Aegre July 2016

Aegre no. 145, July 2016 Special features in this issue - finally Fulney Lock transit to Spalding; Boston Barrier update; and Festival and new moorings in Leicestershire

From the East Midlands Region of

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 1

Kingfisher Narrowboats Ltd For DIY or Serviced Blacking at our covered dry dock at Trent Lock on the junction of the River Trent and the Erewash Canal. We are able to take two narrow boats together, or boats up to 75ft x 13ft Specialist narrow boat fitters for alterations and re-fits, including painting, electrical and mechanical work.

Tel: 0115 972 7936 www.kingfishernarrowboats.co.uk E-mail: enquiry@kingfishernarrowboats.co.uk Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 2

Aegre is published Š 2016 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association for members of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branches.

Chairman

David Pullen, 16 Church Street, Scothern, Lincoln LN2 2UA. Tel: 01673 862278

Vice-Chairman

Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End, Goxhill DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138

Leicestershire Branch Chairman

Ian McDonald, 1 Goodheart Way, Thorpe Astley, Leicester LE3 3RX. Tel: 0116 3321534

Lincolnshire Branch Chairman

Dave Carnell (as above)

Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman

Mike Snaith, Hawthorne Cottage, 70 Main St, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7EU

Secretary & WRG

John Baylis, 215 Clipstone Rd West, Forest Town, Mansfield NG19 0HJ Tel: 01623 621208

Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth, LN11 0GQ E-mail: aegre@waterways.org.uk Advertisement Manager for Aegre: Ian Mc Donald, see above.

E-mail: aegre.adverts@waterways.org.uk This is the web version, with lower definition pictures.

Picture credits: Front cover: Boats leaving Fulney Lock, Aegre picture; Page 5: Bank works at South Kyme, from Mel and Sue Sowerby; Other credits, page 29.

Registered Office; Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Registered as a Charity No: 212342.

Tel: 01494 783453. Website: http://www.waterways.org.uk The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the East Midlands Region. They are published as being of interest to our members and other readers.

The inclusion of any advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the IWA East Midlands Region or any of its Branches.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 3

Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region

Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society Erewash Canal P & D Association

Chris Madge, c/o 62 Broadway, Duffield, Derby DE56 4BU Tel: 07827 946444 www.derbycanal.org.uk

Norman Cornwell, 38 Millfield Road, Kimberley, Notts.

NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 8544155 Mobile 07980 091601 www.erewashcanalpreservationanddevelopmentassoc.org.uk

Foxton Inclined Plane Trust

Friends of Charnwood Forest

Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk

Canal

Mike Handford, 1 Sheepy Close, Hinckley, LE10 1JL Tel: 01455 611508 mahandford@gmail.com

Friends of the Cromford Canal

John Baylis, see page 3.

Grantham Canal Society

Mike Stone, 7, Crow Park Drive, Burton Joyce, Nottingham NG14 5AS; Tel: 0115 931 3375 www.granthamcanal.com

Louth Navigation Trust

Paula Hunt, Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead, Louth LN11 0DA Tel: 01507 605496 www.louthcanal.org.uk

Melton & Oakham

Michael Clowes, tel: 01509 414140, e-mail: lindandmick@btinternet.com www.meltonwaterways.co.uk

Waterways Society

www.cromfordcanal.org.uk

Sleaford Navigation Trust

Steve Hayes, 10 Chelmer Close, N. Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8TH Tel: 01522 689460 www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk

Trent and Mersey Canal Society

10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0BL. Tel: 01606 834471 www.tamcs.org.uk

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 4

Aegre

No. 145 July 2016

Bank works at South Kyme

Contents Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region........................................4 The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam...........................................................6 From David Pullen..................................................................................7 Boston Barrier Update............................................................................8 IWA Campaign Cruise to Spalding and Crowland..................................9 IWA Restoration Committee meets in Spalding...................................13 News from Leicestershire.....................................................................15 Mountsorrel Visitor Mooring Arrangements..........................................19 Lincolnshire Happenings......................................................................20 News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire........................................23 Around the Societies and Trusts..........................................................28 Picture Credits......................................................................................29 News from Grantham Restoration........................................................30 Journals Received................................................................................31

Next issue probably to be published in November 2016. Contributions to the editor (see page 3 ) by the end of September 2016 please.

The space on the right is for local contact information.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 5

The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam While I always try to include a fair picture of events and happenings around the Region, it is much more enjoyable to put in positive news, rather than reports of floods, fires, fallen trees across the cut, and locks that don’t work. So this issue in your hand seems a very positive one. At last the passage from Boston to Spalding via Fulney Lock has taken place; there are reports of new mooring facilities either open or nearly there, and the rush of May and June events has passed successfully, even if with some non-ideal weather.

already on the website. The mechanism to get this available to members is not yet sorted, but we will keep you informed. During the Spalding trip we were honoured by the presence of professional journalism in the form of the Editor of Towpath Talk, Janet Richardson, so you may also see something in that monthly.

One of the commonplace understandings of canal history is that the railways did their best to take over the trade in transport of goods from the canals. So it was interesting to happen on an example of current railways promoting the canals. Not strictly in Many will have used the pontoon mooring at Gunthorpe to go to the pub our region, but I couldn’t help being impressed by a picture of Bingley or restaurant nearby. A query has Five Rise Locks on the side of a railarisen on access over the adjacent way carriage. grassland, believed to be common land. If anyone has experience of using this access “historically” could they please let Mike Snaith know (page 3).

