AEGRE December 2012 No.134a
A Journal from the East Midlands Region of
See Grantham Lock 18 urgent appeal page 23 Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 1
Aegre is published Š 2012 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association for members of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branches.
Chairman
John Pomfret, db Drijfhuis, Braunston Boats Ltd, Bottom Lock, Dark Lane, Braunston, Daventry NN11 7HJ Tel 01788 891027
Vice-Chairman
Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End, Goxhill DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138
Leicestershire Branch Chairman
John Evans, Highfields Farm, Woodhouse Road, Quorn, Loughborough LE12 8AL Tel 01509 416647
Lincolnshire Branch Chairman
Dave Carnell (as above)
Notts. & Derbys Branch Chairman
Vacant. Contact Mike Snaith, below.
Region Planning Officer & Notts & Derbys Branch
Mike Snaith, Hawthorne Cottage, 70 Main St, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7EU
Secretary & WRG
John Baylis, 215 Clipstone Rd West, Forest Town, Mansfield NG19 0HJ Tel: 01623 621208
Member
Ian McDonald, 68 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JG Mobile: 07950 003383
Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0GQ Tel: 01507 602713; e-mail: aegre@waterways.org.uk This is the web version, with pictures at 96 dpi for a smaller file size. Picture credits: Front cover: Cromford Canal winter work party keeping warm, from Mike Harrison. Back cover and page 3: Brayford Pool, Lincoln. Other picture credits page 7.
Inland Waterways Association: Registered Office; Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Registered as a Charity No: 212342. Tel: 0845 4501146 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.
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AEGRE December 2012
No. 134a Contents
Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region.............................4 Journals Received........................................................................4 Annual General Meetings.............................................................5 The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam.................................................6 Picture Credits..............................................................................7 News from Leicestershire.............................................................8 Leicestershire Branch Meetings.................................................11 Lincolnshire Happenings............................................................12 News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.............................16 Pollution on the Erewash Canal.................................................18 Derby & Sandiacre Canal Progress...........................................19 Grantham Canal Society Discovery Day ...................................22 Notts & Derby Branch Programme.............................................23 Derby & Sandiacre Canal Meetings...........................................24 Normal Service Again for Northampton Boat Gathering............25 Friends of the Canal Museum events........................................26 IWA Northampton Branch events...............................................26 Chesterfield Canal News............................................................27 Cromford Canal Social Meetings...............................................28 The Listowel and Ballybunion Railway.......................................29 Next issue probably to be published in March 2013. Contributions to the editor by the end of January 2013 please. The space on the right is for local contact information.
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Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society
Chris Madge, c/o 62 Broadway, Duffield, Derby DE56 4BU Tel: 07827 946444 www.derbycanal.org.
Erewash Canal P & D
Howard Smith, 1 Millfield, Kimberley, Nottingham NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 9384129
Association Foxton Inclined Plane Trust
Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk
Friends of the Cromford Canal
Mike Kelley, 50 Beech Avenue, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7EW www.cromfordcanal.org.uk
Grantham Canal Society
Mike Stone, 7, Crow Park Drive, Burton Joyce, Nottingham NG14 5AS; Tel: 0115 931 3375 www.granthamcanal.com
Louth Navigation Trust
John Stanbridge, Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead, Louth LN11 0DA Tel: 01507 605496 www.louthcanal.org.uk
Melton & Oakham Waterways Society
Richard Booth, Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0HP Tel: 01664 503330 www.meltonwaterways.co.uk
Sleaford Navigation Trust
Steve Hayes, 10 Chelmer Close, N Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8TH Tel: 01522 689460 www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk
Trent and Mersey Canal Society
10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0BL. Tel: 01606 834471 www.trentandmerseycanalsociety.co.uk
Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Packet” from the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “The Bridge”, from Grantham Canal Society; “Sleaford Navigation Trust” journal; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; and “The Wharfinger”, from Louth Navigation Trust, as well as “Navigation” from our neighbours at West Midlands, the “Easterling” from our Eastern neighbours, and “Endeavour” from Northampton Branch. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given above. For “The Cuckoo” contact the editor John Lower at 92a Tapton View Road, Chesterfield S41 7JY.
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Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the East Midlands Region of the Inland Waterways Association and its constituent Branches will be held as follows. Leicestershire Branch: at 7.30 pm on Thursday 14th February 2013 at The Gate Hangs Well, Syston, Leics. LE7 1NH. Lincolnshire Branch: at 7.45 pm on Thursday 21st February 2013 at Lincoln Boat Club, Brayford North, Lincoln LN1 1YW. The Club is located adjacent to the Barge Restaurant and the Sea Cadets’ H/Q. Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch: at 7.45 pm on Friday 15th February 2013 at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford NG2 7HY. East Midlands Region. To be decided. Please contact the Chairman.
AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting 3. Matters arising. 4. Report of the Chairman. 5. Report of the Treasurer and presentation of accounts. 6. Statement of committee size 7. Election of Committee members. 8. Address by Member of Council or Trustee 9. Any other business. Nominations for election to the committees must be in writing, signed by the proposer and the seconder and containing the consent of the nominee. They should reach the relevant Branch or Region Secretary not less than 14 days before that meeting.
