Aegre 153 March 2019
After the WRG have been - see page 15 and back cover
From the East Midlands Region of the Aegre 153 - March 2019 Page 1
Aegre is published Š 2019 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
Andrew Shephard, 41 Roman Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4BB. E: andrew.shephard@waterways.org.uk
Lincolnshire Branch Chairman
Dave Carnell (as above)
Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman
Mike Snaith, Hawthorne Cottage, 70 Main Street, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7EU
Member & WRG
John Baylis, 215 Clipstone Rd West, Forest Town, Mansfield NG19 0HJ Tel: 01623 621208
Secretary and Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth LN11 0GQ E-mail: aegre@waterways.org.uk
Printing: Colour Image Loudwater. Despatch: Branch Volunteers. Picture credits: page 10
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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The WRG in action - see page 15
Aegre
No. 153 March 2019 Contents
Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region From the Region Chair Hydro-electric on Trent and Soar The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam Picture Credits News from Leicestershire Carry on Camping Lincolnshire Happenings News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire News from the Restoration Hub Around the Societies and Trusts Journals Received Next issue probably to be published in July 2019. Contributions to the editor (see page 2) by the end of May 2019 please. Attached files in RTF or JPG preferred if possible. The space on the right is for local Branch contact information.
Aegre 153 - March 2019 Page 3
4 5 8 10 10 11 15 17 19 23 25 31
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 Waterways Society
Michael Clowes, tel: 01509 414140, e-mail: lindandmick@btinternet.com www.meltonwaterways.co.uk
Old Union Canals Society
Jean Bourne, 2 Nithsdale Crescent, Market Harborough, LE16 9HA Tel: 01858 461483
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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From the Region Chair Water resources, restrictions and stoppages Summarising this IWA East Midlands regional overview in late February, during one of the warmest and driest “winter” weather spells on record, I was reminded of the strategy of using mainly river navigations in 2018 for our main summer cruising route (Aegre 152, November 2018). Unfortunately, Autumn 2018 and Winter 2019 rainfall in our region has been less than a third of “normal”, and therefore unless there is a significant weather change (i.e. a 2012 “monsoon” type summer), we can again expect significant waterway restrictions through 2019. In this context, and as a precaution, C&RT East Midlands have advised us they will be carrying out further water conservation improvements (i.e. bunging up the leaks!) on Whetstone Lock on the GU Leicester Line in the first week of April 2019. This will be a short stoppage before the start of the Easter holiday break to attempt to reduce navigation restrictions later in the main boating season. Best then to linger in the towns and beautiful rural countryside south of Leicester, e.g. Foxton, Market Harborough or alternatively Leicester, Loughborough, and northwards on the Soar.
Strategic water resource management is also the main driver behind Water Resources East (WRE), which offers opportunities for developing the Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor as part of the Fens Waterways Link (FWL). B2P has gained immediate resonance along this section by identifying tangible opportunities for leisure and health related benefits at local community level. (Waterways Winter 2018). We are actively engaging with local communities on the river Welland on the feasibility of holding a trail-boat festival in 2020 to support and publicise the B2P Wetland Corridor project. Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire (N&D) Branch. I am very heartened to note that Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch has two new committee members who were elected at the branch AGM in February, as reported by Mike Snaith on page 20. I know they will bring different skills and contacts to the Branch, but please note that they still require further committee members. Although very active and effective, without new blood on the committee N&D Branch was in danger of becoming moribund. Mike Snaith, Archie Rob-
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erts and Brian White have gone over and above the call of duty in their unstinting efforts and successes for over 20 years, and I was delighted to be able to add my thanks to them on behalf of the region at the N&D AGM. The value of Inland Waterways IWA Restoration Hub High Level Panel have commissioned a report to review literature and scope the value and benefits of Inland Waterways. The draft report noted that IWA’s role as an independent ‘critical friend’ of both C&RT and EA, as the two main navigation authorities, is key to our advocacy in lobbying politicians, funders and other decision makers. IWA Restoration Hub have also produced a new report “Waterways in Progress” which uses case studies of partially completed restoration projects which are demonstrating the wide range of benefits (“gains”) that can be delivered even before the full restoration is completed, (Waterways Spring 2019), This report will be publicly launched as the main message at the forthcoming joint restoration workshop with C&RT on 30th March 2019. See page 23.
