Issue 20
The newsletter of South and North & East London Branches
Spring 2019
Inglesham Lock Chris Bushill reports on progress on the first lock of the Thames and Severn Canal. Cotswold Canals Trust aims to restore the Thames & Severn Canal from its junction with the Stroudwater Navigation in Stroud through to the River Thames. With the Stroudwater Navigation, the restored canal would re-create an alternative through route between the rivers Thames and Severn from the Kennet & Avon Canal and one that would avoid the tidal Bristol Avon. Two miles of the Thames & Severn canal fall within the Phase 1A restoration programme. This has included the removal of some of the most challenging obstructions on the canal including the previously bridgeless crossing of the A46 in Stroud and a section lost under the A419 Stroud east-west bypass at Capels Mill. The completion of Phase 1B will link this western section of the T&S Canal with the rest of the main network at Saul Junction via the Stroudwater Navigation. Other showpiece sections of the canal have been restored, including both ends of Sapperton Tunnel at the summit, to demonstrate the advantages of restoring the whole canal. In 2009, Cotswold Canals Trust was given the freehold of Inglesham Lock by British Waterways, prior to BW selling the historic roundhouse at the Canal’s junction with the Thames. IWA and WRG have adopted the funding and restoration of this entrance lock.
In this issue: Inglesham Lock Chairman's Reports Future Events London Socials London W alks Red Diesel London Mooring Committee Members and contact Details Branch AGMs Cover photo (Chris Bushill) Inglesham Lock, Lechlade at the start of the 2014 WRG camp. See article this page.
Almost certainly the last through journey on the Thames and Severn canal was by E Temple Thurston on the Flower of Gloster. This trip was described in his book published in 1911. Even then he did not pass through Inglesham Lock. He describes his leave of the canal on the last page of his book, ‘I turned on my heel and set off across the meadows for the town of Lechlade. Once I looked back. He (his boatman, Eynsham Harry) had turned the barge round in Inglesham Basin; Fanny was hitched to the towline, and the Flower of Gloster was on her homeward journey …’. See above for Temple Thurston’s view of Inglesham Lock in 1911. Thus it is fair to say the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) work camp in 2014 was the first time the accumulated mud in the lock had been disturbed in over a hundred years. At that camp WRG Chairman Mike Palmer told the volunteers, ‘Don’t expect sudden progress, it is likely to be at least 4 years before this job is finished’. In the fourth year since then, last year, the coping stones were finally replaced atop the lock walls.
At the 2014 camp the first job, working behind a temporary plastic dam, was to clear a hundred years worth of silt and rubbish (with a fine collection of old beer bottles) from under the bridge at the foot of the lock. This was to locate the original wooden beam used as a base for stop-planks to enable the lock to be isolated from the River Thames and drained. The plank was found still in excellent condition. New grooves were cut in the bridge abutments for stop planks. Subsequent camps installed new stop planks, backed by sand bags and the lock was safely isolated from the Thames to enable work to move into top gear. The photo left shows that WRG Chairman Mike Palmer (in red) is not frightened to get down and dirty. Taken clearing under the bridge on the first camp in 2014. Many camps later, including weekend visits from London WRG, the lock is almost complete. Gates will not be fitted until there can be water at top and bottom of the lock. The following photographs taken by me indicate progress over the years. Below - sucking out the mud. Thetemporary dam can be seen under the bridge
Bricks and rubble were removed by barrow hoist and barrowed away
Cutting grooves for the stop planks
By the end of 2014 stop planks had been installed backed by hundreds of sand bags filled by hand. A start had been made on erecting scaffolding to enable brickwork repairs under the bridge.
By 2016 the lock had been completely cleared of mud and rubble, loose brickwork (a lot of it) had been removed and scaffolding erected for rebuilding to start. Some coping stones had been removed. The rest were removed and numbered the following year ready for restoration when brickwork repairs were complete
Left - filling the last gap in the wall from which huge tree roots had been removed.
