181 The Butty Winter 2007 by Harris Naylor Associates

The K&A Canal’s own magazine

the

Butty Rally on the Canal du Nivernais

Ann of the Marsh a canal woman’s story

No.181 Winter 2007

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A winter walk in Reading Historic K&A Trust archive pictures for sale Ghostly tales of the canal

Working to protect, to enhance and to promote The Kennet & Avon Canal

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the

Butty The magazine for the Kennet & Avon Canal No.181 Winter 2007

Cover photograph: Monkey Bridge in Newbury is being demolished. It is pictured here in last winter’s snow Picture by Stan Green

The Trust and its aims The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust has three separate but complementary objectives: • To protect the newly restored Canal from neglect, abuse and inappropriate developments. • To enhance the Canal, either by the direct application of Trust funds or, more likely, to unlock larger amounts through matched funding. • To promote the Canal as a magnificent national amenity that is freely available for the enjoyment of all. It was The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (through its predecessor organisations) that fought successfully to save the Canal from formal abandonment in the mid-1950s. Through physical effort, innovative fund-raising and persistent political pressure, the Trust led the campaign that resulted in the Canal’s re-opening for through navigation in 1990 and the subsequent £30 million restoration project from 1996 to 2003. The Canal’s infrastructure is now in a condition that will support sustained operations for many decades ahead. The Trust’s membership reflects the wide range of leisure activities – boating, walking, cycling, fishing, pursuit of wildlife and heritage interests – that the public can enjoy along the length of the 87 miles of Canal. Together, we are “The Friends of the Kennet and Avon”.

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Devizes Wharf Couch Lane Devizes Wiltshire SN10 1EB. 01380 721279 01380 727870 (fax) www.katrust.org.uk President Sir Anthony Durant Vice Presidents Sir William Benyon Peter Collins Donald Collinson Michael Corfield Michael Goodenough David Lamb Admiral Sir William O'Brien Philip Ogden Brian Oram Sir Frank Price Prunella Scales Timothy West Company Secretary John Forbes Administrator Mo Crossley administrator@katrust.org.uk

Finance finance@katrust.org.uk Retail Manager retail.manager@katrust.org.uk

Devizes Shop devizes.shop@katrust.org.uk

Hon Treasurer Neil Lethby Hon Civil Engineer Michael Lee

Museum Curator Warren Berry Trust Council John Arthurs David Copley Graeme Dewhirst Peter Dunn Bill Fisher John Forbes Terry Kemp John Kirby Neil Lethby John Maciver Brian Poulton Adrian Softley Butty Editor Di Harris Pear Tree Studio High Street, Urchfont Devizes SN10 4QH 01380 840584 07711 367124 di@thebutty.co.uk Butty Editorial, Design & Layout Bob Naylor 07788 134901 bob@thebutty.co.uk For Advertising Contact Di Harris or Bob Naylor Printers BAS Printers Caxton Road Frome Somerset BA11 1NF 01373 458331 Contributions Articles and photographs are

welcome. Please contact the Editor to discuss your ideas before submitting them. Whilst every care is taken with all material submitted, neither the Editor nor the publisher can take responsibility for loss or damage. Disclaimer Views expressed in The Butty are not necessarily those of the Editor nor of the Trust. Registered Charity The Trust is a registered charity (No CC209206) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No 726331) at the above address. The Butty is published by The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust of the same address. Data Protection Act The Trust is registered under the Data Protection Act 1984, reference SO46307X. Subject access requests should be directed to the Trust office in Devizes. Copy deadline for The Butty No 182, Spring 2008 18th January 2008

contents 5

11 pages of K&A news

K&A ghosts

Run-up to K&A 200th anniversary

An American researcher follows the trail of an ancient horse brass

Historic K&A archive pictures

Nivernais Rally

A winter walk in Reading

Plus regular features 15 Wilts & Berks news, 16 Cotswold Canals, 17 BW Briefing, 26 Page for younger readers, 27 Reviews, 29 Branch reports, 35 Safety & Engineering, 36 Letters to the Editor, 38 What’s on and Unclassified ads, 39 Caption competition

NEWS No.181 Winter 2007

Changing places and faces at the Trust by Bob Naylor

contribution will be remembered as will that of the other officers. "There are now twelve Trustees and we are working to re-appraise the roles and responsibilities of the Chairman and other Trust officers and build in a business plan for the future. "When those roles and responsibilities have been defined we can then recruit the right people for the jobs — in the meantime the day to day running of the Trust is being carried out by a management committee and it is business as usual." He continued, "This is an opportunity for the Trust to look again at what we do and to work in partnership with other organisations such as British Waterways to get the best for our canal." John Forbes, the Trust’s new Company Secretary, said “Trust Council recognises Brian’s work and his achievements during his 4 years as Chairman of Trust Council. This follows his many years actively working for the good of the K&A Canal — both as a member of Trust Council and on the committee of Devizes Branch. “During his time as Trust Chairman there have been numerous positive

Picture by Bob Naylor

isagreements among the Board of Trustees of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust have led to major changes at the top of the organisation. There have been differences of opinion about the running and future direction of the Trust for some time and Director of Communications,Terry Kemp said, "Despite every effort to resolve differences the majority of the elected trustees remained unhappy". An extraordinary meeting was called at which a vote of no confidence in the chairman, Brian Poulton, was overwhelmingly carried. This led to the resignation of other Trust Council officers, namely the Trust Company Secretary Fleur de Rhé Philipe, the Vice Chairman, Mike Lee, the Treasurer, David Lindop and the Chairman of the Bath and Bristol Branch, Mike Davis. Although Mike Lee is no longer a Trustee he remains as the Trust Hon Engineer and an adviser to Trust Council. Terry Kemp said, "In any organisation there will be differences of opinion about the way it is run and this is not first time in the K&A Canal Trust's 50 or so years’ history that this has happened. “Brian has worked tirelessly for the canal and his

Trust President, Sir Anthony Durant, left and former Chairman, Brian Poulton at the recent Crofton 200th anniversary celebrations.

achievements and The Butty has chronicled them down the years”. Outgoing Chairman, Brian Poulton expressed his thanks and gratitude to staff, active volunteers and Trust members saying, “Without their support and generosity during my years as Chairman the Trust’s successes would and could not have been possible. “Together we have brought

the Trust through its transitional phase and we were building a post-restoration organisation with a new set of objectives.” “I had hoped to be able to lead the Trust through to the 200th anniversary celebrations in 2010 before stepping aside but that is not to be. “It is currently my intention to remain on Trust Council to continue working for the benefit of the Canal and of the K&A Canal Trust.”

New Trust Treasurer eil Lethby, who is Managing Director of Granary Ventures Ltd, has been appointed as the new Treasurer of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. Neil lives close to the derelict Somerset Coal Canal and so he recognises the huge achievement the restoration and re-opening of the K&A Canal was — and the part that the K&A Canal Trust members played in it. He is eager to get to know the waterway that the Trust is working to

Picture by Bob Naylor

protect, enhance and promote and he plans to cycle the length of the canal to see it at first hand. Neil has many years of experience with large and small companies and he has specialist skills in early-stage funding. The K&A Canal Trust is a charity and funding is crucial to the charity fulfiling it’s responsibilities so Neil’s experience will be invaluable as the Trust moves forwards towards the 200th anniversary of the K&A Canal in 2010.

NEWS No.181 Winter 2007

Looking forward he autumn has been a busy time for all of the Trust Council and especially for the Executive Management Committee who have been establishing the true financial position of both the Trust and its trading arm. Meetings have been held with the Trust’s accountants, solicitors, the Charity Commission and BW. There is now a clearer understanding of the current position, which is allowing plans to be put in place to turn the Trust’s fortunes around. • Communication New communication systems have been set up, including an email group to allow Trust Council to share files and information. Conference calls now make more frequent virtual meetings possible so that decisions can be made quickly and easily with the knowledge of the full Council. The aim is for improved communication throughout the whole of the Trust and staff and volunteer meetings are now taking place. • Trustee training A programme of trustee induction and training has begun and a trustee away day is in the diary for December, which will include an element of future planning and the start of a strategic plan. • Conservation Conservation plans for Crofton, Claverton and the Museum are being drawn up so that funding needs can be identified. The Trust museum is recognised as one of the best small museums – it compares well with other waterways museums but its accreditation

is at risk if it has no permanent home. The lease has expired on the Devizes Wharf Building and discussions with the landlords are taking place — along with investigating other options. Access to Claverton is a problem and discussions are taking place with BW and others about ways to improve this. • Land Legacy A piece of land at Wash House Lock on the Widcomb flight in Bath, a long-neglected Trust legacy, has now been registered. After discussions with the local authority and a valuation of the land, decisions can be made about its future. • Volunteer accreditation Volunteer accreditation is essential if we are to work on the canal and steps are being taken to achieve the British Waterways Self Supervising Volunteer status achieved by our neighbours on the Cotswold Canals earlier this year. Once this has been achieved the Trust can get to work on projects such as removing the 3:1 paddle gearing. Then, getting back to basics, looking at certain maintenance jobs, grass cutting and tree-lopping — possibly on a contract basis. • Trust resources The Trust’s biggest resource is our group of supporters — members, volunteers, staff, President and Vice Presidents. To do the best for the canal, the Trust must raise its profile generally, in the community and also in the political sphere. As we move forward into 2008 we fully expect the Trust’s fortunes to improve.

K&A Canal Trust Enterprise Ltd he message at the end of 2007 is that Enterprise must stabilise the revenue stream. All the boats have done well, but our retail outlets have not performed as expected – and not only because of the bad weather this season. We have to plan carefully for next year’s trading. We are looking at what stock we carry and the profit margins we are

making. And once we have those essentials right, we need to encourage people to come and spend their money with us. We have something special to offer – we must let people know. We have a terrific family of volunteers. At a management level we need to work smarter so that all their hard work produces the revenue we know it should do.

K&A Canal Trust Council members Trust Council now has twelve Trustees with Harry Wills as an observer representing Crofton Branch. Advisors to Trust Council are: Mike Lee, Hon Engineer, Ben Woodman, Health and Safety, Warren Berry, Museum Curator, John Weller, IT, Di Harris, The Butty Editor and Mo Crossley, Trust Administrator.

John Arthurs

David Copley

Newbury Branch

Reading Branch

Graeme Dewhirst

Peter Dunn

Hungerford Branch

Claverton and Bath & Bristol Branch

Bill Fisher

John Forbes

K&A Trade Association

Company Secretary

Terry Kemp Director of Heritage & Communications

John Kirby Membership & Marketing Director

Neil Lethby

John Maciver

Treasurer

West Wilts Branch

Brian Poulton

Adrian Softley Devizes Branch Acting MD Enterprise

The executive management committee handling the day to day running of the Trust are Bill Fisher, John Forbes, Terry Kemp, Neil Lethby and Adrian Softley

Trustee and director resignations Mike Lee Mike was on Trust Council for 16 years and the Trust Vice Chairman for the last 4 years. Although Mike has resigned from Trust Council he continues as the Trust Hon Engineer.

David Lindop David is a relatively new member of the Trust. He became Treasurer last year and soon identified problems in the Trust’s financial management. He worked hard to improve the Trust finances.

John Shaw has stood down as Director of Boats on the Board of Enterprise.

Fleur de Rhé Philipe Fleur has been involved with the Trust since 1992 when she was appointed Trust Administrator. After retiring in 2003, she retained the voluntary role of Company Secretary and was proposed for co-option to become a Trustee by Brian Poulton in 2005. Fleur was also Company Secretary of Enterprise.

Michael Davis Michael has been on Trust Council for 10 years representing Bath & Bristol Branch of which he was also Chairman. He was also on the Board of Enterprise

the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

Sinking drama at Keynsham Lock Pictures by Bob Naylor

Mark Daniels stands by as the pumps finally raise his boat

boat owner’s determination not to block the navigation when his boat started to take on water as he was passing through Keynsham Lock led to a twoweek nightmare as he tried to re-float the vessel with the help of friends. Mark Daniels was on his 40ft narrowboat, Pericles and

sharing the the lock with another boat. He realised the boat was taking on water and was likely to sink so he got the boat out of the lock and on to the lock approach moorings. He tried to bail out the boat but she sank and settled on the bottom. British Waterways and the

Fire Brigade said they were unable to pump out the stricken vessel and there she stayed for two weeks as Mark tried to raise his boat. Eventually using four

powerful pumps they managed to raise the boat and it is now ashore being refitted but the cause of the sinking remains a mystery.

BW hard-line on mooring abuse

ourt cases against two boaters on the K&A have resulted in injunctions being served on them. Both injunctions have been suspended, one because the owner had repaired a longstanding engine problem and moved the boat and the other when the owner paid his licence. BW were awarded costs in both cases. These court cases were part of a campaign by BW staff on the K&A to deal with mooring abuse and licence evasion. BW SW General Manager Ian Jarvis said, “These judgements

back up the mooring guidance published by BW. We only take cases to court when we are sure of winning.” Since August, 92 letters have been sent to boat owners and two thirds have made an attempt to move and stay within the spirit of the guidelines. The campaign continues and a second batch of letters is being sent out, focussing on mooring abuse hot spots. BW locally are assessing a pilot scheme in the SE where a private security company patrol the waterways.

Picture by British Waterways

The cruiser, Xanadu being craned out at Devizes Wharf by BW

the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

BW Heritage day on Bradford Wharf

network visited more than 300 million times every year. British Waterways Heritage Advisor, Simon Loaring said, “Our local waterways tell a fantastic story of our nation’s history. This event at Bradford on Avon is a chance for people to see how and where skills used hundreds of years ago on the canals are still used today. “Weathered stone showing signs of towing lines, mileposts constructed using rival railway companies’ materials and literally thousands of locks, bridges and tunnels each hold a story of their own charting the UK’s industrial past.”