During the week-end when the boats went up the Welland, we managed to get some video footage of some of the progress. Although not shot with an expert hand, we were encouraged by looking at some of the material about canals etc. on YouTube. The feeling was “However bad it is, it can’t be as awful as some of the stuff already out there”. So work is in progress to assemble and edit a sort of video supplement to Aegre, and hopefully to Best wishes for the rest of the season, add to the useful IWA material Peter Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 6

From David Pullen It has been a hectic start to the cruising season and I find myself reflecting on events in our region. We have had events or campaign cruises at Leicester, South Kyme, Foxton and Spalding, and later in the year the Nottingham Canal day will be on 1st October. So all in all our region has activity covering all our area.

There was also the successful trail boat and campaign rally at Staveley on the Chesterfield Canal. Technically outside our Region, but let’s count it anyway!

For 2017 CRT are still keen to have some sort of event in Lincoln and I have been invited to discuss plans.

Also watch this space for a major event in the East Midlands for 2017.

The Spalding cruise (page 9) was very worthwhile and certainly raised the IWA profile in that part of the Fens. It was disappointing that only two boats made the trip but the support from local boaters and others was excellent.

I have already got several boaters from afar who want to do the cruise next year, so don’t wait too long before booking as the numbers are very limited.

Seeing Fulney Lock operated by EA staff has made me realise that it may be too physical and technical for volunteers to operate. I also have reservations as to whether it will be practical for volunteers to carry out periodic de-silting, but we should keep an open mind on that for the time being.

Plans for IWA to take over leadership of Fens Waterways Link are on hold until we can establish funding for a project officer. We are realising that it is a massive project that we should not take on without adequate resources.

In the last Aegre I foolishly commented about the relatively dry winter we had experienced here in the East Midlands and it seems that nature is taking its revenge with fairly regular strong stream and flooding events closing both the Trent and the Soar in Spring and early Summer. Our June rainfall at Lincoln is already twice the normal average with another full week to go!

Lastly the Boston Barrier saga continues and EA have now published the draft Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), with an appropriate response from IWA challenging the lack of water level management in Boston and the significantly increased navigation risks once the barrier is built. It looks as if there will definitely be a public hearing in Boston later in the summer.

If you see me and Yvonne out and about on “Rhoda Ellen – Sileby Mill” please give us a toot or stop for a chat.

I hope you have a great summer whatever your waterway interests are!

David

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 7

Boston Barrier Update We previously reported on the concerns of river users regarding safety aspects of the EA`s proposals for navigation, both during and after construction. The IWA recognises the importance of and does not and will not oppose the barrier per se, but makes the case that the design can be improved for the safety of navigation and future economic potential of Boston`s waterfront.

These concerns have been realized by Boston Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny – Corporate and Community Committee which invited IWA, and representatives from other concerned groups, to attend a meeting where, following presentations by the EA and Lincolnshire County Council, they gave their responses.

gave a presentation highlighting a number of issues in the EA`s Environmental Statement: - Loss of Water Level Management, as detailed in the EA/LCC Consultants’ report of 2015.

- Lack of comprehensive evaluation of flow velocities and directions over the whole range of tides that navigators must negotiate, high flows being a major concern.

- Proposal to operate the barrier as a permanent one-way gate, and to close the Haven to navigation on several occasions to facilitate construction.

Other representations from commercial and leisure river users raised further concerns including: restricted vision; the ability to operate safely through the barrier; the ability of the barrier to pass potential A representative of Boston & District Fisherman`s Association and former Port fluvial flood waters; and the lack of provision of a navigation lock that would of Boston Harbour Master gave a sumimprove navigation safety and provide a mary of a former 1994 Barrier proposal second flood relief facility in the event of lower down the Haven with a large lock EA`s flood modelling not being accurate. which would have helped the Port by Issues over the Wash Fishermen`s welfare impounding water to allow ships to were raised, and the possible loss of the unload and gain a “safe haven”; had fleet to Boston`s economic and employincluded power generation; and allowed economic development of Boston`s water- ment scene because the promise of a new front and the Fens Waterways Link. This wharf downstream has been withdrawn. was a missed opportunity. The present The Councillors then asked a number of proposal is dangerous due to high flows questions and it appeared they had been and significant risks to navigation collisions and will make getting beyond Grand fed a rosy picture by the EA. In summing up, the Chairman said he was not happy Sluice more difficult. with the concerns of river users and has Observers at the meeting noted that following this presentation Council Officers requested further details from the EA to enable him to present the facts at a workand Councillors were making careful shop with his Committee Members for notes. further discussion, with the possibility of Gren Messham, Chair of the IWA Navia further public meeting. D Carnell gation Committee and an IWA Trustee,

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 8

IWA Campaign Cruise to Spalding and Crowland

Press Coverage at Fulney

The twice cancelled IWA cruise to Spalding in support of the Fens Waterways Link (FWL) finally took place from 2024 May following pressure by IWA for the Environment Agency to re-open Fulney Lock.

Disappointingly, only two boats made the trip; Bouncin Brass - a 25ft cruiser skippered by David Collin, IWA member from Swineshead (together with bull mastiff “Alfie”!), and Rhoda Ellen - a 55ft narrow-boat crewed by David and Yvonne Pullen.

The window for the cruise had to be carefully timed to use a period of spring high tides of sufficient height to make a level of 3.1m ODN (approximately 6.94m at Boston Lock Sill) at Fulney Lock on the outskirts of Spalding. The spring tides occur about every two weeks in a cycle with the low neap tides.