Right - replacing the coping stones
London Mooring Strategy A press release from Canal and River Trust last summer announced the London Mooring Strategy. It included the figures below for total boats in London: Mar 2012 Mar 2014 Mar 2016 Mar 2018
2326 2964 3662 4098
The London Mooring Strategy objectives were described as: �� For better provision and management of a range of facilities and mooring types in London �� To manage the high number of boats in London and to mitigate the environmental impacts on the waterways and neighbours �� To protect existing, and generate additional, income to maintain the waterways in London �� To help ensure fair sharing of water space �� To enable a wider range of boaters to visit and navigate in London �� To support a London waterway destination and tourism strategy The initiatives fall under the following nine categories: 1. Support and prioritise development of new long-term moorings in less busy areas, primarily outer London 2. Encourage development of long-term moorings from a diverse range of providers 3. Improve provision, maintenance and management of short-stay moorings 4. Develop custom short-stay moorings to meet demand 5. Winter Moorings that recognise and balance the needs of all boaters 6. Better provision and management of boating facilities 7. Improve communication between boaters and the Trust 8. Increase business boating activity in key London waterway destinations 9. Support activities that ensure accessible and affordable access to the water for all IWA will monitor the situation but feel that opportunities have been missed. As IWA National Chairman, Ivor Caplan, said on the review of boat licensing “The review does nothing to address two of IWA’s key concerns; the increasing use of widebeam boats on inappropriate waterways to the detriment of other waterways users, and ensuring that boaters without a home mooring cruise an appropriate distance. IWA will continue campaigning for these concerns to be resolved.” Picture Continuous cruisers? On the River Lee
Opportunities at IWA Canalway Cavalcade – Mayday weekend The time will soon be here when IWA Canalway Cavalcade, London’s biggest, brightest and best waterside festival, will once again be brightening up iconic Little Venice, near Paddington. Taking place over the early May Bank Holiday weekend 4th – 6th May, this unique waterway and community event, organised entirely by IWA volunteers, has been taking place since 1983. There are activities for all the family to enjoy, with a boaters’ gathering, a pageant of boats, dressed to the 2019 theme “Celebrating our Volunteers”, stalls selling a multitude of different items - from Peruvian hats to flavoured sausages - live music and entertainments, kids’ activities - from modelling to creepy-crawly shows, competitions, Morris Dancers, a real ale bar and a wide variety of delicious snacks and food. IWA Canalway Cavalcade is organised by a core team of enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers, each of whom has responsibility for a specific area in the setting up of the event. We meet every 4 – 6 weeks in London to discuss progress and share ideas. The professionalism of the team is highly regarded by the local authority, residents and all the organisations it deals with. The increasing success of the event means we are looking for new, enthusiastic team members to join in the fun of running this colourful spectacle every year. You may or may not have previous experience, you can be a student or a pensioner, we just need a few hours of your time every month - and three days in May. We need the following: Administration Coordinator Assistant Publicity & Social Media Manager For more information and to apply please contact: Mark Saxon, Chairman Email: mark.saxon@waterways.org.uk Volunteers are also needed to assist during the three days of the event e.g. with information stands, meeting and greeting entertainers and traders and helping them set up, children’s activities, collecting donations and distributing programmes. If you think you can spare a few hours between 4th and 6th May, please go to the IWA website where the volunteer registration form provides further information and can be downloaded or completed on-line: https://www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/canalway_cavalcade/volunteer There are still a few vacancies for volunteers in the work camp too which runs from Wednesday 1st May to Tuesday 7th May. You should be prepared to work for a minimum of 2 days. Food and refreshments will be available for a small fee and limited overnight accommodation can be provided by arrangement. Please contact our Work Camp Leader, Pete Fleming, for more information: pete.fleming@team.waterways.org.uk
IWA Award for London Walks Chairman Restoration, community engagement, waterways partnerships and the passion and dedication of our volunteers were the keywords at IWA's Annual Awards 2018. The ceremony which took place at IWA's Annual Members' Meeting in Stonehouse, near Stroud on 29th September was attended by over 160 people. Four IWA volunteers were awarded Richard Bird Medals, given to members whose effort and support are considered to have brought significant benefits to IWA over a sustained period. Among these was our own Roger Wilkinson. The citation for the award is copied below: “Roger Wilkinson has been one of IWA's biggest volunteer fundraisers in recent years. In 2006 the group organising IWA's London Canal Walks welcomed Roger as secretary. He took over the administration, guided some walks himself, and liaised with the broader London Walks team who provide publicity. When he had the ropes of being secretary pretty much under his belt, and with the departure of Peter Finch as chairman, Roger stepped up to the role and became Chairman of the IWA Towpath Walks Society. He developed a range of new walks and prepared the documentation for his team of volunteer guides. Since then he has coordinated 345 Towpath Walks, guided 5026 customers, and has brought £22,260 to support our campaign work. This money is shared between the London branches of IWA and through them is subsequently used to support their activities or is donated to waterway restoration projects.” The photograph below shows Roger being presented with his medal by Ivor Caplan IWA National Chairman.