Monkey Bridge — the beginning of the end

Picture by Bob Naylor

radford on Avon based stonemasons, Rocket Masonry were on hand to demonstrate their skills during the Heritage Awareness Day on Bradford on Avon Wharf in September. British Waterways owns 3,000 Listed Structures in the country and they are responsible for maintaining these examples of industrial heritage and engineering feats for the benefit all. This not only requires the use of traditional techniques and materials, it also takes specialist engineering knowledge to care for aspects of a waterway

Youth Division plaque replaced

Picture by Bob Naylor

wo years after Brian House raised a question at the Trust’s AGM, the plaque has finally been replaced on Lock 29, the Youth Division Lock. It was named to celebrate the restoration work carried out by the Youth Division. Brian was there at the original naming ceremony, but had been dismayed to see that

Picture by Bob Naylor

T lant and machinery is on site at Northcroft in Newbury to begin the building of a new bridge. This will replace Monkey

Bridge, the existing Victorian iron structure. The new bridge will provide better access for wheelchairs, pushchairs and cyclists.

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the plaque had been taken down. The disappearance was eventually explained when the plaque was found in the BW depot — after pressure from Trust members it was replaced and it reminds visitors of the enormous contribution the Youth Division made to the Caen Hill Flight as we know it today.

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the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

Burbage crane progress

BW dishonesty condoned by Ombudsman says canalside home owner he owner of a house beside the canal in Devizes has accused British Waterways of corporate dishonesty and slammed the Waterways Ombudsman, Hilary Bainbridge, for condoning their actions after she upheld a decision by British Waterways to refuse to allow continuation of an existing mooring on the non-towpath side of the Kennet & Avon Canal in Devizes. When Bill Butterworth bought his house there was an existing mooring agreement with BW but they have refused to continue it. In refusing Mr Butterworth a continuation of the existing mooring British Waterways argued that it contravened the policy insisted on by the funders who paid for the dredging of the canal to open it out again a few years ago. Mr Butterworth said, “The policy is quite clear, there is a

Picture by Rob Coles

Andrew Wheeler, Chris Wheeler, Colin Fraylin (Hawker Joinery), Pete Dunn, John Webb (IWA), Jenny Fennel, Bill Brown.

epresentatives from the Trust, Inland Waterways Association, Wheeler Construction and Hawker Joinery — all partners in the Burbage Crane Project — gathered at Claverton in August for the Official Launch of the construction stages. The occasion also saw the

recognition of the donations of Jenny Fennel and Bill Brown (£1500 between them) and £860 from four other sources who did not wish to be named. Two plaques were unveiled on the gantry — one to the late Tom Fennel and the other to Bill Brown, both long standing Trust members.

presumption against new moorings on the side of the canal opposite the towpath, but I have a copy of the end of garden mooring granted by BW to the previous owner of my house — so it is not a new mooring.” He took his complaint through the BW Corporate Complaints procedure, and, finally, to the Waterways Ombudsman, Hilary Bainbridge who found in favour of BW. Mr Butterworth concluded, “She actively supported corporate dishonesty. This is not just about BW and a misguided Ombudsman, it about the loss of professional standards in our society on a much wider basis and too many ordinary people are affected by it. More than a few are getting a bit fed up with it. It is about time that the great British establishment put its house in order."

BW not deterred by parking meter vandals

“Most people are very happy to make this small contribution to the upkeep of the waterways and it’s a great shame that the amount we have left to spend on improvements is diminished by having to replace broken or stolen equipment”. BW press officer, Lucy Poulton said, “British Waterways takes this kind of criminal damage very seriously and is working closely with the police to catch the culprits and any information about who may be responsible for this vandalism will be gratefully received. BW will plow income from the car parking back into maintenance of the car parks and towpaths and they are currently working on a proposal for a major upgrade of the car park at Great Bedwyn. This will include a picnic site, interpretation boards and a tree planting scheme.

Pictures by Bob Naylor

andals struck at the new BW pay and display ticket machines in isolated canalside car parks within days of their installation. All Cannings in the Pewsey Vale was the first victim, followed shortly afterwards by the meter at Tyle Mill near Sulhamstead. Both machines were uprooted and the solar panel and the display smashed on the All Cannings machine. The scheme has now run for almost a full season and British Waterways say that it has been very successful with very few complaints and with, until recently, no vandalism on the K&A Canal. Susie Mercer, who manages the car parking project, said “It’s a real shame that someone has decided to vandalise our equipment in this way, but these incidents will not force us into abandoning the scheme.

the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

High and dry in Bath Weston Cut by Bob Naylor

Picture by Jim Roberts oats on the River Avon in Bath went aground and others boats were left hanging on their mooring ropes and had to be cut free after a serious failure of automated water control equipment in October. The remote telemetry system controlling the weir at Weston Lock in Bath is designed to control the level of river water automatically, but as Mike Dunning of the Environment Agency said, “The device thought the water level was much higher than it was and opened the gates so there was quite a rapid and dramatic drop.” Pictured above is the boat hired by Brian Slinger. from Alvechurch Boats at Hilperton to cruise to Bristol.

Foxhangers Marine

He and his daughter, Fiona and Grandson, Robert, 14, found their plans suddenly changed when the river disappeared from under them. “We had a holiday on the eastern end of the canal last year, but this was our first time on this part of the canal”, said Brian. “When we joined the river it seemed to be quite low and when we turned into it the current seemed to be very strong. “We thought it very funny to see a sign saying ‘restricted headroom’ as we swept under a bridge with about 20 feet of clearance. “The guide books warned us to beware because the lock cuts are not well signposted and I realised in a fast flowing

river to get anywhere near a weir is a very dangerous thing to do. “When we got to this little stream that was called ‘The Lock Cut’ the water was running out of it. “There was a bank of mud on either side of this tiny little stream and we made what at the time seemed to be a silly decision — but was actually a very sensible one. “We turned into it and we got firmly stuck by the bow and there we sat”. “An onlooker on the nearby industrial estate called the Environment Agency. Someone came and explained what was happening and the fire brigade came and were on standby to take us off if necessary.” Brian said, “Almost

immediately after the EA man arrived the river stopped flowing and we could see that the level was coming up again. “We just sat it out for a couple of hours until we gently floated off. “Although we had intended to cruise to Bristol we thought that in the circumstances we would turn back and so we headed back upstream to Bath and back to the safety of the canal.” After going up three locks it was getting dark so they moored up and spent the night in the lock pound”. Brian concluded, “We have been on canal boating holidays all over the country and this is the most eventful we have had — we are very glad that it was no more dramatic than it was.”

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the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

Nappy Appeal

Somerset Coal Canal

Boater and dog escape inferno hen his GRP cruiser, burst into flames in the early hours of the morning a boater had to break a window to save himself and his dog. Confronted by the blaze and with his dog Beany trapped in the cabin Steve Davey had no choice but break out of one of the windows — seriously cutting himself in the process. When the fire brigade arrived at the fire on ‘The Two of Diamonds’, moored in a remote part of the canal near near Hardings Bridge between Claverton and Bathampton, the boat was burnt down to the waterline. Steve was taken to Bath

Royal United Hospital and kept in for several days. It is believed that the fire started when Steve disconnected a crocodile clip connection on a battery that was running the boat’s lighting and a spark ignited petrol vapour from the outboard motor’s fuel can. Other boat owners in the area did what they could to save his possessions before the boat sank. He was left with no clothes so a clothing collection was made ready for his release from hospital and boaters band, the Soap Dodgers, played a benefit gig at at The George Inn at Bathampton.

Picture by Bob Naylor

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are looking for a boating family who use Real Nappies — or would consider using them for a trial period. The Real Nappy Campaign is part of a strategy to encourage people to reduce their waste. But are there particular problems of living on a boat that influences the choice of nappies? If you live or take holidays on a boat in Wiltshire with a child under about 2 years old, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust would like to hear from you. Contact the Real Nappies Project Manager on 01380 725670.

All that remains of the GRP cruiser after the fire near Bathampton

Crofton season end steam event

An award of £20,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to the Somerset Coal Canal Society will fund a technical study on one of the locks at Combe Hay.

Eugene Baston, BW’s highly respected External Relations Manager, left BW earlier in the Autumn. The new contact for corporate level complaints about British Waterways is Jonathan Bryant, Head of Customer Service. Contact him at Watford or

Pictures by Bob Naylor

New contact for BW complaints

he last steaming of the season at Crofton was celebrated with a steam

fair. Steam engines of all sizes, a

steam launch and vintage cars and motor bikes were on display to delighted visitors. There are plans to hold similar events next year.

jonathan.bryant@britishwaterways.co.uk

Skiff appeal

Picture by Laurie Jones

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race veteran, Brian Walters, is planning a charity raising trip to re-live the adventures of Three Men in a Boat and take a skiff from Devizes to the Thames. Brian, who cycled from Westminster to Devizes last Easter to raise money for Cancer Research, is only missing one thing — a skiff. If you have a skiff that you would be happy to lend Brian and his crew, then please contact the Butty on 01380 840584 or mail@thebutty.co.uk

K&A Canal towpath a favourite route for charity walkers

Richard Phelps from Frome, Somerset has Dyspraxia. He walked along the K&A between 8th and 17th May, raising almost £700 for Voices Against Cholera, a Frome based fundraising organisation associated with the International Red Cross.

Richard and Margaret Bush of Devizes walked from London to Devizes to raise money for a prostate cancer charity. Their journey included an unplanned trip to hospital for Margaret who damaged her ankle on the way. They raised £2150.

the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

Avoncliff hat find mystery solved hile walking by the side of the canal at Avoncliff, Clare Pugh from Bradford on Avon and her son Flynn were surprised to find a bundle of old clothes and hats lying on the bank. Intrigued to find out more about them she took them along to a Finds Day at Bradford on Avon Museum. Tracey Williams, who helped organise the Finds Day, contacted various museums and experts and carried out extensive research on the internet to discover their origin. The find included felt hats, shoes, leather gloves, metal and bone buttons, collars and cuffs. The hats appear to be late 19th century workers’ hats. Other items may be early 20th century and some older. At first it was thought that the clothes could have been relics from the poor house at Avoncliff. It was also suggested that they belonged to workers on the canal or had been dumped overboard from a boat — but there were far too many

Picture by Bob Naylor

Bradford on Avon Museum honorary trustee, Tracey Williams, left and Clare Pugh with some of the buried hats

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items to have come from a boat. After appealing for help in the local newspaper to solve the mystery, Tracey came to the conclusion that the hoard was landfill waste from a flocking mill. Roger Clark, honorary curator of Bradford on Avon Museum said, “The mill on the Westwood side at Avoncliff had been converted to producing flock — shredded fibres — at some time before 1867 and the mill on the Winsley side also became a flock-mill in 1881. The industry continued at Avoncliff until the start of the Second World War. “Of course, they were shredding old clothing that must originally have been collected by the rag-and-bone men, or totters, that were a common sight on the streets. The piles of stuff that has turned up must be what was unused at the time of the mills' closing, or perhaps material that was rejected as being unsuitable — such as hats and leather goods.” The museum intends to have a special exhibition of the finds.

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the

Butty NEWS

No.181 Winter 2007

Hungerford marina delays

Second Bath Flight sinking

The marina planned for the old pig farm site beside the A4 will not be completed before Autumn 2008 at the earliest. Peter Davies of the Developers, St Modwens, said, “We are still in negotiations with a marina operator and when these are concluded the construction will take more than 40 weeks”. The 5-week stoppage of the canal from November 5th this year has now been cancelled.

ix people escaped without injury when their hire boat sank after being caught on the cill of a lock in the Bath Flight late October. Two of the crew were thrown into the water and taken to hospital as a precaution. This accident follows the sinking of another hireboat — in Bath top lock — reported in the last issue of The Butty. The 62ft narrowboat had been hired from Anglo Welsh Waterways Holidays at Sydney Wharf Bath and the crew had been through three locks before they came to grief at Wash House Lock. Access to this lock is difficult and the canal was closed for four days until BW were able to get two cranes on site to refloat the vessel safely. BW SW General Manager, Ian Jarvis, said, "Narrowboats should be tied when opening the paddles to stop the boat from moving around and keep the boat away from the cill. “These boaters were not novices — this accident demonstrates that the person on the tiller must be vigilant at all times.”

Newbury Boat Company sell Lock Cottage

BW Enews Sign up for a free monthly enewsletter from British Waterways — first name, surname and postcode to boatersupdate@britishwater ways.co.uk.

Boat fire safety checks Wiltshire firemen are continuing with their fire safety checks on boats on the the K&A. Anyone with a boat in Wiltshire can have a free boat fire safety check by ringing Freephone: 0800 389 7849.

Picture by Bob Naylor

Lock Cottage, its moorings, crane yard and dry dock have been sold by The Newbury Boat Company. John and Paul Hutley of All Aboard Marine Services will continue to run the dry dock and provide boat maintenance services and Boat Safety Examinations. Newbury Boat Company have moved their offices to Ham Manor Marina from where Bill and Sue Fisher manage Ham Manor and Greenham Island moorings. The new owners of Lock Cottage are trading as Greenham Lock Marina. Their phone number is 01635 42943.

Strengthening links with the Nivernais by Mike Lee es Amis du Canal du Nivernais are keen to strengthen the link with the K&A following their visit earlier this year, and to this end there are discussions in progress between several of the organisations interested in the canal and the area around the small town of Clamecy; they are asking for the Trust’s views and participation. The proposals include:

Making a Lockkeeper’s house available for use by the Trust and Kintbury residents. This could provide an opportunity for the display of Trust information, art, craft or other displays and could provide, in time, a Gite for use as a holiday let.

Exchange visits to a much wider area than the canal itself. Local participants appear ready to provide accommodation. Organised cultural visits for local schools and other organisations Closer liaison between KACT, BW and the local Nivernais administration (VNF) on technical and management topics.