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IWA continues to regard the massive expansion of “live-aboard” and “continuous cruisers” on London’s canals as a huge restriction on visiting boaters. Fine words and well-meaning intent by C&RT have so far had zero effect on stemming the flow of boats staying permanently in London. My take on this is that there will be no significant change in this situation until C&RT and other Navigation Authorities realise that the navigation by-laws of 200 years ago (principally for transport of goods), are not fit for purpose for the way that many of our urban waterways are now used (in London principally as a location for affordable accommodation). Hydroelectric turbines at locks and weirs Hydroelectric turbines are being considered at most of the main locks on the River Trent. See the summary table on the next pages. We are concerned that insufficient account has been taken of the increased navigation risks at the two existing turbine locations (Holme and Beeston). The main points that we have made to both C&RT and the planning authorities are: 1. Concern that increased safety risks to recreational and leisure boaters have not been considered for the proposed turbines
on the River Trent and River Soar. This is with reference in particular to a substantiated damages claim due to the most recently commissioned turbine installation at Holme Lock 2. Realistic navigation risk assessments must be provided for all the recently submitted turbine installations on the River Trent and River Soar. Appropriate risk assessment must include the types of recreational and leisure boats that regularly use the river navigations in our region. 3. The Beeston Weir scheme, which has been in service for a approximately 10 years, has proven difficult for navigators on the Trent upstream of Barton Island, where there are natural shallows, when the turbine draw significantly affects navigational depth during low summer flows.
the East Midlands, which has been previously justified on increasing visitor numbers and spend. 5. We recognise and support that hydroelectric generation at weirs is one of the best “clean” examples of harnessing a renewable energy source that is “always on”. 6. In principle IWA East Midlands Branches are supportive of the objectives of these schemes, but not unconditionally, if the very reason that these navigation locks exist is compromised by creating unsafe navigation conditions. David Pullen East Midlands Chairman February 2019
4. IWA, together with C&RT, has worked hard to promote use of the River Trent Navigation for leisure boating, and we have seen increased visitors to Newark, Torksey, Lincoln, Chesterfield Canal etc. Any further reasons that might dissuade inexperienced boaters from using the navigation will be counter-productive to the significant tourism infrastructure investment on the waterways in
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Hydro-electric on Trent and Soar
Lock/Weir
Planning Authority
Head m Comments
Cranfleet/Thrum Rushcliffe BC pton
2.4
Ownership - private? Rail Authority? Not yet in process.
Beeston
Nottingham City Co
1.6
Commissioned about 2005? Low summer flows cause upstream (grounding) and downstream loss of steerage in shallows above Barton Island
Holme
Rushcliffe BC
3.7
Commissioned 2017. Turbine chamber is in the disused lock parallel to contemporary mechanised lock. Mitigation inadequate above the lock. (several accidents and a proven claim).
Stoke
Rushcliffe BC
2.1
Weir stream parallel, boom protection.
Gunthorpe
Rushcliffe BC
?
Weir stream parallel, boatyard off-line moorings close to weir.
Hazelford
Rushcliffe BC
2.1
Weir stream parallel, boom protection.
Newark Top Lock (Town)
Newark & Sherwood
?
Old Lock chamber in conservation area. Significant ownership and heritage issues? Similar navigation risks to Holme site. Planning application has been withdrawn, but can be re-submitted within twelve months.
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Newark Nether Lock
Newark & Sherwood
1.7
100KW 4m diam. Archimedes Screw turbine. Granted July 2018.
Cromwell
Newark & Sherwood
?
Angling and fish conservation concerns. Granted May 2018.
Kegworth Deep
Rushcliffe BC
Old Lock chamber parallel to the contemporary in-use chamber. Very similar to Holme Lock as note 1 below. Old Lock chamber parallel to the contemporary in-use chamber. Very similar to Holme Lock as note 1 below.
Ratcliffe Lock Rushcliffe BC. (upstream of Re- Not in process dhill flood lock yet. 1. Newark Top Lock approach channel has a pinch point between the Mill Lane Bridge abutments. All of the flow (11.3m3/s) to the lock and turbine plant will pass through this channel. Once boat skippers realise that the turbine draw combined with the draw from the lock gate paddles is compromising steerage and safe moorings there is a huge risk that it is too late to avoid hard contact with the channel structures. 2. The existing Holme Lock installation is similar in that the proposed site is very close to the upstream gates and the navigation approach has proven to be dangerous especially when the lock draw stops and all of the flow is to the turbine inlet.
3. Kegworth Deep and Ratcliffe Lock sites are also in old disused parallel lock chambers with similar navigation risks. 4. Most of the other proposed sites are on the parallel weir stream a reasonable distance downstream of the main lock approach channel and therefore with less risks to navigation safety. Also boom protection is in place at all(?) the weir stream diversions upstream of the locks. 5. All the Trent Locks Hydroelectric proposals require risk assessment for navigation (mitigation measures) for turbine operation in low flow conditions potentially causing strong stream and/or grounding in main navigation channel upstream of turbines, e.g. as created by the Beeston turbines.
