The Butty Spring 2018 by The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

THE BUTTY The magazine for members and volunteers of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Issue No: 213 Spring 2018

KENNET AND AVON CANAL TRUST

The Trust is a registered

Canal Centre, Devizes Wharf,

charity, no: CC209206,

Couch Lane,

and a company limited by guarantee registered in

Wiltshire SN10 1EB

England, no: 726331.

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO President:

Enterprise Board:

Administrator:

David Bruce

Will Job (Chair)

Jean Cook

David Line

office.manager@katrust.org.uk

Vice Presidents:

Daisy Mundy

Richard Benyon MP

Tony Nares

Finance:

Donald Collinson

Tim Pyatt

Helen Flavin

Michael Corfield

Deborah Robinson

finance@katrust.org.uk

Michael Goodenough

Hon Advisers:

Membership:

Terry Kemp

Chris Churchouse

(IT)

Becky Barker

David Lamb

Simon Eveleigh

(Assets)

admin@katrust.org.uk

Bill Fisher

Prunella Scales John Webb

Contacts:

Booking Administrator:

Timothy West

Trust Council Chair

Jen Furmage

Rob Dean CMG

bookings@katrust.org.uk

Trust Council:

chair@katrust.org.uk

Mike Bailey

Museum Curator:

David Copley

Hon. Treasurer:

Terry Mundy

Rob Dean (Chair)

Tony Nares

museum@katrust.org.uk

David Fearns

treasurer@katrust.org.uk

Will Job

Archive Administrator:

Daisy Mundy

Company Secretary:

Elaine Kirby

Terry Mundy

Daisy Mundy

archiveadmin@katrust.org.uk

Branch Contacts: Bath & Bristol

David Fearns

Reading

David Copley

Devizes

Sharmain Washbourne

bathandbristol.chairman@katrust.org.uk

d.copley247@btinternet.com

devizes.secretary@katrust.org.uk

Bradford on Avon Bryan Baker

Hungerford

Bruce Boats

bradford.chairman@katrust.org.uk

hungerford.chairman@katrust.org.uk

Crofton

Newbury

Peter Turvey

crofton.chair@katrust.org.uk

Mike Rodd

Trevor Staig

newbury.chairman@katrust.org.uk

Paul Eames

bruce.chairman@katrust.org.uk

A Note from the Editor Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the prospect of more happy times spent on the Kennet and Avon Canal. All the Branches are gearing up for another round of boat trips and associated events to promote enjoyment on and use of our canal.

CONTENTS 1.

Note from the Editor

John Gould Award

Makeover in Devizes

Why the KACT was forrmed

Sabrina Tunnel emerges

Picture Puzzle

Events in the East

10.

BoA clears the decks for action

11.

Busy winter on Bruce Boats

12.

Times they are a’changing

14.

Amazing engineering

16.

Reflections of a site manager

Once again, I have been amazed by all that goes on in our Trust. Such a breadth and diverse range of activities. How exciting to have Karen Paxford running for us in the London Marathon! Makeovers are happening all over the place: on boats, at the Trust premises in Devizes , at the Wharf Tearooms in BoA and all along the canal. Our Trust must be one of the best looking outfits in the country.

16.

Out with the old

17.

A bit of bumping

18.

Sir Frank Price remembered

18.

New members

19.

Newbury News

The Archives have provided rich reading thanks to Elaine Kirby, the Archive Administrator along with a potted history of the Bruce boats. And of course, this magazine will be scanned and become part of the Archive itself.

20.

Bruce Trust reaches 30 years

21.

Be a part of K&A story

22.

What floats your boat?

Some of our members reading this edition of The Butty (named in 1949 as you will see) opted to receive an electronic version of the magazine. If you did so and would rather receive a “hard” copy, then do contact Becs Barker, Membership Secretary, at the office.

23.

A good read

24.

Gentle Giant’s impact

25.

Yummy, scrummy at BoA

26.

Life in the slow lane

27.

Find us on Facebook

27.

Thanks Kennet Printers

28.

From the Chairman

I have been enthralled reading “Idle Women”, which recounts how one lady joined the army of volunteers working on the canals during World War 2. The IW badge gave rise to nicknaming the wearers Idle Women, though they were anything but! Details of this book and another worth reading are within these pages to tickle your reading buds.

I am sure you will enjoy reading the article by Chris Churchouse, which provides an insight into how the crews prepare for the summer season on board their respective boats. It will make you look at the boat crews in a different light when you enjoy a cruise aboard one of the Trust boats this summer. Each summer we welcome visitors from far and near. Holiday makers from home and abroad; local people who want to enjoy a couple of hours serenity on their canal; and visitors who make an annual pilgrimage to relax in a calm, green environment. Just what a weary soul needs. We hope to welcome YOU this summer! Lesley Hooper

thebutty@katrust.org.uk 3

Inside back cover: Notice of AGM

Front Cover Photo: A member of 1st Chew Magna Guides during a weekend on KACT boat Lady Hilda. Photo: Sue Curtis.

Back Cover: Firing the boiler at Crofton

THE JOHN GOULD AWARD 2017 The "John Gould Award" is presented annually to a person or group who has undertaken noteworthy actions or deeds for the Kennet & Avon Canal in the past year. The award is made by the Chairman of Trustees, acting on advice from fellow Trustees. With so much great work being done throughout the Trust and along the canal, the Chairman always has a tough choice deciding who should receive the award. The recipient for 2017 is Alan Smith, from Devizes branch, for his continuing and dedicated work on maintaining and improving our Devizes HQ.

Alan has been involved with the Trust for more than 30 years and brings his passion for 'fixing things' to bear on both the Kenavon Venture and our headquarters at Devizes. Alan's career as a Flight Engineer for British Airways seems to have equipped him with an ability to identify solutions and a commitment to high quality work. Keeping our building running safely and efficiently is certainly challenging and Alan's willingness to turn his hand to anything saves us many thousands of pounds each year. We're hoping to drag him away to the AGM on 12th May to be presented with his well earned award.

Is there a Doctor in the House (or Trust)? We're looking for a qualified GP to help us keep our Boatmasters safe & legal. The Trust has around 40 professionally-qualified volunteer Boatmasters who skipper our 4 passenger boats, Barbara McLellan, Kenavon Venture, Rose of Hungerford and Jubilee. Each of them needs to undertake a short medical review - annually if they're over 65, as many are, or 5-yearly for the younger ones. A local GP can charge up to ÂŁ150 for the review and this is potentially a very large expense for the Trust. We've been fortunate over the past few years to have the volunteer services of Dr Paul Jakeman of Devizes and he has seen and assisted many of our skippers. Paul now needs to step down (thanks Paul!) and we're looking for a doctor, perhaps recently retired but still licensed, who would be willing to offer us a few hours a month to undertake reviews. If you could help, or know someone who might, please get in touch with our Chairman, Rob Dean at chair@katrust.org.uk.

