Towing Path Topics Newsletter of the Inland Waterways Association Lancashire & Cumbria Branch September 2022
2 Copy date for next edition 18th December 2022 Inland Waterways Association Registered office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA Registered as a charity (No. 212342)
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: Padlocked lock gate at Johnsons Hillock, L&L Canal Photograph acknowledgements (All others by the editor) Pages10, 29, 30 Wendy Humphreys Page 13 Philip Garside Pages 15-19 Maralyn & Jim Nott Page 34 Bea & Norman Haslam Page 36 LCT Abbreviations LCT.-.The Lancaster Canal Trust CRT.-.The Canal and River Trust LCRP.-.Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership L&L. .The Leeds & Liverpool Canal 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
Editor’s comment
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Please notify membership@waterways.org.uk or the editor if you would prefer to receive your copy of ‘Towing Path Topics’ by email rather than a printed copy.
I hope the cover photograph of a padlocked lock gate is not too depressing. It sums up this glorious sunny summer for many boaters on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Only able to cruise on their local pound. For those of us walking the towpath it was less interesting with few moving boats. At least you can read about Jim and Maralyn Nott’s cruise through the Liverpool Link to moor in Salthouse Dock. Their article gives good practical advice for anyone making the same trip. I hope more people will follow their recommendation. If you do, you will be eligible for the special plaque created by this branch. We are looking for someone to take over the administration of the 2 L&L plaques. The Smith family have done it for over 20 years and it is surely someone else’s turn now. It is not an onerous task and ideal for anyone who has not the time or physical capability to help IWA in other ways.
One fine day I took the opportunity to walk by the locks at Tewitfield. It is a beautiful and interesting spot. To finish I had a very nice sandwich and coffee at the adjacent Greenlands Farm Village. If you like walking there are organised walks on the Northern Reaches (see page 37) and I plan to go on the Tramway walk on 22 October (p30). It starts and finishes at a pub so it sounds just right for me. Details of the coming season of talks at branch meetings are on page 38. Wendy has once again put together an interesting and varied programme, I hope more of you can join us in the comfortable setting of Primrose Gardens in Chorley. If you have anything to share with other branch members - photos, anecdotes, grumbles and complaints—anything; please send them to me, details opposite. Best wishes, David
Branch Chair’s Report
Whilst on the subject of social events, can I give Heritage Open Days a mention; there is a full programme of events this year and it’s easy to find them by searching the HOD website. I have been involved in helping Lancaster Canal Trust organise some events and there is more information about those on page 37. I have continued to attend meetings with Lancaster Canal Trust and with IWA Region, as well as Canal and River Trust liaison meetings and Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership. All were online, saving lots of time on travel but still not quite as good as live Themeetingsnewchair
We have had some events so far this year, a Balsam Bash in June which sadly I couldn’t attend because of Covid. The July Anderton Boat Lift trip was just in time as the lift is now closed. Let’s hope the closure doesn’t last long. We have had 3 walks, all organised by Nigel Hardacre and held jointly with Lancaster Canal Trust and the Friends of the Tramway. Nigel has another walk planned for October 22nd. (See page 30)
of LCRP has been in place for a few months now, he has some interesting ideas for LCRP and talks are in place to make LCRP into a formal constituted body. Our branch has continued to hold regular committee meetings, all on zoom. A big thank you to all the committee members who do so much to make the branch work and to everyone who agreed to continue on the branch committee for another year; also those branch members who don’t want to be on the committee but nevertheless help the branch in other ways.
What a wonderful summer we are having, the sun is making us all feel good although the lack of rain and water is having an impact on the canals, I do hope it hasn’t spoiled your plans too much. Live meetings have started again, and our 22/23 season is fully organised. Details are in this magazine. We have booked the meetings for Primrose Gardens but I am told that St Chads is now taking bookings again. This is too late for the 22/23 season but I would welcome your ideas for 23/24; should we stay with Primrose Gardens or give St Chads another try?
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Jim and Maralyn Nott had agreed to be “boating buddies” for CRT, this involves giving CRT staff who don’t get the opportunity to boat on the canals the opportunity to have a boat journey and experience the canals from the point of view of boaters. Unfortunately for various reasons that has not worked out this year but maybe next year.. Thanks to Jim and Maralyn for offering to do that.
It’s the IWA AGM on 24 September; this year it will be at Lichfield. I will be there so please attend and come and say hello. I intend to purchase IWA Calendars and Christmas cards to sell. We have missed them over the last 2 years so if you want to buy some and help with branch funds please come to the social meetings from AsSeptember.wellasorganising
Wendy Humphreys
There have been a lot of changes at IWA Head Office as you will know. We have a new National Chairman, Les Etheridge and a new chief executive, Jonathan Smith, who is well known to members of our branch. They are both working on a temporary basis but already have made lots of positive changes.