Record Year for London Walks Roger Wilkinson reports that last year saw the greatest number, 41, of guided walks in one year since the Towpath Walks started over forty years ago. It also saw the first regular walk south of the Thames, along part of the Grand Surrey Canal. All thanks to our enthusiastic group of guides, whose hard work has made this happen This year, a new route is to be included around the north of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, beside Waterworks River and the Hackney Cut. We look forward to seeing members sample the newest walks. Roger also says, if you would like to become a Guide for the Towpath Walks, you would be very welcome. We have a vacancy for a guide, and we would be very pleased to hear from you. If you're not sure about it- don't worry, we will brief you well. Just ring us, or email us, and the rest is plain sailing.
Charlie Forman leads a walk on the River Lee
London Walks Programme Date 20 January Sunday 3 February Sunday
Route Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse Q. E. Olympic Park & Bow Back Rivers
9 February Saturday Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden 10:45 a.m. 17 February Sunday G. U. Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Gn. 3 March Sunday 17 March Sunday 23 March Saturday 10:45 a.m. 7 April Sunday 21 April Sunday 5 May Sunday 19 May Sunday 26 May 2019 Sunday 2 June Sunday 11 June 2019 Tuesday 16 June 2019
Start (Tube Station) Mile End Stratford, by “Newham London” sign Warwick Avenue Paddington Bakerloo Praed St exit
Regent’s Canal: Islington – Mile End Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square - Camden Grand Surrey Canal: Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock Regents Canal: Kings X – Hitchcock’s Hackney
Angel Warwick Avenue King’s Cross (taxi rank)
Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn – Little Venice Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden
Baker St (Baker St N/Lords exit) Warwick Avenue Warwick Avenue Mile End Warwick Avenue
Regent’s Canal: Islington – Mile End
Angel
Surrey Quays King’s Cross (taxi rank)
6 July Saturday 10:45 a.m. 7 July Sunday
Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden
Warwick Avenue
Secrets of the Northern Q. E. Olympic Park
21 July Sunday 4 August Sunday
Limehouse – Thames – Docklands G. U. Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Gn.
Stratford, by “Newham London” sign Westferry DLR (by Cycle Hire Pt) Paddington Bakerloo Praed St exit
18 August Sunday
Regent’s Canal: King’s X - Granary Sq. Camden 1 September Sunday Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden 15 September Limehouse – Thames – Docklands Sunday 5 October Saturday Regent’s Canal: King’s X - Granary Sq. 10:45 Camden 6 October Sunday Grand Surrey Canal: Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock 20 October Sunday Secrets of the Northern Q. E. Olympic Park
King’s Cross (taxi rank) Warwick Avenue Westferry DLR (by Cycle Hire Pt) King’s Cross (taxi rank) Surrey Quays Stratford, by “Newham London” sign
● To go on a Towpath Walk, simply turn up. No advance booking is needed. Unless otherwise indicated the Walks start at 2.30 pm. ● Regular charge is £10; concessionary rate is £8. ● For further details, look on the IWA website www.waterways.org.uk, or contact Roger Wilkinson at 020 3612 9624.
