Aegre July 2022 by The Inland Waterways Association

Aegre 163

July 2022

Weed cutting on the Witham

From the East Midlands Region of the Aegre 163 - July 2022 Page 1

Chairman

David Pullen, 43 Howell Road, Heckington, Sleaford. Lincs NG34 9RX Tel: 01529 460547

Vice-Chairman Leicestershire Branch Chairman

Andrew Shephard, 41 Roman Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4BB. E: andrewshephard1946@gmail.com

Lincolnshire Branch Chairman

Contact David Pullen (as above).

Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman

Contact David Pullen (as above).

Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth LN11 0GQ E-mail: aegre.editor@waterways.org.uk Printing: Colour Image Loudwater. Despatch: Branch Volunteers. Picture credits: Front cover; see page 5. Others; see page 31.

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Registered as a Charity No: 212342. Tel: 01494 783453. Website:

http://www.waterways.org.uk 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 may change and should be checked before travelling. Any chart fragments or related information on canal or river features will be out-of-date when published and should not be used for navigation.

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Boats at Timberland (See page 24)

Aegre

No. 163 July 2022

Contents Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam From the Region Chair The River Trent – A “Commercial” Waterway? The Trent - Navigation and Mooring Aegre – Whats in a name? Chesterfield Canal Trust Friends of the Cromford Canal Journals Received A Look at the Leicester Line - 2022 Derby and Sandiacre Canal Erewash Canal (ECP&DA) Grantham Canal Society Lincolnshire IWA Branch Leicestershire IWA Branch Louth Navigation Trust Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire IWA Branch Picture Credits Old Union Canals Society

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4 5 6 6 8 10 11 14 15 16 19 21 22 24 27 28 30 31 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 Foxton Inclined Plane Trust

Friends of Charnwood Forest Canal

Norman Cornwell, 38 Millfield Road, Kimberley, Notts. NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 8544155 Mobile 07854 451183 www.ecpda.org.uk (note the change) Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk Mike Handford, 1 Sheepy Close, Hinckley, LE10 1JL Tel: 01455 611508 mahandford@gmail.com

Friends of the Cromford Canal

Judy Berry, 5 Hambling Close, Nottingham NG6 7DX Tel: 0115 854 9852. www.cromfordcanal.org

Grantham Canal Society

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

Louth Navigation Trust

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

Melton & Oakham

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

Waterways Society

Old Union Canals Society

Jean Bourne, 2 Nithsdale Crescent, Market Harborough, LE16 9HA tel: 01858 461483 https://www.old-union-canals.org/events-news

Sleaford Navigation Trust

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

Stamford Canal Society

Ken Otter, The Meadows, Church Lane, Tallington, Stamford PE9 4RU Tel: 07761 452030 www.StamfordCanal.org

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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The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam Up until a few weeks ago, I was going around a little puzzled. Puzzled because I keep a record of the local rainfall, and this allows me to look back at special times like June 2007 and April and June 2012. Compared with those “wet months”, the early part of 2022 seemed very dry here in the east of the country, so I was expecting restrictions on water supply - even hose pipe bans. Only now, in the last few weeks, has CRT declared some lock usage limits based on water shortage, not associated with repairs needed anyway. So I think we have been very lucky so far, and the forecast is still mainly dry this side of England. David, our Region Chair, took the opportunity to make a short trip up the Soar and Leicester Line as far as Foxton, and we have his report to encourage you to get out there and enjoy the canals, however you travel. (Page 16 ) In a similar vein, we have been looking at the less frequently used

waterways in our Region, partly triggered by concern as to the accuracy of some information on the IWA web site. Again, if you can, do get out and enjoy them before it gets too hot / wet / dry / cold, take your pick. (Page 24) Our special interest in the Trent continues - it is after all the major river in our area - and there is an up-date from Nick Roberts of Trentlink on successful transits, and a few problems. (Page 8) . Not strictly in our area, but I wonder whether a similar enterprise for the Yorkshire Ouse would be useful in encouraging smaller boat traffic. The Trent’s tidal length is susceptible to the phenomenon we call the “Aegre”, also Eagir, Aegir and other variations of spelling. Known elsewhere as a “bore”, David has given us a short explanation on page 10. Peter

We have just heard of the death of John Baylis BEM, a long standing Region Committee member and a supporter of all things “canal”. A full obituary will be published in due course.

