEY CANAL & TUNNEL TRUST Fossils and many more. Sessions are tailored to the age and ability of the students and those with additional needs are welcomed too. Teachers who are interested in taking their students on a visit to Dudley Canal Tunnel & Limestone Mines should get in touch with Holly or Sarah by emailing learning@dctt. org.uk or calling 0121 557 6265. Prices start from just £6.75 per student in 2018 for a full day visit that includes a 45-minute boat trip, a 45-minute workshop session and time to explore the exhibitions on site.
Boating bishop in narrowboat heaven By Elizabeth Rogers
A BOATING bishop chose a narrowboat on the Thames to get round riverside churches in a bid to raise money for good causes. Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, like those in other counties, holds an annual ‘Ride and Stride Day’, when fundraising cyclists and walkers seek sponsorship to visit as many churches as they can in a day. But the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Stephen Croft, chose another means of transport for his ministry– he planned an itinerary involving a narrowboat cruise to visit the riverside churches in Oxford. Dressed not in his episcopal robe, but in a purple top covering his clerical collar, and shirt and denim jeans, he took a turn at steering as with fellow clergy and other fundraisers he travelled to the churches within the city at Jericho, Grandpont and Iffley. The bishop had also already visited 42 land-locked churches during the previous week. At each, he and his travelling group made the traditional pilgrim’s mark in chalk. The event raises money that is divided between the funds of the trust and those of the participants’ own local church.
Bishop of O x ford the Rt Rev Stephen Croft led his fl ock on to the Thames to raise money for good causes. PHOTO SUPPLIED
NETWORKING 9
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Owe n with his wife Jules and another satisfied customer.
Characters of the cut Julie Webb meets the blacksmith who forged a completely new career after sickness led to a major turning point in his life.
STRANGELY, it was a bout of serious illness that set sports therapist Owen Thomas (only half-Welsh, despite the fully Welsh name) on the path to his present part-time occupation and burning passion. Three or four days a week now you’ll find him busy in the forge at the Stoke Bruerne end of the Blisworth Tunnel – a Grade II listed building, constructed in 1902 as a blacksmith’s workshop and now owned by the Canal Museum. “I had pneumonia five years ago” he told me, “and was in hospital for 10 days. I was so sick of being ill I asked Jules, my wife, to book me an axe-making course, so I had something to get better for. I did that, and while I was still a bit ill I did an Experience Day with Bob Nightingale, the blacksmith who used to have this forge.” Fired up by Bob’s teaching, Owen took advantage of his invitation to come down to the forge regularly, paying only for his coal and materials. A couple of courses in Dorset followed, where he learnt to make toasting forks among other things, and then a three-week course in Hereford. “That was pure traditional blacksmithing, just hand and hammer, the skills the old blacksmiths would have used: scrollwork and tapering – I love scrolls – and using a rivet and a collar to join pieces, rather than working with welding and grinders,” said Owen. “It’s what I like to do; I like the look. “I’m going over to Hereford now on a two-year course – a week there and then back to the forge for eight weeks to practise.” A Northamptonshire boy, brought up in the village of
Horton, Owen lived for a while in London, working as a personal trainer. “I used to come down to Stoke Bruerne because I had friends here, and I ended up coming down more and more. Then I was evicted, because my London landlord wanted his flat back, and I had the idea of getting a boat. That was 18 years ago. “I lived on it – it was a 56ft ex-hire boat – for five years, moored up the canal at Gayton. One of my mates is still on it. I sold him my half of the boat to buy the blacksmith business.” He worked at the forge on and off for three years before taking it over in January 2018. “Luckily I just had to step into it. When Bob first got it there was only a shell. He set it all up. I’ve got a list of improvements I want to make though, such as turning the store room into a shop, and making it more inviting to visitors, within limits. All workshops are inherently dangerous: the blacksmith’s rule is, just assume everything’s hot! We do want to get people involved. We tell them about smithing and show them round, and like Bob we do Experience Days for anyone who wants to try it themselves. We take part in the festivals too – Village at War, and the Christmas market.” When I arrived at the forge to talk to him, Owen, with the help of a friend, had just made an emergency tiller for a narrowboat owner whose own had sheared off. He was watching to see how it would perform when the boat winded to go through the tunnel – beautifully, as it turned out. “A lot of blacksmithing is just problem-solving,” he said. “‘How are we going to do it’?
Owe n with his favourite hammer.