Red Diesel Ruling Following the ruling by the European Union Court of Justice against the UK's use of red diesel by private pleasure craft, representatives from the boating community and boating industry - British Marine, the Cruising Association, The Inland Waterways Association and the Royal Yachting Association - met with HMRC officials on Tuesday 20th November to discuss the implications of the Court's decision and evaluate the UK's response. The meeting was extremely informative and productive, and the continued support of the UK Government is welcomed. In effect, following the Court's ruling, the expectation of the European Commission is that the UK must stop allowing the use of red diesel for the purposes of propulsion of a private pleasure craft and must therefore switch to white diesel. The UK was required to provide a response to the Commission by 22nd December 2018, setting out how it intends to bring the UK into line with the European Directive on fiscal marking of gas oils and kerosene, as well as a timeframe for achieving this. It remains the position of all the boating representative bodies that a change to using white diesel would create insurmountable problems for boat users and the industry. All the boating representative bodies will therefore be providing evidence of the practical implications to HMRC officials to inform the UK's response to the Commission in the hope that we can jointly develop a practical and affordable solution in a realistic timeframe.
Welcome to members who have joined us recently. The new GDPR now stops us from naming you individually. However we would like to extend you a warm welcome to the branches and their activities. We hope to see you at some of our social meetings and to meet you at IWA events later in the year, such as the Canalway Cavalcade, where new volunteers are also always welcome. Whatever your interest in the waterways we hope that you will find something here for you and new friends to meet. If I, or any of the branch officers, can assist with any questions you may have please do not fail to get in contact with us. Our details can be found at the back of this newsletter. Liz Rayner
Region Chairperson's Column To start with, I would like to wish you and your family all the best for the New Year. I hope it will be a happy and prosperous one. In the dark days of winter, it is often difficult to remember how much we enjoy the summer’s cruising the Inland Waterways, but spring is not far away and once again we will be able to get out on the water. As your Region Chairman I sit on Navigation Committee. Recently it has been involved in two issues that in many ways demonstrate IWA’s influence across the country. The first issue was a cry for help from members north of the border. The canals in Scotland, were, when CRT was formed, passed to Scottish Canals, which is funded by the Scottish Government. Working with Scottish based organisations we have brought our experience of canals and provided useful knowledge and comparisons with other waterways to their campaigns to prevent the Forth and Clyde canal closing. The other issue is the new Bylaws for boating on the Middle Level. The Middle Level Commissioners have recently received new powers through an act of Parliament and we are working with them to create by-laws to support the new Act. One common theme both at the World Canals Conference and the National AGM has been our restoration report “Waterways in Progress”. The report, highlights the benefits, partially completed restoration projects, bring to local communities, people and economies. It includes a dozen case studies and we intend to add to these in the future. Keep an eye out for a public launch in the spring. Centrally in 2018, we have established a new Heritage Group, led by a few experienced and respected members. They will join forces with Navigation Committee to cover this essential area of protecting our waterways. Heritage is not just concerning specific buildings or structures, it applies to the entire character of our rivers and canals. The diversity from highly industrial to remote rural landscapes, which has always been a major attraction of our waterways, is gradually being lost to mediocre housing estates. London’s Middlesex Branch has started working along the Southern Grand Union in their patch recording the important heritage in their area. I would like to find someone who could oversee the work, by branches, across London to ensure we have a consistent approach. If you know anyone who would be interested, and they don’t have to be a member, please ask them to get in touch with me. Finally, can I remind you that IWA’s premier event, in London, Canalway Cavalcade, is over the weekend of the 4th to 6th May 2019. Why not just join us for a day, the nearest tube station is Paddington. It is a really great family day out. As always, we are looking for new volunteers to help us run Cavalcade. If you fancy dipping your toe into the water of volunteering, please contact the team via the on-line volunteer form which is on the IWA Cavalcade page of the IWA website, or email them at: cavalcade.volunteer@waterways.org.uk Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Person Deputy National Chairman
