Towing Path Topics Newsletter of the Inland Waterways Association Lancashire & Cumbria Branch
January 2021
DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Towing Path Topics are not necessarily those of The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) or of its North West Region or of the Lancs and Cumbria Branch. They are, however published as being of interest to our members and readers. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. The Association accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter. No reproduction is permitted without acknowledgment. Cover: ’Kennet’ ready for the winter at Greenberfield Locks, Barnoldswick on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Photograph acknowledgements:
Pages 6,2,23,24 Jim & Maralyn Nott Pages 9-15 David Hargreaves Pages 16, 21 Lancaster Canal Trust Pages 18,19 Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership Page 20 Ian Sadler Page 26 David Talbot Page 30 Nigel Hardacre Cover the editor
Copy date for next edition 15th April 2021 The editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication. Editor: David Faulkner 22 Moorland Road, Langho, Blackburn BB6 8EX Tel. 01254 249265 Email david.faulkner@waterways.org.uk
Inland Waterways Association
Registered office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA Registered as a charity (No. 212342) 2
Editor’s comment Welcome to the first branch newsletter of 2021. Dates for your diary are on the back page, not a lot but we intend to add to that once Covid restrictions are eased. You will be informed by e-mail if we have your address (hint), otherwise wait for the May edition. This edition has formal notice of our branch AGM in February (p32) plus a summary of the accounts and last year’s minutes. The AGM will be virtual, no doubt we will keep it as brief as usual. Thanks to our chair, Wendy, we have had a series of ‘webinars’ to replace our social meetings (see page 26). They have become increasingly popular and it’s nice not to have to turn out if the weather is bad (thick snow outside as I type this). See page 28 for future ones. As usual we must report bad news and good news. With sadness we record the death of MIldred Sadler, a good servant of this branch but we have good news such as the completion of the repairs to the Stainton Aqueduct. I hope you were able to get close to or on the water during 2020. My thanks to the Notts and the Hargreaves’s for accounts of their trips this year, During these grey winter days it is cheering to read of boating in the sunshine. They do remind us of the cost of boating eg batteries and paint. I have never owned a boat but if did I would give it a Welsh name ‘Mon-y-Pit’ (for translation say it out loud).
In the CRT news (p25) you will see a slightly bizarre campaign to encourage us to pick up a piece of plastic litter every time we are beside a river or canal. The figures shown are frightening. My own experience of litter picks in my village is that discarded masks are the new menace—I collected 7 on one sortie recently. All suggestions, ideas, photos, news, criticism always welcome. David Faulkner 3
Branch Chair’s Report Welcome to the chair’s report for Towing Path Topics, I hope that everyone is keeping safe and well and that we all have a better 2021 than 2020. Christmas and New Year celebrations will be over by the time you read this so I hope that everyone had a good Christmas and has a happy new year. I hope everyone has had a good year despite all the restrictions, life certainly has been strange and all the events we had planned or were planning to plan had to be cancelled, with the exception of our social events which have been moved to webinars and I think have been a success. We continue to see more people using the canal towpaths and let’s hope that continues as we want people to appreciate the canal system. None of us know when things will start to return to normal but as soon as we can we will be back organising events and getting back on with our programme of activities, keep an eye on the IWA website for all the latest news. Since the lockdown in March I have attended virtual meetings with Lancaster Canal Trust and with IWA Region as well as Canal and River Trust liaison meetings and Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership meetings. These seem to work well and I certainly appreciate not having to travel so much although I would still rather have life back to normal. I have also become a Zoom champion, with lots of support from head office staff, namely Gemma Bolton and help from Mike Haig chair of Shrewsbury District and North Wales branch. I am just about able to organise our webinars with minimal help and have even given help to the Northampton branch. I know that webinars are no substitute for live meetings but they do have the advantage of allowing members to attend from the comfort of their own armchairs, our branch will certainly look at holding webinars even after we can return to live meetings. Thanks to all who have attended and it is good to see numbers increasing. I apologise for the changes we have made to our branch programme but we have had speakers who didn’t want to give their presentations by webinar and speakers who didn’t have the right technology or 4
broadband to give webinars, I can assure you that where we have had to cancel speakers we will make sure that they come and talk to us next season.
2021 will be a first for us as our AGM will be held by webinar, you can register for this on the IWA website and members will also have been sent an email from me via head office giving a link to register. I am hoping that many members will attend this AGM now that the distance to travel to Chorley is not a problem. After the AGM we will be having a short nostalgia evening, I hope to “see” you there. This prompts me to say that if you haven’t already done so I would urge you to let head office have your email address, it is much easier for head office to keep in touch with you in a timely way by email rather than you waiting for the Waterways magazine or Towing Path Topics to find out what is happening. Members of head office staff have said that the use of email and technology has made it so much easier to keep in touch with members during this difficult year. If you really don’t want to provide head office with your email address you can still log into the IWA website and register for the AGM and other webinars. The staff at IWA Head Office have continued working during the pandemic, they have kept us informed with newsletters and reports and supported our webinars, many thanks to them for their hard work during this difficult time, I know I have said the same in the previous edition of Towing Path Topics but I think it is worth repeating. We have had a couple of changes to our branch committee since the last Towing Path Topics, Alan Green has volunteered to be our planning officer; Alan has a lot of experience in planning and I look forward to working with him. Peter Jones has stepped away from being our rep from the Lancaster Canal Trust and his place will be taken by Ian Treanor who some of you will know from the Lancaster Canal Trust trip boat and the help he gave in organising the National Trail Boat Festival in 2019. We haven’t had any live committee meetings because of the virus but we are still keeping busy with IWA work and have started to hold committee meetings by Zoom.
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I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the members of the branch committee we assist me in running the branch; I couldn’t do it without them.
I will make my usual plea for more committee members, the more members we have the more we can do, if anyone is interested in joining the committee please contact me or one of the other committee members. I know, the plea seems to have worked last time as we have recruited a planning officer, we still need a sales officer though. I wish you all well and hope that you stay safe and that we get to meet again before too much longer. Wendy Humphreys.
