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Number 156
Spring 2016
WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST
Storm Desmond makes a mess of Stainton Aqueduct
The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.240957) Corporate Member the Inland Waterways Association http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk/
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Chairman’s Report Welcome to the Spring edition of Waterwitch, packed with news and reports of activities in which our members have been engaged. Sadly, the appalling damage to the Stainton Aqueduct and the implication of the closure is taking much of our thoughts at this time. The temporary bund is substantial and might look permanent but I'm not alone in being optimistic that the funds will be found to rebuild this wonderful piece of engineering, if only because heritage is a main plank in the constitution of Canal & River Trust. The aqueduct is one of a group of three valuable, important listed structures in the lower northern reaches - Hincaster tunnel and the marvellous Sedgwick Aqueduct being of course the other two. Mention of the Hincaster Tunnel reminds us of the successful, and we're told by the team, very enjoyable, WRG work camp in October. WRG really is a superb organisation and, brings together people of enthusiasm, all sorts of skills, a mass of experience and not least, a passion for canals! Their North West group were back last month rebuilding a wall at Killington reservoir flatten by the floods, a task which Frank ensured got full coverage in our local paper. Also featured are our boat manager David Joyner and his dedicated team who have overhauled, thoroughly painted and generally spruced up the trip boat ready for its licence inspection and the new season starting on the 1stMay. The boat is great publicity and fits well with the endeavours of Helen, Beryl and Maureen in keeping the Trust in the public eye. We are all delighted with the appointment of Helen Moriarty to the role of Project Officer with Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership as reported in this edition but sorry that Hal Bagot is stepping down as its Chairman. Hal's contribution to this group cannot be underestimated. Dave Moll's membership report will, I hope, prompt those members who have been a little lax in renewing to get their cheque books out and (Continued on page 20)
CONTENTS Chairman s Report This page Boat Operations report 3 Restoration update 2015/16 6 Waterway Recovery Group visit 10 Membership Report 12 Preston Distributor Road 13 LCRP Update 14 Crooklands Bridge Report 15 LCT Events for 2016 16 2
Leeds & Liverpool Canal Dragon Boats! New Guide to Lancaster Canal ‘Wych Way’ chugs off again Canal Ovens Update Killington Repairs 100 Club results
17 21 22 23 28 31 32
Notice of AGM Standing Order form Friends & Volunteers of the Lancaster canal
33 33 34
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Boat Operation Managers Report April 2016 David Joyner It was with considerable dismay by all, and particularly the boat crews at the 2015 AGM, to learn of the announcement by Alan Mather that due to health considerations he was no longer able to continue as Boat Operations Manager. We, the boat crews, had enjoyed working under Alan's expert g uida nce a nd e fficie nt administration for a number of years and would miss him greatly. The good news is that Alan is sufficiently recovered to crew the trip boat in the coming season. After much debate at the AGM, and with little idea of what I was letting myself in for, I agreed to take on the job until someone else could be recruited. This
report is one of the unexpected responsibilities I took on! Thanks to much advice from Alan and particularly to the excellent set of volunteer crew and bank-side staff, the trip boat continued to function well to the end of the season in September 2015. On October 23rd we had our well attended annual Boaters’ Supper at the Crooklands Hotel, beautifully organised as usual by Olive Hill. Following the removal of ballast in the form of concrete blocks and pavers, on Satur day October 10th Waterwitch was craned out of the water at Millness wharf and set down on stands where a small but enthusiastic band of volunteers set about removing the blacking from the hull. Thanks must go to another volunteer skipper David Brown and his employers Midland Chandlers of Warrington for their supply of various paints and other chandler supplies at a generous discount. Shown here
Boaters’ Supper, Crooklands Hotel
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Lift Out
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are Chris Blackburn and Alistair Gregory using a technique of using shovels as scrapers recommended by a new recruit to the boat crew, Ian Wake, l e a r nt wh i l e o n h is apprenticeship in the Merchant Navy. Work on the hull having been completed, Waterwitch is now back in the canal. Neil McGarry has serviced the engine, however, there is still much to do before the safety inspection and the boat needs to be ready for our crew refresher course in April. Due to new regulations introduced by IWA last year our crews have to have an annual refresher course which must include a boat evacuation. 16 crew members have signed up for this over the weekend of 4
23rd and 24th April just in time for the new season beginning on 1st May. In March the Trip Boat Subcommittee was revived. Neil McGarry was elected chairman and Olive Hill secretary. Among other matters discussed were the possibility of moving b o a t o pe r a t i o n s f r o m Crooklands to Millness and whether boat trips should be free. Moving to Millness was decided to be a non starter without c on s ide ra b le development of the site regarding buildings and safe road access. On the question of (Continued on page 5)
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supplementary guided walk. With a spruced up Waterwitch and a refreshed crew we are all hoping for some good weather to bring out the visitors for another successful season. David Joyner
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charging for boat trips it was noted that many other canal trusts also run very successful boat operations but no others to our knowledge are free. Donations from passengers through July to September averaged less than £2 per head. Our longer charter trips will be curtailed this year with the demise of the Stainton aqueduct, however we are h o p i n g t o c o m p e n s a t e somewhat with the offer of a “Gunpowder Trail” pioneered by another volunteer skipper John Acres. The “Gunpowder Trail” is a guided walk by John of about 1½ hours pointing out relics from the days when t he r e we r e 3 gunpowder factories in the area using the canal. Anyone may book a charter for up to 12 passengers by telephoning 07504 710 351. The short version of 40 minutes cost £33 and the full 90 minute £50 with the opt ional
Top: Exploring the gunpowder trail Middle: Blacking the bottom of ‘Waterwitch’ Bottom: Bailing out the boat after the heavy rain found a way in