From North & East London Chairman, Tim Lewis It was good to see many branch members at the IWA Festival of Water at St Neots over the bank holiday. To get a boat there is a fairly mammoth task involving an almost circular route. Hopefully in not too many years time the trip will be made easier by the construction of the Milton Keynes to Bedford Waterway. Next years Festival is to be held at Waltham Abbey on the River Lee which should see a lot of visiting boats on the Regents canal and the section of the River Lee within our Branch area. The branch also had a presence at the more local Angel Canal Day where we talked to a lot of people about waterways and the IWA, we gave out plenty of leaflets, and sold many books which funded the day's costs. On the Town Planning side we still monitor, and where required comment, on planning applications alongside the Branch's waterways. The BWML marinas application to create new moorings at Limehouse Basin which we, and many others, have objected to, believing that it will be to the detriment of visiting boats, is still in progress. Andrew Phasey was invited to represent the IWA as well as the Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs and St Pancras Cruising Club to make a presentation at the Limehouse Basin Planning Meeting earlier this month (see page 17). We note that Limehouse Marina has been sold as part of the sale of BWML by Canal and River Trust to LDC, a private equity investor. The large Ted Baker development on the old sorting office site at Kings Cross has received planning permission. Other major developments include the redevelopmemt of the Morrisons site at Camden. David Hilling, representing the local Branch, has been invited to outline our concerns to TfL regarding the design and placement of the proposed Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf Lifting Bridge. We note with concern the new floating hotel boat in Paddington Basin, another example of the semi-permanent infilling of the waterspace. There have also been local objections to a proposed floating classroom adjacent to Primrose Hill Primary School. The branch continues to represent the IWA on Tidal Thames user groups, recent discussions include the Tideway Tunnel works with its associated risks to leisure users. We note that the proposed cruise liner terminal has been abandoned. The number of boats now moored in London is still causing concern. We welcome the issue of the CRT London Mooring Strategy but have concerns about its effectiveness. We have now had a couple of open meetings with the London Boating community which have gone well with concerns on both 'sides' discussed. We note that the Canal & River Trust and Islington Council are creating an ‘eco-mooring zone’ for visiting boats between York Way and Danbury Street on the Regent’s Canal. Supported by funding from Defra, the zone will include electric charging points to provide boaters with an alternative to running boat engines to generate energy. We are in the process of producing an IWA policy (Vision) document on London’s waterways which we hope to issue soon. Continued
The Branch has made two donations, the first being a £1,000 donation to the Cody Dock Project on Bow Creek towards the cost of a ramp and walkway to access a pontoon to be used by river users including canoes and kayaks. We have also made a £500 donation to the London Branch of the Waterway Recovery Group towards replacement equipment including a new gas boiler for essential tea making! Pictures below show the boiler being delivered to Inglesham lock and in use. We are fortunate that apart from a few lock opening time restrictions the record hot weather spell in the summer did not have an effect on navigation except to encourage the rapid growth of weed. There are very few stoppages in the Branch area over the winter for scheduled works, the main one being gate repairs to Old Ford Lock on the Regents Canal which were carried out in early November. CRT held an open day for the works here but unfortunately it did not offer access into the lock chamber as has happened on previous lock open days. The Branch has supported the lottery application being made by the Ragged School Museum to improve their canalside Victorian School at Mile End. Congratulations to Roger Wilkinson on the award of a Richard Bird Medal at the IWA AGM for his running of the IWA Towpath Walks group and the associated raising of funds which allows us to make the donations that we do. We have been asked by the Canal and River Trust to participate in their Regent Canal 200th anniversary celebrations in 2020 which is likely to include an organised cruise to and from a festival in Mile End Park on 1st August. We would like to participate in this but as we have mentioned before the Branch’s work is carried out by a small number of volunteers so to take on more work may dilute our routine activities. If anyone would like to assist in the Branch’s activities please feel free to contact any committee member to discuss.