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The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam A report from The Port of London Authority (PLA) about a narrow boat loss on the Thames between South Dock and Limehouse Basin - only just over a mile by water - has been covered in Waterways, so most will have seen the details. The PLA’s remark about wave height on the Thames made me think about some of the very long fetches on parts of the Trent - not just the tidal part - and the effect of a brisk wind against current, to say nothing of current plus tide. The overall effect can be to give you a very wet and bumpy ride. While it seems that the problem on the Thames was not actually due to wave height but due to boat trim and engine room flooding, waves can cause similar difficulties at the bow, as a recent boat loss much nearer home suggests. One of the things that has always puzzled me, since learning the term years ago, is “winding hole” for a turning point. The explanations seem to be as many as the people you ask. However last year we saw an interesting sign on the Mosel, and the explanation that went with it was “wende platz” or turning place. That really does sound very similar. Such signs in foreign languages can often seem confusing to English speakers, but one sign seen recently by a canal in our Region made me wonder whether we were being sufficiently hospitable to foreign visitors interested in fishing. Although not in our area, the breach on the Trent and Mersey has held attention over the past weeks, and I have been impressed by the efforts made to help trapped boats to escape. For more details, C&RT have put up a web page. http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/features/diary-of-a-breach Also the last few days have seen a dramatic picture in the newspapers of a boat halfway over a weir on the Nene between Wellingborough and Higham Ferrers - although the reporter doesn’t seem to distinguish between a lock Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 6
Half submerged boat in front of lock
gate, a sluice gate and a weir. The crew escaped OK. Pictures from Linda Payton and John Samuells (opposite) show the boat still stuck there. Efforts by From lock side River Canal Rescue with two 4x4 vehicles failed to shift it, and the water flow around it was causing serious bank erosion, with EA trying to minimise the effects. It is now moored alongside. Finally, in our occasional series of articles on foreign parts, we follow our report on a canal in Spain with one on a unique railway in Ireland. On page 29 John Baylis reports on a fascinating feature of Sheila Smith’s Gadabouts coach trip for ECP&DA. Best wishes, Peter.
Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this or earlier editions of Aegre: Paul King; Paul Birtles; Tony Pitman; John Lower; Peter Stone; Ian McDonald; Dave Carnell; Brian Dominic; Beryl McDowall; Nancy Johnson; Norman Osborne; David Pullen; Dave Scott; Mike Snaith; John Baylis; Bill Joyce; Lynda Payton; Lyn Churcher; Colin Crofts; Rod Auton; Linda Hulme; Harry Arnold; C&RT Newark; and as noted for specific articles. Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 7
News from Leicestershire What a strange year it’s been! Drought followed by floods … and at one time parts of the same navigation being closed for both reasons! It has been a difficult year for the Leicestershire Branch too … mainly due to the apparent reluctance of members to ‘get involved’. For the first time in several years we were unable to play an active rôle in the organisation or running of the Leicester Riverside Festival, although a number of members attended by water and they reported that it was (nearly) as popular as ever! Next year’s event will be over the weekend of June 1st and 2nd and if we act now we can ensure that the water-based activities are properly run. Our first need is someone to act as Booking Clerk / Harbour Master. We will be booking space for our stand at the Loughborough Canal Festival (May 25th/26th) but will be reliant on volunteers to be present.
CRT’s Tom Freeland and IWA’s own Allison Smedley, followed by a lively discussion on related issues. Both gatherings gained good reviews and were worthy of a larger audience. Thanks to an extra effort publicitywise, our November meeting achieved better attendance by both members and guests alike, when we were treated to a most interesting talk on ‘Re-wilding the River Soar’ by Michael Jeeves of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. This well- illustrated presentation took us on a journey through time, from the last ice age to the present day, showing how the environment and wildlife of the Soar Valley has changed, and concluding with conjecture as to what the future might hold.
CRT is certainly going out of its way to encourage maintenance by volunteers. A small group of regulars are The first three meetings of our now taking care of Mountsorrel ‘Social Season’ have come and Lock and we’re looking at setting up gone. This year’s September Treassimilar groups elsewhere in the ure Hunt took place around the area Branch area. Meanwhile the above of Thurmaston Lock, and as we have mentioned Tom Freeland is leading come to expect, those taking part mid-week sessions in central Leiceslearnt something about both the river ter and would welcome new recruits, and the locality. as would our own Branch Co-ordinator Ian McDonald, for proposed Our October meeting was all about weekend outings. Would-be volunVolunteering and included talks by teers are asked to visit our website
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Loughborough Festival 2010
for details, or contact any committee member.