The things you see when you are travelling. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal not far from Scarisbrick Marina
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Report from the NW Region Chairman What a year was 2020! One not to forget - many great things were achieved, not least in the dedicated commitment of the NHS workers but to be relieved at its passing. Our particular interest - the waterways - suffered as much as any other sector and the active enjoyment of our leisure activities, let alone the effects upon businesses, have been very difficult. We can only hope for a better 2021, at least with the vaccine if not the economic constraints of leaving the EU. Fingers crossed!
Congratulations are due to all the Branch Officers and Members for using internet facilities to keep everyone involved. Webinars and ZOOM meetings have abounded and we all wonder whether this way of meeting, discussing, learning and enjoying will become the norm rather than the exception. At National level, the Trustees have continued to meet, virtually of course, and there has been regular and productive debate about the future governance of the IWA. Sarah O’Grady, our interim CEO, completed her contract on December 15 th and we are now looking urgently to her replacement by a permanent CEO. Early in the New Year is our hope and expectation. Alicen Stenner leaves at the end of January and thanks are due to both of them for all the hard work and commitment during their time with us. The latter, particularly, will be a hard act to follow. Not a lot more to report, as you might expect, so let me wish you all the very best for 2021 with the fervent hope that we will gradually and safely revert to a normal existence again.
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SOUTHBOUND David Hargreave’s account of a summer trip from Wheelton on nb Baralo
At the beginning of July we decided we’d had enough of Lockdown so myself, Yvonne and our cat Hamish decided we would go boating and head South. There was no particular plan, just head South and decide at each junction which way to go. So it was off down the Leeds & Liverpool canal and soon arrived at the first obstacle at Wigan. I volunteer on the towpath taskforce at Wigan so my colleagues on the Taskforce kindly offered to help us down through the locks on the Wigan Flight! It was invaluable to us as Wigan I believe to be the hardest flight in the country. Hatton and Tardebigge are a doddle in comparison. The first decision point was the Wigan junction and as we were heading south and Yvonne wanted to visit the Trafford Centre, we made a left turn down the Poolstock Locks. After Yvonne’s retail therapy, it was along the Bridgewater Canal through Sale and onto Lymm. I find the Bridgewater a little boring but in excellent condition compared to some of the CRT canals with impressive stone ‘washwalls’ which are nearly all in good condition. We then left the Bridgewater at Preston Brook and headed through the Preston Brook Tunnel onto the Trent and Mersey. The tunnel is quite long and has a few deceptive kinks that can catch you out, but not as bent as the next two tunnels at Saltersford and Barnton. Although these two tunnels are shorter than the Preston Brook look out for oncoming boats! A couple of boats got stuck in the tunnels recently trying to pass each other and had to be rescued by the fire brigade.
Onward through Anderton and the chemical industries of Northwich until we reached the locks at Middlewich. Here we had a choice to continue along the Trent & Mersey or right along the Middlewich. The decision was right, as we wanted to join the Shropshire Union Canal and visit friends in Audlem where we used to moor. As we travelled along the Middlewich Branch we started to experience problems with the batteries and I decided that as they were about 4 years old and past their best, we would invest in some new ones from Venetian Marina. More on this story later. 8
We really like the Shroppie and by now the weather was quite hot. There are good moorings in the villages and towns on the way and many in-between if you want something a little quieter.
The Captain of our boat is the cat-so he quite often decides where we can moor. Not many dogs and plenty of undergrowth is his preferred location. There is also the opportunity to buy cheap fuel on the Shroppie. Market Drayton and Norbury are cheap, but the cheapest is always at Turners at Wheaton Aston. At Autherley Junction we broke the rule and turned left which was basically North but I had now developed a plan for later. We stopped at Penkridge and Yvonne stayed with the boat whilst I took the train back home for an appointment. The weather was very hot as we left the Staffs and Worcs Canal and back on to the Trent and Mersey Canal at Great Haywood- then forward to Fradley Junction and the Coventry Canal. My new plan was to get to the South of Birmingham via the Birmingham and Fazeley and then to the Saltley Cut onto the Grand Union Canal. We had never been on this route before and as quite often with a new part of waterway, I was apprehensive about what we could expect with visions of hordes of feral children attacking the boat. Needless to say we really enjoyed it! There is a lovely nature reserve on the Birmingham & Fazely, with good moorings and the narrow locks were in good condition. We stopped at Curdsworth and set off early to get us through Birmingham via Salford Junction underneath the M6 Spaghetti Junction, then past Star City which has surprisingly good moorings. Garrison Locks were in good condition and we didn’t encounter any problems despite this being inner city Birmingham. But then onto the Grand Union and down to Catherine de Barnes and this stretch suffers from a lack of
‘Baralo’ at Audlem. Captain Hamish inspecting the bank to see if it is worth going ashore. 9
We really like the Shroppie and by now the weather was quite hot. There are good moorings in the villages and towns on the way and many inbetween if you want something a little quieter. The Captain of our boat is the cat so he quite often decides where we can moor. Not many dogs and plenty of undergrowth is his preferred location.
There is also the opportunity to buy cheap fuel on the Shroppie. Market Drayton and Norbury are cheap, but the cheapest is always at Turner’s at Wheaton Aston. At Autherley Junction we broke the rule and turned left which was basically North but I had now developed a plan for later. We stopped at Penkridge and Yvonne stayed with the boat whilst I took the train back home for an appointment. The weather was very hot as we left the Staffs and Worcs Canal and back on to the Trent and Mersey Canal at Great Haywood then forward to Fradley Junction and the Coventry Canal. My new plan was to get to the South of Birmingham via the Birmingham and Fazeley and then to the Saltley Cut onto the Grand Union Canal. We had never been on this route before and as quite 10
often with a new part of the waterways, I was apprehensive about what we could expect; with visions of hordes of feral children attacking the boat. Needless to say we really enjoyed it!