South London Chairman’s Report Happy New Year to you all. I hope everyone has had a good Christmas and that 2019 will be happy one for you all. Certainly 2018 has had its ups and downs for many people including our secretary, Allan, who unfortunately had to spend Christmas in hospital but I’m pleased to say was back at his home on New Year’s Eve. Several committee members are experiencing significant health problems and we are grateful for the help of non-committee members especially at meetings and events. Since the last edition of Meridian Cuttings we have been to both Angel and Slough Canal Festivals with the branch stand and Waterways Game. The takings at Angel are better than at Slough, mainly because all the visitors have to pass each stall to get along the towpath. The Waterways game provides a lot of interesting information on the history of canals and we have maps to show people where the canals are or were. I often wonder what seeds are sown in young children’s minds when one of our team, especially Eric Garland, explains about the canal shown on the ticket they have pulled out. Our social meetings started again in September with a talk by Eric Garland on Waterway Books. This included information on rare books some of which he brought along from his personal collection. In late September we had a small group outing on the Basingstoke Canal and at the same time celebrated our secretary Allan Scott’s 70th birthday which was the following day. Thank you to Eric for the cream tea and Lesley for the delicious cake! See photo left. In October we had a talk: “Brewing along the Wandle Valley” by Alison Cousins from the Wandle Industrial Museum. This museum is in Mitcham and has been open since 1985 with extensive information about the River Wandle, its mills and industries. The museum is open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons and we may organise a branch visit sometime in the summer if there is enough interest. The Region committee has been working on an ‘IWA Vision for London’ in recent months, led by our chairman, Paul Strudwick. In November Paul gave the branch an introductory talk about this and at our AGM on 13th March he will be giving us an update. Some of the specific things relating to the River Thames are safety, moorings, freight and heritage. In addition to the talk at our AGM on 13th March Paul will be giving a presentation on this at the Region Social in Paddington on Tuesday 19th March.
Cont. Next page
On 12th December we had our usual Christmas Social gathering with members boating stories and pictures, Mulled Punch and homemade Mince pies. Unfortunately I was ill and unable to go but thanks go to Judith Hunter, Lesley Pryde-Coales and Shea Richardson for making it happen and to Bob and Mary Metcalf, Derek Humphries and Roger Stocker for sharing their cruising adventures. News of 2019 meetings and events may be found overleaf. We hope you will join us and, if you can, help with some of these. Judith Hunter has kindly organised the January dinner again and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her. Our AGM is on 13th March and we could do with some more – especially able-bodied! – people on the committee. If you think you could help on the committee or with any activities within the branch please get in touch with me. Below are 2 photographs taken on the 5 creeks cruise last year. The first shows our narrowboats joining local boats in Barking Creek. In the second Eric Garland and I can be seen on Panacea up Dartford Creek when the tide was high enjoying a cream tea! Thank you Libby
South London Branch Calendar Unless otherwise indicated, the following South London Branch Social meetings take place at 7.45 for 8.00 p.m. In The Primary Room,The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Wednesday 13th February 2019 A talk on Narrow boat Raymond: the past year of celebrations Wednesday 13th March 2019 Branch AGM and update on IWA Vision for London by Paul Strudwick, Region Chairman Wednesday 10th April 2019 A presentation entitled “Canals are from Mars”! by Lester Hillman All are welcome at our meetings, IWA members or non-members. There is no admission charge for talks, film shows or presentations but we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakers’ expenses, thank you. There is good parking adjacent to the hall and excellent transport links via East Croydon train and tram stations. For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson Tel: 07803 904803 or e-mail: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk For updates and information on our social meetings Please check https://www.waterways.org.uk/southlondon/south_london
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The Inland Waterways Association or of the London Region or its branches. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers. The IWA accepts no liability for any matter within this publication. Editor: Chris Bushill, 52, Brycedale Crescent, Southgate, London, N14 7EU. E-mail chris.bushill@waterways.org.uk Published by the IWA, North & East and South London Branches at: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP 1WA. Tel 01494 783453
Limehouse Marina Mooring Pontoons - Planning Application A meeting of the Tower Hamlets Development Committee in November deferred a decision until after a site meeting. The decision is now scheduled to be made at a meeting on 24 January in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BG, starting at 18:30. At the November meeting 177 letters of objection were received. An additional three letters were received prior to the meeting, two of these were in objection to the application. The Committee heard from objectors, supported by IWA, who raised the following concerns: The application would result in loss of the open space which currently provided 24 hours of free moorings. The installation of the additional pontoons would harm the current arrangements and flexibility to organise safe moorings on rally days. The visual representations displayed at the meeting indicating how boats would be accommodated on rally days were inaccurate and the proposed arrangement of vessels would reduce the navigation space. Under the proposals vessels of 20 metres and greater would be barred from using the marina. The proposal was contrary to planning policies described at paragraphs 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 and 8.7. The proposal would obstruct access for local residents and visiting public. The current application was similar to a previous proposal which had been rejected at committee. The current refuse facilities were under great strain and here was anecdotal evidence that departing boats did not leave taking their refuse with them. The present arrangements offered sufficient navigation space to offset wind effect on boats caused by surrounding buildings which generated fast wind. However, under the proposals, the turning area and would be insufficient to mitigate such effects and consequently risk of accidents would increase. Under the proposals also, there would be no clear view of water. The application had been made in the context of the intended onward sale of the marina. Councillor James King, the Ward Councillor also objected to the proposal. IWA will be represented at the new meeting and observers are able to attend.
Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) working holidays, called ‘Canal Camps' are a great experience for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys meeting new people from different backgrounds and of different ages. Our Camps also offer you a fantastic chance to learn new skills such as bricklaying, stone walling, machine operation and restoration techniques. In groups of up to 18 volunteers, you can help with essential restoration work on the derelict waterways of England and Wales. Volunteers will be able to take part in various tasks from vegetation clearance to learning how to build a lock wall. Whether you are a complete beginner or have tried your hand at restoration before, you will be guided through every task by the Canal Camp leader and their assistant.
Quick Canal Camp Facts WRG run over 25 week-long residential restoration Canal Camps every year on the derelict waterways of England and Wales. Each camp costs ÂŁ70 per week which includes food and accommodation. Our camps are open to anyone aged over 18. WRG welcomes participants completing the residential section of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
It' s easy to become a 21st century canal navvy! Contact WRGie Head Office e-mail: enquiries@wrg.org.uk telephone: 01494 783 453 ext 604
BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AGM London Branches of The Inland Waterways Association will take place as follows:
South London 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday 13th March at: The Primary Room The United Reformed Church Hall Addiscombe Road Croydon CR0 5LP
North & East London 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 19th March at: 2 Kingdom Street Paddington W2 6PY
AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2018 AGM plus Matters Arising 3. Report from the Chairman 4. Presentation of Accounts 5. Business of the meeting notified under bylaw 1.3* 6. Election to fill posts on the Committee 7. Questions from the floor The formal AGM will be followed by another activity as per the branch’s social programme
CONTACT DETAILS
North & East London
South London
Chairman
Tim Lewis e-mail: tim.lewis@waterways.org.uk
Libby Bradshaw e-mail: libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk
Secretary
Roger Squires e-mail: roger.squires@waterways.org.uk
Allan Scott e-mail: allan.scott@waterways.org.uk
NOTE : Byelaw 1.3 provides that any member of a region or branch may propose business to appear on the Agenda of an AGM of their region or branch, provided that notice of such business is delivered in writing to the Chairman of the region or branch at least six weeks before that meeting. If any such items are received, a revised Agenda for the relevant meeting will be in a Branch Newsletter which is due to be published before the AGMs.
BRANCH COMMITTEE ELECTIONS To facilitate elections at the AGMs, nominations for election to a Branch or Region Committee must be received by the relevant Branch or Region Secretary before or at the AGM (see above). All candidates and their proposers must be paid-up members of the relevant Branch and the candidate must indicate his/her willingness to stand. All elected members of a Branch Committee who have held office for a term of three years have to retire, as does any member co-opted during the committee meetings since the last AGM. Members in either category are eligible for re-election, provided that they are duly nominated as detailed above. A nomination form is printed below. The particulars for each Committee are as follows: North & East London Secretary Deadline for nominations
Roger Squires
Allan Scott
18th March
12th March
Current number of elected members Members completing 3 years in post
South London
6
6
Tim Lewis Roger Wilkinson Liz Rayner
Members co-opted since last AGM
Dorothy Robbie
0
0
New blood would be very much welcomed. Please consider joining our committees to have your say on the future of our waterways. Note: Please note that under the new Bye-laws all Committees may vary in size according to the numbers elected. We look forward to receiving further nominations for Committee membership.
