Endeavour May 2022

Endeavour Northampton Branch Newsletter — May 2022 Northampton magnet fisherman finds 52 old railway explosives in Northampton Arm Army bomb disposal experts were called in after a magnet fisherman pulled 52 explosives from a canal - his first reaction was "Oh no, not again".

Dave Jordan, 44, discovered dozens of track explosives while fishing on the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal recently. These track explosives are small charges that are put on the surface of train tracks which bang when they are run over, to alert the driver to a hazard ahead .

He said the explosives were each “roughly the size of a watch face”, adding that he did not know how they ended up in the canal.

Continued on page 14

The 52 track explosives pulled from the canal by magnet fisherman Dave Jordan

waterways.org.uk/northampton Printed by Colour Image. Phone 07821 894521 email colourimage@aol.com

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It’s around now that many of us start boating in earnest with the weather improving, and the days getting longer. For a change we had a hot Good Friday and decent Easter though it seems to have gone backwards just lately! Our British summer is on it’s way whatever that may bring?

On the Northampton Arm, our volunteers have been working hard to keep things looking good by repairing fences damaged when trees blew down in the recent storms. Since we have adopted the Northampton Arm in 2013, we have done in excess of 15,000 volunteer hours. What a great achievement! You can join us at any of our task parties and will receive a warm welcome (see dates on page 9).

Two large litter picks around Lock 17 and Lock Island, Westbridge Arm of the River Nene and the area behind B&Q and KFC have recently taken place, during which 23 shopping trollies and well over 100 bags of assorted rubbish was collected.

In addition, we tackle many other things like grass cutting and hedge laying, sowing of wild flower seeds and planting spring bulbs, painting of lock gates (all 17 of them) and clearing by-pass weirs, all to improve the look and serviceability of the Arm. We are lucky to have corporate volunteers like Cummins Power Systems who have helped us in the past providing manpower and finance and who are going to do the same again this year. They will be assisting us as we continue to upgrade the towpath between Wootton Brook and Lock 13, a length of about 75 meters. Another section will be similarly upgraded in September.

Please take a look at the work that has been done on the Arm and let me know your thoughts, and any other things that you think could improve it even further.

On pages 18-20, Paul Simpson (a regular volunteer on the Arm) has written an interesting article about his first narrowboat trip in 2001. Perhaps you have a boating trip you could entertain us with? Please email me - details on page 30.

Tony Clarke IWA Northampton Branch has a Facebook page. It is at https://www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in discussion on what’s happening.

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DIARY DATES D

June 3rd –5th

Crick Boat Show, Crick Marina Details www.crickboatshow.com

15th & 16th Mikron Theatre Company at The Admiral Nelson Braunston.

The Shows this year are “Raising Agents” a story of the Women’s Institute and a tale of friendship and “Sky at Night” which explores the issues surrounding weather and climate 17th

Mikron Theatre at Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum

18th

Mikron Theatre at The Old Rectory, Blisworth

25th-26th Braunston Historic Boat Rally-Braunston Marina More information on page 10 and back page

July

23rd-24th Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair at Cosgrove Lock and Village Hall. Details from www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk

August

27th-29th IWA Festival of Water on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Burton on Trent Details www.waterways.org.uk

ALL WORK PARTY DATES ARE ON PAGE 9 IWA Northampton Branch web site www.waterways.org.uk/northampton Please visit it regularly to see any updates

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GRAND JUNCTION BOAT COMPANY GAYTON JUNCTION BLISWORTH ARM NORTHAMPTON NN7 3EF

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MARINE ENGINEERS ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL PLUMBING & HEATING CRANE OUT HULL BLACKING & SPRAYING IF PREFERRED DIY SLOTS AVAILABLE HULL GRIT BLASTING WITH QUILL MACHINE OVERPLATING & STEEL WORK STERN GEAR BARRUS SHIRE AGENTS BETA AGENTS WEBASTO AGENTS CHANDLERY

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Branch Chairman’s Jottings

by Bernard Morton Spring has sprung! We have just enjoyed an exceptionally warm, sunny Easter to rival the Spanish Costas and the gardens and verges around where I live (Gayton) are full of beautiful Spring flowers. The lawns are growing fast assisted by some short April showers. Let’s hope the reservoirs supporting the inland waterways system have been fully replenished over autumn and winter so we can avoid lock closures and restricted passages over summer.

