Aegre 150 March 2018
From the East Midlands Region of the Aegre 150 - March 2018 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 Page 2 Aegre 150 - March 2018
Aegre is published Š 2018 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 Street, 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 McDonald, see above. E-mail: aegre.adverts@waterways.org.uk Printing: Colour Image Loudwater. Despatch: Branch Volunteers. Picture credits: page 31
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. Dates and times of events should be checked before travelling.
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Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region
Ancholme Rivers Trust
Gail Copson, 21 Maple Close, Brigg, North Lincs. DN20 9JE. Tel: 07769 950589.
Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society
Chris Madge, c/o 62 Broadway, Duffield, Derby DE56 4BU Tel: 07827 946444 www.derbycanal.org.uk
Erewash Canal P & D Association
Norman Cornwell, 38 Millfield Road, Kimberley, Notts. NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 8544155 Mobile 07854 451183 www.erewashcanalpreservationanddevelopmentassoc.org.uk
Foxton Inclined Plane Trust
Friends of Charnwood Forest Canal
Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk
Mike Handford, 1 Sheepy Close, Hinckley, LE10 1JL Tel: 01455 611508 mahandford@gmail.com
Friends of the Cromford Canal
Judy Berry, 5 Hambling Close, Nottingham NG6 7DX Tel: 0115 854 9852. www.cromfordcanal.org
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 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
Margaret English, 10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0BL. Tel: 01606 834471 www.tamcs.org.uk
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Boston Haven - Site of Mooring pontoon removed. See page 14
Aegre
No. 150 March 2018 Contents
Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region From the Region Chair The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam Journals Received News from Leicestershire Lincolnshire Happenings New Publications from Chesterfield News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire John Leslie Wain Around the Societies and Trusts The Ancholme River Trust. Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust. Notts & Derby Branch Programme Picture Credits
4 6 8 10 11 14 17 18 22 24 28 29 31 31
Next issue probably to be published in early July 2018. Contributions to the editor (see page 3) by the end of May 2018 please. Files in RTF or JPG preferred if possible. The space on the right is for local Branch contact information.
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From the Region Chair The most important message from me in this edition is that our three branches all need help with organising and volunteering. It is really rewarding work, and as with any organisation, the more you put into it the more you get out of it. Please get in touch with any of the branch chairmen whose contact details are included on page 3. We also want to know what you would like to see IWA do in your area and your ideas for taking IWA forward. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of the branch chairmen or myself with your thoughts. One of our most active branches is Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, but they are in urgent need of support from members in this area to continue their excellent programme of meetings, volunteering and fund raising, as outlined by Mike Snaith (pp 18-20). In our ever faster changing world every organisation has to embrace change to survive, and IWA is no different, and so OUR organisation is in a phase of re-evaluating and implementing changes to our objectives and priorities. At our round of branch AGM’s during February I summarised the actions and objectives that our Trustees are putting in place. I make no apology for reiterating these here in our excellent Page 6 Aegre 150 - March 2018
regional newsletter because it is so important. One Vision for IWA is the overall driver into the future. In addition to a wide range of external objectives, this vision also embraces the full integration of all strands of IWA’s work into one readily identifiable family, i.e. active restoration (Waterways Recovery Group or WRG), the Restoration Hub (guidance), Essex Waterways, the core IWA, branches and volunteers. Core objectives Speaking for the Waterways to ensure that the important role our inland waterways play in the UK’s infrastructure and economy is better understood and appreciated. Protecting - a well-funded, properly maintained waterway network with sustainability at its core Restoring - through the Restoration Hub, creating an exciting, vibrant and robust restoration sector Inspiring - to inspire a new generation of waterway users and attract new volunteers. Personally, I believe that, although inspiring a new generation of users to become involved in supporting waterways is at the bottom of this list, it is the most
important change that we need to make happen. Translation of One Vision into recognisable change requires actions and activities (implementation). Trustees have developed both short (first year), and longer term objectives. Each of the following first year objectives has a trustee who is responsible for delivering an outcome. ● Define our vision for waterways restoration – Mike Palmer ● Report on the value of the waterways - Ivor Caplan ● Quantify the changing use of the waterways Les Etheridge ● Campaign for better provision for moorings and facilities, and enforcement Paul Strudwick ● Identify “at risk” Heritage structures and features – Ivor Caplan ● Promote our position and policies as an exemplar for managing restoration site health and safety – Mike Palmer ● Increase and improve volunteer support at branch and regional level (new Branch Handbook) -Neil Edwards ● Silver Propeller Scheme to encourage visits to lesser used waterways –Paul Strudwick ● “Love Your Waterways” campaign targeting communities and all users- Peter Johns
● Improve publicity and promotion for campaigns- Peter Johns, Steve Warwicker ● Establish Restoration Hub High Level Panel – Mike Palmer ● Develop communication templates at national, regional and branch levels – Neil Edwards ● New IT system for improved on-line recruitment and membership communications. – Neil Edwards The Restoration Hub is now fully functional, as reported in the Spring 2018 edition of Waterways. News “hot off the press” is that IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group has been awarded £160,000, over 2 years, by Historic England to continue and develop their work on historic and heritage structures. All of the first year objectives will be reported on to trustees at their bi-monthly meetings. Longer term Objectives ● Prioritise improvements to existing waterways ● Identify existing waterways that are threatened ● Improve planning monitoring and involvement ● Basingstoke Canal transfer to CRT ● EA-CRT navigation transfer ● Fens Waterways Link David Pullen, Chris Howes