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The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam In the midst of lovely weather, albeit a bit cold for some boating activities, I have been looking at the rainfall. Very low in January at 18.9mm here, and not much more in February to date. So at the current rate we shall be looking at some drought stoppages later in the year, as David points out in his report. In contrast there have been a couple of flood warnings for the Soar earlier in the winter, and it was a bit lively on the water for a short time. Strangely the e-mail warnings from C&RT have never been cancelled, as far as I can tell, although most work stoppages such as lock reconstruction get a “finished work” advice. Over the dark winter nights I have been doing a bit of clearing out, and one item to go was an ancient geography textbook. Quickly leafing through, I found a bit about rivers and ox-bow lakes, and the way they develop in wild country over many years. Interesting then to go and see the development of the failure at Keddington Lock
(see Dave’s update on page 17), where the errant flow is already making major inroads into the bank, with odd trees and fence posts falling in. And this after only about seven months, with nothing special in the way of rainfall. In a different area, it is good to see that Canoe England (I still think of them as the BCU) are coming to look at the Louth Canal, and that they are also promoting “Clear Access, Clear Waters” or “Fair, shared, sustainable open access on and along inland waters”. Not yet achieved of course, but for myself I have always found the German approach simple and understandable. If you build it, you are entitled to control and maybe charge for it. If it’s natural, it’s free to all. Never mind, in other parts of this issue we have quite a bit of good news, some of it in hard construction terms, but also in terms of paperwork and permissions. Best wishes anyway for a good season ahead. Peter
Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations for this edition of Aegre: Mike Gallagher; Jenny Morris; Chris Madge; Archie Roberts, Mike Snaith, Dave Carnell; David Collin; Rod Auton; Mel and Sue Sowerby; David Pullen; Andrew Shephard, Nicola Kiely, and as noted for specific articles. Page 10 Aegre 153 - March 2019
News from Leicestershire
Andrew and Debbie talk to Richard Parry at Divali As most of you will know by now, Ian and Carol McDonald moved away from Leicester last September, something that we knew was on the cards, but was still a little bit of a shock. I offered to take over, and this was agreed by the committee.
home, just as soon as they move into one.
A ‘Leaving Do’ was organised for them, which my wife Debbie and I hosted at ‘Shephard Towers’, in Birstall. That was on Saturday 3rd of August. The party was very well attended with many ex-committee members and friends. We presented them with a framed copy of the Leicester Line Guide, to which I’m sure they will give pride of place somewhere in their new
On the 7th of November, some of us turned out to support the C&RT ‘Light a Lock’ Divali event at Lime Kiln Lock in Leicester. Illuminated boats were provided by Richard Thorpe, Region Chairman David Pullen, and committee member Trevor Stevens and wife Sue. I went there with the Baldwin Trust trip boat ‘Saint Clare’, having just persuaded them to join the IWA as corporate members. Debbie and
Our first gathering of the new season was on the 11th of October, when we were privileged to have our National Chairman, Ivor Caplan, as our guest speaker.
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Mo got there in the evening by car. I’m sorry to say that the event was probably not quite as successful as we might have hoped. It was not that well attended. Some further thought needed, we think, if a repeat event were to be considered for 2019. Hopefully next time we can become involved in the event and with C&RT at a much earlier stage, as it was all a bit last minute last year. The guest speaker for our November meeting on the 8th was Chris Madge, Director of the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust. He gave us a very entertaining and inspiring talk about their work up in Derby. On Friday the 2nd of November, Debbie and I attended the C&RT Annual Public Meeting held at the Voluntary Action Leicester building on Newark Street, Leicester. We had a good exchange of views with Richard Parry before the meeting, and had the opportunity to meet and talk to the new Director of C&RT East Midlands Region, Phil Mulligan. We thought their presentations were impressive and professional, as one might have expected. We held our annual Xmas party on the first Thursday of Decem-
ber, earlier than in 2017, again at ‘Shephard Towers’. I had hoped that this would allow more people to make it, but it didn’t seem to make any difference, so this year it will be moved back to the second Thursday. We still had a goodish turnout though. This time, there was not a quiz. Instead there was entertainment, in the form of some comical recitations, and Xmas songs and carols, accompanied by two members of the Quorn Ukulele Orchestra Mick Clowes and me. I understand this went down quite well. Sheila and Mike Dixon helped out again with the buffet supper. On the 13th of December, Mo Murray, Debbie and I went to Newark to meet Phil Mulligan. Our main concern was to do with the Memory Lane Wharf visitor moorings and boaters facilities. Unfortunately, due to changes at C&RT, no real progress has been made for some time now, and also unfortunately, Phil had not yet been briefed on Leicester issues. Our discussion on these matters was, therefore, fairly limited. Debbie and I, however, had a very useful meeting on Tuesday 12th February with Simon Paprill, the C&RT Midlands Enterprise Manager. Simon had been spearheading the Memory Lane Wharf