I was pleased to attend an Open Day and Presentation on the Ashby Canal recently, when a short but significant The dreaded Floating Pennywort has stretch of restored navigation was not been such a problem on the Soar opened. Although most of this canal this year, due largely to the inclemis in Leicestershire, it has long been ent weather, but contractors working recognised that, for geographical on behalf of CRT and EA were spot- reasons, it is best served by IWA’s ted spraying in the late summer and Lichfield Branch. Even so, I feel more recently removing some weed that we should maintain an interest mechanically. Even so I noticed in what is happening within our numerous large patches of the weed county. when I navigated the lower reaches of the river a couple of weeks ago, The ‘Presentation’ mentioned above and if we have a better summer next referred to a substantial sum of year these will rapidly grow into a money being given by both the significant problem unless treated or Ashby Canal Association and The removed promptly. Ashby Canal Trust to the Leicestershire County Council! This reflects Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 9
the fact that the next section of the canal to be restored lies on land owned by Leicestershire CC. Congratulations to the ACA and ACT, but Oh! how I wish our Branch was in a position to be so generous to both this project and others nearer home! Talking of ‘projects’, members may be interested to know that at a meeting on 30th October I supported Mike Handford in proposing the formation of the ‘Friends of Charnwood Forest Canal’. This was a short feeder canal that ran from the coal and limestone mines of North West Leicestershire to the outskirts of Loughborough, where it was connected to the river navigation by a tramway. The meeting was quite well attended and a small Steering Group formed to carry the proposal forward. Most members will be aware that our indefatigable erstwhile Social Secretary Beryl McDowall has been appointed to CRT’s Central Shires Waterway Partnership which, along with her many other waterway commitments, will not leave her much time for IWA activities. I am grateful to her for putting together another varied and interesting winter programme, but I make no apology for repeating my frequent plea for members to fill committee vacancies and/or volunteer for individual tasks. We are now in serious need of a Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 10
Social Secretary as well as a Branch Secretary and Publicity Officer. We could achieve so much more as a Branch if we could count on a few more ‘’stalwarts”. Please would you consider taking minutes at committee meetings or promoting Social Meetings in your area or being responsible for the Branch Stand at local events? There are a myriad of ways in which we could further the cause of our local waterways if we only had the ‘person-power’ to do so. What is your field of expertise or experience? I’m sure we could use it! Readers of the Autumn edition of our Branch Newsletter ‘Winding Ways’, will be aware that I have indicated my intention, for a number of reasons, not to stand for re-election to the Committee when my turn comes to retire by rotation at our AGM in February. It was my earnest wish to leave the Branch in a better state than I found it in, but that has proved difficult. I sincerely hope that someone younger and more energetic than me will step forward to lead the Branch to the success that it deserves. In the interests of continuity and if ever I can help, I won’t be far away! If you would like further information on any of the matters raised above please contact me at john.evans@waterways.org.uk or ‘phone 01509 416647.
Leicestershire Branch Meetings Where to find us: Unless stated otherwise, meetings will be held at: The Gate Hangs Well Pub, Lewin Bridge, Fosse Way, Syston, Leicester LE7 1NH (in the Function Room). The pub is not far from the Hobby Horse roundabout on the A46. We start our meetings at 7.30 p.m., unless specified otherwise.
Thursday, 10th January, 2013 Branch Committee member Ian McDonald will give an illustrated talk entitled “Liverpool by Boat.”
Thursday, 14th February, 2013 Branch Annual General Meeting, followed by a presentation entitled “A Year in the Life of the IWA Leicestershire Branch: 2012-2013.” Let Beryl have photos (digital or hard copy) by 31st January. Beryl@nbwasp.co.uk
Thursday, 14th March, 2013 An illustrated talk, updating us on progress on the Ashby Canal in the past few years. (To be confirmed)
Thursday, 11th April, 2013 The Canal & River Trust - One Year On - with updates from the Central Shires Manager, Darren Green, and Waterway Partnership Chair, Charlotte Atkins.
Thursday, 9th May, 2013 A walk along part of the Wreake Navigation. Meet at 7.00 p.m. (Details nearer the time)
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Lincolnshire Happenings for the former amounted to £54 million. The only successful one in the East Midlands was for the River Welland for environmental works. Promises to explain why the River Witham bid failed have yet to materialise. More information could enable Nominations for members wishing to a further bid early in 2013. Following consultation with the probecome a committee member should be made in writing, signed by the pro- moters of the CAZ, the Expression of Interest was withdrawn as it was poser and the seconder and containing the consent of the nominee. They unlikely to succeed. This was very disappointing for those who spent should be submitted to the Branch many hours researching and collating Secretary not less than 14 days prior the information required. to the meeting. Refreshments will be available and On a more positive note the EA have the bar open. produced draft plans for a slipway and Following the AGM Business, CRT Area Chairman, Sean McGinley, will boaters’ facilities to be installed at Hubbert’s Bridge. Comments will be give a presentation on their works in invited later. The deadline for complethe East Midlands area. tion is the end of 2013. Our pictures here and on the next pages show the ALL WITH INTERESTS IN THE bridge and pontoon as it is now. WATERWAYS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. Lincolnshire Branch AGM will take place at 7.45 pm on Thursday 21st February 2013 at Lincoln Boat Club, Brayford North, Lincoln. The Club is located adjacent to the Barge Restaurant and the Sea Cadets H/Q.