BRANCH AGM. Since my last J ottings, the Br anch has held its AGM – this time with face-to-face interaction rather than via Zoom. I was pleased to welcome Paul Rodgers, our National Chairman, to our AGM. He gave a short talk at the end of business and showed that he is a keen supporter of the branch network of IWA and that he admires what we have achieved in Northampton Branch. Sadly, we only managed to attract 5 members, other than Committee members, out of a membership for the Branch of around 340. I know many of our members live outside our area and are part of our Branch because their boats are moored here but we were hoping for more than 5 to attend. We had the added attraction of the auction of a David Blagrove painting and a sale of books donated by the family of John Russell. Although several of the books were purchased on the night, many are still available. If you would like to acquire any of these, please contact Treasurer Paul Lynam (his contact details are at the end of this issue). No bids were received for the painting so we will probably now open it up to all IWA members.

This year, it was Catriona Butler and Geoff Wood’s turn to retire by rotation – both had put themselves forward for re-election. They were duly re-elected but we are looking for additional members to join our Committee. All our Committee meetings are now held via Zoom which worked well during the Covid lockdowns. If meeting face-to-face in Stoke Bruerne has put you off wanting to join us before, maybe you will think again now that Zoom is an option? We would really love to have some new people with fresh ideas join us – and you don’t have to wait until the next AGM – we can co-opt you! Please contact me using the details at the end of this issue for more information.

At our first Committee meeting after the AGM, our first task is always the election of officers. I can report that I was re-elected as Chairman, and everyone remains in their former roles.

BRANCH SOCIAL GATHERINGS. At the AGM and via email, I have expressed our concerns about the dwindling attendances at our social gatherings/talks at The Walnut Tree. Unfortunately, the numbers attending since the Covid lockdowns have meant that these are running at a significant loss when the room hire, fee for speaker or their expenses and wine for the raffle are set against the income of £2 per head from a handful of attendees. I have appealed for members to come forward and tell us why they have stopped coming. Is it the location or the timing of the talks, is it the topics chosen, have you got out of the habit of turning out on what could be

8 cold, dark evenings, what would encourage you to attend our only Branch social gettogethers since our boat gatherings ceased?

We received some feedback from attendees at the AGM which is highlighted below.

However, I am still very keen to hear from the rest of our members and what your thoughts are. Please don’t be bashful – we want to hear from you not only on the suggestions we have already received from the AGM but any new ideas you may have.

BOATING PLANS. With the longer days and war mer weather , Sandie and I have been thinking about boating expeditions. Initially, we shall be heading to Bristol again with our good friends Linda and Ian Bekusch. On the way, we intend to visit the Aylesbury, Wendover Arm and Slough Arms which we haven’t visited before. Apart from the Arms, we did this trip a few years ago in gloriously hot weather and thoroughly enjoyed it – apart from encountering a submerged tree which damaged our prop. We shall be keeping a sharp look-out for such obstructions this time.

I will close by wishing you all a safe and very enjoyable summer wherever you may go, but particularly if you find yourselves in or around our delightful inland waterways. Don’t forget that many of the boat shows and festivals which have been cancelled for the last couple of years due to Covid restrictions are BACK! Firstly, there is the Crick Boat Show which will be held over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. This is then followed by the Historic Boat Rally and Festival at Braunston on the weekend 25 – 26th June and the Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair on the 23rd – 24th July. Let’s hope that they all enjoy good weather and large attendances.