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From the Region Chair In the March/April edition of Aegre I mentioned several potential changes both in a national context and also within our region: “One IWA” This initiative remains a firm objective for IWA, but the process is delayed following the appointment of a temporary Chief Executive and an interim National Chairman. The national AGM in September will be an opportunity for members to learn more about “One IWA” and give their views on this initiative. The 63rd Annual General meeting will be held on Saturday 24th September at 11.30 a.m. at The Guildhall, Bore St, Lichfield, WS13 6LU. Zoom will also be possible. Changes to IWA Board The IWA Trustee Board has recently trawled members for

additional trustees and up to five will be appointed at the AGM. Please note that, contrary to my report in the last edition, there are currently 8 Trustees, and new and re-appointments will increase the board to around 12 members. Trustees are required to re-apply every 3 years along with any new candidates. Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch options The options for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch going forward have been lodged with Trustees but I’m not expecting any reaction until there is a new permanent senior management team in place. If any members have a particular interest in the proposals please contact me for further information. DP

The River Trent – A “Commercial” Waterway? Since the 1968 Transport Act all waterways under British Waterways control, and transferred to Canal & River Trust (CRT) in 2012, were designated as “Commercial”, “Cruiseway”, or “Remainder” thus defining the statutory requirements that the navigation authority (i.e. now CRT) has to meet in maintaining them. As a result of IWA asking CRT to confirm what the channel dimensions are for the Trent as a Commercial waterway, CRT have now stated that their responsibility to maintain these standards (specifically on the Trent) was removed in 2012 when CRT took over, due to the absence of any freight or other commercial traffic. Page 6 Aegre 163 - July 2022

Apparently this was agreed in 2012 with Defra. This is certainly not something that was ever stated at the time in 2012 and is news to IWA. This matter has been pursued recently by IWA due to the clear reduction in maintenance standards on the Trent , and particularly over the last ten years. The Trent Navigation Alliance (see the item in Aegre 162 April/May edition) has more detail. The other drivers that have raised the importance of this matter are statements by senior managers in both CRT and Department for Transport (DfT) about the potential benefits from returning freight traffic to Commercial waterways. These are ever more relevant in these straitened times in relation to both energy costs and climate change. In March 2022 Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “The transfer of traffic from trucks to barges can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and supporting the broader Government objective to achieve net zero and mitigate climate change. It now transpires that apparently CRT have an agreement with Defra that maintenance of the Commercial channel dimensions will be re-instated (re-considered?), as and when commercial traffic returns to the Trent. A classic “Chicken and Egg” situation if ever there was one? Therefore the overriding conclusion is that whilst pious words about the desirability of freight returning to our commercial waterways can be trumpeted in all the right places when it is apposite to do so, very little is likely to change unless or until there is joined up thinking between DfT and Defra. Meanwhile the Trent languishes in limbo, which greatly undervalues its wider potential. David Pullen

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The Trent - Navigation and Mooring Following on from the article in the last edition of "Aegre" about the formation of the Facebook group "Trentlink - Safe Navigation of the Tidal River Trent", the Administrators of that Group have moved "off line" to meet with CRT staff to help explain the character of the river and the Trentlink aims of increasing the number, and improving the safety of the boats that use the tidal Trent as a link from the busy Midlands areas to the magnificent Yorkshire waters and beyond. Towards achieving this, Trentlink Administrator Nick Roberts gave a short presentation at the East Midlands Boaters Conference at Northampton just before Easter for the attending boaters and CRT

staff. This has since been repeated at West Stockwith for the benefit of local CRT operational and customer service folk, including a number of tidal Trent lock keepers and the Regional Operations Managers from the East Midlands Region and the Yorkshire and NE Region. In the last few weeks Trentlink have also taken CRT staff, including East Midlands Region Director Phil Mulligan, onto the tidal river in three "Boating Buddies" trips on a 56ft semi-trad narrowboat between West Stockwith and Torksey. The highlight of one trip was the West Stockwith lock keeper, Ian, getting to actually

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do what he tells boaters how to do every day, and get a narrow-boat into West Stockwith lock with a strong running ebb tide! Of course (to his relief!) he didn't touch the sides!