MAKEOVER IN DEVIZES Jean Cook, Office Manager of the Trust in Devizes, writes about the transformation of the shop and the addition of a new training room:

a group of 6 lovely individuals

We all thoroughly enjoyed the

joined us for the day painting our

day and felt a great sense of

room. Here is their story of the

achievement whilst having a lot of

day with us.

fun along the way, and it was clear our work was appreciat-

Back in October last year I was thrown a challenge to convert the

Nationwide in the Community

ed. We managed to get the whole

retail shop at the Wharf Devizes

Nationwide offers all permanent

room finished before 5pm, fuelled

into a meeting/training room and

employees 14 hours volunteering

by team spirit, biscuits and a deli-

to move the shop to the smaller

leave, every calendar year. It’s

cious lunch at the local pub, The

reception area nearer the office.

an opportunity for employees to

Crown. Thank you to Jean and the

give back to local communities,

team for making it so easy for us

develop new skills and get to

to get involved (and of course for

Some fantastic shop volunteers,

know people. Having formed a

the biscuits). We can’t wait for the

and

staff,

new team last year, we wanted to

weather to pick up so we can pop

helped transform the old furniture

spend some together and step out

in, take a stroll along the canal

shelving units we acquired into

in to the community. We all

and show off our handiwork to

shabby chic furniture which with

work in, albeit a very nice office,

our friends and family.

the stock has made a cosy, shabby

but we work Monday to Fri-

chic shop. I was then challenged

day and were keen to find some-

with finding the volunteers to help

thing active with a fun, team

Jess Gzowska, Community Engagment

clear the old shop area.

building angle. Our Social In-

Nationwide, Swindon.

Our regular building maintenance

vestment team put us in touch

volunteer Alan Smith, with the

with Jean, who put the wheels in

help of Merv Kelly and a few oth-

motion, so we could start getting

er volunteers, dismantled the shop

excited about the day

counter and patched the missing

and supporting a very worthy

flooring to remove any trip haz-

cause.

ards.

When we arrived, we were

Next job: who will paint the

tasked with painting their new

walls? I put a plea out on Face-

training room. All the prep work

book and found a group of six Na-

had been done (thankfully – no

tionwide

one likes prepping) and materials

occasionally

staff

office

members

from

Swindon who were happy to come

had been provided so it was just

and help. The date was set and so

a case of grabbing a roller and

on Wednesday 24th January 2018

getting stuck in.

The new training room

Elaine Kirby, Administrator for The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Archive has been researching the writings of Kenneth Clew & Peter Lyndley-Jones to bring this insight into

WHY THE K & A CANAL TRUST WAS FORMED The Kennet & Avon Canal was

carried by Collier & Catley of

chairman was to give his attention

built by entrepreneurs to enable a

Reading and W E Chivers &

to the Kennet & Avon.

safe commercial inland route be-

Sons of Devizes. In 1941 the

tween two of the most important

Ministry of War concluded that

In July 1947 Phillip Ogden (later

ports in the land: Bristol and Lon-

the K & A was not suitable for

don, and was completed on 28th

the carriage of war materials.

December 1810, the most southerly broad canal in the country, the M4 of its day. It has changed the architecture and the landscape through some of the most beautiful areas of the south and west; a haven for wildlife and flora and now recreation, a point not envisaged by those original would-be

money makers. During the early 1900s the canal was gradually falling into disrepair and its owners, the Great Western Railway Company decided in October 1926 to apply to the Ministry of Transport to close the entire navigation. There were about 108 objections and in 1928

they decided not to proceed. In 1940 the invasion scare caused the building of the “Blue Line” of pill boxes

and

anti-tank

defences

along the line of the canal, some built so close to lock gates the balance beams had to be shortened and some so far from roads or

to become the K & A Trust’s honorary engineer) canoed the entire length of the K & A with his wife

In 1941 GWR attempted to close

and submitted a lock by lock re-

the navigation between Fobney

port on its condition to the IWA

Lock and Bath but investigation

plus a report from John Gould.

showed the cost of abandonment

On 1st January 1948 GWR be-

to be greater than their annual expenditure.

came part of the new nationalised railways, so the K & A canal

In March 1940 Tom Rolt on NB

came under the control of the

Cressy cruised to Hungerford

Railway Executive.

where he moored until the end of

On 31st January 1948 at a packed

April 1941 at Woolridge’s Wharf and completed his iconic book of the canals “Narrowboat”. It was published

in 1944. This book

was instrumental in bringing the dreadful state of the nations canals to wide public notice. During the 1940s, quite a few intrepid characters crewed their boats

with

great

difficulty

through the whole length of the K & A navigation. According to reports, the cost to GWR was high as teams of men regularly had to bow haul the boats through the difficult sections.

meeting in Newbury Public Library chaired by John Gould there were speeches by him, Robert Aickman and W Lester. In 1948 the Railway Executive tried to persuade the Transport commission to close the Kennet & Avon Canal and there was a grow-

ing feeling that a local branch of the IWA was needed to look after the K & A. An inaugural meeting was held on 29th January 1949 with Col. T. G. Clarke in the chair. It was agreed at this meeting that a regular news letter be produced, Editor Neville Davis, as

tracks that getting guns to them

The Inland Waterways Associa-

a companion to the IWA’s Bulle-

was most problematical. Some of

tion was formed 15th Febru-

tin. Appropriately the news sheet

the construction materials were

ary1946; Robert Aickman the

was to be named “Butty”.

In 1950 the two canal depots at

August 11th 1951. It was decid-

News, was reinstated as the offi-

Newbury and Devizes still had no

ed to wind up the IWA Branch

cial bulletin of the Association.

electricity supply or telephone.

and form a new association.

The maintenance boats had no

Those present were Major Ad-

engines so had to be bow hauled

dington,

to wherever they were needed.

Gould, K Allen, A Barnes, J

There was no one in overall

Rogers, W Crocker, L Daniels, R

charge of the K & A and the day

Shepherd and Mr Wood. An of-

to day admin was carried out by

ficial public meeting was held a

Mr G H Maslem at Devizes and

week later in the lecture hall of

Mr W M Carpenter at Newbury

the

all by public telephone. During

Church to form The Kennet &

February 1949 the K & A labour

Avon Canal Association. The

force numbered 85.

speaker was Charles Hadfield;

By 1951 the condition of the canal

his subject ‘The Kennet & Avon

John

Lester,

Newbury

John

Congregational

was deteriorating rapidly. Green-

Past and Future.”

ham Swing Bridge failed in May.