STOP PRESS: It was with gr eat sadness that I lear ned fr om Head Office that Paul Rodgers, our National Chairman who came to our AGM, has just resigned. His drive, energy and his communication skills will be a loss to IWA. His resignation comes shortly after that of Phil Hornsey who replaced Neil Edwards as Chief Executive and Joanne Mass the newly appointed Marketing Manager, who replaced Gemma Bolton.

Feedback from the AGM on Branch Meetings Start Meetings at 7.30 pm 1 1/2 hours is long enough Poor acoustics Cold room Sameness with format Good speakers Mix up things with “Games Night” with buffet-not always a talk Do talks have to be waterway related?

Afternoon meetings –to appeal to retired/elderly who might not want to turn out on winters night or drive in the dark.

What do you think of these? If you have any other suggestions don’t be shy please let Sandie Morton know - we want your help. Sandie’s details are on page 30.

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TASK PARTY DATES NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTY DATES June 21st. July 3rd, 19th.

August 7th, 16th. September 4th, 20th.

Contact: geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or phone 01604 453932 BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WORK PARTY DATES Every Tuesday, Every Thursday and second and last Sunday in month Contact athinabec@aol.com or phone 01908 661217/07721 319404 STOKE BRUERNE CANAL PARTNERSHIP WORK PARTY DATES June 8th. July 13th.

August 10th. September 14th.

Contact: stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk BRAUNSTON CANAL SOCIETY TASK PARTY DATES June 9th, 25th. July 14th, 30th.

August 11th, 27th. September 8th, 24th.

Contact Clive at braunstoncanalsociety@gmail.com or phone/text Clive on 07817 435911.

The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or aWith all the rain that we have had n official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine.

Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however, gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify articles published in the interests of clarity or space.

The Inland Waterways Association is registered as a charity (No. 212342)

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With the lifting of Lockdown, and the prospect of a full season of waterways rallies and festivals ahead - including the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally at the end of June - the relatively new owners of EFFINGHAM, Keith and Gill Astley have recently had a full repaint carried out to the boat, restoring it to its original 1959 British Waterways livery. The work Father and son narrowboat painters Dave and Aaron was carried out by father and Bishop with proud owners Keith and Gill Astley astern on the repainted EFFINGHAM (Tim Coghlan) son boat-painters Dave and Aaron Bishop in Braunston Marina’s famous 1792 ‘Little Dry Dock’ – used by generations of famous narrowboat painters, including the legendary Frank Nurser, and later Ron Hough, who taught Dave his trade.

The EFFINGHAM is now back on its mooring in the marina, allowing four weeks for the paint to harden up before applying the cherry-on-the- cake, a replica vinyl transfer of the British Waterways logo, which was applied to all the boats in its fleet, as they came up for repaints or in the case of new boats, such as the Admiral Class, as they were built in the late 1950s. There are original unused transfers still out there somewhere, somewhat faded and hard to get, but an enterprising firm in Scotland now makes replicas and the Astleys have acquired a pair of them ready to go.

The Astleys acquired the EFFINGHAM in December 2019, and moved it to their home mooring at Braunston Marina. Their purchase turned out to be shortly before the Covid-19 epidemic hit in the Spring of 2020 – and they have since been very restricted in the opportunities to use the boat, and more importantly to continue the great restoration programme carried out by the two previous owners – whose endeavours the Astleys willingly acknowledge.

The EFFINGHAM story is a fascinating one – a tale of the triumph of reality over false hope. The canals and waterways were nationalized on 1 st January, 1948 - and with them in time the major canal carriers. This was by the post-WWII Labour government as it sought to bring all the major forms of transport into public ownership, as part of a massive programme of nationalization. The new canal-controlling body came to known in abbreviated form as British Waterways, which name appeared on their canal fleet. By that time, for many observers it was a strange move, as the writing was on the wall for canal transportation. The IWA had been founded just over a year before, in 1946, in order to try and save them, as they collapsed under near-

11 bankrupt private ownership. As the canal historian David Blagrove commented, whatever one’s views are on the merits of post-WWII nationalization generally, in the case of the canals, it actually unintentionally saved them.