The Boating Association "Charts" It's rapidly becoming apparent that the failure to purchase and use the "red course line", given only on this publication, is a prime reason for boats grounding significantly on at least a couple of shallow spots on

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Helping a boat aground at Dunham. Photo Steve Kitt the river. It’s said that a wooden Dunkirk "little ship" was damaged on Dunham Dubs in May, and we know of five cases in June already, one with potential prop damage on a cruiser. There will have been more that have not reached me, and nobody else counts numbers. To add to this, there are regular reports of boats going under wrong arches of bridges. Nick Roberts, Trentlink

Aegre – Whats in a name? It has been a really long time since the first edition in 1975 that “Aegre”, our IWA East Midlands regional newsletter, adopted this title that we all know and love. In effect “Aegre” has become a brand associated with IWA East Midlands. For those who haven’t followed the newsletter since it began it might be worthwhile to explain that Aegre refers to the tidal bore that from time to time travels Page 10 Aegre 163 - July 2022

upstream on the tidal River Trent, particularly from Keadby through Gainsborough and sometimes as far as Torksey. Aegre can only happen during “Spring” tides when these high tides occur in the Humber and can cause a sudden wave to form over the natural fluvial flow of the river due to a high “Spring” tide in the North Sea being funnelled up the Humber estuary and into the Trent at Trent Falls.

An aegre never occurs on “Neap” tides. Neap tides are the smaller tidal effects when the moon’s gravitational pull is about at right angles to the sun’s. “Spring” is thought to derive from the tide “springing forth” and is caused by the moon, earth and sun being aligned at each New Moon and Full Moon. An aegre usually only occurs to any great extent when particularly high “Spring tides” happen at either of the two equinoxes in March and September. These are the two dates when the Sun is exactly over the equator and day and night are exactly the same length.

The Aegre phenomenon is often totally attenuated (eliminated) by the fluvial flow in the river and by climatic conditions in the North Sea so it isn’t evident every equinox. For a long time there have been at least two alternative spellings for the phenomenon. In the Concise Oxford Dictionary the noun is spelt “Aegir” and is attributed to the Viking god for the phenomenon. The two spellings are interchangeable but as IWA has used the alternative colloquial spelling for so long we shall be sticking with it as our regional ”Brand” name for this regional newsletter. David Pullen

Chesterfield Canal Trust Our big news is that our bid from the Staveley Town Deal has been approved. We have been awarded £5.304m. This will enable us to restore the next half mile of canal east from Staveley including the Trans-Pennine Trail and Bellhouse Lane Bridges, Railway Lock, rebuilding Staveley Puddlebank almost to the river Doe Lea, the towpath through to Renishaw, detailed design to the Chesterfield borough boundary, land agreements and dealing with Network Rail. The first works will be building the Trans Pennine bridge next year with the main earthworks on the Puddlebank in 2024/25. We have also had a donation of clay to rebuild the Puddlebank that is worth a seven-figure sum. Upon hearing the news, our Development Manager, George Rogers, commented “Now the hard work starts!” Most certainly we will now have many months of detailed planning, legal work, tendering etc. before the big yellow machines can move in. Aegre 163 - July 2022 Page 11

We had hoped to be able to do more, but the recent massive increases in construction costs have curtailed our ambitions. However, we are hopeful that we will be able to raise more funds in the two years before construction starts. Chief amongst the parts yet to be funded is the Doe Lea aqueduct, which will be an incredible structure currently planned to be 37m long and more than 10m above the river. We have already received £91,000 towards its design from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy. Derbyshire County Council has had its £2.664m bid for Staveley Waterside (the new name for Staveley Town Basin) approved. Here again, the original plans may have to be altered because of the recent cost rises; there may be a redesigned hub building and car parking.

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Meanwhile, our trip-boats are very busy, especially with charters as is our shop at Hollingwood Hub. We will shortly be starting our latest venture which is Paddlesports hire. We have installed a large container behind Hollingwood Hub and will be hiring paddleboards and kayaks. Two years ago, seeing a paddleboard on the canal was a big event; now they are probably more common than canoes. In early January, there was a rally with 22 paddleboarders heading up the canal from Hollingwood Hub to Tapton – a magnificent sight. Having completed its work at Staveley, our Work Party has started its latest project – Rewatering Renishaw. A stretch of

canal was restored in 2009 with monies from the new housing estate built on the old Renishaw Ironworks, but, with no water feed, it has turned into a grotty ditch, unloved by the locals. We intend to fix the problems and extend the restored section to make 1,000 metres in total. If all goes well, this will link up to the major restoration above, giving an extra 2½ miles of canal by the end of 2025.