Committee Name: South London* Print Name Candidate Proposer Seconder
North & East London* Signature
*delete whichever does not apply Date
Branch Committee Members Role
North & East London
Chairman
Tim Lewis Tel: 02085300425 / 07802518094 tim.lewis@waterways.org.uk
Secretary
Roger Squires Tel: 02072320987 roger.squires@waterways.org.uk
Minutes Secretary Treasurer Social Secretary
Newsletter Editor Membership Secretary
Vacancy Ian Israel Tel: 020 84461823 ian.israel@waterways.org.uk Vacancy
South London Libby Bradshaw Tel: 02088742787 / 07956 655037 libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk AllanScott TeTel: 02086428104 / 07985728844 allan.scott@waterways.org.uk Vacancy Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk Shea Richardson, Tel: 02086770196 / 07803904803 shea.richardson@homecall.co.uk
Chris Bushill Tel: 02082457063; chris.bushill@waterways.org.uk Liz Rayner liz.rayner@waterways.org.uk
Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk Lesley Pryde-Coales Tel: 07787 372408 lesley.pryde@waterways.org.uk
Publicity Officer
Vacancy
Sales Officer
Vacancy
Vacancy
Events Officer
Vacancy
Vacancy
Planning Officer
Rod Gray rodgray125@aol.com
Vacancy
Work Party Officer
Vacancy
Vacancy
Committee Members
Roger Wilkinson – London Walks Rep. Tel: 02036129624 roger.wilkinson@waterways.org.uk
Simon Dyer Tel: 020 8769 2981/ 07857 978111 simondyer@outlook.com
Ex-Officio as Region Chairman South London Representatives
Paul Strudwick Tel: 01245358342 / 07885240291 paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk
Planning & Navigation Committee: Eric Garland Wandle Valley developments: Shea Richardson Deptford Creek developments: Eric Garland
If you feel you could help with any of the vacancies above we would love to hear from you
London Region Socials Combined with North and East London Branch We continue to hold our social meetings on the third Tuesday evening of each month except in July and August. In October we were given the use of a space on the 2nd floor of 2 Kingdom Street which looks like being our home for the time being. We started the 2018-19 talks with an evening on board the Electric Barge at Paddington where Simon Ryder, CEO of the charity, gave us an overview of the work of the Floating Classroom. This included some of the history of Beauchamp Lodge settlement prior to the classroom’s existence and detailed stories of the current input to schools in the local area. Nostalgic stories from early Canalway Cavalcade weekends were shared of when we used to use the Beauchamp Lodge building. In October Simon Judge and I gave a talk: '5 tidal creeks and a historic sailing barge’. At the end of May through to early June a group of 7 narrowboats set off on a 5 creeks cruise organised by members of St Pancras Cruising Club. Simon and I talked about planning for and our participation in the cruise which included Deptford, Dartford, Crayford, Barking and Bow Creeks. In November Tim Lewis gave his annual talk ‘Restoration Round-up with London WRG’ sharing stories of the various restoration projects where London WRG has had an input during the past year together with various social events and weekends. On 18th December we had our annual Christmas Quiz and Auction with mulled wine and mince pies. Although only a few people were able to make it, we had a good evening to round off the year and raised some money from the auction. Dates for the next few months: Tuesday 19th February: ‘Lost Rivers of London’ – Dr Roger Squires Tuesday 19th March: North and East London Branch AGM followed by talk at 8pm ‘IWA Vision for London’ – Paul Strudwick, Region Chairman Tuesday 16th April: London Waterways and London Walks then and now - Tim Lewis and Roger Wilkinson Details of each talk will be sent out in advance by email and also can be found following the link https://www.waterways.org.uk/branches_regions/london/london_region The address of our current venue is 2 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central W2 6BD. The map opposite shows the management office where we used to meet. Two Kingdom Street is also marked on this map. Instead of going up the steps by the lift to the office follow the path round between the lift and the top of the Amphitheatre to Kingdom Street. The following link may also help https://goo.gl/maps/VjKJvzXfy6B2. The venue is on the second floor and we have to go through security to gain access to that floor. Refreshments are available from 7pm and the talks start at 7.30pm. All are welcome whether IWA members or not. We have people attending from across most of the London Region Branches. I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months Libby Further details from Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037
Meeting Locations
IWA South London Branch, United Reformed Church, Croydon
IWA Meet here
IWA Former Venue
Paddington Hammersmith & City Line exit
IWA Region and North & East London Branch, 2 Kingdom St, Paddington
Waterway Recovery Group in Action Inglesham Lock August 2018
The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783 453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk The Inland Waterways Association is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country' s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers.