AEGRE
November 2011
No.130
A Journal from the East Midlands Region of
Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 1
Aegre is published Š 2011 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association for members of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branches. Northampton members receive their own publication.
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 Acting 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.
Northampton Branch Chairman
Bernard Morton, Yew Tree House, 14 Baker Street Gayton, Northants. NN7 3EZ Tel: 07785 375787
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 MacDonald, 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; email: aegre@humbhony.demon.co.uk This is the web version. Picture credits: Page 19. Cover picture: New Long Horse Bridge
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.
Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 2
AEGRE November 2011
No. 130
Contents Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region......................4 Canal & River Trust Named..................................................5 The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam.........................................6 IWA Annual General Meeting Awards..................................7 News from Lincolnshire Branch............................................9 Rant News from Leicestershire...........................................12 Round a Backwater by Bell-Boat, ......................................14 Where are the Leicestershire volunteers?..........................15 News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire......................16 Picture Credits....................................................................19 New Long Horse Bridge Completes Missing Link...............20 Long Horse Bridge - A Big Lift............................................21 Tidal flood defence barrier for Boston now closer..............22 Journals Received..............................................................23 Buckingham Palace Garden Party - an inside view............24 Roddons: Research which keeps going down the drain ....25 Annual General Meetings...................................................28 Regional Diary Dates 2011/12............................................29 Notts & Derby Branch Programme.....................................29 Leicestershire Branch Programme.....................................30 Northampton Branch Programme.......................................31
Next issue probably to be published in March 2012. Contributions to the editor by the end of January 2012 please. The space on the right is for local contact information.
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Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region Buckingham Canal Society
Helen Preston, 16 Mallard Drive, Buckingham MK18 1GJ Tel: 01280 821232 www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk
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
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 Canal Museum
C/o The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester NN12 7SE www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk
Friends of the Cromford Canal
Patrick Morriss, The Shieling, Dukes Road, Lower Hartshay, Ripley, Derby DE5 3RP Tel: 01773 742895 www.cromfordcanal.org.uk
Friends of Raymond
c/o Braunston Marina, Braunston, Daventry, NN11 7JH www.thefriendsofraymond.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 MacDonald, Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead, Louth LN11 0DA Tel: 01507 610539 www.louthcanal.org.uk
Melton & Oakham Waterways Society
Richard Booth, Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0HP Tel: 01664 503330 http://beehive.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/mows/
Old Union Canals Society
36 The Ridings, Desborough, Kettering NN14 2LP Tel: 07010 705103. www.fipt.org.uk/Local.htm
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
1 Pinfold Cottages, Back Lane, Little Haywood, Stafford ST 18 0UL. Tel: 01889 882770 www.trentandmersey.btinternet.co.uk
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Canal & River Trust Named
From Tony Hales, Transition Chairman. 14 October 2011 It probably goes without saying that from next April there will be probably the biggest shake-up of the waterways since nationalisation. The UK Government is on track to transfer British Waterways’ 2,000 mile network in England and Wales into a new, independent charity. At the same time we have agreed in principle to join forces with The Waterways Trust. There is a huge amount of work underway - including ongoing consultation and funding negotiations to enable this change to happen, but perhaps the question I am asked most often is ‘what will the new organisation be called?’ Well today I can tell you that the board of transition trustees, which I am privileged to chair, have announced that the new charity will be called the ‘Canal & River Trust’ (or ‘Glandwr Cymru’ in Wales) and have unveiled the new symbol . This is a name and symbol that ‘says what it does on the tin’. It comes after a great deal of feedback from staff, stakeholders and the public and is thanks to John Rushworth of multi-award winning design agency Pentagram, who has given us his time and expertise for free. Over the last few months I and my fellow transition trustees have been out and about meeting staff, partners and waterway users. We have been listening and learning and we have been developing our thinking. I have attached (*) our first report which sets out our thoughts on membership, governance, funding, management and other matters relating to the new Trust. It provides greater detail, terms of reference and timetables for the appointment of the Trust’s Council and partnerships including the election of representatives by boaters and staff, and announces the decision to seek three new trustees with experience in finance, investment and engineering. We are determined that the new Trust is not a re-brand of what has gone before but a new start for the waterways. That change has already begun and we look to you to help us continue it. Best wishes Tony Hales (*) Editor’s note: Not attached here, but available on request as pdf. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 5