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● Heritage surveys at branch level ● Promote the value of waterways Most of the longer term objectives will be developed over the next year. The exception is the Fens Waterways Link (FWL) which will be taken forward with immediate effect by myself and Chris Howes, Eastern Region and Peterborough Branch Chairman. IWA is taking on a leading role in managing FWL and we have already been able to identify external funding opportunities which would not be available to either Environment Agency or other government or tax-payer funded organisations. In the longer term
FWL may become an independent trust, which is also likely to involve a new name for the project. Finally, although we are very disappointed that the Boston Barrier will go ahead without any navigation or waterside development benefits, we have just begun engagement with the planning authority on the details of a Navigation Management Plan to mitigate dangers to mariners passing through the barrier, both during construction and when the project is in place and operating. David Pullen
The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam When putting together this issue of Aegre, it was only at the last minute that I noticed it would be number 150. Surely an occasion for a review of the past series. The first query I had was that there seemed never to have been a picture of the actual Trent Aegre (or Eagre, or Haygir, or Aegir, whichever spelling you prefer). But it is a bit unpredictable for size, and generally not as spectacular as the Severn Bore - and I even found that they had small versions on the Lune and the Parrett. So the best I can find is on your front cover this time, courtesy of English Wikipedia and Chris075. Page 8 Aegre 150 - March 2018
However I only took up the editorial task at the end of 2005, at around issue 113, so most of what happened earlier is not in my files. So I asked the experts, who have been involved for many years, and therefore pass the remainder of this article over to John Baylis: Prior to 1974 there were only six “branches” of the IWA based roughly on the areas of the present regions. A few of these had started sub-branches where there was sufficient local interest. North East Midlands branch, based on Sheffield and the South
Yorkshire Navigation, was formed around 1955 and was a ”subbranch” of North East Branch which was based in Leeds. The NE Midlands branch was suffering from a shortage of volunteers for the committee in 1970, when several new members joined and the branch rallied. Around this time IWA Council realised that a more formal structure was required, and in 1974 proposed that the six original branches would become regions and smaller areas with popular local support would become branches within the new regions. NE Midlands branch had received little support from Leeds and also covered Lincolnshire and the north of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire; most of these latter areas would join up with the Midlands Region based on Birmingham. As many of the leisure boaters from both Sheffield and Lincolnshire actually kept their boats around Long Eaton for easy access to the main canal network, NE Midlands branch committee suggested to IWA Council that, with better access around the area with the M1 and its new related roads, it made more sense to have separate West and East Midlands Regions with East Midlands
branches based on Sheffield, Lincoln and Nottingham. This was accepted by Council and the original six regions became seven. Mike Briggs became the first EM Region Chairman and Pat (Patricia) Smith was persuaded to take on the editorship of the new Region magazine “Aegre”. Pat had previously edited “Tiller” which was started in 1971 by NE Midlands branch due to the lack of a local magazine from Leeds. Tiller had been a few pages photocopied for about 200 members but a new magazine for nearly 700 members was a different task. Pat started Aegre as an A5 magazine with the typing being done by Ken Hawkins and the artwork and printing by John Pass and his school in Eastwood. Pat and John continued for five years and in July 1978 David Bullock took over as editor with Helen Bullock doing the typing while the printing was by Darnall News. Then in 1981 David took over the printing in a spare room at home. David continued as editor and printer until 1987 when Phil Dalton took over as editor with Terence Balchin doing the printing in Nottingham. Phil, who was a newspaper reporter, was promoted to another post in London. David then took back the editing again and until 1992. David Pickup
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from Grantham took over from David B whilst Terence Balchin continued the printing in Nottingham. About the same time we had an offer from a member who had a print-finishing firm in Derby who did the collation and stapling. David Pickup retired in 2005 to go boating in France, during which time Terence took over the layout, and his printing operation became Inkers. Peter Hill took over as editor in 2006, and the basic process remained much the same until IWA main office offered a service for central printing, stuffing and despatch to members, and all this at a very reasonable price. This started in November 2013. Peter will soon
be passing David Pickup as the longest serving editor. For most of the time I was Region Chairman I very much relied on the various editors to collect the information and keep me to Press Dates. I thank all the editors and printers and others mentioned above, but also the many unnamed volunteers from the various branches who helped with the stuffing, labelling and sticking envelopes. John Baylis Thank you for that, John. We have included a small version of an early front cover from Aegre on the our present back cover. Best wishes to all, Peter
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; “Sleaford Navigation Trust” journal; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; “The Wharfinger” from Louth Navigation Trust; “The Bridge” from Grantham Canal Society; “Grand Trunk” from the Trent and Mersey Canal 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 “The Cuckoo” contact the editor at 22 Works Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield S43 2PF.