Soon British Waterways realized the enormity of the task it had taken on, and became hell-bent on closing all but the major canals and reducing the size of the huge fleets of carriers it had acquired – principally from the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company and Fellows, Morton & Clayton. The surviving fleet had its old livery Caught on camera The Effingham filmed by changed, as the boats that were to Pathe News in 1964, entering the Anderton Lift.

The notorious hold-hoops have been replaced be retained came in for repaints. A new simple livery of yellow cabin by a low level triangular cratch, mast and stands. sides with pale blue coach lines The steerer is Jim Brdley – looking a proper Boatman Bill. (Pathe News / P J Harrison) was devised, much to the boatmen and the IWA’s disgust. So there was a role-reversal of blue sides with yellow coach lines. And this pattern was further tweaked so that by the mid-late 1950s, the livery had changed some three times – almost like today’s Premier football clubs and their shirts. And if the boatmen wanted their roses and castle panels repainted, they were offered modern transfers – so some of them taught themselves how to do it, and made quite a good job of it.

Then in the mid-late 1950s, British Waterways had a dramatic change of heart. It decided there still was a future for cargo-carrying – especially coal, on which the country still very much depended for its energy. The cunning plan was to use the latest technology in naval architecture, though they used their own designers rather than employing naval architects.

The team came up with what was to be called the Admiral Class. The boats were to be fabricated in light modern welded steel – rather than the heavier gauged steel put together with rivets of pre-war boats. This made them much lighter, so reducing the draft, and allowing for greater cargoes to be carried. The motors could load 29 tons versus the 23-24 tons on the pre-war motors. To take this extra load an inset coaming of about six inches in height was added above the gunnels and low hoops were placed across the hold to allow for faster sheeting when loading and unloading. The motors’ hulls were especially designed with a curved bow, forcing a wave of water to move under the boat when underway, thus giving it a better lift to the deeper stern on shallow canals, and consequently making them faster. The beam was reduced from the pre-war standard of seven feet to 6’10”, to allow for narrow locks on the northern canals where the lock chambers had narrowed through lack of maintenance. And to make life better for the boatmen a small toilet room with a chemical toilet was in-

12 cluded in the extended butty cabin. But there were no panels for roses & castles on the inside of the stern doors – just a very simple functional design, which has been recreated on the restored EFFINGHAM. It all seemed a good idea, and British Waterways bravely ordered four pairs of motors and butties of this Admiral Class to be built Isaac Pimbolt & Sons of Northwich and a final two pairs from Yarwoods of Northwich. The boats took famous admiral names working alphabetically from Anson, and then finally running out with the motor Mountbatten, which transpired to be the last working narrowboat built for the canals It was launched in 1960. The Admiral Class never quite made the Nelson Touch!

The EFFINGAHM, named after the hero of the Defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, was built by Pimblott somewhere in the middle period, with its keel laid in October 1958, and then launched in 1959. By contrast the last private sector narrowboat the butty Raymond had been launched in June 1958 at what was then Samuel Barlows Yard at what is today Braunston Marina.

Amazingly for another two years British Waterways just kept their boats coming.

It was all too good to last.

The hoops across the hold proved a disaster as the grabs of the cranes unloading the coal could not get into the hold and these had to be removed, and new ad hoc methods of covering the holds were devised. The fleet was now facing increasing The Effingham half-sunk on the Montgomery competition from the denaCanal in 2007 prior to rescue and restoration by tionialised road transport, private owners. (Photographer now unknown) which was using the new motorways and improved roads. In 1964, after little more that five years of running its Admiral Class, British Waterways closed its northern carrying fleet. The EFFINGHAM was hired out to various remnant private sector carriers, before being taken back into its northern maintenance fleet, where it endured various stages of decline in 2007 it was photographed in its pale green plain livery lying half-sunk on the Montgomery Canal.