The objects of The Kennet &

Colthrop sluices were in a danger-

Avon Canal Association were

ous condition in May and six

defined as working for the great-

months later their tumbling bay

er use, maintenance and develop-

collapsed and had to be rebuilt. In

ment of the canals of the British

July Caen Hill locks were de-

Isles; in particular to promote a

clared unsafe. In August Hunger-

wider knowledge of the K & A

ford Marsh lock failed but only

together with a greater use and

needed minor repairs. In Septem-

extension of its amenities. John

ber Fobney lock was closed and in

Lester was elected its first chair-

October Southcote Lock was also

man and the membership was

declared unsafe. In November

47. Later in 1952 the Pewsey

Padworth bottom gate collapsed.

Branch was formed and then the

All Locks from Bradford on Avon

Devizes Branch.

to Devizes Top Lock were pad-

The Inland Waterways Executive

locked. The gates failure was blamed on the use of Oregon pine used to refit the gates in the 1930’s. Due to various differences of opinion between some members of the IWA and the Newbury Branch of the IWA, a small meeting was held at Newbury Lock on

ceased to exist in September 1953 and waterways interests were transferred to The British Transport Waterways. The Bath Branch was formed in October 1954, Reading Branch November 1955. In January

1956 The Butty, after being dropped in favour of the K & A 7

A petition to the Queen against abandonment of the canal was carried the full length of the navigation by various forms of water transport and delivered to the Minister of Transport for forwarding. During almost 11 years of the Association the members fought various government departments and in the courts to keep the canal open and structures repaired, gave evidence for government reports and raised awareness across the country as to the state of the nations canals and the K & A in particular. The enormity of the task eventually led the Associations management team to consider whether to stay as an association or to become a limited company. Some long standing members were not happy and eventually resigned but the legal position made it clear that the change was necessary. And so, on the 2nd June 1962 The

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust was born.. On 1st January 1963 British Waterways Transport became The British Waterways Board. These two events probably led to one of the greatest volunteer and collaboration achievements ever in the history of Great Britain’s canals.

SABRINA TUNNEL EMERGES AFTER 100 YEARS

It has been the usual busy year at the Bath end of our canal. 2017 saw the resurfacing of the wharf at Dundas Basin. Alongside the restored Toll House and the ongoing restoration work directed by John Webb, this historic site now is beginning to look cared for. It has finally been awarded Red Wheel status and the long work of the volunteers has contributed massively to this end. Over the winter months the volunteers have been concentrating efforts along the section through Bath. New steps were constructed at lock 10 and copings and brickwork replaced at top lock. The overgrown and neglected vegetation is getting serious attention from Darlington Wharf to Bottom Lock. The winter ended with a serious period many hours of hard shovelling and digging by the volunteer group. This was through Sydney Gardens and was a step along the road towards the goal of returning this unique, historic stretch of canal to something like its original condition. For those unfamiliar with this section, the K & A here passes through the last remaining 18th Century Pleasure Garden. At the time of construction, the company was forced to pay 2000 guineas for the privilege of cutting a path through the gardens which had been open only a few years. There were also stringent stipulations concerning materials and design. Two tunnels guard the

entrance to the gardens and the society guests in the pleasure gardens walked across the canal on two cast iron footbridges, constructed in the Chinese style by Stotherts of Bath. There was no direct access to the canal of course, the current gate was added only a few years ago. Over the years this part of the canal has been badly neglected. Indeed, during the restoration, it appears that clay, dredged from the derelict canal, was dumped on the offside abutments to the bridges and tunnels. Since then trees and copious weeds have spread and more dredgings added by BW. B&NES council are in the process of applying for HLF money to restore the Gardens and this seemed an ideal opportunity to get CRT and the volunteers engaged as well. An outline scheme was drawn up which secured backing from both CRT and B&NES. After some preparatory work by volunteers, the CRT work-boat, the Chew Valley, arrived with its hydraulic grab. 5 days of hard work by both CRT staff and volunteers saw three of the 6 abutments cleared of the accumulated debris and tree stumps. An estimated 90+ tonnes of clay and tilth was removed and dropped nearby. The Chew Valley and the group’s workboat were filled at least 6 times. The result is that for the first time in probably 100 years the 8

full façade of the southern, “Sabrina”, tunnel can be seen. It is a beautiful construction with a double concave profile, both vertically and horizontally, and vermiculated rustication covering much of the surface.

It is our intention to restore the northern section in the future and install an easily maintained surface that can accommodate plantings, pots or artworks. It will be a fine contribution to the eventual restoration of Sydney Gardens. Ian Herve, Vice Chair Bath & Bristol

BEFORE

AFTER

WORLD CANALS CONFERENCE

PICTURE PUZZLE

News of this conference came through, and it is included for your interest. I was fascinated to learn that such an event took place. Editor. In September 2018, the World Canals Conference will take place in Ireland. We invite you to journey to Athlone Co. Westmeath in the heart of Ireland and at the heart of the Irish Inland Waterways network. Overlooking the mighty River Shannon, the longest navigable river in Ireland and the UK, Athlone is the perfect base in Ireland from which to explore the beauty of the country’s inland waterways. The two main canals the Grand Canal & the Royal Canal are within easy reach and provide first hand evidence of the regeneration that has taken place on these waterways, from commercial motorways to leisure byways. Ireland is proud to showcase the many restoration projects and the re-imagining of the waterways as linear parks & amenity spaces to cater for all lovers of water. A shining example of this is the Blueway concept. All of this packed into a three day event, to say nothing of the traditional Irish Céad Míle Fáilte welcome extended to visitors from far and near. So come to Athlone and experience the re birth of Ireland’s i nl a n d w a te rw a y s fo r the 21st century.

Here is another picture puzzle. This object is fixed to a boat under the waterline. What is it called and what is its purpose? Answer in next edition.

The puzzle picture in the last edition was a fid.