There is a lovely nature reserve on the Birmingham & Fazely, with good moorings and the narrow locks were in good condition. We stopped at Curdsworth and set off early to get us through Birmingham via Salford Junction underneath the M6 Spaghetti Junction, then past Star City which has surprisingly good moorings. Garrison Locks were in good condition and we didn’t encounter any problems despite this being inner city Birmingham. But then onto the Grand Union and down to Catherine de Barnes and this stretch suffers from a lack of water and loads of rubbish which is not a good combination. It was here, whilst I was clearing stuff off the prop that the Captain decided to abscond as he found another feline friend. It was over an hour before we could encourage Hamish back onto the boat - happy days!! We were now out of Birmingham and had a choice to make when we got to Lapworth. It was either continue on the Grand Union towards Braunston or onto the South Stratford. It was first time boating on the Stratford for us, a beautiful canal with a lot of locks. The pubs were open and nobody seemed to have heard of Covid down there.
Stratford Marina
Stratford on Avon was “heaving” and we managed to get a spot firstly, in Bancroft Basin and then on the river itself. Hamish didn’t like it too much though, as it was too hot and busy and there weren’t enough rodents around for his liking. 11
Yvonne had caught the train back home so we were there for a little while. The river is run by the Avon Trust so you need a separate permit. When Yvonne returned we had to make a decision, should we go south on the Avon or back up the Stratford canal. As you guessed we took to the river, especially as the weather was good with no rain forecast. We had not been on the River Avon before but it was excellent. Mooring was not that easy though! We had intended to moor at Bidford which according to a recent article in Canal Boat has extensive moorings. We found only 3 mooring slots, which were all occupied so we carried on. However there are mooring places at the locks and this saved the day and in addition, there are a few Elsan points as well. We visited some new places for us which included Evesham and Pershore that do have extensive moorings. The river itself was benign and didn’t present any great navigational problems until just out of Pershore; everything was peaceful with no boats around as we approached a very tight turn just before a multi-arched bridge. Low and behold there was a boat coming up river through one of the arches and luckily he saw our bow and tooted his horn. I was able to pull hard to starboard and just missed him and also managed to squeeze through the narrow arch. After 4 days out of Stratford we arrived at Tewksbury and had a nice walk to the Abbey and around the picturesque town. We found a great restaurant in a nearby Boat Club and enjoyed a super Sunday roast. It was decision time again but now in mid-August with the forecast of rain we decided to head North along the Severn before the weather changed making the river a little temperamental. We don’t much like this river as the banks are high with little visibility; unlike the Avon, the river seems to control you rather than the other way round. After four and a half hours we made it to the safety of Worcester next to the racecourse as up until then there had been very few mooring opportunities. We are quite impressed with Worcester, with very good shops and if the river does become a problem then you can always escape up the Birmingham and Worcester Canal. However, the weather was still holding so our journey then took us further up river to Stourport and onto the Staffs and Worcs Canal, just in time before it started to rain heavily. I think we still would have been 12
OK on the river as the local knowledge seems to be that it takes 3 days for the water to come downriver from the Welsh hills?
Stourport The Staffs and Worcs is a great canal and once we had passed Kiddermister there are some super stretches though rocky cuttings and plenty of suitable mooring spots for Hamish. It was further along this canal that we encountered a major problem. A fisherman had said there was trouble ahead and he was right. We discovered that a hire boat had sunk in the staircase lock at Botterham. (See overleaf) It took a couple of days to remove the sunken boat so Yvonne went back home on the train for more meetings. Once the obstruction was cleared, we left the Staffs and Worcs and retraced our steps back up the Shroppie. It was now almost into September and we felt we were safe from Covid in rural Shropshire, rather than the middle of Lancashire, so we made a left turn to head for the Llangollen to prolong the adventure. We thought the Llangollen would be quiet at this time of year. How wrong can you be as there were too many hire boats. Some of which have a mind of their own‌ 13
The stranded boat at Botterham.
It seems apparent that whilst descending the two lock staircase, the boat safely negotiated the top lock-but had then opened the bottom lock paddles whilst the middle gates were still open. The boat was then not properly into the bottom lock and as the water emptied, the back of the boat was caught on the cill. It must have been a sobering experience and you must question allowing a novice crew to tackle such a difficult lock. Staircase locks can be complex to understand even for experienced boaters.
We got clattered coming into about the 3 rd bridge along which was to be a recurring theme. At Frankton junction a day boat came at us from under a bridge and ended up straight across our bow. I think our front fender almost went into the front passenger section of their boat, luckily without any consequences. I have to say that we also used to hire before buying our own boat as everyone has to start somewhere. I may have ended up in a field once but we didn’t hit any other boats!
We got as far as Trevor and turned to go back down the Montogomery. Here the battery problem became apparent. I had tried to alter the Victron Battery Gauge and must have done something wrong. The new batteries that we had bought were 14
tripping out in a morning at apparently 85% SOC. I called out RCR and their engineer reckoned the batteries were faulty. So we had new ones delivered. Eventually we were sorted, but it left me re-tracing my steps as to what went wrong! It was now late into September and it was time to head for home in earnest. We managed to avoid any more collisions and gradually made our way back to the Middlewich Branch and the Trent & Mersey. The weather had changed for the worse and we had to make our way (with help) up the Wigan flight.
The stretch from the top lock up to Adlington has a real problem with floating pennywort weed. In places it can spread right across the canal and if you try to break through it, then it doesn’t separate and you end up trying to push a very heavy chunk of weed along. The only way to get it off the front of the boat is to get to the side and pole it off. Anyway we must not let the last problem detract from what was a really good cruise and one that kept us socially distanced from most people apart from the occasional pub visit. 15
Lancaster Canal Trust
This has been a quiet year for LCT as with many other organisations, most social events had to be cancelled or not arranged at all, sadly it was not possible to run any boat trips and several work parties were cancelled. The LCT volunteers and work party organisers were keen to work and did so whenever Covid restrictions allowed, all were carried out in a safe, Covid compliant way and a lot was achieved including repairing the off side of the First Furlong using sandbags with the help of a recently purchased pontoon.