We left Boston Grand Sluice on the first level tide (tide rising) at 16.25 on Friday 20 May. It was an interesting trip down the Haven River (Witham outfall), meeting Elisabeth S inbound for the Port of Boston (PoB) on the rising tide. She is a 2000 tonne Dutch registered ship carrying general cargoes into and out of Boston on a regular basis. We kept in touch with PoB and the PoB pilot on Marine Band radio channel 12. We passed Elisabeth S with plenty of room about a mile inland from Tabs Head.

10 days later she was in Belgium in-bound for Liège.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 9

Tabs Head is the fixed marker beacon which separates the Haven channel from the Welland Channel. It requires very nearly a 180° turn to starboard. A pilot is not required if the journey is made on the top of the tide as both the Haven and the Welland channels are fully marked by Starboard and Port To Tabs Head beacons. Conditions in the Haven were benign due to a less than Force 2 (light breeze) from the SW. However, as we turned up the Welland Channel the breeze was coming straight down the channel and we had a small swell to deal with for about five minutes. The rest of the trip up to Fosdyke Bridge Yacht Haven was uneventful, although the final two miles were against the ebbing tide. We moored at Fosdyke at 19.35. The 15 mile trip had taken 3 hrs 10 mins at an average speed of 4.73 mph.

At Fosdyke Later, liquid refreshment was taken in The Ship Inn, a delightfully restored wayside pub on the A17, which really benefits from the Yacht Haven and the friendly marine atmosphere, since the old port has been converted for leisure boating services.

The morning tide started running at about 05.00 but we delayed leaving until 06.20, making 6.25 mph for most of the way. We entered Fulney at 07.40 on the level rising tide (i.e. first level) and the EA staff had the outer lock gates open ready for us to sail straight in.

This 6½ mile leg took 1hr 20min at an average speed of 4.9mph. On reflection we should have left Fosdyke about an hour earlier and waited for the tide level in the Fulney approach channel.

Entering Fulney Lock Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 10

Bouncin Brass, with higher superstructure than Rhoda Ellen, only just made it under the A151 traffic bridge (left).

We moored in Spalding at 08.25 on the excellent moorings immediately upstream of the town centre. Waiting in Spalding to welcome us were IWA members Gill Houston and Richard Fairman on NB Alcedo, which is normally moored in Spalding. Ayscoughfee Hall is directly opposite, and this is where the IWA Restoration Committee (ResCom) were having their meeting later on in the morning (see report later in this edition, and the mooring place picture on the back cover).

On Sunday 22 May Alcedo and Rhoda Ellen cruised up the Welland to the head of navigation at Peakirk, stopping for Sunday lunch at “The Old Bridge” at Crowland. Right next to the pub is an excellent recently constructed slipway (a Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership (LWP) project). We moored on Peakirk - no mooring the southern bank opposite the pub on new moorings (also LWP funded). The Welland upstream of Spalding is an extremely pleasant, wide and deep, fen-land river with only low flood banks allowing excellent views across the fens. The river is wide enough to turn anywhere along this length. At Four Mile Bar we passed under the new footbridge (page 12), which replaced a previous low concrete structure – another LWP project!

Alcedo and Rhoda Ellen returned to Spalding on the Sunday evening.

Unfortunately, Bouncin Brass was unable to cruise beyond Spalding due to low headroom at Balmoral Avenue footbridge (1.85m) and Little London Crowland Slip Bridge (2.01m).

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 11

At 18.30 on Monday 23 May we began the return trip, leaving Spalding and passing through Fulney Lock at 20.00 and down to Fosdyke to moor at 21.20.

The tide was ebbing fast and both boats had to turn beyond the pontoons and come onto the pontoons by stemming against the flow. More liquid refreshment was taken in the Ship Inn!

Crowland Mooring

On Tuesday 24 May we left Fosdyke at 07.45, running against the last of the flood tide in order to make the turn at Tabs Head on high water. It was a beautiful clear morning with high pressure and a light northerly breeze (Force 2). Unfortunately, by the time we reached Tabs Head the wind had stiffened to a moderate breeze (Force 4) and veered to NNE. This wind, cutting across the increased expanse of clear water between the Haven channel and the Welland at high Four Mile Bar bridge tide, caused about 15 minutes of rough water immediately before making the 180° turn to Port to enter the Haven. Once in the Haven the water was immediately much calmer and we had an uneventful trip up to Boston. A de-rigged fishing vessel also made the trip round from Fosdyke, leaving later than us and passing us about two miles up the Haven. Although Imray’s shipping map app had shown two ships waiting in The Wash to enter PoB these were long gone by the time we entered and we failed to raise PoB on the radio, as they had obviously docked both ships and gone for their breakfasts!

We were aiming for the second level tide at Boston at approximately 10.25 but the effect of the high pressure and the NNE wind had delayed the tide and we eventually passed back onto the nontidal Witham at 11.05. We had arrived at Grand Sluice at 10.40, making the trip in 3hrs 5 mins, so very similar to the outward journey.

The journey round Tabs Head on the high tides is regularly made by leisure craft from the Boston area transiting to Fosdyke for boatyard services. The difference with this cruise was that it had to be Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 12

done on springs in order to get the required tide level at Fulney. The alternative is to make the trip around Tabs Head on the falling tide and anchor just off the Haven outfall, to go aground over low tide. This may necessitate using a pilot and would increase the time in transit by about 8 hours, although the trip up the Welland to Fulney could then be made with the tide in one run rather than waiting over one tide at Fosdyke.

The main purpose of the campaign cruise was to highlight recent improvements to the river Welland from LWP funding as part of the FWL project.