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 let me or one of the other committee members know. Take care everyone.
walks, Nigel Hardacre has started to help with the website, with lots of help from Neil Edwards. If you look on the branch page you will see a news item about the Balsam Bash and I am hoping for more news to go on the website. Nigel is also working on a “virtual” walk for the website for those who can’t get on the live walks or as a way of finding out a bit more about a walk before you do the actual walk.
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The July All Party Parliamentary Waterways Group was postponed due to the weather, it will now be on the 20th of September and I will attend. This one will look at CRT funding issues.
A debate is being conducted amongst some regional activists about the perennial problems confronting many Branches. Declining membership - especially amongst the younger generation - lack of active commitment by an increasing number of existing members, doubts about IWA objectives and achievements, shortage of funds and worries about Head Office. The old argument continues. Should we be just a members’ organisation or a lobby for the needs and management of the waterways? Or can we - should we - do both? Your views would be welcome. Enjoy the rest of the summer and, as always, take care. Robert Atkins
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REPORT FROM THE NW REGIONAL CHAIRMAN
Since my last report to you and as I indicated then, there have been some changes at the top of the IWA (!) The Chief Executive decided that the job was not for him - despite a background in waterways - and left rather unexpectedly. Although I was not involved in the details of his appointment, his CV seemed good and appropriate. But all did not work out as expected c’est la vie! And then a week or two later, the National Chairman, Paul Rogers, resigned and, suddenly, the IWA was technically leaderless. An urgent meeting of the remaining Trustees was convened by the Deputy Chairmen, chaired by me, to consider all the implications. However, we were in luck for we were able to appoint a former Chairman, Les Etheridge, as an interim Trustee and for him to take over immediately as the Chairman. And then we were able to invite Jonathan Smith a former National Treasurer and old friend in our part of the world - to become the interim Chief Executive. Both these appointments will run until the AGM in September although they may continue afterwards. We are very fortunate that these two important positions are to be filled by such experienced IWA luminaries, well known and respected by many in our organisation. And Paul Rogers will still be active in our affairs, bringing his special skills to our counsels.
Garstang Pollution Incident: Water quality has now stabilised following the incident at the end of May and through June. Effort now being focused on the Environment Agency obtaining a successful prosecution as well as considering options for restocking the fishery.
Below is the reply on 5 August from Daniel Greenhalgh, NW Regional Director of CRT to issues raised by Sir Robert. Subject: Lancaster Canal Updates Hi Robert please see below for short update on the issues we discussed:
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Hopefully this answers your queries but happy to discuss further if needed. Dear reader, see page 27 for a photo of a Truxor multi purpose amphibious vehicle (I didn’t know what one was either) Ed
There was also a fish kill in Preston last week I’m not certain of the numbers of dead fish but would guess c100 fish. They have been collected by a contractor. We can't be certain why it happened (it's not unusual for us to get isolated fish deaths and for us not to be certain of the cause). Due to the timing, it is likely to be linked with the unusually high temperatures during the heatwave.
Aquatic Weed: For three weeks in June the truxor (amphibious weed boat) worked flat out between bridge 10 - bridge 37. We have also been releasing Weevils (which eat the weed), nearly 9,000 have been released so far. We are having to focus our truxor on the Northern Reaches at the most to ensure consistent water supply to the whole Lancaster
we do have a number of licensed abstraction points along the Lancaster and Rufford Canals. If anybody ever wanted to check the validity of the abstraction then they can send the details to our enquiries northwest team: enquiries.northwest@canalrivertrust.org.uk
WaterCanal.Abstractions:
On the 14th of July this year the branch had its first outing since We2019.went to the Anderton Boat Lift for a trip on the River Weaver to Northwich followed by a trip up the lift. Itself. Due to weekly maintenance, the lift wasn’t ready when we returned so the cruise was extended to take us along the Weaver in the opposite direction until they were ready for our ascent. There were 14 of us on the trip, including friends old and new,
Anderton Boat Lift Trip
The guide had lots to say about the lift and the waterways and kept us entertained the whole of the trip. (He’s an IWA member.)
There should have been 19 of us on the trip but unfortunately 5 people had to drop out at the last minute due to the dreaded Covid. That was very disappointing for them, 2 people had planned to come from Scotland and were combining the trip with visiting relatives, one other member had never been on the lift before and was really s hope our trip next year will not be so We had a lovely time, helped by the glorious weather, there were lots of people at the visitor centre and the surrounding area, the Anderton Boat Lift and its visitor centre really is a good tourist attraction, I don’t know how the recent news will affect that. We heard recently that the lift is closed because it needs repairing, no doubt expensive repairs so it’s a good job we went when we did. Our speaker in January will be someone from CRT talking to us about the Boat Lift so let’s hope we hear good news then. And the excitement didn’t end with the boat trip for some of us. One skipper (Ian) talking to another
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CRT said it was a frequent occurrence, but on this occasion it was Lancs. and Cumbria Branch to the rescue. All in all, a good day out and it was good to be having a branch trip Wendy Swan family anxiously watching
As we were leaving a dog off the lead frightened a cygnet into the canal overflow, the dog walker or rather jogger didn’t stop but some The cygnet was quite stressed and so were its parents and siblings. We alerted CRT and after a while they sent someone to rescue the swan with help from some of our members.
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Boaters contact the administrator providing proof of passage, payment and an address to which the plaque is to be sent. Payment can be by cheque or by bank transfer.
WANTED – A VOLUNTEER to administer the Branch plaque scheme. The Branch offers 2 different plaques for boaters to purchase provided they meet the relevant criteria. There is a Trans Pennine plaque and a Liverpool Link plaque and there is a charge of £8.00 per plaque including post and packing. I currently hold a reasonable stock of both plaques along with Jiffy envelopes. The plaques are promoted on the IWA website and also by CRT on their booking site for transiting the Liverpool Link.
Ready to volunteer? Then please contact Audrey Smith as follows: audrey@familysmith.co.uk or phone 01257 274 440.
Why do we bother doing this, I hear you ask? It started after lengthy stoppages on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in the Blackburn area when we realised that boaters had simply stopped going from end to end; they seemed averse to cruising across the top pound and through East Lancashire so we designed and commissioned a plaque to encourage them to travel the full 125 miles. It proved quite successful so much so that once the Liverpool Link was opened in 2002 boaters actually asked us to provide a plaque to commemorate their voyage in to Salthouse Dock so we did!
I have been doing this since 2015 and my husband, David, did it for 15 years before that. I am more than happy to offer support, if needed, and to work with my replacement to ensure that the IWA and CRT have an updated information sheet. The winter months are quiet so that would be an ideal time to get all the background admin dealt with in readiness for new customers in the Spring of 2023.
All you have to do after that is pack the plaque into the jiffy bag, address it and take it to your local post office to be weighed. We always send plaques 2nd class! The Branch Treasurer will refund your expenditure when you send him the proof of postage. The modest profit made from this activity goes into Branch funds.
Saturday 25 June, 19 of us turned up at Haslam Park, Preston for what has become an annual event – the Balsam Bash. It was a record turnout with members of the Lancaster Canal Trust, the Inland Waterways Association and Friends of Haslam Park. The weather was ideal, cloudy and not too hot. Chris from the ‘Friends’ took charge and directed the group to the area on which they were concentrating, mainly by the Savick Brook.
The technique is to pull up the alien invader, the Himalayan Balsam, roots and all. Snap the hollow stems, put them on a pile and stamp on them. We leave the piles to quickly rot down. It’s very easy to pull up as the roots are so shallow. By this date many of the plants were well grown and easy to spot but had not yet flowered and produced Thoseseeds. who were in short sleeves suffered from nettle stings as the nettles are very prolific this year but otherwise the day was incident free and nobody fell into the water. (All eventualities covered by the risk assessment of course).
HASLAM PARK BALSAM BASH
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We had a break for lunch at the Friend tea and coffee (and access to the loo). That gave us a chance to look at the displays about the park which opened in 1910 thanks to a generous gift of land from a local benefactor. Why bother you ask 2 the Himalayan Balsam out competes the native plants creating a monoculture which is bad for insects and other wildlife. It likes watercourses and when it dies back in winter its shallow roots do not bind the soil, leading to erosion. The Lancaster Canal borders Haslam Park and so far, not a lot of Balsam has reached the edges of the canal from the park. We also wish to prevent seeds moving down the Savick Brook and establishing along the sides of the Millennium Link.
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On Sunday 24th of April we set off from our home marina, Scarisbrick near bridge 27A on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The 21 miles to the top of Stanley flight locks in Liverpool has 9 swing bridges and typically takes 10 hours. Plenty of safe mooring is available up to bridge 10.