Unfortunately the Covid restrictions increased towards the end of the year and two work parties were cancelled.
There are still a number of jobs to do and LCT will be back at work as soon as possible, they are always looking for volunteers so if you want to help get in touch with the Trust. The jobs remaining to be done, some of which are ongoing are: • Replacing and repairing the steps at the stables where the boat trips go from, it just wasn’t safe to do this because of Covid. • An interesting opportunity to replace a winch post and two rubbing strips. 16
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Maintaining the area around Hincaster Tunnel. LCT has adopted this area and done a lot of work during the year but the weeds keep growing.
On the First Furlong the Trust is very nearly there but again Covid put an end to work, the canal has to be drained so the stop planks can be examined and made to work properly and there is a problem with water draining under the lining, both of these jobs need all or most of the water taking out so they can be appraised and carried out. The Trust had almost done this when the new Covid restrictions started in autumn so pumping had to be stopped. The canal is now full of water again and looks very much like a canal. There is some positive news; as most people will know the repairs to Stainton Aqueduct have been completed and the Trust intends to organise a walk around the area once Covid restrictions are lifted or eased. The Towpath Trail section from Well Head Lane to Field End Bridge 169 has been completed and the Trust has had some positive feedback from users. The Trust was able to hold some Heritage Open Day walks including gunpowder walks and a walk around the route of the canal near the old tramway. In a first for the Trust, the 2020 AGM was held virtually, members were able to listen to Robin Yates the chairman and to carry out the business of the AGM. The AGM was followed by a presentation from Paul Rodgers IWA National Chairman. And more good news, thanks to the wonderful generosity of Mr Howard Broomby, the Trust is now the owner of the length of canal between Well Head Lane and Stainton. Howard Broomby has always been incredibly supportive of the Trust’s efforts to rewater the First Furlong section and, once they had demonstrated their commitment to that aim, decided to make the Trust a gift of it. The Trust plans to hold a bit of a celebration on site once such things are possible
And the Trust needs a new treasurer, anyone interested please get in touch. Wendy Humphreys 17
Lancaster
Canal & River Trust, Cumbria County Council, IWA, Kendal Town Council, Lancs County Council, Lancaster Canal Trust South Lakeland District Council
Canal
Regeneration Partnership
The partnership has a website www.lcrp.org.uk where up to date news can be found. The following is taken from their newsletter. Stainton Aqueduct Repairs completed The completion of the ÂŁ2.2 million project to restore storm-damaged Stainton Aqueduct in South Cumbria, has been marked with the launch of an exciting virtual tour along the disused Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal.
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The online trip takes viewers on a four mile interactive journey from Hincaster to Crooklands, providing fascinating insights into the canal’s history, wildlife, old working boats and impressive structures like Hincaster Tunnel and Stainton Aqueduct. This is the link to the virtual tour: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/481ae744cf75473b9f40123eb628c802.
Look out for our new Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail branding you'll be seeing it widely used soon
Retiring chair Audrey Smith OBE with Bill Froggatt CRT Heritage Advisor and Oliver East (left) artist and creator of 'The Lanky' canal comic 19
Mildred Sadler 7 August 1928—10 November 2020
Only a year ago I sat down and wrote a tribute to Eric Sadler - actually it was a tribute to both Eric and Mildred because as Mildred was frequently heard to say “with the Sadlers you get two for the price of one.” At that time Mildred was somewhat under the weather and was being cared for in a local care home in Pitlochry and it was there that she passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on the 10 th November. Mildred’s son, Ian, has kept in touch with some longstanding IWA friends and was kind enough to let us know what had happened. COVID restrictions meant that it it was not possible for distant family and friends to travel to the funeral but her son Ian and his wife Barbara sent this lovely invitation to friends and family: “We will be returning to Pitlochry after the funeral service on Thursday 19th at about 2.00pm and will put on the kettle and have afternoon tea and a cream scone, Mildred’s favourite, and remember all the happy times. We would like to think the maybe at this time in your own home you might be able to do the same.’” 20
Well I did just that – and there were so many happy times to remember. Audrey Smith
Ian has written to say that many of us joined the family in spirit on that Thursday afternoon and raised a cup in memory of Mildred. He thanks everyone for their messages and kind words. Ed Mildred joined the IWA in August 1973. As well as being an active member of this branch Mildred was also Region Secretary at one time. People remember her as someone always willing to lend a hand and, just as important, she could be relied on to deliver whatever she promised, and always with a smile. Fund the Bund Following the successful ‘Buy a Block’. The Lancaster Canal Trust has a new appeal, - “Fund the Bund to Finish the Furlong”. This is the bund or dam that separates the First Furlong from the section of the Northern reaches that is in water. It will need an excavator and lorries to remove several hundred tons of rubble and soil and we estimate the cost will be around £18,000.
“We are appealing to your generosity to sponsor the removal of the bund, £1 per shovel full or £20 for a wheelbarrow full.“ You can send your payment by cheque to Lancaster Canal Trust Lancaster District CVS, The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX or you can check out the website for other ways to donate. And please complete the gift aid form if appropriate. 21
ON THE CUT 2020 (Maralyn & Jim Nott) Our plans changed several times due to coronavirus. Lockdown was imposed on 23rd March so we were not able to go down to the boat in the marina. On 11th July, when restrictions eased, we took the boat along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to the winding hole after the Scarisbrick Arms, moored outside the pub overnight and returned to the marina next day. CRT were reporting several problems on the canals which were busy with hire boats and have problems with locks and paddles so we decided not to take the boat as far south as planned.
