Number 154
Spring/Summer 2015
WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST
Spring arrives on the new stretch of the Canal The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.240957) Corporate Member the Inland Waterways Association http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk/
Contents
Chairman's Report Membership Report Boat Operations Report Join our Trip Boat team Working Party Update Restoration Update 100 Club Boat Trips & Charters Working Party for all IWA National Trail Boat Festival, 2015, Crooklands CIO & Obituary
3 4 6 8 8 9 11 12 13
C&RT in Operation 16 Working Party Report 17 Preston Richard Community Plan 21 Publicity for Northern Reaches 22 Canoeists on the Northern Reaches23 Education Group CRT/LCT 24 More Coke ovens 25 C&RT Update 28 Search for ‘Lost barge’ 31 St Mark’s School, Natland 32 Once more unto the Breach 33
14 15
Welcome all. Firstly, it is with much regret that we have to report that Pam Appleby, the widow of our former Executive Committee member Stephen Appleby, has suffered yet another grievous loss with the death of her son Peter on the 25th March 2015. He passed away peacefully with his family around him. We send sincere condolences from all in the Trust at this sad time. We are well into 2015 now and signs of a new Spring are all around. Alan and the boat boys & girls are raring to go; Peter and the restoration team will be hoping for more progress as the first furlong is now looking very much like a Canal and with the clearances in F2, (The name given to the Wellheads Lane phase), an exciting time is ahead. We also thank Neil McGarry and his committee for all the work they have put into hosting the National Trail Boat Festival in May alongside CountryFest at Crooklands. We also mustn’t forget Adrian and Kath our brilliant proof readers. ED A notice to all members of the Lancaster Canal Trust
THE LCT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held Tuesday 23rd June 2015 at Village Hall, Over Kellet, Commencing at 7.30 pm
The Agenda will be sent out at least one calendar month before this date. Apologies please to: Alan Mather, Membership Sec, 15, Claughton Ave, Bolton, BL2 6US Tel: (01204) 521031, or to membership@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk Speaker yet to be confirmed Details will be posted on the Trust Website and in the Agenda to be sent by post shortly before the AGM Alan Mather Membership Secretary 2
Chairman’s Report Shortly after you receive this edition of Waterwitch there are two important events coming up. My task right here is only to introduce them and draw your attention to articles and notices in this edition giving you further detailed information. Firstly, the IW A National Trailboat Festival takes place at the very end of May. A small and dedicated team has been busy for the last 12 months or so getting everything organised. A large group of trail boaters is expected, some of them travelling the length and breadth of the country to come and enjoy our beautiful canal. Many will have been here in 2006 when we last hosted this annual event. This time, we are joining forces with Country Fest at the Westmorland Show Ground at Crooklands and we believe that the combined event will be even bigger and better. The visiting boats will be based alongside the show ground for all to see, our own trip boat will be running short trips from our newly constructed landing stage, s e v e r a l ot he r wa t e r wa y s organisations will be present with their stands and visitors will be able to enjoy the wide range of 3
country crafts, produce and displays. Don’t miss it! Secondly, our AGM takes place on Tuesday 23rd June and there are some significant changes to be made in the governance of Lancaster Canal Trust. Last year’s AGM approved the principle of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) (see article from David Gibson on Page 13 ED). A lot of work has been done to finalise the new constitution and submit it to the Charity Commission. A CIO combines the advantages of being a registered charity and a limited company, enabling us to raise the profile of our restorat ion activities. There are also some important changes in personnel to be made, both amongst the Trustees and in the wider circle of active volunteers. This will be your opportunity to participate in the running of the Trust. After the completion of the Catalyst project, which was made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we particularly need people who can help deliver some of its recommendations - such as better engagement with a younger membership through social media (Continued on page 5)
MEMBERSHIP REPORT as at March 2015 wit h t he las t e dit ion of Waterwitch and was well received by members, I have received thanks and comments of appreciation from members and c ong ra tulate Editor Dav id Currington and his helpers who produced this excellent volume. The last edition of Waterwitch was enveloped and addressed by a Mail Forwarding Agency instead of the usual method of volunteers printing the envelopes, stuffing the envelopes and then taking them to the Post Office. It is a more convenient method and slightly discounted c ompar ed with franking or postage stamps. If any member has any comments or has h a d p r o b le m s w i t h t h e di s t r ib ut io n of t he la s t Waterwitch please inform me. Overleaf, we are pleased to welcome those new members who have joined since our last issue.
There are eight new memberships for the first ten weeks of 2015, Four of these memberships are joint and I am pleased to report t hat Joint me mber ship is increasing. The last change to membership fees was January 2011. The membership fee structure was revised from the 1st of January 2015. Ind iv idua l M e mbe r s hi p unchanged. Affiliated Membership (Parish Councils etc.) 14 unchanged Family Membership (One or two adults and children up to16 years) £20 unchanged Joint Membership (Two adults at the same address) £20 New Life Membership (One or two adults at same address) £180. (was £150). The former £10 concessionary rate for over 60s is discontinued as most of our members are now over 60. The souvenir booklet “50 Years On” was distributed to members
Alan Mather LCT Membership Secretary.
