Waterways - Spring 2022

www.waterways.org.uk waterways Issue 275 • Spring 2022 PLUS Get involved in IWA's new campaign to Save ONHeritageWaterwaysTHESPEYTOLONDON Cruising to the capital on HVO fuel BOATING THE RIBBLE LINK An eventful journey to Lancaster CHALLENGEPROPELLERSILVER Exploring the four locations on LowlandScotland’sCanals

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Spring 2022 Contents Winter 2018 IWA Waterways | 3 A non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (612245), Registered as a Charity (No. 212342) Founded: 1946, Incorporated 1958 RegIsteRed OffIce: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453 E-mail: iwa@waterways.org.uk Web site: www.waterways.org.uk Chief Executive – Phil Hornsey Company Secretary – Genevieve Wilson National Chair – Paul Rodgers For press inquiries please licence;construedfirstname.lastname@waterways.org.ukpressoffice@waterways.org.ukcontact:AllIWAnationalandbranchcommitteevolunteerscanbecontactedbyemail:NothingprintedinWaterwaysmaybeaspolicyoranofficialannouncementunlessstated,otherwiseIWAacceptsnoliabilityforanymatterinthemagazine.Althougheverycareistakenwithadvertisingmattersnoresponsibilitywhatsoevercanbeacceptedforanymatteradvertised.WhereaphotocreditincludesanotesuchasCC-BY-SA,theimageismadeavailableunderthatCreativeCommonsfulldetailsatwww.creativecommons.org WAteRWAYs edItOR: Amelia Hamson Tel: 01283 742962 E-mail: a.hamson@wwonline.co.uk ARt edItOR: Claire Davis AdVeRtIseMeNt MANAgeR: Laura Smith Tel: 01283 742956 E-mail: l.smith@wwonline.co.uk AdVeRtIsINg desIgN: Jo Ward AdVeRtIsINg PROdUctION: Samantha Furniss E-mail: s.furniss@wwonline.co.uk RePROgRAPHIcs: Waterways World Ltd, 151 Station Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1BG. Printed in England by Warners (Midlands) PLC, Bourne, Lincs Articles may be reproduced provided permission is obtained and acknowledgement made. ISSN 0969-0654www.waterways.org.uk waterways Issue 275 Spring 2022 PLUS Get involved in IWA's new campaign to Save ONHeritageWaterwaysTHESPEYTOLONDON Cruising to the capital on HVO fuel BOATING THE RIBBLE LINK An eventful journey to Lancaster CHALLENGEPROPELLERSILVER Exploring the four locations on LowlandScotland’sCanals COVER PICTURE: Hazelhurst on the Caldon Canal. 5. Welcome Column of the National Chair 6. News The latest from within IWA and beyond 12. campaigns Update Including a focus on IWA’s new campaign to Save Waterways Heritage 15. Boats with buzz The electric trip-boats that are run by IWA corporate members 18. silver Propeller challenge Boating north of the border in Scotland 22. Love Your Waterway Travelling to London aboard historic narrowboat Spey, fuelled by HVO 25. Riding the Ribble IWA Trustee Nick Dybeck describes an eventful journey on the Ribble Link 28. Boston to Peterborough Wetland project An update on the scheme to link the waterways of eastern England 30. Walk with IWA Exploring the Caldon Canal on foot 33. Restoration Hub Supporting the inland waterways in 2022 25301822S EVEN REASONS WHY YOUR MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION IS VITAL 1. IWA Canal Clean-ups led by our branches keep many waterways clear of debris 2. Restoration is kept high priority through funding for the Waterway Recovery Group 3. Over 10,000 days of volunteering each year will be supported with the right training, tools and materials 4. IWA can campaign to defend the waterways from unwelcome development 5. We can pass on traditional skills and workbased experience for volunteering young people 6. We can lobby the Government and work with other organisations to repair, improve and protect our waterways heritage 7. Your voice is counted when IWA speaks up for all those who enjoy the country’s canals and rivers IWA ANNUAL sUBscRIPtION RAte £36 More details are available from IWA Head Office. Join IWA at waterways.org.uk

• Maintenance and Navigation: partnering on the upkeep and maintenance of the waterways.

• Enabling Users: reflecting and supporting a diverse range of waterways users. Let’s all take inspiration om our 500 Heritage Champions.

The season might not be upon us quite yet as we have another month or so to go before we will truly feel the e ects of the changing weather, but the new year undoubtedly brings a sense of hope and renewal that should li our spirits as we look forward to all that the months ahead have to o er.

Welcome Welcome

Each quarter, as I look through the contents of the magazine, there are always articles that jump out and I’m sure it’s the same for you, but I encourage you to take the time to read each and every feature to find out what our volunteers – your fellow members – have been up to, and about the opportunities that we have to make a real di erence to the UK’s waterways.

Most members will know that I am relatively new to the waterways scene, having been active only in the past eight years. My growing iendships with the veterans of the waterways, particularly since joining IWA’s Board of Trustees, has certainly helped to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, but it is my avid interest in the history of the waterways and of IWA that provides both the context and inspiration for my role in the organisation.

• Planning: with active review and intervention on planning issues a ecting our waterways.

to the Spring issue of Waterways.

Certainly, as 2022 gets underway, I have been encouraged by the scope of IWA’s activities up and down the country and I know you will get an insight into that in the pages of this issue.

To all our enthusiastic volunteers who are involved in each of the essential, core activities and support roles throughout the Association I would like to take this opportuni to say, “Thank you.” I say the same to our employees, who are a vital part of the team. If you’re not actively involved at the moment, I hope the news and articles in the pages that follow will inspire you to get more involved.

• Restoration: both directly and in support of local restoration trusts.

• Environment: advancing the green agenda.

I’m currently reading The River Runs Uphill, Robert Aickman’s account of his involvement in the early days of the Association, and it never fails to amaze me how the challenges we face today have so much in common with those first few decades in IWA’s history. Aickman’s reflections on a question I am equently asked, “How do we encourage more people to join IWA and inspire those who do to get more actively involved?”, gave me food for thought: In the early years, I conversed several times a day on the telephone with strangers enquiring for particulars. About one in three asked me what they would “get out of joining”. I would reply with all possible firmness: “Nothing. Members receive a Bulletin which has been well spoken of. There are fairly equent meetings, and dinners, and trips on the waterway. Many seem to think they are well run and enjoyable. But none of these are reasons for joining. They’re all adjuncts to a campaign. The only reason for joining is belief in the campaign.”  So, what is the ‘campaign’? We have many campaigning activities today, but all ultimately focus on the one overarching theme: the e ective restoration and maintenance of the UK’s waterways system for the benefit of all who want to make use of it today and in the future. We can all relate to that and, more importantly, we can all make a contribution to that overarching campaign, no ma er our location, interests, passions, skills – there is something for everyone in advancing the cause of the waterways. The best example of the resurgence in member engagement is IWA’s current Save Waterways Heritage Campaign (see page 10). As I write, over 500 volunteers have stepped forward to become an IWA Heritage Champion! This campaign focuses on just one of half-a-dozen or so areas where IWA has strategic aims. As well as ‘Heritage: the protection of our unique waterways assets and culture’, we have identified other areas of equal importance:

IWA needs you as never before as we seek to rediscover the activism of the days of Aickman and Rolt. I hope the following pages will renew your enthusiasm for the waterways. Thank you for everything you do for the waterways as a member, volunteer or supporter. Paul Rodgers, IWA National Chair

6 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

We will keep you updated on the progress of the bridge repairs, but hope that if funding can be found, we will once again see a fully operational Dunardry Bridge back on the Crinan Canal in the near future. This is a perfect example of what our Save Waterways Heritage campaign is all about. If you are aware of any other examples of waterways heritage that could be at risk, please contact the IWA Heritage Advisory Panel at campaigns@ waterways.org.uk with information. Dunardry Lock 11 and bridge, Crinan Canal April 2019.

There will be eclectic live music around the site, special boating activities like the legendary illuminated procession, and kids’ entertainment for all ages. You’ll also find amazing art from local schools on display, and plenty of opportunities to get involved at IWA CanalwayMooringsCavalcade. areavailable for boaters to book for the weekend. Go to waterways.org.uk/cavalcade to find out more and book your place.

IWANewsWaterwaysCalls

Our recent campaign asking people to Save Waterways Heritage has led to calls for the unique Dunardry Bridge at Lock 11 on the Crinan Canal to be repaired, having been out of action since 2015. The bridge is a unique feature as it is the only hand-operated rolling bridge that goes across a lock chamber anywhere on the UK’s inland waterways network. After liaising with Scottish Canals which is responsible for the upkeep of Dunardry Bridge, there has been some very encouraging communication, with the navigation authority agreeing that the bridge does indeed require urgent attention. We will now work with Scottish Canals to try and secure funding for the repairs.

Come and join the fantastic team of volunteers who organise IWA Canalway Cavalcade. This unique festival, now in its 39th year, is held annually in Little Venice. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love getting stuck in and have a positive ‘can do’ attitude for the following roles: • Assistant• Secretary Secretary • Publicity Assistant • Social Media Manager • Commercial Assistant All roles require attendance at around eight committee meetings per year and general availability during the week. To discuss the roles further or register your interest, please contact Christine Smith, Deputy Chair, by emailing christine.smith@ waterways.org.uk or phoning 07774 890750. Visit waterways.org.uk/ cavalcade for more information.

Join in with the festivities at Little Venice this early May bank holiday weekend for IWA Canalway Cavalcade. Join the CavalcadeCanalwayIWAteam

For Repairs of Dunardry Bridge on the Crinan Canal

Jonathan Mosse, one of IWA’s representatives in Scotland, has been very active in calling for the repairs to take place. He says, “While there are other moveable bridges across lock chambers and other rolling bridges on the network, Dunardry Bridge is the only example of both. As such, we are working with Scottish Canals to explore options for how to repair it. We understand that Scottish Canals needs to concentrate its expenditure on improvements to navigation but IWA will fully support any heritage funding bid undertaken by Scottish Canals to reinstate the bridge.”

IWA Canalway Cavalcade will return to London’s Little Venice from Saturday 30th April 2022 to Monday 2nd May to celebrate the best of life on the waterways in London and its community.  Boaters are invited to decorate their craft for the colourful pageant and illuminated boatThere’sprocession. something for everyone at IWA Canalway Cavalcade. Whether visiting by boat or on foot, it’s a splendid day out for you and your family. Soak up the atmosphere surrounded by vibrant boats, alongside a multitude of unique stalls, a real ale bar and delicious foods for all appetites.

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IWA lreturnsCavalcadeCanalwaytoondonin2022

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John Heap Salver – the Association’s major fundraising award, the John Heap Salver, is given to an IWA member who has made an outstanding contribution to raising funds for the Association. Christopher Power Prize – this prize is given to the person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an amenity waterway.

Hundreds of volunteers give their time to support the waterways through IWA and each year a number are nominated for and presented with IWA’s national awards. It’s one of the ways in which we recognise the amazing work carried out by our supporters throughout the year, and over longer periods of time too. Due to the pandemic, we were unable to celebrate our 2020 award winners and distribute the prizes as we normally would, and so the decision was taken not to take nominations in 2021. However, the hard work has not stopped and we are keen to recognise this with the return of the national awards in 2022. Nominations for these awards are now open. From fundraising efforts to restoration endeavours, it is time to say thank you for the contributions that IWA simply could not operate without. Nominations for awards are invited from members, branches and regions and should be emailed to awards@waterways.org.uk or posted to Awards Panel c/o Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA by 31st May 2022. These are then considered by an Awards Panel nominated by trustees, and recommendations are made to trustees for final approval.

IWA Festival of Water 2022 at Burton-upon-Trent

forawardsIWANewsWaterwaysnationalnowopennominations

The winners of the national awards for 2022 will be announced at the national AGM in September.

The awards Cyril Styring Trophy – this is the Association’s premier award and is presented to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to our campaigns.

Richard Bird Medals – these medals are presented to members whose efforts and support are considered to have brought considerable benefit to the Association over a sustained period.

Our 2022 IWA Festival of Water will take place on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Burton-upon-Trent on 27th-29th August. Make the festival part of your summer plans and join us for a bank holiday weekend of fun for all who love spending time by the water. Boat moorings and campsite pitches will be bookable soon. See waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater for more details and updates.

8 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

Photography highlights the wonders of the waterways and helps to bring our campaigns to life. It also makes sure that as much of our income as possible is used to protect and restore our waterways.Photography competition category winners will each receive £25 to spend in our online shop, plus IWA goodies. The overall winner will also receive a print of their photo. Find out more and enter your pictures now at waterways.org. uk/photocomp.

3. Old meets new – let’s get a picture of the creative, refreshing spaces found along our waterside environments, whether they’re historic warehouses or new developments.

Bridgwater StepRegenerationDocksIsACloserThanks To Government's Towns Fund

We have welcomed the announcement by Bridgwater Town Development Forum that £23.2m has been awarded from the Government’s Towns Fund to Sedgemoor District Council for the regeneration of Bridgwater.

Cameras at the ready enter our 2022 photography competition

Entry is now open for our 2022 photography competition. There are four competition categories:

The award includes £4m towards the regeneration of Bridgwater Docks, which we are keen to see used to provide new community and leisure facilities and to support the restoration of both the docks’ infrastructure and the historic Bascule Bridge that straddles the docks. The award is subject to a satisfactory business case being prepared and signed off by the Government.Waterways boost local economies and bringing health and wellbeing benefits to the communities they touch, providing a leisure amenity that everyone can enjoy. Nowhere is this more evident than at Bridgwater in Somerset, where there is a combination of a river and historic quayside, the heritage docks including the Bascule Bridge, and the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal that passes through 14 miles of delightful countryside to the county town of Taunton, where it joins the River Tone Navigation.Forsome years IWA’s West Country Branch has been lobbying the local authorities and others to secure the future of the docks. Now that the award from the Towns Fund has been announced we are keen to work with the authorities to help optimise the opportunities provided by this funding.

IN MEMORIUM

As a former Londoner, Jerry also had a particular commitment to IWA Canalway Cavalcade, which presents the unique challenges of a constricted site and massive public attendance. That Cavalcade adapted to ever more onerous Health & Safety requirements and other changes, and not only survived but prospered, was in no small part down to Jerry’s commitment to working constructively with the traders and others to keep the show on the road. Typically, he was working on Cavalcade right up to his finalAnotherillness.of Jerry’s passions was historic buildings, and he moved to Wharf House, overlooking the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire with a convenient mooring. Restoring and adapting his section of this imposing, listed building was an ongoing challenge that he typically relished as he put his own distinctive ideas into its interior.

4. Living waterways – the vibrancy of our historic inland waterways demonstrated by a family enjoying a day trip, a horse-drawn boat, heritage crafts or wildlife.

Jerry Sanders Jerry Sanders moved to Staffordshire in the early 1990s and was already involved with waterways boat-ownershipthroughand in volunteering with the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration. He soon joined IWA Lichfield Branch, 2002.Vice-ChairSecretarybecomingin1995andfrom1997toAfterlookingaftersales

Jerry’s boating activities, first on Rosie and later Josephine, were often routed around IWA festivals and Cavalcade, with regular annual voyages down to London and back, sometimes via Crick, and often involving friends as crewmates. Everyone who knew Jerry recognised he was a oneoff. His friends loved him for his eccentricities and his sheer dogged determination to do things his way. We send our condolences to Jerry’s family and to all who counted his friendship as a privilege.

1. Heritage details – the details that tell a story about our waterways, from old signage to rope grooves caused by horsedrawn boats.

between 2001 and 2003 and membership in 2006, he took on the role of Deputy Chair from 2006 to 2008 before retiring to devote more time to what had become his main interest in IWA, the commercial side of festivals. His first involvement with IWA’s festivals was at Windmill End in 1996.

Correction Following the publication of the memorial notice for Brian Saunders in the Winter 2021 issue of Waterways, we have been made aware that Brian died of a short illness in April 2021. He was previously diagnosed with cancer in 2009, from which he had recovered following treatment. We apologise for any upset or inconvenience the error may have caused.

Phil Sharpe

WaterwaysNews Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 9

2. British waterscapes – from enchanting views of navigable waterways throughout the seasons to the 500 miles of waterways that could be usefully restored.

IWA members have been uncovering historic features along the inland waterways as part of our Save Waterways Heritage campaign

Rope marks on the Regent's Canal

10 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

Spotlight on...

NoSMAyTIll

Launched last year, our Save Waterways Heritage campaign is seeking to identify interesting pieces of heritage along the waterways with the help of members who have been asked to send in photographs of their discoveries. These are not necessarily the bigger things, like bridges, locks, aqueducts or tunnels, but the smaller features that are all too often overlooked, such as rope marks on a bridge, mason’s marks on a lock wall, canal company signage or mileposts along the towpath. Let’s look at a selection of some of the submissions received so far… Mileposts on the River Severn These mileposts can be found on the River Severn in Worcestershire along the bank in Grimley from Bevere Lock northwards. Mileposts (or milestones) are more commonly found on canals rather than rivers, making these particularly interesting examples of hidden heritage. Mileposts were once placed every mile or half-mile so barge companies knew how far they had travelled with their cargo. Customers were charged by weight and distance, so it was very important that the companies kept track of the distance each barge covered. The mileposts were made of different materials, usually stone or cast iron, and often painted white to make them visible in the dark. These ones on the River Severn are made of iron and have lasted well considering they could be over 200 years old.

Get involved We are highlighting the hidden heritage of the waterways as a part of our wider campaign to Save Waterways Heritage. This campaign aims to improve the protection of heritage assets along the UK’s rivers and canals through the extension of existing Conservation Areas and by raising awareness of historic waterways features that may be at risk from insensitive development. We are asking people to investigate their local canal or river in more detail than perhaps they ever have before and find items of interest. We want to make sure the quirky features of the waterways are retained, ideally in working order and are not forgotten in the future. We all know that funding is scarce for both local authorities and navigation authorities so active support from the local community helps keep the waterways heritage message on the agenda. All of the hidden gems that are uncovered will be recorded for future generations and, where required, we will lobby the relevant authorities to ensure these features are protected and repaired. In order to carry out this activity, we will be recruiting new, and supporting existing, Heritage Champions. As part of their role, our Heritage Champions will help to safeguard waterways heritage in their area by monitoring any planned developments. Full training will be given. For more information on our search for Heritage Champions, please see page 12.

HERITAGEHIDDEN

Our campaigns officer, Amy Tillson, went out on her local canal and uncovered some hidden heritage on her doorstep: “As a selfconfessed canal heritage nerd, when I went for a walk along the Regent’s Canal with my family to take photos for the campaign, I wasn’t expecting to come across evidence of canal heritage that I’d never noticed before. This is a waterway I’ve walked and boated along more times than I can count over the years. “Under the bridge below Hampstead Road Locks (popularly known as Camden Locks) there is a metal column with rope marks on it left by the tow ropes of thousands of horse-drawn and towed butty boats over the years. This column protected the stonework from damage as the boats were towed into the lock and they are quite common across the system. What I hadn’t spotted before was a second metal piece, next to it. Looking at the grooves on this, they are at the wrong angle to be from boats towed into the nearby lock. They could only be made by tow ropes of boats turning the corner into a basin. Looking closer, I could see that there was evidence of different bricks where the entrance of this long-filled-in basin would have“Whenbeen.I got home, I looked up the area on an old map. And there it was: Bridge Wharf – an old basin alongside the bridge, in exactly the right place for those tow rope grooves to have been made.

“Going out for a ‘Hidden Heritage walk’ along a waterway local to me made me look closer at this familiar canal and learn something new. I would encourage you to do the same, and share what you discover.”

Campaigning With You Air Valve on the Coventry Canal

This hidden heritage submission is at the fifth lock on the Atherstone flight on the Coventry Canal, at Bridge 43. It is the subject of much discussion from passing boaters, who often ask what it is. Our Heritage Experts believe it is an air valve that has something to do with a water main that goes over the other side of the bridge. The valve could be operated with a longhandled tool from the bridge, to drain water or air out of the water main. Distance marker on the Oxford Canal Perhaps the most controversial of our hidden heritage submissions, or the one that has sparked the greatest amount of debate, is this distance marker on the Oxford Canal. We believe that if a boat had passed this distance marker heading towards a lock (and the lock was in its favour) then anyone turning the lock against them would be in breach of the Oxford Canal Company by-laws. Others feel that it was installed to warn the boatman that he was approaching a lock so that a crew member could run ahead and ready the lock, or it was to warn the boatman that he needed to start slowing for the lock, especially if it was a horse-drawn barge. Given that horse-boats had no brakes, they needed to be travelling very slowly as they approached a lock in order to be strapped to a halt rather than ramming the gate or cill.

Gaslight at Crick

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 11

This ruined stable block can be found on the Oxford Canal at the junction with Dukes Cut. Horses were very important to the successful running of the canals, with horse-drawn boats operating until the early 20th century. Seeing the remains of a stable block with tie-up rings, a trough for feed or water and a cobblestone floor shows that the working boaters cared for their horses and ensured that they were able to rest and recuperate on their long, heavy journeys. This stable block would have most likely had a slate roof to protect the horses from the worst of the elements.

Your donation can help Save Waterways Heritage

• Recruiting and supporting Heritage Champions to safeguard our waterways from poor development. Please visit waterways.org.uk/saveheritage for more information on how to donate.

DennWAnDreY

A ruined stable block on the Oxford Canal

This photo of Bridge 12 at Crick on the GU Leicester Line summit shows pipework coming out of the bridge. We are unsure whether this is an old gaslight or some kind of water outlet. Do you have any ideas? We would love to hear from you at hiddenheritage@ waterways.org.uk if you can help.

One commentator suggested: “The distance markers were intended to avoid disputes between boaters. Whoever passed the marker post first was entitled to use the lock. Unfortunately, as it was usually impossible to see one marker from another, they ended up being largely irrelevant. Possibly boaters were supposed to crack their horse whip, or blow their warning horn when they passed the marker, but very few bothered. It was often down to the lock-keeper to keep the peace.”

Many thanks to all of you who have already donated to the Save Waterways Heritage campaign. If you are able to support the campaign with a financial donation, please know that your funding will go directly towards three key areas of work:

• Understanding and increasing planning protection for the waterways • Lobbying Government bodies where heritage features are under specific threat

3. Map Conservation Areas

There are several ways to get involved in our Save Waterways Heritage campaign om photographing heritage as you walk, run, bike or boat along the canal to becoming one of our National Heritage Advisors.

What can you do?

We are looking to create a small project team to spend the next four to six months researching the waterways network and mapping Conservation Areas to create a central database. We will then be able to lobby local authorities to designate more waterways and their corridors as Conservation Areas where it’s appropriate.

IWA Waterways Spring 2022

12 |

BECOME CHAMPIONHERITAGEA

4. Share your Heritage Expertise Join our panel of expert advisors. Ideally you will have a background or academic interest in conservation, archaeology or management of historic structures, and be able to provide advice and guidance on heritage ma ers to our volunteer communi and sta team so that we can ensure the waterways heritage is understood and appreciated by Government, stakeholders and developers.

As part of our Save Waterways Heritage campaign, we are looking for volunteers to help improve the protection of heritage assets along the UK’s rivers and canals through the extension of existing Conservation Areas, Listing status and campaigning to save historic waterways features that may be at risk om insensitive development. As a heritage volunteer, you will help Save Waterways Heritage. You will join an enthusiastic and motivated team of volunteers and sta . In addition, you will learn new skills, gain new experiences and receive training.

Find out more and sign up at waterways.org.uk/ heritagevolunteer

Uncover historic artefacts along the waterways near you. These are the details that help tell a story about the waterways they served. Hidden heritage can be things like the rope marks on a bridge, mason’s marks on a lock wall, canal company signage or mileposts along the towpath. You don’t need to know what these things are as we have experts on hand to advise, if needed.

1. Look out for Hidden Heritage

Enthusiasm for the subject and a camera are essential.

Volunteer with IWA and make a real di erence to our living waterways heritage

2. Identifying Heritage at Risk Be a part of the team! Work with our Heritage Advisory Group and local branches to identi heritage buildings, structures and artefacts which are at risk of being lost. This information will feed into IWA’s Waterways Heritage at Risk Register and local campaigns.

Robin Price, Managing Director at Water Resources East, shared plans to transfer water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit, which would include increasing connectivity using both open water channels as well as pipelines.

Navigable waterways can be pivotal to how water gets in and out of these reservoirs and Robin outlined four potential projects:

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 13

Water transfer projects highlighted to APPGW DfT Minister hears the importance of freight Paul Rodgers, IWA National Chair, and John Pomfret, Chair of IWA’s Freight Group, had the opportunity to promote the value of inland waterways freight to the Maritime Minister, Robert Courts MP, at a meeting led by IWA in December. Also present were Canal & River Trust and the Commercial Boat Operators Association, as well as officials from the Department for Transport and Defra.

Having identified HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as the interim solution for enabling boats with diesel engines to be run in a nearly carbon-free way, IWA has been dismayed to discover a problem with a Government subsidy which has the potential to make such biofuels prohibitively expensive for inland waterway craft. This anomaly threatens the Government’s own aspirations for boats on the inland waterways to meet zero emissions by 2050. HVO is about twice as expensive to produce as mineral diesel. The Department for Transport’s Road Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), aimed at encouraging the use of biofuels, effectively subsidises the fuel making it competitive in price with mineral diesel. However, this subsidy only applies to fuel that is used for transport, and not to the proportion of fuel used for domestic purposes (heating, cooking and lighting through charging batteries).

The meeting opened with CRT, IWA and CBOA giving some examples of successes, opportunities and barriers to the development of inland waterways freight. The Minister then heard about the role that inland waterborne freight can play in DfT freight policy, particularly in the light of targets set by COP26 and outlined in the Government’s 25-year environment plan.

Claire Beloe, Principal Engineer at Ofwat and RAPID (the Water Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development), explained they are assessing 17 strategic solutions for use with development funding of up to £469m divided between nine water companies.

Clare Carlaw, Water Resources South East Engagement Lead for Affinity Water, shared details of a scheme for the Grand Union Canal, which would see the transfer of treated wastewater via the existing canal network. One of the major advantages of this scheme is that it does not require the building of new structures or digging up of large areas for new pipes. This obviously has a huge advantage in terms of impact on communities, the environment and cost.

• The Stamford Canal could offer the opportunity to link Rutland Water Reservoir with the new south Lincolnshire Reservoir.

IWA raises HVO subsidy anomaly with Government

The Government’s Clean Maritime Plan states that by 2025 there must be a plan to ensure that all vessels are able to meet the zero emissions by 2050 target. With many existing boat engines having decades of life left in them, IWA believes that an important part of this plan has to be the use of biofuels. IWA has now written to DfT to request a modification to the scheme to allow both propulsion and domestic use of biofuels in vessels on the inland waterways.

At a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways in November, parliamentarians and waterway organisations discussed how water transfer projects can facilitate the use of inland waterways for leisure and recreation, alongside flood management and enhancing the natural environment. Chair of the APPGW, Michael Fabricant MP, led the meeting.

Central to these plans are two new strategic reservoir systems – one in south Lincolnshire and one in the Fens.

• The Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor, led by IWA working with Lincolnshire County Council and EA. This would create 12 miles of new waterway that would unlock 50 miles of connectivity.

• The Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway would connect the Grand Union Canal and the River Great Ouse. It could also act as an urban drainage system, reducing flood risk. In addition, it could be used as a header tank for water taken from the bottom of the Great Ouse system into the new Fens reservoir.

The recommended 60:40 split for propulsion/domestic use on boats (accepted by HMRC for the taxation of red diesel) would make HVO prohibitively expensive for most boaters. As a result boatyards will likely continue to supply red diesel rather than HVO.

• The North Walsham & Dilham Canal offers an opportunity for abstraction and water for irrigation, with an opportunity for effluent reuse, using nature-based solutions to treat the water and put it back into the system rather than losing it out to sea.

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The water source development options include three new reservoirs, effluent reuse and desalination. Six of the solutions involve water transfer, utilising rivers, canals and pipelines, and two of the transfer options include elements of raw water transfer by canal.

The minutes of the meeting are available on the IWA website, and copies of the presentations can be requested from our APPGW Secretariat – campaigns@ waterways.org.uk.

The conclusion of the meeting was that these are big regional issues and collaboration is essential between water companies, Water Resources regional groups, Historic England, Highways, local authorities, navigation authorities and waterway restoration societies.

The meeting also heard IWA’s and CBOA’s views that now is an opportune time for a review of DfT grant aid to support a modal shift to water, and that there needs to be more of a level playing field for waterborne traffic compared to rail freight. A further meeting is planned to develop the opportunities and to raise the profile of waterborne freight more widely across Government.

14 | IWA waterways Spring 2022 AB Tuckey & MJT Crane Hire Ltd One call and your bespoke boat movement can be arranged With over 40 years experience we are here to help 01926 812134 V 01785 813982 M mail@canalcruising.co.uk  Check availability and book online now   Visit our website for special offers  10% OFF CAMRA, IWA, CART MEMBERS 15% OFF FORCES, NHS STAFF, POLICE & RESCUE (See website for conditions) Canal Cruising Co Ltd, Crown Street, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8QN NARROWBOAT HIRE IN STAFFORDSHIRE WITH A CHOICE OF EXCELLENT ROUTES TASTER DAYS • ONE NIGHT TASTER STAYS • GIFT VOUCHERS • PET FRIENDLY Boat Yard Services: Covered Dry Dock • DIY • Signwriting & Painting • Engine Servicing • Call-out Service • GAS • Diesel • Pump out • RING FOR DETAILS As featured in… v 01926 814 081 m sales@colecraft.co.uk d www.colecraftboats.co.uk f www.facebook.com/colecraftboats BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come. All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements. Boats built to any stage of completion. From a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished boat. We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters. Trip boat builds include those for Longleat, 2012 Olympics, Copper Jack, Pirate Prince, Kingfisher at Chichester Canal, Halseyon Days, our first hybrid widebeam passenger vessel for Crusader Community Boating and first fully electric trip boat for Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterways Trust. Our welders are coded to meet MCA requirements. HoLiDaYCoTtAgEs WwW.AbChOlIdAyCoTtAgEs.CoM CaLlUs:03303330590 4LoCaTiOnS GoYtRe,WrEnBuRy,NeWMiLlS&ElLeSmErE OuRHoLiDaYPrOpErTiEsArEPeRfEcTlYSiTuAtEd AlOnGsIdEThETrAnQuIlCaNaLsOfBrItAiN

Silent cruising aboard Birdswood thanks to its electric engine. Adventure’s test run from Gloucester Docks.

Built in 1938 and originally name Ross, Birdswood initially carried cargo on the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It continued to be a working cra until bought by a private owner in 1974 when it was repurposed as a horse-drawn passenger boat at Froghall Wharf on the Caldon Canal. The Friends of Cromford Canal acquired Birdswood in 2013 when it was converted to electric drive, replacing the previously installed diesel engine. Beautifully decorated, the heritage cra can hold up to 40 passengers and runs om March to December each year. birdswood.org

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Taking its green credentials to another level, historic narrowboat Birdswood runs horse-drawn and electricpowered trips along the Cromford Canal.

Friends of Cromford Canal Birdswood

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 15

O ver the last few years, a number of IWA corporate members have launched new tripboats, giving visitors more opportunities to experience the inland waterways. Some have added to existing fleets and expanded their routes and destinations, while others have set up brand-new operations in areas that previously hadn’t benefi ed om such an a raction. We’ve rounded up some of those that have gone down the route of electric propulsion for their cra having been inspired by the work of IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group and others.

More and more electric trip-boats are hi ing the water each year. We round up the operators prioritising this greener way of ge ing afloat

Cotswold Canals Trust Adventure

Expanding the Cotswold Canals Trust’s fleet, Adventure was launched on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal in December 2019. The electric propulsion system can be charged via electric hook-up and is supplemented by a comprehensive array of solar panels. The trust consulted with other canal societies and members of the local communi to improve the boat’s accessibili for passengers of all abilities. The 12-seater Adventure is 54 long with a 10 beam to allow for increased manoeuvrabili on board, has a generously sized WC and a high-spec passenger hoist. There’s also plen of outside space for use in dry weather. Based at Saul Junction Wharf, Adventure currently operates a range of cruises along the G&S but the completion of the Stroudwater Navigation restoration project will eventually open up more routes for the trip-boat. cotswoldcanals.org

The bespoke passenger boat Kingfisher Mark is ready for the 2022 season. The 25-seater Lord Raglan can be operated from either end.

Monmouthshire Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust Lord Raglan

Taking a different approach to its trip-boat, the Monmouthshire Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust remodelled a 1989-built craft with electric drive, a wheelchair lift and accessible toilet. Lord Raglan was previously used on the Neath Canal and was saved from the scrapyard in 2011 when MBACT undertook major modelling and refurbishment works. An electric motor and large battery bank were installed in addition to new cabin linings and banquet seating for 25 passengers. It’s the only trip-boat on the inland waterways we know of that can be powered and steered from either end, meaning return journeys can be completed without the need to wind.Themodified shell was launched in 2017, while the fit-out was substantially completed by autumn 2019. Its inaugural passenger trip was delayed somewhat by the pandemic but it now runs from Goytre Wharf within the Brecon Beacons National Park, with the 2022 season beginning in March. mbact.org.uk

Last summer Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust added the 12-seater, 54ft narrowboat Electra to its day-boat operations, which already included the successful wide-beam craft John Bunyan Electra runs from Campbell Wharf Marina, where the proposed new waterway route will connect the Grand Union Canal in the town, while John Bunyan is based on the River Great Ouse in Bedford.

Kingfisher Medway Trust Kingfisher Mark

The boat has disabled access with a lift and toilet that accommodates wheelchairs up to 700mm wide. Electra uses an all-electric propulsion unit, and the batteries can be charged via both mains power and the onboard solarCruisespanels.resume in April 2022 and the trust has a varied programme of family-friendly, catered and themed trips in addition to private charters. bmkwaterway.org

Operating since 2007, the Kingfisher Medway Trust offers skippered day hire for disadvantaged groups on the River Medway in Kent. Last October the organisation took delivery of its brand-new bespoke electric community vessel, Kingfisher Mark, which replaced the now-retired Kingfisher. With charitable funding from the Kent Mark Master Masons, KMT commissioned an electric propulsion craft, featuring a wheelchair lift, accessible toilet and efficient galley, in September 2019. From its base at Medway Wharf Marina, Kingfisher Mark operates two- and four-hour trips along 17 miles of non-tidal river between May and September. kingfishermedwaytrust.org.uk

Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust Electra

BMKWT’s newest addition is the zero-emission Electra.

16 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust Outram

The first full-sized inland craft to hit the waters of the River Derwent in Derby city centre for decades is the all-electric trip-boat Outram. It was launched by the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust next to the city’s Silk Mill on 14th October 2021 and will operate between spring and autumn each year carrying up to 12 passengers at a time. Boarding will take place at Exeter Bridge for 45-minute return trips up the river to Darley Abbey. An electric lift will allow passengers in wheelchairs to use the boat. An audio commentary will reveal facts about Derby’s fascinating history and its plans for the future, and there will be onboard refreshments and educational entertainment for children of all ages. Over a year’s worth of design work went into the boat and great attention was paid to making it as environmentally friendly as possible.

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 17

Droitwich Canals Trust Pamela May 2

Launched in April 2019, the Droitwich Canals Trust’s electricpowered narrowboat Pamela May 2 took over operations of the retired 24-year-old craft Pamela May

The 50ft Pamela May 2 includes seating for 12 passengers, a functional galley and disabled toilet, and has been designed with outings up to eight hours long in mind. The 48V drive system charges 24 x 2V traction cell batteries, and there are two 12V systems, one for onboard domestic use and the other to power a wheelchair lift at the large cruiser stern.

The trust opted for electric propulsion to give a greener, more efficient and quieter ride for passengers. The only downside to the decision was the necessity to install an electricity supply at its Hampton Road base in Vines Park at a cost of around £3,500. It was anticipated at the time that the boat’s low running costs would soon repay the investment. pamelamay.co.uk

Pamela May 2 runs eight different cruises on the Droitwich canals.

The zero-emission propulsion system features solar panels to keep the batteries topped up. The craft is part of a larger plan to restore Derby’s canal system and encourage visitors onto the waterways. derbycanal.org.uk

Outram was launched on the River Derwent last October in preparation for the springseason.2022

Bowling and Port Dundas

18 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

Jonathan Mosse joined the winner of Scotland’s Millennium Link Award on her quest to reach the four locations across the Lowland canals, which also form part of IWA’s Silver Propeller Challenge

The four locations are: Bowling Basin at the western terminus of the F&C, Port Dundas (pronounced slightly di erently to its Kennet & Avon cousin) at the end of the Glasgow Branch, the Kelpies (or Carron Sea Lock) at the eastern terminus of the F&C, and Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh at the end of the Union Canal. A bonus of completing this trip is the opportuni to experience a turn on the Falkirk Wheel – the only means of transferring boats between the two waterways.

A short time before her departure, water levels on the F&C started dropping like a stone following the interruption of the main feed via the disused Monkland Canal, and for a while it looked like there would be no chance for Mo to participate in the challenge. However, the problem was resolved in the nick of time and, in company with Niven Brown (no relation) aboard narrowboat Aidendale, Mo headed east up the 17 locks to Maryhill on Glasgow’s northern outskirts.

SILVER PROPELLER CHALLENGE NORTHBOATING OF THE BORDER

At just over 30 miles each you might be forgiven for thinking that navigating the two Lowland canals would be the boating equivalent of a walk in the park. But the reali is that, to a greater or lesser degree, cruising in Scotland is never without its own intrinsic challenges.

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All pictures by Jonathan Mosse.

T he IWA Silver Propeller Challenge, when applied to Scotland, is just that: challenging. Boat-owners om south of the Border with a good number of destinations already under their belts are not likely to crane their pride and joy onto a wagon and head for the hills. It’s therefore fortunate that IWA’s flexible approach accommodates all cra , om trailboats to canoes, in the challenge.

Based in Bowling, Morag could already tick one of the four locations o the list. On se ing o , her first port of call was to be Speirs Wharf, close to the centre of Glasgow (accessed via the Glasgow

The Lowland Canals Association – a corporate member of IWA – launched its own competition, the Millennium Link Award, in 2021 which focussed on the four Sco ish destinations listed in IWA’s UK-wide challenge. In acknowledgement of two very di cult years for the waterways due to the ongoing Covid situation and its a endant uncertainties, it was decided to introduce this event to bring activi and water travel back to the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, the idea being suggested by IWA Sco ish Representative, Richard Davies.

Award-winner Morag Brown, aboard wide-beam Donovan, was the first to visit all four destinations and is the worthy winner of the Millennium Link Award. Her prize is a ee navigation licence for 2022 om Sco ish Canals. Morag (universally known as Mo) thought the idea of the challenge was “a great way to encourage movement along the canals”, and she was delighted to win first prize.

The first footbridge still lay in the hands of the contractor, so was not yet boater-operated. That hurdle overcome, one might be forgiven for thinking that access to the Wharf was a given, both for Mo and subsequent challenge contestants. Sadly, this was not the case and no one was allowed past Applecross, the remaining two footbridges (for reasons unknown) remaining firmly closed throughout the summer.

However, at the time of writing there is no access into Port Dundas for any vessel, so a large area of prime, city-centre waterspace is used only by Pinkston Paddlesports and a water-ski lookalike propelled from an aerial ropeway.

Always the optimist, Mo seemed unfazed by having her (water) wings metaphorically clipped by these shortcomings, preferring instead to major on the very positive meetings she enjoyed while forcibly halted a tantalising ¼-mile or so short of her intended destination. She said: “This has been a magical summer, providing chances to meet loads of lovely people and opportunities to spend time on my own. On reflection, it has also meant that I’ve built up my general confidence and boat-handling skills as a solo boater.”

Sadly, going on past form, I suspect that the cows will be well and truly home (and dry) before Speaker Martin Lock sees further operation and Port Dundas fulfils its enormous potential as a city-centre marina and Silver Propeller destination. The Kelpies Donovan’s next destination was the Kelpies, at the eastern extremity of the F&C where it meets the Firth of Forth via a short stretch of the tidal River Carron. This was to be a delightful sojourn, taking in the majesty of the unique structures, and offered Mo the chance to share some relaxed, quality family time, with displaced members of her ‘clan’ even travelling from as far afield as Herefordshire.

It was here that I, in August, intercepted the voyage and enjoyed a memorable evening meal, basking in the glow from the shimmering stainless steel of the Kelpies’ outer coats, as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon formed by the distant Ochil Hills. It should be noted here that as Niall – Mo’s partner and crew – is a chef, all meals aboard Donovan are memorable! He’s even shaping up to be an excellent helmsman as well.

Departing the Kelpies involves a return trip up the locks of the F&C’s eastern extremity from Grangemouth to the point where the Falkirk Wheel can be accessed, forming the connection with the Union Canal and a 32-mile run into Edinburgh. These locks, in common with those on the western end of the F&C are not user-operated; the lack of ground paddles and the very

“Departing the Kelpies involves a return trip up the locks of the F&C from Grangemouth to the point where the Falkirk Wheel can be accessed”

View from Bowling Harbour. Mo’s wide-beam craft, Donovan. Bowling Basin. Festival time at Speirs Wharf.

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 19 Branch) and jumping-off point for Port Dundas, via Speaker Martin Lock (an arrangement necessitated by the construction of the M8 motorway). Between the junction of the branch with the main line and the terminus, there are now three footbridges, one recently completed. And therein lies the rub!

nWbrogAmor

As for arriving at (and negotiating) Speaker Martin Lock, this was clearly never going to happen. Just as it hasn’t in the couple of decades since it was completed at a cost well north of £6m. It’s true that, in the past, sheet piling in the channel above the top gates (subsequently cut down to 2ft or so below the water level) has prevented (and now limits) navigation but IWA has offered to look into removing it altogether.

20 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022 fierce and unbaffled gate paddles – in conjunction with the surplus water that constantly weirs over the top gates regardless of the time of year – form a not inconsiderable hazard for all but the very experienced boater. Instead, social enterprise Go Forth & Clyde has the contract to operate the locks on the eastern end of the navigation, a duty that its volunteers perform with good humour, enthusiasm and panache. This is a get-back-to-work scheme: effective and fun in equal measure… and one that clearly does make a difference.Oncepast Lock 16, Mo, Niall and Donovan made their way onto the Falkirk Wheel (an unforgettable experience however many times you do it) and, having negotiated the slightly forbidding new staircase lock, were soon on their way to Edinburgh.

While Scottish Canals stepped up to the plate with its not ungenerous prize of a year’s free licence (a flat rate of £214), it now needs to put some effort into making the actual canal extremities more readily available to native and visiting boaters alike.

Future challenges Despite being unable to boat to the precise locations for two of the four challenge destinations, Mo successfully cruised to the nearest possible points, bagging herself the Millennium Link Award and ticking off all of the Scottish sites from the list for the IWA Silver Propeller Challenge to boot.

In future years, destinations for the more adventurous could well involve some tidal boating. For instance, up the Clyde to Glasgow, where the city council put in some excellent floating pontoons several years ago, since virtually unused, and to Stirling, close to the River Forth’s tidal limit, where recently installed (and fully serviced) visitor moorings are already beckoning.

“The Union Canal processes in a somewhat erratic fashion, hemmed in by mile upon mile of reeds, and in many places barely managing to maintain a depth of 2ft 6in” Falkirk Wheel.

The LochrinKelpies.Basin.LeamingtonLiftBridge.

Lochrin Basin The only way to navigate the Union Canal is in a relaxed fashion – in terms of throttle opening, ‘less’ is very definitely ‘more’ if any significant forward progress is to be made. Built to a depth of 3ft 6in and reputed to fill in at the rate of 1in a year from field run-off, this lockless contour navigation – much of it built into side cuts – processes in a somewhat erratic fashion, hemmed in by mile upon mile of reeds, and in many places barely managing to maintain a depth of 2ft 6in.

Donovan’s stately progress should be set against the backdrop of boat movement being something of a rarity on the Lowland Canals, with charity and hire-boats providing nearly all of the activity between them. It’s not that these waterways are in any way crowded: the projected 600 craft that were anticipated when Millennium funding saw their reopening 20 years ago has so far amounted to a reality of fewer than half that number. It’s more a case that, in the absence of events such as this one, there is little or no encouragement for boats to move.

The

As a further example of this, Mo was unable to enter Lochrin Basin – the Union’s Edinburgh terminus – as the navigation authority was unable or unwilling to raise Leamington Bridge once again, technically preventing Donovan from reaching another of the Lowland Canals’ extremities. While Scottish Canals enthusiastically signed up to the idea of the Millennium Link Award, it seemingly wasn’t prepared to allow boats to go that extra few 100 yards to reach the final goal.

Spring 2022 IWA waterways | 21 waterways.org.uk/legacy Have you considered supporting our campaigns to protect the future of the waterways with a gift in your Will? Request an IWA legacy pack and find out ways to share your love of the waterwaysgenerationswithtocome. Photo © Kevin Maslin A legacylasting Requestapack 01494 783 453 legacy@waterways.org.uk

The compact living space.

Before the first lockdown in 2020 I wrote a book and an album called Seasons of Change, which is about my experience of busking around England for a year, and I wanted to carry on om that. The live music scene is still extremely volatile, so I’m focussing on the writing side of things and doing something that can continue throughout any changes in the pandemic. I’m living on narrowboat Spey for six months, ge ing to know the waterways communi , ge ing to know London. The canals and rivers here are very contested for space – it’s almost separate om the rest of the UK network. By bringing the boat here and becoming part of the communi , I thought it would give me a lot of interesting things to write about. Spey isn't a liveaboardtypicalcraft, is it?

How did the London project come about?

Does Spey get a lot of attention on the cut?

22 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

No, it’s an unconverted traditional working boat – a wooden-hulled oil tanker. People think it’s a restoration project but it has been maintained out of service and kept in good working order. My dad was one of a bunch of students who bought Spey in 1971, and he met my mum at the opening day rally for the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port in 1976. I owe my life to this boat, in a way.

Spey is a very unusual old-fashioned boat and people haven’t really raised an eyebrow. There isn’t really a standard of what’s ‘normal’ in the capital, and I really like that.

Tom set off in October with just 11 days to get to London. Tom at the helm. All pictures by Jonathan Mosse.

Writer and musician Tom Kitching is spending six months aboard historic narrowboat Spey on London’s waterways. He tells us about the HVO-fuelled journey om Manchester and his initial thoughts on continuous cruising in the capital

Fi years later, Spey is still owned by a group, a sort of syndicate. I’ve been lucky enough to take it for six months and I love living in the back cabin – it’s a great life. The accommodation is absolutely as it was when Spey was in service – it’s a traditional boatman’s cabin about 9 long by 6 6in wide.

On the broader network, the boat is something of a celebri – people line up to take huge numbers of photographs of it. In London, that just doesn’t happen.

ON SPEYTHETOLONDON

It’s a reflection of the broader housing crisis but even if CRT knew how to deal with the additional numbers of boats, it’s powerless to act at the moment and can’t raise enough money to service the waterways communities properly. Will you be writing a book about your experiences in London?

Yes, there will definitely be a book and there may well be some music as well. At the moment I’m blogging as I go, so if I get anything wrong or people want to draw my attention to something, they can get in touch and I can edit things before it gets set down in the book. I’ll also be writing a report for CRT. I volunteer on its mooring subcommittee, so I do bring all these things up with the organisation and I can see the frustration from its point of view too. Find out more about Tom and his experience in London at tomkitching.co.uk.

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 23

How was the journey down from Manchester?

The waterways community is so vibrant in London and it’s very supportive – everyone looks out for each other. Whenever a boat turns up in need of a hand, there’s always someone there to help. There’s a great camaraderie here – I’m not saying you don’t get that elsewhere but it’s especially apparent in London. I’ve not heard even a cross word between boaters here yet, which is very impressive. However, there seems to be a big divide and a lack of mutual trust between the boating community and the Canal & River Trust, which is of great concern to me. A lot of boaters feel like they’re barely tolerated by CRT, or that they’re certainly not encouraged to be here and they’re using the canals wrong in some way. I’m still getting into that but it’s very interesting. Also, in certain areas there’s tension between the people on the waterways and the communities the waterways go through. What about boater facilities? It’s very crowded here and there’s enormous pressure on what boater facilities there are. Often they break down and CRT removes them, citing damage as the reason. But really there’s just a massive undersupply that’s getting worse. In London the waterways are now effectively a big floating housing estate, but it’s not being managed as such. It’s got a bit out of control, or out of the control of CRT, which is constantly being forced to act a bit like a housing authority but doesn’t have the powers or experience it needs. Perhaps that comes from above and the Government hasn’t mandated CRT with the power to look after the waterways in a way that’s relevant to how they’re now being used, so I don’t blame CRT.

Does London need a separate authority?navigation

Are you able to source HVO in London? I won’t go back to diesel now if I can avoid it. I’ve still got a bit of HVO left and when I need more I can use the local Crown Oil supplier in London which will bring some out to me at a suitable loading point. At the moment the minimum order is 500 litres, which would be too much for most boaters unless several got together, but Spey has such a huge fuel tank that it could take the lot.

It’s not that simple as we have to think about what the waterways are becoming. I reckon what’s happening in London is going to expand to the rest of the network in the next ten years. All major cities are going to see hundreds, if not thousands, of liveaboards, all shuffling around according to the very archaic continuous cruising rules, putting pressure on facilities and increasing conflict between the different canal and river user groups. It’s already happening on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Inset: The Bolinder engine works very well on CrownHVO.Oil sponsored Tom's trip to London.

Plenty of help for the journey.

What are your initial thoughts on living aboard in the capital?

We set off in October and, as we had to beat the winter stoppage at Denham Deep Lock, we had just 11 days to complete the journey. We were running 14-hour days, and it’s about the closest I’ll ever get to experiencing what it was like to work the boat up against tight deadlines. You travelled on HVO fuel instead of diesel. We were given 100 litres of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) as part of IWA’s HVO trials over the summer to see whether it would work with a Bolinder engine. It was very successful. Crown Oil is keen to prove that HVO is the future so it sponsored the trip to London and sent me another 500 litres of fuel. In my view – and I’m not saying this because of the sponsorship – HVO works considerably better with Spey’s onecylinder Bolinder engine, which predates diesel. It’s a green fuel with about 90% less carbon than diesel and it makes a fraction of the smoke and particulates. It’s also more efficient and runs better when the engine is cold, which is of huge benefit to me over the winter.

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Camaraderie Arriving in Tarleton early the next morning, it became apparent that five other boats had also had late nights or very early starts. One of the best things about boating on the inland waterways is meeting people, and on an adventure such as the Ribble Link the conversations start easily – nervous enquiries about weather conditions, seeking reassurance about safe kit, sharing advice on engine checks, exchanging stories of previous tidal experiences, o ers of assistance should things go wrong. The first timers, like us, hung on every word of the Ribble Link regulars. We enjoyed the mutual support and camaraderie in anticipation of a shared challenge. To calm our nerves, CRT’s lock-keepers Roger and Harry explained what to look out for, who to keep in contact with, and where to turn to avoid going aground. “You’ll be against the incoming tide down the River Douglas so look out for Asland Lamp at which point it should be a slack tide; turn right up the Ribble as the tide turns against you; a er a couple of miles look out for the muddy banks of Savick Brook where CRT will be waiting to take you through the locks,” came the advice. It all sounded quite routine.

Ribble Link Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 25

IWA Trustee Nick Dybeck describes an eventful narrowboat journey on the Ribble Link, which opened 20 years ago this July Leaving Tarleton Lock. Breasted up on the River Douglas.

Since it opened in 2002 we’ve wanted to go up the Ribble Link, which connects the Ru ord Arm of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Tarleton to the Lancaster Canal at Savick Brook, via the tidal rivers Douglas and Ribble. The crossing is billed as ‘exciting’ by the Lancaster Canal Trust, and the Canal & River Trust Skipper Guide warns of strong tidal flows, sandbanks and the risk of the boat being rocked om side to side. It also reminds you that you must have an anchor ready for deployment, lifejackets are required to be worn at all times, flares are recommended, and your engine must be up to it. It’s not your average trip on a flat canal pound. But, if you’re well prepared and follow the guidance, surely there aren’t likely to be any surprises...

RIDING RIBBLETHE

Tackling seven locks over 10 miles in the few hours before sunset meant we were slightly apprehensive about ge ing there in time. But it was a sunny evening, the countryside was beautiful and we had plen of emergency provisions on board.

A er a couple of last-minute postponements, CRT phoned as we set o om Scarisbrick Marina on a glorious sunny Monday a ernoon to reach the rendezvous point in Tarleton. We guessed they’d be checking we were prepared for our Wednesday lunchtime departure but, no. “Could we make it there by first thing Tuesday?” they asked.

Approaching Asland Lamp.

The contrast with the estuary was dramatic. We were now in a very narrow, twisty channel, with quite a strong current.

The narrow channel continued with a few more locks, and we were then on to another eagerly anticipated point in the journey.

swirling and pushing us around, we were abreast to another narrowboat, and we were about to turn out of one river current into another. We kept our eye on the sailing boat, throttled back, turned the bow and, in a beautifully choreographed move, we comfortably passed each other.

Cruising company

Narrowboats aren’t easy to steer in reverse and approaching locks always requires some careful manoeuvring, so it was with some trepidation that we headed into the Ribble Link’s massive staircase flight backwards, as instructed.

There was a concrete structure ahead of us where the flow constricted still further, steep banks rose above us and round the next sharp bend, to our surprise, was another boat. Salamanca was moored on a pontoon among the reeds, but where had it come from? As we moored up alongside the boat, we met its owner, Dave, who’d been diverted up to Preston Docks, having arrived at Savick Brook too late to catch the right depth of water the day before. We soon set off again and found the strong downstream flow a challenge, especially in the deep channel with reeds and trees each side. We received some sound advice later from Dave, who explained it was best to use just enough power to make headway. It was with great relief that we saw Pan 91 arrive at the first lock, having made it off the tidal river.

“Now we were five crew on two connected boats in the middle of a wide muddy river” The entrance to Savick Brook.

26 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022 Boating partner We were paired up with Cathy, Maurice and Stephen on Pan 91 who had some concerns about their engine and cooling system. But, having done the crossing before, they knew what lay ahead. During the final preparations, Roger emphasised the need to hit full power on leaving the lock or else we’d be swept into the bank by the incoming tide. With smiles on our faces and fond farewells of “see you on the other side”, the lock gates opened. Pan 91 was out and the muddy rush of water was in front of us. Plenty of power was engaged, we shot out of the lock, and suddenly… we were going nowhere. The banks stood still as the water rushed past, and I opened the throttle still further. Very slowly we headed downriver against the incoming tide. For a while all was well, we kept our distance from Pan 91 and steered carefully to keep the bow straight against the flow and to avoid the occasional huge log that came towards us at alarming speed. Before long though, we started gaining ground on Pan 91 and it was clear that something was wrong. Tying together Their engine was overheating despite them throttling back and running the hot taps. We pondered their options together over the phone: turning back, going even slower, towing, anchoring. We decided to go abreast – tie the boats together – for a while and hope Pan 91’s engine would cool before ours overheated. We carefully rehearsed the transition, and when the moment came to secure the craft together, it all went smoothly. So now we were five crew on two connected boats in the middle of a wide muddy river, excited that we’d solved a problem, but anxious about how long it would last. Gradually the river widened, the tide slackened, we were making good progress, and we realised that both engines were coping admirably with the load. The ropes were also holding tight. We reached the mouth of the River Douglas at the Asland Lamp just as the boats coming down the Ribble Link arrived, together with a sailing boat tacking across our path. The tide was

Savick Brook

Success Emerging from the top lock into the picturesque basin after a fivehour journey, we felt a real sense of achievement. It hadn’t been physically tough, thanks to the CRT volunteers and staff at the locks, and the good weather made the exposed estuary reasonably benign. Having been fairly well prepared, our anxieties about breaking down or not getting to the sea lock in time were allayed. So, I guess the sense of achievement comes from having completed a journey that simply wasn’t possible until 2002.

Cruising up the River Ribble the tide had turned and once again logs and frothy debris were coming at us. Thankfully there was plenty of room in the wide river, which was a blessing when it came to disengaging from Pan 91. Progress against the flow was painfully slow but, with a few hundred metres to go, the ropes were released and we were on our own again. Very quickly the gap between us grew and we hoped they’d make it on their own. At the marker for Savick Brook, we were careful to account for the flow of the river and to avoid the sandbanks by keeping to the centre of the narrow channel. It was comforting to see the CRT staff on the bank as they kept a watchful eye, counting boats back in. After the thrill of fast-moving water and the noise and vibration from engines on full power, all of a sudden we found ourselves with the engine on tickover, in calm tranquil water between pastures of grazing cattle. The sea lock and the flat pound beyond it were ‘just round the corner’.

“That was a great adventure,” we said to each other as we quickly recapped the highlights and the excitement of ‘rescuing’ a fellow traveller. But (and I hope this doesn’t spoil it for other first timers), that was only half of it.

Being at the bottom of a very deep staircase lock with water behind the gate 20ft or so above you and the sheer sides holding back the ground, you appreciate the engineering required to design and build something this big. We were grateful to once again be in the capable hands of CRT lockkeepers, this time Stephen and Ian.

Staircase locks

After joining IWA I received a copy of Waterways in which was a call for people to get involved. The way the Association was selecting the Trustees was changing to a skills-based approach. I was a civil engineer for many years and thought my experience matched what IWA was looking for, so I put myself forward and waited to see what happened.

Ten minutes with… IWA Trustee Nick Dybeck

How did you get involved with IWA?

Why is change so important?

I would really love to go back to the Fens. I started life in Cambridgeshire and enjoyed canoeing on the River Nene, so it would be great to return to that part of the country and experience the Fenland waterways by narrowboat.

I was appointed IWA Trustee in 2020, but I’m fairly new to the organisation having joined just six months before. I’ve always had an interest in the inland waterways and have owned a narrowboat for 20-odd years. It’s only since I retired that I’ve had time to volunteer as well.

Leaving the basin, we heard that two of the boats that left Tarleton after us ran out of time and were diverted up to Preston. Even though it went okay for us and we had the comfort of knowing there’s a safety plan in place, it was the unknowns that made it an adventure.

paddleboarding, all sorts. There’s massive potential for people to join in our campaigns if we get the messages out there. Although I initially thought my civil engineering background would be of use, it has actually been my experience of working with companies going through change that has been most relevant so far. Any process of change takes time, but if we can get to the point where IWA is clear about its campaigns and what it wants for the waterways and is articulating that to the outside world through new and existing channels of communication, that would be a major step forward.

What made you put yourself forward for the role of Trustee?

It’s important that IWA hangs onto and is proud of its history. It started off as a campaigning organisation that had a very clear focus and we need to retain that determination to see a cause through. People on the waterways tend to be quite independently minded, but we mustn’t let change stifle their imagination or enthusiasm. We’ve got to see through the boring aspects of change so that people can be freed up and allowed to bring the focus back to campaigning for the waterways. That’s what our purpose is.