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project when based in Newark, but he has been re-located to the West Midlands and this, together with other staff relocations, has basically caused the project to come to a standstill. Simon’s post has not been filled, so he is still trying to cover the Eastern Region as well. Frankly, I think it is unlikely that we will see this project moving forward any time soon, but we are continuing to pursue it with the Trust. One of the complications, apart from finance, is the issue of land ownership and the potentially conflicting interests of adjacent properties. In November, I attended a meeting of the River Soar and Grand Union Canal Partnership, at which I was asked to do a presentation at their next meeting, on the 6th of February this year, on the subject of Boating in and around Leicester. Debbie and I duly gave the presentation, which was generally well received, apparently. The 24th Annual General Meeting took place on 14th of February, at which our three co-opted committee members, Trevor Stevens, Sheila Dixon and Mike Dixon were duly elected to the Branch Committee. IWA East Region
Chairman Dave Pullen gave his typically interesting report, referring particularly to recent planning applications for proposed hydro-electric schemes at various locations in our region This prompted some discussion. After the break, Trevor Stevens showed one of his archive waterways films, which went down really well. Some of us spotted a very young Mary Matts on the back of a Foxton Boat Services butty. The one thing that I wish I could have reported about is our branch campaigning successes. Regrettably, not a lot to report here. At the moment, we don’t seem to have the resources to undertake any meaningful campaigning, which is frustrating and disappointing. In this respect, the vigorous campaigning and restoration efforts of the Melton and Oakham Waterways Society, of which the IWA Leicestershire Branch is now a corporate member, should be noted. It is particularly disappointing and frustrating to have been unable to engage effectively with Leicester City Council’s Planning Department with respect to the waterside developments that have been emerging over the last few months and recent years. Their Local Plan ticks all the boxes,
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promises everything, but is more or less completely ignored. Our presentation to the RSGUCP made reference to this, which we think was acknowledged by quite a few the attendees, or ‘partners’ as they like to call themselves. Nevertheless, we think we are making good progress in establishing better links with many neighbouring local authorities, including the City Council, primarily through our involvement with the River Soar & Grand Union Canal Partnership. And of course we continue to work with C&RT whenever we can. Our next meeting here is on the 14th of March. Our guest speaker will be Phil Mulligan, Director, C&RT East Midlands Region. Phil was booked for our AGM evening, but he was poorly and could not make it. Our last meeting before we break for the summer is on Thursday the 11th of April. We haven’t got a guest speaker booked as yet. The monthly Branch meetings will resume here on the second Thursday of October.
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The annual Leicester Riverside Festival, now in it’s 22nd year, is on the 1st and 2nd of June. I’m not sure yet how involved we will be with that. Also needing a mention is the Old Union Canal Society’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Welford Arm. This will be in the form of a boat rally at Welford Wharf on Friday 17th May through to Sunday the 19th of May. I’m hoping that some of our committee will be there to support them and fly the IWA flag. Debbie and I will not be there, however, as we will be away. Finally, I would like to thank the committee members for all the hard work they have put in in various ways, and especially for the support they have given me since I took on the role of Chairman. I would also like to thank Tony and Carol Grocock for their unstinting work organising the raffles at all our Branch gatherings, the proceeds of which make a significant contribution to our funds. Andrew Shephard Chairman, IWA Leicestershire Branch, February 2019
Carry on Camping The IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) has released its programme of week-long residential working holidays for 2019. This year WRG are running 23 Canal Camps across 13 different waterways. They all need the support of up to 20 volunteers each week. In 2018, over 390 volunteers joined WRG up and down the country to undertake 2262 volunteer days (18096 hours) restoring canals. If time had a value, that’s over £260,000 of labour costs! But of course the time and effort of all IWA and WRG volunteers is priceless. The aim of the Canal Camp programme is to support the work of local canal restoration societies. Across all the Canal Camps in the UK, volunteers will have the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and get stuck into tasks such as restoring locks, relining canals, creating towpaths, removing vegetation and uncovering archaeological artefacts. Volunteers are the life blood that keeps WRG alive, and each year over 90 volunteer leaders, assistants and cooks are needed. The leadership teams bring invaluable experience, passing down their knowledge and skills to the next generation of Canal Restoration volunteers. Each team is
responsible for making sure their canal camp is a fun-filled, enjoyable experience – they run the canal restoration site, organising social activities in the evenings, and ensure that everyone is still smiling by the end of the week. With support from IWA’s Technical Support Officer, Mikk Bradley, the leadership teams ensure each week is well-planned, working closely with the host canal restoration society. Mike Palmer, Chair of the Waterway Recovery Group, says, “We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to help us with our canal restoration projects. In return for helping to preserve our industrial heritage and restoring our beloved canals, we can offer volunteers a fantastic chance to learn new skills such as bricklaying, restoring a flight of locks, building a new section of canal, or even rebuilding a bridge. It’s also a great opportunity to have fun and mix with different people who all share a common goal – to bring our waterways back to life.” Family Canal Camps 2019 The IWA recognises that families would like to get involved with canal restoration, and aims to provide an opportunity to introduce children to restoration work.