At Hubbert’s Bridge In my last report I mentioned that funding had been applied for from two government schemes, Catchment Restoration Fund and Coastal Action Zone (CAZ). Both were massively oversubscribed; bids Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 12
narrow boats. When funds allow, further linear moorings will be installed to accommodate these boats. Water, electricity and refuse disposal is now available. At a recent Boston Maritime & Coastguard Agency meeting the Port of Boston raised the issue of the use of VHF radio to contact vessels using the In Lincoln, the Brayford Pool Phase 2 tidal Haven, in particular those passing the Dock entrance. Recently two mooring replacement and dredging leisure craft had impeded large comhas finally commenced, having mercial boats using the port, neither missed the environmental window at the beginning of the year (see our pic- being contactable via radio. This concern was originally raised when the ture above and on the back cover). The down-side for moorers is the size Fenland Link was being developed. Now 24 hours notice is required for of the increase to mooring charges, craft transiting between Grand Sluice reportedly 20%. (CRT) and Black Sluice (EA), thus Still with moorings but in Boston, the new pontoons installed have been divided into linear long stay and visitor ones. Visitors can stay up to 5 days free of charge and must then move off. A plan of the moorings appears on the Lock Keeper’s office, and is reproduced here. Some of the new moorings are finger ones and not ideally suitable for Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 13
water from a straw burning power station is being used to heat properties on the opposite side of the navigation. Initial suggestions of piling across the water to install the pipes has now been changed to a thrust boring method below the canal bed, allowing allowing tidal information and shipfor future dredging. Volunteer work ping movements to be passed to the parties continue along the navigation. leisure boaters. In both of the problem cases in ques- Concern has been expressed that Distion the leisure craft were entering the trict Council no longer maintain the Haven from the Wash and not passing vegetation on Haverholme Lock Island. This very popular area is the between the Sluices. Navigation authorities and users at the route of two footpaths and also used for marathons. Enquiries made reveal MCA meeting concluded that that a change of contract does not improved publicity was required for include this work. See our picture on users entering the tidal Haven. New page 31. notices have been installed at the Sluices and improvements made to the Grand Sluice VHF reception. The Network Rail are to renew a bridge across the navigation between CogPort of Boston provides a leaflet for glesford Mill and Bone Mill Locks. “Skippers of Small Craft� which can Initial drawings showed a reduction in be obtained from the Port Control the air draft that would impede naviOfficer on 01205-362328.. gation. Further consultations have led to a re-design of the bridge. Sleaford Navigation Trust have been consulted on a number of planning On the Grantham Canal the head gates issues. The Leisure Centre in the town is being revamped and an exter- to lock 18 have been replaced, but the nal canopy would have projected over deterioration in the tailgates means the navigation, causing problems for that the lock is not safe for the trip future channel works. This has now boats to pass through. A replacement set of gates is being sought. Volunbeen resolved. Also in the town, hot
At Hubbert’s Bridge
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teers continue to maintain the canal using the work boat and weed cutter obtained from BW. For a second year Lincoln Castle was the venue of a “1,000 years of Traditional Crafts� exhibition. Members of the Branch and Slea Navigation Trust were once again imprisoned in the male cells with Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership displays and giving demonstrations of Barge Art. Over the two days some 4,000 people enjoyed the venue and weather. Dates for next year are already being considered. With the proposed joining of the EA navigations and those of the CRT, the EA have drawn up discussion papers for the use of volunteers on their navigations. Of the three options, the one compatible with CRT`s present system, offering training and eventual self-supervised working parties, would seem the most appropriate. There is, however some way to go to changing the mind-set of the EA on the use of volunteers. With the news of a new National Chairman, Les Etheridge, can we look forward to his comments that our rivers will be included in IWA`s concerns for all the nations inland waterways, not just the half managed by the CRT. This may help dispel the myth that we are a narrow-boat only organisation. Have an enjoyable festive season and don`t forget your support in achieving our aims is vital. Dave Carnell.
New restaurant on Brayford Pool Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 15
News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire The summer has been relatively quiet this year and it never ceases to surprise how rapidly autumn and winter seem to set in. For those with holidays still left for the year, it’s that wonderful time on the waterways of crisp mornings and those sparkling crystals of snow reflecting the sunlight. I hope you can get out there and enjoy.
Behind the scenes Local Authorities continue to review and update policies and strategies, so our Branch Planning Officer has been kept on his toes, but perhaps the main focus of recent weeks has been the issues surrounding Nottingham Trent Lane Depot on the River Trent. This area is part of Nottingham’s over-arching major redevelopment “Masterplan”. Although there are After all the wet weather of the summer currently no planning applications for we eventually managed to give the developing the area there is an applicabranch exhibition stand an airing when tion to demolish the buildings in specuwe attended the Grantham Canal Socie- lative preparation for later ty’s Discovery Day festivities at Wool- redevelopment. sthorpe by Belvoir on October 7th. A lot of effort from a lot of people put on a good show for the folk at the eastern Completed between 1928 and 1931, end of the Grantham Canal. Our stand Trent Lane Depot was part of a much larger scheme to improve the whole also featured our new Wild Over Wanavigation of the Trent from Nottingterways activities and new display boards. A big thank you goes to Brian, ham to the Humber. The depot became Mavis and Archie in particular, for get- known as “Nottingham’s Highway to the Sea”. The cargoes unloaded at ting it all together in such a timely manner. It was a lovely sunny day and Trent Lane Depot in the 1930s included grain, Trent Valley gravel, tinned food, with arts and crafts, education, boat timber from the Baltic, metal, oil and trips and a duck race it was lots of fun cocoa. Companies using the facility for all. See also page 22. included Shell Oil, Cadburys, local The Grantham Canal Society have also firm Bampton's Packaging and a launched an appeal for funds to replace number of builders' merchants. Trent Lane Depot continued to be a success the bottom gates of lock 18. Readers in the post-war period, but suffered in will recall that new top gates have rethe 1970s during the rise of the car cently been installed at this lock and economy and the development of the it’s now the turn of the bottom ones. So far about a quarter of the funds have motorway network. By 1981 freight been raised, but there is now an urgent had significantly declined and the Depot and site were closed and subsebut great opportunity to finish the job. quently sold. See page 23.
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rail line which lines up with these docks which formerly connected to the LMS Railway.