These have improved the river immensely, and Fosdyke, Spalding and Crowland are very worthwhile destinations even before FWL is completed. Whilst for the moment the cruise is only for the more intrepid boaters and crews, it does demonstrate that, even before the Black Sluice Navigation to River Glen connection is in place, a useful part of FWL can be enjoyed. It is also important to note that there is a good selection of slipways already available on the FWL route: Hubbert’s Bridge (Black Sluice Navigation); Fosdyke (River Welland); Crowland (River Welland) and Surfleet (River Glen).

Thanks are due to David Parkinson at Fosdyke Yacht Haven, Paul Styles and Ian Cook, EA operatives at Fulney Lock,, and Irven Forbes, EA Navigations Manager and Sue Cant, EA Navigations Officer for their support and encouragement in planning and completing the cruise. Also a special thank you to LCC Councillor (and IWA member) Richard Fairman for his enthusiasm and support.

David Pullen May 2016

IWA Restoration Committee meets in Spalding This meeting, on May 21st, was to enable members to better appreciate the potential and challenges offered by the Fens Waterways Link (FWL) project.

Members had travelled from across the country, and locally IWA was represented by Steve Hayes, Vice-Chairman of Lincolnshire Branch and David Pullen, Chairman East Midlands Region.

The meeting was hosted by South Holland District Council (SHDC) at Ayscoughfee Hall in Spalding, right on the banks of the River Welland. This was an excellent venue and immense thanks are due to Nigel Burch, SHDC Inward Investment Manager, for kindly organising the venue and the excellent lunch. SHDC are hugely supportive of FWL due to the economic and environmental advantages it can bring to the area and Spalding in particular.

Three IWA members had their boats moored on a very beautiful stretch of the Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 13

River Welland opposite the Hall, to support the meeting and to create a backdrop and context for the potential of FWL in Spalding (picture back cover).

At the start of the meeting David Pullen gave a short presentation on FWL (provided by EA), giving rise to good questions and discussion. This included a number of health warnings about what is currently happening with FWL because, whilst there are several ongoing projects mostly of an environmental nature, the rest of the project is stalled due to lack of funds and resources. Nigel Burch also attended for this item with helpful points of information, and enthusiastic support for anything IWA can do to restart the project. The Committee then continued with their normal agenda until lunch. After lunch a tour of some of the local waterways and sites that are vital parts of the FWL route was led by David Pullen: ● Fulney Lock – River Welland ● Surfleet Sluice - River Glen ● River Glen to Pinchbeck West ● Black Sluice Drain route to Guthram Gowt This final visit was to the stretch of the existing Black Sluice Drain from Black Hole Drove pumping station to Guthram Gowt, which is the preferred and most obvious route to connect the existing Black Sluice Navigation to the River Glen.

The visits nicely illustrated the beauty and solitude of the two Fenland rivers, contrasting with the wholly functional and rather uninteresting Black Sluice Drain (Navigation). We were also able to better understand and discuss the logistics of navigating the tidal connection between the River Glen and the River Welland through Surfleet Sluice.

The meeting and visits were hugely successfully in raising the awareness and understanding of FWL within IWA Restoration Committee, and provided useful networking with interested parties. However, the main overriding conclusion from the day’s discussions is that to get significant progress a dedicated project officer must be resourced and appointed.

David Pullen May 2016 Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 14

News from Leicestershire From Ian MacDonald and Margaret and Richard Thorpe

Le Marchant Trust, Sea Cadets, Northeaster Community Boat and some trading ones. The Soar Boat Club had several boats present.

Sileby Mill Boatyard was running river trips using their three day boats (below). Paddle-Plus Canoe Club was offering taster sessions in a variety of craft.

Security was excellent, with patrols Leicester Riverside Festival through the night on Friday, Saturday What a great event – Leicester River- and Sunday. Among the many stalls side Festival is a lively weekend of there were two from CRT manned by activities for the whole family spread Tom Freedman and a number of volacross Bede Park, Mile Straight, unteers.

Western Boulevard and Castle GarThe IWA was represented by Margadens. Sponsored by local housing ret and Richard Thorpe on their narprovider Riverside, this popular row-boat Tyto Alba (above left). This festival offers boat trips, live music, displayed IWA banners and had a a variety of food stalls from around collection of leaflets available. the world, displays and an exciting Unfortunately they were both workchoice of activities for all ages, mak- ing at the Festival so were unable to ing it a fun-packed weekend! stand there the whole time and talk to Boats moor along the Mile Straight and on the Castle Gardens pontoons. There were about 20 visiting boats plus those from Mosaic, Peter Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 15

potential members.

This was a really well organised waterside event with activities to suit all tastes. We can only suggest that IWA members take their boats to next year’s event and enjoy what this multi-cultural festival has to offer.

250m north of West Bridge, opposite the Kirby & West dairy. It should be possible to wind a full length narrowboat adjacent to the pontoons. Shore access will be on to All Saints Road / Bath Lane. There are about 75m of new single sided pontoons and two power poles with water taps on them New Moorings (above). Access to the pontoons will We have been chasing the City be via a locked gated terrace from the Council & CRT to get final details of redevelopment of the site. All parties these. Water levels and flows involved in the provision of the ponthrough the city over the winter pre- toons should be congratulated, as vented necessary dredging from they will double the length of secure being completed. The new pontoons moorings available in the city and at Donisthorpe’s Mill are now com- provide a much needed water point. plete, although when visited on 4th This will be very useful as large June access to the outside world was numbers of visitors are flocking to not possible. They are sited about the Richard III exhibition close by Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 16

these moorings and at Castle Gardens. I was talking to one of the Cathedral volunteers the other day and he said it is rare for him not to encounter TV crews from around the world and worldwide visitors on every occasion he is volunteering.