There were some creative suggestions made including a plant dibber and a modern tent peg! But no, this is a tool for splicing rope. Thanks to member Chris Rees from Alderney in the Channel Islands, who contacted us with the correct answer.

http://www.wccireland2018.com/ 9

Events in the East Blake’s lock in the east of Reading is the first Kennet lock which boat-

Reading Water Fest’s boat moor-

ers encounter when leaving the Thames and the last when they leave.

ings and stalls start directly out-

The lock is alongside the historic water route to Reading Abbey but of

side the old Abbey and our annual

later construction having been built to by-pass the current weirs. As part

Duck Race takes place on the Ho-

of the “last mile” of the Kennet, Blake’s lock is currently maintained

ly Brook constructed by ancient

and operated by the Environment Agency. The adjacent lock cottage

monks to bring clean water to the

formerly housed relief Thames lock keepers who staffed Blake’s when

Abbey. As in previous years, wa-

not required elsewhere but the lock now operates on a “self service”

terside attractions will be supple-

basis.

mented by events in the Forbury

Like many Thames locks, Blake’s is mainly built of concrete. During

Gardens but this year the restored

the past winter extensive work has been undertaken to remove the old

Abbey area will provide a direct

concrete lock walls and replace them with new. Estimated cost is

walking route between the two.

£700,000. Navigation has been temporarily suspended but the portage

We are expecting the combined

for canoes has not been affected.

Water Fest event to attract an even greater number of people than

usual. Entertainments and a range

At the end of February an impressive

of “food opportunities” are being

assembly of plant was on site and

planned by our colleagues in

work was actively under way as

Reading

shown in the photo(s) and reopening

Borough

Council’s

Events Team and your Trust’s

was scheduled for mid-March. Envi-

Reading Branch is looking after

ronment Agency notices on site indi-

the waterside. That means that we

cate that they expect the new works

need lots of boats in the water and

to last for several decades.

Trust information and Duck Race

stands on the bank. Our Newbury ********************************************************* Reading Water Fest has become an attractive part of the town’s summer calendar and this year gains an extra attraction when the surviving ruins of Reading Abbey are re-opened to the public following extensive repair and stabilisation work funded through a Heritage Lottery Fund

Branch friends will also be operating public boat trips on “Jubilee”. You will be very welcome as a spectator, as a boater, as a helper or any combination of these.

(National Lottery) grant. The key date is Saturday June 16 when Water

Boaters can get entry forms from

Fest 2018 and the Abbey reopening take place as a combined event. Of-

juliedean@btinternet.com

ficial opening time is 1100 with events running continuously until the

small boat entry fee brings a wel-

Duck Race at 1600 and possibly later.

come social event on Friday even-

and a

ing , a commemorative plaque and 10

exemption from mooring fees on site during the event and for sever-

al days either side. Two boat parades are planned for Water Fest

TRUST RUNNER LONDON MARATHON 2018

day for those who wish to take part and prizes are available for

Karen Paxford has obtained an en-

the best dressed boats. Offers of

try for the 2018 Virgin Money Lon-

help on the land will also be great-

don Marathon and is raising money

ly appreciated, even for a short

for the Kennet and Avon Canal

time.

Trust. She works with her husband

Please contact

Marcus as part of Marcus Marine

d.copley247@btinternet.com with

working on many of the boats in

these.

and around the east end of the

From mid-May the official Water

Kennet and Avon Canal, so knows

fest programme will be available

the waterway well. Karen values the

from libraries, leisure centres and

beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal

arts venues across Reading, an

and how it used by all, from walk-

electronic version will also be

ers to cyclists to boat enthusiasts.

available on the Reading Borough

Karen fully supports The Kennet &

Council website:

Avon Canal Trusts aims to 'Protect,

www.reading.gov.uk.

Enhance and Promote' the canal

Reading Branch looks forward to

through the passion and hard work

seeing Trust members and friends

of its volunteers, and says she is

from all parts of the canal system

â&#x20AC;&#x153;extremely proud to have the op-

and all parts of the country at

portunity to raise money for the

Reading Water Fest 2018 on Sat-

Trust by running the London Mar-

urday June 16th.

athon. I want to ensure that the volunteers can continue their work

to keep the canal open for everyone to enjoy.â&#x20AC;? If you would like to help Karen by donating to her just giving page this can be found at: https://www.justgivi ng.com/ fundraising/karen-paxford1 Karen Paxford in action Graham Puddephatt

David Copley

Bradford on Avon branch crews clear the decks for action In common with all the other

of beers and even a choice of

be ascending and descending the

crews of the KACT trip boat fleet,

cappuccino or latte for the more

Caen Hill Flight of locks.

crew members of BoA Branch are

discerning

about this trip in the next edition.

preparing themselves for the on-

“Have we taken a step up market

The new season will also, hope-

rush of passengers clamouring to

I ask myself?”

fully, see two newly qualified

experience the West End of the

As the season rapidly approaches

Skippers for the Barbara McLel-

thoughts must turn to our obliga-

lan. Lesley Hooper and Eamon

tions towards the safety of crews

Brady are currently hard at work

and passengers alike whilst en-

and well in to their Skipper Train-

“Our Barbara” (photo below)

joying our canal. Our Training

ing course. We expect both to

looks stunning in her new livery

Manager has put in place several

pass their Skipper’s examination

(as reported in the last issue of

training trips specifically aimed

with flying colours in June. No

The Butty) and by the time this

at Essential Safety Training,

pressure then!

article goes to press the interior

EST. All KACT crew members

will

“deep

are reminded that annual attend-

cleaned”. Under the guidance of

ance for EST is obligatory if they

our new Quartermaster, Martin

wish to crew our trip boats. As

Holliss, the new season will see a

The Butty goes to print, Barbara

complete revamp of our catering

McLellan is planning a 4 day pre

and beverage offerings. With a

-season shakedown trip to Deviz-

new range of snacks, a new range

es at the end of March. This will

K&A aboard our trip boat M.V. Barbara McLellan.

also

have

been

coffee

drinkers!

All that remains now is for me to wish all KACT members and our crews a very safe and enjoyable 2018 season. Bryan Baker, Chair BoA

BUSY WINTER ON BRUCE BOATS The winter boat team has been unusually busy this winter. Not only was there quite a lot of maintenance to be done on our five boats, but we were very fortunate to be awarded a large grant of ÂŁ 25,000 from the Masonic Trust through the Bruce Trust.

I hope these photos help paint a picture of life at the wharf over the winter and the sterling effort of those involved.