4
(Continued from page 3)
and family-focussed activities. Please put the AGM date in your diary now and come and join in the discussions. As usual you will find a wide
variety of articles and reports within these pages to enlighten and interest you. Thanks to all the contributors and to editor David Currington for putting it all together once again. Now read on‌ Richard Trevitt
We are pleased to welcome the undermentioned new members who have joined since our last issue Roy Armstrong Liverpool Elizabeth & David Green Chorley Will & Sally Holligan Allithwaite Nigel & Carolina Goodship Kirkby Lonsdale John Hodgson Milnthorpe D Bates & C Lambert Bolton le Sands Jack Kelly Heysham Roger Pye Preston Tom Wilkinson Hawick David Rogers Cartmel Michael Nicholson Kendal Graham Adderson Downham Market Duncan & Deidre Edwards Stratford on Avon Richard Harris Morecambe Joyce Waltham Kendal David Lowe Morecambe Margaret Bill Kendal Stephen Ward Arnside Mr Chris David St Annes Miss Molley Huck Kendal Roger M Dickinson Wigton John & Pamela Nichols St Michaels on Wyre Councillor Stephen J Coleman Kendal Peter M Barlow Burnley Mr Chris & Mrs Kathy Crawley Seascale Adrian & Patricia Arnold Hexham William Frecknall Ross on Wye Clive & Rachel Hodgson Barton, Preston 5
Boat Operation Managers Report March 2015 Trailboat Festival to be held at the end of May as part of the Countryfest on the Westmorland County Showground. As I write, a new landing stage is under construction adjacent to the towpath access to the showground by bridge 167. Completion of the landing stage is expected within the next few days. When previously operating the boat from the showground, passengers boarded and alighted in the bridge hole, so the landing stage will be a great improvement. I offer thanks to the volunteers working on this project especially the men working waist deep in extremely cold water. The Trust runs its trip boat 'Waterwitch' from the old stables near Crooklands Most years, early in the year, a working party is devoted to tidying up the area around the stables in preparation for the trip boat visitors. This year, however, has seen a more significant effort to improve the trip boat experience with some e x t e n s i v e improvements.
Waterwitch is at Millness Wharf, the winter mechanical service is almost complete, I offer thanks to Neil McGarry for his work. In September this year a large mobile crane will arrive to lift Waterwitch from the water and put her on a raised platform ready for her 3 yearly major overhaul. This will involve cleaning, scraping and painting the underwater hull, and after inspection, any other tasks required above and below the waterline. Canal and River Trust have promised to dredge the canal this month (March). A preliminary survey from a boat measuring the depth of water has recently taken place. It is expected this season to resume passenger trips to Millness; they were discontinued 2 years ago due to the shallowness of the canal caused by the build up of mud and silt where the Peasey Beck feeder enters the canal between Crooklands and Millness. The dredging will also be helpful towards the smooth running of the IWA
(Continued on page 7)
6
(Continued from page 6)
Firstly, the hedge that runs along beside the picnic area has been re -laid. This hedge was trimmed each year but it was still around 5 -6 feet high meaning that visitors using the picnic area could not watch the trip boat operations or enjoy views of the canal. Keith, David Joyner and Robin Yates have worked their way along this section of hedge and re-laid it using traditional techniques to create a denser lower hedge allowing open views. The final few yards at the north end of the hedge, in front of the existing tables, was completely removed. The vegetation was adjudged not s uita ble for he dg e lay ing techniques. (see separate working party article ED) The IWA Trailboat Festival, from 30th May to ist June, is being organised by the LCT Trailboat Festival Committee in partnership with Countryfest. 30 or more canal boats will be arriving on trailers and launched at the
Millness Slipway. 22 members of the Tripboat team have been scheduled to staff this event. They will be active on site for one or more days between 27th May to 2nd June. The LCT stand will be on the showground where everyone can call to find out what the Trust has already accomplished and is planning to do. TB Waterwitch will be running at 30 minute intervals from the new landing stage. From May 3rd on Sundays, Bank Holidays and Saturdays in August TB Waterwitch will be operating public trips from the Crooklands Landing Stage. Also, private charter trips are available for up to 12 passengers. For bookings and all boat enquiries please phone 07504 710351 Alan Mather Lancaster Canal Trust Boat Manager
Frank SandersonŠ
Crooklands spring
7