CRT are now looking into details for facilities at Memory Lane Wharf just above Lime Kiln Lock, and alongside the new Leicester Riders Basketball hall. Will they include sanitary disposal? There is supposed to be a new bridge in the future, crossing over the waterway to link the Leicester College site with Abbey Park.

Aylestone Whilst on moorings, our Treasurer Herbert has been working hard with the Council to try to get the off-side bank of the navigation just south of Aylestone Mill Lock established as an approved mooring. This would be an ideal place, as there is an Aldi store alongside the grass area that abuts the concrete edge. It seemed this was generally agreed to be a good location, except that some of the nearby house residents were unsure of this. Sadly there was a crossing over of what the left and

right hands knew at the city council, as part of the concrete edging has now been “softened� by the placing of coir rolls along it. I gather there is still around 65 feet of firm edge available. If any of you would like to try it out it would be interesting to hear your observations. Our web page has a link to this work that Herbert is proposing.

Mountsorrel There is however news about established moorings near Mountsorrel.

Thanks are due to Robert Aspey who identified that there was a possibility to open these to boaters, as they were largely unoccupied. He has now notified us that they are available for people to use.

About 400 yards downstream of Mountsorrel Lock a small development of houses was built off Loughborough Road. A mooring basin was Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 17

included as part of the development by the builder. Prior to this there had been a few boats moored riverside and in a short arm, but there is now a good facility available. Guidance words agreed by the developers are on page 19.

Robert adds that they are looking at charging a fee up to a maximum of £10 a night, but will confirm an exact fee depending on the size of your boat. They may not always be able to reply to you straight away so you can still moor up and pay later when they reply.

Please note that there can be a buildup of weeds in the basin during the summer (which dies down in the winter) due to lack of boat movement. Therefore initially it may be easier to moor along the entrance channel quay-side until more regular use of the basin is established, although Black Hawk Ltd will be carrying out removal of weed growth.

This is a welcome addition to the visitor moorings available at Mountsorrel and we hope it will prove popular with boaters.

To which I would add it is ideally placed for people wishing to visit the excellent Farm Park close to the development. Our thanks go to Robert for not only identifying the lack of use but also for progressing his observation through to a successful conclusion.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 18

Our new Leicester Line Leaflet has been well received, so much so that we are having to rush out some more copies. We have distribution boxes set up along the line, but the one at Thurmaston Lock lost its sign.

Andrew Shephard has used this for therapeutic purposes and has repainted the box in more traditional boat colours and is considering other more artistic ways of marking what the contents of the box are. I look forward to seeing the result, perhaps in the next Aegre we can give a “before & after” set of images.

Balsam again We hope that we will be able to join in on some Balsam Bashing along the river again this year. We, along with the Aylestone Meadows Appreciation Society, CRT volunteers, plus hopefully the volunteer parties organised by Leicester City Riverside Team, hope to give it a headache this year. At the moment the headache seems to be with the “Powers that Be” not getting their acts together.

Our gazebo was up at Foxton Festival. Our volunteers are two new committee members and it would be wonderful if other members could go along and give them encouragement and help. We can all hope for good weather as given that, these events will be highly successful.

Mountsorrel Visitor Mooring Arrangements

As well as offering long term moorings, after discussions with the IWA Branch Moorings Officer, the developer Black Hawk Ltd has kindly agreed to allow visitor moorings for boats cruising the river Soar in the mooring basin at their Mountsorrel Staithe development.

The mooring basin access is via a short navigation channel on the non-towpath side from the river Soar between Bridge 25 (the 1860 Bridge) and the narrow footbridge a little further downstream.

The basin forms part of a very attractive housing development and there is pedestrian access to Mountsorrel town centre. Mooring rings are provided along a stone quay-side, with two water taps.

Maximum boat width is 9 foot 10 inches, ideally suited for boats below 57 foot long, but it can accommodate 1 or 2 full length narrow boats.

If you are intending to use these moorings (this could be done on arrival to check availability) you must send Black Hawk Ltd: ● a.

Your arrival & departure dates ● b.

The length & width of your boat ● c.

The name and licence number of your boat ● d.

Your mobile phone number by emailing sales@black-hawk-ltd.co.uk or phoning 01509 425001.

They will then confirm the fee which you must pay by: ● 1.

Sending a cheque (made payable to Black Hawk Ltd) to Black Hawk Ltd, Shepshed Rd, Lower Broombriggs, Woodhouse Eaves, Leics LE12 8TW, or ● 2.

By BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services; they will advise the numbers).

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 19

Lincolnshire Happenings River Ancholme In the March edition I mentioned that the River Ancholme Users were exploring the possibility of joining with the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust.

Subject to a meeting to discuss whether the Trust objectives match their own, this seems to be the way forward. A date for this discussion is yet to be determined. Following discussions with the EA the User Group has reached a financial agreement to maintain the fishing pegs along the river and also EA`s moorings adjacent to the Brigg Leisure Centre. Due to increased demand for additional moorings at Brandy Wharf Leisure Park, the design details and manufacturers of those installed by the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership are being investigated.

Louth Navigation Trust.

Merton College are owners of land at the tidal entrance to the Navigation. Following many months of communications, a site meeting with a representative of the College to discuss installation of pontoon moorings has been

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 20

delayed due to Land Registry map discrepancies.

An article in “Towpath Talk” has given much publicity to the Trust’s aims.

Sleaford Navigation Trust.

To combat bank erosion the Trust obtained permission and funding from the Environment Agency for volunteers to install coir rolls along the bank in South Kyme village. Volunteers from RAF Digby provided valuable extra manpower. Pictures here and on page 5. Similar works in Sleaford were initially objected to by the EA but following a site visit this can now proceed. The site for a winding hole upstream of South Kyme can also proceed, subject to a further environmental “water vole” report.