But a new life beckoned. The EFFINGHAM was sold to the first of three private owners in 2010, who between them have carried out major restorations, including having reproduction hoops made to go across the hold. The boat’s original engine was a Parsons Merganser air cooled 2 cylinder diesel, but when the boat was bought privately it had by then a Lister HR 2, which despite being partly submerged, was salvaged and repaired and once again running. The Lister HR 2 engines were amaz-

13 ingly robust and very popular in the last years of canal carrying. In 1968 the Braunston based Blue Line fleet, installed them in the NUTFIELD and RENFREW, when the boats were acquired from British Waterways in 1968, and both engines remain in good working order.

Taking on from where those previous two owners left off, the Astleys are very aware of the precious heritage they have acquired, especially as the EFFINGHAM is now on the UK Historic Ships Register. Their repaint takes the EFFINGHAM back to its British Waterways livery when first launched – replacing the post-recovery one that was not correct in every detail and was now also starting to rust and fade.

The Astleys also have a number of other plans to take the boat back as far as possible to its original specification, bar changing that engine. They have just spent over £2,000 having it overhauled by Braunston based Paul Redshaw Vintage Diesels.

Keith is delighted with the result: ‘That old engine now runs perfectly and only uses a litre of diesel an hour – better than some modern narrowboat engines.’

The EFFINGHAM will parade with over fifty historic narrowboats already booked in for the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally. And there is every prospect of many more – including at least two other surviving narrowboats from the Admiral Class.

There will also be several other historic narrowboats which have chosen to opt for the British Waterways livery, rather than the liveries of the canal fleets for which they were originally built.

As to that NELSON, hire fleet operators Anglo Welsh introduced its new luxury fleet in 2020, called appropriately the Admiral Class, as a tribute to that British Waterways fleet. The ‘flagship’ is brand new NELSON. So in a sense that great British Waterways fleet lives on.

BW boats (including Nutfield) at Hawkesbury Junction 13th June 1959

14 Mr Jordan told the PA news agency that the explosives were “safer out than they are in” the canal.

“It’s exciting, but it’s very gut-wrenching as well," he said after locating the objects.

Though Mr Jordan had found explosives before while magnet fishing, this was the most he had ever found.

“When we get explosives, when we’re doing what we’re doing, it’s a bit of a ‘oh no, not again’," he said.

"Because we have to call the police. We have to pack up our magnets. We have to move on."

Mr Jordan began magnet fishing eight years ago

A British Army bomb disposal team conducted a “controlled explosion” of the objects, a statement from Northamptonshire Police said.

Police said they were called at 9.50am on Thursday “following reports that a man magnet fishing had pulled up a number of track explosives”.

“Officers from the EOD attended and at about 2.20pm, a controlled explosion was carried out”, the statement added.

Credit Dave Jordan /PA /Anglia News

We extend a warm welcome to the following who have joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour NEW MEMBERS

Winners for the 100 Club March draw The draw took place at the AGM in March and was drawn by Clive Johnson.

1st Prize Andy Savoury £110 2nd Prize Sandie & Bernard Morton £40 3rd Prize Helen & Rob Westlake £25 You can join the 100 Club by contacting Paul Lynam details on page 30 for next years draws.

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Northamptonshire RESTAURANT º BARS º TRIP BOAT DINE IN STYLE IN WOODWARD’S CANALSIDE RESTAURANT 01604 862428 www.boatinn.co.uk

The Branch is collecting old printer, toner and/or inkjet cartridges for recycling.

I would be most willing to take them off your hands.

This form of recycling may not generate large amounts of funds but, as they say, every little helps.