Archival records show that it was planned by City Engineer T Wallis Gordon for the Trent Navigation Committee. Gordon worked in close association with civic architect TC Howitt and followed in the footsteps of Arthur Brown, Nottingham's second city engineer. The architecture of Trent Lane Depot was part of a much wider scheme of improvement to navigation on the River Trent: from the 1920s to the 1950s the huge new locks were constructed (Cromwell, Newark and Stoke Bardolph etc). Indeed the whole of the industrial landscape from Colwick through to the city is owing to the successful development of Trent Lane Depot.
Because of the historical significance an application was made to English Heritage for listing as Grade II structures. English Heritage have reviewed the application for listing and have decided to reject it. Although they recognised the importance of the buildings and their being locally unique, it was decided that they are not unusual or innovative in a national context. This means there will be no stay of execution and as I write the buildings are being demolished.
Looking ahead to the Social calendar we have our Christmas Refreshments social on December 21st, which as well as Christmas fayre, will showcase a mini presentation by John Wilkinson “Crossing the Wash in a Narrowboat�. January 18th will be an illustrated talk on the Manchester Ship Canal and some of the engineering issues that have arisen along the way, by Rod The Trent Lane Depot consists of two Pearson. Coming from an interest in warehouses, one basin and a workers' history and engineering I am looking mess. The two warehouses, both 170ft forward to April 19th when Steven by 50ft, feature original internal spiral Lowey is giving an illustrated talk on shoots, external sack shoots, hoists and St. Pancras station. Get there early for spiral staircases. At warehouse number this one. one the original 'Nottingham CorporaSo put the evening of the third Friday tion 1930' typography can been seen in the month in your diaries and see the moulded in the concrete. Warehouse calendar of events on pages 23/24. Do number one (by the Trent and shown in come and join us, everyone is most the picture) has four loading floors and welcome, I look forward to seeing you a loading dock, while warehouse there. number two (by the basin) has five Mike Snaith floors and loading dock. There is also a
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Pollution on the Erewash Canal On the night of 15th September a fire broke out in an 8000 ton pile of shredded wood at a recycling plant at Lows Lane, Stanton. The smoke was visible for some miles, affecting the M1 motorway for a time, and it was to be six days before the Fire Service brought the fire under control. Unfortunately polluted run-off from the large amount of water used on the fire found its way via a feeder into the Erewash Canal, causing severe oxygen depletion in the water, and the death of many fish. The Environment Agency mounted a substantial clean-up operation, pumping hydrogen peroxide into the canal to increase oxygen levels, and removing surviving fish by electro-fishing and moving them to an unpolluted section. Attempts to retain the polluted water above Dockholme lock and deal with it there were foiled by leaky gates and heavy rainfall, and ultimately the pollution was allowed to run down the canal to Trent lock where it was released into the river Trent and diluted by the high flow rate in the river. The canal was closed to navigation for several days. A national angling match scheduled for the canal had to be postponed, and it will be some time before fishing in the six mile stretch of canal affected returns to normal. Text and pictures from Archie Roberts
Injecting H2O2 Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 18
Electro-fishing
Derby & Sandiacre Canal Progress Following the granting of Outline Planning Permission for the whole 12.5 mile canal in 2011, work continues to move the restoration forward. Much has been accomplished in developing a master plan to define what needs to be done and how to do it. This plan has been further divided into 10 sub-sections to allow restoration in bite sized chunks, whilst allowing everything to be kept under strategic and financial control. The 10 subsections range in cost from ÂŁ1M to ÂŁ12M with an overall estimate of ÂŁ62.75M to restore the whole canal. The Masterplan has now been adopted by Derbyshire County Council as part of their infrastructure plan. This means that developments by the County will take the canal route into account and IF money becomes available the restoration would be recognised as a potential recipient. It has also been further communicated to all relevant Local Authorities on the route to ensure coordinated inclusion in local as well as county wide planning. The Masterplan will also be a persuasive document as the move into restoration of sections and fund seeking takes place. Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 19
The Canal Trust recognises that the first section in water will be the wakeup call that will make other sections easier. With this in mind they have focussed attention on finding that first section and have singled out four main areas for promotion on the grounds they are the most likely first candidates:
Council to come to a mutually beneficial compromise that moves it substantially closer to a stretch of canal being restored. After initial discussions progress slowed, but matters are now moving strongly forward to the hoped-for mutual benefits.
The Spondon section represents a strong option for an early success. Swarkestone and Shelton Lock sec- Not only is this section the summit pound and the main water supply for tion. This is the western end of the the whole canal, but also the Canal canal where it will form a junction with the Trent and Mersey canal, ena- Society has a remarkably strong and well organised local community assobling access by boats and a potential ciation fully behind and promoting the temporary water supply. Adjacent to canal restoration. The Canal Trust are this section Derby City Council are looking to local developers to work planning to build a Technology Park on Rolls Royce land in the Sinfin area with them when the economy improves and are looking at tying this of Derby. It is slowly moving forward. The need for the park develop- to a bid for Lottery funding to restore ers to gain access over the canal route a section including Borrowash Top Lock. To this end the Society are in Chellaston means that the Canal working on cleaning up the Spondon Trust are in discussion with the City Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 20
winding hole to promote the canal features locally. See the final paragraph below.