‘Muckle’ before her new paint job We intended to set off in the boat at the end of July but, due to unforeseen circumstances, that wasn’t possible. At the beginning of August we went down to the marina to start preparing the boat for a repaint. We finally set off on 16th August, went along the Leeds and Liverpool to Wigan then right through Poolstock locks, onto the Bridgewater and then the Trent and Mersey canal to Red Bull where we met our son and grandson. We turned on to the Macclesfield canal and then the Peak Forest going down to Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth basin and then down and back up the Marple flight. 22
Over the weekend, we sanded the back panel down to bare metal in places and applied two coats of primer and one of undercoat on each side.
We had ordered the paint while we were stuck at home having finally decided on a colour – Bethnal Green.
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On the way back along the Macclesfield we stopped at Simon Dunn’s chocolate shop (the only non-essential shopping we did and well recommended!) When we got back to the Trent and Mersey we went through Harecastle tunnel which we had to pre-book. That was busier than usual but well handled. At Great Haywood we turned on to the Staffs and Worcester down to Autherley Junction where we turned on to the Shropshire Union heading home via the Middlewich branch, the Trent and Mersey and the Bridgewater. By then we were well into September and the canals were still busy. We met several first time hirers who all seemed to be enjoying the experience. We would normally eat out once or twice a week or stop at a pub for a drink but we didn’t feel comfortable doing any of that and our interaction with other boaters was more limited than usual. We also like to visit National Trust houses but they were all closed. We were kept busy painting the boat, changing the side we were working on as the towpath changed, and got back to the marina on September 20th just before tighter restrictions were imposed.
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CRT NEWS (from their e-mails) £45 million spent on programme of works this winter We are planning to carry out a £45.1 million programme of repairs on waterways across England & Wales this winter, replacing lock gates, dredging to ensure the water is deep enough for boats, and carrying out a host of tasks to keep the 200-year old network open and help ensure its resilience to climate change. Despite forecasting a reduction of income of around 10% (£20 million) due to the pandemic, we have been able to prioritise spending to maintain a full winter works programme of 128 large-scale repairs across 50 canal and river navigations. Carried out by our in-house team and specialist contractors, the works take in the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, famous lock flights Caen Hill and Bingley Five Rise, draining a stretch of canal in East London, and city centre locations in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Wigan. If you visit the CRT website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk and click on virtual open days you can see some of the work. While you are there why not go on some of the virtual walks or take an audio tour through the Liverpool Link? Ed Plastics Challenge Plastics and litter in our canals and rivers are part of a much bigger global problem. The good news is that it’s the little things you do on your doorstep that can make a world of difference. So, we're asking if you can do a litter pick along a towpath near you. If everyone who visited one of our canals or rivers picked up just one piece of plastic, the water and towpaths would be clear within a year! Take part in our #PlasticsChallenge and help to make your local canal or river a beautiful place everyone can enjoy. 14 million pieces of plastic end up in and around our canals and rivers every year. 125,000 hours of volunteer time is spent picking up litter each year £1 million of charity funding is spent every year dealing with litter and fly-tipping
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Social Meetings A full programme from September to April had been planned well in advance and then Covid restrictions meant we could not meet together. All credit to Wendy for organising webinars (terrible word) as an alternative. September: Paul Rodgers, IWA National Chairman spoke to us about his ideas for the way forward for IWA. October: Diane Rollin, an ecologist with CRT in the North-West gave an informative, illustrated talk about bats. Twenty three of us learned about their anatomy, reproduction, roosts etc from someone who knows her subject well. We saw the wide range of different species and in particular Daubentons which are often found in canal structures because they feed on the insects that fly above the water. Diane described case studies of bridges and other structures where bats were roosting but work needed to be carried out.
Brown long eared bat copyright David Talbot
Useful websites for information: Conservation Trust website: https://www.bats.org.uk/ And details of local bat groups: https://www.bats.org.uk/support-bats/bat-groups Diane is happy to lead a canal based bat walk in 2021. 26
November: Bill Froggatt, Heritage Adviser with CRT, gave a talk on the Historic Docks of Liverpool. Word about our webinars had spread and there were so many expressions of interest that we thought we might exceed the 100 person limit on Zoom. In the end not everyone tuned in so no one was turned away. Liverpool was the first commercial wet dock in the world (there were earlier naval docks at places like Deptford and Portsmouth). A wet dock is a basin filed with water and fitted with gates so that ships can float at any state of the tide. Subsequently known as the Old Dock, the first dock was started in 1710 and partially opened in 1715. It was immediately very successful and was followed by many others along the East bank of the River Mersey. All this led to an enormous expansion of trade through Liverpool and the growth of the town. You can see Bill’s talk on IWA-TV at www.waterways.org.uk If this is a subject that you would like to explore further this book is one of Bill’s sources and gives a very detailed history of the docks with many original drawings and photographs. It is out of print but I tracked down a used copy through Amazon. Ed Bill was originally scheduled to talk to us in April; many thanks to him for bringing his talk forward See also page 31 27
Social Programme January to April 2021 If head office have your email address you should get an invitation to register for each webinar. If not you can contact them via the IWA website www.waterways.org uk All webinars start at 7.30pm 28th Jan Webinar David Brown David is a Reservoir Engineer with Canal and River Trust. This talk replaces the video evening which we had planned as we didn’t feel that format would work in a webinar.
“Reservoir Safety and the Canal & River Trust.” Toddbrook will certainly get a mention but it won’t be a talk about the incident.
25th Feb Webinar
AGM Followed by a nostalgia evening, led by Audrey Smith OBE, IWA Vice President and past National Chairman 25th March Webinar Jonathan Mosse Jonathan lives on a narrowboat on the Scottish Lowland canals. For over 30 years he has researched and written the Nicholson Waterways Guides. He writes articles for waterway magazines and takes waterway-related photographs for publication.