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By offering family volunteering the charity hopes to engage children from a young age and enable them to find out about canal restoration and heritage, working outdoors and learning new skills. After three successful weekends and fantastic feedback in 2018, WRG has extended the programme for 2019 to cover three residential weekends for families. If you would like to book a Camp in this area or further afield, please visit WRG’s website www.wrg.org.uk. Alternatively, you can call WRG head office on 01494 783453 ext 610, or email enquiries@wrg.org.uk. 30th -31st March 19th - 27th April
3rd - 10th August
BCN Cleanup Lancaster Canals Cotswold Canals Leaders Training Day River Waveney Lichfield Training Weekend Uttoxeter Family Camp Wey & Arun Canal Lichfield Canal Grantham Canal Three camps as for previous week Wey and Arun Canal Derby & Sandiacre Canal Grantham Canal Shrewsbury & Newport Canal
10th - 17th August
Grantham Canal
16th - 18th August
Grantham Family Camp
17th - 24th August
Grantham Canal
24th - 31st August
Swansea Canal
18th May 19th - 25th May 21st - 23rd June 21st - 23rd June 6th - 13th July
13th - 20th July 20th - 27th July
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Grantham Canal 31st Aug - 7th Sept
Monmouthshire Canal
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Lincolnshire Happenings River Ancholme
Louth Navigation Trust.
The development of the Ancholme Valley Way, a multiuser path between Brigg and the Humber at South Ferriby, is almost complete. There remains a short section from Saxby All Saints to Horkstow to be completed.
I previously mentioned that to try and resolve a land ownership query with Merton College the MP Victoria Atkins was to invite the College to a meeting at Westminster. Due to other pressing Government issues this has still to take place.
For some years the upper reaches of the river, to Bishops Bridge, has not been navigable due to the EA declaring the lock gates on Harlam Hill Lock to be unsafe. Due to financial constraints they do not have funding to replace them. Recently the Parish Council expressed an interest in raising funds to re-open the lock and waterway. With funding applications it is necessary to have consent from the property owner. EA are less than willing to provide this, their reasons being they do not have the funds to maintain the works when completed. This part of the river is used as part of a water transfer system to provide water to North Lincolnshire and Grimsby. Due to an increase in volumes being transferred, silting has become a problem. Monies from these systems are paid into the EA “Flood Protection” pot and appear not to be available to maintain navigations. Can this issue be resolved?
On the bank erosion and damage to Keddington Lock, the EA continue to deny they have any responsibility, and that the riparian owners have to deal with it. They do, however, insist that any works carried out have to meet their criteria. They also deny that the lack of water feed to the River Lud is detrimental to the bio-diversity. Discussions with the land owner and an EA approved contractor are taking place. Research has established that the Navigation locks are not shown as being registered to anyone. To transfer these to the Trust involves much expensive legal work. The local authority, having recently secured the future of the Navigation Warehouse, are unable to help with this. Assistance from a solicitor through a Pro Bono scheme would be greatly appreciated. Following the article in the last edition “Treasures Awaiting for All”, British Canoeing are making a site visit to check if the naviga-
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tion is a suitable place for their “Places to Paddle� campaign. Sleaford Navigation Trust Following the October work party at Taylors Lock, two narrow-boats were delayed in reaching the new moorings in South Kyme due to excessive weed, up to two feet thick at the lock exit. It took the efforts of people on the bank and on the boat stern to force a passage (see picture below). The EA were made aware of concerns about the lack of oxygen for aquatic life and this resulted in the weeds being cleared. In December, a presentation on the history and restoration of the navigation was given by Steve Hayes and David Pullen to the
Institute of Civil Engineers, Lincoln Branch. Part of the LEADER funding for Destination South Kyme was to erect information boards at points on the navigation. These are now in place in the village and at Chapel Hill. The agreement for excavating the winding hole in South Kyme has finally been completed. Sadly, the contractor is unable to schedule the work in time for the Boat Gathering on May Bank Holiday but it should be done shortly after. The Trust AGM will be held at 7.30pm on May 13th at the Sleaford Town Council Offices, where
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the speaker will be Robert Ankerson from the International Bomber Command Memorial Centre. Details of the Boat Gathering on 3rd - 6th May and the AGM are on the SNT website. Boston Barrier. With reduced width of the navigation channel and increased flows, new marker buoys are in place. Dredging is now taking place adjacent to the dam.
Planning Matters. The Gainsborough Marina development was dependent on a EU funding bid. After much research and work it is disappointing to learn that the application was not enthusiastically received and failed. At Cherry Willingham, on the River Witham, a re-submission of a previously approved application has been enlarged to provide 220 berths, a chandlery, workshop, café / bistro, cycle-ways, public open space and heritage information. Outline permission was granted for up to 155 new homes and businesses on the site.
News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Well, after many a long year as your scribe you will be pleased to know this is my last missive. Thinking back, I only hope some smiles have been created along the way. So, without further ado and for the last time, read on. It’s been pretty quiet this winter so far. The grey dreary weather remains as usual though, so it has been a pleasure to attend our Social meetings. We had a great buffet for our Christmas bash in December with an excellent turn out of members, all treated to the double act of Richard and Hilary
Whitby describing their adventurous voyage across the Wash in a narrow-boat from Boston to Peterborough. 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 and entertaining, the January Social was some of the history of Dr. Erasmus Darwin and of the canals and “planned but not built” canals around Lichfield. Erasmus being the grandfather and inspiration of
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the more famous Charles. He was also a leading light in his own right in the Lunar Society and the development of the Trent and Mersey canal. Who knew that Erasmus and his fellow directors built that section of canal (for their Mill) five years ahead of it being absorbed into the Trent and Mersey? Who also knew about the medieval history of the Wychnor Flitch of Bacon? A year and a day of happily married bliss and it would be yours‌ or was there an odd string attached? Avid readers may also recall that my previous articles have mentioned fundraising successes and the donations made to local waterway groups. It is good to report now that the donation made to the Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association aided their success in purchasing Sandiacre Lock Cottage, which is now fully owned by them. Likewise the donation to the Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston has been used to plan and design a floating mooring in the old river lock to enable narrowboat access to the centre – most particularly for the Nottingham City Community boats for the disabled and disadvantaged but also for passing traffic in general. The design has been completed, mate-
rials have been bought, and by the time you read this the build should be complete. Great successes for all involved and a great pleasure for IWA to be able to help. In terms of organising activities and events you may recall in my previous article for Aegre I mentioned the retirement of the current committee at the AGM and that, if you have any spark of interest, however small or large in keeping the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch afloat to please contact me. That need remains, so please do try help. The AGM took place earlier in February and it was great to see so many members attending. Possibly a record turn out? Archie Roberts, Brian White and I stood down from the committee after 10, 22 and 19 years membership respectively. It was my honour as Chairman to thank Archie and Brian for their extended hard work for the Branch over this period and I repeat here some of the speech I gave at the meeting. “Firstly a very big thank you to Archie who is standing down today and has been on the committee since 2009. Over that time he has made an outstanding contribution to all the events we have attended in all weathers and I
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know he gets a real buzz out of hoiking bikes out of canals. You will all no doubt have noticed how well maintained and entertaining our Branch web page has become and this is all down to Archie. He is also our Membership Secretary and sends out greetings and a welcome to all new members, a hidden but key role done successfully for many years. Likewise the monthly e-mail reminder has become a tour de force. Thank you very much, Archie, for all your hard work and endeavours, we all hope you have a successful new stage in life when you move up to Yorkshire, but you will be sadly missed hereabouts. Take a bow, my good man. “Brian White is also standing down today. It’s over 20 years since Brian first joined the committee. He has done several roles and has been Acting Chairman for many years over that period but foremost he has been our Treasurer. Over that period the finances have always been well maintained and yet we have donated well over £12000 to waterways in the area. But what many people don’t see is how hard Brian works behind the scenes. All the accounts are kept; monies rapidly deposited in the bank; cheques paid; all the merchandising stock is ordered, stored and sold; gazebos appear at events;
tables appear; exhibition boards are made; get broken by hamfisted volunteers; get repaired and re-used. It can take several hours to load up trailers and vehicles with the stuff we need for events, let alone driving to the locations and a similar amount of time to store it all again afterwards. All people see is a fully erected exhibition stand, but there is so much more to it. Now you know something about the more. You just have to say, “Brian, can you…” and it just gets done. Without Brian’s 20 year commitment to this Branch we would not have become the successful Branch we are. Brian, thank you very much for all your hard work and endeavours over the 20 plus years, we hope all goes well for you in the future, you will be sadly missed hereabouts. Take a wellearned bow, my good man.” At the AGM I am also glad to report that two new committee members were elected, Graham Jeffery and Stephen Parker. Being only two, they are going to need much support, so please help as much as you can. Both are residential boaters based at Mercia Marina on the Trent and Mersey canal near Willington. Graham has been a Branch member for over 10 years since he moved to Mercia Marina, and although
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roles will not be allocated until the first committee meeting following the AGM, he is most likely to be the new Chairman and is shaping up to do a very good job. Steve has also been an IWA member for many a long year with previous local committee roles when he lived in the Medway and North London areas, but his new role is less clear as his job is going to take him to Italy from now until November so he will be in contact by email over that period. I wish both success, they are taking on great positions but I would further encourage all readers to help as much as you can and above all come forward to help on the committee. With two new, dedicated folks already there you will be warmly welcomed and have a clean sweep to promote your own ideas to shape the Branch. Go on, get involved. Talk to Graham at Mercia or contact me. We really need a Secretary and a Treasurer but there are many other vacancies as well so you have great choice. Go for it. On the Social front our season of evenings concludes for the summer on Friday 12th April with Chris Madge, Director of Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust, giving an illustrated talk on the latest developments regarding the Derby
Canal. He tells me there is much to talk about with the development of the Canal Cottages in full swing; planning for the Draycott Mile project; something about a trip boat; and the recent partial excavation of Sandiacre Bottom Lock. Take note that this talk takes place on the second Friday in April (not the third which would clash with the Easter weekend). It will take place at our now usual venue at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7HY. And don’t forget Friday, March 15th at the same venue, an illustrated talk by Philip Mulligan, the new East Midlands Region Manager for Canal and River Trust. So put these evenings in your diaries. Do come and join us, everyone is most welcome, I look forward to seeing you there. Don’t forget if you want to be Treasurer or Secretary, or fulfil other roles for the Branch, we need you. Please get in touch. To quote from a famous duo. “So its goodbye from me. And its goodbye from him”. Goodbye. Mike Snaith
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News from the Restoration Hub
The 2019 Annual Restoration Conference, jointly run by The Inland Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust, is taking place on Saturday 30th March at South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy. This year’s theme is 'Relining your Pockets'. It will focus on funding and how to make sure your project is relevant to funders. It will look at how added extras, alongside the physical restoration of your canal, can be crucial to bringing in the necessary funding. There are lots of presentations and seminars planned, including a presentation from Liz Shaw of the Heritage Lottery Fund updating you on HLF's new funding framework and grant programmes.