cil also suggest the Trust’s ideas will be supported as the Council recognises the value it will bring to the city – as long as the Trust covers the Sandiacre section (the stretch from issues raised by the Highways and the Erewash canal to Springfield Ave- Environment Agencies. Progress in nue) also presents an option for early this area is largely with the developers restoration. This is at the eastern end and the economic climate. In the of the canal and forms the junction meantime the Trust has applied for with the Erewash canal, enabling boat funding to cover studies to support the access and a potential temporary commercial viability of the plan. water supply. The land is owned by Whilst they were unsuccessful they the County Council and the Society are looking to apply again shortly. has located an additional water source, which would provide the During September, as mentioned potential for a stretch accessible by above, the Society has started the boats, albeit with restricted turning. clear up of the winding hole at SponThis section includes two locks to be don by the Moon pub in Station Road. repaired and requires the relocation of It is a two year project – half to be several Severn Trent water company cleared this year, then a break to allow supply pipes and a bridge repair on wildlife to recover before restarting Lock Lane by the County Council. next September. After a successful Despite this the Trust are optimistic first session when they cleared the they could get this section moving if growth at each end of the winding they can raise the funds. hole, the Council were able to take down the bulk of the crack willows by Pride Park and the Derby Arm sec- the towpath and in the centre. They tion. This section would see the have since made good progress clearbuilding of an iconic boat lift and ing the trees away and have combecome a major tourist attraction for pleted the clearance up to the back Derby and the whole East Midlands. wall. Work such as this is very visiFunding for this section is most likely ble and will help promote bigger to come from a developer and to this projects and the fundraising required. end the Trust have had positive talks with St Modwen, who are the develSo there is much going on but the key opers appointed by the land owners, to success is funding, which is the Network Rail, who are looking to step the Society and Trust are now develop their land – the triangle embarking upon. bounded by the Wyvern, Pride Park Stadium and the railway line. Further Mike Snaith conversations with Derby City CounAegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 21
Grantham Canal Society Discovery Day Crowds cheered the ducks along in the wonderfully whacky second annual ‘Dirty Duck Race’ on Sunday 7th October, at the Carpenter’s Shop Canal Depot, Woolsthorpe by Belvior. The ducks had to negotiate Lover’s Leap, a mischievously placed ducking stool, an aqua-duck, and, amongst other obstacles – The Really Scary Tunnel! This was a duck race with a difference, and was specially designed for the event by Duck Race Aficionado ‘Ay Up Me Duck’, and was only one of many things of interest during Grantham Canal Society’s Discovery Day. Narrow-boat rides proved as popular as ever, and visitors were entertained by buskers Dave Collins and Mike Scott while perusing the wide-ranging array of stalls in the autumn sunshine. They were wooed by the awe inspiring sculptures by talented Artist-in-Residence at Belvoir Castle, Laury Dizengremel, and the magnificent collection of Measham Ware, which formed only part of a huge display from which is probably the largest collection of canal memorabilia in private ownership. Measham Ware was a great favourite of boatmen and women in those far-off, and often romanticised, days of working boats. Children’s activities, traditional ‘Roses and Castles’ painting display, Splat the Mink, talks about the history of the canal, Hedgehog Welfare, a presentation by Bottesford Angling Association, handmade jewellery by ‘Cranmer Creations’, a raffle, and volunteers from Sustrans, who were on hand to advise visitors to their stand of the opportunities for cycle-friendly routes in the area. These were only a few of the things to enthral the public – before indulging in a ‘naughty but nice’ moment, where a mouth-watering selection of homemade cakes was on offer – few were able to resist this temptation! We were also supported on the day by the IWA Notts. and Derbys Branch, Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 22
which all helped towards us raising a staggering £1000! All the proceeds will go towards the restoration and maintenance of the canal. Perhaps the highlight of the day was the presentation of a cheque to the value of £6750 towards new bottom gates for Lock 18. This very generous donation was from long-time supporter of the Grantham Canal, Peter Stone. Peter recently sold, at auction, the nameplate and cabside number plate of steam locomotive 5999 ‘Wollaton Hall’. The locomotive was withdrawn from service in 1962, and cut up shortly afterwards. Peter bought the nameplate from British Rail for £15. The name and number plates together realised £13,500! The proceeds were divided between the Grantham and Cromford canal societies, both dear to Peter’s heart. Editor’s note. We have a “Stop Press” item from Mike Snaith, which follows and explains itself: There is now suddenly an urgent appeal for additional funds to replace the bottom gates of lock 18. The new top gates have recently been installed, but after reviewing re-watering the lock, the sad reality of the failed state of the bottom gates was fully revealed. The one silver lining is that the gate manufacturers have an unexpected slot in their build schedule and if funds are raised rapidly they have agreed to supply at a very advantageous price. So it's all hands to the pumps to raise funds immediately to buy the gates. Please see the contact details for the Grantham Canal Society at page 4 of this magazine or visit their website www.granthamcanal.org to see how you can donate and give them all the support you can.
Notts & Derby Branch Programme The Notts and Derby branch of the IWA organises a series of public meetings. We 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. Meetings are held at 7.30 pm at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7HY. This is not far from the A60 (Loughborough Road) and the Arena entrance road is roughly opposite Greythorn Drive. It would take about 25 minutes from M1 Junction 24 up the A453, Clifton traffic permitting. Don’t be alarmed by a barrier at the entrance - they will let you out again. For SatNav equipped vehicles try 52° 55.328’ N, 01° 08.673’ W, or SK 57610 36424. Note that Rushcliffe Leisure Centre is a different place. Further information about meetings can be obtained from Mavis White on 01636 671726.