We have just launched our fourth Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival which will run from 10th to 18th September. There are 40 walks covering various sections along the entire length of the canal – restored and unrestored. We have plenty of Boats & Boots which combine a walk with a cruise on one of our trip-boats. We even have a walk that covers the full 46 miles over three consecutive days. See page 31. Dawn Rose, the only Cuckoo boat in existence unique to the Chesterfield Canal, that was hand built by volunteers, is doing horseboating demonstrations with Charlie (the horse!) on the first Sunday of the month from Shireoaks at 10:30 and from The Lock Keeper in Worksop at 13:00.

Our Work Party did lots of vegetation clearance at Renishaw earlier in the year. Very encouragingly, lots of local residents joined in with this effort following a public meeting attended by over 100 people. On one occasion they were joined by the local MP, Lee Rowley. Unfortunately work has temporarily stalled whilst we finalise some agreements with Derbyshire County Council.

Rod Auton.

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Friends of the Cromford Canal the services of a professional firm of fund raisers to support this work and hope soon to be able to employ a project manager. The Local Planning Authorities will need to be asked to discharge the pre-start planning conditions, Last year (2021) was basically a recovery year for us after the near before we start work on-site, and we shall require a licence from total shutdown in 2020 due to Derbyshire County Council to Covid19. I say “near” because although social distancing severely commence work on their land. restricted people gathering activiOur trading operations support ties, we Trustees met a couple of times per month virtually and car- our strategic aims, and last year we ried on with planning and admin- ended up delivering 22 private charters, ran 114 trips and carried istration activities. 1,800 passengers in total: we genWe have successfully transitioned erated £18,500 of income, including £4,500 of online and wharf to becoming a 100% volunteer operated charity and have pivoted side merchandise sales. our focus back onto our strategic The FCC tactical work parties have aims of “restoration, reconstrucdelivered a large number of contion, preservation and mainteservation projects including supnance of the Cromford Canal, its associated buildings, towing path, porting the complete renovation of structures and craft”. Our work on Browns Bridge – a swing bridge at High Peak junction. tactical conservation and trading operations is now secondary to our Our charity offers a range of volprimary aims. unteering roles: the total volunteer input for 2021 was 11,096 hours. If Our strategic restoration work is calculated, using the Derwentstill centred on the Beggarlee WISE cost structure the value of extension and we have been diliFCC volunteer hours equated to gently working through several planning conditions as specified by £101,917. Our 100 or so volunteers not only provide invaluable supthe Local Authorities involved so port to FCC, but they get immeasthat we can eventually extend the canal from the Langley Mill Basin urable physical and mental health to Stoney Lane. We have engaged Hi to our friends of the IWA East Midlands area: I’ve been asked to provide a brief and high-level update on what we’ve been up to recently…so here goes!

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benefits themselves out of working with us. From a central administration point of view, we held monthly Trustee meetings and an Annual General Meeting for FCC members. Over the last eighteen months, work has been progressing behind the scenes on updating the Information Technology that underpins the FCC: it was felt essential that as the charity moves into the next stage of its development, more efficient, and resilient infrastructure was needed. Our new website now offers the ability

to join as a member, and also to make donations on-line. So a lot has been happening in the recovery year! Richard Handley FCC Trustee, Executive Secretary and Chair of the Boat Committee. Meetings have resumed at the Ironville Church Hall, NG16 9NN at 7.30 on the third Monday of the month, All are welcome and there is a tea/coffee break and raffle and hopefully a bar. Admission is normally £2.50.

Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals, sometimes in PDF format, 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; “Union” from the Old Union 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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A Look at the Leicester Line - 2022 through Leicester still prevail, but never mind we’re happy to keep this beautiful waterway all to ourselves!

For the first time in a while we had the opportunity for a leisurely week on the River Soar/Leicester Line from Sileby to Foxton and back. This was in the last days of June and first two days of July so hopefully lovely long days and late sunsets. Although mainly dry it wasn’t scorching weather, which suited us fine and gave some great cloud formations to complement the gorgeous Leicestershire views and scenery . Really surprisingly on the first day the waterway was practically deserted. Between Sileby and Birstall we met only two boats and this on a Saturday afternoon close to mid-summer with dry and sunny weather. It seems that the negative attitudes of some boaters about the Soar and onwards

