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• A View From The Helm Page 3 • Forthcoming Events Page 4
Walks and Meetings
Veg Season Ending • Recent News Page 12 Your Branch Needs You Lichfield Canal Restoration • Boating Tips from River Canal Rescue Page 13 • Fund Britain’s Waterways Page 15 • Planning Matters Page 18 • AGM Reports Page 21 • Editorial Notice Page 25
Front Cover Picture—Great Haywood Junction
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy, or as an official pronouncement, unless specifically identified as such.
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: Unit 16B, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2PX Tel: 01494 783453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk
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My wife & I having been away 'boating' (well - all around the Mediterranean on one of Fred Olsen's cruise ships!) for all of March celebrating our Diamond Wedding Anniversary, I'm now busy catching up with a mass of mail and many pressing matters. Despite the weather it’s good to be back to reality in 'Blighty' & the IWA. Our move to Darwin Hall with its more sociable space, better parking and adjacent amenities is proving popular and attendances at our meetings are growing. Amongst the content in this excellent edition of Lichfield Lines please can I urge you to take particular notice of two items.
Our IWA Branch organisation Needs Your Support
Neil Barnett, our splendid vice-chairman, is appealing for volunteers to ensure the continuing development of our successful Branch. He suggests several possibilities. All opportunities to make new friends, getting to know more of our members and those that are attracted to our canals & navigable rivers whilst influencing the future direction of the Branch. Please come forward & step up to the mark. We need your help. Our Meetings Programme from September to April 2025. For the second year running we're now publishing our complete programme so that you can save the dates and encourage your friends to come to our meetings at Darwin Hall
In addition to some fascinating traditional British waterways topics we've continued broadening the range of our speaker’s topics to include Canals of the Eastern United States, the Suez Canal, Britain's last remaining Bell Foundry & the Sky at Night over our canals and with the Planets in 3D.
Our family & friends with the bells from St James' Parish church Barton under Needwood awaiting restoration at Taylor's bellfoundry in Loughborough
As well as interesting our 'regulars' we believe these subjects may encourage more members plus those from other organisations and the public to come & give Lichfield IWA a Go!
Maz & I are looking forward to meeting many of you at our meetings in the year ahead
We've just witnessed the casting of our Wedgwood Diamond Wedding Anniversary bell at Taylor's Loughborough bell foundry. It will be joining the bells at Barton under Needwood's Parish Church when they return after restoration and a long awaited re-hanging. Maz & I met first as bell ringers in Burton.
Adrian Wedgwood Chairman IWA Lichfield Branch4
Anniversary bell being cast
Apart from a very interesting speaker at the meeting last night (NB President) there were two other announcements, one good and one not so good. The good one was that Carole and Denis Cooper were made Honorary Members of the IWA after supporting us for 60 years, a brilliant achievement. The not so good announcement was that our wonderful “Tea Lady” Sheila has decided to step down from the role, fortunately Heather immediately stepped up to volunteer. No refreshments at meetings would have been a disaster. Many thanks to both Sheila and Heather. More on both events in the next issue.
Please note the change of Venue and day for our meetings starting February 2024.
Our New venue is Darwin Hall, off Heathcot Place Lichfield WS136RQ. Directions
Turn off Sainte Foy Avenue onto The Whytmore and then left onto Heathcot Place, keeping straight ahead for the car park.
Additional parking may be found in a designated section of the Waitrose car park but please don’t park in The Inkwell pub car park.
Darwin Hall Postcode WS13 6RQ (see map on following page)
Thursday 9th May 2024—Walk Shuttington and the Coventry Canal
This is an easy 5 mile walk with 3 stiles. There is one gentle climb at the end of the
5 walk, otherwise on level ground.
We first head across fields to pick up a green track that leads us to Statfold Farm with its Mease Valley Railway. We then head in a south-westerly direction towards Amington. Shortly after crossing the railway, we join the canal by bridge 65 and follow the towpath as far as Alvecote Marina. Shortly thereafter we walk along a footpath by the river Anker. We cross the river Anker by Shuttington Bridge and then proceed uphill across fields back to our starting point.
Meet 10:30 for a 10:45 start on Thursday 9th May 2024 in the car park of The Wolferstan Arms, Main Road, Shuttington, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 0DP. Contact Clive Walker on clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May—Moira Festival
Organised by the Ashby Canal Association
Following last years cancellation due to the waterlogged site, the 21st Festival is now being held over the weekend of the 18th &19th May, 2024, in the grounds of the Moira Furnace. We are also pleased to be hosting the Inland Waterway's National Trailboat Festival this year, which should result in a good turnout of boats and good national publicity.