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Friday, December 21st 2012 Mini Presentation by John Wilkinson, “Crossing the Wash” in a Narrowboat. Followed by Christmas Refreshments. Friday, January 18th 2013 Illustrated talk on the Manchester Ship Canal and some of the engineering issues that have arisen along the way, by Rod Pearson. Friday, Febuary 15th 2013 Annual General Meeting. Followed by an illustrated talk from Mick Golds Inns and Taverns on canal travels. Friday, March 15th 2013 Work with WRG (Waterways Recovery Group). Working on Two Canal Camps (Hereford & Gloucester and the Chesterfield); an illustrated talk by WRG’s Steve Morley. Friday, April 19th 2013 “St. Pancras” an illustrated talk by Nigel Lowey. A talk for everyone with an interest in history, world class architecture, clever engineering and a great story.
Derby & Sandiacre Canal Meetings All meetings except working parties are held at the Wilmot Arms, Derby Road, Borrowash. DE72 3HA. For more details please call Chris Madge on 01332 840502. December 16th 2012. Working party meet at The Moon pub car park, Station Road, Spondon DE21 7NE (just north of the railway, opposite Stoneygate Road), at 9.30 am. Clearing the winding hole. January 22nd . Bits and Bobs by Bob Neill. February 26th. The Lichfield and Hatherton Canal, by Bob Williams. March 26th. Birds of Prey, by Ken McLoughlin. April 23rd. Days of Steam, by Philip Lee. May 28th. Seaside, Skegness and Hand-knitted Bathing Costumes, by Bill Allen.
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Normal Service Again for Northampton Boat Gathering Weather permitting, it will be “service as normal” for the 2013 annual Boat Gathering organised by the Northampton Branch on the River Nene at Becket’s Park, Northampton, over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, 3-6 May.
The 2012 Gathering had to be postponed and then later cancelled because of drought followed by high river levels. Now planning is well underway for next Spring’s Gathering which will feature the regular popular attractions, such as boat handling competitions, the Westbridge Arm Challenge and Saturday evening musical entertainment in the marquee on the Lock Island in Becket’s Park. Friday evening is earmarked for a special meet and greet get-together, including a BBQ. Sunday evening’s quiz session will kick-off with a fish/chicken and chips supper. A real ale bar will also be available throughout the weekend. Our picture shows the previous year at Becket’s Island. Entries will be sought for a photographic competition which hopefully will generate pictures for an IWA Northampton Branch Calendar for 2014. Further details and entry forms are available from Eric Young on 07973 739833 or 01604 862988. Email: eric.young@waterways.org.uk Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 25
Friends of the Canal Museum events All talks are held at 8pm in the Schoolroom to the rear of The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, Northants, NN12 7SE See www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk for more information. Thursday 17th January Talk - Tim Coghlan with "Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally - The First Ten Years" at The Canal Museum Thursday 21st February Talk - Andy Newbery with "Growing Up in a Village with a Railway Heritage - Memories of a Blisworth Childhood" at The Canal Museum Thursday 21st March Talk - Steve Miles with "Raymond's Progress" at The Canal Museum Thursday 18th April Talk - Speaker TBA at The Canal Museum
IWA Northampton Branch events. All meetings are held at 8pm at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, Northants, NN7 3DS unless otherwise stated. See https://www.waterways.org.uk/northampton/diary for more information. December 8th 5pm Carols and Illuminated Boats at the Canal Museum Stoke Bruerne December 11th Quiz Night with Mick and Catrina Butler January 8th Speaker: David Blagrove - Building and Rebuilding of Blisworth Tunnel February 12th Speaker to be announced March 12th AGM followed by Speaker to be announced April 9th Speaker: Richard Thompson - the Manchester Ship Canal
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Chesterfield Canal News We can now confirm that we have £20,500 in match funding that will release a grant of £200,000 to get started on our scheme to build the next stage of Staveley Town Lock and to construct the first buildings. We have been amazed by the huge number of donations varying from £5 to £1,000. Thank you so much; it is truly heartwarming to get this sort of support from all over the country. For the full story, see the Home Page of our website, below. Supporters’ Group Meetings The Supporters' Group will hold a Race Night at the Station Hotel, Kiveton Park on 14th December at 8 p.m. It is on Red Hill, the B6059, directly opposite Kiveton Park Station, S26 6NP. Fund Raising If you shop online regularly, you could to help the Trust earn money from your shopping activities at no extra cost to yourself. All you need to do is sign up for “EasyFundraising” and make sure the Chesterfield Canal Trust is your chosen cause. Over 2000 retailers are included. Click on http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/chesterfieldct for further information. Santa Specials As usual, we will be running Santa Special boat trips in Retford and Chesterfield. A present for every child - a mince pie and a drink for every adult. £6 per person. Chesterfield trips run from Tapton Lock on Saturdays and Sundays - December 1st and 2nd; 8th and 9th; 15th and 16th; 22nd and 23rd. Ring 01246 551035 to book. Retford trips run from the Hop Pole on Saturdays and Sundays - December 1st and 2nd; 8th and 9th; 15th and 16th; 22nd and 23rd. Ring 07925 851569 to book. Python crew needed Experienced crew for our 83 year old ex-working boat are always welcome. We are already seeking people for next summer’s tour. If you would like to help, please e-mail python@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk now. Thank you. Keep smiling! Rod Auton. Hollingwood Hub, 22 Works Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield, S43 2PF. Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 27