We had put a plan and proposal together to refurbish and update the Diana, who at 20 years old, was showing more than a few signs of her age. A team of about 8 volunteers and a few very good contractors as well as the Bruce Branch Engineer have replaced the galley, old leaking hatch and some very tired electrics. The shower room and toilet have been completely refurbished to a modern standard. The volunteers have been working 1-2 days every week and some have been building new panels and refitting lights at home as well. In total the volunteers have put in over 1,300 hours. We have had fantastic support from the office in Devizes, who have processed a large number of very unusual purchase orders. Our contractors have been marvellous, especially Nathan Stroud, Marcus Marine, HM foam and Pete Jeffs. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it without all of you. My thanks to everyone. Tim Pyatt. Bruce Branch Boat Managerr 13

TIMES THEY ARE Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;CHANGING Crofton is changing, renovating

ment team and volunteers on out-

and preparing for a long and

ward facing interpretation and

bright future. By the time you

visitor information to help us im-

read this article the capital works

prove our already impressive vis-

funded through our Heritage Lot-

itor interactions. We have also

tery grant and other donors will

had a great reaction from our ap-

be well under way. During this

peal for volunteers in the new

time visiting Crofton will be a bit

year. There have been three spe-

less photogenic as there will be

cifically for the Cottage Garden

scaffolding and evidence of sig-

project and two valuable mem-

nificant works around the station

bers for the engineering crew.

to secure the future of the building for the following generations. We will be charting the progress through the website and Facebook

There is always a lot of activity in the closed season from our volunteers.

so do keep in touch. The time plan shows that the major building work will be completed by August and the site work will be revealed to our visitors. There is then a further 18 months of work to complete the project, during which new interpretation will be installed. The team will also be running activities and learning opportunities to attract a wider and more diverse audience to Crofton.

All the usual elements of cleaning and maintaining the boiler and engines

have happened

along with a complete refurbish-

Photo left:

ment of the Enginemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest

Hard hats for hard work at Crofton

The work is being managed by

kitchen. Outside, the obsolete

our Project Manager Evelyn Tay-

pipework from the original elec-

lor ably assisted by our Works

tric pump has been removed,

Manager Kevin Pope and Devel-

making the south side of the site

Spit and polish in the building;

opment Officer Beth Roper. Beth

a lot more open.

Removing the obsolete pipework

will be working with the manage14

Photos above: Cleaning the boiler;

A Crofton variation on the Ched-

Trust online archives which seem

Heritage Lottery bid. For Becks,

dar Gorge Cheese Rolling has

to show that stone colours were

this was an opportunity too good

been seen, to remove the remains

used inside as well. We will be

to miss in her career and we all

of a Willow that had started to

investigating the best match for

wish her success in her new posi-

destabilize the banking of the

these for any future repainting.

tion. Of course we hope to wel-

Leat.

Crofton is achieving a very positive level of fame as an exemplar of good practice regarding the

Dealing with the willow

come Becks again as a visitor to see the results of the works in hand.

maintenance of large heritage

Becks departure leaves a position

artefacts. Crofton features in new

vacant at Crofton and the manage-

‘Heritage guidelines on the care

ment team are hoping to fill this

of large and working objects’

as soon as possible. Until then,

produced by the Association of

Crofton pumping station will be

British Transport & Engineering

open for its steaming schedule

Museums. This link will take you

only. The Engineman’s Rest Café

to the documents:

will be open as usual every day from 10.30am to 4.30pm except

https://

Wednesdays. The supply of deli-

As part of our refurbishment pro-

abtemguide-

ject the team at Crofton want to

linesorg.wordpress.com/page/

return the station to its last Great

cious food will continue through the coming season by the same

team who led the success in 2017.

Western Railway paint scheme. So the question was: What colour was Crofton in 1966?

As a final note, visitors to Crofton

We have discovered a colour pho-

in 2017 may have seen our friend

to in the archives dating from then

and Patron Phil Harding on site as

which shows that Crofton was

we were making a new, and very

painted externally in standard

professional, video to introduce

GWR building colours. A mid to

Crofton to our visitors. Directed

dark brown called Stone No.3 for

by Trevor Neal, it makes a great

most of the external woodwork and gutters, white window frames and door panels picked out in a lighter, creamier stone colour, Stone No.1. The Great Western Society at Didcot have helpfully supplied modern paint references for these colours.

Becks Skinner

It has been with mixed emotions that we have said goodbye to Becks Skinner, our Station Man-

introduction to why you should visit. The video has been made available on our website, or from this link

ager, who has left us to take up a

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

position at Keswick museum in

v=vbjhBcOKrJk

Cumbria. Becks has been with

for you all to see.

Crofton for over 2 ½ years and

There are also colour slides for

played a key part in the process

c.1960 in the Canal and River

that resulted in our successful

Finally, we look forward to seeing

you on one of our steaming weekends in 2018:

Awesome engineering lures crowds to lock 18 Open Day

March 31st to April 2nd: Easter Weekend steaming May 5th to May 7th: May Bank Holiday steaming May 26th to May 28th: Spring Bank Holiday steaming June 23rd to June 24th:

By Susan Litherland, Canal & River Trust Canal & River Trust held an Open Day on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Seend, near Devizes. Hundreds of people descended into the newly refurbished and drained Lock 18 to view its spectacular Georgian engineering. Just like people, canals need care

Crofton steaming weekend

and attention as they age. This

July 28th to July 29th:

year, three canal locks at Seend,

Crofton steaming weekend

near Devizes, were restored and given a new lease of life by the

August 25th to August 27th:

Canal & River Trust to get them

August Bank Holiday steaming

ready for the busy boating sea-

Sept 29th to Sept 30th:

son ahead.

ing that took place, while George III was on the throne, in this quiet spot in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside and to celebrate the wonderful Kennet & Avon Canal.

The spectacular lock is five metres (16.4ft) deep and was constructed from Bath stone and brick. Ali Harper from Devizes said: “I’ve sailed over this lock and it’s alarming to see how deep it is.” Guests were impressed with the accuracy with which the stones

Crofton Steam Gala

are fitted. Nancy was moved by

October 28th:

the stone’s texture and age. “It’s

Crofton Halloween Steaming

the first time I’ve been to the bottom of a lock and it gives a sense of hidden histories stretching

David Throup

back to the industrial revolution.” The charity is spending £281,000 Installing fabric dam at lock 17 Photo: Richard Holden

Working hard through the bitter winter, a team of skilled craftsmen repaired locks 17, 18 and 19, which were all built between 1794 and 1803. On March 10, the charity invited the public to venture into lock 18 and discover the challenges of repairing our historical structures.

Steaming!

More than 700 people turned out to view the incredible engineer16

on the three locks, built by engineer John Rennie. Visitors admired the new lock gates towering at both ends of lock 18. Each pair of oak handmade gates cost between £15,000 and £21,000 and each of the larger bottom gates weighs almost three tonnes. They have a lifespan of 20-25 years and are lifted into place by crane. Team leader Ray Humphry in-

stalled their predecessors in 1996.