Nivernais and Yonne area visit in 2008 Les Amis are keen to host a visit to their area in either May, July or September. This can take the form of a

weekend visit, or possibly longer, to the Clamecy area and would include visits to some of the interesting places in this part of Burgundy. We hired a boat for a successful twinning trip last year and a repeat of that — perhaps on a different part of the canal this time — could be possible in September 2008, either “out and back” or one way, starting from one of three possible starting points along the waterway. Travel arrangements will depend on how many people are interested in taking up Les Amis’ offer. If you would like to visit this beautiful area give me a call on 01225 873915 or email mike.margaretlee@btinternet.com

as soon as possible.

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No.181 Winter 2007

Morris dancing on the K&A

Picture by John Shaw

Picture by Kennet Morris Men

addon Hill North West Clog Morris Dancers from Exeter took a trip on the Trust trip boat, Jubilee in June. They travelled from Brassknocker Basin to Bradford on Avon, stopping to perform their traditional dances at the Crossguns at Avoncliff and

outside the Trust Cafe and the Lock Inn at Bradford on Avon, finally ending up outside the Angelfish at Brassknocker Basin on the Somerset Coal Canal. A great day was had by the Dancers and the crew of the Jubilee.

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K&A, dancing at 50 pubs along the way. The were seen off by the Mayor of Bath and 50 pubs later were met by the Mayor of Reading in the Oracle Centre. The hobby horse is pictured pulling one of the boats at Kintbury.

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Auditors to The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust 13

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BW on the move In moves that should save BW £250,000 a year, the BW Head Office from January 2008 will be: 64 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1DA. Craft Licensing has moved to Leeds and changed its name to Boat Licensing. Their address is The Boat Licensing Team, Fearns Wharf, Neptune Street, Leeds, LS9 8PB. All Boat Licensing phone and email enquiries should be directed to the Customer Services Centre in Watford T: 01923 201120

Caen Hill site feasibility study or some time British Waterways have wanted to make more of the Caen Hill site than it does at the moment. The opening of the café was the first stage — bringing the listed cottage back in to use. Two years ago BW began exploring the possibility of building a waterside pub on the site, but this foundered due to planning and access problems. An approach to BW by a

blue chip organisation who want office space in the Devizes area has led them to reconsider development of the site from this perspective. Ian Jarvis of BW said, “We are only at the feasibility stage and it is both necessary and appropriate that we consult further and explore other possible complimentary uses of the site alongside offices. “There are numerous possibilities, and probably a number that we haven’t yet

considered. A successful development though has to respect the adjacent scheduled ancient monument and meet all appropriate planning and building standards whilst providing a generally accepted enhancement to the site. It must also be commercially viable.” Once BW has the initial sketches from the architect they will consult further and provide an opportunity for wider comment.

enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk

More Defra cuts announced As The Butty went to press Defra announced additional problems with their budget which will have an impact on British Waterways’ funding. Initial estimates are that Defra need to make total savings of between £130 million and £270 million. This will effect all the organisations funded by Defra and BW is expected to be seriously affected.

Holburne Museum

ou can save the Trust postage by having your membership renewal reminders sent by email. To sign up for email reminders send an email to administrator@katrust.org.uk from the address you want the reminders sent to. Put ‘Email Reminders’ in the subject line followed by your surname and your membership number — all separated by a hyphen. The subject line would look

like this for someone called Joe Bloggs whose membership number was 7891: Email Reminders – Bloggs – 7891. It is very important that this format is followed exactly as these emails will be read and processed by the computer. If you don’t know your membership number it can be found on the cover sheet which came with this edition of the Butty. Alternatively you can replace the

membership number in the subject line with your postcode, so that it would look like this: Email Reminders – Bloggs – SN99 1ZZ. Not only will you be saving the Trust money, but you’ll be helping the environment by reducing the amount of paper used and transported. What better way to start the New Year!

A postcard from France group of enthusiasts on the Wilts & Berks’ twinned French waterway, the Nante a Brest Canal, are working to restore their canal’s last working barge. When completed it will house a museum so that visitors can learn about the important role the canal played in the prosperity of the region. They barge, ‘Victor’, was recovered from its grave — buried in the banks of the canal and eventually refloated. It was then towed by a rowing boat to its present home at Gouezec near Châteauneufdu-Faou in Finistère, Brittany. Volunteers work on the boat every weekend and every September they have a rally at the site. If you are interested in going to their rally next year contact Di Harris on 01380 840584 or di@thebutty.co.uk

Picture by Bob Naylor

Plans for an interpretation centre and links to the canal at the Holburne Museum, Bath are in the balance after planning permission was refused. The Heritage Lottery Fund has allocated a grant of £5million for this development. The grant offer is being held open until the results of a revised planning application are known. There is considerable support for the project from the area, and also from the Georgian Group and English Heritage and there have been a record number of letters about the scheme, the vast majority of which are supportive. Museum Director, Dr Alexander Sturgis said, “The future of the Museum is in the balance. We are still very committed to creating a link with the K&A, which runs though Sydney Gardens. If all goes well the project will be finished in summer 2010.”

Membership reminders by email

Members of the ‘Victor’ rebuild team, from the left, Jean Victor Grenard, Conan Dan (Treasurer),Tequila Victor the dog, Jo Bizouarn, Tanguy and Loulou Guichard with their mascot Fistoulic

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Wilts & Berks Canal News

Lottery disappointment for Cricklade Country Way project he Big Lottery Fund has rejected the the Cricklade Country Way project bid for capital funding. The team are disappointed but grateful for the development grant that has allowed the project to reach its present stage. Work is continuing to complete the first stage of

project planning and the Partners are starting to implement the scheme. Alternative funding is being sought to complete the project. The first parts of the Cricklade Country Way will be obvious at Mouldon Hill Swindon where work is due to be completed in November and this section of the canal will be

Swindon Central lans to take the Wilts & Berks through Swindon Town Centre taking a new route from Kingshill along Faringdon Road have moved a step with the publication of a report by engineering consultant Halcrow. The proposals for the £50m scheme will be presented to Swindon Borough Council Cabinet in January 2008.

re-watered. The Country Park will start to be built in the next 18 months and a new extension to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway is scheduled to be opened in Spring 2008. For more details of the scheme go to the website at: crickladecountryway.org.uk

Swindon South

he Wilts & Berks Canal Trust took a display to the popular Lacock street fair on Summer Bank Holiday Monday.

Picture by Bob Naylor

Drumming up support for the Trust are, the new chairman of the Chippenham and Melksham Branch of the W&B, Bob Jones, left and the outgoing chairman, Dave Newby, right. Middle are, from left, Linda Howlett, Julie Newby and Bob Howlett.

Melksham link K&A moorings he widebeam section of canal proposed to connect the K&A Canal at Semington to the River Avon in Melksham will provide moorings for the K&A. Following the publication of the Black & Veatch report on the new route the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is developing a scheme to build the new link.

BW South West Region Manager, Ian Jarvis said “British Waterways is working closely with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust to develop the link from the Kennet & Avon Canal to Melksham. We are keen to see the waterway network expanded so that our customers can enjoy even more miles of beautiful canal.”

ork has started on the 2km section of canal at at Wichelstowe in the Swindon Southern Development Area. Construction work has started on building the the first bridge at Westleaze and a new lock will be built next year near the current works at Croft Road.

Lacock Fair membership drive

The first phase of a five-year plan will be half a kilometre of canal and the first of four proposed locks that will take the canal down to the river. W&B Canal Trust Chief Executive, Ken Oliver said, “When the financial aspects of the junction project are fully defined we will start as soon as possible.”

At last — skittles success for Wilts & Berks Trust he Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Melksham, Calne and Chippenham Branch won the annual skittles match against the K&A Canal Trust Devizes Branch at the Cross Keys, Rowde. The match has been won for the last 3 years by the K&A team — but it has to be said that loyalties are often split because many players belong to both organisations. Devizes Chairman, Adrian Softley, left hands over the Trophy to the W&B Branch chairman Rob Jones.

Website refreshed The Wilts & Berks Canal website has been refreshed with more features still to be included – have a look and feel free to comment. www.wbct.org.uk

Restoration Projects ork continues at Lock 4 (Seven Locks) and is now well over 50% completed. The work at Chaddington spill weir (Wootton Bassett) should be completed during the winter and this should allow the section to be re-watered to Chaddington Lock. Steppingstones Lane Bridge at Shrivenham should be completed by summer 2008. The Trust has just signed leases for the canal at Childrey Wharf, and Savernake Brake Shrivenham to allow new projects to be started.

More information Contact: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, 117 High Street, Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU Tel: 0845 226 8567 Mob: 07850 113269 Fax: 0845 094 3653

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Cotswold Canals News Santa’s afloat again at Saul

Cotswold Canals Lottery bid disappointment he Cotswold Canals Partnership has failed in its bid to the Big Lottery’s Living Landmarks fund (BIG) for its project Community Challenge: Designing & Delivering a Living Landmark. The bid, made by British Waterways and Stroud District Council on behalf of the Partnership, sought £19million towards the £24.5million restoration of a four-mile stretch of the Stroudwater Navigation from Stonehouse to Saul Junction. Roger Hanbury, chairman of the Cotswold Canals Partnership, said, “Clearly this is a tremendous disappointment for all the partners and individuals involved in the project to restore the historic waterways which make up the Cotswold Canals. “We will however continue to pursue other funding sources for this fantastic communitybased project and of course we’ll continue work to deliver the first phase of the restoration which is underway and will restore a 6-mile section

of canal between Brimscombe Port in Stroud and Stonehouse. “A huge amount of effort and enthusiasm went into the Living Landmarks application, from volunteers to professionals, and local people to waterway enthusiasts across the country. “I know too that many local people will be hugely disappointed, because their support for the project and its great potential for delivering leisure, wildlife, heritage, education and economic benefits is enormous.” Elizabeth Payne, Chairman of the Cotswold Canals Trust, added, “Although we are disappointed that the bid has been unsuccessful, the huge effort that has gone into the preparation of the bid will provide a firm platform for investigating funding from other sources. “The Trust has been working for 35 years to restore the link between the rivers Thames and Severn and will not let this set back diminish our efforts in any way.”

New Chairman for the Cotswold Canals Trust Liz Payne has been elected as the new chairman of the Cotswold Canals Trust to replace Bruce Hall. Liz and her husband Peter are life members of the Trust. She has been the Deputy

National Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association and a Director of the Wendover Arm Trust. She is, and will continue to be, the IWA representative on the Wilts & Berks Partnership Board.

anta arrived on Sunday, 2nd December, and will be at Saul each weekend until he flies off after the last cruise on Sunday, 23rd December. Cruises start at 10am and run until dusk. Trip Boat Fares are £4.50 per adult and £4.50 per child (to include a present). Santa Claus hands out presents to young passengers taking the 20-minute voyage on the Trust’s weather-proof trip boat, ‘Perseverance’, operating

from the Heritage Centre. Before or after the cruise, adults enjoy a warm mince pie and a non-alcoholic seasonal glass, or a cup of tea or coffee, in the Heritage Centre. The event is signposted from the A38 junction with the B4071 to Frampton. There’s more detail at www.cotswoldcanals.com, including a location map. If further information is required, please telephone 01452 505322 or 07940 566758.

£50,000 for bridge restoration he Waterways Trust, on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Partnership, has secured £50,000 for the restoration of a historic bridge at Oil Mills in Stroud. The funding from Gloucestershire Environmental Trust (GET) will help regenerate this site which includes the sympathetic restoration of a historic bridge. The majority of the bridge’s abutments and wingwalls below road level remain intact and with this funding the Cotswold Canals Partnership will be able to incorporate as much of the remains of the original bridge as possible into the new structure. The project will also involve upgrading the towpath which is currently uneven and overgrown and quickly becomes impassable in muddy wet weather. There are no clear access points so walkers must

climb stiles, negotiate gates and steep inclines. Thanks to the funding from GET, the Partnership will be able to create a new multi-user towpath, with resting points, enabling access to the canal for all. As well as improving access, there will be new signs and the towpath will form part of a trail between Ryeford and Wallbridge. The Oil Mills bridge restoration project is part of the overall canal reconstruction programme which in the Oil Mills area alone will provide 650 metres of open water and involves 315 metres of the channel being dredged and rewatered and 335 metres being created by the removal of a waste infill. Fish and otters in particular will benefit from the changes as the work will link habitats from Ryeford to Ebley.

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British Waterways briefing by Ian Jarvis, BW South West Region Manager t is not for me to comment on the changes in the Trust Council but I would like to place on record BW’s, and my own, sincere appreciation for the contribution and dedicated service, over many years, of those who have recently left the Trust Council. I don’t know the combined number of years service to the Trust of these individuals but I am sure it is a large number.

The ‘Cilling’ season In the past three months we have had two boat sinkings on the Bath flight as a result of craft being caught up on the lock cill — at Locks 13 and most recently Lock 10. Both craft involved were hire boats, though of course this sort of incident could happen to anyone if they fail to show the necessary care and attention when using locks. In both cases there is no question of any structural failure as a cause of the incidents.

Operator error The first was judged to be due to operator error and whilst the second one is currently being investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch all the signs are that this is due to the same cause. Thankfully all those involved escaped without so much as a scratch. Both could have had a far more serious outcome. Locks are not inherently dangerous places to be, but when misused there is every potential for an accident.

Boating safety book & DVD A number of years ago BW and the Environment Agency published “The Boater’s Handbook” which contains a wealth of information for boaters.

This book, which is also downloadable from: www.waterscape.com is issued free of charge to hire companies so that they can supply a copy to all hirers. There is also an accompanying DVD. Together these provide an excellent information source for first time and experienced boaters alike. The challenge now is to ensure that the material is both read and understood by all who seek to enjoy time on the waterways.