Cromford Canal Social Meetings All meetings are held at Ironville Church Hall (SK435518) at 7.30 pm unless otherwise noted. For any queries contact Mike Kelley on 01773 833425. January 21st. The A1 steam locomotive, by Alexa Stott. February 18th. The Derby Canal, by Doug Flack and Chris Madge. March 18th. The Butterley Company, by Gwilym Roberts. This meeting will be at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick DE55 1AU. April 15th. AGM May 20th. Future of the Cromford Canal, by Matthew Rogers. June 17th. The Chesterfield Canal, by Dr Geraint Coles. Working parties are planned at various sites along the canal, including Codnor Park Locks, and starting at 10 on each day. Call Dave Tinkler for details on 01159 635113, e-mail dtink@supanet.com or check the Society web site at www.cromfordcanal.org.uk. The dates are: January 12th and 13th; February 16th and 17th ; March 9th and 10th. (Picture below Š copyright Dave Bevis and licensed for re-use under the Creative Commons Licence)
Lock 5 at Codnor needing work! with rail bridge in background
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The Listowel and Ballybunion Railway Charles Lartigue was a French engineer who was stationed in Algeria in the late nineteenth century, then a colony of France. In 1881 esparto grass was a main export intended to be used as paper, and it was carried from the hinterland to the coast on the panniers of camels. Lartigue argued that if a tramway were used a camel could pull trucks loaded with about ten times as much esparto grass as it could carry. The problem with the normal two rail track was that in the desert the horizontal, ground level rails encouraged sand to drift over the rails, which then needed manual clearing. Lartigue got round this problem by using a monorail built on “A” frames about 4 feet high spaced several feet apart. The main carrying rail was mounted on top of the “A” and used double flanged wheels. Two smaller rails, one each side of the “A” at about 12 inches off the ground provided tracks for smaller stabilisation wheels. Ultimately he built about 60 miles of track, with the little pannier trucks being pulled by a team of mules. In addition to the benefit of not being affected by drifting sand, small dips in the ground could be accommodated by using taller “A” frames rather than the extensive earthworks needed for an ordinary two line railway. On his return to France Lartigue built a larger version powered by a steam engine, but a boiler explosion ended his ambitions in France. Then in 1886 he built a model lay-out near Westminster with an engine designed by the Swiss engineer Anatole Mallet. In the early 1880s the Great Southern & Western Railway in Ireland built a loop of Irish standard gauge railway westwards from Cork, through Killarney, Tralee and Listowel back to Limerick. Ballybunion, which was a growing holiday resort on the coast, wanted an extension from Listowel to the town but the local Government refused to pay towards such an extension. The people of Ballybunion petitioned the Government in London at the same time as Lartigue was demonstrating his Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 29
model and the Whitehall Government suggested that this was a cheaper alternative to connect Ballybunion to Listowel. The railway was officially opened in 1888 with twin-boilered steam engines and pannier carriages and trucks. In a run of carriages was a double set of stairs to cross the centre rail. This was so that passengers could change sides to even out the number of people sitting in each side of the carriage. This was not necessary in the open trucks as both sides could be filled equally. The main goods traffic was sand from the seaside at Ballybunion to Listowel where it was loaded on to ordinary trains for building work in other parts of Ireland. As the “A” frame was over three feet high special arrangements had to be made for the 17 road crossings in the 9 miles of track. The solution was similar to a double Llangollen Canal lift bridge, with two leaves lowering on to the top rail of the “A” frame as it passed through a stone or brick channel. Lifting or lowering the bridge was at the discretion of the road traveller, and often trains had to stop at road crossings to lift one or both of the leaves. Unfortunately the railway had a short life, being closed in 1924 due to lack of traffic largely caused by the rapidly improving lorries. The whole railway was scrapped; locomotives, carriages and track and only a very few artefacts were retained in private hands. There were however numerous photographs and a black & white cine film recorded in about 1900. Then in 2003 the Lartigue Monorail Restoration Committee decided to rebuild a replica of the monorail as a tourist exhibit. Although the original monorail track had long since been built over, the Committee were able to take Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 30
over the stone-built goods shed of the standard rail track which had been abandoned in 1974. The committee raised grants and built about 1000 metres of track largely to the original design with turntable points and locomotive turn-tables. The former have a curved rail passing through the centre of the circle but the two lines out are equally displaced from the centre rather than one line being straight through as on two line railways. To change lines the point line is rotated by about 160º; this is done with no vehicles on the points. The locomotive turntable is much more solidly built with a straight central line and is rotated by hand when the engine is parked on the turntable. The locomotive looks like the original with a 0 – 3 – 0 wheel layout on the top rail, but the committee were warned about the problems of steam engines and the cost of insurance and pressure testing, so they fitted a small modern diesel engine in one side and counter-weights in the opposite side. This means that the loco is up and running within a few minutes and uses far less fuel than a steam engine. As well as looking round the museum, visitors get a ride along the track, watch the engine turn and then ride back to the museum. There are some excellent colour videos on youtube. Try for a start: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjBKQlr9fSs&feature=related John Baylis
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
“The Island” and Brayford Moorings Aegre 134 - Dec 2012 Page 32