Blacksmith O wen Thomas outside his forge at Stoke Bruerne. PHOTOS: JULIE WEBB “Because I’m down here on my own I tend to do the smaller stuff and the stuff I think is going to be interesting, like that tiller. I do about 50% commissions – if it’s the sort of work I enjoy I’ll accept it – and 50% on spec, to sell here and at a shop Jules found in Castle Ashby, Little Geranium, that takes the things I make.” His smaller items include mooring pins, pokers, candlesticks, lantern hangers, door furniture and signs, as well as the purely decorative, such as his heart shapes of various sizes for the romantically inclined. “I’ve done a couple of tables too” he said, “but it’s not easy getting big things to clients. You learn by your mistakes. If you’re not making mistakes you’re not making anything! “At the moment I’m also doing one day a week with George James at Broughton, who forges gates for stately homes and does other sorts of work I don’t have access to here. That’s really good – I’m learning to make things like leaves for the gates. “Everything I make I like to keep the first one. A couple of years later, when you’ve done hundreds of them, you can see your journey. “My aim is to be as good a blacksmith as I can. It’s not about having a massive business: the reward is in the skills.” https://en-gb.facebook.com/ FireBornForge
Products for sale in the corner of the forge.
10 COMMUNITY BOATING
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New club raises cash for accessible Thames boat
Paralympic swimmer John Jenkins, who is working to make boating on the river a reality for disabled people in Wallingford and the surrounding area. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
A FUNDRAISING drive is aiming to raise £39,000 to buy an accessible boat that would enable people with disabilities to enjoy being out on the River Thames in Wallingford. The Wheelyboat Trust and Wallingford Accessible Boat Club have joined forces on the project, to purchase a Coulam Wheelyboat V20 – with £12,393 already in the bag. The boat club is a new enterprise, with the guiding force John Jenkins, a former paralympic swimmer. In 1975 John also helped to set up Sportsable, a charity dedicated to changing the lives of people with disabilities through access to sport, and is now its president. Sportsable, with other organisations for disabled people and Wallingford Town Council, have joined him in his new project, together with the Wheelyboat Trust, which has so far supplied 192 uniquely designed
wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboats in areas countrywide. The Accessible Boat Club, based at Bisham Abbey Sailing School near Marlow, will mentor the project. It provides training, including new instructors, who can expand its work. The Coulam Wheelyboat V20 is the Wheelyboat Trust’s latest model. It has roll-on, roll-off access and a drive-fromwheelchair console, which enables people with even the most severe disabilities to steer the boat themselves. With its bow doors able to lower to form a ramp, the boarding and disembarking process takes only a few minutes. Its users will be able to join the programme at Bisham Abbey to gain formal boating qualifications. Disabled people already qualified as helmsmen will be able to join the team of volunteers and play an equal part in running the organised trips.
Boarding and disembarking one of the Wheelyboats is simple thanks to bow doors able to lower to form a ramp.
Refurbished workboat a boost for Bath volunteers
With new day boat Shropshire Lady are, left to right, Mayor of Whitchurch Coun Tony Neville, Mayoress Pat Neville, Angie Symes and Chris Symes, chairman of the Lyneal Trust. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Rotary cruises benefit record number WHITCHURCH Rotary Club carried a record number of passengers during a special week of canal boat trips. The Mayor of Whitchurch, Coun Tony Neville, and the chairman of Lyneal Trust, Chris Symes, jointly opened the Rotary boat trip event in September. During the week of trips from the Whitchurch Arm of the Llangollen canal, Rotary carried 215 passengers – beating the group’s previous highest total of 196. Whitchurch Rotarian Chris Smith said: “We hired two boats which are specially built, including ramps and lifts for wheelchair users, to provide access for people with a wide range of disabilities. The boats were hired from Lyneal Trust.” The youngest passenger group was a number of primary children from Borderbrook School, Tallarn Green. Chris said: “For this group we provided a floating classroom with a lesson on canal history, bolstered by having the historic horse-drawn narrowboat Saturn, once used extensively for the Whitchurch cheese trade, moored in the canal arm. “In the feedback, one child commented that it was the best school trip they had ever had.” Chris continued: “We believe our oldest passenger was aged 94, in a group of residents from a care home. “Our most challenging group was children with a wide range of problems, including complex neurological and physical disorders, Down’s syndrome,
autism and behavioural difficulties, who could not be educated in mainstream school. The sense of trust and responsibility they gained from being able to help steer the 18-tonne, £130,000 boats was quite unique.” The club ran 24 two-hour passengercarrying trips and was given “lots of positive feedback”, a common theme of which was the superb facility offered by the boats, especially the Lyneal Trust’s new day boat, Shropshire Lady. “The bright, airy feel and the superb view from a seated position were widely commented on,” said Chris. During the past year, Rotary has concentrated on improving the skills of its crew, six of whom now hold RYA Helmsman’s Certificates, and during the week three more were trained and are now ready to take their certificates. Most of the training was undertaken on the fivehour outbound and inbound boat delivery between Lyneal and Whitchurch. All helmsmen and crew were given the opportunity to attend a water safety course delivered internally by Chris, who is also a Lyneal Trust volunteer skipper. Costs were covered by 28 local businesses who each kindly sponsored a boat trip. “We are very grateful to them, to the Whitchurch Waterway Trust for allowing us to use its moorings and to Chemistry Farm for allowing us access down to the towpath for our minibuses,” added Chris.