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Restoration Update April 2015/16 Peter Jones unrestored length. The latter looks like a canal for short periods of time but the water leaks away. Saturday 5th December was a In the longer term C&RT plan to f a t e fu l da y f o r Ke nd a l , install a semi-permanent bund unprecedented rain from storm near the aqueduct and do a fuller Desmond resulted in flooding by assessment of the damage when the river Kent, its tributaries and the beck water level is lower. other normally insignificant becks. Repairs to the aqueduct will be Hundreds of people (including the expensive, figures of ÂŁ1-2m have author of this report) had to been mentioned and C&RT don't move out of their homes. have immediate funds. For the canal however there was Thus there is a serious threat to a muc h m ore s e r i ous restoration prospects in that the consequence. Stainton, just south aqueduct could be abandoned. of Kendal was hit, apparently, by a wall of water coming down St We should remain optimistic Sunday's Beck causing flooding however and our Executive and major damage to Stainton Committee has determined that Aqueduct where the beck goes repairs must take place and under the canal. The failure was restoration proceeds north of the result of scouring away of the Stainton. This will involve assisting foundations on the downstream C&RT in their efforts to raise side of the aqueduct resulting in funds and continuing with our parts of the abutment detaching First Furlong restoration and further. Showing that there is real from the main aqueduct progress with restoration will There were serious concerns strengthen any fundraising case about the safety of the whole for the aqueduct. structure and the Canal & River Trust (C&RT) took immediate Getting down to the situation on steps to reduce the water level. the leaking First Furlong, a report This involves 24 hour pumping and restoration proposal has into 'our' First Furlong which then been received and will be (Continued on page 7) ov e rflows int o t he ne xt
Destructive Desmond
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to secure any funding for the repairs, it would help C&RT push the project up the list of priorities. An update on 6 April 2016: Reported that works to mobilise the site commenced on 29 March 2016 with teams setting up the site, creating access to the failed Aqueduct and to the new dam location. The navigation and towpath will remain closed for the duration of the works, which are anticipated to complete in mid May . The towpath over the Aqueduct and the footpath under the Aqueduct both remain closed. As Public Rights of Way, both pathways have diversions in place until the restoration works are completed. Fish clearance is being carried out and downstream in Stainton Beck displaced stone work has been recovered ready for when r e pa i r ing t he a qu e d uc t commences. These works are a holding exercise to ensure that the Aqueduct is stabilised and does not deteriorate further until full repairs can be effected in the future. The Towpath will reopen but not the tunnel under the Aqueduct. PJ
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considered by our Northern Reaches group together with in for ma t io n on ot he r restoration methods currently be ing use d by othe r organisations. A number of local conditions have to be taken into account, in particular the weather, trying to plan work 'in the dry' is challenging in this part of the world. Stainton Aqueduct update In early March the C&RT reported that work would soon begin to stabilise Stainton Aqueduct Engineers would first begin to secure the aqueduct’s damaged wall that caused its arch to crack. A more permanent dam to protect the structure from further damage will also be installed. The £250,000 works would take approximately six weeks to complete, and are part of a multi - m i l l i o n p r o g r a m me o f emergency works needed as a result of the flooding. C&RT were looking at every option when it comes to getting the aqueduct fully repaired, but it’s not something that will be done overnight. Cumbria County Council had been really supportive, and if they were able 7
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Stainton Aqueduct the Damage!
Stainton Aqueduct– The Repairs Commence
Above & Left Building a temporary access road
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(Continued from page 8)
Top: The temporary dam installed on the Canal to reduce water levels Left: Pumping out the Canal into the first furlong to help reduce pressure Lower left: The temporary track over the beck
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After some preparatory ‘scrub Waterway Recovery bashing’ by LCT volunteers, the Group main group felled 18 large larch trees beside the path leading up October 2015 Camp to the eastern end of the on Lancaster Canal Hincaster Tunnel, while a smaller group cleared some smaller trees and brash around the w e s t e r n entrance. The timber went for the benefit of Nadine Wilson Western End Clearance who supplied some very useful plant for handling the timber, we Clearing up ater Eddie’s hedge trimming believe to the tune of about £6000. Yet another group cleared the canopy overarching the towpath between Sellet Hall Bridge and Wells Head Lane. At the request of the owner Howard Broomby this group also cleared short Repairs to the tunnel parapet viewing areas giving pleasant views over the surrounding countryside. When the main group finished at Hincaster they moved to the ramp leading down from Sellet Hall bridge where they cleared several large rotten and wind blown trees. On the last day the agreement honoured by cutting down to with the farmer Eddie Galbraith normal size a hedge n neglected who accepted the spoils from for several years. DM (Continued on page 11) last year s dre dg ing wa s 10
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(Continued from page 10)
Efforts to dislodge a windblown tree
Heavy machinery moves in
The cleared approach to Tunnel
Lots of neatly cut larch logs
The un-cleared approach to Tunnel
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MEMBERSHIP REPORT as at March 2016 As can be seen from the attached list, there has continued to be a steady trickle of new memberships over the autumn and winter. I would like to thank all those members who have renewed their membership for another year, but need to remind members other than life members who have not already renewed that they need to do so if they wish to continue receiving Waterwitch. As can be seen from the table below, there are a number who have not yet done so. If you paid by standing order, no further action is necessary as long as the subscription rate in your standing order is up-to-date. Earlier in the year I contacted a number of members whose standing orders were for out-of-date amounts. Again, I would like to thank those who have now topped up their subscription for this year and/ or updated their standing orders. If you wish to set up a standing order, an updated form is included in this issue. Alternatively, cheques for renewal can be sent to me at 83 Main Street, Great Broughton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 0YJ. At the time of writing this report, the membership of Lancaster Canal Trust stands as follows: up-to-date due for renewal Affiliated organisations 5 10 Individual members 93 31 (who have paid less than ÂŁ14) 48 11 Joint/Family members 56 32 Life members 131 Assuming two adult members for each joint/family membership, this gives a total of 521 adult members, 116 of whom have not yet renewed their subscriptions. Overleaf, we are pleased to welcome those new members who have joined since our last issue. Dave Moll LCT Membership Secretary.