To acknowledge the 30 years since the opening of Taylors (Bottom) Lock it is proposed to hold a larger Boat Gathering in 2017.

The Trust purchased land and Cogglesford Mill Lock from Bristol Estates some 20 years ago, with access along the lane to the Water

Mill and adjacent field. Recently a change in ownership of a main road property has seen this right challenged. Discussions are ongoing to ensure that restoration and maintenance works can be carried out.

Brayford Pool, Lincoln.

I previously mentioned that Lincoln City Council had refused a planning application for the University to erect two eleven-storey-high accommodation blocks near the edge of the Pool.

An amended application reducing one eleven-storey to eight was later approved, however the University are also appealing against the original decision.

The Trust’s proposal to apply for permission to erect a further “over the water” restaurant has been delayed due to solicitors defining the navigation route through the Pool. Also the proposed CRT and Lincoln BIG Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 21

Brayford

(Business Improvement Group) joint water festival has been put back to 2017.

Those navigating from the Pool through High Bridge (The Glory Hole) are advised on water flow conditions by traffic lights. There has been a problem with these showing RED (proceed with caution.) As with all such things there are technical liaison problems in that Environment Agency provide the signal but CRT, who are aware of the problem, are responsible for the lights.

Fossdyke On a recent trip along the Fossdyke Canal we came across a group of people on the bank at Drinsey Nook Corner, kneeling down with a muntjak deer wrapped in a high viz jacket.

They had rescued it from the water.

Others animals are less fortunate and despite CRT having provided a number of ramps along the canal to assist them in getting onto the bank, we saw six dead ones in the water towards Torksey Lock.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 22

IWA Restoration Committee.

The restoration committee met in Spalding to see and discuss aspects of the Fenland Link. This was timed to coincide with the campaign cruise on the River Welland. More details on page 13.

Their next Committee meetings are planned to include one at Grantham Canal Society on October 1st.

What`s in a name.

Reading about the Black Sluice Lock and Pumping Station, member Richard Hackford recalls a family connection in that his grandfather was once the lock keeper there. During his time he rescued a number of people from the lock including a member of his own family. A fuller account will be given in the next edition of Aegre.

Boston Barrier.

This important issue needs a page to itself. See page 8.

From Dave Carnell. Pictures from Mel and Sue Sowerby.

News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire That wonderful time of summer holidays is nearly upon us and many will already have plans for their summer trips around the network. Having attended our monthly social gathering in April, I would propose to you not to overlook the Chesterfield Canal.

It’s a bit off the beaten track of the main network but that makes it easier to enjoy the scenic nature of its charms as well as the wildlife because it is that much quieter.

The April monthly presentation was made by John Lower of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, and he sang the praises of the canal route and also all the hard work and restoration advances that are taking place around Staveley in the cut-off Derbyshire section. John described the huge amount of volunteer effort going into building Staveley Lock, the channel down to Hartington Harbour and the bridge over that channel for the entry road to Staveley Town Basin. All hopefully to be ready for the IWA Trail-boat Festival over the May 2829 Bank Holiday weekend. Sadly John also mentioned the huge blight on the restoration as a consequence of the plans for the HS2 rail link, which, as currently proposed, would obliterate the canal channel all around this area. However a huge effort is under way by Chesterfield Canal Trust, IWA and Canal and River Trust and other supporters to

push the planners to change the HS2 route. That said the problem is still unresolved and remains a major issue at this time.

John also described the Dawn Rose project where volunteers from the Chesterfield Canal Trust have built an accurate full-sized recreation of one of the Chesterfield Canal’s unique working narrow-boats. It has taken four years to build it, using traditional materials and methods. All done with hand tools only. Being able to see what has been achieved and how it had been done was both interesting and eye opening. I for one am full of admiration for such an achievement.

In May our Social gathering was the first of our outdoor ventures.

Having heard all about the restoration activities around Staveley Lock on the Chesterfield Canal in April we were given a guided tour of the area on 10th May. Shall we say that the weather didn’t contribute much to the entertainment of the assembled audience! However the enthusiasm of our hosts and the restoration achievements of the Trust over recent months were remarkable to behold.

The new lock was almost complete, just a few coping stones remained to be put in place. The bridge and associated entry road to Staveley Town Basin were complete and a new secAegre 145 - July 2016 Page 23

tion of canal from the lock down to Hartington Harbour was also almost complete. The choice weather did allow an insight into the original clay lining of the canal; it looked pretty much intact. The final stop of the tour was along the channel towards the railway line blockage (when restored the canal will go under the railway at this point) to the newly exposed footings of an original “Brindley” road bridge. This had been the subject of an architectural dig by volunteers, finding lots of small historical nuggets of interest.

IWA has been a supporter of the Grantham restoration since its inception and it was an honour to receive an award at the ceremony in the restored warehouse alongside the canal in Hickling. The presentations were made by Sir David White and took the form of original computer enhanced artwork created by the artist, Barry Farmer. The picture showed Longmoor Bridge, No. 62.

Along with the other nine awardees, I thought it was a great honour to be recognised in this way and commend the GCS for putting on such an event.