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News from Leicestershire From Ian McDonald I have to start in a similar vein to my notes last time. With luck the canal up to Kilby Bridge from Leicester is open as I write but given how it has been over the past six months I think boaters would be well advised to check before they set off on a cruise between Foxton and the Trent. The most recent stoppage was reportedly due to a problem in a by-wash, but is that not a maintenance issue? In all my years of boating I certainly have never considered contacting CRT/BW to check if the waterway is open at any time, other than perhaps in high summer in a dry year. In November I was invited to a short meeting (at Fosse Park!!) with Sean M’Ginley and Adam Comerford who is the senior CRT Hydrologist based near Coventry. I was presented with graphs and charts that showed the rainfall in the catchment for the troublesome area for 2017, as well as comparisons for previous years. Other charts showed the reservoir holdings for the summit reservoirs for past several years, and also charts showing the amount of back pumping that had been used. Rather sadly, these did not show they had been higher last year than in previous ones. Adam
offered to come to give us a talk about the water problems and how they are managed and we have accepted his offer. Come along to The Gate on March 8th at 7.30. I am sure we will all understand the problems rather better, but doubt we will consider that these are acceptable. The line was opened on odd, very short, occasions in the run-up to Christmas so that boaters could complete journeys, but then just before Christmas it was re-opened as there had been reasonable rainfall in the autumn. I have no idea what certainty there is that it will be open continuously through the year, hopefully we will learn more on the 8th. I certainly hope we will learn what will be done to resolve the reported and repeated leaks from the line. Without these being resolved we will never be sure the line is secure as part of the system. Meetings we have had this season started with an illustrated talk by Adrian Lane, newly retired head of the City Council’s Riverside team. He gave us a very interesting talk on the history of the waterways through the city. He is a practised speaker with a great depth of knowledge.
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Then in November Chris Jones talked about Raymond, last wooden built working boat. Raymond was at the Riverside Festival in June and we made a presentation of £300 to the charity after his talk. Another fascinating talk which included much about his family, which has been involved in canal boating almost since it started. His talk was illustrated by handing around historic objects and photographs, an interesting method. The Christmas party was another great feast and a broadly based quiz. The food was amazing and the welcome warm. My quiz was waterways linked..… to my surprise nobody recognised my photo of the Ripon canal. The AGM on February 1st was pretty well attended and the business was concluded with some questions and answers to and from our Region Chairman, David. This included a piece about how the Association’s re-branding is progressing. He then gave us a very interesting talk about a visit he made to the waterways from Moscow to St Petersburg. It is to be hoped that CRT get the water situation controlled in time for the Leicester Riverside Festival. This is to be held on June
2nd/3rd, but sadly the branch has not been able to secure sufficient volunteers for us to manage the boat bookings and moorings. We had hoped to repeat last year’s success; maybe we will be able to take up this task in future years, but don’t let it stop you from going along and enjoying this tremendously successful event. On a brighter note I have been contacted by The Old Union Canal Society about a significant anniversary that approaches. This great group of volunteers was established in 1964 to promote all aspects of canals, but with particular interest in the “Old Union Canals” between West Bridge in Leicester and Norton Junction near Daventry. The Society campaigned through the 1960s to save these waterways from threatened closure, and its members were very active in the restoration and re-opening of the Welford Arm in 1969. So next year the Welford Arm will celebrate 50 years since its re-opening. The society is getting plans together for celebrations to mark this anniversary. OUCS has had more recent projects including towpath features such as mile markers, seats and bridge number plates. They also installed many mooring rings at places where mooring was suitable. The simple benches they made have been very popular with
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Planting the Milepost walkers along the towpath. One near Blue Bank Lock was sponsored by the branch to mark the retirement as chairman of John Croot. The mile posts were exact replicas of the originals and on Jan 1st 1996 the branch funded and assisted in the re-establishment of Mile 1 post, just above Freemans Lock. If you look at this post you will see a brass plaque commemorating this in the 50th year of the IWA. In 2000 OUCS were a key part of our Harborough Festival, in both this and in the earlier one in 1996 they partnered us in running the event. Of course it was at the 2000 event that “Frank the Plank” was revealed. OUCS Chairman Clem Clemerson and his artist wife Marjory designed this incredible work of art. It seems rude to
call this a sun dial, it is so grand and colourful and incorporates many illustrations of life on the canal and of Harborough. Several years ago Clem and Marjory gave us a fascinating talk about the construction of Frank. Marjory modelled it and worked on the overall design, but it then needed to be scaled up and cast in metal. They learnt how to do this and everything else about setting and timing the device. I well remember the concerns they had that after it had been installed some vandals might come along to spoil it before it was “opened” at the Festival. It was with great relief, as we arrived on site in the run-up to the event, that Frank was there exactly as planned, and it still stands as a great symbol of the keenness of some people to celebrate our waterways, especially Marjory and Clem. If you have not been into Harborough basin by boat, at least go by car to appreciate this wonderful device (picture on back cover). Watch out for details, as they appear, from OUCS for their plans for the celebration of the re-opening of Welford Arm. I will try to keep you informed. You can get in touch with the society on oucsinformation@gmail.com.