As we sailed off into the sunset, we reflected on a wonderful day on the waterways. From the calm tranquility of the canal, to the excitement of a tidal stretch in an estuary, through an inspiring modern link, and back onto an 18thcentury gem. And we looked forward to a spell on the Lancaster Canal and to the return trip down the Ribble Link.

Tranquil pastures on both sides of Savick Brook.

What was it like joining the team mid-pandemic?

What made it special for me, particularly on the second part of the adventure, was admiring the imaginations of those who had dreamt up the audacious idea: making use of a narrow tidal brook for 62ft boats, reversing into locks, maintaining much of the character of the brook with its twists and turns, trees and reeds, creating a pleasant walking and cycling route for the local community. Not only did they have the creativity to design it, they stuck with the idea for many years, eventually secured the funding and then saw it built.

Finally, you've been boating for many years but is there anywhere you'd still like to visit?

Reversing into the staircase locks. Moored on the Lancaster Canal.

What have you been working on?

It took around a year after I was appointed, along with a number of other Trustees, before we had any physical meetings. It was really strange getting to know people I’d never met before online via Zoom.

Very soon after my appointment it became clear to me that IWA wants to move in a slightly different direction. The pandemic focussed the public’s attention on to the canals and rivers and IWA, ahead of the curve, had already been trying to widen the appeal of the waterways for biodiversity, walking,

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 27

The Wetland Corridor aims to encourage water tourism.

Pictures by Chris Howes

Waterways looks at what’s been happening on the scheme to connect the inland waterways of eastern England

The new 12-mile link will not only cut down travel time between the two cities and make it accessible to broader beam craft, but will breathe new life into the waterways that travel through the market towns of Spalding and Market Deeping, provide new opportunities for paddlesports and angling, and allow flora and fauna to flourish along the wetland corridor.

The creation of new habitats along the 58-mile proposed wetland corridor will also support a diverse range of wildlife and broaden the scope of environmental and biodiversity projects to the benefit of local communities.

28 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

The gains are not just financial, however. The project will bring with it improvements to flood resilience, benefits to irrigation and public water supply, support for housing developments, and employment opportunities during and after construction of the channel.

The project is being spearheaded by IWA’s Lincolnshire and Peterborough branches, with support from the Environment Agency, Lincolnshire County Council, local town councils and Anglian Water. Water Resources East has also identified the Boston to Peterborough link as of potential benefit to its vision for providing sufficient water resources in the coming years.

Announced in 2018, the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Project aims to connect 50 miles of existing waterways in eastern England with the addition of a new 12-mile channel between the Black Sluice Navigation in the north of the region and the River Nene in the south. Despite being only 30 miles apart geographically, travelling between Boston and Peterborough by inland waterway currently requires a massive 250-mile journey, involving 135 locks and taking over a fortnight. This tortuous route entails cruising along the River Witham, Fossdyke Navigation, River Trent, Grand Union Canal and River Nene, and, because of the narrow-gauge locks on the GU Northampton Arm, is only navigable by boats less than 7ft wide.

What the stats say Estimates suggest that the new waterway will deliver £1.51 of benefit for every £1 spent. This equates to £110.1m of benefits to the local economy at a cost of £72.9m. It could also bring £50m in additional tourism spending and a £6.2m uplift in the value of surrounding land.

BOSTON TO PROJECTWETLANDPETERBOROUGH

Progress so far Over the last three years, works to improve infrastructure on existing waterways have been completed, bringing immediate benefits to the local community and preparing the routes for increased traffic in the future. These are just a few examples of the enhancements made along the corridor so far:

* Black Sluice Lock (Boston) Lock works have been carried out to create better access to the Black Sluice Navigation (South Forty Foot Navigation).

• Boston Moorings have been installed and buildings have been refurbished to create new facilities for boats, a café, shop and offices.

• Hubberts Bridge A new slipway and visitor moorings have been established on the South Forty Foot Navigation to encourage use of the waterway. Find out more Visit: waterways.org.uk/b2p Contact: b2p@waterways.org.uk

• Crowland Slipway and Moorings This improved facility allows for easier access onto the River Welland for unpowered and trailable craft.

Supporting water transport projects

One of the key components to achieving this is by working with local, non-water company infrastructure projects, among which is the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor as well as the Stamford Canal, North Walsham & Dilham Canal and Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park. Gaining wider recognition could help to increase investment and funding opportunities, as well as support from local and national Government, for the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor and similar schemes.

Central to WRE’s plans are two new strategic reservoir systems, one in south Lincolnshire and one in the Fens on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border. New and existing waterways could be pivotal in transferring water to and from these sites.

“WRE’s vision is for eastern England to have sufficient water resource to support a flourishing economy, a thriving environment and the needs of its population, and for the region to be seen as an international exemplar for collaborative integrated water resources management” – Robin Price Crowland slipway and moorings.

Black Sluice Lock. Hubberts Bridge slipway and visitor moorings.

New moorings in Boston.

A new approach to water resource planning over large geographical areas and a 25-plus-year period is being supported by Defra and the Environment Agency. Each of England’s five regional groups are putting together its own proposals, which will be brought together under a national waterThestrategy.managing director for Water Resources East, Robin Price, recently outlined the vision for the role of inland waterways in eastern England at the All Party Parliamentary Committee for the Waterways. A seven-point strategy included the transfer of water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit, increasing connectivity using both open water channels as well as pipelines.

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 29

43

Discover new ways to enjoy the waterways with our self-guided walks. Follow the stepby-step instructions in this guide or online using your smartphone, and find out about history and heritage features along the way. More walks are available at waterways.org. uk/walks. We are still adding to this area and would love to hear om anyone who has a waterway walk to contribute. Please get in touch with us at walks@waterways.org.uk

Walk with IWA

Hazelhurst bottom lock with split bridge.

Alison Smedley describes a figure-of-eight walk around Denford on the Sta ordshire waterway, with a detour through Deep Hayes Country Park Photos by Alison Smedley 1 2

CANALCALDON

Entrance to Hazelhurst staircase bottom lock. Hazelhurst Aqueduct.

30 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022 Standing on the Caldon Canal towpath with the Holly Bush pub behind you, turn to the right and walk along the towpath. Look out for the replica milepost, replaced in the 1980s by the then Caldon Canal Socie (now Caldon & U oxeter Canals Trust). As the canal starts to turn to the right, you will see the bo om of a former staircase flight of locks. There is o en a historic narrowboat moored halfway into the lock chamber, which is all that remains in water. Beyond is Hazelhurst Wood, an ancient woodland which gave its name to the original staircase and hence the modern replacements further on the walk. Follow the bend under Hazelhurst Aqueduct – note the 1841 date stone. The aqueduct was built during the third and final rearrangement of the canals in this area and carries the 1801 Leek Arm, which crosses the valley on an embankment over both the original and later line of the canal. Continue along the towpath to Hazelhurst Bo om Lock and the site of Bridge 37. Sadly the bridge had to be demolished in 2020 a er it became unsafe. As it was a listed structure and in a Conservation Area, the local IWA branch is hopeful that its replacement will be appropriate. In the meantime a rather unsightly sca old bridge provides private access to the moorings on the o -side. Below the bo om lock is a good example of a recently restored traditional wrought iron split-bridge.Walkupthe gentle slope of the towpath alongside the rise of the three Hazelhurst Locks. These locks date om the 1841 realignment – the line of the original 1778 canal is now o to the right

Hazelhurst Middle Lock with the line of the original canal to the right. Hazelhurst Top Lock. The original Hazelhurst flight lock-keeper cottage. Hazelhurst Aqueduct from above. 5

The7JT.2-mile walk is along easy terrain – mostly canal towpath other than a short section on a minor road. An optional additional 1¾-mile detour incorporates Deep Hayes Country Park, which features steeper terrain, muddy paths and stepping stones across a stream. If parking at the Holly Bush pub to go on this walk, please ask permission to use the car park and make use of the excellent re eshments on o er on your return! Alternative parking can be found at Deep Hayes Country Park, in which case you will start the main walk at point 12 below and then resume om point 1.

At the third and top lock, cross over the black-and-white 1842 cast iron bridge to join the towpath of the Leek Arm of the canal (signposted Leek on the fingerpost).

Turning le over the canal you will find yourself on the top of Hazelhurst Aqueduct, and above the route you took earlier. A shortcut back to the Holly Bush at this point (if you’ve had enough walking) can be found by going down the steps and along the towpath to the pub.

Planning your walk

56 7 1 2 3 4 13 11 10 8 9 7 12 6

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 31 Walk with IWA alongside the locks and is clearly visible in the winter time. Like the rest of the Caldon Canal down the valley om here, these locks were derelict by the 1960s and were reopened in 1974 a er restoration. The sideponds allowed half a lock-full of water to be saved each time they were used (preserving more water for feeding the Trent & Mersey summit) but are unfortunately no longer useable.

This figure-of-eight-shaped walk starts om the Holly Bush pub at Denford, near Leek, Sta ordshire ST13

As well as connecting the town of Leek to the canal system, the arm was built in 1801 to supply water om the newly constructed Rudyard Reservoir to the summit of the Caldon Canal. As part of these works, the summit level of the original 1778 canal was extended along the valley to Hazelhurst and a staircase of three locks built to replace the original locks towards Endon. Follow the towpath of the Leek Arm for ½ mile (parallel to the route you took up the locks and heading back towards Denford). This is usually the muddiest part of the walk, so beware. Bridge 2 is a lovely stone arch, pical of the structures built by John Rennie as part of the 1801 Leek Arm and extended summit. The canal skirts what remains of Hazelhurst Wood (and the quarry where stone for building the embankment came om), and then takes a le -hand turn under a bridge (taking the towpath over the canal). This was a T-junction during the middle arrangement of the canal, with the original line (the now filled-in 1801 staircase) continuing straight ahead (you can see the stonework of the top lock entrance under the decking in the garden of the original lock-keeper co age).