Safety signs at locks? We have hitherto resisted the temptation to install signs at every lock warning of the potential danger as we have, with some justification, relied on the high quality published material for new boaters and the experience of others. However, this situation is very much under review now across the country following a summer with a number of such incidents in other areas too. We must though appreciate that the number of incidents (they have been referred to as “cillings”, though I am not sure that this word features in the Oxford Dictionary) is a minute fraction of all boat movements through locks. However, a fatality could have occurred in any or all of these incidents and one fatality would be one too many.

Use ropes in locks We strongly recommend the use of a rope around the lockside bollards to hold a position in the lock chamber. This is especially so on wide locks such as ours on the K&A. Without a rope it is all too easy to drift backwards at the wrong time. I wonder how many boaters would own up to having had a near miss?

2010 Group I am pleased to report that the first meeting of the group that is looking at how we can mark the bicentenary of the K&A in 2010 has taken place. The purpose of the first meeting was to identify 18 different ideas for commemorating the first two hundred years. There were a number of ideas brought to the table and we are now looking at these in some more detail as well as presenting them to other interested parties in a bid to seek support and possibly funding. We will narrow these ideas down over the coming months and settle on a plan early in 2008. We will then make any necessary grant applications and publish the plans to a wider audience.

New BW staff in the region

James Young the new Business Development Manager

In recent weeks I have appointed two new members of my team. James Young has joined us as Business Development Manager. This is a senior management position and is responsible for all of our revenue generating activities, be that from our property estate, boating or other commercial activity. Alison Smith has joined us as the Volunteer Co-ordinator.

She previously worked for BTCV and brings with her a great deal of experience in this area. Volunteers, as you well know, have a great deal to offer but this has to be managed and directed for the benefit of the volunteers and BW. I very much hope that you will meet both James and Alison in the near future and begin to

Alison Smith the new Volunteer Coordinator

see the fruits of their labours.

Broadband hotspots At the risk of filling my inbox even more than it is already, I would like some comments and feedback on the following. In Gloucester Docks and at Saul Junction on the G&S Canal we are installing, at no cost to BW, a wireless broadband hotspot so that boaters and pedestrian users of the waterway can access the internet and email whilst away from home. Is this something that would be valued on the K&A? If so where? The technology is very well established and can be installed without detriment to the environment or appearance of a location. We did not even require listed buildings consent in Gloucester Docks. Comments direct to me please at: ian.jarvis@britishwaterways.co.uk.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and a

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More ghostly tales from the K&A Canal Bertie the Boater by Les Reeves Bertie was a boating man, who sailed the K&A, He would sail to the East in the morning Then return again next day. For a change of scenery to West he would go, Through the lowland country to see the Avon flow.

Lock keepers were his comrades, Inn keepers knew him well, When he was approaching them, He rang on an old ship’s bell. They found his deserted boat one day in a lonely pound, They searched and searched for many a day, But Bertie was never found.

Now at canal-side inns on stormy nights, When the wind blows East or West, The tolling of a lonesome bell is heard, Calling boaters home to rest. Some have said at the midnight hour, A silent boat goes by, And Bertie’s leaning on the tiller, But all that is heard is a sigh.

An eerie prelude to the Devizes to Westminster canoe race n Maundy Thursday in 1979, keen canoeists Keyth and Gillian Musson arrived in Devizes to watch the Devizes to Westminster canoe race. They parked their Land Rover in the Wharf carpark ready to camp in it overnight. After eating their evening meal, they took an early evening stroll around Devizes. Walking through St John’s churchyard they came to a bridge that crosses over the old railway line. Keyth started to walk across, but Gillian took one step onto the bridge and was rooted to the ground.

It was as though she had walked into a brick wall. “It was freezing cold and I was shivering. I thought there was something dreadfully wrong and I couldn’t go on”. Keyth walked back to her and they tried to walk on again, but it was no good. “It was as though some force was pushing against me. No matter how hard I tried I could not make myself cross the bridge.” When they got home they contacted a railway magazine to find out whether there had been a terrible accident on the line there. Apparently not, but it was suggested that she had experienced a premonition of something terrible that would happen in the future. When they later heard the terrible news of shootings in Hungerford in 1987 they thought there could be some connection. They had been very close to the railway tunnel that Michael Ryan had been using for shooting practice before he carried out his massacre. But there is another possibility — the bridge is on the path that led to the old town gallows. How many other people over the years must have desperately resisted crossing over the bridge — terrified of what waited for them on the other side?

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Countdown to 2010 With plans under way to celebrate the bicentenary of the Kennet & Avon Canal in 2010, Di Harris begins a look back at the events that led up to the completion of the canal in 1810 1807 It was now 13 years since the building of the Kennet & Avon Canal had been authorised by the enabling Act of Parliament. The French Revolution had given way to the Napoleonic Wars and Britain had celebrated the success at the Battle of Trafalgar two years before. King George III – the ‘mad king’ – was still on the thrown, London’s Pall Mall was first

illuminated with gaslights and Whig Prime Minister Lord Grenville saw through the total abolition of the British Slave Trade.

What was happening on the K&A Canal? On 10th July a boy named Smith drowned in the new canal near the bridge leading to

Devizes New Park, the same month that navigation became possible between the East end of Devizes and Pewsey. Devizes Corporation had an agreement with the canal company to erect a public Wharf and as this was likely to cost more than the Corporation could afford, the Corporation agreed to make land available which, together with the profits, should be let on a lease not exceeding 60 years

Reservoir for Devizes The enabling Act required the Canal Company make a Reservoir of Water at or near Devizes. As this had not been

completed, the Corporation appointed a Committee to apply to the Canal Company to take steps to ensure its immediate completion. And the Committee also had to consider to what purposes the reservoir would be put.

Share price dropped Money was very tight for the Canal Company and at a meeting of shareholders in Marlborough on 26th August it was reported that only £172,430 of the £200,000 authorised by Parliament had been raised. They needed another £27,570 so the Company decided to reduce the price of shares from £50 to £30.

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www.mp-steelcraft.co.uk 19

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Ann of the Marsh

The rare Ann Newth Facepiece, c.1822, 75x86 mm cast brass. This horse amulet was the first to bear the name of a woman.

Story and pictures by Rolf Augustin Nowhere in the published lore of early 19th century K&A history is there to be found the name of even one woman. Until the late 1830s, it might seem as if women had raised families and toiled along the canal in virtual obscurity. There was, however, one notable exception — her name was Ann Newth. he year was 1805; the date, 28th January; the place, St Bartholomew and All Saints parish church in the rural market town of Wootton Bassett. As the hour arrived, Ann stepped across the narthex on the arm of her father, Walter Taylor. Still days short of her 20th birthday, she must have been keenly aware how fast her young life was changing. The wedding had been hastily arranged.

Within minutes she would become Mrs Richard Newth, and within seven months she would become a mother. During the next twelve years, Ann bore Richard six children: Walter (1805), Hannah (1808), Mary Anne (1810), Thomas (1812), John (1814) and Robert (1817). With a growing family, Richard undoubtedly felt the pressure of his limited prospects as an agricultural labourer in Wootton Bassett. Through the efforts of an

Hilperton Marsh in 1886

influential older brother in Trowbridge, he learned of an exciting job opportunity in the burgeoning coal business. The K&ACC needed a new manager at its coaling station for the Trowbridge area, Hilperton Marsh Wharf. Their offer included equity leasing of a two-storey canalside house. Encouraged by Ann, Richard seized his chance, and in 1813 the aspiring couple followed their star south to Hilperton.

The gruelling job of wharfinger demanded long hours but was well compensated. As K&A coal traffic boomed, Richard prospered. By 1816 he had not only purchased land and two freehold rental dwellings on Staverton Road but also, without neglecting any of his K&ACC duties, acquired his own 70-ft Kennet Barge and tow horse, established a regular carrying service from Dundas Wharf (initially also from Tucking Mill) to Hilperton and started a proprietary wholesale/retail coal business at Marsh Wharf. Then in 1820 — we know not how nor why — aged just 37, he sadly died. Richard’s ability to multi-task and his phenomenal rise to prominence had been attributable in large measure to Ann’s unfailing across-the-board support. From raising their children, to managing the household and adjoining stables, to resolutely directing coal yard activities at Marsh Wharf whenever needed, she had been his Number Two. Confident of her sound judgement and business instincts, he stipulated in his will that Ann should assume sole operating responsibility for the family enterprise until one of their sons might reach the age of 21. Walter, the oldest, was at the time still only 15. It was extraordinary in those times for a woman to be at the forefront of any business, let alone the rough-and-tumble coal trade, for her to hire bargemasters, negotiate and sign contracts, fix schedules, settle accounts and boss day labourers. Yet for the next six years Ann Newth more than held her own, the business flourished, and her name became familiar up and down the K&A. She left to history one distinctive token of her indomitable spirit and

bargemasters, negotiate and sign contracts, fix schedules, settle accounts and boss day labourers. Yet for the next six years Ann Newth more than held her own, the business flourished, and her name became familiar up and down the K&A. She left to history one distinctive token of her indomitable spirit and stewardship — an exquisitely hand-engraved, well-worn brass facepiece that both decorated and identified the harness of her tow horse. The legend states: “Ann Newth, Hilperton Marsh Wharf” — simple, direct and powerful advertising. It should be noted that of the many hundreds of antique horse brasses to have survived the ravages of time, this Georgian amulet, a sun-increscent casting probably inscribed c1822, is one of the earliest known hanging brasses of British origin, as well as the earliest such brass made for wear by a canal horse. It is also the earliest to bear the name of any woman. After 1826, when Walter became co-owner of the business, Ann’s involvement in day-to-day coal operations

gradually gave way to increasing grandmotherly care for her son’s school-age children. Nevertheless, her unique business career had not ended. The national census of 1841 lists her occupation as “beer retailer”. Usher’s Wiltshire Brewery, open since 1824, had always been eager for new outlets. The grounds of her picturesque cottage at Hilperton Road Bridge included a stone terrace easily accessible from Marsh Wharf. Why not make use of the terrace to sell refreshing light ale or porter to thirsty coal yard workers and the legion of boatmen in constant transit? She must have continued this activity through the 1840s. But then a higher calling beckoned. In 1850 Ann’s love of children led to establishment of the Staverton Church of England School in the loft above her stables. Because education for boat children remained so haphazard — perhaps a few hours here, tomorrow maybe there, always depending on canal traffic — the location and accessibility of classrooms were key.

The house-and-stable complex where Ann Newth lived with her family, now remodelled and known as Wharf Cottage. Tow horses were stabled overnight in the stone foreground building, where the loft served as a schoolroom from 1850 to 1880. The main residence is adjacent, just behind.

Ann’s canalside venue was ideally situated to serve families living both aboard the boats and in the immediate Marsh Wharf area. By 1857, attendance had grown to fifty pupils. There were two teachers and an unnamed ‘temporary’ mistress who, logic would suggest, was none other than Ann herself. Wife and mother, grandmother, coal executive, beer retailer, school mistress… this remarkable woman led life to the full. It is easy to imagine her as warm, steadfast and outgoing

yet death and heartbreak were ever present. In addition to suffering the early loss of her husband, she had to bury four of her own children — little Mary Anne at nine months in 1811, Robert in 1838, plus both Thomas and John in 1842 within just weeks of each other — and then six of ten grandchildren by Walter. Ann Newth of Hilperton Marsh Wharf died peacefully at home in 1868, aged 83. She was laid to rest at nearby Staverton in the yewshaded hillside cemetery surrounding St Paul’s Church,

Hilperton Marsh Wharf today, site of the busy 19th century K&A CC coaling station for the Trowbridge area. The Newth house is just off-camera on the right.

The author wishes to express his gratitude for the assistance received from members of staff at the Wiltshire Public Records Office, the guidance of Messrs Clive Hackford and Warren Berry of the K&A Canal Trust, and most especially the active support of Mr Alan Reginald Newth, great-greatgreat grandson of Ann Newth, who so kindly provided source materials and other information to frame the narrative.

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No.181 Winter 2007

A rare collection he Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Museum archives are home to an important and unrivalled collection of old photographs chronicling the history of the K&A Canal. Many of the pictures have been used in books and magazines over the years, but they are not easily available at the moment because they are only stored as prints and slides. To make the pictures more accessible and to preserve the archive they need to be stored digitally, but to get them scanned commercially and entered into the museum database would be very expensive. The Trust does not have the funds to pay for the work at the moment and a recent charity funding application was unsuccessful. The work is too important to leave undone — some of the more memorable pictures are being scanned and these will be printed photographically on ‘archival’ quality paper and sold by mail order and through the Trust shops and cafés. Money raised can then be used to fund digitisation of the complete archive.

001 The Kennet Barge, Unity enters Bruce Tunnel on the canal summit.

004

Kennet Barge ‘Diamond’ at Honeystreet Wharf in 1930

006

A boat excursion near Keynsham Lock

008

005

Kennet Barge ‘Unity’ at Lower Wharf, Devizes c1910

007

Repair work at Hungerford c1910 using Archimedes screw

009

002 Working boats at Hungerford Wharf c1896

Kintbury Wharf c1911

John Gould with his boats ‘Colin’ and ‘Iris’ arrives in Newbury 1949

To buy prints

003 William Dickenson’s wide boat ‘Croxley’ at Devizes Wharf c1900

The Kennet & Avon Canal Collection is available from all the Trust outlets and by mail order. The prints are A4 including a customised border, title and series number. Each print costs £18. Please add £2.50 for each order for post & packaging. Phone 01380 729489 giving your credit card details or send a cheque with your delivery details and list of required print numbers to: Archive Prints, K&A Canal Trust, Devizes Wharf, Couch Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1EB. Please make your cheque payable to The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (Enterprise) Ltd.