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Lincolnshire Happenings Environment Agency As I prepared notes for this edition of Aegre I was made aware of a CRT press release that said DEFRA were not minded to transfer the Environment Agency’s navigations to CRT. Yet a press release from the EA said ,” Ministers decided not to proceed at the moment; they would keep their options open until they feel the time is right”. Just which one promises the most? EA have said they will continue to run their navigations as efficiently as possible, but their announcement that £1.4 millions will be spent on Anglian waterways appears to be earmarked for the Rivers Great Ouse and Nene. This leaves the severe bank erosion problems and silt bars obstructing the River Ancholme navigation still to be resolved.
the development of the Trust. Her father, Sir Robert Atkins, former Waterways Minister and an IWA Region Chairman, has visited the canal and offered his support to the Trust. Sleaford Navigation Trust. The second stage of a Leader Funding bid for “Destination South Kyme” has been submitted and accepted. A formal decision is anticipated shortly. Some agreement has been reached with the land owners regarding the winding hole. A solicitor’s letter regarding site access is awaited. Due to bridge and road works at the Chapel Hill entrance to the navigation, there are no plans for a May Boat Gathering this year. Boston Tidal Barrier.
Louth Navigation Trust. The threat to ownership of the River Head warehouse (picture on back cover) has been resolved with the East Lindsey District Council purchasing it for Community use. The LNT and the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, whose remit includes the chalk streams of the AONB, will remain as tenants. The local MP, Victoria Atkins, is supportive of Page 14 Aegre 150 - March 2018
Following approval by the Minister, work has commenced on this three year project. (Picture page 14 - the first piles go in). IWA acknowledged the need to protect the Town but lobbied for further benefits to navigation, and development of the old waterfront buildings upstream of the barrier. This was not to be, but the requirement for the implementation of a navigation management plan during the works was accepted.
The silt removal operations on the Black Sluice Navigation have been completed, increasing the water storage capacity for flood protection. This will also enable boats to travel up to Black Hole Drove Pumping Station, built across the navigation in the 1960s. A survey by IWA members has indicated that there is 2.4 metres headroom and access for boats up to lengths of 60 feet up to the B1397 Dowsby road bridge, while boats up to 35 feet can wind at the pumping station. A meeting has taken place between the IWA, EA and Lincolnshire County Council to find ways of re-starting the development on the northern section of the Fens Waterways Link. See separate report on page 8.
Tidal mooring pontoons near the entrance to the Black Sluice Navigation (Fenland Link entrance) have been temporarily removed (picture above of the piles) to allow for dredging of a large build-up of silt, making them safe to use over a greater tidal range. These are also intended for boats waiting passage past the Barrier during construction works. An old jetty is also due for removal, picture on back cover.
Brayford Trust. It is confirmed that Drakes Dredging contractors are to commence works in the Pool. This will mean some boats moving onto temporary moorings and extra barge traffic transporting the dredged material along the Fossdyke navigation. We reported last time on plans for a new “over-the-water� restaurant west of the viewing plat-
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form on Brayford Wharf North. Local newspaper Lincolnite now reports that City of Lincoln Council’s Executive has been recommended to refuse these plans. Instead it is proposing that a loan and annual grant of £25,000 be provided to the Brayford Trust for them to undertake required dredging and improvement works. Grantham Canal Society. Work continues on the final stages of lock 15 with new gates being ordered in February. Access to lock 14 is being prepared and appeals for funding of bricks and dredging are being promoted. Volunteers for all types of activities are welcome. See page 25 and their web page www granthamcanal.com. Planning.
West Lindsey DC is working with an investment company to redevelop part of the River Trent side at Gainsborough with a multi million pound scheme for a 100 berth marina and 155 houses.
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(Picture from www.mikejonesdesign.tv.) The site belongs to Lincs CC and WLDC have obtained monies from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) to develop the planning. West Lindsey District Council had approved the building of a 220 berth marina on the River Witham at Cherry Willingham in 2012. They have now received a revised application to add public facilities, 155 homes, business units, an hotel and holiday lodges. North Lincs. Unitary Council Objections to an oil drilling application in the River Ancholme valley have been upheld. Bicker Along with plans for a large electricity sub-station in Bicker Fen to the east of the Black Sluice Drain, associated with Triton Knoll wind farm, some community money may become available. One local suggestion is to build a footbridge across the waterway to connect the two unclassified roads each side of it. It might also be possible to install re-cycled plastic moorings suitable for canoe launching and fishing platforms. EA are to visit the site and give an opinion. Dave Carnell
New Publications from Chesterfield
Back in 2017 we reviewed an excellent book by John Lower intended for narrow boaters thinking of going on the River Trent. That sadly went out of print, but John has produced a fully revised version, now published by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. This is a worthy successor, again in A5 booklet format with 40 pages full of relevant and useful information difficult to find elsewhere. More pictures and diagrams give an attractive and easy-to-read appearance. Although John recommends using the Trent Charts from The Boating Association as an essential companion on board, this book seems just as vital. ISBN 978-1-9999465-1-7, £7-50 from the Trust web site www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk. Also over the past several years we have covered news of Chesterfield’s “Dawn Rose” project, building a 65 foot wooden narrow “Cuckoo” boat from scratch using the traditional materials and tools. This would not have been possible without the participation of David Bownes, who still kept alive the necessary skills and know-how. This new book first collects together his reminiscences of relations, employers, friends and work-mates on the canal, including some tales going back to the 1880s. This is fascinating oral history, but written down in a handy format, and with pictures of canal scenes from early 19th Century onwards. There follows an account of the building of the new boat, including the woods and materials used (tar and flannelette sheets!), and the hand tools and equipment, such as a steaming box. I won’t translate the title for you (buy the book and find out!). But the one thing I missed, as a boater from further South, was a glossary! ISBN 978-1-999465-0-0. £7.50 from the Chesterfield Canal Trust as above. PH. Aegre 150 - March 2018 Page 17
News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire It’s been pretty quiet this winter so far with the weather being relatively mild in our area; the grey dreariness remains as usual though, so it has been a pleasure to attend our Social meetings. The return to the newly refurbished venue at Rushcliffe Arena seems to have gone well, with the last two meetings being particular highlights. We had a great buffet for our Christmas bash in December with an excellent turnout of members, all treated to the delights of a virtual trip along the canals of north east France courtesy of John Wilkinson. It was surprising to learn that few people travelled these waterways even though industrial heritage and rural beauty were abundant. It was most entertaining and coupled with good food and good company, what more could you ask for on a dark December night? In a slightly different vein but none the less interesting, the January Social was a history of and restoration plans for the Bennerley Viaduct near Ilkeston. This wrought iron giant of a viaduct straddles the Erewash Valley between Ilkeston and Awsworth and is one of only two of its kind left in the UK. Built between 1876-77, it carried the Great Northern Railway across the Erewash Valley for nearly a century
before falling victim to the Beeching cuts of the early 1960’s and has been derelict ever since. We learnt about the story of the structure, its place in railway history competing with the Midland Railway, and its now romanticised rattling presence in the minds of the elder statesmen of the local community. There are exciting plans for its future as a cycle track and walkway linking national cycle routes as well as the towing paths of the Erewash and Nottingham canals and the associated network of paths. Although the derelict structure itself is in reasonable condition, the age-old issue of funding remains a significant stumbling block to progress. It was a great evening, both enlightening and informative. Those who read the previous edition of Aegre will be aware that we had a successful year fund raising in 2017, with the Lock Wind in the summer followed by the Branch stand attendance at the Ilkeston Festival of Water. In November it was therefore a great pleasure for us to present £500 to Norman Cornwell, Chairman of Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association, towards their appeal for funds to purchase Sandiacre Lock Cottage (see photo on the next page from Archie Roberts) – the purchase being suc-
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cessfully completed by the end of the year. The cottage can now be used by the ECP&DA and the local community for a variety of activities and will be looked after and maintained for future generations by their members. See also the ECP&DA notes on page 24.
want to read more go to IWA’s website and select “News and Campaigns” select “Blog” and then click on the Volunteer of the Month article. It still brings a smile to my face. Thank you one and all. Enjoy the read.
A further surprise was also in store for me last November when, totally out of the blue, I received a call from IWA HQ to inform me I had been nominated as IWA Volunteer Of The Month. Even now I’m not totally sure how that came about, but was very grateful. I was sent a questionnaire and once completed, there I was, featured on IWA’s “Blog” and in a small obscure corner of the monthly Bulletin newsletter. If any readers were involved in the nomination thank you most kindly and if you
There are even more outstanding commitments to IWA within the branch. Beginning this year IWA will recognize long-standing members by presenting a celebratory plaque to all who have 50 years or more of membership. As I write there are five such members within Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch, and what a commitment to inland waterways they have given. Very well done to Mr & Mrs E.L. Hill, Mrs K. Priestley, Mr. H. Richardson, Mr S.N. Champion and
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Mrs V. Roberts. I hope you display your plaque with pride and thank you so much for your untiring support. Looking forward to the longer days and warmer temperatures of spring our Social Secretary is planning a couple of outdoor evening activities to round off this season’s calendar. On Friday 18th May we have a circular walk in the vicinity of the Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock on the Nottingham Canal. Meet at the Heritage Centre, Canal Side, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1LZ at 7 pm. Refreshments should be available in the centre at the end of the walk with time to visit the museum. Then in June a joint walk is being planned with the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society but details have still to be finalised. Please take note that these outdoor activities start at 7 pm to gain maximum advantage of the evening daylight. They will be great fun and good company so don’t miss your chance. In terms of more active spring activities, planning is proceeding for a clean-up of the Erewash Canal. Nothing is finalised yet but it is most likely this will be in conjunction with Erewash Canal Preservation and Development
Association with the IWA event on Saturday 7th April and an additional ECP&DA event the previous day, Friday April 6th. Watch this space. Later in May there will be a rally to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the ECP&DA and also the 45th anniversary of the re-opening of the Great Northern Basin over Spring Bank Holiday weekend 26-28th May 2018. Over 100 boats are expected to be moored along the Erewash Canal and in the Great Northern Basin, Langley Mill NG16 4AA. It will be a great few days so don’t miss out. Unfortunately the Branch exhibition stand will be missing from this one as there are not enough people available to attend. Further ahead we are also planning a Lock Wind at Derwent Mouth Lock on the Trent and Mersey Canal in Shardlow. The date is still to be finalised but likely to be a weekend day in late July early August. We need lots of help with this so don’t be shy about coming along, it’s good fun and for a good cause. This year we are planning to raise funds to aid the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society in their project to restore the first section of the Derby canal along the Draycott Mile.
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On the Social front our season of evenings continues, our next meeting will be on Friday 16th March when we have “Getting About” - a history of the transport of people and goods from place to place, an illustrated talk by Bob Massey, at our now usual venue at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7HY. On Friday 20th April it will be “Be Careful What You Wish For” – an illustrated talk on the progress of restoring the Cromford Canal and trip boat Birdswood by Mike Kelley of Friends of Cromford Canal. Then, as mentioned above, in May and June we go outdoors on Friday evenings. So put the evening of the third Friday in the month in your diaries and see the calendar of events at the back of this magazine. Do come and join us, everyone is most welcome, I look forward to seeing you there. Mike Snaith
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John Leslie Wain
I am sorry to report the death last October of John Wain from Chellaston, Derby. John was one of the last of the Inland Waterways Association’s old Midlands Branch who worked to prevent closure of some of the main line canals by British Waterways in the 1950s and 60s. This was when there were only six IWA Branches covering the whole of the country before the re-organisation in 1974. John was instrumental in saving the Trent & Mersey Canal as a through route, and as part of this helped found the Swarkestone Boat Club. Other members of the Midlands Branch Committee were Russ Godwin, Royston Torrington, Alwyn Davies, John Page and Tom Henshaw. John was born in Derby in 1926 and spent the whole of his youth in the city, and, as many lads did at that time, became an apprentice with Rolls Royce. This was interrupted by National Service in the Military Police, following which he resumed with Rolls Royce until he took up teaching at Ilkeston Technical College. John and his late wife, Alma, had three children, Lynda, Simon and Rex and, like many in the period after the Second World War, he built his own boat and cruised most of the canal system. Simon and Rex are now partners in Brinklow Boat Services. Following the formation of British Waterways in the BW Act of 1962, the future viability of canals was being considered and the Derby Canal, one of the few not to be nationalised in 1947, was the first to be threatened. John and others in the IWA Midlands Branch wrote letters to MPs and Councillors and held protest cruises to Sandiacre. The photograph shows John cutting a tree which had collapsed across the entrance to Lock 1, where a plaque was nailed on the gates; nevertheless the canal was sold to Derby City Council and soon filled in. With the Labour Government came Barbara Castle’s Transport Act of 1968, which sought to categorise BW’s waterways into those which were navigable and the rest. The Erewash
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Canal came into the latter group, with pending closure north of Long Eaton, and Roy Torrington, John Wain and others found local support and founded the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association. This ensured the future of a navigable Erewash Canal. Sandiacre Lock Cottage was saved from demolition, and in 1973 the Great Northern Basin was opened at Langley Mill. This was a more appropriate terminus at the top of the canal and we were hoping that John might have attended the 50th Anniversary Rally of the ECP&DA in May 2018. John’s funeral at Chellaston was well attended by members of the ECP&DA and boaters from all parts of the country and we offer our sympathy to his family. John Baylis
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Around the Societies and Trusts Cromford Canal. Their social meetings at Ironville Church Hall, Casson Street, NG16 5NN normally continue on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2 and there is a bar, tea, coffee, and raffle. The plans include: Monday 19th March; Roses and Castles, a talk by Suzie Litton-Wood. Monday 16th April; AGM with an update from George Rogers. Monday 21st May; Bess of Hardwick Hall. With the help of examples of period costume, Sonia Preece explores Bess’s time at the Old Hall and life within a Tudor mansion in the 1580s. Monday 18th June; Off the Boats, a light-hearted talk by Elizabeth Holloway about a middle-aged couple who have a 60ft narrow-boat built, and spend the next 5 years living on it, cruising the canals. Illustrated by canal art, photographs and maps.. Regular public trips between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction - Leawood Pump house aboard the electrically powered historic narrow-boat Birdswood will operate every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from mid-March. Work parties are Wednesdays fortnightly. An Ironville Work Party meets at the Crossings Club, Ironville, 9.30am. (Contact John Barker for more information: 07860 632837) and a Cromford Work Party meets at Cromford Wharf car park at 9.30am., aiming at painting Birdswood. Please bring lunch and sensible clothing. Contact John Barker 01773 760358. The Derby and Sandiacre Trust has a separate report from Chris Madge on page 28. Their work parties continue at Draycott and Borrowash; contact Eddy Case on 07523 896645. The next one will be on 14th March at 9:30 am - 1:00 pm at Borrowash Lock (52.9019483,1.3761676 for those with an accurate GPS device). The work will include clearing vegetation and/or aiding in restoration of the lock. This area was cleared a few years ago and the work is continuing along the towpath and clearing the canal channel from Station Road to Borrowash Bottom Lock. HS&E requirements: Sturdy Boots. Indoor meetings are planned to continue at 7.30 pm at the Wilmot Arms, 49 Derby Road, Borrowash DE72 3HA. On the 27th March Mick Golds will talk about "The BCN Network".
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Erewash CP&DA report with great pleasure and many thanks to supporters that they have now purchased the cottage at Sandiacre. The appeal is continuing to cover work on toilets.
The cottage is open on Sundays March 18th, 1:30 to 4:30pm, then on April 1st, April 22nd, Monday May 7th, 11:00 to 3:00pm, Sunday May 20th, 1:30 to 4:30pm, Friday - Monday May 25th to May 28th 11:00 to 3:00pm then Sundays June 17th, July 22nd, August 19th 1:30 to 4:30pm and Monday August 27th, 11:00 to 3:00pm. Admission is free. Due to the historic nature of the cottages, access for disabled people is limited. For more details and information contact: Glyn Stenson: 07809 251441 or 0115 8543306. Email: glynstenson@hotmail.com. The Association reports that Sustrans has pulled out of a plan to restore the historic Bennerley Viaduct across the Erewash valley. Grantham Canal Society From 11th August – 1st September 2018 and one week in October (20th-27th October), WRG and the Grantham Canal Society move their attentions to Lock 14 where volunteers will set up site and begin dismantling and then rebuilding the lock chamber. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn heritage restoration skills. To find out more about the full programme call Alex Melson 01494 783 453. The GCS has rangers who keep a watchful eye on the 32 miles of canal from its junction with the River Trent to the A1 at Grantham. They don’t at present have rangers on the South Kesteven District Council-owned Aegre 150 - March 2018 Page 25
section in Grantham. Rangers on this section will benefit from the support of the existing rangers network – training, meetings, updates etc. They will have a reporting system in place to notify SKDC of any issues outside their remit. It is a volunteer role; hours are flexible and can be fitted in around other commitments. If you would like to find out more, email in the first instance: anthonykjackson@btopenworld.com or telephone 01476 567477. Chesterfield Last June, the Chesterfield Canal Trust was selected as a recipient for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017. This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. On December 16th, the award was presented formally to the Trust by the Duke of Devonshire, who was acting for the Queen in his role as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. The brief ceremony was held at the Trust’s headquarters at Hollingwood Hub before an audience of some of its volunteers. There were other dignitaries in attendance, including the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire and the Mayor of Chesterfield.
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Melton and Oakham Waterways Society is looking for donations of tools to help their work parties. Items could include Screw drivers; Chain saws (petrol); Wire brushes ; Saws; Wire cutters; Strimmers ; Any timber, including scaffolding planks, shelving, etc ; Ladders / step ladders; Yard brushes ; Tree loppers ; Hammers ; Old tool boxes ; Spades / shovels; Rope; Rakes. Work party volunteer, Gavin Simpson, is happy to come and collect in and around the Melton area. His home number is 01664 561981, mobile 07973 333 841, email: nobsinn@aol.co.uk. Sleaford Navigation Trust has just heard that the application for LEADER funding to construct two landing stages in South Kyme has been successful. The Local Action Group has approved funding, but contracts have not yet been signed. Until then, the funding is not 'official', but they expect signing to happen on Tuesday 27th. The work parties continue, usually on the second Sunday of the month. Call Mel Sowerby on 01522 856810 for details. Trent and Mersey. Although most of the TMCS activities are in the “far North West� around Middlewich, they would like to hear more about things taking place further south and east on the canal. They are also looking for help in their milepost refurbishment programme in Derbyshire as well as any photographs of the posts to add to their collection. Contact is Margaret English, details on page 4. Their social programme, if you are near enough, is at The Big Lock pub., Webbs Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9DN Telephone: (01606) 833489 http://www.thebiglockpub.com The room will be open at 7.30pm, and the talks will start at 8.00pm, The next events are on Friday 16th March 2018 Cruising on Remote Waterways Derek and Jeanne Smith are keen trail boaters and share their experiences in this illustrated talk that looks at cruising on remote waterways, mainly unconnected waterways that are under restoration. Friday 20th April 2018 Phil Clayton will talk about Joeys, Joshers and James A BCN Miscellany. An introduction, accompanied by pictures, words and music, to the beginnings, development, working life, decline and renaissance of that wonderful network of waterways known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations, together with a little about the work of the BCN Society. Aegre 150 - March 2018 Page 27
The Ancholme River Trust. The Trust was initially formed as a subgroup of the EA`s Ancholme User Group which had for many years enabled river users to meet and discuss issues that were then acted upon by the Agency. Over a period of time and reduction in funding it was realized that a separate Trust would be able to achieve more. The Trust caters for all river users, and North Lincs Unitary Council has bought an aquatic weed cutter to remove growth from the navigation. It can also be used on their other leisure lakes in the area. Using funds from large commercial developments a multi-user path is being developed from Brigg, northwards to the Humber. About twothirds of the way to the Humber has been completed, benefitting walkers, cyclists and fishermen. They can now gain access from the adjoining villages which once had public wharves on the river. These will be reinstated. The Old River Ancholme loop passes through Brigg, adjacent to the Market Place where barges used to tie up at the Jam Factory. There is now an annual charity market, with local sports clubs promoting their activities. This loop is home to the Brigg Rowing