32 | IWA Waterways Spring 2022

The Caldon Canal was built as a branch of the Trent & Mersey Canal following an Act of Parliament in 1776. The main line of the canal was completed in 1778, with an extension through Froghall Tunnel to the current terminus being added a few years later. The Leek Arm was built in 1801 to bring water om the newly constructed Rudyard Reservoir to a recently lengthened summit level at Denford. This involved building a new embankment across the valley of the Endon Brook and a new staircase

Brief history of the Caldon Canal

108911

The towpath joins a canalside track for a while, and when you get to Bridge 4 there is another opportuni for a shortcut back to the Holly Bush by walking down the road. Otherwise, continue along the towpath as the Leek Arm heads along the side of the valley. There are a number of delightful properties with canalside gardens to Passingenjoy.under Bridge 5 there is a good view down the valley, including the Victorian brick water tower of the former St Edward’s Hospital at Cheddleton. The canal widens out into a huge winding hole just before Bridge 6. This was apparently dug out deeper than the rest of the canal to create a sump into which sediment in the water coming down the feeder could fall, to reduce dredging requirements further down the canal. The brick overflow weir takes excess water om the canal and puts it into Endon Brook via a culvert. Bridge 6 is known as Horse Bridge, although the original ‘horse bridge’ is actually the structure taking the road over Endon Brook, which you will pass over by going up onto the road at this point and walking down the hill – watch out for tra c on the road. Just downstream of here Endon Brook joins the River Churnet as it comes round Leek and down the valley towards Cheddleton. You will pass over the railway line on a recently restored bridge (with the old station house o to the le ) and can then join the towpath of the main line of the canal at Bridge 39.

A bit further along on the other side of the canal you can look up the valley of the Westwood Brook – this is the stream that was dammed to create Deep Hayes Reservoir. The stream passes under the canal to join Endon Brook. Keep following the towpath and you will pass the narrows of a former li -bridge Continuing along the towpath will bring you past Denford Farm, which predates the canal, then under Bridge 38 and back to the Holly Bush pub where you will have earned a well-deserved drink! The Holly Bush also predates the canal and in the 17th century was a watermill on Endon Brook. The stream is just the other side of the pub car park, now contained behind a flood wall following some extreme weather, including one event in August 1987 when the water reached canal level (the flood marker can be seen above the bar in the pub).

Return to Bridge 39 and cross back over the canal and down onto the towpath. Walk under the bridge on the towpath back towards Denford (turn right on joining the towpath down the steps om the road-bridge). On the le beyond the bridge on the opposite bank is some stonework, which is the remains of limekilns belonging to the Cheddleton Lime Company dating back to the early days of the canal.

1213

Continuing along the Leek Arm takes you over two more aqueducts. The embankment built in 1801 to carry the Leek Arm and the water om Rudyard Reservoir is pierced three times, but only one of them dates om when it was built. This is the culvert which carries Endon Brook on its way to join the River Churnet. The second piercing was the 1841 canal aqueduct, and the third was built in 1863 when an iron trough was added to carry the canal over the new North Sta ordshire Railway branch line to Leek. The row of co ages just beyond once included a pub.

At this point you have the option of a 1¾mile detour around Deep Hayes Country Park. Instead of going down onto the towpath, cross over the canal towards the park entrance. The site of the former Wall Grange brickworks is ahead of you. The manager’s house (to the le of the bridge with gardens going down to the canal) is all that remains of the various kilns, buildings, tramways and the 100 -high chimney that the brickworks comprised.

Detour: Deep Hayes Country Park

The quarry can be explored by taking a le as you turn into the entrance to the park. A brick-laid path goes up to the top of the quarry and another small detour can be taken by following this path to the end of the brick surface and taking a flight of steps back down to the country park visitor centre.

Once in the country park you can follow the path up one side of the three pools and back down the other – there are two crossing points in between if you want a slightly shorter route. Deep Hayes was once a drinking water reservoir until it was drained and made into three separate pools in the 1970s. The reservoir was built by the Sta ordshire Po eries Waterways Company, along with a pumping station a li le further down the valley, to provide clean drinking water to the people of Stokeon-Trent. The original dam of the reservoir was at the site of the car park and visitor centre and was 49 high and 125 long.

flight of locks at the edge of Hazelhurst Wood to replace three separate locks between there and Endon. For years later the staircase (having proved to be a bo leneck as John Rennie, the Leek Arm engineer, had warned) was abandoned and replaced by a flight of three new locks at Hollinhurst (the ‘New Hazelhurst Locks’). Part of the original 1778 line of the canal was reused and a new aqueduct built through the Denford Embankment, thus creating one of the six places in the UK where one navigable waterway crosses another. Denford and the Hazelhurst Aqueduct are the central point for this figure-of-eight-shaped walk, which explores the history of the various changes of canal route in this area. Bridge 5. Bridge 6 and the overflow weir.

• Transport we can pick you up from the nearest station. We also provide travel between the accommodation and site.  Visit waterways.org.uk/canalcamps to find out more.   Rewatering the Wendover Arm. Canal Camps offer opportunities to learn new skills.

Wendover Arm Canal back in water

This year also sees a return of our Family Canal Camps. Over the October half-term, we will be running a Family Weekend in partnership with the Wendover Canal Trust that’s open to young people aged six to 14 and their families.

Spring 2022 IWA Waterways | 33

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills while getting involved in worthwhile projects, such as building new bridges, restoring lock chambers and vegetation clearance. Our Waterway Recovery Group Canal Camp working holidays attract a wide range of people – from young volunteers taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to waterway enthusiasts who want to help restore and preserve the waterway network, to people who have skills such as engineering or brick-laying and want to do something satisfying with their leisure time.

Find out more For £70, a week-long Canal Camp holiday includes:

The fun working holidays are suitable for newcomers as well as experienced volunteers.

restoration HUB: How IWA is supporting waterways regeneration across the UK

Canal Camps will take place at eight different sites in 2022.

• Accommodation volunteers sleep in a large communal space, usually in a village hall or Scout hut.

The Wendover Arm Canal from Bridge 4a to Bridge 4b is back in water, thanks to the Wendover Canal Trust with support from IWA.  Rewatering of 434m of the Wendover Canal started on 27th November, a process that took about three weeks. This is a significant and exciting step forward for the full restoration of the Wendover Arm Canal.  IWA’s Restoration Hub has been providing a significant amount of support to the project, led by the Wendover Arm Trust. Our Technical Support Officer, Mikk Bradley, worked with Canal & River Trust over the drawings and designs. This allowed this section of restoration work to be undertaken by volunteers. He has prepared detailed drawings for the repairs to the foundations of the swingbridge, including stop-plank channels and sheet piling bank protection. Mikk has also taken on an active role in training Wendover Canal Trust volunteers in levelling and relevant regulations.  The rewatering has come about thanks to the enormous effort of the Wendover Canal Trust volunteers over the last six years. During lockdown, local Waterway Recovery Group volunteers got stuck in at the trust’s regular work parties. IWA’s Restoration Hub will continue to support this project and we will be running a Family Canal Camp with Wendover Canal Trust in 2022.  2022 Canal Camps Book Your Place  You can help bring a derelict waterway back to life and book your place for our 2022 week-long working holidays known as ‘Canal Camps’.  Our Waterway Recovery Group is planning an exciting summer programme of Canal Camps across eight sites. Activities are set to include bywash repairs on the Ty Coch Flight on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in Wales and helping the Essex Waterways Team to repair Stonham’s weir on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. We are also hoping to visit some new sites, such as Maidenhead Waterways to help build a new slipway for small craft launches, and return to support work to restore the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal at Malswick, reinstating around 600m of infilled canal using a ‘cut and fill’ method to build up a new canal embankment.

• All meals including a cooked breakfast, lunch on site and a substantial home-cooked evening meal… along with plenty of tea breaks.

Waterway Recovery Group has been supporting canal restoration across Britain for over 50 years, so you’re in safe hands.

Contact: Laura Smith, IWA Waterways, 151 Station Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1BG | Next issue deadline: 11th April 2022 34 | IWA waterways Spring 2022 DIRECTORYCLASSIFIED To advertise here please contact Laura Smith V 01283 742 956 l.smith@wwonline.co.uk BOAT PAINTING FOR THE WIDEST CHOICE of canal holidays visit www.abcboathire.com. You can choose from 14 different start locations and more than 200 boats. We operate Viking Afloat, Alvechurch Waterways Holidays, Red Line Boats and Wessex Narrowboats. So go online today or call 0330 3330590 (local rate) for a brochure. BOATS FOR hirE INSURANCE INSURANCE PAINT mail forwarding LEGAL The boater’s mail forwarding company. ‘Pay as you Go’ service. boatmail.co.uk 07984 215873 • info@boatmail.co.uk NARROWBOAT PAINTING SPECIALISTS FULL BOATYARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE 07866 022686 www.canaltransportservices.co.ukinfo@canaltransportservices.co.uk Est 1964 BASIC BOAT LIABILITY COMPANY UK’S NUMBER 1 MARKET LEADER IN BOAT LIABILITY INSURANCE Third Party Liability No Excess £5M Level of Indemnity Upto £50k for Wreck Removal THIS COMPANY IS PART OF HOWE MAXTED GROUP WHO ARE AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY 03333 219 430 PA727BB01www.basic-boat.com WINDOWS Lineage adverts cost £1.38 per word (inc. VAT), minimum 12 words. Box adverts start from as little as £33 per issue (plus VAT)*. A copy of our terms and conditions is available on request. (*4 series booking) iwa classified advertising IWA members receive a 10% discount on double glazed orders. WWW.CHANNELGLAZE.COMT:01217065777 E: ENQUIRY@CHANNELGLAZE.COM DIGITAL AND TRADITIONAL DOCUMENT STORAGE, BOAT SALES DOCUMENTATION OWNERSHIP BILL OF SALE T: 01283 320992 E: wills@allwillsandtrusts.co.uk Follow our Facebook page @AllWillsandTrusts.co.uk And we are on linked in – just search for ‘All Wills and Trusts’ to get our latest updates We can arrange to telephone or email instructions. Also available personal consultation and attended attestation. WILLS, LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY, PROBATE ADVICE AND PROTECTIVE TRUSTS RUN BY BOATERS FOR BOATERS WITH VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICES Now available at waterwaysworld.com and through your usual podcast provider IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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