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NEW MEMBERS We are pleased to welcome the following new members who have joined since our last issue: Helen & Simon Boothman
Hest Bank
John Burton
Freckleton,
David Haigh
Burton in Kendal, Cumbria
Charles Humphery
Arnside, Cumbria
Brett Kingston Oakes
Accrington
Angela Langridge
Darlington
Marcus Osgerby
Kendal
David Otway
Kendal
Rebecca Parris & Robert Tyson
Lancaster
Anne & Robert Pettifor
Whittington
Joanna Powell
Lancaster
John Sandford
Silecroft, Millom
‌ and as an affiliate member, New Reflexions Cumbria
Holme, Cumbria
DM
Preston Western Distributor New Road From Maureen Olley City Deal Transforming North West Preston held a consultation event at Preston Grasshoppers in January and I attended as the proposals affect the Lancaster Canal The proposals as they appear on the displays show the canal being crossed twice, by having a new viaduct at Lea and a new viaduct at Savick brook. The displays did not show any existing bridges so not sure of impact on these. I was informed CRT have been consulted and have said the new viaducts must either be traditional stone or modern (not anonymous concrete). Work is due to start on the Preston western distributor road in 2017 and due to open 2019 13
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LANCASTER LANCASTER CANAL CANALRESTORATION RESTORATIONPROJECT PROJECT Most MostLCT LCTmembers memberswill willbebewell wellaware awareofofthe theLancaster LancasterCanal CanalRestoration Restoration Partnership, Partnership,(LCRP), (LCRP),a agroup groupcomprising comprisingallallthose thoselocal localauthorities authoritieswho who have haveananinterest interestininthe therestoration restorationofofthe theLancaster LancasterCanal Canaltogether togetherwith with the theCanal Canal&&River RiverTrust, Trust,IWA IWA&&LCT. LCT. This Thisgroup groupmeets meetsatatintervals intervals normally normally atat Levens Levens Hall Hall with with the the kind kind permission permission and and under under the the Chairmanship Chairmanshipofofour ourTrust’s Trust’sPresident PresidentHal HalBagot. Bagot. They Theyhave havebeen beentrying trying totoappoint appointa aProject ProjectManger Mangerfor forsome sometime timenow nowthat thatfunding fundingisispossible. possible. Therefore it was with great pleasure that we received Therefore it was with great pleasure that we receivedthe the following following message messagefrom fromHal Halononthis thismatter: matter:
ItItisiswith withenthusiasm enthusiasmthat thatI Iwould wouldlike liketotoinform informyou youofofthe therecent recent appointment appointment ofof Helen Helen Moriarty Moriarty toto the the new new role role ofof LCRP LCRP Project Project Manager. Manager. Helen Helenstarted startedthe therole roleonon4th 4thApril April2016, 2016,and andwill willbebeinin attendance attendance atat LCRP LCRPmeetings. meetings. Helen’s Helen’sskills skillsrange range from frompartnership partnership working, working,fundraising, fundraising,project projectmanagement managementand anddelivery, delivery,allallofofwhich whichwill will bebekey keyininpushing pushingforward forwardthe theLCRP LCRPmulti-use multi-usetrail trailproject, project,towpath towpath improvements improvementsand andpromotion. promotion.Helen Helenisisa apassionate passionateand andanimated animatedselfselfemployed employedsole soletrader, trader,who whohas hasworked workedwith witha arange rangeofofthird thirdsector sector organisations organisationsand andled ledononseveral severalheritage heritageand andenvironmental environmentalprojects, projects, and andher herkey keyprojects projectsare areasasfollows: follows: xUlverston xUlverstonCanal CanalRegeneration Regeneration(with (withGroundwork Groundworkand andUlverston UlverstonTown Town Council) Council) xLove xLoveYour YourLakes Lakes(with (withNurture NurtureLakeland Lakelandand andHeritage HeritageLottery) Lottery) xNurture xNurture Eden Eden (with (with Nurture Nurture Lakeland Lakeland promoting promoting tourism tourism inin Eden Eden Valley) Valley) Helen’s Helen’semployment employmentreferences referenceswere weremore morethan thansatisfactory. satisfactory.Helen Helenalso also has hasa apart parttime timerole roleasasa aproject projectmanager managerwith withKendal KendalTown TownCouncil, Council, who whoare aremore morethan thansupportive supportiveininher herbid bidforforthe theLCRP LCRPproject projectrole role. . For Forsome someyears yearsasasSecretary Secretarytotothe theTrust TrustI was I wasa amember memberononthis thisGroup Group and andquickly quicklyrealised realisedhow howhard hardHal Halworked workedtotoachieve achievethe thedream dreamofofthe the Canal CanalRestoration. Restoration. We Wenow nowlearn learnthat thatHal Halhas hasbeen been‘persuaded’ ‘persuaded’that thathehe needs needstotorelinquish relinquishsome someofofhis hisresponsibilities responsibilitiesand andisistherefore thereforestepping stepping down downasasChairman ChairmanofofLCRP. LCRP. Whilst Whilstwe weaccept acceptthat thatwe weallallhave havetotowind wind down downatatsome someininlife lifehehewill willbebesorely sorelymissed. missed. However, However,the thevery verygood good news news isis that that Hal Hal will will remain remain asas President President ofof our our Trust Trust for for the the foreseeable foreseeablefuture future We Wemust mustplace placeononrecord recordour ourthanks thanksfor forallallthat thatHal Hal has hasdone, done,ininmany manyguises, guises,for forthe theLancaster LancasterCanal CanalTrust Trust. . Ed. Ed. 1414
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Crooklands Bridge No. 166. Lancaster Canal Close inspection of this Grade 2 listed structure, built for light agricultural and local traffic to the design of John Rennie, and now taking large and heavy modern traffic, one cannot but marvel how much has changed since the time it was built. Had Rennie any idea how much stress and weight would his bridge have to stand? Or come to think of it, did the Roman engineers consider this when they built their bridges and aqueducts, many still standing today? Crooklands bridge is one of many on the Lancaster canal, but somehow has a personality of its own. Alongside the bridge are large buttresses that carried the gunpowder wagon-way from the Gatebeck works to Wakefield's canal wharf, to be shipped by barge down to Lancaster and Preston then the rest of the world. Later a line was laid down to the railway station, no doubt conveniently situated some distance from Milnthorpe so as not to disturb the residents. That such a commodity as gunpowder was made in our area is due to the forestry and number of charcoal ovens giving a major ingredient along with Saltpetre and Sulphur. The buttresses are massive, on the tow-path side one sits alongside the bridge, whist the other is several yards away, taking the crossing at an angle. It is said the gantry was somewhat rickety, so the horse and wagon was sent across on the gantry and the man walked over the bridge. The gunpowder works were eventually sold to Alfred Nobel, inventor of Dynamite, who moved everything to Ardeer in Scotland, and the metal gantry was taken down, no doubt much to the relief of the horse. (Continued on page 31)
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Lancaster Canal Trust Events Planned For This Year. From Beryl Bowcott, Recruitment & Promotion Committee The Trust has been able to arrange the next joint working party with Canal and River Trust. This will take place on Wednesday 25th May in Garstang – tidying a small garden area and general litter -picking near Moss Lane Bridge and meeting at Moss Lane Bridge (Bridge 63) at 10.00a.m. Please wear suitable footwear etc. Alice Kay is on secondment for 12 months and the leader will be Jodie Weathers. I do hope you will be able to spare a few hours to come and join us. The Trust is also arranging two walks to look at the history of the gunpowder workings and to celebrate Heritage Weekend on Saturday, 10th September at 10.30a.m. and 2.00p.m. lasting one and a half to two hours. These will be led by Trust member, John Acres, and will start at the plinth by the canal at Wakefield’s Wharf (map reference 533836). There is parking in nearby laybys or at the Crooklands Hotel – where snacks and meals are available. Please wear suitable footwear as tracks can be muddy. Our boat, Waterwitch, will also be running on that day so both events could be combined – perhaps with a picnic or visit to a local hostelry! On the subject of our Trip Boat Waterwitch, I am happy to tell you that it will start running on Sundays for the summer season on Sunday 1st May and will run until the end of September. Charters are available for up to 12 people by phoning 07504 710351. We will, of course, be having our stall at Country Fest on Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th June and at the Westmorland County Show on Thursday, 8th September 2016. Both events are at the County Showfield at Crooklands. We are hoping that our thriving Art group will also have a marquee exhibiting their work at the Shows. Please come and support these events and get involved. Any offers of help would be very welcome If you have any queries or comments on any of these events or more general Trust matters please get in touch with me. Yours sincerely, Beryl Bowcott 01772 863418 16
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Leeds & Liverpool Canal With thanks to Mike Valiant that were built in the Midlands. As is common bet we e n Yorkshire and Lancashire folk, there was a lot of disagreement over the line of the canal between the promoters on either side of the Pennines, but as work commenced in each county separately the early parts of the canal were constructed quite quickly to meet local priorities. The first section to open was the Skipton to Bingley length in 1773, followed by the first Liverpool length in February 1774, which was extended to Wigan by October of the same year. A connection from Skipton through to Leeds was completed by June 1777. However, after 75 miles of canal had been built, the money ran out. Lancaster Links No more work was done on the canal until 1790 although much deliberation over the route and further surveys continued, resulting in a another Act in 1790 that enabled a new line
In 2016 many organisations will be celebrating 200 years since the opening of a 127 mile canal route from Leeds, by way of Bingley , Sk ipton, Bur nley , Blackburn and Wigan, to L iv e rp o o l. T he ca na l i n c or po r a t e s wh a t wa s historically part of the Lancaster Canal and the progress of the project was not exactly fast, taking 46 years to construct from its initial Parliamentary Act in 1770, with many twists and turns (no pun intended) along the way. First proposed as the 'Yorkshire and Lancashire Canal' the initial idea was to link the Aire and Ribble estuaries. The canal might have ended at Preston, but the plan presented to promoters on 7 January 1768 was to link to the Mersey at Liverpool instead. Like the Lancaster, the canal was to be built for the barges that plied the local rivers, in this case the Douglas and Aire & Calder navigations, rather than the narrow dimensions of the canals
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through Burnley, Accrington and Blackburn and paved the way for the raising of further funds. Shortly afterwards the 1792 Act for the building of the Lancaster Canal from Kendal to West Houghton was passed and the Lancaster proprietors sought to reach terms with the Leeds and Liverpool to connect to their line. However, further deviations to the Leeds and Liverpool were being sought and there were also overtures from the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canals and the Rochdale Canal for connections. These had to be weighed up to balance the potential for increased traffic versus the poss ible competition. Eventually, in 1794, the Leeds and Liverpool came to an agreement with the Lancaster and the Bridgewater for new Acts of Parliament which committed the Leeds and Liverpool to utilise the southern section of the Lancaster Canal and a link to the Bridgewater. Whilst the Bill for the Leeds and Liverpool passed, the Lancaster to Bridgewater Bill failed. Meanwhile, construction of the canal over the top of the Pennines was progressing slowly, with the tunnel at Foulridge being a particular problem due to difficult
ground conditions. The tunnel was eventually completed in 1796 allowing boats to travel from Leeds to Burnley. Progress westwards from here required the construction of several large embankments, the one at Burnley, a great engineering achievement for its day, being a mile in length. There was still no end-to-end connection and the opening of the Rochdale Canal in 1804 started impacting on the Leeds and Liverpool's trade as it offered a shorter route without the need for transhipment. The canal reached Church, near Accrington, in 1808, and 9 miles more miles to Blackburn were opened in 1810. The canal still hadn't connected with the Lancaster at this stage and further negotiations ensued. This resulted in the Lancaster company extending their canal eastwards to join the Leeds and Liverpool at the top of Johnson's Hillock Locks as well as west to what is now the top of the Wigan flight. The Leeds and Liverpool agreed in return to build the 21 locks of the Wigan flight and the through route from Leeds to Liverpool was finally completed on 19th October 1816. At this point the Leeds and Liverpool were paying the Lancaster to use part of their (Continued on page 19)