Club, who even with their minimal draft craft are experiencing silt problems. Larger craft from Brigg Boat Club also used to tie up here, but no longer. The Town Council are presently advertising for a contractor to remove floating debris from this waterway. Volunteers from the Trust hold regular litter picks along the towing path, and fishermen carry out maintenance to their fishing
stances and vegetation. There is a thriving canoe club which holds national competitions and International “Bomber� triathalon activities. The main problems to be tackled are bank erosion at Brigg Boat Club; dredging; the removal of sand bars across the navigation; and new tailgates on Harlam Hll lock to allow navigation to the formal head of navigation at Bishop Bridge. Picture above - new pontoon on the river for the Rowing Club.
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Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust.
From Chris Madge We can report substantial progress and increased enthusiasm at DSCT. In May we launched our appeal to raise £100,000 towards the restoration of a kilometre of canal at Draycott and by January we had reached £85,000. The final push is on to get us over the line and in anticipation of a successful conclusion we are now raising the matched funding. There’s every chance we
fishing and there’s even talk of basing a Triathlon there. With the success of the canal restoration project a local developer has offered for sale a building housing six cottages that started life as a mill at the Draycott winding hole. The Trust secured a loan to buy the property in July and has since been planning its development. A structural survey has taken place – the cottages are
will see completion in Autumn 2018. The planned restoration will include a ramp to be able to accommodate a future Trailboat Festival and will encourage local activities including canoeing,
currently derelict – and strengthening work is planned. Scaffolding is already up and the initial phase will return three cottages into use, with the second phase creating a café, museum and office space for the Trust. Loan Aegre 150 - March 2018 Page 29
funding is being sought to achieve this, with loans being paid back from the proceeds of sale of the cottages. The opportunity to create a centre for the Trust’s operations is very welcome, and the building will support activities on the adjacent canal stretch, and in such a popular area generate income going forward to support the next stages of restoration. The Trust has also been lucky enough to get the support of WRG, firstly to take down trees at the cottages in late October, but also to hold a canal camp in the
week commencing 21st July this year. The week will move on the restoration of Borrowash bottom lock by replacing the dislodged capping and other stones. Volunteers have already cleared out the area and replaced brickwork ready for the final blockwork. As if that wasn’t enough to keep us busy we are also working to get our own trip boat established. As we don’t have water it won’t be on our canal just yet. Derby City Council has asked us to establish one on the river Derwent so that the city can bring the river to life. Music to our ears – at last. We’re just trying to work out how to do it.
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Notts & Derby Branch Programme The Notts and Derby branch of the IWA is organising a series of public meetings. We are hoping to attract lots of new faces to the meetings and have arranged a very interesting and varied group of speakers. Non IWA members will be very welcome to attend. We meet on the third Friday of the month throughout most of the year, at 7.45 pm at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2-7HY, about 15 minutes from M1 Junction 24 up the A453. Outdoor meetings vary. Friday, March 16th 2018 “Getting About” - a history of the transport of people and goods from place to place, an illustrated talk by Bob Massey. Friday, April 20th 2018 “Be Careful What You Wish For” – an illustrated talk on the progress of restoring the Cromford Canal and trip boat Birdswood by Mike Kelley of Friends of Cromford Canal. Friday, May 18th 2018 A circular walk in the vicinity of the Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock on the Nottingham Canal. Meet at the Heritage Centre, Canal Side, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1LZ at 7 pm. Refreshments should be available in the centre at the end of the walk with time to visit the museum. Friday, June 15th 2018 A joint walk is being planned with the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society but details have still to be finalised.
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; David Collin; Mike Snaith; Rod Auton; Mel and Sue Sowerby; Archie Roberts; Andrew Shephard; David Pullen; North Lincs Unitary Council; 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 Roger Kidd and Nigel Homer via geograph.org.uk. The front cover is The Trent Aegre at Gainsborough from Chris075 at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
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Cover from Aegre issue 1 See page 8
Loughborough Frank the Plank See page 13
Boston Haven Old jetty due for removal See page 14
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Louth Navigation Warehouse See page 14