It was great to see these huge strides

There has been a variation on a theme this year as the June walk we usually plan has been replaced by an unusual one-off event. By the time you read this it will all be over but as I write it is all hands to the pumps in organising a fun day out to participate in a “Boat Pull” along a section of the Chesterfield Canal. As mentioned earlier and described in earlier editions of Aegre, Chesterfield Canal supporters have built a replica working narrow boat (often referred to by Boat people as a “Cuckoo”). In order to raise funds they are organising a sponsored Boat Pull over a two week period in early June. We have volunteered to pull the boat on the morning of Saturday 11th June from West Stockwith Basin to Shaw Lock near Gringley-on-the-Hill, a distance of 4 miles and 2 locks. If all goes according to plan there will be a team of 5 pullers to bow-haul the boat along the canal. It needs two to pull the boat so

Staveley Lock in work of progress along the Chesterfield Canal around Staveley Lock and Basin area. (Picture here courtesy Rod Auton). I just hope those attending the Trail-boat Festival at the end of May have some decent weather to take full advantage of all the hard work and skill of a dedicated band of volunteers. We just need the HS2 planners to take account of all these efforts and plan their project accordingly. Let’s hope they do.

Back in April it was also my honour to represent the Branch at an award ceremony given by the Grantham Canal Society (GCS). It is making large steps forward in restoring the canal and picked out ten individuals or organizations they wished to recognise for their longstanding support.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 24

A towing party with “Dawn Rose” we will rotate five people in sequence into the two harnesses. Hopefully this will be a good opportunity for the five pullers to get some good sponsorship and also have fun at the same time, pulling a wooden full-dimension working narrow-boat along this section of the Chesterfield Canal.

We also hope to have a bunch of vocal supporters cheering us on and promoting IWA. So if you heard a whole lot of whoopin’ and a hollerin’ on that Saturday, you will know we succeeded and you will also know what it was about!

In July we are planning another Lock Wind event at Derwent Mouth Lock on the Trent and Mersey Canal near Shardlow. Plans have still to be finalised but the date is likely to be Saturday 16th July, and anyone wishing to help on the day would be most

welcome. Volunteers will be on hand to operate the lock for passing boaters and if crews are willing to make a donation for this service it will be gratefully accepted. We also intend to have a small exhibition stand to educate about the IWA and its purpose and no doubt there will be cakes and maybe bacon butties to tempt as well. If you are interested in another fun day out and raising money for worthy waterways causes please do get in touch by emailing nottsandderbys@waterways.org.uk.

Park in the public car park in Shardlow and take a brief walk east along the tow path to meet at the Lock at 10.

The Branch activities then continue later in the summer with a Clean Up on the Nottingham Canal. The date is not yet finalised but two dates seem more likely than most so if you Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 25

are interested in helping out (and we really do need your help) keep the dates of Saturdays 17 September and 8 October free. The more people we can assemble together to clean up the towing path and hook out shopping trolleys, bikes, tyres, scrap metal and the odd bit of Saxon gold (you would be amazed what finds its way into a canal!) the better. Having scoured the Beeston end last year the likelihood is that we will meet up at Sainsbury’s by Castle Marina in Nottingham and work eastwards towards Meadow Lane Lock. Again please get in touch via the email address mentioned above.

If that isn’t enough to get you out and about with like-minded folk, our final outdoor activity of the year is going to be at the Nottingham Canal Festival, canal side by the Magistrate’s Court in Nottingham on Saturday 1 October. We need volunteers to help with manning the exhibition display stand and merchandise table as well as supporting trip-boat cruises.

There will be much to do to suit the talents and interests of any volunteers who get involved. So to quote a well known phrase, “Come on down”.

For those planning to boat in the East Midlands there is some more good news as there are new visitor moorings available on the River Soar at Mountsorrel Staithe. A big thank you goes to our Branch Moorings Officer, Robert Aspey, who has searched out the site and then convinced the ownAegre 145 - July 2016 Page 26

ers, Black Hawk Ltd. (with help from Beryl McDowell of the Residential Boat Owners Association), to extend their use from currently private moorings to visitor ones as well. The moorings are in a very attractive offline basin, part of a development near Bridge 25 and Mountsorrel Lock. As these are in Leicestershire, there is more information on page 19, but in essence the moorings are ready and waiting to be used.

The above success however, masks a more fundamental Branch problem.

With the retirement and non-replacement of long- standing committee members at the last AGM in February, the remainder are finding it difficult to keep the show on the road.

We are coming to the point where there are insufficient people to man even the display stand at any events and we are struggling to publicise the presentations at our Social events so fewer and fewer people are coming to the Socials. We could do so much more, protecting, promoting, fundraising and doing if we had just a few more hands on deck. If you are interested in helping it need not take up much time but would be of great assistance so please get in touch. I stress simple things like emailing Waterways World and Towpath Talk each month with the Social events or writing up the notes from the odd meeting would be such an improvement on our current endeavours!

Thinking beyond summer we can

start looking forward to the season of Social evenings. As the venue has changed from the long standing Rushcliffe Arena, I would remind readers that the Social calendar for the foreseeable future will be presented at the Poppy & Pint public house, Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 DX. It is worth looking up on the map for the first visit but it is easy to find thereafter. They also have a good website, so you can check them out on-line as well. For any English ale aficionados the Poppy & Pint has some good hand-pulled local ales from the nearby Castle Rock brewery as well as good food, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

so come along and see what they really get up to. On Thursday 10th November we have “50+ Years of the RBOA” an illustrated talk

by Ivor Caplan about the history and activities of the Residential Boat Owners Association. Then on Thursday 10th December it will be our Christmas Social with buffet and illustrated talk. Details of this are still to be finalised but is likely to be about a trip down the Danube on a hotel boat.

So put the evening of the second Thursday in the month in your diaries and keep this list of events by you.