“Scottish Canals” Over the time he has lived in Scotland Jonathan has been very aware of IWA's regular, beneficial and effective interventions in the somewhat erratic course steered by the navigation authority, Scottish Canals. He says “in their role as 'Critical Friend', IWA have not been shy to highlight failure or criticise policy, yet they are always happy to guide and support where appropriate”.
Venue When allowed, we meet at St Chad’s Parish Centre, 235 Town Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley PR6 8AJ. There is ample parking in the car park. There is a very pleasant meeting room with a bar. You are welcome from 7.00pm for a drink and a chat, the meetings start at 7.30pm 28
29th April Social meeting at St Chads if the rules allow David Lowe In 1970 after numerous hire boat holidays David started a pleasure and freight boat business and soon some 10,000 tonnes a week of freight was being handled on the Northern and East Midlands waterways The IWA has awarded him the Bulkeley-Johnson Salt on two occasions, the Alfred Ritchie Cockerel for the best working boat at the 1981 National Rally, and more recently the Richard Bird Medal.
“Apollo Mission Impossible or a dream realised;” The talk will cover how David became interested in canals and waterways, early canal holidays, involvement with IWA, and finally setting up and running what became a large and very successful waterways business, operating passenger and freight boats in the North and East Midlands.
A Director of Humber Barges Ltd, he is Chairman of the Commercial Boat Operators Association sitting on a number of waterway groups. David is licensed by the MCA as a Boatmaster (freight and passenger), and is a member of the Canal & River Trust’s Freight Steering Group, the dredging and stoppage sub-groups, and a past member of its Yorkshire & North East Advisory Board. Alternate webinar if social meetings still not allowed Bowman Bradley Bowman Bradley is the Chair of the IWA’s Sustainable Propulsion Group. Bowman is a retired professional engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He has 45 years of experience on the UK canal system and is the owner of a modern leisure narrow boat. He also represents the IWA on the Boat Safety Scheme Advisory Committee 29
“Sustainable Propulsion on the Inland Waterways”
Walks organised by LCT Saturday 6th of February 2021, a walk around the old Lancaster Canal near Johnsons Hillock locks, led by Nigel Hardacre. Meet at the Top Lock pub to start the walk at 10am. The walk will be about 6 miles, around Whittle le Woods, and the Walton Summit branch with a stop for lunch at the old basin with the Co-op shop close by. Bring a packed lunch or buy something from the shop. You will need a torch for the tunnels and a good level of fitness to walk the full route, there are also several stiles. To make things easier and to take into account any possible Covid restrictions we are asking that you book for the walk. You can book through Wendy Humphreys on 07763561572 or delwendwhm@btinternet.com
The Duke of York pub, now the Co-op.
NB You don’t have to be that fit, I did it the last time. Mind you the greyhounds struggled with the stiles. Ed 30
Saturday 6th of March 2021, a walk around part of the Ribble Link, led by Nigel Hardacre. Meet at The Final Whistle Café at UCLAN sports ground for a 10am start. This walk will be around 3 and a half miles including a break for lunch, bring a packed lunch or eat later at the café. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to complete the walk and there are stiles. Contact details and booking the same as for the February walk. For all other events see the Lancaster Canal Trust website and their e-news. Information supplied by Bill Froggatt in answer to questions following his talk on the Liverpool Docks. Best place to look for tours are the Maritime Museum which is based in Albert Dock. They do a tour to the Old Dock, for example, details here: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson/merseyside-maritimemuseum/event/old-dock-tour There is a virtual guide on the Arcigs website Google Arcigs Story Maps Liverpool Docks To find out about the docks now go to https://www.peelports.com/port-locations/liverpool
The Trust’s primary role at the docks is to manage the waterspace. Ownership of the land is very limited but includes the river front walk south from the Canning Half Tide entrance (including the river entrance); parts of Coburg Wharf and the entrance to Brunswick Dock. Historic buildings – only two of the three watch houses at the entrance to Canning Half-Tide, and the two watch houses at the entrance to the former Brunswick Half-Tide. For £5 you can see a talk by Joseph Sharples to the Victorian Society recorded on 7th December, on the development of Liverpool through its buildings. Go to https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/events (Just think you get our webinars free! Ed)
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IWA LANCASHIRE & CUMBRIA BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021 The AGM of the IWA Lancashire and Cumbria Branch is to be held by webinar on Thursday 25th February 2021 starting at 7:30 pm Invitations to join will be sent by email to members nearer the time, however if you wish to register in advance you can do that by going onto the IWA website After the AGM there will be a short nostalgia evening AGENDA 1: Apologies for absence 2: Present 3: Approval of minutes of the AGM held on 27th February 2020 4: Matters Arising 5: Paul Rodgers - National Chair IWA 6: Region Chair’s Report 7: Chairman’s Report 8: Treasurer’s Report 9: Election/re-election to the Committee: Under the three year rule there are 3 members due for re-election. ********* Applications to join the committee are welcomed. Nomination Form – Lancashire & Cumbria Branch Volunteer/Nominee…………………………………………..Please print Signed……………………………………………Date…………………… Address……………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………….. Telephone Numbers Home………………………………. Mobile……………………………. Email…………………………………………………………………… Volunteers / Nominees must be an IWA member of this branch and be in good standing.