There is a range of entertainment over the weekend. We are welcoming the Military Choirs from Nottingham and Cottesmore, The Military Choirs becoming famous on BBC TV, under the tutelage of Gareth Malone.
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Most people will know the songs of the Beatles, so enjoy the Beatles tribute band which will include songs from the beginning of their fame to the end, with costume changes over their twice daily performances. There will be a trad jazz band, Morris dancing, children’s fun and entertainment, tricks and conjuring, miniature train rides, a variety of stalls and demonstrations, classic cars, historic engines, boats, bar and refreshments. All will revolve around the banks of the Ashby Canal at the Grade 2 listed Moira Furnace at the heart of the National Forest.
We will have an illuminated boat parade on the Saturday night if there are enough entrants.
We hope to have aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over the weekend. Mother Duck will be there with her ducklings, and do enter a duck in her duck race along the Ashby Canal!
It is £6 to get in for the day, Children 5-15 £3, Car park and programme free. but If you can help us out in setting up on Friday, or give us 2 hours or so on a gate, you will get a wristband which entitles you to free admission over the weekend.
Moira Canal Festival, Furnace Lane, Moira, DE12 6AT
For further information contact moiracanalfestival@outlook.com
Wednesday 12th June 2024—Afternoon Walk Salt and the Trent & Mersey Canal
This is an easy 4 mile walk with 9 stiles (some of these stiles are adjacent to farm gates, which may be open on the day of the walk). There is one gentle climb in Sandon Park, otherwise the walking is on footpaths, the towpath and quiet country lanes. We must traverse the A51 dual carriageway twice, using the grass central reservation as a safety island.
Leaving the pub car park, we go down a single-track lane which brings us first across the river, then the canal. and then the railway. We then cross the A51 carefully and enter the Sandon Estate. If time and weather permit, we will make a short detour to walk up to the base of Pitts Column – please bring a Latin dictionary with you! We cross a variety of fields. Shortly before the village of Gayton we turn 90 degrees to the right and walk in the direction of Weston, with the meandering Gayton brook beside us for much of the way. We soon cross the A51 for a second time. A
footbridge brings us over the railway, and we join the canal by bridge 81. We walk along the towpath as far as Salt Bridge, where we rejoin the lane back to our starting point.
Meet 16:30 for a 16:45 start on Wednesday 12th June 2024 at The Holly Bush, Willowmore Banks, Salt, Stafford ST18 0BX
Contact Clive Walker at: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Thursday 5th September 2024—Guided Walk Carlton and the Ashby Canal
This is an easy 4 ½ mile walk with no stiles. The walk follows the towpath, public footpaths, grass tracks and pavements throughout. There is one gentle ascent on a grass track and a steady descent on asphalt pavements.
Leaving the pub car park, we first walk through the pretty village of Carlton. We cross fields before climbing gently to Market Bosworth. We descend along the main road down to the canal. We leave the towpath by bridge 44. We then follow a footpath back to Carlton.
Meet 10:30 for a 10:45 start on Thursday 5th September 2024 in the car park of The Gate Hangs Well, Barton Road, Carlton (near Market Bosworth) CV13 0DB
Contact Clive Walker: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Friday 20th September 2024 Social Meeting Tim Coghlan on the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rallies
Friday 18th October 2024 Social Meeting Pete Gurney Canals of the Eastern USA
Friday 15th November 2024 Social Meeting John Parry The Suez Canal
December 2024 Christmas Dinner
Wednesday 1st January 2025 Guided Walk New Year’s Day Walk
Friday 17th January 2025 Social Meeting John Pomfret Waterways of the Low Countries
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Friday 21st February 2025 Social Meeting Charles Hughes (CRT) Tackling Invasive Species on the canals
Friday 21st March 2025 Social Meeting Taylor’s Bell Foundry
Friday 18th April 2025—Social Meeting—Night Sky over Tixall Wide & Planets in 3D
Watch this space (and the website) for more walks/events in 2024/2025.
All our Social Meetings will be held at our new venue of Darwin Hall
Wednesday January 17th 2024—Social Meeting
Our last meeting at Martin Heath Hall featured Nik Antona and Jane Eason of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) telling us about the successes and challenges of running this large organisation dedicated to beer (and cider these days). Battles were won in the 1970s and 80s with the breweries but the challenge now is to keep pubs open and viable.