JOIN OUR TRIPBOAT TEAM There is an opportunity for 2 or 3 Trust members aged 18 or over to join the volunteer tripboat team. They should be able to commit themselves to 5 or more dates in the summer, usually Sundays. Duties will include, boat skipper, passenger steward, landing stage, winter boat maintenance and, occasionally, setting up events. For public boat trip days 4 or 5 volunteers are on duty and for charters 2 or 3 volunteers. Our day starts at 10.30 am and usually ends between 4 and 5 pm. What you will need. Some experience as a narrow boat skipper, email availability, a mobile phone, RYA Helmsman's Certificate (or a higher qualification), Willingness to learn about our canal and speak clearly to our visitors; (it is normal for the Passenger Steward to offer a short commentary and answer questions whilst the boat is out on a trip.) To follow our procedures on Passenger Safety and to work as a team with the other volunteers on duty. The above may sound somewhat daunting but do not let it put you off; take a trip to Crooklands, take a ride on the boat, meet the volunteers on duty and see how we operate. Alan Mather LCT Boat Manager. alan.mather7@ntlworld.com
THE LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Registered Charity number 240957
STANDING ORDER FORM To the Manager………………………………………………..Bank Address………………………………………………………… ….. ………………………………………………Post code………….. Please pay 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 2011 Individual £14, Family £20, Affiliate £14. AM NOV 2012
8
Restoration Update March 2015 Peter Jones Since completing the partial lining They are buried in the bund for of the First Furlong in the protection and to make them Autumn our focus has been on inconspicuous. The syphons allow trying to fill it with water. Two a slow but steady flow of water. plastic syphon pipes were They need to be started with installed between the watered suction using a small hand pump canal and the void under the but once running they need no attention apart from checking for bridge. blockages. We need to fill the new length and ensure that leakage is within acceptable limits before the Canal & River Trust will allow us to remove the bund under the bridge to make a connection. The filling procedure has, Syphon Pipes
Filling Up from Bridge 173 Sellet Hall
Swans visit Stainton Crossing
(Continued on page 10)
9
(Continued from page 9)
literally, had its ups The next stretch after the clearance Work Party and downs as we steadily raise the level. The signs are that currently leakage is excessive but we have been encouraged by C&RT engineers that it could be the surrounding ground soaking up the water (re-hydration) and that we must persevere. It Lane (we call it the F2 length, for certainly looks more like a canal simplicity). After an agreement now. with the owner the main job is to There does not appear to be a clear vegetation and small trees ma jor le a k a g e a ny whe r e . along the towpath side. This will Additional lining may have to be open up the canopy and allow a richer variety of growth as well as considered. preparing for restoration. This is There are a couple of other items to finish, a drain and a fence on the main task for our monthly the off-bank, these are in hand Work Party weekends. After this we need to examine and will be done by contractors. Further along we are tackling the the bed and make decisions about 400m length towards Wellheads lining. PJ Frank SandersonŠ
The explosion of wildflowers in the cleared sections
10
100 Club
100 Club Winners
Below is the current list of 100 club members for 2014/2015. The new year starts 1st July next. We have now very few ‘Blanks’ left so, if you are not yet a member, now is your chance to completely fill the quota. Send Cath Davenport a cheque for £12 per number together with your name address and telephone number and she will add them for next year. This would have to be paid by 30 June as the new list goes live from 1st July. The address is 3 Nook Cottages, Nook, Cow Brow, Carnforth, Lancs, LA6 1PQ.
1st
2nd
3rd
Oct
70
71
9
Nov
18
84
74
Dec
12
16
74
Jan
89
23
20
Feb
2
40
45
Mar
20
15
10
Winners since last Edition
Stop Press - Dredging for the Trail Boat Festival
We have just heard from C&RT that hopefully dredging work on the Canal will commence soon after the Easter break. The planned scope of work is to dredge from Millness Basin (including the basin) to 20m north of Bridge 168 and the canal past the large winding hole south of Bridge 169. The anticipated volume of silt to remove in this stretch is 1,100m³ and disposal is agreed on land alongside the canal near Millness. The duration for the work is expected to be 15 days. The contractor will also try to remove the piles at Bridges 169 and 170, assuming that this is possible without them breaking. We have also requested that the stretch between Bridges 170 and 172 is included and the feasibility of this is being urgently investigated ED 11
Lancaster Canal Trust Canal BoatTrips & Charters
A delightful leisurely trip on 'Waterwitch' on the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal. Available for up to 12 passengers. Ideal birthdays/special occasions. Larger groups, including schools, welcome but this will result in more than one journey This section of the canal is most beautiful with wildlife of every kind. Nesting Swans and all manner of Waterfowl.