Join The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust now to help Protect, Enhance and Promote the waterway and you will get:

ree FThe K&A Canal Trust magazine

the

Butty posted to you

Membership Fees – please tick one box Annual fees are for one year from the month of joining Pay by standing order and claim your FREE leather card wallet

q q q q q

q Senior Citizen Single/£100 q Adult Family/£250 q Senior Citizen Family/£125 q

Annual Membership Fees

Life Membership Fees

Adult Single/£15

Adult Single/£200

Senior Citizen Single/£10 Adult Family/£17 Senior Citizen Family/£12 Junior (14–18)/£7

Corporate membership – please phone 01380 721279 for information Branch Membership – please tick one box

q q Newbury Devizes Bath & Bristol q I/we would be interested in helping with branch activities q Central

Reading

q q q

Hungerford Crofton

q q q

West Wilts Claverton

Your details – please complete all sections I/we wish to join the Trust and enclose: A completed Standing Order form A completed Gift Aid Declaration form A cheque (payable to The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust) I would like a FREE leather card wallet

q q q q

(standing order applicants only after receipt of first payment)

Name(s) of applicant(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................

FREE entry to: Claverton Pumping Station Devizes Canal Museum Crofton Beam Engines

A GEOprojects canal map of the Kennet & Avon Canal (and including the River Avon and Bristol Docks)

............................................. Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................. ............................................. Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standing Order Name of Member’s Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address of Member’s Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................. Please pay to Lloyds Bank plc, Devizes Wilts SN10 1JD (sort code 30-92-63) credit A/C No. 0441822 The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust the sum of £. . . . . . . On (date). . . . . . . . . .and the same sum on the same date each YEAR until further notice. Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Account No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Join at any of the Trust shops or the attractions listed — or phone: 01380 721279

............................................. To Bank: When making payments please quote: . . . . . . . . . . . Gift Aid Declaration Name of Charity: The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Details of Donor Title: . . . . . . . . .Full Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . . I want the charity to treat all subscriptions/donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid Donations.

If you pay by standing order you will also get a leather K&A wallet to keep your membership card in

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You must pay an amount of Tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on Please post or fax this form to: The Membership Secretary, The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, FREEPOST, Canal Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1BR. Fax: 01380 727870

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Butty

No.181 Winter 2007

The K&A Canal’s twinned waterway in France, the Canal du Nivernais, hold their Fête Nautique at different venues along the canal. This year it was the turn of Châtillon-en-Bazois to host the event in the town’s canal basin beneath a very grand Château. It was held over three days in July and was host to visitors from Holland and Germany as well as the Nivernais’ twinned Irish canal, the Royal — and of course the K&A.

The Canal du Nivernais rally 2007

St Nicholas and his page boy arrive at the rally on board a traditional Loire barge, ‘La Nivernaise’

he restored timber Nivernais Barge, ‘Aster’ was at the festival but unable to take passengers because of problems with getting the necessary safety paperwork — but she was certainly the star of the show. Events started with a coach tour of the region on the Friday, taking in a Tools Museum, pottery, homeopathic farm and a EU-funded restoration project where we lunched at the canal-

The event was supported by local communities and some EU funding. The festivities ended with a superb firework display. The town had saved its fireworks from Bastille Day specially for the event. For further information about the Canal Du Nivernais go to their website: fluvial-migennes.com/assoc/

Pictures by Bob Naylor 24

side picnic site. Back at the basin, there were artists at work, demonstrations of raft making by Les Flotteurs, water jousting, St Nicholas and his page boy, music by Chiffon Rouge, les pompiers and vintage tractors. Having no boat was no problem. Right in the centre of the town we rented a delightful static gypsy caravan with all mod cons — a wonderful base for a future trip to explore the area more fully.

K&A Canal Trust and Pewsey Wharf Boat Club member, Christopher Miers, was at the Rally with his Wilderness Beaver 23 trail boat Salienta. He launched the boat at the junction of the Burgundy Canal and the River Yonne and along the Canal du Nivernais and up the Sardy flight — through the summit tunnels and then on down to the festival site at Chatillon-en-Bazois. Other Trust members at with boats at the rally were Bill and Sue Fisher and John and Catherine Best were with there on their French based boats.

The Fire Brigade demonstration

Waterborn jousting Passing the wooden barge, Aster

The Flotteurs — afloat

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Butty

No.181 Winter 2007

Reading Winter walk

Forbury Gardens with the bandstand, the Maiwand Lion and to the right the imposing Abbey Gateway

he Riverside Museum next to the restaurant, Bel and the Dragon next to the Riverside Museum

Continue and you will reach Gasworks Road and to your left you will see the Riverside Restaurant, Bel and the Dragon, in the pumping house of the former water treatment works and the Riverside Museum with a Reading built gypsy caravan and artifacts form the Kennet. Turn back and cross the river, turning right again to reach the riverside again. Turn right at the road bridge and walk along the canal towpath. Follow the towpath past the junction with

Pictures by Bob Naylor

Part of the Abbey ruins and the Roman Catholic Church of St James in the corner of Forbury Gardens

Starting at the Town Hall, walk to Forbury Gardens where you will see the Maiwand Lion often used as the symbol of Reading. In the corner of the gardens you will see St James Roman Catholic Church and part of the Abbey ruins. Turn right and under the archway and you will be in the Abbey Ruins. Follow the path until you reach Chestnut Walk and the path alongside the River Kennet. You are now skirting Reading Remand Centre, once known as Reading Gaol — and an image of its most famous

1 Reading Town Hall

bbey Ruins, a riverside walk and the famous Oracle shopping centre all combine to make Reading a perfect choice for a winter’s walk — to work of the excesses of Christmas.

5 6

Reading Gaol’s most famous prisoner, Oscar Wilde

The sculpture of Eric Cooper on Chocolate Island

prisoner, Oscar Wilde in the gateway. Continuing along the riverside you will pass Chocolate Island where local fisherman, Eric Cooper is immortalised in a sculpture.

The view from the entrance to the lock cutting

The walk should take one and a half to two hours without stops

Forbury Gardens

St James Church Abbey Ruins s Abbot’

Prison

alk Chestnut W Abbey St

Place

King’s Road

The Oracle shopping Centre

Riverside Museum

Chocolate Island

4 s ork sw Ga

d Roa

et enn er K Cut Riv ck Lo

Blake’s Lock

the river and on towards the road bridge and the Oracle shopping centre. Turn right and take the road back to the Town Hall square.

Library

t Kenne

The Oracle Queen’s Rd Car Park

al n Ca n & Avo

Kennet

Side

Queen’s

Road

t on S lingt Wat

Royal County Hotel

y The Forbur St Lawrence Church re qua ey S k Abb Broo Holy

Abbey

t Marke

Town Hall Square

Rd Forbury

orbury eF Th

ve St

Blagra

Museum & Town Hall

A leaflet “Reading Heritage Walk” is available from the Tourist Information Office gives greater detail of the sites you will pass on this walk.

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Butty

Canals for kids

181 Winter 2007

with Terry Kemp

Kenny

Annie

The Mousehole Boat Company

Canal clothing ack in the days when canals were used more for transporting goods the boat people developed their own style of clothing. Kenny and Annie have kindly offered to model these special clothes. Kenny is wearing the usual corduroy trousers. He also has a striped collarless shirt and neckerchief. This is all topped by a waistcoat. Often the boatman would also wear brightly coloured braces or a colourful embroidered belt. Annie is wearing a long skirt with a wide apron. The blouse she is wearing has what they call ‘leg of mutton ‘sleeves. Annie’s bonnet has a stiff brim and rows of frills and quilting. The back of the bonnet has one or two layers of ‘curtains’ that hangs on the shoulders.

B When does it rain money?

When there is change in the weather!

Waterways Wildlife The Water Vole Water Voles live in the banks of canals, brooks and rivers. They feed on grasses and reeds. They are very rare creatures but if you are quiet there is often a chance to see one along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Often mistaken for rats the vole is smaller has a rounder face, smaller ears and a furry tail.

PRIZE WORDSEARCH There are eight words about the clothes boat people wore hidden in the grid — find them to win a special prize. Send your entry to Prize Wordsearch, Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Canal Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes SN10 1EB before 1st February 2008. Photocopies will be accepted.

The Butty Wordsearch No 181 Name (age) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................ ............................................ ............................................ Signature of parent or guardian: ............................................

How about trying to draw yourself in these clothes?

L N S T S E E P B L S B

B O B T A T H I S A K H

S N R B B H S A T B I T

R O T R O E H H T T R R

T O L B V N S E I E T O

R A T E L R N T O B L O

O E E E H O A E P B E U

U L E A A L U O T E S L

S A U R P L R S A L T O

E T O L B R T H E T E B

R T S L B R O T T T O T

S R U A N E E N E O S O

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Butty

No.181 Winter 2007

Reviews Still Waters By Margaret Cornish First published in 1990 by Robert Hale Limited ISBN 0 7090 4015 6 186 pages. £6.95 soft cover he Editor must have been in a nostalgic mood with Christmas approaching, as the books she sent me this month have been around for a while, but none the worse for that; though you’ll need to visit websites like Amazon or AbeBooks, or your local secondhand bookshop, if you want to give someone a Christmas chill — because she must also have been shivering and shaking just a little as they conjure up worlds of mystery and the supernatural. Mystery first, as this book is subtitled ‘Mystery Tales of the Canals’. Lloyd’s List welcomed the hardback edition as ‘a special contribution to inland waterway literature’ as the author based her stories on superstitions and old tales associated with the canals and ‘told long ago in the cosy warmth of lamp-lit cabins’. They’re retold with great affection, and illustrations and cover by Valerie Croker. The book is dedicated ‘to all boatmen and their families who worked and travelled on the narrow boats unsung and almost unheard of through over a century of English canal history’.

Tim Wheeldon Technical book reviews A History of Stanton St Bernard By Val Knowles Published by The Hobnob Press in 2007 ISBN 0 946418 63 2 154 pages soft cover £9.95 efinitely a labour of love by our own Val Knowles, this fascinating portrait of her village beside the K&A in the Vale of Pewsey weaves the story of the development of rural life in England in a wonderfully detailed and intimate way. After covering the Vale in pre-historic and Roman times Val takes us from the first mention of ‘Stantune’ in 905 up to the present day. From 1544 to 1917 Stanton, as it is commonly known, was part of the estates of the Earls of Pembroke at Wilton — a continuity which has preserved the village in its remarkably unchanged form. After three thousand years of continuous occupation, “the story continues”. It is a story which can be repeated about many such communities, but what makes it special to Butty readers is that the K&A cut through the Parish in 1803-06 and by travelling along the canal today we can visit Stanton and see for ourselves the architectural kaleidoscope of the village. Anyone interested in the history of the land around them could do no better than to wander the roads of Stanton with Val’s book in their hand. As you do, marvel that the Parish boundaries are almost exactly those which defined the Saxon estate. Oh England!

Leonard Pearcey Non-technical book reviews Sleep No More By L.T.C.Rolt First published in 1948 by Branch Line ISBN 0 85527 022 5 162 pages. £.1.95 (1974 reprint) hard cover ou’ll need a few more pennies for the second choice this issue. The subtitle here is ‘Railway, Canal and Other Stories of the Supernatural’, and the author is of course the man who gave his name to the Award won by The Butty last year. His extensive knowledge of canals and railways combine here with his skills as a writer of supernatural tales to give a dozen stories to be read to the light of the afore-mentioned cabin lamps. My favourite (no surprise to those of you who know me) is ‘Music Hath Charms’. Rolt notes: ‘The settings of certain of the stories are based on actual places, but I would assure any readers who may succeed in identifying them that I do not attribute to such places or to their inhabitants any supernatural or sinister quality’. OK, start guessing…

The Life and Campaigns of General Hughie Stockwell By Jonathon Riley Published by Pen & Sword in 2006 ISBN 1 84415 504 8 320 pages hard cover £25.00 nother history book, but very different – just one lifetime. But what a lifetime! Any self-respecting K&A Canal Trust member should at least have heard of Hugh Stockwell — if they haven’t, read the book. This passage shows his importance to our canal. “He had led the Trust through some of the darkest hours but his steadfastness never wavered and his brilliant leadership gave courage to everyone with whom he made contact. The Kennet & Avon Canal restoration project owes its success to quite a small band of dedicated people and truly Gen Sir Hugh Stockwell was one of them.” As a story of Britain’s military impact on the world before, during and after World War II this book is well up with its competitors. The General was commander of the land forces during the Suez Canal campaign of 1956 and his subsequent, and final, campaign as Chairman of the K&A Canal Trust (1967) and of BWB in 1971, led him to make that famous statement, “Madam, I lost one canal, but I’ll be buggered if I’ll lose another”! In a book of 289 pages the story of the General’s involvement with the K&A doesn’t start until page 280. Nevertheless, these few pages are full of fascinating stuff — the politics of the saving of the desuetude waterway. Give it to yourself for Christmas.