Please bring them to the Branch meetings or please email me on sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk

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VISIT STOWE HILL WHARF FOR ALL Y

Proprietor Robert Gudgeon welcomes you to Stowe Hill Workshop

Full Repaints Hull Blacking/Stern Gear Inspection and Repairs Engine Repairs and Maintenance Complete Fit-Out and Woodwork Alterations Plumbing Installations and Repairs Electrical Installations and Repairs NEW — Fuel Polishing Service Stockists of Morris Oils and Grease Full range of Batteries always available (please let us know your requirements) By road we are easily found, a few yards off the A5 at Stowe Hill towards Nether Heyford. By boat close to Bridge 26          

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN, FROM SIMPLE TASKS TO COMPLETE FIT-OUTS

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YOUR ESSENTIAL BOATING SERVICES

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OUR FIRST NARROWBOAT TRIP

by Paul Simpson

In April 2001 the country was in the grip of Foot and Mouth disease, Tony Blair was Prime Minister and I was about to turn 50. To celebrate this milestone birthday my wife, Jan, and I, together with our best friends Derek & Lynne, decided to hire a narrowboat for the weekend. As none of us had any boating experience I read all I could about handling a narrowboat and operating locks, etc. We planned the route & itinerary and hired a boat from Blisworth, then promptly booked restaurants for the 3 nights of our trip.

On a half-day holiday from work we turned up on the Friday afternoon and received basic instructions on cruising, including, strangely, advice on not to tow anything.

Also, every time we got on or off the boat we must step in a tray of disinfectant to avoid spreading Foot and Mouth. So, producing a mini cloud of diesel fumes, we cautiously set off in the direction of Stoke Bruerne, and only 5 minutes or so into our first ever narrowboat trip we disappeared into Blisworth Tunnel. We were closely followed by another boat with a group drinking beer and playing a guitar which echoed loudly in the tunnel confines.

I was steering and, fortunately, Derek had decided to stand up front when right into the depths of the tunnel he shouted for me to stop. Apparently, there was a narrowboat stranded without power or any electricity / lights – a frightening experience in near total darkness. I shouted for the following boat to stop also and, amazingly, was heard above the music and singing. A disaster avoided.

With the instruction of don't tow Approaching Blisworth Tunnel anything fresh in our minds we pondered what to do. Obviously, we couldn't leave them there so we had little choice. Fortunately, they were headed in the same direction as us, so we started to pull round them to attach a rope when the 'light at the end of the tunnel' came by in the opposite direction and just missed us!

Another disaster avoided.

Suitably hitched up we towed them out of the tunnel (more diesel fumes) and dropped them off close to the buildings in Stoke Bruerne, where we also moored up.

The owner of our boat was there to greet us and we thought we're in trouble because of towing, but he seemed pleased that we had rescued the stranded boat (how did he know?). As we were getting ready to go to The Boat Inn for the evening there was a knock on the cabin door. The lady from the boat we had towed came to say 'thank you' with a bottle of wine adorned with a bow. I understand having wine on a narrowboat, but where did she get the bow? It was gratefully received and we retired to

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The Boat Inn Stoke Bruerne with overhanging restaurant the restaurant for a lovely meal, sitting in the overhang window gazing out at the canal.

We woke early Saturday morning to a good frost and the prospect of our first ever lock. I was elected helmsman again and after a quick breakfast we set off for Stoke Bruerne top lock, with a little fear and trepidation. Fortunately, the boat in front of us also pulled out at the same time, and we went through the lock accompanied by a crew of 6 Swedish girls, none of whom had ever been on a narrowboat before, either!

We successfully negotiated the flight and carried on our journey south with each of our party having a go at steering. Shortly after her turn Lynne declared she was feeling unwell and was going for a lay down. We thought, ungraciously, it was too many bubbles from last night but she was ill and spent the next 36 hours in bed. The only time she stirred was when the wind caught us on a bend and we bumped into the bank. Despite this it was decided that I should be helmsman for the rest of the journey.

We had booked a table and mooring slot at the The New Inn, New Bradwell so turned round at the next winding hole and moored up alongside their pub garden.