Dragon Flies, Swallows, Dippers, even the elusive Kingfisher. Dense groups of Marsh Marigolds and Celandines. Historic bridges, aqueducts and canal buildings Mostly designed by the famous engineer John Rennie. Several of the bridges are hollow & home to Pipistrelle Bats. Charter Prices Embark Crooklands landing stage 45 minute round trip £33 Stainton Crossing 90 minute round trip £50 www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Charter enquiry Tel. 07504 710351
12
I am sure that members are aware of all the hard work going on north of Tewitfield at Stainton by our Working Parties and others and have seen phot og r a p hs i n pr e v io us Waterwitch magazine of their splendid results so far. For those of our members who do not make a habit of driving JCBs and other "boys toys" or are not particularly good at digging in fresh mud but would still like to be out in the fresh air making a difference to our canal and its environs, I am hoping to arrange one or two working parties of a more gentle nature and probably more to the south end of the canal - perhaps Lancaster, Garstang or Preston. These will be held in conjunction with Canal and River Trust and supervised by their Volunteer organiser for our area, Alice Kay. The first of these is to be held on Wednesday, 20th May from 10.00 am at Lancaster. There is a long stretch of fence in need of repainting along Aldcliffe Road and there is plenty of car parking along the road by the fence. There will also be litter picking towards Lancaster. All equipment will be provided. Please wear sturdy footwear and clothes you do not mind getting messy. 13
WORKING PARTY FOR ALL By Beryl Bowcott If you would like to be involved we would love to see you. If possible please let me know beforehand. I shall be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Beryl Bowcott (01772 863418) bbbowcott@aol.com
IWA 2015 (2) pdf
14
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) At last year’s AGM the meeting agreed that the Trust should look at becoming incorporated with limited liability. Since then the executive has been discussing the various possibilities and it was agreed that a CIO was the most appropriate option. The executive have now spent several long meetings going through the model constitution provided by the Charity Commission adapting it to meet our requirements and incorporating our existing rules. This has now been completed and the document has been sent to the Charity Commission for their approval. The executive hopes to have gained approval by the time you read this but it depends on how many alterations the Charity Commission requires. It is expected it can be put to the AGM in June for formal approval. Once it has been accepted it will take time to implement. We will have a new charity number which will mean altering or reprinting all our existing literature. We will have to open new bank accounts as we will then be a different organisation. David Gibson
Obituary Mina Treanor Sorry to report that my sister Mina died on the 11/11/14, peacefully in the end after her long fight with dementia. I would like her to get a mention in the next Waterwitch if possible please. She was an active member and part of the boat crews for a good few years and she was responsible for recruiting me to the cause (oh dear!) Her dates were 24 November 1943 to 11 November 2014, just short of her 71st birthday. Thanks
Ian Treanor
(Ed. Very sad to receive this news from Ian, who is one of our worthy Boat Operators. In my earlier days with the Trust I well remember Mina at our Executive meetings and on working parties which I also attended. We send our sincere condolences, albeit somewhat late, to Ian and all the family ED 15
CANAL & RIVER TRUST IN OPERATION John Dodwell Trustee C&RT Please see the link below for a speech on the subject of "Canal & River Trust in Operation" which I gave several weeks ago to the Milton Keynes Branch of The Inla n d W a t e r wa y s Association - it includes some photos (It is well worth a read ED) ht t p s: // c analr iv ert r ust.o rg. uk/ media/library/8683-john-dodwellsspeech-to-milton-keynes-branchmar swor t h- to- co sgr ov e-o f-t heinland- w ater w ay s- asso ciat io n230215.pdf
The following points may interest you: Changes within CRT since it took over from BW and the move to become more user focussed, shown e.g. by waterway area manager's tasks being aimed more at customers and users and at generating public support. Mention of the six goals in the long term plan. Sources of the £163m income last year and how it was spent. Maintenance being like looking after an old house. Not so visible items like reservoirs (about 70) and culverts (about 1,900) can't be ignored. Increased dredging see photos. About 150 new lock 16
gates this winter and trying to increase their useful lives. Increases in efficiency and more help from volunteers. £1.2m of donations last year. Nearly 10,000 regular Friends. People's Postcode Lottery up from £100k a year to £250k. Large charitable foundations beginning to donate. £1.3m private donation for cross Pennine canoe trail. Reply to question on the relationship between IWA and CRT. Examples of the benefits from local waterway partnerships. CRT policy statements on towpath use and boats without a home mooring, both supported by many user groups. Devel o p men t of v is it or moorings management. Restoration and Heritage Lottery Fund grants. CRT's appreciation of the contribution from volunteers - in many forms & replies given to questions put beforehand, including possible Environment Agency waterways transfer. Best wishes JD
The October 2104 weekend working party attracted nine people, including two new volunteers. One group worked on the fence near to Bridge 173 using the old fashioned method, heavy hammer and lots of hard graft. They all survived. On Sunday six volunteers set to removing stop planks at Bridge 172 for re-planing as they were badly out of shape. They were then replaced. The N ov e mbe r we e k e nd Working Party was held on the 8th and 9th. At start was made on rooting out old cobbles and few original setts at Stables (area was pillaged at some stage in past). Then the bed was prepared for relaying. Lancaster City Council had supplied about 250 granite setts and these were laid on a concrete bed over special lining material. A concrete mixer and all tools had to be brought to site and we are very thankful for use of John Morphet’s Tractor. Next day a shower of rain made working difficult but not i m p os s i bl e a n d wo r k progressed steadily. As the setts looked better than the 17
Working Party Report Keith Tassart existing cobbles, many of which were in a poor condition and badly broken, we decided to try to source more setts, If not available, the best of the existing cobbles will be used. A great deal of work was done on the paddock, cutting the trees back and especially those whose The mixer was a great help.