“I’m proud to be replacing them

Waterways Manager Mark Ev-

mark. Masons made their marks to

again - I’ve fitted about 150 pairs

ans said: “The feedback we had

identify their work and show su-

in my time. Fundamentally the

has been incredibly positive and

pervisors who was responsible so

techniques haven’t really changed

it was probably the best open

they could be paid.

over the years,” he said.

day we’ve held - everyone

The team said that while it is not

pulled together. Of course, it

unusual to see the occasional

could not have happened with-

mark, they had never seen so

out the help of our wonderful

many; yet none were found in

volunteers, who supported us in

lock 18.

all aspects.” Canal & River Trust is spend-

ing £38 million on maintenance across waterways in England and Wales. TV presenter Paul Martin came to see the lock and Impressive bottom lock gates Photo: Terry Hewlett

commented: “This lock is an example of awesome engineer-

A lock stoppage on average takes

ing. It’s so important to look

five weeks to complete. “We have

after this heritage because once

a sense of anticipation each time

it’s gone, it’s gone for ever. It’s

we drain a lock wondering what

really important for everyone to

problems we will face. This time

get involved with looking after

we had to remove about 70 tons of

the canal. There are so many

Do you know anything about the

silt to uncover the stone floor in

lock gates on this stretch, which

history of these marks? Could you

this lock,” said Ray.

are expensive to replace, so

help us solve the riddle of why

As it happened the floor was al-

please support the Trust if you

lock 19 was special? If you have

most pristine but work was need-

can.”

any information please email en-

ed on the chamber walls and other

With your support we can pro-

quiries.kennetavon@canalrivertru

areas. “Among our many tasks,

tect our waterways for ever.

st.org.uk

we repaired the brickwork above

Visit us at canalriver-

the waterline with traditional lime

trust.org.uk/donate/become-a-

mortar, but used sand and cement

friend – and become a Friend

beneath. We cut reclaimed Bath

today. Tel: 0303 040 4040

stone to size and used the blocks

Making their marks

to repair the quoins – getting the

Seend is the furthest lock away

gates to sit well against them is

from Bath to be built with Bath

always a tricky job. The gates

stone, which would have been

themselves come with more steel

transported by barge.

reinforcement these days and are

Unusually, when 19 was

better made, so they leak less,”

drained the team found that

said Ray.

every stone carried a mason’s 17

Masons’ marks in lock 19 Photo: Roger Bains

Open day from the skies Photo: Rob Coles

REFLECTIONS OF A SITE MANAGER Written by Becks Skinner from Crofton, as she moves to pastures new…. My two and a half years as Site Manager at Crofton Beam Engines has come to an end, as I leave to take up a role as Museum Manager at Keswick Museum. Crofton has not only been my workplace, but also my home and I have some great memories from my time here. I have looked forward each year to the Steam Gala and appear to have gained a reputation for being the first Site Manager to perform a reverse strip tease at work. Fortunately, the starting point is my knickerbockers and chemise, telling the story of the Industrial Revolution through the different layers of a Victorian ladies’ dress. My aim at Crofton has always to find different ways of telling our story to a wide audience. The

Steam Gala is also a favourite time of year as we are joined by the traction engines on site. I suspect there are few jobs where you get the chance to become a passenger on a steam lorry along Wiltshire’s country lanes. Of course, we’ve had some great human visitors, from groups of school pupils measuring our chimney or creating a human beam engine with international visitors from across the globe. I’ve loved taking tours, especially at the end, when you have the visitor that says “I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it, but it was fascinating”. It’s difficult to say what the highlight has been but finding out we had been awarded our HLF grant has to be a big one. The team

put in so much hard work, to prepare the bid. The project will see important conservation and restoration work carried out, while encouraging a wider audience to enjoy Crofton. I will be keeping an eye out on the Crofton Facebook page @croftonbeamengines to see the progress. My thanks to all the volunteers and staff at the KACT and the Engineman’s Rest Café. Crofton would not be able to run without you.

Becks in her Victorian dress

OUT WITH THE OLD After about 25 years of valiant

agreed. A brand new engine from Barrus was acquired on favourable

service the old diesel engine that

terms and was fitted (with difficulty!) into the engine bay by our stal-

powered the Rose of Hungerford

wart engine fitter, Brendan Hossack. It is hoped that this engine will

has finally been retired. Towards

give the Rose of Hungerford many years of trouble free cruising.

the end of the summer season 2017, thanks to the gallant efforts of John and Chris, it had been kept going but with the Santa Cruise season creeping up on us it was felt that time for a change was upon us. Through the good offices of Gra-

ham, Will and Rob, finance was

The brand new Barrus engine fitted into the Rose

“I know I’ve made a reputation for a bit of bumping...” So says Tim West, as he introduces one of the five new videos made especially for the Bruce Branch’s new training website. Initially created to teach hirers the basics of safe cruising, the site has expanded to be of value to any KACT volunteer, especially crews wishing to improve their skills. It’s also a really good introduction to how canal boats are skippered, helmed and worked in a safe manner. Having completed the online course, hirers can book up to two days of practical training at the beginning of their cruise. The videos were filmed by one of Bruce Branch’s skippers, Martin Rubach, with a supporting cast of 15 volunteer crew and skippers from across the KACT

– and Tim revealed that all his famous on-screen bumping was set up for the cameras! In the videos, and over the entire website, Tim and the Bruce team show how to avoid those bumps. Fun to watch, the videos and website offer a really useful guide to skilful and safe boating.

Over the winter the website has been upgraded by Patrick Titman and a small team to be of value to trainers, new volunteers, crew refresher training, EST’s and anyone eager to improve their skills to CCBM or MCA standard*.