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In Leicester we were pleased to see that at North Lock, which has previously seemed rather inhospitable and unloved, there are the beginnings of a new housing development that has spectacularly transformed the whole

ambience of the lock and the eastern side of the waterway. This private sector development will link up with the new housing and smart apartments around the Friars Mill re-development. On the contrary, it is disappointing that all the talk by the various partners involved with the Memory Lane Wharf developments still haven’t got their act together and done anything. It must now be

authentic Edwardian pub with great Everards beers (notably “Tiger”! ) It’s just one of those pubs that can’t be passed without checking that all is well with the ale! nearly five years since all the talk about regenerating this area was much publicised. Methinks it’s time for these various public sector organisations to now “walk the walk”. We moored at several favourite spots, notably near Wiston with a fabulous view across parkland and the valley of the River Sence which this part of the Grand Union Leicester section follows. Another particular delight which never disappoints is to moor immediately upstream of Kings Lock on the very first few yards of the canal section, and to walk back into Aylestone Village to the Black Lion pub which is a fully

Finally to Foxton and a mooring at the bottom of the locks ena-

bling a walk to the café at the top and some amazing local ice cream. Again the flight was remarkably quiet with one or two hire boats from further south enjoying the fabulous experience of the 2 sets of 5 staircase locks On this cruise we were interested to see CRT’s newly appointed vegetation control contractors attempting to restore some sem-

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blance of control to the towpath and lock-side vegetation, which in some places was clearly hazardous. Regrettably the same can’t be said for the state of several lock structures and gates. The worst example of rank bad management of the

waterway infrastructure, on this section, has to be Birstall Lock. (See also p. 27 ) Only one upstream paddle operating and huge leakage through the lower gates. It is only a matter of time in this situation that the only useable paddle will also fail as it is getting all the work, and this will result in another (not so currently unfamiliar) unplanned stoppage. Let’s hope CRT manage to avoid such a stoppage and maintain trust in the wonderful Leicester Line without any untoward negative publicity undermining all the good parts. David Pullen

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Derby and Sandiacre Canal Draycott Cafe Opening A 200 year old mill has opened as a Community Hub Café in Draycott after four years and 14,000 hours of volunteer-led restoration work. On Saturday 7th May 2022 at 10 am the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, opened the Canal Cottages Café, so marking the completion of the project. The opening was long awaited by local people, who had watched the steady progress despite the challenges of a pandemic. See picture on next page. The mill, which first opened in 1815 as a canal-side cotton spinning mill, was so successful that a larger one was soon built in Draycott village and the original building extended and converted to nine farmworkers’ cottages. Modifications took place in 1850 and the cottages were finally abandoned in 1985. The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust bought the building in 2017 and set about saving and then rebuilding the substantial property. Three houses have been restored for letting and the café (and meeting rooms) have now opened. The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust appointed local operators Joyce and Garry Bruckshaw to

run the café. Joyce brings her experience of many years managing Derby’s Marks and Spencer restaurant, so the café won’t be “just any café”. She is delighted to be able to put her experience to good use and deliver a welcoming and exciting café and meeting

place for the public as part of her own business. It will be a family atmosphere that reflects the history of the building and aims of the Trust. She said that there has been so much interest before the opening that she couldn’t wait to open the doors to customers.

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Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust Chairman, Chris Madge, said that it had taken our volunteers a lot of man hours and persistence to complete this project. He is pleased we persisted and produced a building that still reflects its history, but now meets the rigorous modern requirements. When we bought the building we were advised it would be too much for us to complete the restoration, as being derelict it was in danger of collapse, and had no water, waste or power services.

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There were a number of contenders to run the café but Joyce and Garry were successful as they showed they understood how the Trust wanted to embrace the community and create a real business success that draws visitors to both the café hub and the adjacent canal as it is restored. We are looking forward to visitors using the canal in 2023 and beyond for canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing and patronising the café. Peter Warmingham