Working on the setts
friendly. branches were overhanging the Sunday saw volunteers continuing road and stables roof. Then the the hard labour. A recent walker result ing brash was burnt complimented this work saying together with some existing piles “You cannot see where any work has that had accumulated over the last been done, as they put the path year. back into such a good condition. But The November party carried on when you see the size of the roots, with further work on the stop you realise how hard they must have planks and the resetting of fences worked” at Sellet Hall. Sunday 25th January was a The first Working Party weekend pouring wet day, leading to damp of 2015 saw a start on the first and muddy work. Overhanging phase of the length between Sellet trees and branches on farmer Hall Bridge and Well Heads Lane Eddie Galbraith's land adjacent to that had recently been surveyed. the tow-path boundary of the This involved opening up the proposed new section were cut canopy to let in light and give a back. This vegetation had caused better visual impact. Large areas of canal tow path have The First Furlong filling up. The restored towpath looking good, it is hoped the towpath onto been overshadowed by the Wellheads Lane will be equally well restored overhead canopy, and to see grass and wild flowers again will make this walk a delight. The main task was removing all the tree r oot s t h a t m a k e wa lk ing difficult . Some of t he s e Keith & David cutting back the vegetation on roots are Eddie Galbraith’s land immense, and a good deal of heavy labour was needed to remove them. The aim is to (Continued on page 19) make this area wheelchair (Continued from page 17)
18
large areas of meadow land to be dormant due to loss of light. David, Keith and Robin working On the 4th and 11th February the their way along the hedge hedge around the stables at Crook lands was drast ica lly trimmed and most of the length re -laid, followed by the burning of the resulting brash. On Friday 13th Feb time was spent laying existing cobbles in front of the stables The pointing was carried out later. Next day Richard and crew started work on the new landing stage at Almost finished Bridge 167 which borders the Crooklands Showground. CRT had Keith & Robin enjoy the open view from the Picnic Tables provided the materials, which had to be t r a n s h i pp e d fr o m Millness and off-loaded in the show field adjacent the Canal with pe rm issio n from
(Continued from page 18)
Stables all complete and ready for first customers
(Continued on page 20)
19
(Continued from page 19)
construction. This landing stage will ease congestion on the towpath under the bridge on Showdays. Another crew started work at t he We st mor la nd Show ga te by Watch that canoeist! constructing a fence and handrails with material supplied by CRT. Next day six volunteers plus a seventh, who had seen us working on Saturday and wanted to help, c o nt in ue d w it h Martin, with cementing in the step’s hammer. "Just don't nod your fencing. head David". Const ruc tion a ls o continued on the landing stage, working in the water all day, Stephen ha ppily handing out t he necessary tools. KT
Christine Knipe. Richard, our Chairman, had designed the new stage and spent much of the day, in leaky waders, helping with the
The Trust would like to thank all those wonderful volunteers who assisted in completing this very vital and necessary work. ED
Look at them just swanning about!
20
The view looking down from the Canal
Left: The refurbished handrail and steps up from the Westmorland Showground
Preston Richard Parish Community Plan The Lancaster Canal Trust took advantage of the Preston Richard Parish Community Plan launch day at the Village Hall in Endmoor, near Kendal, and were rewarded with a very good response from the public, many interested people visiting our stand. Helen Thomas and Maureen Olley took turns to man the stall with Susan and Frank Sanderson. Maureen was talking to a lady farmer who remembers, as a girl, the boats going past their farm and running to wave them on. It was surprising how many local people had no idea of our work at (Continued on page 22)
21
On the weekend of 6/7th March Andrew Denny, Assistant Editor of Waterways World, was escorted on an organised tour of the Northern Reaches. Andrew was working on a three page article. Starting at Millness Wharf, he went to the Stables then inspected the new Landing stage at Old Hall bridge. He was introduced to Christine Knipe at the Westmorland Show ground and also members of the Dry Stone Walling Association. Andrew was next introduced to Howard Broomby his wife Angela who then walked to see Hincaster Tunnel. Andrew later visited Trevor who took him over the Horse Path. At. 3.40pm the Kendal Diving Team turned up to investigate the sunken Barge and he was present when they finally confirmed its position. Then on Sunday 15th March we were visited by Andy Denwood,
More publicity for the Northern Reaches Frank Sanderson Publicity Officer
a freelance BBC journalist, who was taken by our Publicity Officer Frank Sanderson to view our restoration work to date. The theme of Andy’s new venture was on 'Modern Navvies'. We had previously made the point that we have professional volunteers, and this was amply illustrated by the people he interviewed. Andy was most impressed and is confident his story will be taken up by such as Cumbria Life Magazine, National Dailies and perhaps other sources. Westmorland Gazette ran the Sunken Barge story on Thursday 19th March giving further publicity to our work.