A CANAL boat which has undergone a complete refurbishment will now be used by local people to help improve the waterways in Bath. The workboat is part of a fleet of boats owned by the Canal & River Trust (CRT) which cares for the Kennet & Avon Canal and stretches of the River Avon in the city. The newly fitted-out boat will be used as a work platform, allowing volunteers to reach parts of the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal that they could not previously get to. It will also be used for cutting back overgrown trees and bushes that overhang the water, collecting floating litter, and a host of other community projects. Funding for the refurbishment of the work boat and training of the volunteers has been provided by several organisations, including the Bath City Forum, the Bath WaterSpace Partnership and other local donors including the Avon Frome Partnership and the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. This is one of 35 ‘WaterSpace’
Volunteers on board the new workboat. PHOTO: CRT project ideas identified by the community to improve the river and canal in Bath. Richard Thomas, CRT director for Wales and South West, said: “This newly adapted work boat is a fantastic addition for the local community and
I’m sure it will be a great help for our volunteering team.” For more information on the Bath WaterSpace project visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/ser vices/ environment/river-safety/riverscanals/water-space-study
‘Under and up’ tunnel trips RUGBY league legend Eddie Waring used to delight his viewers with the call ‘up and under’ during his commentating days, writes Geoff Wood. But at Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre at Marsden it was a case of ‘under and up’. Back by popular demand recently were the combined two-hour trips through the tunnel and a guided hike over the moor back to base. The boat trip runs from Marsden, West Yorkshire, to Diggle in Greater Manchester. Shorter trips by special boats are ever popular into the canal tunnel. But one-way trips for three-and-ahalf miles along the highest, deepest and longest canal tunnel in Britain are rarer. Standedge Tunnel opened in 1811 and is now one of the seven wonders of the waterways. Work started on the tunnel under the auspices of Benjamin Outram and was finished by Thomas Telford. The tunnel closed in 1944 following the abandonment of the canal to through traffic. But the Huddersfield Canal Society had what was known then as the ‘impossible dream’ of reopening the canal for leisure. Finally, following a massive effort aided by grants from local authorities, the canal was reopened in
The trip boat at the Marsden entrance to Standedge Tunnel. PHOTO: GEOFF WOOD 2001. And now, with the boom in leisure sailing, the tunnel has become one of the must-see features of the UK canals. Those taking the boat trip to Diggle were also able to see a bit more transport history. Three more tunnels for railways were dug following the line of the canal tunnel. And the route that walkers took on the way back to Marsden followed the ancient pack horse route where the animals were taken while the menfolk legged the narrow boat through the tunnel.
HERITAGE 11
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Historic aqueduct repairs earn top nomination for apprentices TWO young apprentices have been nominated for a top award after repairing a 200-year-old canal aqueduct. Rachael Cochrane and Liam Davies are from Glandwr Cymru – the Canal & River Trust in Wales – and the nomination recognises their work to repair the old Brynich Aqueduct on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. The pair were shortlisted in the Apprentice or Craftsperson category of the Heritage Angel Awards Wales. Sponsored by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the awards celebrate the work of volunteers, trainees, apprentices, young people and heritage professionals, in repairing or rescuing historic buildings or making new discoveries. Rachael and Liam worked alongside Glandwr Cymru engineers and heritage experts to repair the aqueduct, which had been in danger of collapsing on to the towpath. They used techniques replicating those used to originally build the canal, with the project taking more than five months to complete. Brynich Aqueduct is located around two miles outside Brecon and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II* listed – a similar category to the Coal Exchange building in Cardiff and Battersea Power Station in London – which recognises its historical and architectural significance.
Rachael Cochrane. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Liam Davies.
It carries the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal over the River Usk. Built in the 1790s, the canal played a vital role in Wales’ industrial history, being used throughout the 19th century to transport food, agricultural and industrial materials to communities between Newport and Brecon. Today the canal is one of the most popular attractions in the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing a haven for wildlife, tourism, boating, recreation and exercise. The winners of the Heritage Angel Awards Wales will be announced at a ceremony at Caerphilly Castle on Thursday, November 8. Mark Abraham, Glandwr Cymru supervisor, said: “We’re
absolutely delighted that Rachael and Liam have been recognised by the Heritage Angel Awards Wales. It takes real skill to solve modern-day problems with 200-year-old techniques and their commitment to such an important project was truly impressive.” Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I applaud everyone who enters the Angel Awards and showcases the marvellous work they are doing to rescue and sustain our heritage”. Baroness Kay Andrews, who headed the judging panel, said: “The judges had a very difficult task picking just three in each category because of the passion, skill and commitment shown by all of the people and projects nominated for an award.”