Erewash Canal (ECP&DA) Boat Rally 2023 Members are already planning the details of the next Rally on 27th - 29th May 2023. It will be based at Langley Mill (NG16 4AA) as before, and the range of attractions will try to out-do the previous efforts. Book the date now. Events at Sandiacre Lock Cottage Open days on August 21 and 29, Sept. 18, October 16, and November 20. For queries on any meetings at the Cottage, contact Glyn Stenson on 07809 251441. Normally there is a monthly meeting on the third Thursday at 7.30 pm. All welcome. Over the past three months Sandiacre Lock Cottages has enjoyed an increase in visitors and donations. The lovely weather, visiting artisans and activities for both adults and children have all contributed to the growing reputation of a welcoming place to visit. The local community have really taken the cottages to heart as a place to enjoy the wide range of events we offer or simply to have a chat, a piece of cake and a cuppa. We’ve established a group of regulars who just love the friendly atmosphere that’s been created both inside and outside the cottages. The electrical work in the toilet, stable and kitchen has been completed and Andy Twigge, BBC Radio Derby presenter, was able to formally open the toilet and fulfil a promise made over 2 years ago (photo and text above from Glyn Stenson). Locating places. The Association is trying to get people to use the “What 3 Words” application for locating their sites. For example the set ///shades.path.senses should lead you to a 3m square parking area under the A52 a short walk from Sandiacre Lock, whereas the set ///fantastic.impose.logo is the location of the Cottages themselves. For details see: https://what3words.com/how-to-use-the-what3words-app Aegre 163 - July 2022 Page 21

Grantham Canal Society Boat trips on the Three Shires are now in full swing, and open to all. Booking in advance is normally necessary, via the website: www.granthamcanal.org and follow the link on the Boat Trips page. A variety of trips include: Scheduled Trips: Depart Lock 18: 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 13:45, 14:30 and 15:15 Price: £25.00 plus £1.00 booking fee, includes up to 10 passengers. Certain dates only. Cruise and Dine: An evening cruise of 1 1/2 hours, followed by a 2 or 3 course meal at the Dirty Duck gastro pub! Every Tuesday evening during July. Afternoon Tea Cruise: Enjoy afternoon tea with a group of friends or family as you cruise through the Vale of Belvoir. Every Wednesday throughout July and August. Afternoon Teas are £10 per person. Those with smaller appetites may wish to share one between two – speak to our booking team: 07486 955 775. Canal Cruise: 2, 3 or 4 hours duration any day of the week, April to October. Cruise Prices: Remember up to 10 people travel for this price! 2 hours: £90.00 3 hours: £125.00 4 hours £150.00* *4 hour cruises include a break at Harlaxton Wharf for a picnic and to enjoy the surroundings at this restored wharf. Managed for its ecology by a group of volunteers, over 200 species of wild plants have been recorded. We welcome you to bring a picnic to enjoy during your cruise. Or preorder one of our Afternoon Teas, boxed for your convenience. Tea, coffee and fruit squash are included during your cruise at no extra cost. You are of course welcome to bring something ‘more interesting’ to drink.

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Prices include up to 10 passengers. Check availability at http://www.granthamcanal.org/availability/. If your chosen day is free on the calendar, email: bookings@granthamcanal.org to book your cruise. Email helps us deal with your booking more efficiently. For specific enquiries about your cruise: 07486 955 775.

How to find the Three Shires: All boat trips & cruises depart from Lock 18 moorings, Woolsthorpe by Belvoir. Make for the Dirty Duck Public House, Postcode: NG32 1NY. Enter the pub car park and park on the left hand side immediately inside the gates. Cross the canal bridge, turn right and walk up the surfaced towpath, passing Lock 17, to arrive at Lock 18 moorings (allow 10 minutes for this walk to be comfortable). Our skipper & crew will be there to greet you. Sorry, we are unable to accommodate dogs on the boat. Access into the boat includes steps.

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Lincolnshire IWA Branch IWA Web Site Much attention has been given recently to the IWA web site, and the details it gives (or gave) about the Region’s and Branch’s local waterways. Committee members noticed that revisions from about a year ago had left a site which was elegant to look at, and attractive in the way it offered various “clicking” options to lead you to other interesting topics. However the changes had left descriptions of the actual waterways with errors, particularly associated with the maps. An example (since corrected) put Birstall Lock in Nottinghamshire (see page 27). A number of corrections have now been made with the assistance of Neil Edwards, who is working on a voluntary basis as the relevant staff posts at Chesham have not yet been filled. We are now at the stage of trying to complete this work, but to do so we need your help. Could you please have a look at the web site for Lincolnshire (or elsewhere in

the Region) and check whether you know any current facts about navigability or boat access which are not reflected correctly on the web pages or pop-ups? Some of the relevant page references are quoted below to give you a start. For example, a query remains about Nocton Delph, off the Witham below Bardney. (See page 3 for Timberland). And what about the remoter bits of the Witham Navigable Drains, not just the route to Maud Foster Mill (photo above) from Anton’s Gowt via Cowbridge Lock. Considerable effort has been put into lock repairs, mooring and access over the past few years. Billinghay Skirth was OK a few years back. How is it now? Now,