• Bridge14 is a footbridge and requires a hand cuff key and manually swinging • Bridges 10 and 2i require CRT key and manually swinging (NB definitely 2i ‘eye’)
LIVERPOOL LINK—a practical guide A voyage by Maralyn & Jim Nott in nb Muckle
Just before bridge 10 we moored overnight arriving at 6.30pm and ate on board although the Bootle Arms pub is only a few hundred yards Theaway.following morning we set off at 9am through the manual swing bridge 10 and arrived at swing bridge 9 at 9.30. This road bridge is busy and passage for boats is only allowed between 9.30am and 2pm then again between 6pm and 7.30am. Two more swing bridges and 2 hours cruising brought us to the service facilities at Bootle.
In December 2021 we were chatting to our friends about our fourth trip into Liverpool Docks and agreed we would take them there in April and booked the passage via the CRT website. Passage to/from the docks is available during the summer months, 6 days a week apart from Tuesdays. Maximum permitted stay is 7 days but can be extended for a small fee. The booking system allows choice of pontoon and free electricity is available on all pontoons. A comprehensive skippers guide is also on the CRT website and should be digested fully.
• Bridges 20, 15, 12, 9 and 6 are fully electronic.
• Bridge 16 has electronic barriers and requires manually opening
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Descent down the 4 locks went smoothly, however before exiting the last lock I cleared plastic bags off the prop by removing the weed hatch. Previous trips into Liverpool have involved several visits into the weed hatch to remove mainly plastic bags and weeds. This journey was relatively free of weeds and CRT had obviously been busy during the winter clearing weeds and over-hanging trees. Leaving the locks, it opens out into Stanley dock and we cruised past the Titanic Hotel and the world’s largest brick built warehouse. We continued to head for the clock tower through Collingwood dock .
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Many people moor here overnight as the service area can only be accessed using a CRT key. Also nearby is a large Tesco and several pubs. We emptied our cassette toilet here as facilities are limited in the Docks.
We turned left through Sid’s ditch and central docks and eventually into Princess dock taking care to follow the buoyed channel keeping right through bridge EE and into Princess Dock Lock. We were the last boat down that day and the CRT guy, Sid hitched a ride with us and operated the lock for us. On leaving the lock he reminded us to switch on our headlight as we were entering 3 tunnels. The journey then took us past the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the port of Liverpool Building and then to Mann Island lock which again was operated by Sid. (NB the locks are actually user operated but, except for one of our trips, we have had the locks operated for us by either CRT staff or volunteers.)
The journey continued through Canning Dock, Canning half tide dock and observing the traffic light system into the iconic Royal Albert Dock and finally Salthouse dock and at 2.35pm to our assigned pontoon with free electric. Princes Lock with the Liver Building Tobacco warehouse Victoria Clock Tower
Dock
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The majority of the pontoons were empty being kept vacant for the arrival of boats from the Mersey Motor Boat Club celebrating their 90th anniversary.
Plenty of activities are available in Liverpool and we took advantage of the many free museums and sampled some of the excellent restaurants and pubs around the docks. On one of the sunny afternoons, we took a ride on the Liverpool Wheel which now operates to 10pm each On Wednesday 15 MMBC boats were due down (normally a maximum of 6 boats are allowed /day) but unfortunately one of the locks on the Stanley flight stopped working and even more came down the next day to nearly fill the pontoons in Salthouse dock.
←Litter
↑‘
Mersey Ferries are now operating evening cruises with tribute bands and we were fortunate to spend our last evening on a trip with an ABBA theme. Cruising out to the mouth of the Mersey at New Brighton and several miles upstream towards the Manchester Ship Canal. bin Muckle in Salthouse
View from the Liverpool Wheel
18 On Saturday the 30th April we cruised back out of the Docks leaving as requested by CRT at 8am arriving at the top of Stanley locks by 10am. We stopped at the service point near Tesco to empty our cassettes and the journey went well until near bridge 5 when we collected a large number of plastic bags around the Stoppingpropeller. at bridge 6 we cleared the prop but within a few hundred yards had to stop again to remove a large, zipped sweater. Bridge 12 then brought back memories of previous problems. A boater travelling down to Liverpool had been stuck there for several minutes and was about to phone CRT for help. We knew this bridge well. Unusually it has a closing hood over the control panel. This lid needs to be closed in order to get the key through a cut out. Unless the lid is in precisely the correct point the key cannot be inserted (or taken out) and turned to operate the bridge. After going through, the boater thanked us very much. The same thing had happened on our previous trip and then the boat had been stuck overnight. At the next swing bridge, we hit a floating bucket and the metal handle wrapped itself around the prop and took us over half an hour to unwind and clear.