Stainton Crossing to Sellet Hall but it was indeed much commented upon by those who had seen the progress. A local Garage proprietor promised to look up his family photographs showing the Gunpowder wagon way to Wakefield’s Gunpowder Wharf, particularly where it crossed the river Peasey. These pictures have never been seen outside his family. It is also of interest to note that all the South Lakeland and North Lancashire rivers down to the River Wyre still carry Scottish names, dating from the time we were part of Strathclyde in the time of King Macbeth. FS 22
Canoeists on the Northern Reaches Bendrigg Trust use the c a na l wh e n Winde rme re or Killington are too rough to use. The children come from inner cities and many have never seen a canal or the countryside. They start at one end, usually Millness, and paddle to the other, where the vehicle picks them up again. They use the canal constantly, as do other similar groups, such as Real Adventure group. I like to meet up with them and chat to the children. At Stainton, Bendrigg had just loaded up to go home when the two other canoeists t ur ne d up. Bendrigg have agreed to take part in the Tra ilboa t Festival. FS Frank SandersonŠ
Bendrigg Trust at Crooklands
23
A meeting took place in Education Group CRT/LCT February at Galgate between Katie Jackson, CRT website particularly for families Education, Julian and Jane Sims and children (as these will be and Susan and Frank Sanderson to researching online themselves for discuss ways of working with local information with links to schools, as recommended by transport and the Industrial Victoria Metcalf in her Catalyst Revolution in particular). Also, there was a need to have report to the Executive. The Northern Reaches of the information about the Canal Lancaster Canal are a unique rural featuring on the CRT website with interesting information as area with village schools, and town schools in Kendal itself, but well as events. Katie agreed to a somewhat isolated area look into this A great deal of information was geographically. Although the main emphasis of produced by both Katie and Jane, the meeting focussed upon the and discussion centred round how Northern Reaches it was felt that best to introduce the Lancaster more should be made of the Canal. whole Canal and the role it played It was resolved that historic and linking the Weavers Triangle on interesting details of the Canal the L&L via Preston to the Lake should be put together for use by teachers, and we should also offer District. CRT educational teams seem to to speak to more groups. be very much centred at 'Hot It was realised we also need to Spots' such as the Lune Aquaduct provide more diverse information. where, as funding has come from This could include explanations of LHF, they have to concentrate on Coke Ove ns , L ime Kilns . making educational programmes Gunpowder Works and wood work in these areas first. A point stoves for creating charcoal etc, was raised concerning where CRT for which this area of the Canal volunteers for schools, obtained was noted. their information for relaying to Katie showed a collection of schools-as some points seemed interesting canal items which very general. schools can borrow: It was agreed that more (Continued on page 27) information was needed via our 24
More Coke Ovens By Brian Crawley As well as the Carnforth ones, update later, there are at least four other sets of coke ovens alongside the Lancaster Canal. The most well known set is in a private field, on the offside of the Openings of the Carnforth Ovens
canal, just south of Holme, on the short navigable stretch between the M6 culvert at the top of the Tewitfield locks and the culverted bridge at North Road. This stretch is navigable only for small u n p o we r e d c ra f t . S o me conservation work to remove the invasive tree growth from the ovens was carried out a number of years ago under the auspices of Cumbria County Council. An information board was installed on a small plinth on the towpath opposite the ovens but has now sadly disappeared. Fortunately, there is, thanks to Richard Trevitt, thanks to Richard Trevitt,
which gives some very useful information about them including their operation. This is a line of five ovens in a constructed bank although the central one collapsed some time ago. Moving south, the next ovens are, we believe, in a private garden at Tewitfield. We have not yet seen them. The next known ones, still further south, are the set of five on the offside of the canal about 100 yards south of Thwaite End Bridge number 127. These ovens are in a man made earth and stone bank adjacent to the canal with a stone wharf on a small triangle of land owned by Canal & River Trust (C&RT). A local volunteer group called Friends of Carnforth Coke Ovens (FCCO) was formed in September 2014 with the aim ‘To impr ove the g ree n s pac e generally known as Carnforth Coke Ovens, or Springfields.’
(Continued on page 26)
25
(Continued from page 25)
They have a very invasive tree growth that is causing damage to the structure and a heavily silted wharf. More later. Only a little further south is bridge number 125 generally known as Thwaite Brow Bridge but according to the guide book Bolton Cinder Ovens. An alternative name for coke ovens being cinder ovens gives the clue that this is another site. There is a stone wharf just north of the bridge on the offside in the current horse stabling yard. Whilst some surface undulations along the wharf looked like possible remains of ovens, a map has recently come to our attention showing the location of the ovens backing on to Thwaite Brow Lane. As the lane is of considerably higher elevation than the main area of the site it is very likely that the ovens were built into this natural bank. There does appear to be some stone rubble amongst the tree and shrub growth but we are awaiting future contact with the landowner to carry out more investigation. Moving still further south, across the majestic Lune Aqueduct, as the canal turns right heading for Lancaster, on its left side in the steep bank rising up into the Lansil golf course, is another row 26
of 4 or 5 ovens. These are stone and brick lined apertures built into the natural steep bank behind the line of a stone wharf alongside the canal. They can just be seen in the winter when there is no leaf. We are hoping the golf club will give permission for dome conversation work In an attempt to find out more about them a browse on the English Heritage website reveals seven scheduled or listed coke oven, or coking oven, sites across the country. All of these are in the north of England, three of them are in Lancashire and one in Cumbria but none on the Lancaster Canal. (Interestingly, Bolton Cinder Ovens Bridge is a Grade II Listed structure but in the listing there is no reference to the cinder, or coke, ovens only the construction of the bridge itself). Visits to some of these sites is anticipated. Most of them are colliery related and a couple are close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Many of the references are to iron smelting and forging but other uses like blacksmiths and lime burning are recorded. Fuel for stoves for use in plant nurseries and even steam railway engines have been referred to because of the clean and predictable burning feature. (Continued on page 27)