The conference will run from 10am-4pm and is FREE (refreshments & lunch included) to waterway restoration society members, volunteers and staff. Book your place › https://waterways.cloudvenue.co. uk/restorationworkshop2019 If you picked up a copy of the Observer on Sunday 6th January you would have seen the incredible two page feature article highlighting the range of benefits achieved through the restoration of Britain's waterways. The indepth piece was all about The Inland Waterways Association and our upcoming Waterways in Progress report, detailing what can be achieved at every stage of a canal restoration including eco-
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nomic growth, preservation of heritage and environment, creation of community spaces, and providing means for an individual's personal and professional development. The article also references the impressive work by our amazing team of volunteers and the importance of getting communities and local authorities on board with an understanding of what a restoration project is capable of doing for an entire area. We are busy finishing the report and filming a promotional video for restoration groups to use. The report will be launched at the Annual Restoration Conference on the 30th March. If you can't make the conference and would like to receive a copy of the report go to: https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/restoration/restoration_res ources/waterways_progress On the 15th February IWA and C&RT ran a successful 'Working with Volunteers' workshop focused on young people. We asked volunteers to write down their 'takeaway' points from the day and here are their top six: ● Start as young as possible and involve families. In the room over 50% of people had their first volunteering experience under the age of 21. Involving families is a great way to engage young people while having someone they trust and know to guide them through the volunteering experience. ● Work in partnership with local youth groups (Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Community Service Volunteers (CSV), local colleges, Scouts, etc.) and create the opportunity together. These groups can help with the bigger issues putting off your group from working with young people such as safeguarding and managing behaviour. ● Start small and build up, set reasonable and realistic targets to avoid disappointment. ● Involve young people in decision making, whether that be designing their volunteering opportunity or having input on your board or committee. Listen to what they want to do - it might be different from what you think. ● Social media are changing ... we've all got the hang of Facebook so it's time to start looking at Instagram and Snapchat to communicate/promote opportunities to young people. ● Make sure it is fun for all involved!
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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. On Monday 18th March, Peak Rail, an illustrated talk by Nigel Carabine. This is a look at the restored length of the former Midland Main Line that now offers steam train rides between Matlock and Rowsley. The AGM will be on 15th April. Now in their 6th year, FCC's popular boat trips from Cromford Wharf begin on 16th March and can be booked by calling 07552 055455. The FCC shop in the former Weighbridge office of the Gothic Warehouse on Cromford Wharf will be open in March at 10-3 on Wednesdays and 104 on Saturday and Sunday. Leawood Pump House will re-open shortly, check their web site for details. The Derby and Sandiacre Trust. Following many hours of volunteer work, the roofing at Draycott has been finished, and was suitably celebrated by a traditional “topping out”.