The next bridge is fully automatic and after checking all was clear pressed open. As per normal the lights started flashing and after about 30 seconds the barriers started to descend just as a car drove onto the bridge. The open button was immediately released, and the barriers stopped descending and just enough space was left for the car to reverse under the barriers and off the bridge. Thankfully on pressing the open button again it continued to function, and we continued our adventure. After bridge 16 we moored up and then hit the Running Horse Pub for a few beers and a lovely meal. The following morning, we cruised back to our marina to reflect on our adventure. It was once again an experience. This is a trip to put on your “bucket list”; despite the number and variety of swing bridges and the possibility of weed and litter problems (we have come across boaters in tears in the past over the amount of weeds around the prop, with swear words we will not repeat).
The Haskayne Navvy Seen on the way home If you take Maralyn & Jim’s advice and make the trip, you will be eligible for the branch’s special plaque see page 11 Ed
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In our May edition were photographs of Leeds & Liverpool Canal Bridge 73, Giles Bridge (according to Nicholson's, but known locally as Fredrick's Bridge after the nearby ice-cream parlour), at Heath Charnock and Bridge 68, Red House Bridge, Adlington.
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We asked what was the likely purpose of recesses in the stonework. We now think that they were for automatic stop gates.
Automatic Stop Gates
Janet Dunning has found further examples in her extensive photograph collection. This one is a bridge on the in-water section of the Northern Reaches. of the Lancaster Canal Janet says that looking at the above picture the position of an automatic stop-gate can be seen on the far side of the bridge and that the stop plank grooves are a later addition.
This photograph shows the detail which made me realise the significance of the recess. The bridges where I've thought automatic stop gates used to exist are sited on long pounds where water loss in the event of a breach would be considerable. The long pound between the bottom of Johnson's Hillock Locks and the top of the Wigan flight was originally the southern portion of the Lancaster Canal. As regards the support of a rising gate in the raised position, the support would only be needed below water-level but the gate would need to be visible to an approaching boatman. If you have any information or examples of automatic stop/safety gates please let us know Ed
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"Work is progressing at Barrowford Reservoir on several fronts.
Barrowford Reservoir
• The reservoir has been drained completely to allow inspection of the scour pipes and replacement of the valves.
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CRT have given us the following explanation of what they are doing at the reservoir.
When I asked if lowering the crest would reduce the capacity I received a further explanation. NB You can see the stonework being removed on the bottom left of the above photograph.
• A new drainage system is being installed along the toe of the NE embankment and is nearly complete. Work will continue with the system along the toes of the other embankments.
• Crest lowering has commenced and is about half complete –regrading of the downstream face will follow on over the next few weeks. Due to additional works the programme has now been extended into 2023” (Scour pipes empty the reservoir. Ed)
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Alternative options to retain the current capacity were considered early in the project but were eliminated for various reasons.”
“Yes, the capacity of the reservoir will be reduced post works
The embankment was raised sometime in the past resulting in steeper downstream slopes and a clay core which was discontinuous in places. For years the reservoir has suffered from high level leaks and slips on the downstream face of the embankment partly due to the leaks and partly due to its steepness
To increase the factors of safety, the decision has been taken to lower the top water level to reduce the high-level leaks (by lowering the crest) and reduce the gradient of the downstream slope of the embankment to reduce the risk of slip failures in the future
Thanks to CRT for providing the explanation. If you visit the reservoir the reduced height of the walls is obvious and there is now a road around the top Ed
24 Water shortage No need to lock the gates at the Barrowford flight, CRT have taken the opportunity to bring forward scheduled winter maintenance
Trent & Mersey Canal currently closed from Locks 41 71. Restrictions in place across summit and Stoke Flight until 7 August. Closed from Locks 29 to 40 from 8 August, with summit and Harecastle Tunnel remaining open.
The following canals are temporarily closing to navigation, or have restricted operating times until water levels recover:
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• Chesterfield Canal to be closed from 12 August from Lock 41A to Norwood Tunnel East Portal Coventry Canal – closed from Locks 1 – 5 from 12 August
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Doles from 15 August
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Whilst the situation is changing all the time, as of 4 August, 89% of the network is open and fully navigable, 2% is open with restricted operating times, and 9% is closed. A water savings restrictions map is published on the Trust website’s drought pages.