Derek decided to take a photo of the boat from the opposite bank whilst it was still

Moored by The New Inn New Bradwell

20 light but unfortunately trod in something very unsavoury. Not even the Foot and Mouth disinfectant bath completely disguised the aroma! With shoes changed the three of us trooped up the grassy bank to the pub for our evening meal, leaving poorly Lynne to continue her recovery.

Sunday morning saw another windy day as we headed north back on our return journey. It was mostly uneventful until we got into the lock flight at Stoke Bruerne.

Whilst waiting for two boats to descend the lock I was blown across the pound into the reeds on the far side. No-one had told us about using ropes for other than tying up when mooring, and we thought ropes were for 'newbies' (which we were, but didn't want to look as such). After much to-ing and fro-ing I managed to get the boat back across the pound and into the lock, where we were joined by a day-boat. Their crew opened the ground paddles and straightaway opened the top gate paddles. The cascading water nearly took both boats under and lots of shouting persuaded them to close the gate paddles until they were submerged. Yet another disaster avoided.

When we reached Stoke Bruerne top lock there was a lock-keeper on duty who had opened just one bottom gate for us, with a half-pint of beer sitting on the end of the closed gate's balance beam. I could see that just a nudge against the closed gate would send the drink flying, and result in having to buy a full pint as compensation.

With quite a few people milling around and watching I took the boat into the lock inch-perfect! One disappointed lock-keeper, I think. We moored up at Stoke Bruerne and, this time accompanied by Lynne, we retired to the bistro at The Boat Inn for the evening.

As the boat had to be returned early on Monday morning we made an appropriately early start and safely negotiated Blisworth Tunnel. This time without incident, but not without the occasional shower from the several air shafts. As we were handing back the boat we were greeted by our newly-made Swedish friends all waving goodbye as they passed by on their return to Gayton. We were very reluctant to leave the peace and tranquility of our new-found adventure, but the real-world beckoned us back to reality.

Approaching the Blisworth Tunnel from Stoke Bruerne on our return to Blisworth

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WHILTON MARINA CHANDLERY Well Stocked Chandlery, Diesel, Pump out, Groceries Pay us a visit, just browse and see what we have to offer Open daily 9am –6pm ALL YEAR ROUND

Tel 01327 844639 E-mail: marinachandlery@gmail.com

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Narrow Boat Repairs Narrow Boat Repairs resides on the old Warwickshire Fly Company site on Kaye’s Arm on the Grand Union Canal, located on the Stockton lock flight, between locks 11 and 12, roughly four hours cruise from Braunston. The docks are housed in a Romney fabricated building, (rumoured to be possibly ex MOD).

Kaye’s Arm was once access to one of the many local cement works, and these days it is just as busy but is now used as moorings. It is great to see that life still exists on the arm.

Narrow Boat Repairs has both wet and dry docks which are primarily used by our team but are also available to be hired privately.

The docks are now under the watchful eye of James Marshall and a team of 5 who have brought new life to the docks. Their aim is to continue the quality workmanship and standards set by both Warwickshire Fly Boat Company and latterly Graeme Pearce.

25 Initially, James was mobile, travelling around the county carrying out repairs. He and his team have a combined experience of over 60 years.

Narrowboat Repairs took over the wharf/ docks in 2021 and are steadily building a good client base, along with a superb reputation.

With a new team member in the office, enquiries are welcomed and bookings can be taken at the point of enquiry with availability in both 2022 and 2023 remaining.

Historic and modern boats are both welcome and wide beams up to 11ft for dry docking. We offer a wide range of services including general maintenance and servicing, blacking, steel work including over plating, localised repairs and hot riveting as well as new fabrications and modifications to existing craft.

In-water work can be undertaken from our adjoining wet dock facility, fit out and carpentry shop.

Whether you need an engine service, to take your boat out of the water for a DIY or service blacking or are considering a full or part refit, please get in touch to see how we can help.