Pictures from Andrew Baird
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Also started is work on the site for Sandiacre Lock. Installation of fencing and the excavation work gives a good opportunity to visit and encourage the workers. The Trust is embarking on an exciting new project which could provide a very significant boost to Derby’s regeneration. For decades Derby has been criticised for not making the most of its beautiful river, but they are about to help the city make the first step towards changing that by introducing a passenger boat to the river Derwent! Towards the end of 2018 Derby City Council arranged the provision of a grant from the Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2). The grant will be released in chunks and will be used to pay for the construction of a brand new, purpose-built narrow boat and the construction of a boarding platform by Exeter Bridge. The boat will have a state-of-the-art electric drive system with the very latest battery technology meaning that the vessel will be completely zero emission. The electric drive will also make passage up the river ultra-quiet ensuring that the local wildlife (to which they wish to draw public attention) is not disturbed. During spring, summer and autumn months it will pick up passengers from the Brewery Tap near Exeter Bridge and go on a leisurely trip up to Darley Abbey and back. In early January 2019, Chris Madge and Mike Wingfield went to visit Tooley’s Boatyard. Tooley’s operate “The Dancing Duck” trip boat from their base in Banbury. This boat is a similar size and layout to the boat needed for the Derwent so it was a good place to start developing the design concept. Since then the Trust has developed its own design for the boat which addresses the requirements which have been carefully developed over the last year. The new design includes wheelchair access and an accessible toilet as well as a galley for serving refreshments, a display area and comfortable seating. Page 26 Aegre 153 - March 2019
Usual work parties continue; contact Eddy Case on 07523 896645 for details. They are normally on Wednesdays at Borrowash and Fridays at Draycott, both sessions starting at 9.30. Indoor meetings are planned to continue at 7.30 pm at the Wilmot Arms, 49 Derby Road, Borrowash DE72 3HA. On the 26th March David Pullen will talk about the Boston to Peterborough link. Erewash CP&DA report that there have been a few delays finishing off the work on Pentland, with a gearbox giving problems, and some panelling still to finish. The Christmas opening of the Sandiacre Lock Cottages went well. The cottage will be open this year on March 17, April 21-22, May 6, 19 and 27, June 16 and July 21. 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. Grantham Canal Society Whilst good progress continues on lock 14, “Kingston’s lock”, on the Grantham Canal, we are reminded every day that a 200+ year old structure was certainly made to last! Parts of the brickwork are taking a considerable amount of effort to demolish despite one of the walls having collapsed some while ago, caused most likely by the lock being empty for many years.
Reducing the Lock Approach Wall
Having a team of volunteers on site five days a week makes a big dent in those available for general canal maintenance. At this time of year weed and reed clearance is an essential part of waterway upkeep, so we are constantly seeking new volunteers. It is very heartening to see the local Aegre 153 - March 2019 Page 27
communities taking a greater interest in their section of canal and there have been clean-up sessions at both the West Bridgford and Grantham ends of the canal. Certainly, the way forward must be to encourage more local communities to take an active role in helping to maintain their section of waterway. Our colleagues of the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) are making a major effort on the Grantham Canal this coming summer (see page 15), so there is an additional opportunity to join in and learn from the experts. As with so many voluntary organisations these days, there is a lack of enthusiasm for anyone to undertake a management role. Although the Society has successfully filled some key positions over the past few months, the essential roles of Treasurer and Secretary are still awaiting suitable candidates. So, if you know of anyone, or are prepared to undertake one of these positions yourself, then we would like to hear from you. For an informal chat please contact David Lyneham-Brown, our Chief Executive, chiefexecutive@granthamcanal.org Chesterfield The Trust is looking to a major review of its future plans (to 2027!), in spite of the problems with HS2 not having gone away altogether, and many others to be solved. A major decision was taken last year to appoint a Development Manager. There is a published job description, but no news of an appointment yet. A successful walking festival was held last September, and a repeat is being planned for 14th to 22nd Sept. this year. Also a repeat, the sponsored boat pull with Dawn Rose will take place this year from April 24th towards West Stockwith, and then returning to be back at Shireoaks on 12th May. On the 13th March at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield, John Lower will give a talk about the canal, its history and restoration. Their AGM will be on 20th March at Hollingwood Hub at 7.30pm.
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Work on Grantham Canal - Stage by Stage Photos Zak Sciculana
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Melton and Oakham Waterways Society The planning application for the old Toll House and Isolation Hospital at Syston was granted by Charnwood Council in December. Two projects are under way, being guided by Paul Dadford. One is a series of walks along the Wreake Valley Way, in July and August, and along the Oakham Canal in May, June and September. Call Paul on 07870 238688 for details and to book. The other initiative is the Oakham Green Corridor, on a two mile stretch of the former Canal, in co-operation with the Oakham Angling Society and the Sustainable Land Trust. Old Union Canals Society Monthly meetings are in Great Bowden village hall (LE16 7EU) on the last Friday of the month at 7.30pm. Next up is 29th March. On 26th April there is a quiz night and social, and on 17th to 19th May will be a Rally of Boats at the Welford Arm to celebrate 50 years since the reopening. For details contact Mary Matts at 0116 2792188 or 07813 599323. Sleaford Navigation Trust is reported in the Lincolnshire section. 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. Their social programme, if you are near enough, is at The Red Bull, Congleton Road South, Stokeon-Trent ST7 3AJ. Next in the programme is on 15th March, with Chris Leah talking about the Wooden Canal Boat Society. Louth Navigation Trust This year they are holding a series of walks along the canal as part of the Louth Walking Festival. On the 23rd May from Alvingham Mill, at 6pm; on the 28th May at 2pm from the Crown & Anchor at Tetney Lock; and a longer walk on the 1st June at 12 noon from the same start. Their AGM will be on 19th June at the Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead.
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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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Griffin Mill Lock, before the work by WRG
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