Friday 23 February 2024—Social Meeting
Carrying on the theme of beer Dr Harry White of The National Brewery Heritage Trust gave us a fascinating talk on the Trust’s efforts to save the brewing heritage of Burton-upon-Trent since the Bass Museum closed.
Thursday 7th March 2024—Guided Walk
Walton on Trent to Barton under Needwood via the Trent & Mersey
This walk began in Derbyshire before crossing the river Trent into Staffordshire. Walton on Trent was first connected to its neighbouring county by an iron and wood bridge built in 1834. This was damaged by flooding and the old structure was replaced by a temporary Bailey bridge. Such modular bridges had been invented during the Second World War, and appropriately enough, the present structure was put in place by The Royal Engineers in 1947. It had always been built as a temporary structure, but it is still there 80 years later!
Derbyshire County Council receive regular complaints about it, but the residents generally like it because its narrow surface mean no wide-sided vehicles can pass through their village. If you want to learn more about this unique structure, there is an informative Wikipedia page: Bailey Bridge (Walton on Trent) - Wikipedia
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Anyway, we crossed the fluvial Trent safely on an adjoining footway and approached Tucklesholme Lake, a nature reserve managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. This man-made lake does not appear on my OS Explorer map of 2017, but it is already popular with both locals and the birdlife. Having negotiated the first geographical obstacle successfully, namely the river Trent, there were two industrial obstructions to cross, the Birmingham to Derby railway line and the A38. There is a sturdy, greenpainted footbridge – doubtless built at great expense - that crosses the railway line by the lake and leads to the A38, but unfortunately it leaves you with nowhere to safely cross the dual carriageway, as I discovered on a recce.
So instead, we continued along the Walton Road and over the A38 before descending towards the marina at Barton. After a short perusal of the shops (and a look in at The Red Carpet Cinema), we continued our way towards Efflinch on landscaped paths. The T&M from bridge 39 back to the Marina is unremarkable, but there is a certain satisfaction in walking along the towpath slowly with the screeching road traffic at head height.
And so back to our starting point the same way we came, and afterwards some of us stayed for a good meal at The Swan in Walton on Trent.
Clive WalkerThe formalities of the AGM were soon over with our Vice Chairman Neil Barnett standing in for our Chairman who was in sunnier climes. See pages 21 -24 for AGM reports. The AGM was followed by a fascinating presentation by Branch member Margaret Beardsmore on “Photographing the Cut” using a selection of her supurb canal and wildlife photos. For the amateurs among us there were some very useful tips.
With the bird nesting season fast approaching, our 5 month winter offside vegetation cutting programme concluded at the end of February. Starting last October at Fradley Junction our team, in conjunction with the CRT Fradley volunteers, completed the pre -designated stretch on the Trent & Mersey Canal to Great Haywood, and then down the Staffs & Worcs Canal as far as Gailey.
In the 6 years since this annual winter operation began, never before has such a distance (26 miles) of canal been covered, a commendable achievement, not just with the vegetation cutting, but also having to get both work boats through the 17 locks. Separating them and bow hauling the hopper boat each time was a time consuming process.
In order to achieve this greater than usual distance, compromises had to be made, so the team needed to be a little selective when choosing where to cut. This was essential in order to have time to deal with all the really serious vegetation encroachment, particularly further on towards Gailey, before running out of time for the season.
Covering a greater distance each day presented a challenge in that it was often difficult to ascertain precisely where they would finish each time. This meant having to position cars further ahead and ferrying each other back and forth. Finding suitable places to park the cars and moor the two boats was also a challenge, and this is where a combination of their local knowledge, Google Earth, and what3words, proved to be very useful. Despite this, there were occasions where a lengthy towpath walk was required at the beginning and end of the day.
As has been the case in previous seasons, we (IWA Lichfield) volunteers worked every Thursday and Friday and the CRT volunteers (mostly consisting of the Fradley volunteer lock keepers) covered Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The liaising between the two groups was even more important this time, mainly due to the issues arising from doing the longer distances. Both groups worked extremely
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well together, with communication between them both being the key to the highly successful operation.
We are always looking for more volunteers so please get in touch with Neil, our volunteer co-ordinator if you are interested in finding out more. Our team consists of 11 regulars, most of whom do one day a week with a couple of the more active ones managing both days.
The days begin at 9am and usually finish at around 3-4pm with a couple of short breaks in between. Every volunteer does as much physically as they feel up to doing, so there’s no pressure for anyone to over exert themselves.