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canal however, the section of the Lancaster Canal between Walton Summit and Preston was never built and instead loads were transhipped onto a tramway to cross the Ribble. This was undoubtedly expensive and the tramway, which opened in 1803, was abandoned by 1857. This was probably due to competition from the Preston & Wigan railway that arrived in 1831. The Leeds and Liverpool therefore agreed to lease the southern section of the Lancaster Canal in 1864 and, despite its convoluted history, the end-to-end route has long been considered simply as the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Sources: The Leeds and Liverpool Canal: A History and Guide by Mike Clarke Life on the Lancaster Canal by Janet Rigby NB A ceremony took place on Saturday, April 9, 2016, renaming lock 38 on the Bank Newton flight in his honour. See photos attached overleaf Some events which will be held celebrating the Leeds & Liverpool Bicentenary: until 31st October Exhibition 'Burnley's Canal', The Weaver's Triangle Visitor Centre 16th - 17th April Salta ire World Heritage Day 30th April - 2nd May
Skipton Waterway Festival May, 2:15pm to 4:15pm Guided walk at Weaver's Triangle Centre 29th May, 2:15pm to 4 : 1 5 p m Guided walk at Weaver's Triangle Centre 9th June, 7:30pm to 9:30pm T a l k on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Liverpool 11th - 12th June I W A Eld onia n Vil lage Canal Festival, Liverpool 23rd- 24th July Bl a c k b u rn Canal Festival 14th Au gust, 1 pm to 4p m Bicentenary raft race at Foulridge Wharf 27th–28th August Burnley Canal Festival 11th Sept, 2:15pm to 4 : 1 5 p m Guided walk at Weaver's Triangle Centre 16th October Performance of Super Slow Way Symphony, by composer Ian Stephens with a li bre tt o by poe t Ian McMillan. • 15th-23rd October Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society's Kennet will recreate the first complete trans-Pennine journey along 1st
the canal. MV
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Saturday, April 9, 2016, renaming lock 38 on the Bank Newton flight in honour of Mike Clarke
Lock 38 Bank Newton
Mike Clark
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continue their valuable support of the Trust. Whilst on the subject of funds can we make a plea for email addresses please? We only have addresses for about a third of our members and it costs a small fortune to post out notices and the like. We promise that you will not be burdened by a mass of emails and we will never, ever, pass on an address to a third party. Finally, notice of the AGM with details of time, date and venue is given in this edition and we hope you'll make a note in your diaries. Also in the envelope with your magazine is an update on the new charitable status agreed at the last AGM and which has taken an age to work through the system. In fairness to the Charity Commission, they have been reorganising themselves over the last couple of years, and, aside from their regulatory work provide charities like ours with a wealth of support and advice.
Enjoy the the magazine magazineand andbest bestwishes wishestotoallall, Robin. Enjoy 20
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A Dragon Boat comes to the Lancaster Canal
his summer a dragon boat team will be leaving its familiar home water of Windermere to travel the length of the canal northwards from Preston to Tewitfield. This will mark the ninth season of Paddlers for Life, a charity set up in 2007 to encourage wellbeing in women who have had breast cancer, their families and supporters, from the Lancashire and Cumbria area. The paddlers particularly enjoy sharing the message that life after a diagnosis
of cancer can be filled with fun and laughter; the exercise is good for the body and the camaraderie of being part of a team is good for raising the spirits. There is always another adventure round the corner. The c a na l t r ip will be accomplished by three separate crews operating in a relay, much as the packet boats would have changed horses! Each crew will consist of eight pairs of paddlers, a drummer and a helm. The boat, with its decorated Chinese
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dragon head and tail, will be a spectacle not to be missed. The paddle will take place on either Sunday 26th June or Sunday 10th July, to be
confirmed. Watch the websites for more details. www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk www.paddlersforlife.co.uk RT
New Guide to the Lancaster Canal It is anticipated that the current edition (5th) of the Guide book will be sold out by the end of 2016 so preparation of a new guide is now being considered. To assist with this process the Membership is invited to provide any information from their local knowledge of any changes (or additions) to local businesses (Marinas/Boat Hire, Food, Pubs) and canal access at each bridge that are currently noted on each map page of the Guide. Also please indicate any changes/additional information to the description or narrative attached to each map section. Any changes/additions can be forwarded to John Laws: phone: 01524 824527
email: johnlaws43@btinternet.com Many thanks John Laws Guide Book Sales Manager 22
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‘Whych Way’ from Skipton to Gloucester Mike & Fran Valiant
himself out. The meandering Leeds-Liverpool was as delightful as always and we made it to Foulridge Tunnel in time to catch the 4pm green light. It had been a hot day and we escaped the gloom of the tunnel to find an ethereal scene with vapour rising from the water. Jumping up and down on the bank was an excitable Asian gentleman who explained that his boat had broken down just after he’d left his Barrowford mooring and could we help? We hitched up to his stricken vessel and towed it to the top of the locks - our second rescue in two days. Teamwork and nifty ropework came to the fore next day, too. Two swing bridges near Accrington proved extremely stiff and even with the help of passers-by one couldn’t be moved. Mike had to get a rope on it and use the boat’s momentum to pull it open whilst the next one capitulated to the combined efforts of Fran, the captain of another vessel and three passing hikers. We had passed the legendary Frederick’s Ice Cream Parlour at Heath Charnock, near Chorley, many times and never stopped, so