Please check these if you can, and let the editor know your findings: https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways/black-sluice-drain https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways/river-witham https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/using-the-waterways/activities/boston-black-sluice https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/using-the-waterways/activities/maud-foster-windmill

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Billinghay Entry (left above) and in the village (right)

with summer water levels present (rainfall permitting!) is the time to check these waterways. There has been weed cutting by CRT on the Witham recently (see front cover), so there is hope there. Let’s support the road, or canal, less well travelled.

Less well travelled villages Although most places you might pass along the canals are well connected by other means of transport these days, some are exceptions. One in our area is Southrey, a dead end by road. On the Witham not far below Bardney, it once was the proud possessor of a railway station and a chain ferry to the opposite bank of the river. Nowadays it is still a Aegre 163 - July 2022 Page 25

dead end by road, the railway survives only as a large sign, and the ferry no longer works, having been abandoned since 1970. There are however several features which make it worth a visit however you come. There is a CRT mooring pontoon, normally for two day stops. Unusually, there is also one almost exactly on the opposite side of the river, at the Royal Oak pub, or White Horse holiday park, similarly situated at a dead end of Dunston Fen Lane. Rumour north of the river has it that new owners there are thinking of getting a small boat and re-instating a ferry. But in the meantime people on foot have no way of crossing. On the Southrey side there is a pub, the Riverside Inn, which has a large garden with tables for drinks; there is a small car parking place between the pub and the river; and also an interesting village church, St John, which has a Scandinavian look, and was built by the village carpenter in the 1890s. Very well kept, as is the churchyard, in contrast to many village churches. There is even an occasional bus. Hidden away amongst the weed of the river is a slipway, unused for some time, and and on the old station platform is a reminder of the millenium celebrations.

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Leicestershire IWA Branch

Birstall Lock landing and gates Meetings: We have arranged an Annual General Meeting, to take place at the Birstall Sports & Social Club, on Wednesday 19 October, to start at 19.30 We will have as our guest the current National Chairman, Les Etheridge. We also hope to have guests from the Canal & River Trust. Any resolutions requested by branch members need to be notified to the branch chairman at least six weeks prior to the meeting. We aim to arrange further social gatherings on Wednesday 16 November, and on Wednesday 14 December, so please `pencil` these dates into your paper or electronic diaries. For the November meeting, we will aim to have a guest speaker. The format of the December meeting will be confirmed nearer the time. Memory Lane Wharf: As regards the Memory Lane Wharf project, I understand that CRT are still dealing with planning pre-commencement conditions. In their words, it is moving forward, but painfully slowly. Aegre 163 - July 2022 Page 27

Crt Annual Boater Conference: Some of us went to the CRT Annual Boater Conference at Northampton Unlversity on Tuesday the 5th April. It was not particularly well attended, but we were able to discuss one or two concerns with their Operations Manager, in particular regarding the missing lock mooring bollards at the recently completed new hard edge lock mooring at Birstall (see photos on the next page). In fact the lock itself is in a pretty shocking state - bottom gates badly leaking, one ground paddle and one top gate paddle out of action, top gates in need of repair. I am chasing up CRT.

New Visitor Mooring Rings in Loughborough: Committee member Trevor Stevens has been working closely with CRT to get mooring rings installed in Loughborough, on the section approaching Chain Bridge. The main challenge has been to accommodate both boats and angling `pegs', which are around 25 metres apart. No good for full length boats! That's it for this issue. Hope you all have a good summer and hope to see many of you in October. Andrew Shephard Chairman, Leicestershire Branch

Louth Navigation Trust Lock history revealed to walkers on the towpath. It seems swimming in the canal at Keddington Lock might have been just too shocking for some residents in the 1860s, when a local newspaper carried a request for it to be banned – ladies too, it read, were “prevented going to Keddington church on account of the irregularities”. Fortuitously, this is not an issue in 2022 but this and other interesting snippets about the lock can now be found on a new all-weather information panel, created by Andrew Strat-

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ford and installed recently by members of a Louth Navigation Trust (LNT) work party. The Louth canal (more precisely a ‘navigation’ because it parallels a large part of the natural course of the River Lud) oozes industrial, social and environmental history and LNT has been bringing this to residents and visitors for over 35 years. Currently it is targeting those who walk the towpath by establishing a series of panels, first at Ticklepenny Lock on the outskirts of town, and now at Ked-

LNT work party installing the information panel at Keddington Lock. Thanks go to (left to right): Roger Subden, Richard Drinkel, Alan Coulbeck, Phil Dunham and Pete Brookes.

dington. The panel was made possible by generous support from Cllrs Sarah Parkin, Chris Green and Ed Mossop using their East Lindsey DC Community Funds. As a structure, Keddington Lock was seriously breached by heavy rains in 2018. “It had been slowly collapsing since the canal closed in the 1920s,” said Roger Subden for LNT, “Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board kindly stabilised it in 2021. We are lucky now that you can see the water moving well these days, back into the Lud, and

once again flowing on to the Water Mill at Alvingham. “Part of our work is to encourage people to get to know the navigation better and to make their use of it more fun, hence the panels, but we also want to maintain the canal and make it more alive and accessible. The Trust is looking for anyone with a little time to spare who is interested in doing some bank-side work to join their monthly work parties. It’s very satisfying to see regular progress,” said Roger.

Planned events for 2022 include: Culture at the Canal, Sept 10/11 2022, Heritage open days; music, paddlers, model boats. At the Navigation Warehouse. Water level raised in the Riverhead for paddling. Christmas Market. 27 November. See www.louthcanal.org.uk Work parties continue at various sites along the canal, normally on the second Monday of the month. Aegre 163 - July 2022 Page 29

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire IWA Branch Shardlow Once again the annual Shardlow Inland Port Festival is planned for Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th Sept 2022, 10am till 4pm.. It will be a celebration of the canals, port and historic village of Shardlow, with a weekend of entertainment and family fun. A Family day out with lots to see and do: •A“Floating Market” of trading Narrow-boats and Historic Boats •Two trip boats operating from The Clock Warehouse, with a journey along the Trent & Mersey Canal •Heritage Centre with “Shardlow & Royal Celebrations” display. Additional heritage display by “The Magic Attic” •Craft Fayre in the Village Hall, Photo competition, Red Dot Theatre performance (Saturday) •Produce for sale, refreshments and “Tower Tour” at St James Church •Performance (Sunday), Heritage Display and Art Exhibition by Shardlow Primary School at St James Church •Fun Dog Show (all dogs welcome) and a gig at The Shakespeare Inn •The Boathouse: Craft Fair, Morris dancing, BBQ & American Hot Rod cars •Kids’ Fun Fair & food stalls at The Navigation •Live music and entertainment throughout the village Large field car park £4 including Festival programme at DE72 2GP Visitor moorings from Wilne Lane bridge number 2 up to Derwent Mouth Lock. Full details in the event programme available free at the Festival. Check out our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/144705997759926/permalink/2743602 11461170, and see the notice on Aegre back page. There is a shortage of volunteers, so any help however small would be welcomed. They are needed for the IWA gazebo for sales and membership enquiries. Please contact david.pullen9@btinternet.com or via the contact details inside the front cover. Help is also needed in selling/taking tickets for the boat trip, and help in the village hall with the photography competition, giving out entry forms, taking cash and organising the display as people enter. Also needed are towpath marshals. Anyone available to help at the Festival, please contact Sue Hampson via email: shardlowsue@icloud.com Page 30 Aegre 163 - July 2022

Old Union Canals Society normally hold their monthly meetings in Great Bowden village hall (LE16 7EU) on the last Friday of the month at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome, and a donation of £2 is asked to cover costs. Tea and coffee are available. For latest information call Mary Matts on 0116 2792188 or 07813 599323. The next talk will be on September 30th, and will be on Foxton, by Mary Matts.

Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this edition of Aegre: Andrew Shephard; Chris Madge; Michelle Hill, Eddie Case, Archie Roberts, Dave Carnell; David Collin; Robert Aspey; Rod Auton; Phil May; Mel and Sue Sowerby; David Pullen; Jane Pollard; Mick Clowes; Alan Leather; David Pit; Malcolm Fielding, Keith Bown, Steve Kitt, and as noted for specific articles. For page 22, photos are by respectively J. Hannan-Briggs and Richard Croft, under creativecommons.org/licenses/b y-sa/2.0 from Geograph. Trent photos from Trentlink.

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