Do come and join us, everyone is most welcome, I look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Snaith / Archie Roberts

The next event will be on Thursday 13th October and be an illustrated talk “RCR”, which will be a look into the fascinating world of the company River and Canal Rescue. They do so much more than repair boat engines, Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 27

Around the Societies and Trusts Chesterfield had a successful National Trailboat Festival with their own Canal Festival, based at Staveley Basin, on May 28 - 29. Staveley Town Lock was ready just in time.

Cromford Canal. Horse-drawn boat days and Leawood Pump operating days are August 6/7 and 28/29, September 17/18 and October 1, 2 and 29/30. For boat trip bookings call Vix on 07552 055455. Their social meetings at Ironville Church Hall will continue on the third Monday of the month.

September 19 is on “Reservoirs of the Cromford Canal” by David Brown; October 17 is on “The Pentrich Revolution” by Michael Parkin; November 16 is on “Canal Cruising and Restoration” by Michael Golds; and there will be a Christmas Social.

The Derby and Sandiacre Trust report much work on planning and negotiations, and a grant of £60k from Derby City Council with the “Derby Arm” in focus. Discussions have also involved preparation of a European bid for investigations of boat lifts and their costs, including the Falkirk Wheel, the Anderton Lift, a boat transporter at Zoetermeer near The Hague and possibly Niederfinow in Germany.

The Trust has work parties continuing at Draycott and Borrowash. Contact Eddy Case on 07523 896645. Indoor meetings are planned to continue on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 8 pm at the Wilmot Arms, 49 Derby Road, Borrowash DE72 3HA. July 26 Stuart Smith Notable Railway Accidents Sept 27 John Wilkinson Boating in Burgundy Oct 25 AGM Nov 22 Film For queries call Chris Madge on 07827 946444.

Erewash CP&DA monthly open days at Sandiacre Lock Cottage, Lock Lane NG10 5LA are on 24 July, 15 September, 20 October and 17 November. Visitors welcome, but to be sure it is opening call 07747 075114 or 07735 613629.

A summer social at Long Eaton is planned for 30 July - call Karen on 07980 420681 for details. Work has been done by CRT to improve a one mile stretch of towpath between Potters Lock and Awsworth Road Bridge (Barkers Lock).

There is a Long Eaton canal festival on August 13-14 centred around Trent Lock. And there are CRT lock open days during maintenance on September 23/24, also in Long Eaton.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 28

Foxton The Locks Festival took place this year on June 18 and 19.

Melton and Oakham Waterways Society They have a new boat to their fleet, a 12 foot flat-bottomed open steel craft donated by Pillings Marina staff.

Refurbishment is under way. As well, following a protracted application process, they have now received planning permission for their double boat dock on the river near Egerton Hall. Paul Dadford has been up-dating the Wreake Valley walk leaflets, and new versions are planned for the near future.

Sleaford Navigation Trust See also Dave Carnell’s report on page 20. Their work parties continue, usually on the second Sunday of the month. Call 01522 856810 for details.

EAWA Our colleagues in the east, the EAWA, report that the Middle Level Commissioners have begun discussions with all those affected about updating and improving their current and somewhat outdated navigational powers. In particular, the Commissioners want to introduce the registration and charging of boats using the Middle Level waterways.

And did you know that there is a Wiggenhall Wave like an aegre or bore? Fifty years ago Paul Barnett surfed the Severn Bore and now, just ahead of his 70th birthday, he travelled to Norfolk to tackle our own version of the phenomenon – the lesser known, somewhat gentler but no less spectacular Wiggenhall Wave on the Great Ouse. In his kayak he caught the wave as it passed through Wiggenhall St. Mary Magdalen and surfed it for around 185 yards. On the way he was joined by a seal that is often seen on that part of the river. The surge occurs when the incoming tide pushes up the narrow channel; it is most prominent during spring tides.

Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this edition of Aegre: Ian McDonald; Dave Carnell; Mike Snaith, Rod Auton; Mel and Sue Sowerby; Archie Roberts; Shirley Rogers, David Pullen, and as noted for specific articles. Some photographs in this issue are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. The authors concerned are acknowledged in the relevant articles.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 29

News from Grantham Restoration

From Steve Swann

WE’RE ON THE WAY UP! At long last demolition work on lock 15, Woolsthorpe Middle Lock, ceased in April. Since then the Grantham Canal Society volunteers have started the more pleasant task of rebuilding. What an experience it had been to see a 200-year-old lock reduced to the invert with just the original four quoins remaining upright. It hardly looked like a lock, and must have appeared that way when those early navigators started work in 1794.

Bricklaying, rather than brick cleaning, is now the order of the day. In fact an estimated 36,000 bricks will need to be laid by the time this lock is completed. Currently, tiered reinforced concrete foundations are being laid.

These will be required at each stage of construction and will run the length of the lock behind the inner walls. These are required to prevent the walls from moving, as was the case with the original construction.

As ever, there is a great need for more volunteers, particularly bricklayers, to work on the lock project. In addition we also require a volunteer coordinator to help with welcoming new recruits and liaison with work parties. If you would like further details then please contact: volunteer@granthamcanal.org.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 30

Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Packet” from the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “The Bridge”, from Grantham Canal Society; “Sleaford Navigation Trust” journal; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; and “The Wharfinger” from Louth Navigation Trust, as well as “Navigation” from our neighbours at West Midlands Region, “Grand Trunk” from the Trent and Mersey Society, and the “Easterling” from our Eastern neighbours the EAWA. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given on page 4. For Chesterfield’s “The Cuckoo” contact the editor at 22 Works Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield S43 2PF.

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 31

IWA boats moored in Spalding - see page 9

New moorings in Leicester - see page 16

Aegre 145 - July 2016 Page 32