New volunteers are usually tasked with helping to hold the boat into the edge of the canal using either a boat pole or holding on to a branch, an extremely important job given that the boat needs to remain steady whilst chainsaw blades whir.
Other jobs include passing branches to the chipper operator, cutting small branches with loppers, using the hedge trimmer, sweeping/gathering up the smaller cuttings, and fishing stray branches out of the canal. Also helping to moor the boats, or getting them through the locks.
If a new volunteer decides they would like to become a regular, training is available (if they wish) for operating the wood chipper and the pole-chainsaws, and helming the workboat. Work wear, PPE and life vests are provided.
Volunteers do not have to do a day every single week, but a reasonable level of commitment is expected for the duration of the programme. It is highly rewarding and enjoyable work, with plenty of banter, fresh air and exercise, as well as the chance to go boating. Heather usually bakes some delicious cake as well. So what’s not to like about all of that?
If you’re interested, please get in touch with our volunteer co-ordinator Neil (Neil.Barnett@waterways.org.uk) and have a chat. Most potential volunteers initially go along and meet up with the team to see first hand how it works, and then decide from there whether to give it a try or not.
We are proud of the fact that we are one of the most active branches in the country, something for which we gained recognition last year when we received the IWA branch achievement award.
Your committee works very hard in order to maintain a vibrant and dynamic branch and we are grateful for the support that we receive from members. However we could really do with some more help, especially if we are to further the aims and achievements of our branch.
Due to a shortage of volunteers, most of your committee members carry out several roles, and we are looking for members who may have a few hours a month to spare in order to help us, and thus spread the workload. I have listed below some of the roles for which any help would be really appreciated.
I understand that some might be put off by the bureaucratic and rather official sounding inference with becoming a committee member, but most of the help we are seeking does not necessarily have to be by virtue of joining the committee and can quite easily be done from home and in your own time. Even just to assist our committee members with their existing roles would help greatly.
The future of our branch is dependant upon the participation from our members, and if we are to maintain our current position, and hopefully build on what we already have, we need some help please. Unfortunately the branch does not run itself.
Roles available
Help with campaigning.
Dealing with Membership matters.
Publicity of events etc.
Communications – internal and external.
Volunteering – recruitment, organising etc.
Events – helping to prepare and carry out.
Assistance with storage and transport of branch equipment.
Arranging trips to waterways attractions.
Arranging speakers and social meetings for later next year
As well as the aforementioned roles, if anyone has any skills or experience in areas which may be of benefit to the branch I’d love to hear from you, or perhaps some ideas about ways in which we can further enhance our activities.
If you are interested in finding out more, please drop me a quick email and we can arrange a chat.
Neil, Vice-Chairman Neil.Barnett@waterways.org.uk
By the time you read this the restored section of the Lichfield Canal at Darnford Moors will have been re-opened for the public to enjoy. The pictures were taken in March on a visit by the Northern Canals Association, which is a biannual meeting of waterway restoration groups from around the country. Members were able to see the nearly completed works at Darnford Moors Ecology Park, the centrepiece of which is over 500 metres of reconstructed and rewatered canal channel extending east from Darnford Lane. The canal is partly on its original route and
partly on a new alignment, incorporating the remains of old Lock 29, a winding hole, and the lift bridge that was erected when work first started here in the 1990s. It has taken a long time to get this far but the results are magnificent, if a little raw before nature provides the greening process. All it needs now is a small boat or two to complete the picture. Why not visit and enjoy this success? A car park is available nearby just above the A38 bridge on Darnford Lane. For more information see the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust website at https://lhcrt.org.uk/ .
Phil Sharpe
In the last issue, River Canal Rescue (RCR) looked at areas to focus upon when dewinterising your boat. RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, says bilges and pumps are equally important. Remove all waste from the bilges and give them a clean. Doing this gives you a better chance of spotting any developing leaks or issues throughout the season and it reduces
the risk of pumping contaminants into our waterways.
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A bilge pump is a must – it keeps your vessel safe, so it’s important to have the right type of bilge pump and install it correctly.
A bilge pump has two potential roles; the first is well-known which is to maintain a safe water ingress level, while the second is to work in an emergency situation, responding to a potential sinking event, giving you valuable time to react and hopefully save the vessel.
When choosing which pump system to use, be clear on the role you want it to perform. A maintenance pump manages small levels of water ingress consistently so will require replacement after a few years due to its workload. As the ingress will be slow, it doesn’t need to pump large volumes of water, so a small automatic or manual pump is the best option from a cost and maintenance perspective.