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• South Oxford restrictions at Claydon from 8 August and Napton/Marston
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• Grand Union Canal, Leicester Line restrictions at Watford and Foxton from 8 August Huddersfield Narrow Canal closed • Leeds & Liverpool Canal closed from Locks 30 to 85 Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Leigh Branch restrictions in place for booked passage two days a week North Oxford Canal restrictions at Hillmorton from 12 August Peak Forest & Macclesfield Canals – Marple and Bosley lock flights closed • Rochdale Canal closed from Locks 1 45 (pre booked passages to be honoured)
Water shortage
• Ashton Canal open but at risk of closure in near future Caldon Canal – Hazelhurst Flight currently closed, whole canal to close from 8 August
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On the Lancaster Canal the Glasson flight was closed for a time and then re opened. The above notice to boaters is included to show the extent of the restrictions that have been introduced over the summer. Ed
An indication of the scale of boating restrictions from CRT.
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Keith then continued to organise three meetings a year, for the following fourteen years until 2005. At that point, Keith became President, in recognition of all the work he had undertaken, and Chris Hayes took over the role as Chair. If anyone can recall any of these early meetings, with dates, it would be useful for our listings of “Past Meetings” for our website. Even better if you have a photo of any meetings up to 2018, that you would like to share please send to us at Lookingnorthern.canals2021@btinternet.comahead,thenextmeetingwillbe
Update
in Chesterfield on Sunday 9th October. George Rogers writes:
The first meeting of the NCA was way back in June 1991, at Marsden, on the route of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. It was organised by the then Chair of the Huddersfield Canal Society’s restoration company, Keith Gibson.
“The focus of the day will be ‘Shovel Readiness – What does it mean?’. In particular, we will be discussing Levelling Up Funds and other similar government programmes. All of these programmes have to meet the criteria set out in the HM Treasury ‘Green Book’, so we will be investigating how schemes comply and what this means for planning and delivery of your projects learning from the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s successful application to the Towns Fund. Whichever colour of government, and whoever the PM, Government programmes are assessed through the Green Book, so be assured the content will remain relevant longer than the current turmoil of British politics. The Green Book uses a ‘5 Case Model’, with the project examined from a Strategic, Economic, Financial, Commercial and Management perspective. The Strategic & Economic Cases broadly set out why the project should be delivered. Patrick Moss, from Moss Naylor Young, will be leading a presentation and workshop on these elements.
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Northern Canals Association - August 2022
************************************
(See page 7) ’, from s
A ‘Truxor
the manufacturer’
website
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The other cases broadly cover how the project will be delivered, and George Rogers, Development Manager for the Chesterfield Canal Trust, will be leading a presentation and workshop on these Alongsideelements. the workshops, there will be the usual update on the progress of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, progress updates from other societies and a chance to visit the recent works completed at Staveley Town Basin and the route of the Towns Fund scheme beyond” At the moment, we have 102 people on the NCA’s lists, representing 55 different groups, so we think that there will be quite a demand for the 45 Chesterfield places – so when the invites come out later this month, please book early. Looking further ahead, and some dates for your diaries. Sunday February 12th 2023, we’re hoping to be hosted by one of the Black Country restoration groups, and for Sunday 8th October 2023, the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society have agreed to arrange the day for us. If any group wishes to host future meetings please let us know. Look out for NCA’s website appearing soon. Links to member organisations, previous and future meetings and history of the NCA. NCA. www.northerncanals.org.Ivan
Cane on behalf of the NCA Team
image
(From an email to NCA members, included as many of our members have not heard of the NCA or are vague about what it is. Ed)
IWA Bamber Bridge walk – Aug 6th
A short walk to the Hob Inn pub where a new memorial has been created for the ‘Battle of Bamber Bridge’ back in 1943 when US Army units clashed over racial segregation. The same walk will be held on Oct 22nd. See page 30 for details.
Nigel Hargreaves
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/ LCT
Thebenefit.route
After the local council (South Ribble) published an excellent series of local heritage trails in a downloadable format, I thought I would follow one of these and adapt it with some minor changes so that those with an interest in the Lancaster Canal and its tram road could start and finish was at the rail station car park and we took Edward Street from the station area to get to where the railway passed over the route of the tram road at Meanygate. The trail then goes into the town itself, which when the tram road was first built in 1803 was only just big enough to be called a village. Station road was the main Preston to Manchester Road and further up is where the tram road crossed it, which was shown to the Wewalkers.hadsome help from a local garage, which is right next to the line of the tram road. The owner brought out a framed map showing the area and the tram road route in 1846, from the first OS map survey. This was also the site of where in 1990, the local historical society helped to preserve a small section of tram road that had been excavated and is now in Worden Park.