Books reviewed in The Butty are normally available from the Trust shop on Devizes Wharf or through other Trust shops. If it is not convenient to visit in person you can use our mail order service by telephoning 01380 729489.

the

Butty BRANCH REPORTS

Reading Mike Wyatt 0118 9427708 embers and friends enjoyed another successful BBQ at the Trust Padworth Shop and Heritage Centre at the beginning of September. Jenny & Derek Cann — with considerable support of their family — provided all the BBQ tools and the labour to make

No.181 Winter 2007

this a relaxing and very successful social evening. The weather was kind and a good time was had by all. Our speaker for our branch meeting at the end of September, Graham Horn, Past Chairman of Reading Branch and former Trust Council member, entertained us with an excellent Powerpoint presentation to illustrate his talk ‘Walking for Julie — The Macmillan Way‘. He spent 3 weeks walking from Lincolnshire to Dorset with many willing walkers accompanying him for various

sections en-route. He has produced a wonderful record of his efforts raising £10,000 to donate to Macmillan Nurses and the Duchess of Kent Hospice who did so much to help Julie before her sad passing earlier this year. Plans for our annual outing had to be changed when we found our intended trip to Spitbank Fort on The Solent was not possible as they could not accommodate us. As a result, 9 branch members had a great day out at Amberley Working Museum, Sussex, including a nice lunch at the excellent restaurant on site. The weather was kind. We all did our own thing but kept bumping into each other throughout the day. We always enjoy our outings! Those who didn’t come on the day can get a glimpse of what they missed at www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Reading Branch members pictured on their trip to the Amberley Working Museum in Sussex

Boat Trips

From the Cunning Man, Burghfield Bridge Public trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May to September Private party hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A range of cruises Day boat hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Self-drive for up to 12 people Holiday hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 & 6 Berth Narrowboats Flexible weekly or short break periods Moorings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Permanent or temporary Enquiries: 14 Beech Lane, Earley, Reading, RG6 5PT Tel: 0118 987 1115 Fax: 0118 921 0604

www.kennetcruises.co.uk

Stop at the one-stop service

HONEYSTREET Visit our Wharf

Newbury Julie Dean 01962 883939 ith the Festive season now upon us, what better place to relax and enjoy a mince pie than by the warmth of the open log fire at the Stone Building? Pop down and treat yourself! Newbury Branch would like to thank David Saady for nobly stepping in at the last minute in September when our advertised speaker unfortunately had to cancel.

David treated us to a fascinating evening exploring our lovely Kennet & Avon Canal. With beautiful slides and a mine of information, even the most seasoned among us went away having learnt something new about our canal. David will be back with us for the first talk of 2008, with ‘Have Boat: Will Travel III’ on 30th January, 7.45pm at the Stone Building. Do join us on what will certainly be another enjoyable evening. If you have been given a new diary for Christmas then reach for a pen and write ‘Newbury Waterways Festival’ in large letters on Sunday 27th July 2008. Newbury Branch are already beginning the massive task of organising this important day in the K&A calendar; so if anyone, whether individuals or other branches, would like to get involved please let us know as we will be delighted to hear from you. Newbury is only a small team and we welcome all the help we are offered. The final reckoning for this year’s Festival showed that we raised just under £2,200 for Trust funds. An essential element of this success was the barbecue so ably organised by Adrian & Nikki Softley with support from members of Devizes branch and Festival boaters. We were able to cover many of the costs of the Festival from sponsorship; especially by Vodafone who have supported us for some years and have already promised to do so again next year.

Full Time Self-Employed Couple Required to run Services, small chandlery/shop on the Kennet & Avon on own account.

on the Long Pound by Honeystreet Bridge for diesel, Calor Gas & coal water & 240 volt electrics overnight moorings pump-out & ‘Porta Potti’ disposal

Gibson’s Boat Services Telephone 01672 851232

Mooring included. Some maintenance also required, grass cutting, hedge trimming, painting etc. Telephone: 01635 42884 29

the

Butty BRANCH REPORTS Newbury Branch’s stretch of the canal runs from Woolhampton Lock in the east to Kintbury in the west. It is a while since we reviewed our ‘bit’ and it is time we got the walking boots out, and maybe a bike or two, to go and have a careful look. Members of the Committee are planning this for the new year, taking photos and perhaps video, notes and even sketches (yes, John Arthurs is on the team!) ready to report to the Branch after the AGM in April. This will, we know, initiate some lively discussion. Happy New Year!

Hungerford Richard Snook 01635 253446 ell, 2007 is nearly over and just where have the last twelve months

gone? The ‘Rose of Hungerford’ has had a long and overall successful year with the boat being in use most days from St Patrick’s day until St Andrew’s day followed by, hopefully, a successful Advent Santa season. The rather inclement weather during a summer which the Meteorological office forecast to be even hotter and drier than 2006, definitely did us no favours with the public trip passenger numbers, although the late Indian summer did swell our coffers towards

No.181 Winter 2007

the end somewhat. As for charters, it was a very pleasing year, with numbers only just falling short of the 2006 all time record for ‘The Rose’. Our captains and crews have really excelled themselves this year, without their hard work this just would not have been possible. As I write this, I see that the work on developing the new marina between Hungerford and Froxfield is well under way with the demolition of the redundant piggeries almost finished. I hope that by the time I write the next report, this exciting project will be really taking shape. When it is finally open it will give us so much more scope when travelling westwards, allowing us to offer a 2½ hour return trip along one of the most scenic stretches of our canal. As always, we are desperately short of helpers, both with the manning of the boat and also people willing to give us a little of their time and skills helping with painting, cleaning, carpentry, diesel and electrical mechanics and so on. I can assure you that all volunteers will be received with open arms and made most welcome. The Hungerford Branch AGM will be held aboard the ‘Rose of Hungerford’ at 7.30 pm on Friday May 9th to which all branch members are cordially invited. The chairman and committee wish you all a very peaceful Christmastide and a rewarding 2008.

Crofton Ray Knowles 01672 851639 e started off the August Bank Holiday steaming in fine style with BW having cleared the weed growth that was choking the feeder and plenty of water in the summit pound and in Wilton Water. On the Saturday we were delighted to welcome Ethel Giles on her annual visit with her daughter Peggy and husband Roland, their daughter Mandy, driven by their very good friends Janet and Tony. Ethel was in good spirits and donated more copies of her book, Crofton in the Twenties, with immaculate timing as we had just sold the last copy of our stock. The whole party were amazed by the improvements to the café, which had not been done when they last visited. On Sunday troubles hit us when halfway through its 2pm run the Boulton & Watt started making groaning noises on the power stroke which it does when a bit of rubbish gets caught between the piston and the rising main. It usually clears in two or three strokes but instead it got worse so on Ian Broom’s advice we stopped the engine and to avoid blowing the safety valve the Harvey was restarted. Ian and Harry decided to look down the rising main with a lamp to examine the top of the piston, 40 feet (12 metres) below. They were surprised to find

that all the water had run away in 5 minutes instead of the usual hour. They lowered the lamp and could see something sticking out of one of the valve rings in the piston head. They decide to restart the Boulton & Watt at 4pm hoping that the piece of debris would flush clear once the engine was running, but the noise recurred and the pump would not prime either. So we finished the day with the Harvey. On Monday morning Roger and Harry discussed the problem and tried to start the Boulton & Watt at 10.10 before we let the visitors in, but it would not prime so it was decided to go onto single engine running with the Harvey at 10.30 opening time. To our great consternation even Harry could not get the Harvey to prime either. So there we were at 10.35 with a nice day, plenty of visitors wanting to come in but no working engines and thus a considerable loss of income. There was only one thing to do so we retired to the Crew room to drink tea! As we could not run either engine we had some spare staff so we decided to open up the Boulton & Watt foot valve to see if we could find and fix the priming problem. The foot valve chamber is located at the bottom of the Well and its inspection cover is some 36 inches (1 metre) square and weighs about a ton. We have to install a Rolled Steel Joist over the well head upon which we hang a chain block to take the weight. We

The Tutti Pole

by the South side of Hungerford Bridge

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our Tea Room/Restaurant and Patio Area seating up to 50

Morning Coffee • Luncheon • Afternoon Tea Roast Sunday Lunch • Home made fare a speciality Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm • Saturday & Sunday 9am – 6pm The Tutti Pole, 3 High Street, Hungerford RG17 0DN Telephone: 01488 682515 30

the

Butty BRANCH REPORTS then have to undo the 24 1.5 inch (40mm) nuts that hold it in place and swing the cover clear. When we got it open we could see nothing wrong with the valve or any evidence of debris between the piston and the wall of the rising main, nor from underneath, any debris in the valve rings in the piston head. It is very cramped and there is only just enough room for 3 people down there. I was standing guard at the top and visitors said that having staff down there made them realise just how deep the well is. We tried all day with both engines but without success and we all went home rather depressed and with the knowledge that the next day, a working Tuesday had been rescheduled with only one item. On Tuesday the team assembled early to relight the boiler and raise steam for more trials. Before Harry went home on

No.181 Winter 2007

Monday he had taken some photographs of the top of the Boulton & Watt pump piston with a long focus lens and with some digital enhancements that night and was able to show that the object that Ian and he had seen sticking out of one of the pumphead valve rings was a piece of rope or string. So whilst the boiler was warming up and the smoking chimney was attracting more visitors than usual for a Tuesday meaning that we had to man all floors to satisfy Healthy & Safety requirements, we set out to try and remove it. It took all morning and much ingenuity to do so, in the end fishing with drain clearing rods whilst the valve ring was held up from below with a specially shaped piece of metal did it. It was a piece of blue binder twine about 6 inches long showing signs of a hard life. Nigel and Andy were very pleased to come out from their extremely cramped position underneath the foot valve with their intertwined legs exciting

gossip from forty feet above. With some optimism we closed up the foot valve inspection cover and tried to run the engine but the groan was back and it still would not prime. We turned to the Harvey and this would not prime in spite of having run water down the rising main all night as this engine has wooden valve seatings which tend to dry out. We retired to the Crew room for tea and food when someone said that if we could borrow a big enough pump to flood the rising mains we might be able to get them to hold their water long enough to prime the pumps and flush the debris out. An hour after a quick phone call to a local hire shop we were pumping canal water at 20 gallons (90 litres) per minute down the Boulton & Watt rising main and were able to fill it. With this volume of water present we were then able start the engine and get the pump to operate properly but with the

groan still there. However, after a few strokes the groan stopped and a piece of blue plastic about 6 x 2 x Âź inch shot out of the launder and the engine ran normally for several minutes until we stopped it. We then tried the Harvey and this primed and cleared to run normally. We then went back and restarted the other engine, which started quite normally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so we all went home at 4.30pm with grinning faces. We were very unhappy at having to disappoint so many people on Monday, but not being able to run even one engine for part of the day and we send our apologies. Since then we have been able to purchase an 80 gallon (300 litres) per minute submersible pump at a very reasonable price so our priming problems should be over, we hope. Following the success of the showmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traction engine and the vintage cars and motor cycles at the bi-centenary celebrations in July we were

the

Butty BRANCH REPORTS able to arrange a steam gala weekend for the final steaming weekend at the end of September. This was very successful with a total of 603 visitors over the two days. We had four traction engines, one ride-on model traction engine, three vintage tractors, three vintage motor cycles, a Model T Ford, Nigel’s 1935 Morris ten four, a hot air engine, beer stall, bottle stall and a lot of help from a lot of people. Everybody enjoyed the event, even Maxine and her helpers who were run off their feet all day. Make note in your diary for next year as we plan

No.181 Winter 2007

to make the last steaming weekend of our season a Crofton Steam Gala Weekend. We have now started on the winter work programme, which will keep us fully occupied on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and two Saturdays per month. Once again I would like to say, come and join us, we have a wide variety of clean, not so clean and downright dirty work. As I write we are washing out the water side of the boiler and the fire side clean is due next week. This coming weekend will see all the bright metal parts being coated in Tarp to prevent them from going rusty during the winter.

John Scott with his trusty 40-year-old Imperial typewriter

everyone who has chartered the boat over the last 5 years. He advertises (quite cheaply) in six local Parish Magazines. He sends brochures to 940 WI branches via their regional offices. He has delivered brochures to all local Tourist Information Offices and he assisted in the wording of the very productive internet site. He carefully monitors the bookings together with Mike Kelham, the Booking Manager, in order to analyse the trends. All in all, he sends out 1,250 direct shots – remarkably, all typed on his 40-year-old Imperial typewriter! Will he get computerised? “Why? There is another 20 years left in the machine!” he quips, “although whether I have, is another matter!” John is a great asset to the ‘Jubilee’ – and a tremendous inspiration to us 65-year-old lads!

A group of Devizes Branch members at the remains of the Kennet Barge, Harriet during the tour of the Purton Hulks on the Banks of the Severn

September saw a small group of us touring ‘The Purton Hulks’. These remains of old boats beached on the banks of The River Severn at Purton really

The Branch committee wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. We look forward to meeting more of you at forthcoming events especially the ‘I Survived Christmas Party’ in February. More details will be available on our website shortly, please keep in touch. PS We still need email addresses!

Pictures by Bob Naylor

eople who phone me to see if they can become a volunteer with the boats often cautiously add words such as “I am 60 years old, would I be considered too old?” They are often quite surprised when I say to them, “I’m glad you are volunteering, the ‘Jubilee’ could do with some young blood – you would be merely regarded as a lad!” Yes, it’s true. The average age of the boat crews would probably work out at 65 – 70. Indeed some of our most productive people are well over the average age. One of them is John Scott who is a young 80 years of age and still one of the key members of the ‘Jubilee’ team acting as Marketing Manager, and he works tirelessly to increase the charter bookings. By mid-summer, the charter bookings were over 20% up on last year. How did he do it? Well here is the way he works: He sends one Mail shot to

ello again, they say time flies when you are having fun and Devizes Branch has been busy. For the first time this year we had a stand at the annual street fayre in Lacock. Good weather, beer and wine kept the Kirby and Softley team going with help from Di Harris and Bob Naylor. We managed to sign up new members on the day and more followed from the leaflets and back issues of The Butty given out to a very good crowd.

Picture by Paul Barnett

by John Shaw

Adrian Softley 07899 844929

are an amazing sight and have a lot of history. They include of course the remains of ‘Harriet’ the Kennet Barge built at Honeystreet, on board which we had our lunch. Paul Barnett our guide for the tour did a wonderful job, telling some of the tales about these boats. Paul may well be visiting us in the New Year to give a further talk and slide show. Roger Hollands has volunteered to collate The Lengthsman’s Report again, you see you don’t get away that easily Roger. The report will be published later in the year, many thanks to those who have sent in photos of and reports about our patch of the canal.

Picture by John Shaw

Portrait of a Volunteer

Devizes

John & Elaine Kirby busy recruiting at the Lacock street fayre and above Nikki Softley demonstrates canal art

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Butty BRANCH REPORTS

No.181 Winter 2007

27th December …Brr!