A maintenance pump should be positioned in an area where water ingress is likely or common, such as near the stern gland or directly under deck boards.
In contrast, an emergency pump acts as an earlywarning system, confirming a potential disastrous event is occurring while helping to slow the effects of the incident. An emergency pump should be in a fairly good condition and capable of evacuating considerably more water than its maintenance counterpart. It also has to be automatic as its ability to respond without prompting is the basis of its early-warning role. Therefore, a large automatic pump is the best option, and as it won’t operate for most of the time, it will remain in a good condition, ready for emergencies.
The emergency pump should be positioned in an area most at risk of serious ingress and installed two-three inches higher than the maintenance pump (or where water would not be expected to reach). By making the outlet point as visible as possible, water being pumped overboard from this point will catch the eye and alert you to a serious issue.
There’s nothing in legislation making bilge pump installation mandatory, so they’re not given the priority they deserve.
Ideally vessels should have a maintenance and an emergency pump. At a minimum there should be an emergency pump which does not manage the maintenance side of
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things. If you use a single pump for maintenance, you cannot expect it to perform an emergency role. The early-warning alert will not be there and it’s likely the pump will be incapable of giving you extra time in a serious incident.
We frequently find vessels with no pumps and it’s common to come across boats with only a maintenance pump installed. Environmental risk is cited as the main reason behind this; a maintenance pump evacuates liquid that often includes oils, fuels, and
other chemicals so the governing bodies would prefer people to manually ‘mop out’ their bilges daily and dispose of the contaminants responsibly.
Bilgeaway
Our Bilgeaway filter uses a non-toxic solution to extract hydrocarbon contaminants (petrol, diesel, engine oil etc) from water and render them non-reactive, leaving environmentally-friendly contents in a cartridge which can be disposed of and the housing re-used.
The Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign now has well over 100 member organisations and still growing.
There will be events around the country on the early May Bank Holiday weekend especially at the IWA Canalway Cavalcade in London. Visiting boaters will be encouraged to join a Campaign Cruise past the Houses of Parliament. Locally the Branch will have a FBW stand on 4th or 6th May at Fradley
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Junction, outside the Laughing Duck café (date dependent on weather) and on 5th May there will be a stand at the Anglo-Welsh Open Day at their base at Great Haywood.
With permission of Canal & River Trust the Branch have placed large banners at Fradley on both sides of the fence outside the Laughing Duck Café. It is hoped that these will attract the attention of boaters, walkers and café visitors and help spread the word.
This report summarises the more important of about 50 planning matters dealt with between mid-January and mid-April 2024.
On the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Latherford, between Deepmore Bridge and Moat House Bridge, we had objected to the proposed Battery Energy Storage site due to noise and visual intrusion. The Noise Assessment has now been revised to include canal users, but the ‘mooring site’ assessed is arbitrarily located 500m away, and noise impact on the towpath is illogically said to be low because “the canal is a large asset”. This is deliberately misleading and our objections remain as before.
On the Trent & Mersey Canal at Branston Lock, near Burton on Trent, the ‘Quintus’ industrial development between the canal and the A38 has been allowed to
complete building 4 large warehouses without any of the promised canalside parkland landscaping. This is not acceptable and consent for another ‘big shed’ should not be given without the landscape planting screen along the canal being implemented.
Alongside the canal in Rugeley, replacement of a derelict industrial building by a new one set further back is acceptable, but open waste bays and an area for scrap along the canal boundary should be relocated further away to prevent spillage or wind-blown pollution towards the canal, and there should be a contribution to strengthening the towpath hedge.
Above Bagnall Lock at Alrewas, two proposed office buildings between the bypass bridge and the recent housing development are of acceptable design and include thickening of the towpath hedge.
At Fradley Junction, we supported the retention of two temporary canopies that have for several years provided shelter for customers outside the Laughing Duck Café. However, this has been refused due to CRT’s objection that they harmed the setting of the Listed workshop buildings in the Conservation Area.
On the Coventry Canal at Polesworth, a proposed new house in a garden close to the canal and on a steep bank, that we had expressed reservations about, was refused but has since been Appealed.
Beside the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal at Curdworth Bottom Lock, the plans to extend one of the cottages have now been approved.
On the Ashby Canal near Bramcote Bridge 6 we objected to a proposed mushroom farm being arbitrarily sited in the middle of an open field near the canal, and this has now been withdrawn.
The restoration route for the Ashby Canal between Snarestone and Donisthorpe continues to be protected in the Draft North West Leicestershire Local Plan, along the historic route or an alternative where necessary. But a housing allocation at Donisthorpe on the old railway line could limit use of this alternative route and should be changed to allow the buried but intact railway bridge under Church Street to be reused.