Please return this form before Monday 15th February 2021 to: Maralyn Nott, Sunnycroft Cottage, Dowbridge, Kirkham, PR4 3RD or by email to lancsandcumbria@waterways.org.uk 32
Lancs & Cumbria Branch of the Inland Waterways Association Balance sheet at 31st December 2020 2019 General Accumulated Funds £8179.51 Balance at 1st January -(£2,041.05) Surplus (deficit) £6,138.46 Balance at 31st December Represented by: £6,112.81 Business Premium Account £25.65 Cash £6,138.46 Total funds
2020 £6,138.46 -(£2,314.54) £3,823.92 £3,802.82 £21.10 £3,823.92
Income & expenditure account for year ended 31st December 2019 Income 2020 £178.50 Raffles and sales at branch social meetings £47.00 £103.85 Events & fund raising 0 £10.60 Bank interest 0 £211.75 Donations £187.01 £110.10 Sale of IWA goods £14.00 £119.00 Sale of plaques £83.00 £1,370.00 2019 Trailboat Festival 0 £168.00 Payments for branch trips 0 £2,271.80 Total income £331.01 £215.00 £44.00 £2,500.00 £7.32 £1,338.41 £27.22 £54.90 £126.00 £4,312.85 -(£2,041.05)
Expenditure Social meeting - speakers + room hire Annual subs to local canal societies 1 Donations to LCRP 2 Officers’ expenses (postage) 2019 Trailboat Festival 3 L&L plaques & postage IWA Christmas cards & calendars Trips for branch members Total expenditure Surplus or (loss)
£80.00 £44.00 £2,500.00 £7.32 £11.59 £2.64 0 0 £2,645.55 -(£2,314.55)
Funds committed to specific causes £1,744.45 Northern Reaches Fund Balance of branch funds £4,394.01 £6,138.46 Total funds
0 £3,823.92 £3,823.92
Footnotes: 1. L&LCS £30 & LCT £14 2. £250 our annual contribution, £2,250 towards cost of a project officer 3. Postage for sending magazines to entrants 33
Inland Waterways Association- Lancashire and Cumbria Branch Minutes of the AGM held at 7.30pm on Thursday 27 th February 2020 in St Chad’s Parish Centre, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley.
Apologies: Robert Irvine, Joseph Ramsbottom, Ann and Bill Knox, Prof.J.H.Farrington, Peter Simmonds, Dave Hargreaves, Yvonne Hargreaves, Sir Robert Atkins Present: Wendy and Derek Humphreys, Tony and Janet Dunning, David Faulkner, Jim and Maralyn Nott, Audrey and Gillian Smith, Dorothy and John Hewerdine, Graham Wright, Helen Smith (Speaker). Minutes of the AGM held on 28th February in the St Chad’s Parish Centre, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley: The minutes were accepted as a true record. Proposed by Audrey Smith, Seconded by Gillian Smith and Jim Nott.
Matters arising: There were no matters arising Chairman’s report (Wendy Humphreys): see Appendix 1 Regional Chairman’s report: (Sir Robert Atkins): see Appendix 2 Treasurer’s Report: see Appendix 3. David reported a loss of £2,041. We again contributed £2,250 to LRCP towards the cost of a project officer. The raffle held at the social meetings pays for hire of the room and speakers’ expenses. The surplus from the Trail Boat Festival had been divided between LCT’s “buy a block” appeal, WRG (in appreciation of their help at the festival) and branch funds. Audrey Smith continues to oversee the sale of L&L and Liverpool link plaques which, as well as contributing to branch funds, is a useful PR exercise. Thanks to Ruth Symonds for donations from her plant sales. The balance of branch funds was £6,138 on 31/12/2019 including £1,744 in the Northern Reaches fund. Election to the committee: Under the 3 year rule no committee members were due for re-election. Any other business: David Faulkner spoke about the IWA 500 club which costs £12 per year for a number and contributes to IWA funds. Half the money raised is given out as prizes in a draw. 3 times a year.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.55pm.
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Appendices to the 2020 minutes (To save space, appendices 1 & 3 are summarised, if you would like the full text please contact the editor, see page 2)
Appendix 1 Branch Chair’s report Wendy Humphreys said 2019 had been a busy year, mainly celebrating the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Lancaster Canal. Events we took part in or organised included: April: We hosted the NW Region social event followed by a walk led by Bill Froggatt of CRT. May: Trailboat Festival on the Northern Reaches. June: Branch stand at Bolton-le-Sands village fete Balsam bash at Haslam Park, Preston Branch outing on ‘Kingfisher’ from Lancaster stopping at the Lune Aqueduct CRT event at Tewitfield Marina to mark precise bi-centenary Awards evening at Condor Green CRT event at Aldccliffe Triangle. Lancaster July: Walk along part of Ribble Link and Lancaster Canal Joint event with ‘Kennett’ and CRT at Johnson’s Hillock Unveiling of the Red Wheel plaque at Hincaster tunnel Nov: Lancashire evening organised by LCT at Lancaster. Dec: Christmas meal at the Hoghton Arms Thanks to all who worked very hard organising events and to those branch members who attended. A successful year celebrating and publicising the Lancaster Canal. On behalf of the branch Wendy attended regular meetings of NW Region; Lancaster Canal Trust; Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership and a meeting at the Houses of Parliament of the all party Parliamentary Waterways Group.
Our branch successfully nominated the heritage boat ‘Kennet’ for the Marsh award. We could not attend the award ceremony in London but Wendy and Audrey Smith presented the award at the AGM of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society. Our monthly social meetings continued to be held between September and April. Sadly this year we lost Eric Sadler, one of our long-standing members who with his wife Mildred had done a lot for the branch and region. 35
Wendy thanked the committee for their hard work: Jim and Maralyn Nott—Maralyn as secretary and Jim for his hard work commenting on planning applications. Sadly Jim has had to resign from that post. Audrey Smith continues to administer the award of transPennine and Liverpool Link plaques. And we benefit from her experience and expertise. David Faulkner is treasurer and newsletter editor. At this year’s National AGM he received the Richard Bird medal. Tony and Janet Dunning who despite their very busy lives have always got time for IWA and our branch. Janet has also helped with our website, organised the raffles and is now our membership officer. Sir Robert who usually manages to attend our committee meetings and give us the benefit of his experience and advice. The committee meets bi-monthly at The Willows, close to the M65.. Wendy made her usual plea for more members. In conjunction with LCT we applied successfully to the IWA Trustees for the Northern Reaches to be included in IWA’s Silver Propellor challenge. Appendix 2 Region Chair’s report My apologies for absence this evening but I have to chair a Wyre BC meeting. This has been a splendid year, what with the BiCentennial Celebrations and the excellent Trailboat Festival. All those involved in either or both deserve our heartiest thanks and congratulations for their commitment and enthusiasm. They made the year just that little bit more special. CRT liaison - particularly in relation to navigation matters - has been a source of irritation and delay and I have pressed the NW Director of CRT, Daniel Greenhalgh, to “get the show back on the road” as soon as possible. He has undertaken to attend our next NW/IWA Regional meeting in March to discuss matters of mutual interest and to take questions. I have also been in contact with Liam Cooper, Boating & Service Manager, to arrange a strategic Navigation Liaison meeting which will now take place on April 6 th in Wigan. This will allow us to pursue issues that have been outstanding for too long.