The old tram road and local history
Nigel in full flow of road
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Section
the tram
now in Worden Park
There won’t be any canal but Nigel will explain how the Tram Road was relevant to Bamber Bridge and point out historical landmarks. Meet at the Hob Inn, PR5 6EP for a 10.30am start, cars can be left there or on the nearby streets. The pub opens at 12.00 so there will be an opportunity to have a drink and explore the inside of this historic pub after the walk. The walk will be about 3 miles (5km), just under 2 hours, is fairly easy and on the level. Wear sensible shoes, keep an eye on the weather and don’t forget to bring a bottle of water. The Hob Inn
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This will be a slightly different route to that taken on 6 August. It will start at the Hob Inn, famous for the Battle of Bamber Bridge. Come on the walk and learn more!
Walk from Bamber Bridge Saturday 22nd of October 10.30am
IWA Club 500
The is a joint walk for the Inland Waterways Association, Lancaster Canal Trust and The Friends of Tram Bridge. Places must be booked and you can do that by e-mailing Wendy Humphreys on delwendwhm@btinternet.com
For £12 a year you are entered in a draw 3 times in the year. Half the proceeds go towards the prizes, half to IWA funds. It is an important fund raiser for us. The club is now administered from IWA head office, if you are interested in joining this painless way of helping, e Kelly Gascoine kelly.gascoine@waterways.org.uk
Nigel will be bringing along copies of The Lancaster Canal Trust Guide Book, Janet Rigby’s book on the Lancaster Canal and copies of Gordon Biddle’s book, ‘200 years on the Lancaster Canal’, so please bring some cash if you want to buy any books.
I won the June draw and used some of the money to buy a small drone to take photographs, some are included in this edition. It’s not the first time I have won. And yes I have registered with the CAA and passed the test. Ed
32 Kendal 13 ← →Tewitfield 1 Plenty of water feeding the Lancaster Canal
33 The problem Pair of old lock gates
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Whilst at Tewitfield, on the section of the Northern Reaches immediately beyond the M6, I met Bea and Norman Haslam who were just completing their maiden voyage in their new kayaks. They kindly sent me these views from water level—the nice bits and the claggy bits. Unfortunately you have to disembark in the claggy bit. Ed
35 BRANCH COMMITTEE Chairman Wendy Humphreys Darwen 07763 561572 01254 703553 Vice-chairman Tony Dunning Egremont 07730 113894 01946 820875 Secretary Maralyn Nott Kirkham Treasurer & Newsletter editor David Faulkner Langho 07912 249265 01254 249265 Membership secretary & webmaster Janet Dunning Egremont 01946 820875 Environment & Planning Malcolm Sterratt Publicity Audrey Smith Wheelton 01257 274440 Sales Vacant Social secretary See chairman Lancaster RegenerationCanalP ’ship Wendy Humphreys Leeds and Liverpool Canal Audrey Smith Lancaster Canal Trust Ian Treanor Darwen Committee members Jim Nott Region Chairman (ex officio) Sir Robert Atkins Email addresses are firstname.surname@waterways.org.uk You can write to us c/o the editor see page 2 Committee positions are confirmed at the first committee meeting after the AGM
A picture from last year.
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All our events except the morning boat trips will have to be booked. Check out the Heritage Open Days website for further details www.heritageopendays.org.uk
There you will also find Information about other organisations events and how to book Lancaster Canal Trust events or you can email Wendy Humphreys on delwendwhm@btinternet.com
September
Lancaster Canal Trust is pleased to participate in the Heritage Open Days events for another year. The trust is holding “In Person” events; boat trips and guided walks. We look forward to you joining us at these events.
18th
Heritage Open Days 10th – of 2022
Lancaster Canal Trust Events
There is always a constant supply of jobs that need doing; most of which need no special skills. If you are willing to help, if only for an hour or two contact LCT, at chair@lctrust.co.uk or 01539 733252. Ed
Mornings of Saturday 10th, Wednesday 14th and Saturday 17th Boat trips on Nb.Waterwitch at 11am, 12 noon and 1pm, no need to book, just turn up at the stables at Crooklands.
This is a summary of our events, further details are on the Heritage Open Days website.
Work continues to prepare the restored first furlong section for connection to the Stainton section that is in water. There has also been a lot of effort to lay wood chips on the popular paths near to the Eastern end of Hincaster tunnel.