By the Anglesey Branch of the Wyrley & Essington Canal at Brownhills, the application for a large warehouse development between Barracks Lane and the A5 that had been withdrawn has now been resubmitted with additional information. Our objection, however, remains unchanged that it would replace attractive open countryside views from the canal with large featureless sheds, damaging to the canal’s heritage, amenity, recreation and tourism values. The site is also in the Green Belt, unallocated, and contrary to the current Development Plan.
The Cannock Extension Canal and its community of residential boats towards the A5 end would in the longer term suffer visual and noise impacts from the proposed
removal of Jubilee Field from the Green Belt for a future employment site extension, as proposed in the Publication version of the Cannock Chase Local Plan. The suggested ‘safe crossing’ of the A5 would be better and earlier funded by the larger Watling Street Business Park development.
Near the Hatherton Canal close to Cannock, the Roman Way Hotel’s main buildings are proposed for demolition and replacement by 18 apartments. This could affect access to Bridge 8 and the towpath which has for 30 years been freely available
Bridge 8 on the Hatherton Canal
through the rear car park of the hotel, and access on foot should be retained and guaranteed with any redevelopment.
In the Publication version of the Cannock Chase Local Plan the Hatherton Canal Restoration Corridor route protection safeguarding is continued as requested.
By the Lichfield Canal at Tamworth Road, the Cricket Lane housing site landscaping plan has a footpath connection to the towpath relocated below Lock 25 as we had repeatedly requested, but shows planting on the ‘triangle’ of land here in conflict with the established disabled access path.
On HS2, the Phase 2a (Fradley to Crewe) planning Safeguarding was lifted in January except around Handsacre, ostensibly to allow Phase 1 to connect to the West Coast Mainline. However, the published plans show not only the Handsacre Link but also about 5km of the Manchester route north from Fradley Junction to the A513 Kings Bromley Road as retained, and incorrectly labelled as ‘Handsacre Connections’ which it isn’t, and the reason for this is not explained.
Meanwhile, the Manchester and Birmingham mayors commissioned a report to examine alternative options for an improved rail connection between their cities, and in March concluded that building the HS2 routes from Handsacre via Crewe to High
Leigh, but with private finance and to a lower speed standard, was preferable to either improving the existing West Coast Mainline or building local bypasses at Stafford and Stockport. Presumably they meant Fradley rather than Handsacre, but perhaps they are as confused as HS2 Ltd and the Government now seem to be.
On 25 March, a statement in Parliament by the Secretary of State for Transport said he had agreed with ‘local leaders’ to continue with the HS2 (Crewe-Manchester) Bill to deliver the Northern Powerhouse Rail section using “broadly the current route towards Manchester” subject to “exploring further options for station design at Manchester Piccadilly”, route and station options at Liverpool, and affordability. While this is the primary option the “Government will continue to assess alternatives”. Subject to parliamentary approval, the adaptation of the Bill would prompt a further environmental assessment with revised and reduced construction impacts. However, he gave no timetable for this.
On 28 March I received an email from HS2 informing IWA of cancellation of HS2 “north of Birmingham” (which was announced on 4 Oct 2023, and subsequently clarified as meaning north of Handsacre !). It says that the Bill is to continue with the Northern Powerhouse Rail elements only and the Select Committee will reconvene “in the current parliamentary session” to hear some petitions (presumably those relating only to the NPR section). They will write to confirm the status of IWA’s petition “in due course”. The Bill will be adapted and a Supplementary Environmental Assessment will be submitted. Safeguarding will remain until summer 2024 for the “whole of the former Phase 2b route” (which implies it includes Phase 2b East) and then be lifted where no longer needed.
So the madness continues. The Government is to seek powers to build an isolated section of high speed line from a new surface terminal station in Manchester to a design that nobody there wants, in a very expensive 8 mile long tunnel, via a station at Manchester Airport that has no funding, to end in a field in rural Cheshire.
Phil Sharpe, Planning Officer & HS2 LeadThe Branch AGM was held on 22nd March. Below are the Chairman’s and Treasurer’s reports from the meeting..
Inland Waterways Association – Lichfield Branch Annual General Meeting – 22nd March 2024 Chairman’s Report
Firstly my apologies for not being present today. Last week Maz, my wife, & I celebrated our Diamond Wedding anniversary having booked a Fred Olsen five week cruise around the Mediterranean. So today we're probably at sea between Sardinia & Spain (a pathetic excuse for not
being here!) and I've put this Report together before we departed at the end of February so there may be last minute omissions.