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There was some dismay expressed last year about reports of the closure of the Preston Tramway Bridge, a historic relic of the original Lancaster Canal before the Ribble Link! It is in poor condition and is thought to be so unsafe that public access has been curtailed. I have been in regular contact with both Preston City Council (who own it) and Lancashire County Council, emphasising the importance of the Bridge - especially following the Bicentennial Year - and attach some current social media coverage of the issue. I will keep up the pressure. We have a new Chairman of the IWA in Paul Rodgers and I am due to discuss with him some relevant matters in the near future, not least the governance of the IWA. Our thanks are due to his predecessor, Ivor Caplan, for his service as they are also due to the retiring CEO of the IWA, Neil Edwards. Both have contributed significantly to the successful progress of the IWA and both are hard acts to follow.
Plans are afoot for a Regional Social Event, to be hosted by our Manchester Branch, and, whilst a date has not yet been set, it is likely to be in April/May. Last year’s, you will recall, was hosted by your Branch and a great success it was too. They are presently exploring the options for a venue but also the possibility of using a local tour boat. I will keep you all informed as soon as I know more. We live in pressured times these days and finding & keeping active members is not easy. The IWA has to offer something productive, attractive, informative and helpful to members if it is to retain and improve its credibility. Your contribution to that is invaluable and I thank you for it most warmly. Sir Robert Atkins
Appendix 3 Branch balance sheet For details of bank balances, income and expenditure for the year 2019 please refer to the left hand column of the balance sheet for 2020 on page 33.
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Branch Committee Chairman Vice-chairman Secretary
Treasurer & Newsletter editor Membership secretary
Wendy Humphreys Darwen Tony Dunning Egremont
07763 561572 01254 703553 07730 113894 01946 820875
Maralyn Nott Kirkham David Faulkner Langho
07912 249265 01254 249265
Janet Dunning Egremont Alan Green Chorley
01946 820875
01257 274440
Sales
Audrey Smith Wheelton Vacant
Social secretary
See chairman
Lancaster Canal Regeneration P’ship
Wendy Humphreys
Leeds and Liverpool Canal Lancaster Canal Trust
Audrey Smith
Environment & Planning Publicity
Wild over Water & Web Master Region Chairman (ex officio) Committee member
Ian Treanor Darwen Janet Dunning Sir Robert Atkins Jim Nott
Email addresses are firstname.surname@waterways.org.uk You can write to us c/o the editor see page 2 38
Lancaster Canal Bridge 76 In his presentation to the branch in March Bill Froggatt mentioned that bridge 76 shows remnants of a line of defence against invasion set up during the Second World War. Intrigued, Philip Garside planned to see for himself but has been thwarted by Covid restrictions. However, his research on the internet has revealed that the bridge, known as Corless Bridge at Forton may have military history going further back.
“The Corless bridge name came from the victors of a little known battle in the fields adjacent to the bridge. The Corless family from Howick had chased a hundred strong regiment of Lancastrians away from farmland on the Ribble estuary. The Lancastrians were bogged down to their knees in mud. The Corless family had no pity and pelted them with turnips and swedes” (Of course, you can’t believe everything you read on t’internet but intriguing eh? Thanks Philip. We may learn more – watch this space. Ed)
Forth & Clyde Canal Society (From their newsletter)
The society has been very restricted like everybody else. They have used the time to spruce up their 3 trip boats which have been moored in the marina for safety. By next spring it is hoped that ‘Gypsy Princess’ will have been slipped for some minor repairs (spot welding) and hull painting. The Scottish Canal weed cutters have been busy (nature doesn’t stop for lockdowns). Unfortunately mother nature struck the Union Canal on the night of 12 August causing a major breach just as the hire fleet and other boaters were starting to get boating again. It also caused serious damage to the railway line down the hill from it. In both cases it appears that the repairs will take months to remedy. Something to look forward to if you live up there or are likely to be visiting, is the Scottish Boat Rally to be held over the first weekend in May at the Falkirk Wheel. 39
Dates for your diary January
28th Branch webinar “Reservoir safety and the Canal 7.30pm & River Trust”
February
6th Walk from Wheelton 10 am 25th Branch webinar AGM & nostalgia evening 7.30pm
March
6th Walk from UCLAN sports ground, Preston 10 am 25th Branch webinar “Scottish canals” 7.30pm
April
29th Talk “Apollo Mission Impossible” 7.30pm OR Webinar “Sustainable propulsion” For details of all of the above see pages 28 to 31
Some lockdown humour to finish … This virus has done what no woman has been able to do … cancel all sports, shut down all bars, and keep men at home!!! Me: Alexa what’s the weather this weekend? Alexa: It doesn’t matter – you’re not going anywhere.
Lockdown has turned us into dogs—we roam the house looking for food; we’re told ‘No’ if we get close to strangers and we get really excited about car rides! We could get all the vaccinations completed in a week if we gave the job to Aldi checkout assistants. Wearing a mask inside your home is now highly recommended. Not to stop the spread of the virus but to stop you eating. My going out clothes have missed me so much! I put them on yesterday and they hugged me so tight. I want to get on that road in the bible that Saul was on. You know, the road to De-Mask Us. Ho Ho Ho 40