(Continued from page 26)
The ovens seem to be dated from the early 1800s and some at Gateshead were in use until
Back of ovens & wharf south of Bridge 127 Carnforth
Openings just visible behind wharf near Lune Aqueduct
1958. Most were out of use before the end of the 1800s. All recorded items are ‘beehive’ type ovens because of their shape except the ones at Maryport which are an earlier style dating from 1783. One comment about ‘beehive’ ovens, which all of ours are, is that they are more common and only a selection of better preserved examples merit protection although the Burnley Grade II Listed ovens are ‘now an (Continued from page 24)
Tillie Lamp, old pennies, rope fender etc. Trust should collect such items. These could be used as talking points on display at local museums or other visitor attractions such as Levens Hall or Crooklands Hotel. Katie would be very happy to come to big events such as
uncommon type’. The main purpose of the Friends of Carnforth Coke Ovens is some conservation of those particular ones and we are hopeful that ongoing discussions with the Wigan office of Canal & River Trust will result in some preliminary tidying work on the site before Easter this year. Further information can be obtained from me, the FCCO Secretary, on 07721007379. Brian Crawley March 2015
Count r y Fe s t t o pr o mot e children’s/families’ interest in canals. Katie provided some leaflets re: water safety, things to look out for etc. which can be given to children/families when visiting Crooklands as a memento and which may be passed on to others. FS 27
Canal & River Trust Update ... LANCASTER CANAL EXTRA M O O R IN G S TO B O O S T TOURISM Extra moorings for canal boats on the Lancaster Canal will boost tourism and give boaters access to some of the best pubs in Lancashire! Changes are also to be made to visitor mooring times, allowing a greater number of boats to visit the most popular parts of the canal. Canal side ‘service stations’ for boaters have also been upgraded. The improvements have been shaped by the views of local boat owners who were keen to enjoy easier access to the most popular mooring destinations. The Canal & River Trust’s North West Partnership is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s work Mike Macklin in the region. Boater and Partnership member, Mike Macklin, said: “ The i dy ll ic 28
Lancaster Canal is cherished by boaters who I’m sure will be delighted by the changes and improvements that have been made. “The changes have been brought about in response to many requests from boaters who want to be able to visit the most popular mooring destinations such as Bilsbor oug h, Te wit field, Lancaster, Galgate, Carnforth and Hest Bank. These sites have some great visitor attractions close to them, as well as some of the best pubs in Lancashire!” The changes include: Providing a mix of 48 hour and seven day moorings in the main boating season and 14 day moorings for the rest of the year. Additional moorings at Lancaster and Galgate, with plans for further moorings in other areas in the future. The use of moorings close to (Continued on page 29)
(Continued from page 28)
Lancaster University, available for a nominal fee, for a trial period this summer. Improved service stations for boaters at Cadley, Moss Lane and Bilsborough. Canal & River Trust waterway manager Chantelle Seaborn said: “After spending time cruising the canal with boaters and listening to their concerns, we were keen to develop our Lancaster moorings canal project further. “I am delighted this project will allow more boaters to enjoy the most popular mooring spots. This will bring a welcome boost for local tourism and for the waterway.” During the winter, the C & RT has worked to clear obstructions from the water, dealt with overgrown vegetation and has treated areas of encroaching weeds. Spot dredging will also be carried out during 2015 to make the canal easier to navigate. Mike added: “Some of the sites where we want to increase moorings will require extra work to be undertaken, and this will need to be supported in part by donations. We are keen to speak to companies that might be able to help if they have an interest in the canals in Lancashire.”
As part of the project to we lc ome boa te rs t o t he Lancaster Canal, the Canal & River Trust is also recruiting more volunteer rangers to provide information to boaters about available moorings and nearby attractions. If you would like to become a volunteer ranger or if you want to comment on any part of the project please do contact the Ca na l & Rive r Tr us t a t enquiriesnorthwest@canalrivertrust. org.uk
This Guide can be viewed at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/ library/7730-asset-managementteam.pdf
29
Those were the days At the recent Preston Richard Community Plan launch Frank was engaged in conversation with Frank Hunter, a local resident and proprietor of Crooklands Garage, who has since provided the Trust with t w o p r e v i o u s ly u ns e e n photographs. On the right is Doris Stables of the Crooklands Hotel. The child is unknown but
the location beside the Peasey Beck Feeder clearly shows the old Tramway from the Gunpowder Works down to Wakefield Wharf and Milnthorpe Station. On the left is another splendid picture of an unidentified young lad with stout leather shoes of a certain era and wearing a school tie. If we get any further details we will report back next edition. In the background is the latticework iron bridge carrying the rails over the Canal. FS/DC
30
Members of Kendal Diving Club searching for a suspected sunken barge in the Lancaster Canal have finally found the remains. Rumour has it that the barge contained the bodies of some local inhabitants who had died as a result of c ont ra ct ing Diphtheria and was deliberately sunk to contain f u r t he r contamination. On Saturday 7th March at 4.10 she was located in shallow water about 4 foot deep. In the winding hole to the south of Field End Bridge (Bridge 169). Walking on the gunwale (Gun'al') in naval slang), Kendal Club members fully identified the barge as a typical Lancaster wooden barge 72ft in length with a beam of 14ft . Our Trust had contacted Canal and River Trust, custodians of the canal on behalf of the Nation, for permission to dive the site before dredging could take place, necessary on this section due to a
Search for ‘lost barge’ is successful
massive build up of Horse Tail Weed. This work was needed before the IWA National Trail boat Festival on 30 May to 1st June could take place alongside Country Fest.