When succeeding Pete Gurney as your chairman my principal particular aim was to attract more people to our meetings.
A combination of excellent speakers on traditional waterways topics and broadening into talks with less obvious linkage to canals & rivers is beginning to bear fruit with increasing attendances.
Our busiest meeting for some time hosted a presentation by Stephanie Horton of Canal & River Rescue following which that firm now advertises in Lichfield Lines, Pete Gurney's splendid publication, and contributes a 'seasonal tips for boaters' article.
Christmas lunch at Darnford Moors GC, our second at that venue, was a great social success.
January's presentation by the national chairman & the head of campaigns of CAMRA discussed saving pubs from closing & highlighted issues being addressed that are similar to those currently facing IWA.
That was our last meeting at Martin Heath Hall that after 10 years we left due to the congested and unlit parking that had put off a number of our members.
After an extensive search we moved to Lichfield's ideally located Darwin Hall for our February meeting & a fascinating presentation on Saving the Brewing Heritage of Burton. Attended by 40, including several of whom welcomed the change to Fridays, the meeting also attracted 12 who were not IWA members.
Here we are for this AGM and Margaret Beardsmore's talk on Photographing the Cut and our April meeting on Steam Narrowboat President. And for the year ahead. We believe Darwin Hall's excellent facilities and local amenities will enable us to grow attracting more members & the public whom we can then persuade to join IWA. Work is needed to maximise awareness of our Branch activities to residents in Lichfield and its environs.
Our Winter & Spring meetings talks programme will be published fully in April. We've assembled an array of fine speakers with fascinating & wide ranging topics. Our meetings are open to all so please bring your friends & neighbours.
Our Branch has been represented at & supported many events last year including the Fund Britain's Waterways campaign with IWA now leading over 100 organisations pressing local & national Government for proper funding for our waterways. When first founded IWA's campaigning was successful - little did we realise it has to be done all over again!
This year we've again supported with grants our local restoration projects: Stafford Riverway Link, Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, Ashby Canal Association; together with the Truman Narrowboat Trust.
Your Committee works hard to maintain our Lichfield Branch's reputation as one of IWA's most successful Branches - Lichfield Lines contains an appeal for others to join us helping to achieve more.
I'm most grateful for the advice & dedicated work by Sue, Phil, Helen and Derek on your Committee, Clive Walker for his walks programme, our Social Media wizard Richard Curtis together with Sheila & Christine who keep us refreshed at meetings. Most of all I thank Neil who supports me with a mass of administrative duties in addition to his sterling work with the Offside Vegetation project for which he has received recently recognition nationally in the Media. Worrying concerns about the structure and future of IWA and my question at the IWA's AGM in Stourport are being addressed. Helen as West Midlands Region chair and an ex-officio member of our Committee will bring you up to date at this meeting. Maz & I are looking forward to the year ahead and to welcoming more members from IWA & our Community to our meetings.
Adrian Wedgwood Chairman , Inland Waterways Association Lichfield Branch February 2024
Inland Waterways Association – Lichfield Branch Annual General Meeting – 22nd March 2024
The IWA Lichfield Branch available balance at the start of 2023 was £2,011. During the year the Branch income from activities and donations meant the Branch was able to make donations totalling £1,419 to waterways projects as follows:
£569 to Stafford Riverway link (including Gift Aid of £169 on Adrian Wedgwood birthday donations in 2021)
£400 to Ashby Canal Association
£400 to Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
£50 to Truman Enterprise Narrowboat Trust
Income in 2023 was £3,787 made up of:
£496 donations:
£248 Gift Aid from various donations in previous years including £169 from Adrian Wedgwood birthday donations in 2021
£157 from various talks given by Lichfield Branch Vice-Chairman Neil Barnett
£83 from various Lichfield Branch walks organised by Clive Walker
£8 general donations
£413 raffle and refreshment donations from our public meetings. Thanks to everyone present for their support.
£80 advertising in Lichfield Lines. This comes from adverts in each of the four quarterly magazines.
£1,722 Branch Sales (the net profit is £999).
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£100 new membership incentive. This is allocated to the Branch from Central Funds for each new membership signed up directly by the Branch.