Folk band The Light Side, who will be performing at Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’ s Autumn Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Birmingham Lads is a musical history lesson A MUSICAL history of the Birmingham Canal Navigations will be the highlight of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s Autumn Show. The Birmingham Lads tells the story of the beginnings of the BCN, its rise to prosperity and its effect on Birmingham and the wider area. In a similar vein, folk-based band The Light Side’s repertoire puts the emphasis on canal and other watery songs. The Autumn Show will be held at Whittington Village Hall on Friday, November 16, with doors opening at 6.30pm.
The bar will be open from 6.30pm with supper served at 7pm and the show starting at 8pm. A grand prize draw will be held in the interval. Tickets cost £15.50 inclusive of show and supper. To apply for tickets, contact Sue Williams, Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, Staffordshire WS7 0JP, telephone 01543 671427 or 07968 168728, or email suzi_williams@hotmail. com Tickets can also be obtained securely online with PayPal at www.lhcrt.org.uk/nov_show.htm
12 IWA ROUND-UP
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AROUND THE BRANCHES WITH IWA’S GEMMA BOLTON
Garage door pulled from Nottingham Canal MORE than 20 volunteers helped to litter pick and grapple rubbish from the Nottingham Canal as part of the annual IWA Nottingham Branch clean-up in September. The haul included a full-sized aluminium garage door, 26 bicycles, 15 shopping trolleys, eight tyres, fence panels, traffic cones and other assorted items. An enthusiastic cohort from local company Xylem took part in the activities, which also included litter picking on the towpath side, while another team set off on the workboat to tackle offside and any waterborne litter.
The team on the workboat tackling waterborne litter. LEFT: O ne of 26 bicycles retrieved from the canal.
A team of volunteers on the Northampton Arm. PHOTO: IWA
Cleaning up the Northampton Arm SEVENTEEN volunteers got stuck into extensive vegetation clearance during a work party organised on October 7 by IWA Northampton Branch along the Grand Union Canal’s Northampton Arm. Lock 15’s bypass channel and weir was strimmed and cleaned out, while overhanging vegetation was removed
between bridge 9B and lock 15. Pathway vegetation around and between bridge 9b and Danes Camp was also cut back and strimmed. The branch adopted the stretch in 2013 and has spent the past five years maintaining, making improvements and installing attractions.
Family camp on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation FOUR families and five children aged between six and 13 spent a weekend on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation in Essex making bird boxes and clearing vegetation. The third family camp of 2018 organised by IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group also saw the group learning about the workings of a sea lock, which can only be opened at high tide, before helping five yachts into Heybridge Basin. Family camps are designed to encourage younger people to enjoy the satisfaction from conserving our waterways, and the weekend’s waterways theme continued with accommodation on board the Haybay Barge nestled in the Blackwater Estuary. For the finale, the decorated bird
EAST
Sunday November 11
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 Families making birdbox es during the family camp. PHOTO: IWA boxes were fixed in trees along the navigation. Keep an eye out for next year’s family camps, which will be announced this month (November).
Canal Festival the following weekend, bringing hundreds of local people to the waterway to take part in boat rides, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing along the Grand Union Canal, with live music and activities for children. Finally over the weekend of September 22-23 the branch supported the Open House Weekend with guided tours up the seven-lock Hanwell Flight on the Grand Union Canal in West London.
Barton and the Dunstall Estate walk FIFTEEN walkers assembled outside Barton Turns Marina for a walk past landscaped lakes, through Dunstall Estate woodlands and gorgeous views of the Trent valley. The guided walk organised by IWA Lichfield Branch saw walkers learn about the history of Dunstall Hall and its notable owners through the years. The group then followed the route past a deer park and along the Trent & Mersey Canal.
IWA WORK PARTIES IN NOVEMBER 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.
Promoting waterways in greater London IWA Middlesex Branch was busy through September supporting events that promote waterways in the area. Slough Canal Festival, held in Bloom Park (September 8-9) attracted visitors to the pretty but very underused Slough Canal, which runs five miles from its junction with the Grand Union Canal at Cowley Peachey to its terminus in Slough. The branch also supported Hayes
The volunteers who helped haul a garage door from Nottingham Canal. PHOTOS: ARCHIE ROBERTS
MIDLANDS Every Friday
IWA Lichfield Branch and Canal & River Trust: Work party on the Trent & Mersey Canal to help clear offside vegetation. Starting at Fradley Junction and working north. 9.30am-3.30pm. Contact Neil Barnett: neil. barnett@waterways.org.uk
Sunday November 4 & Tuesday November 20
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.