The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam Our contributors this time have covered a wide range of topics, both old and new. We have delayed slightly because of last minute news from the newly named “Canal & River Trust” and the Boston Barrier scheme, so apologies if your copy of Aegre is a bit late. We also have a report from the IWA AGM, when East Midlands was well represented in the awards (and an insider’s view of a similar event in London). We have some background to the replacement of Long Horse bridge after many years, and mention of mooring problems as well as efforts to find solutions. Early in the year, moving southwards, we were interested to see the various interpretations of “48 hour visitor moorings”. Because of the fall of things like catkins (I’m not a gardener) it was plain that some boats on 48 hour moorings had been there more like 48 weeks. Like everybody else we had both good and bad weather, and a fair bit of wind. Maybe one of the “48 hour” moorers I mentioned had not planned for any wind, because his boat was wandering free down the canal like a galleon - it didn’t need a spinnaker to drive it along. With the help of another boat we got it under control, but the main difficulty was mooring it again with the odd bits of clothes-line attached. Several years ago in Aegre I pondered on the difficulty of identifying places in photographs and the possibility of recording a GPS location with the picture file. Now every school child has it on their smartphone camera. Recently, on one of those few very hot days, we were sitting actually sheltering from the sun inside the boat, while the refrigerator was working hard flattening the battery bank and pumping out hot air into the cabin. But the engine cooling system worked fine in those temperatures because it dumped heat into the canal via a skin tank. It doesn’t need a thermodynamics expert to feel that it would be more efficient to work a fridge that way. OK, freon is a bit more difficult to deal with than plain water plus a bit of anti-freeze, but there are many air-conditioning systems now which come in two parts, for inside and outside the building, and you just snap the pipes together with a quick coupling when everything is in place. Hoping for a similar technological development, I cast the idea out on the water and hope. No royalties required! In spite of overall economic problems, we have some good news on canal and river developments, so at least some things seem to be moving forward. Good luck to all for the winter season. Peter Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 6
IWA Annual General Meeting Awards
The Christopher Power prize At the Inland Waterways Association Annual General Meeting at Cookley on September 24th John Nuttall was awarded the Christopher Power prize for his work towards canal restoration and improvement whilst working for British Waterways at Newark. John retired in March following nearly 30 years with BW and a full report of his work is in Aegre March 2011 page 22. In addition to the award of the Christopher Power Trophy, which is a carved wooden otter, there is a cash prize of £750 which has been given to the Chesterfield Canal Trust. Initially John started working at Castleford in 1983. Later John’s main work was on the Chesterfield Canal where he was the BW representative for all the restoration from Morse Lock to Norwood Tunnel. In this role he was on the Chesterfield Canal Partnership and the Technical Officers Group. Alongside his work on the Chesterfield, John also managed refurbishment work on the Grantham Canal and worked with Mary Powell and the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership on the Fossdyke and Witham and on the River Welland. This is the first time the Christopher Power Trophy has been won twice by the same person, as John was a joint winner some years ago with Christine Richardson and Chris Drage when the “otter” was the Volvo Penta Award. This was in 2004 for the major restoration of the locks between Cinderhill and Thorpe Top locks on the Chesterfield Canal. The Christopher Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 7
Power prize was a cash award originally funded by the Power family after Christopher’s death in the 1970s, before which he used to work with Waterway Recovery Group.
At the IWA East Midlands Region Annual General Meeting in 1980 there were no volunteers for Region Chairman and IWA Council member. John was persuaded to take over on a temporary basis; this in fact lasted for The Cyril Styring Trophy thirty years. In the meantime followFollowing the previous tribute to John ing the failure of the Chesterfield Nuttall, written by John Baylis, we are Canal project, John took over restoration of Frankton Locks on the Montpleased to report that John Baylis himself was awarded the Cyril Styring gomery Canal for Graham Palmer Trophy at the meeting. This is a silver which continued until 1990. After narrow boat on a wooden plinth, and Graham Palmer’s death he became is the highest award for service to the WRG vice chairman in support of Alan Jervis. Association. Clive Henderson, the IWA National Chairman, said: John joined the IWA in 1969 after a holiday on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. He rapidly became involved with the North Midlands Branch based at Sheffield, acting as Harbour Master for the Sheffield Rally in 1970. After subsequent Branch reorganisation in 1974, he became treasurer of the new East Midlands Region. Also in 1974 he was instrumental in co-ordinating the joint IWA and Retford & Worksop Boat Club initiative to restore Morse Lock on the Chesterfield Canal and to create a winding hole above Worksop. British Waterways pre-empted the issue by making a piled winding hole below Morse Lock and John called the meeting which led to the creation of the Chesterfield Canal Society in 1976; prior to the 1977 Campaign Rally in Worksop. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 8
As a result of David Stevenson becoming IWA National Chairman in 1989 John took over David’s old role as Chairman of the Navigation, Technical & Amenity Committee. This he held until 2001 and since then he has been the Vice Chairman under its new name of Navigation Committee. As Chairman of NTA John led IWA discussion and correspondence with British Waterways on boating matters and stoppages and for nearly 20 years was the IWA representative on the Boat Safety Scheme Advisory Group and Technical Committee. John was also the IWA representative at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ Water Safety Congresses John is a firm advocate of cruising the waterways and has cruised all the East Midlands Waterways several times. Each year his boat covers a part of the system, usually en-route for the IWA National Festival. John became involved in site services at national,
trail-boat and campaigning rallies from 1974 to 1985. Then after a lapse he took over as Tractor Driver in 2002 and has worked at every national festival since. He is now Quartermaster on site in charge of Tardis the IWA Festivals storage van. Locally John has been the lead IWA representative on the Chesterfield, Grantham, Derby & Sandiacre partnerships and is a Trustee of the Friends of the Cromford Canal. As if this were not enough, John has been in the lead of the EM Waterway Recovery Group where, through the use of the Erewash Canal P&DA workshop at Langley Mill, he has made equipment for WRG, IWA and Festivals and fitted mooring rings at various sites such as Trent Embank-
ment in West Bridgford. John has used his innovative skills to design and make lock gear mechanisms and locking devices, all of which are ‘user friendly’. His designs have been welcomed by British Waterways who have adopted them when replacement parts have been needed. John has made a wide ranging contribution to the IWA over many areas. He researched the history of the Cyril Styring Trophy and has since maintained contact with Cyril’s family over the years. Consequently, both in recognition of his 40 years unstinting service, and with that special interest in Cyril Styring, the award of the trophy to him would probably mean more to him than possibly anyone else.
News from Lincolnshire Branch Weedy rivers Due to the prolonged period of dry weather, poor water quality has encouraged excessive weed, lowering the oxygen levels to the detriment of fish, and leisure users, including fishermen, canoeists, rowers and boaters. As reported in the last edition of Aegre, the inhabitants of South Kyme on the River Slea expressed their concern to the EA and requested a meeting in the village. This took place on the 22nd September when representatives of the IWA and Slea Navigation Trust were also present. This excess of weed would under normal flow conditions be flushed down river to Boston Grand Sluice and then out on the tide. With little flow the weed has built up, carpeting the width of the river and causing major problems to navigation. Boston Rowing Club hold a national event from Boston to Lincoln in midSeptember, and raised their concerns some time ago, fearing that the event would have to be cancelled. BW engaged contractors to clear the weed, but Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 9
such was the amount they were unable to provide clear water for the event. This has caused some financial loss to the Rowing Club and fears that further losses will be incurred should the British Olympic rowers be unable to practice on the river later this year. Further meetings with BW and the EA are taking place. In the meantime Internal Drainage Boards have presented photographs and details of the problem to Lord Henley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DEFRA with a senior official of DEFRA`s Chemical Regulation Directorate. They feel they got the serious implications of the situation across and while it is early days, some viable solution may be forthcoming. There appear to be two types of growth causing the problem: Duck Weed is a floating weed that blankets the surface and reduces the water oxygen levels to the detriment of aquatic life. The second type, known locally as Cott, is algae that forms on the river bed and eventually rises to the surface and joins the Duck Weed. In the past an aquatic herbicide, diquat, was used but this is no longer readily available and the current practice is to remove it mechanically, placing it on the bank, subject to EA restrictions, or lifting it over the sluice gates into the tide. See our picture above. Further meetings are planned with both the EA and BW. Anton`s Gowt The entrance to the Witham Navigable Drains is via Anton`s Gowt Lock, some two miles to the west of Boston. This structure was initially a sluice to drain the fens but was later made into a lock enabling barges to Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 10
reach the East and West Fens with a further lock, East Fen, into the Hobhole Drain. This latter lock has been filled in but is understood to be in good condition and could be restored. British Waterways are responsible for Anton`s Gowt and are presently renewing the tailgates. A recent article in “Canal Boat” gave an interesting and positive account of the system. (Photo opposite courtesy of BW). Brigg On the River Ancholme the land leased from the EA for moorings by the Glanford Boat Club is suffering from erosion and cannot be used. Talks are ongoing for the matter to be resolved. A sub-group of the Ancholme Users has been set up to consider ways of increasing tourism for the river and Brigg Town. Items under discussion include: provision of a suitable water taxi landing area for the Brandy Wharf to Brigg boat; creation of a Heritage Trail; returning the historic wooden boat found in Brigg excavations to the town; and creating an off-line marina. Environment Agency With the demise of EA`s Referac committee they propose to extend the Region Navigation Group meetings to include other leisure users. These meetings are usually held at Brampton, south of Peterborough, and an extra meeting has been called to consider the Agency’s proposed 3 year licence increases to counteract their loss of some of the Defra monies. More details next time. Grantham Grantham Canal Society have now obtained permission from BW to use the old carpenters’ workshops at Woolsthorpe Locks, near the Rutland Arms Public House. Details of events here and the trip boat can be found on their monthly news letter at membership@granthamcanal.com. Overnight moorings British Waterways held a consultation on extra moorings on the River Trent as part of the Trent Vale project. Sites were short- listed above and below Cromwell Lock, at North Muskham and Sutton-on-Trent. Of the three only Cromwell is in British Waterways ownership. . The other two sites could lead to long term estate arrangement costs for land rental and have, as yet, not been pursued. Still on moorings, at Boston new visitor moorings more suitable for longer craft were installed by the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership. Reports indicate that these have been let long term. Enquiries to ascertain the position are in hand. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 11
In Newark it is increasingly difficult to find overnight moorings. The pontoons at BW`s offices, the walls up to the Barge and the pilings downstream of Town Lock are invariably taken. There appears to be provision to moor to the pilings between the main road bridge and BW`s pontoon moorings. A number of vertical ladders give access to the road level, however vegetation obstructs the tops of some of them and there is an old sign stating “no mooring”. Is this still applicable? The question has been placed on the agenda for the next User Group Meeting. Branch 2012 AGM The Branch 2012 AGM is on Monday 20th February at St. Mary-le-Wigford Church Hall at 7.45pm. The Hall is situated next to the Lincoln rail station, towards the level crossing. A speaker for the evening is being sought to bring us up to date with the creation of the New Waterways Charity, now known as the Canal & River Trust. Dave Carnell.
Rant News from Leicestershire Leicestershire, it seems, scores above the national average . . . . when it comes to lethargy! Over many years I have learnt that most voluntary organisations can count on about ten per cent of its membership as being ‘active’, i.e. able and willing to do more than pay their sub and perhaps read a journal or two. Now please don’t misunderstand me; we depend on membership subscriptions and many of us have conflicting interests and a myriad of reasons for not being ‘active ’. There are several organisations of which I have been a ‘dormant’ member for years! But it does seem that Leicestershire can motivate no more than about one per cent of its members. How can we improve on that? I’ll leave it to Ian, our voluntary Volunteer Coordinator, to ask if we should be banging the proverbial drum to a different tune on page 15. The Leicester Riverside Festival presents us with a ready made platform from which we can fly the IWA flag, further the Campaign, recruit members, educate youngsters and raise funds etc. etc . Yet in spite of pleading (in writing, vocally and electronically) for members to give a few hours of their time, it is the same ‘Few’ who turn up, albeit sometimes reluctantly for they too, have other interests. Not only is the full potential of the event not realised but the ‘willing few’ are in danger of becoming overworked, under appreciated and possibly even alienated. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 12
A few weeks ago I was one of two IWA volunteers on a river clearance exercise mounted jointly by BW, EA and Leicester City Council. This event had been arranged weeks in advance, was widely publicised to potential volunteers and presented a great opportunity to demonstrate that we are capable of more than just talk. Sum total; one and a half pairs of hands. (I had other commitments and had to leave at lunch time!) Last month we had to cancel a pre-arranged and well publicised BW-led work party at Lime Kiln Lock, Leicester, as it would not have been reasonable to expect BW personnel to turn out on a Saturday to supervise one or two volunteers. It is at this lock that the IWA National Rally of Boats of 1967 is commemorated and I had mooted the possibility of our Branch ‘adopting’ the lock and attempting to keep it looking presentable. That now seems unlikely, but it’s up to you. Reverting to the subject of the Riverside Festival: where do we go from here regarding next year’s event? I recently attended the first planning meeting with the City Council but with no positive offers of assistance I was unable to commit the Branch’s support. After what has been achieved over the last ten years I feel that it would be tragic if we had to walk away from the opportunities presented. Rant over. . . . . . . . but how do other branches score in the lethargy league? I hope that the new venue for the coming season of social meetings meets with your approval. We have been to The Gate Hangs Well on a number of occasions for bowling and petanque evenings. The bowling alley has now been converted to a meeting room and should serve our needs well. If this location does not suit you please be thinking of a suitable venue to nominate for the following season. I would like to thank Richard Pearce for getting the Branch website up and running and Herbert Eppel for agreeing to take it forward. Please take a look at the site at www.waterways.org.uk/regions_branches/east_midlands/Leicestershire and we’d like your suggestions as to what further content you would like to see. In addition Herbert has set up an e-mail list to facilitate communication among local branch members. This takes the form of a ‘Yahoo Group’ and offers a means of exchanging thoughts, ideas and discussion between members in an informal manner. At the time of writing only a dozen or so members have joined the group and it would be good to have more. If you would like to give it a try please e-mail Herbert at HerbEppel@gmail.com and he will do
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the rest. Should you decide that it’s not for you it will be equally easy to ‘unsubscribe’. John Evans. (Acting Branch Chairman)
Round a Backwater by Bell-Boat, by Beryl McDowall On Thursday, 8th September nineteen members of the Leicestershire Branch met at 7.00 p.m. at The Boat House pub, just downstream of Barrow Bridge in Barrow upon Soar. We met the two leaders who would guide us on our trip, and all donned life jackets. We boarded two bell-boats. For those who aren't familiar with these craft, each bellboat is effectively two canoes, with a fixed 'walkway' joining the two together, thus creating a pretty stable craft. With a paddle each, we all boarded the bell-boats, and started our journey. This took us upstream through Barrow Bridge, through the Barrow Deep Lock, past the Navigation pub, to the weir. Here we all scrambled out of the bell-boats, helping each other across the boats and up onto the towpath, leaving the two leaders to manhandle to two boats over the weir. I say manhandle because the water level was very low, so there was not sufficient depth to allow the boats to be floated over the weir. Once both boats were safely at the bottom of the weir, we were able to get back on board, and begin our 'adventure.' As we headed off downstream, we were visiting parts 'where no man had been before' - apart from Maggie (yes, I know she's not a man!), who had suggested the trip, and whose three sons are keen canoeists, so she's caught the bug. We quickly had to learn how to steer the boat by paddling from those on one side only, as we were guided by our leader. Luckily we also mastered the art of back-paddling to stop the boat - very important when you are heading for a low overhanging tree! The route became very winding, and the light got less and less, as we made our way down the backwater towards Quorn. It was so peaceful, compared with travelling on a narrow boat, with the constant noise of the engine - so quiet that we took the odd heron unawares, so that there was Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 14
a wild flapping of wings as it took flight (or should that be fright?). By the time we reached the moorings at Proctor's, it was pitch black, with the odd light from the windows of moored boats. We were nearly at the end of our adventure into the unknown. Back through Barrow Bridge, a sharp bit of negotiating to the right (or to starboard, if you prefer), and we used draw strokes to manoeuvre the bell-boats to the bank. It was now 8.30 p.m.
When Maggie and I arranged this trip, we had some reservations about how many of our members would be interested in taking part, particularly in view of the number of older members who are regular attendees at our meetings. However, we needn't have worried. When we retired to the pub after the trip, we were overwhelmed by members saying that for ÂŁ3 a head they thought it was excellent value. What's more, several said they would like us to do it again, perhaps in the spring, when we could see where we were going for the whole of the trip!
Where are the Leicestershire volunteers? John has already written something about a lack of active members and I have been trying to get people to come along and give some time to the waterways by taking part in voluntary activities. We have arranged four work parties so far, but the one held in September struggled for people and it was unfortunately necessary to cancel it. This was unfortunate as we were going to make improvements to Lime Kiln Lock where there is a plaque commemorating the IWA National Rally there in 1967. Acting Chairman John expressed his horror at the poor state of the general area as he passed through on his way to the Leicester Riverside Festival and it looked to be something the branch could look after with some pride. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 15
I have not been very successful trying to get people to come along on odd midweek or weekend work parties. Given that the waterways definitely need help I need to try to find a way of getting people interested and able to come along to help. Can I ask people whether they would be more likely to come and help if these work parties were arranged on a specific day each month or some other way? Are people more inclined to come at a weekend or a week day? Is there anything else we can do to entice you to come and help? Some other local branches seem to be doing quite well getting volunteers, what are we doing wrong? Please contact any committee member at branch meetings or email me at ianmcdonald@uwclub.net or to my postal address on page 2 in Aegre. Many thanks, I do look forward to hearing from you. Ian McDonald
News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire I hope everyone enjoyed their summer on the waterways. I count myself as one of the lucky ones as I was out on a narrow boat holiday in that late September sun travelling from Stourport to Nottingham, beautiful scenery, beautiful autumn colours, wildlife in abundance (even kingfishers along the Wolverhampton stretch) and all bathed in sunshine, truly wonderful.
still work to be done on the Leicestershire side. A brief conversation with those in luminescent jackets established that they expected to complete in late November, which is a few weeks behind BW’s initial plan for official opening in October. Albeit there has been much controversy regarding the demolition of the original unique bridge and the siting of the new one, from a steel bridge perspective, to me, it does look aesthetically pleasing. (Long Horse Bridge carried the towing path from the Trent and Mersey canal onto the Trent Navigation and
On my travels you could see the replacement for Long Horse Bridge near Shardlow is now in place. The “greenway” on the Shardlow side also seemed complete but there was Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 16
was demolished due to BW’s safety concerns.) Once officially opened this will be the conclusion of a £1.4M project co-funded by BW and Derbyshire County Council. There is also very good news for the Derby and Sandiacre canal restorers. Outline Planning Permission for the main 12 mile length of the canal has been granted by all relevant Local Authorities. This is great news as it means the canal line is now not only protected but also expected to become a canal navigation (by the Local Authorities). Funding and Developers can therefore now be sought in the full knowledge that “planning authorities” are officially
supportive of the restoration. In essence piecemeal restoration can take place in the knowledge that permission is in place for the remainder to be completed, not thwarted, later. This gives confidence to both Developers and Fund managers (such as the National Lottery). This has been a huge task, nearly four years of endeavour and a huge step forward for restoration of the Derby and Sandiacre canal. Very well done to all those involved. Our Branch Planning Officer has also been active with Local Authorities. What used to be generally referred to as a “Local Plan” is now encompassed in each Council’s
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Local Development Framework (LDF). Within the LDF there are strategies for the various functions within the Council and the “Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Waste Core Strategy Preferred Approach” has recently been issued for consultation by those two Authorities. I hope I haven’t lost you, as that all sounds really boring but it isn’t!
Waste management including reuse, recycle, energy recovery and disposal requires transport and is an area where waterborne freight should play a major role. Taking congestion off the roads and transferring the freight to the underused major river waterways network is a benefit to all. Waterborne freight is energy efficient, low emission and has a much lower carbon footprint than other forms of transport. Coupled with the fact that Nottinghamshire has the vastly under-used, commercial freight route of the River Trent running through or near many of its major population centres, this should be the transport route of choice for waste management, not roads.
It is only at this stage of the consultation process that you can make a difference, further down the line when the strategy has been
approved it is too late. The Branch has therefore commented on various sections of the Waste Core Strategy to encourage the use of waterborne freight on the River Trent and avoid further congestion and climate change issues associated with road transport. Let’s hope the comments are taken into account.
Over the summer we have also been out and about promoting the waterways. In May we presented a cheque to the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society to help with the manufacture and installation of six interpretation boards which are now in place along the towing path at strategic parts of the canal. Ramblers, walkers, cyclists and others can now gain a better understanding of the history, wildlife and future plans for the canal.
In July we gave the Branch exhibition stand an airing at Elvaston Castle Steam Fair. It was good to meet with everyone who came onto the stand. There is already much interest in the restoration of the Derby and Sandiacre, Cromford and Chesterfield canals, so adding an extra impetus with new supporters was the icing on the cake. Thank you to all those who helped man the stand, Brian, Jackie and Archie and a big
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thank to Mavis who did an exemplary job educating and assisting the many children who participated in WoW (Wild over Waterways) activities.
canal). For those not attending the meeting, it was colloquially called the May canal because most of the towing path hedge was hawthorn and this was in picturesque full bloom each May.
Social activities have also been abundant. In early summer members were treated to a guided walk along the Derby and Sandiacre canal around Spondon and Breaston – thank you to Chris Madge for hosting IWA attendees. Later, members were similarly treated to a guided walk along the Grantham Canal near Woolsthorpe – thank you to Colin Bryan for hosting this one.
The recent one was fascinating, do therefore come along to our Social meetings: on November 18th Steve Hayes from the Sleaford Navigation Trust will be giving an illustrated talk on the Sleaford Navigation and then on December 16th we have our Christmas refreshments evening followed by a presentation from John Wilkinson on boating down “The Liverpool Link”. So put the evening of the third Friday in the In September we restarted the month in your diaries and see the monthly programme of Social meet- calendar of events at the back of this ings at the Rushcliffe Arena when magazine. Do come and join us, Chris Madge enlightened the audieveryone is most welcome, I look ence with all the developments that forward to seeing you there. have taken place regarding the restoration of the “May” canal (also Mike Snaith known as the Derby and Sandiacre
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; Colin Crofts; Rod Auton, Linda Hulme, Harry Arnold, BW Newark, and as noted for each article. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 19
New Long Horse Bridge Completes Missing Link The new £1.4 million bridge has been craned into position over the River Trent re-establishing an important link between the counties of Derbyshire and Leicestershire. The 60 tonne bridge was lowered into position on 15th September, reinstating a popular route across the river that has been lost since the bridge was closed in 2002 when it reached the end of its life-span and there were fears over its structural safety. The completed bridge will provide a dedicated Public Bridleway giving access across the River Trent for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and will tie in with existing walking routes in the area. A new Greenway linking the bridge with Shardlow is also being constructed. The Greenway will cross
open farm land and follow the Trent and Mersey Canal, providing attractive walking, cycling and horse riding opportunities. Almost a mile of new hedgerow will also be planted alongside to provide new habitat for wildlife. The 52 metre span bow-string truss bridge was constructed in four pieces, before being bolted and welded together on site. The project has been managed in a partnership between British Waterways and Derbyshire County Council along with contractors May Gurney. Derbyshire County Council contributed £213,000 and raised a further £303,000 towards the cost of the project through grants from other organisations. Leicestershire County Council also contributed £15,000. See also our cover picture.
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Long Horse Bridge - A Big Lift The sketch shows the side elevation of the crane with four ground stabiliser legs positioned to form a square 13 x 13 metres; under each foot is a large steel pad to spread the load over a maximum area. The launch site was on the Leicestershire bank and the access through the old gravel pit road was firm and wide. In the dry weather it proved a very good surface.
The lifting contractors were Ainscough’s Heavy Cranes based in Preston, Lancashire which is part of the largest UK mobile crane company. The crane used was a Liebherr 11000 LTM DS which is generally known as a “Thousand Tonner”. The bridge is 52 metres (about 161 feet) long, 4 metres (13 feet) wide and weighs in at 80 tonnes. In order to lift it into position from a firm hard standing the centre of lift to the pivot on the crane was 45 metres, with a telescopic jib length of 56.4.metres (175 feet). The road mover part of the crane has eight axles and weighs about 112 tonnes. The telescopic jib, derrick jib, counter balance weights and other equipment are carried on a fleet of articulated trailers with up to 6 self steering axles.
At the reach required the counter balance weight on the crane was 260 tonnes, but this was insufficient due to the counterweight being close to the crane pivot. On large cranes of this type a method called “Superlift” is used with a derrick counterweight. On the sketch can be seen the main telescopic jib, with cables to a trellis derrick boom behind the crane, and then with cables to another counterweight on a trolley on the ground behind the crane. This allows a much greater and variable distance from the pivot than the main counterweight, and each tonne is the equivalent of several tonnes on the main counterweight. For Long Horse Bridge about 150 tonnes was used on the derrick counterweight. The technique is to keep the weight just off the ground when at maximum lift. The counterweight can then be dropped off on to the ground as the bridge is levelled on its prepared foundations. As usual with such lifts the essential preparation takes days and the actual lift is over in about an hour. John Baylis
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Tidal flood defence barrier for Boston now closer The Environment Agency have announced that the preferred location for Boston’s new multi-million pound barrier is just downstream of Black Sluice Lock. That is the finding after months of technical assessment and consultation with the local community and organisations including regular meetings and drop-in events. A further series of drop-in sessions is now planned to provide an opportunity for local residents and businesses to find out more about the project and its progress including details about what happens next. These will take place on: • Wednesday 2 November 2011, 10am - 7pm at the New England Hotel, 49 Wide Bargate • Friday, 4 November 2011, 10am - 7pm at the Black Sluice Lock Cottages • Wednesday, 16 November 2011, 10am - 7pm again at the New England Hotel. Andy Baxendale, Environment Agency Northern Area Manager, said: “The tidal barrier is part of the Environment Agency’s long-term commitment to reduce flood risk to the people of Boston and to manage water levels through the town to allow safer navigation. “The barrier will not only help to manage tidal flood risk and reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes and businesses. It will also provide opportunities to regenerate Boston’s waterways and will help achieve a significant milestone for the Fens Waterways Link vision to connect the cathedral cities of Lincoln, Ely and Peterborough.” The preferred location, just downstream of Black Sluice Lock, was chosen from a short-list of three. The original short-list included two other locations, one immediately upstream of the port’s wet dock entrance and one downstream of Maud Foster Sluice. In addition to the preferred location for the tidal barrier, the Environment Agency is also appraising options on how best to manage water levels through the town to make boating safer. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 22
Andy said: “We hope people will take this chance to find out what we are doing to reduce the risk of flooding in Boston. Our staff will be on hand to answer questions about the barrier project and explain how the views of the local community can feed into the early stages of the design process.” The Boston Barrier, along with improvement works to existing flood defences through the town, will increase the standard of protection to 0.33 percent probability (one in 300 chance) of flooding from a tidal surge in any one year. This will reduce the current flood risk, as the standard of protection today only provides a two percent probability (one in 50 chance) of flooding from a tidal event in any year. Councillor Peter Bedford, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This represents a major and vital project for Boston and a much needed and important addition to the town’s critical flood defences. But it also represents a major opportunity to assist with the town’s ongoing physical and cultural regeneration, enabling us to better promote and utilise our waterways, which we all know should be a great asset to us. Councillors and council officers are working alongside the Environment Agency to bring the scheme forward, and at this stage we need to present the proposals to the Boston community and help the Environment Agency take on board any local concerns and issues that the project team needs to take into account.” Editor’s note: See our picture from July 2007 on the back cover.
Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “Endeavour” from Northampton Branch; “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “The Bridge”, from Grantham Canal Society; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; and “The Wharfinger”, from Louth Navigation Trust, as well as “Navigation” from our regional neighbours at West Midlands. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given in our page 4 directory. For “The Cuckoo” contact the editor John Lower at 92a Tapton View Road, Chesterfield S41 7JY. Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 23
Buckingham Palace Garden Party - an inside view In March Christine and I were pleased and honoured to receive a letter from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, British Waterways’ sponsoring department, asking if we would like to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party; presumably in response to what I had done for the IWA over many years. We, of course, said yes and some time later we received an official invitation from the Lord Chamberlain’s Office along with a list of Do’s and Don’t Do’s (no mobile telephone or camera) and dress code. We decided it would be more convenient to attend from a London base rather than after several hours by train or car so we booked into an hotel for two nights. On the day we took a taxi to the Grosvenor Place Gates to Buckingham Palace Gardens. Although we were well before the gate opening time there was a long queue of well dressed men and women along the pavement, they continued arriving and walking more rapidly along the length of the queue until the early comers started entering the gardens. I understand that about 10,000 people attend each event and I can easily see that this is correct. The gardens were well maintained and several very elegant toilet tents had been erected in various corners of the gardens. As the gardens slowly filled with a wide selection of dress, uniforms and the clergy, two military bands played and we walked round the gardens and lake. Tea was taken in three marquees, one for Royalty, one for the Diplomatic Corps and a third much larger one for every one else. In the main tea tent there were about 25 serving stations where orderly queues collected a plate, selected sandwiches, cakes and a drink of tea, coffee or home made lemonade and retired to the outside hoping to find an unoccupied seat. After a short time the Queen and Prince Phillip came out and started to walk between two long rows about 5 or 6 deep towards the royal tent. The space down the centre was maintained by gentlemen at arms and every few yards the Queen stopped to talk to individuals who had been selected by the Lord Chamberlain. Then, just before 6 o’clock, after the Queen retired we were all ushered out through the palace on to the pavement facing the Victoria Monument. We had been advised that official photographers and a taxi rank would be sited here. The one photographer we saw was rushed off his feet and many passing taxis displaying a light refused to come round and pick up. In spite of what taxis charged and what we paid them over the two days I think it was very short sighted to display such an arrogant attitude. The weather was good but not too hot and we both had a very enjoyable day. But if there is a next time we will take our own camera and catch a bus back to the hotel. John Baylis PS. The Cyril Styring Trophy and the invitation to Buckingham Palace were a result of many years work for the IWA. However, my task has been made easier by the continued support and friendship I have received from the Branch Chairmen and their committees, IWA members, WRG and others and I hope you will accept my thanks to you all. John.
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Roddons: Research which keeps going down the drain Martin Redding, Witham Fourth District IDB
‘Roddon' is an East Anglian term for an ancient fossilised tidal main river or tributary that once flowed in the Fens in the late prehistory (4000 to 0 BC). They are widespread worldwide in lowland zones. Throughout this period, roddon channels changed course continually, some averting to low spots interlinking with former freshwater meres or lakes, before finding a meandering route to outfall in the Wash. A few large roddons had seasonal hunting camps that exploited the rich natural resources of the fens, yet as physical features now they tend to be rather barren and rarely under threat by modern development, so they have largely been overlooked by research. Some roddons are known to have been functioning navigations for Fenland settlers in this period, with access to the Wash and North Sea, and several were still navigable in the Middle Ages. As physical features, roddons have only been visible since land drainage began in earnest in this region in the seventeenth century. As inland areas of susceptible peat and alluvial soils progressively began to shrink, their extinct courses, which became filled and choked with more stable silt and fine sands, gradually emerged, and nowadays show as winding subtle ridges. Major roddons can now be up to one meter or more high above ground level. Today farmhouses and their outbuildings and new conurbations are often found built on roddons,
which offer a firmer and safer foundation than peats and clays. Roddon research is a relatively new discipline that began in the 1930s. Up until a couple of years ago, very little was known about their formation processes. However, thanks to research at the Department of Geology, University of Leicester, progress has been made. Key issues for this research are to determine if they were exclusively tidal, brackish or freshwater riverine carriers, or if they are related to past climatic changes, sea level rise and inundations, and what sediments they consist of. Because roddons involve various disciplines ranging from geology, sedimentology, archaeology and many more
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ues to demonstrate successful human exploitation of these former wetland natural resources that brought inhabitants considerable wealth. Settlements on drier fen margins and islands deep in the Fens were prolific, with cattle and sheep grazing on lush meadows when winter flood water receded.
besides, they represent something of a gap for amateur and academic studies since they are relatively recent features in geological terms. Many people also wrongly assume that in late prehistory, because the marshy Fens were seasonally flooded, nobody lived there. Nothing could be further from the truth. Archaeological evidence contin-
Throughout late prehistory, sea level continued to rise and the Fenland environment witnessed localised changes from freshwater fen to salt-marsh following marine transgression, before regression back to fen on numerous occasions At times of inundation, communities would be forced to retreat to higher ground such as the "islands� (e.g. Ely and Thorney, or anywhere today with a place name ending in
y, ey, or ea, as this means island) or to retreat further up the nominally higher and free-draining Fen edge where prehistoric settlements flourished.
known locally as “gulls”. These are evident on a number of drains across the Fens. To gain an overview of how roddons interact with modern drains in the Fens, the pictures show examples of Recently, spectacular archaeological evi- satellite and detailed aerial photographs dence for permanent late prehistoric set- and Light Detection and Ranging tlement in a roddon has been excavated (LiDAR) data, courtesy of the EA for on the outskirts of Peterborough. Here, flood risk modelling. several phases of Bronze and Iron Age timber dwellings perched on piles in a Why is this research important? Well, all roddon have been partly excavated in the evidence indicates that roddons were detail, ahead of aggregate extraction. eventually choked with tidally derived Amongst preserved dwelling timbers in sediments, not fluvial ones This factor is the waterlogged soils were pots contain- important to consider, as roddon formaing food residues, grass mats and bastion was most prolific when the climate kets, textiles, a wooden spoon, intricate was 2 to 4 degrees C warmer than today, woven willow fish and eel traps, plant about the same temperature increase preand fish remains, and food detritus dicted for the UK in the next 100 years including pelican and beaver. In light of due to climate change. So now you have these nationally and internationally been warned, thanks to evidence from important finds, a proportion of the site the past. has now been preserved for posterity thanks to the site developer. Editor’s note. This article is a shortened version of one previously published in By contrast today, Drainage Boards, the the ADA Gazette (the official journal of Environment Agency and Fenland farm- the Association of Drainage Authoriers encounter roddons daily. The engities). ADA is the association for water level management organisations in the neering of land drainage schemes has encountered difficulties associated with United Kingdom, with over 200 members including IDBs, local authorities, roddons if cut through at right angles, from the seventeenth century through to EA, and Regional Flood & Coastal Committees (RFCCs). Visit current times. www.ada.org.uk for more information. Silts and fine sands that are normally The aerial photograph and the LiDAR stable laterally become susceptible to bed shear, whereby severe slumping can image on the previous page are of East Fen, near Stickney. The bottom left corner of the occur continually, especially if the local photograph is at about TF366529, or soil is sodden. In severe cases, a sympa- 53°03’22.39”N, 0°02’14.45”E, and there is thetic shimmy often has to be incorpoa faint red square on the LiDAR image outrated in the straight drain to ensure lining the same area. channel and bank stability. These are
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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. Lincolnshire Branch. At St. Mary-le-Wigford Church Hall, Lincoln, on Monday, February 20th. 2012 at 7.45 pm. Leicestershire Branch. At The Gate Hangs Well, Syston, Leics. LE7 1NH on Thursday, February 9th. 2012 at 7.30 pm. Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch. At Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford on Friday, February 17th. 2012 at 7.45 pm Northampton Branch. At the Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, Northants NN7 3DS on Tuesday 13th March 2012 at 8 pm. East Midlands Region. To follow the meeting above at Rushcliffe Arena on Friday, February 17th 2012 .
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. 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. John Baylis Aegre 130 - November 2011 Page 28
Regional Diary Dates 2011/12 All members of any branch, visitors, and non-members are all welcome to attend.
Notts & Derby Branch Programme The Notts and Derby branch of the IWA organises a series of public meetings. We are hoping to attract lots of new faces to the meetings and have arranged a very interesting and varied group of speakers. Non IWA members will be very welcome to attend. You will find us a friendly bunch! 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. 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. November 18th 2011 Update on the Sleaford Navigation, speaker Steve Hayes. December 16th 2011 Mini presentation by John Wilkinson entitled “The Liverpool Link”, followed by Christmas Refreshments. January 20th 2012 Boating on the Lincolnshire Waterways and the River Idle, by John Lower. February 17th 2012 Annual General Meeting, followed by “North East Rivers” (Humber, Idle, Wharfe, Tees and Tyne). Freight boats, big ships to little tiddlers. Speaker John Pomfret, Chairman of the East Midlands Region. March 16th 2012 Mick Golds presents “The Erewash Canal and Restoration at Langley Mill”.
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April 20th 2012 Alexa Stott from the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust will present “From Dream to Steam - The Tornado Story�. Tornado was the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for almost 50 years. May 18th 2012 Guided walk along the Chesterfield Canal. Starting at 7pm from Staveley and finishing at the Hollingwood Hub, the new visitor centre. Leader John Lower. June 15th 2012 Guided walk along the Cromford Canal. Meeting at 7pm at Cromford Wharf to walk to Leawood pump and back. Approximately 3 miles, leader Mike Kelly.
Leicestershire Branch Programme Meetings will normally be held at The Gate Hangs Well pub at 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. If you are coming to hear a specific speaker, please contact the Social Secretary, Beryl McDowall Phone mobile 07710-029247 or email beryl@nbwasp.co.uk near the time, to confirm details, as changes to speakers do occasionally have to be made at short notice. Thursday, 10th November, 2011 Steve Bicknell, British Waterways Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Midlands, will give an illustrated talk on the role of volunteers on our waterways, and explain the range of opportunities available. Thursday, 8th December, 2011 Our Christmas Meal will be held at The Gate Hangs Well. Details nearer the time. Prior booking and payment essential. Thursday, 12th January, 2012 Speakers will tell us how work is progressing on the Melton and Oakham Waterway and at the Foxton Inclined Plane site.
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Thursday, 9th February, 2012 Branch Annual General Meeting, followed by members’ photos taken at events in the past year to create “A Year in the Life of the IWA Leicestershire Branch: 2011-2012.” Please let Beryl have photos before the night. Thursday, 8th March, 2012 John Pomfret, IWA Regional Chairman, will tell us about the New Waterways Charity, and how it will affect our waterways for all users. Thursday, 12th April, 2012 Illustrated talk by Ivor Caplan: “The Droitwich Canals Finally Reopen”. Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May, 2012 Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival. Thursday, 10th May, 2012 Outdoor visit (To be arranged) Saturday/Sunday 9th / 10th June, 2012 Riverside Festival/Boat Rally on the Mile Straight, in Leicester. Many attractions, both on and off the water, with something for everyone.
Northampton Branch Programme Meetings are at the Walnut Tree, Blisworth, at 8 pm. For more information on Northampton events contact Graham Treagus on 01604 870515. 11th October 2011 Talk by David Blagrove on "Saving the Kennet and Avon". 8th November 2011 Talk by David Bond on "Bridges across the Nene" 13th December 2011 Talk by Richard Thomas on "Thames Tugs". 13th March 2012 Annual General Meeting
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Boston Flood Barrier moves forward our July 2007 picture
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