(Continued on page 34)
31
St Marks school, Natland had an enjoyable trip on the Lancaster Canal Trust Trip boat 'Waterwitch' on Thursday 9th October, as part of a project on Victorian Britain. Sailing to Stainton accompanied by their teacher, Miss Whittaker, the 11 year olds were kept busy by the Trust’s flora and fauna expert, Mrs Jane Sims, and asked many questions about the canal. Kept busy taking photographs, the pupils were asked to identify everything they found. Jane, a retired teacher, remarked afterwards how interested they all were, asking intelligent questions. Even such commonplace things as water lily leaves were examined and explained. Their Headmaster and a further team of pupils joined the boat at Stainton landing stage, and Jane had more young people asking questions on their return to Crooklands. The explanation of the 'Black and White' name given to the canal, which carried coal north and limestone south, provoked much interest. Alan Mather, our boat operations manager, accompanied them. He thought them a delightful group of young people. Teacher Laura Hardaker thanked the crew ”for turning out on such a wet day, the children had a great time and really enjoyed themselves”. FS
32
“Once more unto the breach” The Saga continues! Crooklands bridge, near Kendal, which has repeatedly been struck by vehicles over the past decade, has had yet another closure order, this time for eight days, to accommodate major repairs. However, two men, one from Bradford, and one from Leicester, have provided evidence that British workmen can prove their worth, for, they say, they will “finish the job today” and it should be open to traffic, at least light traffic, tonight, which was only the second day of closure. Canal and River Trust own the bridge on the community’s behalf, and the cost of repeated damage
by heavy and long wheelbase vehicles, is excessive. Our suggestions that crash barriers or other more drastic (but of course more expensive), measures should be taken have been ignored. The existing road markings and directions are not sufficient to stop the constant damage but then it is not the Highways who have to pay but the C&RT, now a Charitable Trust since the road was there first! Whilst the closure has been properly publicised, there were no notices/signs from the Milnthorpe side, and several massive vehicles from the Mainline site (Ex Libby’s) have had to reverse long distances before they could turn around. Each repair costs C&RT several thousands of pounds. How long until the next bridge strike – after all they now have a slightly bigger target to aim at! ED
33
CORRESPONDENCE WITH MEMBERS
A reminder. Some members of the Lancaster Canal Trust may be aware that we have sent e-mails about specific matters to those members of the Trust for whom we have e-mail addresses. As our magazine, Waterwitch, is now issued only twice a year it enables members to be informed of matters which may arise between issues. If you have an e-mail address and would like to be contacted in this way please let our membership secretary, Alan Mather have a note of your address on alan.mather7@ntlworld.com We will not, of course, be pestering you with frequent letters. (Continued from page 31)
Around 30 Trail boats from around the country, one from as far away as Southampton, will take part in e xer c ise s a nd a spe cta c ula r illuminated display on the evening of Sunday 31st May. Definitely a date for your diary. FS Gunwale. The ‘Wales’ are the long stabilising beams on the entire length of a wooden ship, the gunwale being on the upper deck where the deck guns are placed. Map courtesy of Mike Valiant.
34
LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee 2014/5 President C.H.Bagot J.P. F.R.I.C.S.,D.L Vice - Presidents John Gavan; David Slater Chairman Richard Trevitt 2 Fern Bank, Lancaster. LAI 4TT (01524) 846303 trevittr@hotmail.com Vice - Chairman Helen Thomas 7 Bay View, Over Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1DR, (01524) 735504 helen@thepikes.co.uk Secretary Vacant Treasurer Peter Jones 14 Blencathra Gardens Kendal LA9 7HL (01539) 739105 peter@cpsj.me.uk Membership Secretary Alan Mather 15, Claughton Ave Bolton BL2 6US (01204) 521031 membership@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk 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 Keith Tassart vickylegal4life@gmail.com Grants Officer vacant
35
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & OTHER TRUST OFFICERS
Sandra Henstock (L.C.B.C. Representative) (01253)764171
Alan Mather Boat Operations Manager (01204) 521031 tripboat@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Affiliated Members Beetham Parish Council Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council Lancaster Canal Boat Club Preston Patrick Parish Council Ramblers Association (Preston Area)
Ramblers Association (Lancaster) Westmorland & North Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Assoc. Wright & Butterfield Kendal
Waterwitch is copyright 2015, 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 12th September 2015 Contributions may be e-mailed to dadcurrington@hotmail.com Or by post to David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6AD Printed by Kent Valley Colour Printers, Kendal. (01539) 741344
36