Louth Navigation Trust Festival

Plans for a water-based festival in September by the Trust were in great doubt because of the unpredictable nature of the water level in the basin - mostly low, but occasionally too high after heavy rain, in spite of recent flood prevention works upstream (reported on in our March 2016 issue).

After negotiations with the Environment Agency, it was finally agreed that the level could be raised by installing stop logs, or small barriers, at the site of the existing EA tilting gate. This has not worked for some years, otherwise it could have fulfilled the function easily. Literal wooden logs or planks could have been used, but the weight made these impossible to install without heavy plant, but research found suitable lightweight aluminium from a firm in Doncaster.

Installation had to be well before the event, to allow for the water level to rise. The new stop logs had to be transported from the LNT base in the Navigation Warehouse and carefully lowered into place, then locked with additional wooden battens. Finally a warning notice and barrier were added to prevent any unintended slaloming down the weir.

The actual festival went well over two days with sunny weather and sufficient water. Canoes and paddle boards demonstrated their skills, and Cleethorpes Model Boat Club showed a range of vessels. Music and poetry readings enlivened both days.

LNT Chairman guards the stoplogs at the Navigation Warehouse. Loading the van

First steps

Not this way! Second steps

This is why not.

The party at the Warehouse The party on the bank