So – please bookmark this page: https://study.katrust.org.uk/volunteers and have a look. If you have any ideas to improve the site, please e-mail Jen Furmage, via bookings@katrust.org.uk Martin Rubach branches. We filmed over five days and Martin spent a day with Tim West to film all the linking sections

* EST: Essential Safety Training CCBM: Certificate in Community Boat Management MCA: Maritime & Coastguard Agency 19

SIR FRANK PRICE REMEMBERED It is sad to report the passing of Sir Frank Price in hospital near his home in Spain on December 30th 2017 aged 95. Sir Frank, the longest serving Chair of the British Waterways Board from 1968 to 1984, is credited with being a major force in the renaissance of the inland waterway network. The photograph taken 1st July 1984 shows Sir Frank at the front of the boat, the day after his retirement from BWB. Behind him is Sir Hugh Stockwell, President of the KACT next to Sir William O’Brian, chair of the KACT on board the ‘Lady Lena’ owned and restored by the son of Sir John Knill, re-opening Dundas Aqueduct. With Sir Frank a unique partnership was born between a Government Agency, the ‘British Waterways Board’ and a charitable organisation, ‘The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’ which enabled the restoration of our beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal. Sir Frank (Francis) at the invitation of Sir William O’Brian became a Vice President of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust on 1st July 1984. Elaine Kirby, Trust Archivist Photo: from the Archive

WELCOME TO NEW KACT TRUST MEMBERS Mr & Mrs Siggers

Devizes

Mr & Mrs Girling

Bradford on Avon

Martin & Liz Hollis Bradford on Avon

Mr & Mrs Parsons

Crofton

R Peachey &

Simon Gold & Tamsin Puddephatt

Reading

Newbury

J Fageant Mr & Mrs Still

Newbury

Contemplation on the Kenavon Photo: Simon Eveleigh

Iced up 20

Photo: Vicki Messam

NEWBURY NEWS Newbury Branch AGM The Newbury Branch AGM will take place on Thursday 26th April starting at 7.30pm in the Stone Building, Newbury Wharf. Following the AGM, an illustrated talk ‘Hapless in Holland’ will be given by Trust Chairman Rob Dean. The talk is based on several years boating by Rob in the Netherlands. This promises to be a friendly, fun evening so please do come along; you don’t have to be a member to attend. ******************************** ‘Reach for the Skies’ at the Newbury Waterways Festival The Newbury Waterways Festival is a few weeks earlier than usual this year.

It will be held on Sunday 8th July with boaters arriving from Friday 6th. The Festival has a brand-new organising committee headed by Newbury Branch Chair Trevor Staig and it looks set to be another excellent weekend. Booking forms for boaters have already gone out but if you haven’t had one you can

download it from the Trust website (www.katrust.org.uk/events). Do come with or without your boat! This year’s theme is ‘Reach for the Skies’, to mark the centenary of the RAF. We welcome ‘The Crofton Stokers’ to entertain us. A favourite at Crofton Beam Engines, they play a great mix of traditional and original folk and blues. They will be at both the Festival on Sunday and at the boater’s party on Saturday evening. Be prepared to sing along! The festival boater’s party is for members, friends, and family as well as for boaters. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage you to come and join us. The party will take place in Victoria Park from 7pm on Saturday 7th July and tickets are £5. Contact Julie for more information (juliedean@btinternet.com). As usual, Jubilee will be running extra boat trips and there will be plenty of activities for the whole family. Stalls of all types will fill Victoria Park including the Kennet & Avon Brewery with their popular beer tent. Put the date in the diary, come along, admire the boats, and enjoy the day – Sunday 6th July, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

this with training, recruiting and maintenance in readiness for the new season. Jubilee starts her trips on Easter Monday 2nd April and is looking forward to another successful year. We had such fun with our Santa trips, taking 435 passengers which included 211 children to meet Santa. Not bad for a 29 seater!!

Jubilee arriving at the Wharf Julie Dean Newbury

******************************* Jubilee’s new season The Jubilee crew will have had a busy few months before you read

Jubilee en route to Crofton Photo: Simon Eveleigh

BRUCE TRUST REACHES 30 YEARS OLD Now the Bruce Branch is proudly part of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust it is good to look back and remember where we have come from and to confirm that the founders, David and Louise Bruce, will maintain the Bruce Trust as a grant giving charity.

featured on the BBC ‘Songs of Praise’ programme and was seen by a couple selling a boat which they operated on the Thames for disabled people. It was purchased and renamed Rachel: a family sized boat sleeping up to 6 people.

The Bruce Trust was formed in 1988 by David and Louise Bruce following the sale of Bruce’s Brewery and the chain of Firkin Pubs in London. They were intrigued with the possibility of offering disabled, disadvantaged or elderly people the opportunity to enjoy self- catering holidays on the Kennet and Avon Canal. At that time the canal was in the process of being prepared for reopening by H.M. The Queen but there were no facilities to enable people with impairments to enjoy canal cruising holidays.

Continuing demand, helped by links to Rotary and other organisations who would themselves hire and provide day trips and holidays, led to the appeal and fundraising for Diana. This boat, launched in 1998 and sleeping up to 10 people, was named in memory of Diana, The Princess of Wales.

Having carried out considerable research into the existing facilities for disabled, disadvantaged or elderly people on other inland waterways, David and Louise invested over £ 80,000 into building a specially designed, purpose built, 12- berth boat, named Rebecca. Due to extraordinary market demand during her first two seasons, an appeal was launched in January 1991 to fund the development of more boats. Over 500 donations from £2.00 to £10,000 were received enabling The Hannah to be designed and built. Both boats were soon fully booked and fund raising continued for a third boat. The Trust was briefly

By the end of the 2007 season it was necessary to replace Rachel as she was at the end of her serviceable life. £150,000 was raised and the new purpose built 6- berth boat was launched in August 2009 and was also called Rachel. Bringing us up to date, in the spring of 2014, Rebecca was fully professionally refitted to produce a lighter interior and provide a fully electric ‘hospital bed’ to cater for the more seriously disabled. The Bruce Trust was developed under the management of Danese and Steve Rudd and the tremendous band of volunteers, many of whom still turn out for duty! Rebecca Bruce took over the manager role from Danese and now she remains very much part of the Bruce Trust. There is always change and we, the Bruce 22

Branch committee and current band of volunteers are very proud to be continuing and building on the vision and energy shown by the Bruce family as part of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. The four current boats were very generously gifted by the Bruce Trust to the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust on 3 October 2017 to be managed by the Bruce Branch. There has been a steep learning curve, which continues for the Bruce Branch members who now manage the operation day to day. There has been much help and guidance from Rob Dean, Chairman of the KACT and a warm welcome from the office team and other members of the KACT. It is 30 years since the formation of the Bruce Trust and the 29th season of boat operation is about to start. This is a great milestone and over 20,500 disabled, disadvantaged or elderly people have enjoyed holidays or trips on the purpose- built Bruce boats. We look forward to helming through the next 30 years and for the benefit of our clients. We are always looking for like- minded volunteers to join us on Friday or Saturday mornings for a couple of hours and to help crew client day trips. If you would like to know more please do contact Elaine Willman: elaine@willgood.co.uk or call the Devizes office team and we will be in touch with you. Paul Eames, Chair, Bruce Branch

David, Louise and Rebecca Bruce being recognised by Bruce Branch members in 2017

Be a part of the Kennet & Avon story Discovering photographic treasures of the canal

We want you to rustle through your

Our knowledge of the canal is al-

The Locks, Bath Road, Devizes,

drawers, feel down the back of your

ways growing, but we still have

SN10 1QR with a return address so

sofas, check through the forgotten

many gaps.

that we can scan or save them and

boxes in your loft and bring us any

You can email your digital images

return them to you.

old photos you find of the Kennet &

(hi res preferably) or send them via

You can pass prints, CDs, or memory

Avon Canal, not forgetting the build-

“WeTransfer”

sticks to our towpath fundraisers,

ings and landscapes connected to it.

to archiveadmin@katrust.org.uk

with a return address, or drop them

Through our ‘Then and Now Pro-

You can post the original prints,

into the office at the above address.

ject’ we hope to piece together the

CDs or memory sticks containing

As the project evolves we will look

puzzle of our wonderful waterway.

digital photos to Caroline Robson,

at ways of using the images to create a more enriching experience for all of us who visit and live along this magnificent waterway. This is a partnership project between Canal & River Trust and Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Archive. Photo: New Lock gates delivery above Newbury Lock 1946 Credit: John Gould, KACT Archive Sue Litherland, CRT

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust has nine boats in its fleet – four trip boats, four holiday boats for disabled, disadvantaged or elderly people (the Bruce boats) and one community narrowboat. Most people see them on the canal – as a passenger, crew member or member of the public – wending their way slowly along our beautiful waterway and probably think nothing about the effort required to maintain them.

cold, wet, windy weather. Nobody sees them. They are the unsung heroes of our fleet. Our boats are quite old. One of the issues that this raises is the lack of spare parts. It isn’t possible to take the boat into a garage and expect them to replace a worn-out part the same day. Perhaps the part isn’t manufactured any more. Perhaps the fixings don’t fit the nearest replacement that can be found. Our engineers have to use their technical knowledge and a good deal of ingenuity to solve the myriad of problems that they encounter.

Of course, it isn’t just the boats that are regulated. Our trip boat skippers are MCA licenced Boatmasters. A Boatmaster will have had some years of experience and then specific training leading to an exam. They all are holders of First Aid certificates and have been through specialised water safety and fire safety courses.

Tony Wray, Bradford on Avon Skipper, working in the dry dock Just like your own car, boats require maintenance or they eventually break down. With boats, a breakdown can be a bit more inconvenient – you can’t push start a boat! The AA/RAC/Green Flag type services just don’t exist for canal boats and therefore we have to handle this ourselves, through a group of dedicated volunteer boat engineers. These people put in many hours of work to keep our boats running – normally having to do major work outside of the main season, which means working in the

passengers and therefore are regulated under the Small Passenger Boat Code. This isn’t a boat code for small passengers! It governs passenger boats that carry up to 12 passengers plus crew. The four trip boats operate under license from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This is a lot more onerous and requires annual inspections by the MCA, interim inspections by the K&A, approval of lots of procedures and documentation and compliance with many rules and regulations. We even have to take the boats out of the water for inspection of the hull.

Andy & Chris, Bradford on Avon But it isn’t just the engineering that we need to attend to. Just like your car, it needs insurance and various certificates of conformity. We have two general regimes to comply with and our Boat Managers ensure that we have all the boxes ticked and safe working practices in place. The Bruce boats and the community narrowboat do not take more than 12 24

Skippers updating 1st Aid certificates It doesn’t end there as they have to

pass regular medical checks to make sure that they continue to be fit enough for the role.

The boats licensed under the Small Passenger Boat Code are skippered by people who have passed the Certificate in Community Boat Management (CCBM). This allows them to skipper boats with up to 12 passengers and is awarded after a course of specific training, having already gained experience as crew. Each boat has a Training Manager, whose job is to make sure that other crew are trained, which is achieved partially on training trips and partially on the job, to ensure that they are competent to perform their role on our boats. This can lead to recognition as Senior Crew (called Helm on the Rose, Jubilee and Kenavon Venture and called Mate on the Barbara McLellan). Senior Crew are expected to be able to handle their boat under normal conditions. Skippers are expected to be able to handle their boat under all conditions.

A GOOD READ Voyaging the World’s Civil Engineering Wonders Examples of enduring feats of civil engineering endeavour can be seen around the world’s seas and waterways, from the SS Great Britain to the Panama Canal. In this beautifully illustrated book, John Laverick offers an insight into the intriguing field of

All crew – including skippers – have to undergo an annual refresher in emergency procedures, which includes rescuing someone from the canal and evacuating the boat in the case of fire. This is normally done out of season – again, in the freezing cold weather!

civil engineering, taking you on a journey that crosses three continents and three centuries, exploring extraordinary achievements including the ambitious restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Published by The History Press 2017

*************************** Idle Women The author, Susan Woolfit, was one of the women operating cargocarrying narrow boats on the canals of the Midlands during WW2. The

“Man overboard!” training on the Barbara MacLellan

everyday life on "the cut" is described, working in what was predominantly a man's world. She talks

To sum up, keeping the fleet of boats operational takes a lot of dedicated people, a lot of time and effort. When you are next on one of the boats, consider the crew. They are certainly there to help you enjoy the trip but they are also there because they love what they are doing.

first-hand about enrolment, first impressions of the boats and crews, a bombing raid on the Regent's Canal, loading at Regent's Canal Dock, being frozen in, and trips to Birming-

Chris Churchouse Boat Manager, Bradford on Avon

ham and Oxford. Published by The Belmont Press 2008

GENTLE GIANT’S IMPACT ON THE K&A On a cold and frosty mid-

man of BAFTA, Simon was per-

Determined and focused, he was

December morning, a group gath-

haps best known for his role in

very much hands-on, not only

ered together in Hens’ Orchard,

bringing British cinema to the

planting

Bradford on Avon to remember

attention of critics and public

alongside a group of local school-

Simon Relph, CBE, and to dedi-

alike during the 1980s and early

children, who would see them

cate a special seat in his memory.

‘90s. He was a huge influence

growing as part of their heritage,

on young writers, directors and

but also pruning and mowing the

producers breaking into the Brit-

orchard, not to mention planting

ish film industry. A larger-than-

Spring bulbs in and around the

life character, with a sonorous

town, bringing colour to Bradford

voice and ready twinkle in his

on Avon for everyone to enjoy.

eye, he was loved and respected by many for his honesty and encouragement.

Amanda Relph with the seat

Simon lived with his wife in Barton Farmhouse, overlooking the canal, until 2015, and was largely responsible for the purchase and