Afternoons of Saturday 10th, Wednesday 14th and Saturday 17th
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Boat trips on Nb. Waterwitch to Stainton, followed by a guided walk to Hincaster Tunnel and a return boat trip to Crooklands. The boat leaves from the stables at 2pm and will return at about 5pm, this event must be booked. Sunday 11th Gunpowder walk, from Wakefield’s Wharf, near Crooklands, start at 10am, distance about 4 miles. Walk and talk on the history of the gunpowder mills and the horse drawn tram road from Crooklands to Gatebeck,1874 to 1928. Route of the tram road and the site of the gunpowder mills. Start and finish at Crooklands Wharf – duration 3.5 hours. info@lancastercanaltrust.org.uk
Wed30 th Nov
Wed 25th 2023Jan
“Inland waterways – an underutilised resource” Commercial Boat Owners
Wed26 th Oct
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Wigan and Liverpool Construction of the Douglas ascanalconversionNavigation,toaandlateruseaWWIIstopline.
Bill Froggatt Bill is a Canal and River Trust Heritage Advisor, we have heard him before, his talks are always interesting. This talk is carried over from last season as Bill had to cancel at short notice.
Date Topic Speaker
Social Programme September to April
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One of the 7 wonders of the Waterways Our speaker will be from The Canal and River Trust. There is currently a lot going on at the lift. Wed 22nd Feb AGM followed by a picture quiz Janet Dunning, will lead the picture quiz. We had a similar event last season when our speaker cancelled at short notice and it was great fun.
Wed 28th 2022Sept
freightpresentationAssociationonbywater:
Thurs 8th Dec Christmas Meal 7pm for 7.30pm Note this is a Thursday To book email Wendy At the Hoghton Arms. Always an enjoyable occasion. The Festive Menu will be on their website later on this delwendwhm@btinternet.comyear.
David Lowe, has had a long involvement with canals and IWA, he also set up and ran what became a large and very successful waterways business, operating passenger and freight boats in the north and east midlands.
Anderton Boat Lift
John Rennie the Elder Chris Hudson, Chris is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers
Zoom Webinar Thursday 19 January 7.30—8.30pm Essex Waterways and the Chelmer & Navigation.Blackwater
Zoom Webinar Thursday 20 October 7.30—8.30pm
Be my GuideThe Trials and Tribulations of being a Researcher.WriterWaterwaysNicholsonGuideand
Wed26 th April
Roy Chandler. Roy, a former historic buildings advisor, is the current Chair of Essex Waterways. He became a Director in 2005 when IWA took responsibility for maintaining and operating the Navigation.
39 Date Topic Speaker
History of the Canals in Manchester Canals have played a key role in shaping Manchester’s history, and their importance cannot be overstated. This talk will give a whirlwind tour of Manchester’s many canals, focusing on their history, and their cultural, natural, and industrial heritage, but also speculating into what might lie in their future. Maarja Kaaristo PhD Maarja , is Lecturer in Marketing and Tourism at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research focuses on mobilities and tourism on British canals and rivers. She is also a keen canal enthusiast and committee member of IWA Manchester Branch.
PropulsionSustainable Bowman Bradley, Bowman is chair of IWAs Sustainable Propulsion Group. Things have moved on quite a bit since last time Bowman spoke to us and they are still moving.
Jonathan Mosse. Jonathan has researched and written the Nicholson Waterways Guides for over 30 years –and more recently The Times Waterways of Britain having developed a fascination for Britain’s inland waterways whilst teaching. He currently lives on a 60ft narrowboat, moored on the Lowland Canals of Scotland.
Wed29 th Mar
40 Date Event Page 7/8 Sept LCT at Westmorland Show 10 Sept LCT Boat Trips and walk 37 11 Sept LCT Gunpowder walk 37 14 Sept LCT Boat Trips and walk 37 17 Sept LCT Boat Trips and walk 37 24 Sept IWA National AGM, Lichfield 28 Sept Branch social evening at Primrose Gardens, Chorley, speaker Bill Froggatt 38 20 Oct Zoom webinar Canals of Manchester 39 22 Oct Tram Way walk from the Hob Inn 30 26 Oct Branch social meeting, speaker David Lowe 38 30 Nov Branch social meeting, speaker Chris Hudson 38 8 Dec Branch Christmas meal ay Hoghton Arms 38
All our ‘live’ meetings will be held on the last Wednesday of the month at Primrose Gardens, an Extra Care facility, on Fleet Street, Chorley PR7 There2EBis free parking at Fleet St car park,, directly across the road . We cannot use the resident parking except for dropping off. Enter the building via the main entrance and you are welcome to wait in the lobby if a little early. Meetings start at 7.30pm but we are there from 7.00 for setting up and chatting. We have a break for tea/coffee and biscuits and finish before 10.00pm. Any programme changes or additions will be in the branch news on IWA’s website and we’ll notify you if we have your email address. To be invited to Zoom webinars go to IWA website DATES
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