Annual dinner

West Wilts John Maciver 01225 812225 e have had a very busy season both in the shop and on the boat. ‘Barbara McLellan’ has had over 100 charter trips, most Special trips have been sell-outs and during high season the Public trips have been full to capacity. To meet that demand, Colin Daws and his maintenance team have worked really hard to ensure that we did not lose any trips due to boat unserviceability. Likewise, some skippers and crew put in a lot of extra hours to meet the challenge of some last minute bookings. Still, the enjoyment of sailing and meeting people, and the strong camaraderie of the volunteers, has ensured that we met all the demands. I would also like to congratulate the new volunteers who joined this year, who

‘B Mac’ skipper, Bill Greaves-Lord who is captain of boats at Longleat took branch volunteers on a trip on one of their brand new boats on Longleat lake

through their enthusiasm and efforts, have progressed to become fully constituted crew. The shop has also been exceedingly busy at times, achieving record sales midseason. Paul Skelton is to be congratulated on achieving a 3star rating for food safety management and, with one or two minor tweaks, he hopes to achieve 4-star soon; the maximum this size of business can achieve.

Garden success We’ve also achieved success in the Bradford in Bloom competition, with Harry Fox gaining a 1st and a 2nd prize; well done Harry and thank you everyone who has helped keep

the garden and surrounds in trim.

Dry dock ‘Barbara McLellan’ goes into dry-dock for a few days in midNovember for the annual MCA check and also the opportunity to inspect and black the hull. Hopefully, the boat will be back on the water ready for our crew party on Saturday 17th November. Afterwards, we have a few charter trips before the annual Carol Service trip at Dundas on 1st December; then it’s the Santa trips. Most of the afternoon Santa trips are fully booked but a few places are available on the morning trips. To round off the year, we have a charter to Dundas on

Our Annual Dinner is at The Mill, Rode, on Saturday 12th January, 7 for 7.30 pm. Please contact Dave Jupp (01225 864779) for booking and details. The West Wilts Branch AGM is on Saturday 9th February 08 at 7.30 pm at the Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon. A number of the present Committee members have served their full term (some nearly double) and are stepping down this year. It is unfair to expect the same few people to run the organisation year after year. This wonderful organisation of ours cannot exist without a full Committee, so we need new blood to come in with fresh ideas. We are seeking 6 new Committee members; these posts can of course be shared. Do not worry, the retiring Committee members will ensure that those taking over

Tel: Tel: 01380 01380 725300 Quality narrowboat maintenance Repair & refurbishment Engine servicing — Hull blacking Shot blasting — Painting — Sign writing Hull extensions & welding DIY covered wet dock Pump-out — Diesel —Gas — Coal Day & weekend boat hire Chandlery — Boat Sales

www.devizesmarina.co.uk 33

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Butty BRANCH REPORTS

No.181 Winter 2007

have a smooth transition period. Furthermore, there are a number of other tasks that can be taken on without the commitment of joining the Committee eg Wharf Day and boat re-stocking.

First Aid training

Claverton, Bath& Bristol Pete Dunn 01761 432811 t has been a very busy year at Claverton — the sluice replacement was finally finished in time for Easter but

Picture by Maurice Pullin

During the period mid-January to mid-March 08 we will be running a number of First Aid training courses for skippers and key crew members. This training will be shared with ‘Jubilee’. Also, during this ‘closed season’, Colin Daws will be managing a winterrefit/maintenance programme for ‘Barbara McLellan’; so, please check in the crew room for working party requirements, or contact Colin. Remember, Easter is early next year (21st to 24th March), so we will start the season with a crew training session during the weekend 15th and 16th March. There are so many opportunities for you to volunteer and contribute to the K&A Canal Trust’s efforts. We have a super crowd of people volunteering at the K&A Branch in Bradford on Avon. Why not join us. I look forward to welcoming you.

Members of Crofton Pumping Station team were entertained by Claverton members when they visited the pumping station recently

then we had a few teething troubles with it, finally curing these by early June. After that the machinery performed very well.

Summer flood Like most attractions, the poor summer weather has affected our takings. We had the first summer flood since 1992, but after that things began to look up and we became quite busy.

Burbage crane You may have read in my previous reports that our group has decided to take on the reconstruction of the Burbage Wharf Timber Crane. The project has finally got under way, beginning with the dismantling of the rotten crane on the wharf. It was so rotten that it came down without any trouble and we were left with a large pile of sawdust. As the dismantling progressed our Engineer, John Clutter, was busy recording the

construction details for the records. He was then able to produce a full set of working drawings for the reconstruction. The new timber has been supplied by Crown Estates and work has started preparing and cutting it. By Easter we should have some assemblies on the ground to show the public.

Volunteer guides needed For next season we are looking to increase the number of volunteer guides who can show our visitors around so we are looking for some new members who enjoy meeting people and working with the rest of our friendly group. Why not come down and have a look at us. We are not all engineers, we are made up of all types. I am sure that you will find the Claverton Group is one of the friendliest on the canal.

Bath & Bristol ichael Davis has stood down from the post of Branch Chairman. I would like to thank him for leading the branch for the past ten years. His cheerful presence will be missed at branch meetings. I have stepped in as Branch Chairman on a temporary basis until the next branch AGM or until a permanent replacement is found. For those of you who do not know me, I have been involved

Picture by Maurice Pullin

Wells Motorbike Club visit Claverton Pumping Station

with Claverton Pumping Station since 1992 and have been Chairman there for some years. I am not only interested in Claverton, I have been interested in the canal since childhood when my father took me for walks along the towpath on Sunday afternoons. It was him who first took me to Dundas Aqueduct in the mid sixties - from then on I was hooked and it still has a magical attraction for me.

Branch activities Lets take a fresh look at our branch. We have two extremely active groups: one crews the trip boat Jubilee and the other runs and maintains Claverton Pumping Station. Both operations are at the eastern extreme of our patch. Perhaps we should remember our name The Bath and Bristol Branch. At present we have no operations in Bath let alone Bristol or the Avon between the two. It is my belief that there is much scope for some useful volunteer projects in our area. We just need to get ourselves organised. There is already the beginnings of a small team working around the Dundas basin and we have enough work there for some more volunteers if any of you fancy getting involved.

Bath Flight work We have identified some works on and around the Bath flight. I have not yet looked at the River Avon, but we are keeping an eye on the Western Riverside Redevelopment Scheme and IWA local Chairman, John Webb, who is also a Trust member, is reporting developments to the Bath &Bristol committee. Perhaps there are some of you who have ideas or concerns about the navigation further downstream. Why not contact me and discuss them. I can be reached on 01761 432811. Claverton would seem to be the logical base for Bath and Bristol Branch operations — at present we have plenty of equipment there, which can be used on the canal as required.

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Butty

No.181 Winter 2007

Safety matters by Ben Woodman o you think Health and Safety rules and regulations are daft? Well, even if you don’t, lots of other people do. Whenever I mention those magic words ‘Health and Safety’, people invariably cringe! The truth is that most folk base their perception of health and safety on well publicised over-reactions by various people who really ought to know better. Think of the silly examples of things you’ve read in the papers; councils chopping down conker trees, school sports being cancelled, banning school fruit because of ‘dangerous pips’. The daftest one I’ve heard is that fire-fighters in Humberside have reportedly been told not to climb stepladders when installing domestic smoke alarms because of the risk of

falling off! Let me assure you that Health and Safety rules and regulations don’t mention conker trees, school sports, or firemen on stepladders. At a recent meeting, Bill

sense. What the law basically says is that the degree of risk in any work activity should be assessed, and the appropriate precautions taken. Employers are required to

The law requires us to take care, assess the risk; if we do all that the law requires, and can prove that we’ve done it, the law can protect us. Callaghan, Chairman of the Health & Safety Commission said, ‘Officials who use safety as an excuse, need to ‘get a life’ and let others get on with theirs’! What makes people afraid and suspicious about health and safety isn’t the law, it’s the fear of claims for damages. In actual fact, safety rules and regulations are surprisingly fair and based on common

ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees. That applies equally to volunteers and to those in charge. That seems to me to be eminently sensible! The law requires us to take care, assess the risk; if we do all that the law requires, and can prove that we’ve done it, the law can protect us. If we take care, we can’t be

accused of carelessness. But, if we allow ourselves to be ruled by fear of litigation, we would never innovate, never experiment or invent, never progress as a society. Just think ‘Common Sense’. The important thing is to ‘Think’ before tackling any job, and to take care; carelessness is the enemy of safety. If there isn’t a sensible and safe way to do a job, don’t do it; find an alternative. The first rule in risk assessment is ‘substitution’, if the job can’t be made safe, find another way. We have to learn to follow the basic rules of safety and use the tools at our disposal, like risk assessments. The best tool of all is our common sense. Let’s use it!

Engineering update by Mike Lee the K&A Canal Trust Hon Engineer Boat builders and repairers Bespoke built narrow and wide beam boats

Holiday hire 2-12 berth Full weeks and short breaks 2 fully equipped and built for disabled use

Full mechanical and electrical services Break down service Agents for Shire and Beta engines Mastervolt energy shop 3M thinsulate insulation Webasto heaters

Quality work by quality craftsman Reading Marine Company Ltd Aldermaston Wharf, Padworth, Reading RG7 4JS 0118 9713666

ritish Waterways are starting their programme of winter works and the stoppage list can be found on the Waterscape website.

Sheffield Weir They have completed the work on rebuilding Sheffield Weir that collapsed in March. This has been a very difficult job to manage and BW are to be congratulated for completing the work while keeping the canal open for navigation with only a few weeks of closure last winter. Project Manager, Paul Kelly said, “The work on Sheffield Weir was finished early in November after 9 months of being on site. “The job took such a long time because the weir had to be completely rebuilt. “When the old weir collapsed, the navigation between Sulhamstead Lock and

Sheffield Lock could not be retained to the normal level and this caused a temporary closure of the canal in March.” A temporary cofferdam was installed to retain a normal water level in time for the boating season in April 2007. The new weir is a robust design with the weir crest constructed out of 8m steel sheet piles embedded 8m into the ground. The water flow is controlled by two steel tilting weirs on the weir crest.

Volunteers We are now having detailed discussions with BW about volunteering. This includes the requirements for work to be undertaken by volunteers on some of the locks. I hope we’ll be able to make a start in early 2008

the

Butty Letters to the Editor Letters on any subject related to the canal are welcome. We want to encourage debate about canal Editor, Di Harris issues. This is your forum to voice your views. Requests for anonymity will be honoured, but no letter will be published unless it arrives with contact details. Letters should be not more than 300 words and may be edited for reasons of space or clarity. Send letters to the Editor: contact details on page 3.

No.181 Winter 2007

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE PICTURES?

hen I was stationed in the in the RCAF in England in 1944/45 during WW2 I took these two photographs. I am not quite sure where I took them but I think it was somewhere near Warrington or Manchester. I wonder if any Butty readers might be able to help identify where they were taken. The owner of the first boat was Thomas Clayton Limited, the boat name was ‘Powle’ or ‘Poyle’ and the number was 62 or 82. The other barge was called ‘Ranger’ and had a different owner. Both of the boats were horse drawn.

Arthur Symons by email If you can add any information on these two pictures contact Arthur at: arsymons@mac.com

NEWBURY NEEDS MODEL BOATERS he Newbury Model Boat Club kindly invited the Vintage Model Yacht group to attend the 2007 K&A Canal Waterfest on 29th July. This was our second visit. Last year we had six members. This year only Harry Webster and myself were able to attend. Newbury’s Victoria Park Round Pond is ideal for the smaller boats in this group’s fleet. We do not use radio control therefore we need full pond access. The trees do affect the wind, but to those of us who learned dinghy sailing on the Broads this is no real problem. Harry and I were kept busy answering

the questions of interested visitors. One of my boats is a model of a Southwold Beach Yawl (pronounced ‘Yoll’) Theses were very fast East Coast Luggers that were used for fishing, trading, lifesaving and, of course, smuggling. I was able to display her with the current issue of Anglia Afloat opened at the photograph/description pages of Yolls. If anyone is interested in sailing his old pond yacht or obtaining one please contact me and I will supply details of our group. We do need more people to sail at Newbury. The group members are spread all over the Country and the larger boats are sailed in such places as the Round Pond in London.

We also race the Americans – one year in San Francisco and San Diego and two years afterwards in Gosport and Bournville. We would like to thank the K&A canal trust for another great day. It is now 40 years since my wife Gillian, Chris House and myself organised the first race that became the waterside series. Gillian and I joined the K&A Canal Trust in 1964 and I still canoe. Keyth Musson, Hook, Hants If you are interested in pond yacht sailing contact Keyth at: Sylvan Mead, Old Reading Road, Sheffield-on-Loddon, Hook,Hants, RG27 0AA Tel:01256 882129

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Butty Letters to the Editor

No.181 Winter 2007

MEMORABLE NIVERNAIS ADVENTURE n the early 80s my then wife, mother and I did a holiday trip on the canal du Nivernais with six others plus husband and wife crew on the ex-Avon barge “Pisgah”. The summit level was closed so we had to return to Decize — the trip was not without incident.

water, not far from a weir, my wife panicked and screamed. Luckily mother was rescued, still clutching her (borrowed) book, but minus her glasses, so she never did finish it! After we got home she went down with a mysterious illness, which we suspected came from swallowing French river water.

Raised river level lock drama

Loire grounding

Four days of rain raised the river levels. The skipper rather unwisely, given the conditions, allowed one of the visitors to steer the boat. On turning off one of the river Aron sections straight into a lock, the amateur skipper misjudged the flow which swung the stern round so that the bow hit the lock side, stopping the boat dead. This was all right for those of us near the front who could see what was coming and brace ourselves. My mother had been sitting near the back reading a book (sacrilege!) and chose that moment to stand up, whereupon she was cannoned into by the man standing next to her and caterpaulted into the river.