Our aim for our summer cruise in 2015 was to get down to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, taking in the Liverpool Link, the southern section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal, bits of the Severn and Avon, the Stratford Canal and, if time permitted, a first foray into the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Unfortunately we discovered too late that the dates we had hoped to book for Liverpool coincided with the Three Queens reunion and there were no moorings available so we had to drop that part of the itinerary, but we do have a booking for 2016! (perhaps another thrilling instalment to come ED!) Setting off on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Skipton, the Canal and River Trust (CRT) volunteers helped us make short work of the first 12 locks at Gargrave and Bank Newton, though we had to pause after one lock to rescue a boat coming the other way. As it emerged from the lock ahead of us a sudden gust of wind blew a rope off the roof which got tangled round the prop and the resultant loss of power meant the hapless skipper ended up in the hedge. We towed him safely back to the towpath side to sort
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degrees resulted in us spending three days at Barlaston, near the Wedgwood factory, on a shady mooring taking shelter from the su n. We e ve nt ua ll y s ti r red ourselves sufficiently to cruise the few extra miles needed to bring us into Stone and an opportunity to visit the Royal Exchange, a Titanic Brewery pub. Two pints of Plum Porter later (plus a case bought at their off licence) and a takeaway left Fran wondering whether she was going to get the captain, the beer and the supper all back to the boat without losing at least one of them in the water on the way. At Great Haywood we met an enterprising young man who helps out at the hire centre on weekends. He plans a career in the navy as an engineer (but not on aircraft carriers because they’re too big and impersonal) and when he retires he will have a nice little cruiser on the Norfolk Broads for pottering around. He’s fifteen years old there’s nothing like planning ahead! At Shugborough Hall our visit coincided with One of several rocky sections on the a big cycling Staff & Worcs f e sti va l. Hundreds of riders were there and we’d never seen so much Lycra in one pla ce before. Just before Gailey Lock we
remedied that omission with a quick call to sample a tiny selection of the 125 fla vo urs on offe r; t he Marmalade Cake flavour was certainly unusual. The 21 lock flight at Wigan was made more bearable by pairing up with the efficient Mac and Barbara on ‘Moondancer’. From there we followed a familiar r o u t e s o u t h w a r ds , s k i r t i n g Manchester on the Bridgewater Canal before joining the Trent & Mersey Canal after Preston Brook Tunnel. We paused near the Anderton Boat lift and walked into Northwich where we were very impressed with the basin that has undergone a facelift and boasts an excellent Waitrose right by the waterside. Continuing south we provided entertainment for the ‘gongoozlers’ at Etr uria M useu m, an d at Trentham Gardens shopping village replaced Fran’s sun visor which had blown off the back of the boat. An unusual spell of very warm weather and temperatures up to 29
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The basin at Stourport-on-Severn
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Stourport. We should be able to watch the episode he was making when the new series airs on the TV starting April 22nd. Historic Stourport was fascinating, and a useful venue to prepare the boat for moving onto the Severn. The big river locks were manned, so it only required some patient rope work to hold the boat steady. Coming off onto the Droitwich Canal with its heavy wide lock gates was hard going, though a crew coming the other way cheerfully told us that the locks ahead were much worse! Moorings were few and far between on this restored waterway but the basin in Droitwich itself provided a safe haven the next day and we explored the pretty town before being treated to the sight of an historic working boat and butty being manoeuvred into position on the pontoons in readiness for a forthcoming festival. Moving on, we negotiated a low bridge and a flight of three locks
chanced upon ‘Greenfinch’ with old acquaintances Arch and Tracy aboard. There was a lot of catching up to do and the same was true next day when we met Fran’s school friend of 50 years and her husband who, like us, became boaters in later life. At Worcester we moved onto unfamiliar water at Autherley Junction as we joined the southern section of the Staffs & Worcs. The stiff locks here presented a challenge, particularly as they required a short handled windlass. The folks on the boat behind us at Bottersham double locks told us that on the previous day they had seen John Sergeant and a film crew recording a new series of Barging Round Britain. At Stourton Junction we saw the famous white hat bobbing over the parapet of the bridge and JS & Co passed us that evening on our mooring at Hyde. The next few days saw us leapfrogging with the film crew on several sections of the approach to
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Worcester Cathedral from outside Diglis Lock
with unusual side pond p a d d l e s b e f o r e connecting to t h e Worcester & Birmingham C a na l at Hanbury. Approaching Worcester we opted to moor in the quiet suburb of Astwood. Convenient bus access to the centre enabled us to visit the cathedral, but we saved further exploration for the next day after moving down through Diglis Basin and onto the river pontoon below the lock. The Severn carried us to Upton, where we squeezed onto the limited moorings in time to hear the startling shriek of a whistle from th e b ri dge a bo ve. A procession of traction engines and other vintage vehicles crossed over
our heads, bound for the Welland Steam Fair. This was too good to miss, and touring the displays was an excellent way to spend a very wet day. Having phoned ahead we found the lock into Gloucester Basin ready for us, though heaving on the ropes in the strong flow nearly wrenched our arms off. We moored outside a busy wine bar on the vibrant waterfront, but managed a peaceful night’s sleep as it was less noisy in the evening. Next day we walked over the river to see what progress
Leaving Upton-on-Severn
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shopping mall housed alongside Gloucester Dock. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal lay ahead‌
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had been made on the restoration of the Hereford & Gloucester Canal at Over. It looked like they had added about a 'furlong' of water since our last visit. We also r e v is i te d t h e G l o uc e st e r Waterways Museum and had some retail therapy in the throbbing
(we leave on tenterhooks; just like Dick Barton! Ed.)
Gloucester Docks
The iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks
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A very successful working party took place at the Carnforth coke ovens s ite on 26 November. A good turnout of 1 4 v o lu n t e e rs c lea r e d by Brian Crawley overgrown vegetation from the front of the ovens to open up the view of them from the major conservation work on the popular public footpath that runs ovens was wholeheartedly in front of them. The working endorsed. The earliest that they party was organised as one of can meet us to discuss the the Canal & River Trust’s project is early April. It is hoped Lancaster Towpath Taskforce that some s malle r scale events and led by Alice Kay the improvements can be carried C&RT Supervisor. Many Carnforth coke ovens working party of the volunteers were Friends of Carnforth Coke Ovens and this was the first event for the group since its formation in October 2014. An earlier adoption of this small triangle of C&RT property by FCCO undoubtedly helped to make this event possible. Quite a number of complimentary comments about the improvements have been received. The first AGM of the group was held at the Canal Turn in Carnforth only a couple of weeks after the working party Carnforth coke ovens after working party and the policy to consult C&RT about further
Canal Coke Ovens - Update
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for some serious archaeological out before then. excavation to find the remains The course of the stream of the ovens, as well as a bit immediately above the oven site more biochar production. has been improved minimising Another recent event has been the flooding that had taken place an archaeological survey of the after the December rains. site of the ovens at Holme. The Permission has been granted by ovens are on a piece of privately the owner of the site where we owned land on the east side of believe the Bolton le Sands the northern reaches of the ‘cinder’ ovens were located and canal just south of the Holme a project to discover any Turnpike bridge number 149. remains of them is now Some conservation work had underway. The location is been carried out a number of alongside Thwaite Brow Lane years ago under the auspices of just over the appropriately Cumbria County Council and named Bolton Cinder Ovens the owner is enthusiastic about Bridge number 125 over the carrying out some more excavation to reveal the true canal. A couple of committee visits to the site to investigate Adding more scrub to a barrel burn at Bolton le Sands and cut the standing tree and shrub cover of the area led to an open event in March attended by about a dozen volunteers. Some more site tidying was carried out but mainly the brash from the tree a nd shr ub c ove r was converted, by pyrolysis - Adding more scrub to a barrel burn at Bolton le Sands burning - in old oil drums, to biochar that will go to local gardeners. Biochar is a horticultural compost additive, or peat substitute, that has many beneficial properties, a recent Countryfile showed it being used to control ash tree (Continued on page 30) dieback. The site is now ready (Continued from page 28)
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extent of the ovens and their operation. We had contacted the archaeologist Jamie Quartermaine of Oxford Archaeology in Lancaster who was involved in the original work. He Working with the Total Station Survey equipment at Holme suggested that a modern survey should be done prior to any excavation. A small group of volunteers helped and were shown by Jamie a very interesting set of survey techniques like Global Positioning System, a Total Station Survey, 5 metre Mast Photography, The drone near the coke ovens at Holme culminating in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle survey using Information board plinth and FCCO notice at Holme his drone mounted high resolution camera. Jamie also showed us the 3D image results of some previous similar surveys wh ic h we re qu ite spectacular. It will now take a few days of computer processing to produce the full results of this new survey board on any canal that we are before we can start to think aware of, has been replaced. about the next phase of this The board, which is mounted on operation. a stone plinth on the towpath Whilst at the Holme site it was opposite the ovens, had been extremely pleasing to see that missing for quite a few years the information plinth about the after having been stolen. The (Continued on page 31) ovens, the only such information 30
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ne w boa rd wa s replaced by the Parish Counc il a ft e r a generous benefactor wa s found. who ma nufact ure d information boards as a business and produced the replacement board for free. The Parish Council had been trying to find a way to replace the board for some time. Brian Crawley
Credits for the accompanying photos go to Robert Swain, Brian Jones and myself.
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But the buttresses still stand as a monument to Victorian ingenuity, and the one on the tow-path has been recently cleaned and pointed by Heritage trainees under the Canal & River Trusts construction team from Galgate. Trainees undertake this type of work as part of their heritage apprenticeship. This splendid idea has to be welcomed Lancaster Canal Trust will be operating their trip boat Waterwitch from Crooklands every Sunday & Bank Holidays from May to October after an extensive triennial refit. Frank Sanderson, Friends of Lancaster Canal On 2nd/3rd April Lancaster Canal Trust Volunteers were invited to assist the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) with repairs of a wall near Killington reservoir. Assistance with the wall repair had been requested by the Canal & River Trust and is just one of many pieces of C&RT's infrastructure that was
damaged by the floods this winter. One of their staff, Ben, was present on the Saturday morning to explain to the team the work required, and provide a health & safety briefing. The work party was led by Malcom Bridge of WRG. The WRG members (will be staying locally and travelling to site each day. 31
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Lancaster Canal Trust 100 Club The winning numbers since the last Magazine are First Second Third October 55 65 78 November 88 92 97 December 30 6 88 January 88 92 69 February 60 14 54 March 48 11 66 April 35 61 51
No Name No Name No Name No Name 1 Jack Skimming 26 Frank Sanderson 51 76 2 Gerry Stokes 27 John Davenport 52 Don Cook 77 David Hill 3 Bob Seed 28 Don Cook 53 Keith Bye 78 Dorothy Hill 4 Maureen Olley 29 Mark Houghton 54 Angela Acott 79 Jacqueline Kenny 5 Sheila Slater 30 Maureen Olley 55 Nellie Fogg 80 6 Cath Davenport 31 E Ann Allwright 56 Peter Jones 81 7 32 Frank Hodson 57 Keith Midgley 82 Jeff Dunn 8 Nick Brown 33 John Muncaster 58 Gillian Greer 83 Adrian Hughes 9 Martyn Clapham 34 John Muncaster 59 Beryl Bowcott 84 Jack Kelly 10 Gerry Stokes 35 Margaret Gibson 60 Helen Thomas 85 11 Frank Sanderson 36 Margaret Gibson 61 Helen Thomas 86 12 Gavin Fay 37 David Shepherd 62 Tony Fisher 87 Clive Hodgson 13 Don Cook 38 John Knowles 63 Kathleen Hughes 88 Angela Seed 14 Diana Langstaff 39 Robert Yates 64 Nigel Hardacre 89 Frank Sanderson 15 Pat Clapham 40 Neil McGarry 65 Ann Hardacre 90 Sue Sanderson 16 Adrian Hughes 41 66 Cath Davenport 91 Alistair Gregory 17 D E Penny 42 David Richardson 67 Elsie Gregg 92 Mark Houghton 18 Don Cook 43 Reg Phillips 68 John Caley 93 Richard Trevitt 19 Gerald Rigby 44 Carol Hannigan 69 Hal Bagot 94 Frank Sanderson 20 Bill Wappett 45 Gordon Clapham 70 Ian Hill 95 21 Glynn Sanderson 46 Sandra Henstock 71 Robert Yates 96 22 47 Joyce Woodhouse 72 Christopher John 97 23 Liz Phillips 48 Anthony Greer 73 Kathleen Hughes 98 Marilyn Clark 24 Howard Broomby 49 Reine Wilson 74 99 Marilyn Clark 25 Angela Broomby 50 Susan Dickson 75 100 Olive Hill
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Lancaster Canal Trust Notice of
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 19th July 2016 Commencing at 7.30pm at the Over Kellet Village Hall Written nominations, supported by a seconder, for the Executive Committee (the trustees) must be in the Secretary's hands no later than the 5th July 2016, the consent of the nominee having been obtained first. Resolutions, proposed and seconded in writing, must also be received by the Secretary no later than the 5th July 2016. Nominations papers for positions on the Executive Committee can be obtained from the Secretary Celia Briar, 8 Grebe Wharfe, Lancaster, LA1 1EJ. Email: cbriar@gmail.com Apologies should be sent to Dave Moll 83, Main Street, Great Broughton, Cockermouth, CA13 0YJ or by email to membership@lancastercanalrtrust.org.uk Agenda and papers will be emailed or posted out to members 10 days before the meeting.
Speaker to be confirmed THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Registered Charity number 240957 STANDING ORDER FORM To the Manager…………………. ………………………………..Bank Address………………………..…………….. …………………………………………..…………… Please pay from my account number……………….…….. sort code …….…… to the Lancaster Canal Trust account no 29230373 at NatWest Bank, Eanam Branch, Blackburn, sort code 01-00-85 £…….. annually on the first of January commencing ………………… until this order is amended or cancelled by me
Signature ………………………… Date………………………… Please insert the correct subscription amount, complete the form and send to your Bank or Building Society. Subscription Rates from January 2016 Individual £14, Family £20, Joint £20, Affiliate £14, Life £180. DM JAN2015 (re-issued MAR 2016) 33
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Friends and Volunteers of the Lancaster Canal A new organisation has been set up. It is the Friends and Volunteers of the Lancaster Canal. Its focus is on educational, artistic and cultural activities rather than physical works. It will maintain positive working relationships with other canal protection and restoration organisations, publicising and supporting many of the same events. The Friends and Volunteers of the Lancaster Canal will also organise their own cultural events. The organisation aims to: •Improve appreciation of the entire Lancaster Canal as a fine public amenity to be enjoyed by boaters, walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, canoeists, joggers and cyclists •Support organisations wanting to protect the canal from misuses such as fly tipping •Support the other canal organisations in shared and agreed objectives of regenerating the Canal, •Liaising with, and being respectful at all times of communities along the canal between Preston and Kendal Our email address is lancscanal.vol.friends@aol.co.uk Our Facebook page can be found at Lancaster Canal Volunteers & Friends Our Twitter page can be found LancsCanalVolunteers or @LC_Vol_Friends To join at £10 for the first year, or make a donation: Direct credit to The Friends and Volunteers of the Lancaster Canal A/c No. 19239810 Sort code 050555 Make sure you include your name in the 'Reference' section and let us know by email. Or: Send a cheque to Friends and Volunteers of the Lancaster Canal c/o Mrs M Olley,165 St.Albans Road, Lytham St.Annes, Lancs. FY8 3 Map courtesy of Mike Valiant. 34
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LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee 2015/6 President C.H.Bagot J.P. F.R.I.C.S.,D.L Vice - Presidents John Gavan; David Slater Chairman Robin Yates (01539) 733252
Vice - Chairman Helen Thomas 7 Bay View, Over Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1DR, (01524) 735504 helen@thepikes.co.uk Secretary Celia Briar 01524 843126 cbriar@gmail.com Treasurer Peter Jones 14 Blencathra Gardens Kendal LA9 7HL (01539) 739105 peter@cpsj.me.uk Membership Secretary Dave Moll davemoll@davemoll.plus.com Public Relations Officer Frank Sanderson, 015395 66967. M 0790 186 5353. pr@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Waterwitch Editor David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599 dadcurrington@hotmail.com Working Party Organiser Vacant Grants Officer Vacant
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & OTHER TRUST OFFICERS
Sandra Henstock (L.C.B.C. Representative) (01253)764171
David Joyner Boat Operations Manager tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Affiliated Members Beetham Parish Council Bolton-le-Sands PC Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council Cabus Parish Council Forton Parish Council Lancaster Canal Boat Club Newton with Clifton PC Over Kellett Parish Council
Preston Patrick Parish Council Ramblers Association (Preston Area) Slyne with Hest Parish Council
Ramblers Association (Lancaster) Warton Parish Council Westmorland & North Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Assoc. Wright & Butterfield, Kendal
Waterwitch is copyright 2016, published by The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No. 240957) c/o David Currington, 12 Sedbergh Road, Kendal, LA9 6AD The Lancaster Canal Trust may not agree with the opinions expressed in this magazine but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy, or an official announcement, unless so stated - otherwise the Trust accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine. The editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication.
Visit LCT website at:
http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
The deadline for contributions to the next edition of Waterwitch will be mid September 2016 Contributions may be e-mailed to dadcurrington@hotmail.com Or by post to David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6AD Printed Printed by by Kent Kent Valley Valley Colour ColourPrinters, Printers, Kendal. Kendal. (01539) (01539) 741344 741344
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