Tuesday November 13
IWA Birmingham, Black Country, and Worcester Branch: Work party in Kidderminster, meet 10am. Volunteers are going to concentrate on clearing plastics. Contact: david.struckett@waterways.org.uk
NOR TH
Thursday November 8
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Caldon & U ttox eter Canals Trust: Work party on the Uttoxeter Canal at Bridge 70, Crumpwood, 10am to 3pm. Contact Steve Wood: 07976 805858, steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk
Thursday November 15
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Work party on the Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal, 10am to 3pm. Contact: John Lawson 07940 878923, John.lawson@ waterways.org.uk
The walkers beside the Trent & Mersey Canal. PHOTO: IWA
Saturday November 17
IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: Work party in the Chester area working alongside the Shropshire Union Canal, 10am to 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 to 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 November 27
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch supporting Burslem Port Trust: Work party on the Burslem Arm, Stoke-on-Trent, 10am to 3pm. Contact: Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@waterways. org.uk
SO UTH
Tuesdays November 20 & 27
IWA O x fordshire Branch supporting Banbury Canal Partnership: Work party on the Oxford Canal near Banbury, 9am to 1pm. Contact Colin Garnham-Edge: bcpontheoxford@gmail.com.
WEST
Every Tuesday & Saturday in November
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 November
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 78345 3 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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More power to Parkhead
By Janet Richardson
A SUNNY Saturday morning saw the start of a successful Parkhead Canal Festival during the last weekend of September. More than 70 historic working boats attended the biennial event organised jointly by the Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust and the Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canal Society. DCTT trustee and site manager Steve Bingham said afterwards that exhibitors had commented that the festival was the best yet and attributed its success to the nice weather and all the hard work by volunteers. “Without your help, none of this can happen,” he commented. “And a big thank you to our sponsors, again. Without their support, we could not afford to put this festival on.” As well as the boats, there were 65 classic vehicles, three full-size and a miniature traction engine, six stationary engines and almost 30 charity, craft and food stalls. Popular attractions this year
included helicopter simulations by the West Midlands Air Ambulance. The Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust provided boat trips and there were demonstrations over the weekend with boat horse Carolyn – a nine-year-old Shire – falconry with Gino Belmonte of GCB Falconry & Pest Solutions and glass-blower Robert Farwell. The Canal & River Trust’s Heritage Working Boats Group exhibited Leo, one of its fleet of four boats based at Ickneild Port in Birmingham and operated by volunteers during the summer months. Built in 1935 at Northwich, the butty is usually paired with tug Manson and was part of the British Waterways fleet, carrying a variety of cargoes. Visitors were invited on board to see the interior of the boat, which the volunteers try to keep as authentic as possible. Adding to the festive atmosphere was musical accompaniment, including the Lady Wulfrun fairground organ with its bands of dancing puppets and live acts performing inside the beer tent.
Gino Belmonte of GCB Falconry & Pest Solutions with snowy owl Johnston Higwerth. The team of volunteers from the Canal & River Trust’s Heritage Working Boats Group with Star Class butty Leo. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
Dudley Zoological Gardens brought along a variety of small animals. Team member Mel is pictured with a red corn snake, which is one of the easiest snakes to look after.
West Midlands Air Ambulance fundraiser David Spruce welcomes Mayor of Dudley, Coun Alan Taylor, Mayoress Mrs Winifred Taylor and Steve Bingham, site manager of Parkhead Canal Festival, to the helicopter simulator which attracted visitors throughout the weekend. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Three traction engines lined up.
A range of stalls bring added colour and interest to the towpath.
Boat horse Carolyn takes a break beside Lock No 2.
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LOTS ON OFFER AT BUSY HAYES FESTIVAL
Dudley Mayor Coun Alan Taylor, centre, with spectators on the Parkhead Lock Bridge No 1. Sunday morning started with a church service led by the Boaters’ Christian Fellowship with an address by West Midlands senior waterways chaplain, the Rev Richard Alford. The event came to its customary finale with the Great Dudley Duck Race started by the Mayor of Dudley, Coun Alan Taylor accompanied by Mayoress Mrs Winifred Taylor. A large crowd watched as the ducks were launched into the canal below Parkhead Lock Bridge No 1. First to the finish in Lock No 2 was duck No 572, earning its ‘owner’ a £50 prize. Runners-up were 256 and 125. Sponsors of the festival included: Midland Metro Alliance, Tesco Supermarkets, Swan Brewery in Netherton (Ma Pardo’s), Canal & River Trust, Towpath Talk, Ashwood Gifts, Bromsgrove Print, Bryland Fire Protection and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
They’re off: the ducks are launched into the canal beneath the top lock.
FUN activities both on the towpath and the water saw more than 2500 people visit the Hayes Canal Festival. The event, held on the Grand Union Canal in Hayes Town, west London, is run by the Canal & River Trust (CRT). People of all ages enjoyed boat trips, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing. There was also live music, children’s entertainment, displays, food and stalls. The festival is now in its fifth year and aims to celebrate all that the canal can offer the local community, with the trust particularly keen to promote the benefits being by the water can have for people’s mental and physical health. Ros Daniels, CRT’s director, London and South East, said: “We’re delighted so many people came down to the canal in Hayes to enjoy the festival. “We couldn’t run it without the support and passion of people from the local community, so a big thanks to everyone who contributed. “The challenge now of course is
to encourage those who visited the festival to come down to the canal more regularly. There is a huge array of things to do, whether that’s paddle boarding or fishing, or using the towpath for a run, walk, or to escape the busy streets. “We know from research published recently that people are happier and more relaxed when they are by water, so getting out by the canal can have real benefits for your health and well-being. I’d encourage anyone to give it a try.” David Brough, chairman of Hillingdon Canals Partnership, said: “The Hayes Canal Festival proves beyond doubt that whether you’re on the water or on the land the canal can offer something for almost everyone. “Sunday’s event was a delight and it was great to see all sections of the diverse community of Hayes coming together to have fun.” The event was supported by Hillingdon Canals Partnership, Hayes Town Partnership, Inland Waterways Association, High Point Village and Hillingdon Community Trust.
Lots going on made for a lively day at Hayes Canal Festival. PHOTO: CRT
16 PETS
Pets on the cut Video star
Since writing this article, Alison Wilkerson has learned that YouTube star Weasel has died, so this month’s article is in memory of the ferret. I WAS fortunate enough to bump into Danga (known as Dan), a lively 11-year-old Staffie cross, who greeted me affectionately while I was walking on the towpath on the Grand Union Canal. He lives with his owners Phil and Beth (plus bump), and their 14-monthold daughter Matilda, who was born on their boat (see Towpath Talk, Issue 140, June 2017 ‘New baby delivered on narrowboat’). Six-year-old ferret Weasel lives on through his YouTube antics. The family’s 1996 70-footer, called Penny, was made by Evans and Son and fitted with a 1941 Lister engine. Having owned this, their first boat for six years, they were initially moored at Priory Marina in Bedford on the River Great Ouse, but had just moved to their new permanent mooring. Before purchasing her, a number of boats were viewed for height suitability, as Phil is 6ft 4in and understandably, did not want to continually stoop in his new home. He has gutted the boat over the years and used his skills as a marine electrician (12 volt guru). He has been in the trade 18 years and owned his business as a marine and leisure electrician, PRO Electrical (see side of his boat for contact details), for 10 years.
Dan and his late friend Weasel the ferret. PHOTO: ALISON WILKERSON Phil and Beth have had Dan since he was rescued as a puppy from a house that was illegally breeding dogs for barbaric, cruel and inhumane dog-fighting purposes. Despite his trauma and with the help of dog trainers, Dan has become a wonderful pet, great companion and a bit of a nomad dog, having lived in a camper van prior to the boat. He does not actually like water but will swim, if he has to, but does love to visit other boats for a nose and fuss. When cruising, he loves to spend his time on the roof, where he feels quite at home, and has learnt to do tricks – lots of them – and has been entered into dog shows. He also loves chewing on pigs’ ears (not while attached), despite being allergic to pork! Weasel the male ferret had a unique
and special smell, and was a true delight to observe. You can watch him cleaning the floor of the boat on YouTube, by searching ‘Phil Owen down the river’. He had a purpose-made hutch, known as ‘Weasel’s Palace’, which doubled up as a seat on the bow and his cosy bed was accessible to him via a special hole under the steps into the cabin. Both ideas were a genius use of space (so important on a boat) and multifunctional too. He ate ferret food as well as gourmet cat food and luckily, only once did he go missing. Fortunately Dan sniffed him out under a pile of wood on the other side of the marina. Dan and Weasel got on well although Dan did discipline his ferret friend when naughty, as he was somewhat of a thief and would hide items, hence his name.
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Fur or feather... all welcome! By Cheryl Howes of Kate Boats
HERE at Drifters we welcome pets aboard our narrowboats to enjoy a holiday on the canals with their owners. As well as dogs, we’ve accommodated many other kinds of pets, including cats, parrots, budgies, rabbits, hamsters, goldfish, chinchillas and tortoises. But the old saying ‘never work with children and animals’ occasionally resonates. For example, on their last night one family’s hamster was let out of its cage and disappeared through a hole into the bilges. When the hamster was still missing by the time they returned the boat the next morning, we had a problem. We thought we’d have a Manuel from Fawlty Towers hamster story on our hands with the new customers, hoping they would catch the hamster during their week aboard. Thankfully, it popped its head out late morning and was returned to its cage just as the new crew were ready to set off on their holiday.
And on one (now legendary) parrot booking, the parrot owner decided it would be nice to have the bird on her shoulder while steering the boat, so she took it out of the cage and it promptly flew off. This was serious as it was March and the cold nights would kill it, so she, her husband and the base staff tried long and hard to find this parrot without success. A week or so later, someone from the boatyard was talking to a man at the bar in the local pub and told him the story. By chance that person kept parrots and had an aviary. He said that a parrot had suddenly appeared from nowhere and so he had taken it in as it would otherwise have died in the cold. One happy couple were reunited with their parrot. ● Drifters (drifters.co.uk) is a consortium of independent self-drive hire boat companies set up to promote enjoyment of canal holidays.
Pets can also enjoy a holiday afl oat. PHOTO SUPPLIED
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End-of-season open day on board Kennet By Janet Richardson
LEEDS & Liverpool Canal Society’s end-of-season celebrations included an open day on Saturday, September 22 on board Heritage Short Boat Kennet close to its home mooring in the summit pound above Greenberfield Locks. Members then gathered for a joint party on the Sunday for society president and historian Mike Clarke and committee member Colin Thunhurst, who both recently celebrated landmark birthdays. “We are here for about six months a year but not open to the public and thought the open day would give people who go past the opportunity to see inside,” said Colin. The team was also busy preparing for the end of the season with Kennet set to go to Snaygill on November 1 for repainting before returning to Greenberfield for the winter. This season’s programme has been curtailed by the closure of the middle section of the canal due to the summer water shortages, preventing Kennet from attending the Burnley Canal Festival over the August bank holiday weekend. The canal has been closed from Greenberfield Locks down to Gargrave and between Bingley Five-Rise and Leeds, the 20-mile lock-free stretch through Skipton remaining open. Colin told me that plans are afoot
Kennet’ s Lister engine.
for next season which will see Kennet concentrating on the Liverpool side of the canal, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the Lancaster Canal which shares the stretch between Wigan and Johnson’s Hillock Locks. He explained that it is customary to visit each side of the canal on alternate years, except in 2016 when Kennet travelled the full length during the Leeds & Liverpool Canal bicentenary. The season traditionally starts with the Skipton Canal Festival over the Early Spring Bank Holiday weekend in May. Depending on requests for visits from schools and communities along the route, a programme is put together for the summer season and it is hoped to attend Burnley Canal Festival again in 2019.
Educational boat
Colin told me that Kennet is a Leeds & Liverpool Short Boat which is ironic because it is the largest vessel that would just fit in the locks at the Yorkshire end of the canal. Larger boats (Long Boats) operated at the other end in and out of Liverpool but only Short Boats can cover the whole of the length of the canal. Kennet is part of a fleet named after rivers; Weaver, Wye and Ribble are still on the canal, in private ownership, most of the others which survive having been converted for liveaboard use. She was built in 1947 by Yarwoods
Hosting the open day on behalf of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society are, from left: Colin Thunhurst, Malcolm Sterratt, Linda Bailey, Harold Bond, Lynton and Freda Childs and Mike Clarke. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON of Northwich to carry general cargo, but the hard winter of 1963 stopped the wool trade over the summit and this, together with coal deliveries to Liverpool finishing, was virtually the end of commercial traffic on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Kennet was taken out of commercial operation in 1962 after a 20-year working life and then became part of the maintenance fleet. Kennet was nearly scrapped in 1983 when a surveyor’s report stated it would cost £30,000 to carry out necessary repairs; however she was adapted by British Waterways in 1985 for use as an educational boat which was when the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society became involved in her operation. After many years of further service she lay dormant
until the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society became involved and looked after her until formally being responsible for her under a lease agreement as part of a British Waterways scheme for the disposal of their Heritage Boats. The society applied for Heritage Lottery funding in 2011 to fit her out and as it needed to own the boat, the lease was closed and she was purchased for a nominal sum. “If we are unable to fund it, Kennet cannot be sold into private ownership,” said Colin. “This would probably result in her being handed over to a suitable charity or museum.” There are two Leeds & Liverpool Short Boats open to the public, Kennet and the Boat Museum’s George. Funding is always a problem, and finances were helped
Inside the front cabin which schoolchildren, particularly, find fascinating.
Canal & River Trust volunteer Denise Richmond promoting the charity and encouraging visitors to become friends of CRT.
when Kennet featured on TV in the opening sequence of series two of BBC gangster drama Peaky Blinders, filmed at Saltaire –one of many Yorkshire locations that producers used to recreate scenes of post-First World War Birmingham. “We don’t charge for school visits so rely on membership subscriptions and we also get donations,” Colin added. “We need about £5000 a year to keep Kennet running.” A meeting in early October could lead to a first Keighley Transport Festival involving railway, bus museum, car club and canal in the spring of 2020 when Kennet will be on the Yorkshire side of the canal between Skipton and Leeds where she attends the Waterfront Festival on alternate years.
Part of the display inside the hold which can also be used as a meeting room and hosted a performance by Alarum Theatre this year.
Kennet moored on the top pound above Greenberfield Locks.
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Chesterfield Canal welcomes royal visitor HRH the Duke of Gloucester was briefed on plans for the old Staveley Works site when he visited the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Hollingwood Hub base in October. He was met by trust chairman Robin Stonebridge with Coun George
Wharmby, chairman of Derbyshire County Council, Coun Stuart Brittain, Mayor of Chesterfield, Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire and Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield. Robin introduced the Duke to the trust’s officers and Katey Whelpton,
The Duke meets the trust officers and K atey Whelpton. PHOTO: CCT
the proprietor of Katey’s Coffee Shop, briefing him about the canal and the current state of its restoration. Following a presentation of before and after photographs demonstrating the public benefits of a restored canal, the Duke spent some time meeting about 20 volunteers and representatives of some of the organisations with whom the trust is in partnership. He showed a keen interest and knowledge of the canal and remembered having unveiled a plaque at Shireoaks Marina in May 2000, to celebrate its official opening and the completion of restoration in Nottinghamshire. He then went for a short cruise on Madeline, which was built by students from Eckington School and which the trust uses as a tripboat, sharing the proceeds with the school. On the cruise, in glorious sunshine, he was briefed about the plans to build a new village and HS2 depot on the old Staveley Works site and saw the entrance to the Hollingwood Common Canal – an underground canal dug in the 1790s that extended for more than two miles to mine workings. The Duke then gave a brief speech in which he said that he greatly admired the wonderful work that the volunteers do
Studying plans for the area on the boat trip. PHOTO: CCT
The Duke of Gloucester with Chesterfield Canal Trust chairman Robin Stonebridge. PHOTO: JOHN LOWER
and the great public benefit of a restored canal and wished the trust the best of luck in the future. Finally, he unveiled a plaque on Madeline to record his visit. After leaving the Hub, the Duke visited Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Bolsover Castle and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
The Duke of Gloucester is the Queen’s cousin and a full-time working member of the Royal Family. He attends national and international events in support of the Queen and her duties as Head of State, as well as undertaking extensive public duties and engagements every year reflecting his own interests and charities. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is campaigning to complete the restoration of the canal by its 250th anniversary in 2027. Twelve miles have already been restored along with 37 locks, 11 bridges and two marinas. A length of just over eight miles is left unrestored. The trust was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service by groups in the community in 2017.
MOORING SITUATION IS A MAJOR TALKING POINT THE Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA) recently held its 55th AGM at The Nadee, Findern, on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Willington. During the morning the third AGM of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association Ltd took place during which members received a presentation from Jeff Whyatt, the managing director of BWML, who encouraged everyone to ask questions and give their views on the current mooring situation around the country. Such was the interest that talking continued over lunch.
The RBOA AGM followed in the afternoon with the usual reports including membership and finance with an address by retiring chairman Alan Wildman on some of his activities during the past year. The following officers were then elected for the year 2018-2019: chairman, Charles Foster; vice-chairman, Rex Walden; general secretary Beryl McDowall and treasurer Dave Milne, who is also acting membership secretary. Charles has had more than 20 years’ experience in the marine trade, in buying and selling craft, from rowing boats to super yachts, both in England
and abroad. His experience from two sides of the table, as both buyer and seller, together with information gained when working with RBOA members, gives him a broad background in boats and boating. He moved on to narrowboats in 2003 with his wife Ann, having had various holidays on the canals and making the decision to live on a boat. After a couple of years of continuous cruising, they moved on to a marina berth in the Midlands. They still cruise for two or three months every year, making use of their Trading Licence. Vice-chairman Rex discovered a
love of boats when he was seven, and sailed on the south coast from the age of 11. He became a residential boater in October 2003 and joined the RBOA around 2004. In time he became vicechairman and subsequently chairman. Rex has navigated most of the canal system on his 70ft narrowboat. These days he is to be found somewhere on the Thames between Teddington and Lechlade. A motion was approved to appoint Keith Grantham, RBOA’s recruitment officer, as general secretaryelect to aid forward planning and provide continuity.
O utgoing chairman Alan Wildman, right, hands over the gavel to Charles Foster.
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More scenes from Leigh Canal Festival THE Leigh Canal Festival was held at a new venue at the Leigh Miners Welfare Institute, having outgrown the original venue at the Waterside pub, writes Colin Wareing. As there was no public parking at the festival site a water taxi – a ‘Waxi’– provided a free shuttle service along the
canal. It ran between the pub, the festival site and Pennington wharf, with Wigan council waiving all parking fees for the weekend. As reported last month, the star attraction on the water was the wooden barge George, which has spent the year being moved along the western end of
the Leeds & Liverpool Canal visiting festivals and schools, all crewed by a volunteer crew using the ex-Manchester Ship Canal Bantam tug as power. Lots of young people went aboard over the weekend, learning through crafts and artwork about the boat and the canal.
The q ueue to board tripboat Elleswake.
A bit of trade in rag rugs or tiller pins going on between festival visitors and the crew of nb Hakuna Munta. PHOTOS: COLIN WAREING
Despite some showers there were enough sunny intervals to attract a good turnout of the public to inspect and spend at the stalls and charities on the institute car park, take a climb up a climbing wall, sign up to become a friend of the Canal and River Trust or have a ride on Silcocks’ funfair. There was also chance to purchase from a selection of canal-based roving traders or take a ride down the canal on the Wigan-based tripboat Elleswake.
The ‘ Wax i’ passes along the canal between the moored festival boats.
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