£141 August Lockwind at Barton Turn
£835 Christmas meal
Expenditure in 2023 was £3,720 which included:
£1,419 donations (as detailed above)
£215 hire of hall for public meetings
£65 hire of committee room and expenses for offsite meeting
£434 offside veg workparty – workwear for volunteers and magnetic “IWA Volunteers at work” signs for the workboat
£723 purchase of merchandise for Branch Sales (Cost value of stock in hand is £648).
£835 Christmas meal. This was covered in total by the income for the event.
£29 miscellaneous costs including £27 plaque for IWA information box at Colwich Lock and £2 transaction fee of 1.69% of each transaction value taken on the Sum-up card machine which enables the Branch to take card payments at meetings and events.
At the end of 2023 the available funds were £2,078 with no “ring fenced” funds being carried forward to 2024. This represents an increase in funds of £67.
All in all, a successful year and we look forward to your continued support in 2024. Thank-you.
Sue Gurney
IWA Lichfield Branch Treasurer
March 2024
The West Midlands Region Chair, Helen Whitehouse, then addressed the meeting.
She referred to the need to increase IWA membership and how members can help to promote recognition and recruitment. IWA has only a small number of staff and has not been able to sustain a part-time chief executive role. It is dependent on its volunteers working together to achieve its objectives, and has a reputation for punching above its weight, but needs the skills and income from more members to maintain this.
Helen is organising the IWA stand for the National Trailboat Festival at Moira on 1819 May and requested help on the stand from members for a few hours each day, for which they would receive free entry.
Helen’s report was received with acclamation, and Eric Wood thanked all the committee for their efforts.
Lichfield Lines is the newsletter of IWA Lichfield Branch, it is produced 4 times a year to keep members informed about our forthcoming public meetings, walks, work parties and other activities, to provide reports on recent meetings and events, and to include articles of general interest to our members.
The editor, Peter Gurney, welcomes articles, letters or photographs of waterway activities in our Branch area which can be emailed to pete.gurney@waterways.org.uk (Please note there is a 35MB limit for emails with attachments sent via this address). The copy date for the next newsletter will be 15th July 2024, for publication in August.
Lichfield Lines is posted or emailed to about 320 Branch members. It can also be read and downloaded by anyone from the Branch website pages.
If you would like to publicise your waterway related business to our members, and others that read the newsletter online, we can offer advertising space at the following rates:
Full Page - £20 inc VAT per issue
Half Page - £10 inc VAT per issue
Please contact the editor to discuss artwork and layout. By advertising you will help to sponsor IWA's charitable activities and reach potential customers who are all committed to the waterways.
The IWA has a range of corporate members some of whom offer discounts to members. The discount details can be found on the IWA website at https://waterways.org.uk/benefits
Corporate members in our area are
Lichfield Cruising Club 2000 Ltd
Stafford Boat Club Ltd
Longwood Boat Club
Ashby Canal Association
Truman Enterprise Narrowboat Trust Tamworth Cruising Club
Ashby Canal Trust
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals
Restoration Trust
Canal Transport Services Ltd
River Canal Rescue Ltd
Ash Tree Boat Club
Countywide Cruisers (Brewood) Ltd
Elite Furnishings
Waterways World Ltd
Birmingham & Midland Marine Services
Midland Chandlers Hargreaves Narrowboat Trust
Norton Canes Boat Services Ltd
Lakeland Leisure Estates Ltd
Stafford Riverway Link
Please mention the IWA when contacting any of these Corporate Members.
Your Committee
Chairman
Tel: 01283 713125
Email: adrian.wedgwood@waterways.org.uk
Vice-Chairman
Tel: 07808 846434 or 07481259955
Email: neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer
Tel: 01785 255101
Email: sue.gurney@waterways.org.uk
Secretary & Planning Officer
Tel: 01889 583330
Email: phil.sharpe@waterways.org.uk
Volunteer Coordinator & Membership
Tel: 07808 846434 or 07481259955
Email: neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk
Navigation Officer
Tel: 07847 470112
Email: derek.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk
Adrian Wedgwood
Neil Barnett
Sue Gurney
Phil Sharpe
Neil Barnett
Derek Beardsmore
Social Secretary Position vacant
Ex Officio: Region Chairman
also Branch Sales (non-committee post)
Tel : 01543 491161
Email: helen.whitehouse@waterways.org.uk
Newsletter and Website Editor
Tel: 01785 255101
Email: pete.gurney@waterways.org.uk
Walks Coordinator
Email: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Social Media Editor
Email: Richard.curtis@waterways.org.uk
Branch Contact Address
Email: lichfield@waterways.org.uk
Helen Whitehouse
Pete Gurney
Clive Walker
Richard Curtis