Mystery illness follows dip At some time in the past, in order to avoid going swimming, she had told my wife that she couldn’t swim. This was not true. Seeing my mother in the

Later when we got back to Decize and re-joined the Loire, which was in flood, the skipper tried to reach a mooring by cutting across a sandbank, and got the boat thoroughly stuck. The water was so shallow that people were walking in it without getting their knees wet. A passing cruiser was unable to pull us off, so the Sapeurs et Pompiers had to be called out, which they thoroughly enjoyed. They soon had us back to the channel with the aid of their inflatable and its powerful outboard.

Police interest and car problems There was further embarrassment when the police took an interest in the affair and wanted to see all the boat’s papers, and the passports of all of us. I couldn’t find mine anywhere. Must have left it in the car. Fortunately the car was close by, as we were back at the start, so I avoided a French prison. We continued the trip down the Loire lateral to Digoin,

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Beechfield Road Hopton Trading Estate, Devizes Telephone 01380 727266

The Avon Barge, Pisgah in l'Anzy lock somewhere near Cercy-la-Tour, where as we went to post some cards home, my mother made her famous remark about wanting to find a French letter box.

without too much extra drama. The food in the tiny restaurants in small villages (to order only) was the best ever, and so were the wines, most of which were small vintages and not for sale! One final trial awaited us. The car’s water pump started to leak on the return journey, and Murphy’s Law ensured that simultaneously the bonnet release jammed, so I wanted not to go too fast to stop the

engine overheating, while my wife decided that if we didn’t get back to the ferry port in time to catch the ferry before the one we were booked on, she would scream and scream. We did make it, but in Dover I decided to sacrifice the paintwork and prise the bonnet open with a screwdriver, to give the engine its much needed water! Michael Jones, Reading

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Despite the best endeavours of The Butty editorial team and the members of the Trust who spell and fact check the proof pages, mistakes still sneak into the magazine. We are grateful to Michael Jones of Reading who brought our attention to two howlers in the last issue. We described the mayor of Chevroche as the Marie — this of course should have been Maire — correcting his gender or something. The word search was compiled by Bob Naylor who’s knowledge of Latin is

no better than his French so we had ‘aquaduct’ as one of the hidden words which of course should have been ‘aqueduct’. However, there is some justice and eagle eyed readers noted that he left his name off the cover picture credit on page three. The Butty is a document of record and we are eager to correct errors of fact so that researchers in the future are not misled. So please let us know when you spot our mistakes — its good to know that someone is reading the magazine.

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Butty

No.181 Winter 2007

What’s On March

January Saturday 12th West Wilts Branch. Annual Dinner. .00 for 7.30pm, The Mill, Rode. For more details and to book, please contact Dave Jupp on 01225 864779. Friday 25th Reading Branch. ‘Restoration of the butty ‘Betelgeuse’ (to working condition)’, Peter Boyce. Turnham’s Farm Scout Hall, Little Heath Road (close to the junction with City Road), Tilehurst. at 7.30 pm for a start at 8.00 pm. Wednesday 30th Newbury Branch. ‘Have Boat will Travel III’, illustrated talk by David Saady. 7.45pm, The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf.

February Saturday 2nd Devizes Branch. I’ve survived Christmas Party. 7.30pm, Canal Centre, Devizes Wharf. Saturday 9th West Wilts Branch. Branch AGM. 7.30pm, Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon. Wednesday 13th K&A Canal Users Forum. 7.30pm, Wessex Room, Corn Exchange, Market Place, Devizes. All welcome. Wednesday 27th Newbury Branch. ‘Cruising on the Canal du Midi’, illustrated talk by Brian Poulton. 7.45pm, The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf. Friday 29th Reading Branch. ‘Wilts and Berks Canal’, Brian Stovold. Turnham’s Farm Scout Hall, Little Heath Road (close to the junction with City Road), Tilehurst. at 7.30 pm for a start at 8.00 pm.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

Tuesday 4th Bath & Bristol Branch. Branch AGM. 7.30 pm, Mary’s Church Hall Bathwick. 15th and 16th West Wilts Branch. ‘Barbara McLellan’ crew training. 21st – 24th 60th Anniversary Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race Devizes Wharf. Wednesday 26th Newbury Branch. ‘The Manchester Ship Canal’, illustrated talk by Richard Thomas. 7.45pm, The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf. Friday 28th Reading Branch. ‘Imperial Airways’, Ken Hussey. Turnham’s Farm Scout Hall, Little Heath Road (close to the junction with City Road), Tilehurst. Starts – 8.00 pm.

April Friday 25th Reading Branch. ‘The story of Bailey Bridging’, Pablo Haworth. Turnham’s Farm Scout Hall, Little Heath Road (close to the junction with City Road), Tilehurst. at 7.30 pm for a start at 8.00 pm Wednesday 30th Newbury Branch. Branch AGM followed by K&A Review. 7.45pm, The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf.

May Friday 9th Hungerford Branch. Branch AGM. 7.30pm, ‘Rose of Hungerford’, Hungerford Wharf.

June Wednesday 11th K&A Canal Users Forum. 7.30pm, Bath

The Barge Inn Honeystreet Historic Canalside Inn

serving home cooked food from noon — 2.30pm and 7 — 9pm

Real Ales Campsite Marquee for parties

Tel: 01672 851705 www.the-barge-inn.com

Crop circle venue with notice boards 38

Fancy a weekend’s hard graft? The NWPG arranges monthly restoration trips to southern canals. Learn new skills – for free! Contact Graham Hawkes on 0118 941 0586 or grahamhawkes@btinternet.com Sundial Marine Services For gas, oil, solid fuel heating servicing and installation, plumbing and electrical work. Eddie Belston 01225 873243 or mobile: 07795 550839 Mike Price Boat Safety Examiner Tel: 01225 703747 Mobile: 07736 837968 Bob Naylor Boat Safety Examiner Tel: 01380 840584, Mobile 07788134901 Email: bob@boatsafe.co.uk Boat surveys Professional surveys of any type of boat undertaken for sale, insurance or damage. Over 40 years of boating experience. Prompt, efficient and sympathetic surveys with realistic recommendations. Now incorporating Richard Birchell. Gibson’s Boat Surveys Ltd. 01672 851232 Wilderness Boats For repairs, refits and new and used craft. Call: 01666 577773 Dorset B&B Explore the Dorset & Somerset Canal on Foot. We can offer Bed & Breakfast, a packed lunch, drop off at any point on the canal & collect when & where required. £80 a night for 2 people inclusive plus £60 for additional night. Contact Howard or Jane Smith. www.barefootsorchard.co.uk 01749 814930 or 07831 738753. White week timeshare 45ft narrowboat. £1995. Sawley Marina, Nottingham. Oct/March. Originally £4495. Ownership terminates 2076. 01761 419224 Bukh 6 hp engine Hurth 2/1 reduction gearbox working order/excellent condition. Tel: 07815 439824

Holiday Cottage to let Port Isaac North Cornwall. Creel Cottage is a beautiful, warm cottage in this ancient fishing village. Available throughout the year. For information contact Derek Bullen 01380 828413 DEVON – Narrowboat Holiday/Breaks. Luxury 4/5 berth Narrowboat, 11 miles, lock free, along peaceful Grand Western Canal Country Park & Local Nature Reserve. Ideal beginners, wildlife/bird watching. Own mooring with lawn & car park, can combine cruising with days out in the West Country. 01884 252178 www.middevonhireboats.co.uk A collector’s model of your boat or cottage — or both — in a bottle. John Burden, 01672 563193. Guild Waterways Artists. Waterways Craft Guild – Master Holiday Mews to Let Central Bath, quiet location. Sleeps 4. All mod cons including dishwasher. Available throughout year. Owner continuously cruising. £25 donated to K&A Canal Trust for booking. Contact Peter 07905 905333 New Zodiac CLR 260 with 4hp Evinrude 2-stroke outboard motor (recent overhaul). Extras, superb condition £995. Peter Robinson 01380 720910. Clark Pioneer air compressor Condor MDR2/11bar 16 (16)a 250 volts spray gun good condition - offers. Peter Robinson 01380 720910 Electric generator 5HP Honda engine 2-to-2.8KVA Used for 31⁄2 hours, in new condition. £210. Peter Robinson 01380 720910. Desmo 3-cycle carrier Never used. £12.00. Peter Robinson 01380 720910. Boat for sale 19ft Dawncraft Dandy 2-berth cruiser. Water heater and loo. Moored Devizes. Ideal starter boat with new BSSC. Brian Poulton: 01793 731158 or 07776 196055.

Unclassified ads are free for members of The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust for up to 30 words — subject to available space

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Butty

No.181 Winter 2007

Crossword 180 solution

Wordsquare 180 solution

Winner: Mrs Marion Pearse, Bradford on Avon Runners up: AD Wadley, Keynsham and Mrs Eira Davies, Newbury

The winner of last issue’s Wordsquare is Rosie Holcombe of Godalming who sensibly ignored the mis-spelling of Aqueduct.

Christmas caption competition Sue Jacobs of the Bridge Inn at Horton sent this picture of boat they met last May

Picture by Bob Naylor

This picture and the one below were taken at the Canal du Nivernais Rally this year

Picture by Ian Sharpe

Picture by Sue Jacobs

Ian Sharpe spotted this car on Devizes Wharf in the summer

There are valuable prizes awaiting the winners of this year’s caption competition. Post or email your captions for all — or some — of the pictures to The Butty at the address in the front of the magazine. As always scant regard will be paid to fairness and the Editor’s decision is final.

Mike Price MABSE Approved Independent

Picture by Bob Naylor

Boat Safety Examiner Tel: 01225 703747 Mobile: 07736 837968

Email: mpboatsafety@aol.com 39

Trip Boats

‘Rose of Hungerford’ A wide-beam boat seating 50 operating from just off Hungerford High Street. Public trips: • Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter until October – 2.30pm: 2.5 hours • Every Wednesday from June until September – 2.30pm: 2.5 hours • Every Wednesday during July and August – 11.30am: 1.5 hours • Every Sunday during August – 11.30am: 1.5 hours • Special Santa Trips at Christmas Charter trips available for all your special occasions Wheelchair/disabled access Booking Manager: 01488 683389

Visit the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’s attractions Claverton

Cafes & shops

Bradford on Avon Wharf shop & café Tel: 01225 868683

Pumping Station Claverton Pumping Station is a waterwheel powered beam engine built in 1813 to raise water from the river Avon to the Kennet and Avon Canal. It has been restored by volunteers and is now open to the public.

Claverton is five miles south of Bath off the A36 Warminster Road, 400 yards down Ferry Lane across the uncontrolled level crossing. The pump is approximately 25 minutes walk from Dundas Aqueduct. Free admission for children under 16 (must be accompanied by an adult)

Devizes Wharf museum, shop & café Tel: 01380 729489

Open days 2008 Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from March 23rd to October 25th

‘Barbara McLellan’ 65ft wide-beam boat seating 51 operating from Bradford on Avon Wharf Cottage Public trips: • Every Wed, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays from Apr to Oct - 2.30 pm, 1¾ hr to Avoncliff and return. • Easter and every Sat and Sun from May to Sep - 11.30 am, 1¼ hr to Meadows Bridge and return. • Every Sun from end-May to mid-Sep 4.30 pm, 1 hr to Widbrook and return. • Special Trips including Cream Teas, Bath, Autumn Tints. Christmas Santa Trips Wheelchair/disabled access

Public trip bookings: 01225 868683 Charter trips: for 1 to 5 hours or a whole day.

Booking Manager: 01225 775326

Running days March 23rd & 24th, April 27th

August 10th, 24th & 25th

May 5th, 25th & 26th, June 8th & 22nd

September 14th & 28th

July 13th and 27th

October 19th

Phone: 01225 483001 Email: enquiries@claverton.org

Crofton

Crofton Pumping Station shop & café Tel: 01672 870300

Beam Engines 1812 Boulton & Watt and 1846 Harvey beam engines regularly steamed from hand stoked, coal fired Lancashire Boiler. Amazing industrial archaeology in a rural setting From Marlborough, either take the A346 to Burbage and then follow the brown 'Beam Engines' sign, or take the A4 towards Hungerford, turn right, 'Beam Engines' sign before Froxfield, and continue to follow the brown signs, through Great Bedwyn, to the pumping station. From Hungerford, take the A338 towards Salisbury, turn right at Shalbourne following the signs to Great Bedwyn, then follow the brown signs. From Salisbury, follow the signs to Hungerford on the A338, then turn left at East Grafton and follow the brown signs.

Newbury Wharf shop & café Tel: 01635 522609

Open days ‘Jubilee’ A 30 seat converted traditional narrowboat operating from Brassknocker Basin, opposite Viaduct Inn, Limpley Stoke on the A36 East of Bath Public trips: • From Easter until October Sundays and Bank Holidays 12.00 – 2.00pm Cruise to Claverton and return 2.30pm – 5.45pm Cruise to Avoncliff stopping for 30 minutes and return • From June to September Tuesdays: 2.30pm – 5.45pm Avoncliff and return Thursdays: 2.30pm – 5.45pm Bathampton and return Charter trips Booking Manager: 01749 812199

All boats have a licensed bar and refreshments are available. There is a public address system or you can use your own sound system.

Open daily 10.30am to 5pm from March 22nd — September 28th 2008

Steaming days March 22, 23, 24 (Easter), May 3, 4, 5, 24, 25, 26 June 28, 29 July 26, 27 August 23, 24, 25 September 27, 28 (steam gala weekend)

Phone: 01672 870300

Museum

Devizes Wharf The museum is housed in the historic bonded wharehouse on Devizes Wharf. Its exhibits chronicle the rise and fall of the canal as a commercial waterway and its subsequent restoration by volunteers.

Opening times: 10am — 5pm, 7days a week

General enquiries: 01380 721279

Website: katrust.org.uk

Aldermaston visitor centre, shop & café Tel: 01189 712868

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