You can contact us on 01926 815513 or enquiries@ narrowboatrepairs. co.uk

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BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY The BCS held it's AGM on Friday 25th March at Buckingham Community Centre an 'in person' AGM this time. As the Community Centre wasn't available on the Saturday Friday was the next best option. It was a very successful evening with over forty people in attendance. Included as part of the evening was a very interesting talk by Alison Leighton on Stony Stratford: The Boats that Hayes Built.

Perseverance moored up on a very muddy towpath On its way back to Cosgrove from Adelaid Dock in Southall

At our Cosgrove site we have had extra help from a Network Rail visit on 15th February and Ingram Micro on 11th March. We have also had two weekend visits from KESCRG over the weekend of 12th - 13th March and BITM WRG on the weekend of 9th -10th April. A lot of work was achieved at Cosgrove including plenty of dredging.

27 The BCS fleet continues to grow as Perseverance joined our other work boat Louise a few days ago. Perseverance comes to us on long term loan from Rob Locatelli and Canal and River Services in Basingstoke. The boat comes with a mid-section removable skip that can be lifted out, an 8-tonne excavator forms the basis of the dredger which is mounted on a turntable. She also has a very large engine to drive a hydraulic propulsion unit.

Work also continues at our Hyde Lane and Bourton Meadow sites nearer to Buckingham where wild flower beds have been planted on the non towpath side. Plenty more work to keep our volunteers busy!

Athina Beckett Buckingham Canal Society

Now that the restrictions have been lifted and we are able to go cruising again let me know about your trip so we can all share in your experiences.

Write a report about your cruise, let others know the good and not so good places to moor, eat, drink, places of interest worth visiting and anything else that might help others to enjoy that area. Let us know of any mishaps or interesting things that happened on your journey. Include pictures of your cruise, unusual things scenery and anything else that you want to add.

Or maybe you could tell us about the boats you’ve hired or owned. Email your articles to me, tony.clarke@waterways.org.uk

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29 All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.

COMMERCIAL RATES

CLASSIFIEDS

1/4 Page (box) £12.00 +VAT 1/2 Page (box) £25.00 +VAT Full Page £40.00 +VAT Other sizes by arrangement

(suggested donations) £1.50 for 22 words, 15p each additional word £3.50 for box around classified advertisement (nb. telephone numbers count as one word) £3.50 for photographs

10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance 5% discount for 4 issues paid quarterly

Our regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May inclusive

Keep an eye out for important announcements regarding our 2022 – 2023 season!

Interesting talks/events plus a new venue and time, taking into account members wishes.

Remember … all members and non-members warmly welcomed

Next Meeting will be 11th October 2022

Speaker to be announced The next edition of Endeavour will be published in August 2022

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Branch Chairman Bernard Morton

07785 375787/ 01604 858294 E-mail: bernard.morton @waterways.org.uk

Vice Chairman, Joint Task Party Organiser & Membership Secretary Geoff Wood

E-mail: geoff.wood @waterways.org.uk

Branch Secretary Sandie Morton 01604 858294

E-mail: sandie.morton @waterways.org.uk

Joint Task Party Organiser Michael Butler E-mail: michael.butler @waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer Helen Westlake

E-mail: helen.westlake @waterways.org.uk

Committee Member Catriona Butler E-mail: catriona butler @waterways.org.uk

Treasurer

Paul Lynam

E-mail: paul.lynam @waterways.org.uk

Newsletter & Archivist Tony Clarke

07305 893924

E-mail: tony.clarke @waterways.org.uk

Committee Member John Pomfret

E-mail: john.pomfret @waterways.org.uk

Non-Committee posts Website and Media Officers

Gail Anscombe Email: gail.anscombe@waterways.org.uk Lynda Payton Email: Lynda.payton@waterways.org.uk

Vacancies Branch Meetings Publicity Officer and Grants Officer

The Inland Waterways Association is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country's 6,500 miles of canals and rivers .

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