ANGLIAN CUTTINGS
Ipswich Branch Newsletter Spring 2015 No.130 The IWA may not agree with the opinions expressed in this publication. They are, however, published as a matter of interest to our members and readers. Nothing printed can be construed as policy or an official announcement unless stated. The IWA accepts no liability for any matter in this publication.
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IWA IPSWICH BRANCH YOUR COMMITTEE Chairman Rod Mansel chairman.ipswichbranch@waterways.org.uk 07951 682048 Secretary Phil. Dowrick secretary.ipswichbranch@waterways.org.uk 07841 015218 Treasurer Spencer Greystrong treasurer.ipswichbranch@waterways.org.uk
07597 862793 Treasurer Elect Carole Green Membership Dale Green membership.ipswichbranch@waterways.org.uk 07850 960635 River Gipping Trust Gerry Crease RGTrep.ipswichbranch@waterways.org.uk 07747 840982
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EDITOR’S PONDERINGS It is with great pleasure that we are able to confirm that at the Branch AGM, held on Friday 13th February, (which was a lucky day for us!), members came forward for the new committee, enabling the Branch to continue.
Editor. If you think that you can help in any of these areas please contact the Chairman or Secretary.
Following the guidelines laid down in the IWA Branch By-Laws, the new committee members met in April and agreed the appointment of officers as listed alongside.
We should also take this opportunity of thanking our retired Chairman, Chard Wadley, and all the retired committee members for their many years of input and support for the Branch and the IWA as a whole. They have offered ongoing support to the new committee, as required, and will be active around the area and the waterways.
On behalf of all the branch members I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the new committee members for coming forward and agreeing to take up their posts and to wish them all success for the future. There are still a number of vacant positions and the committee would welcome any volunteers and offers of help to fill them. These are Minute Secretary, Social Secretary, Broads Forum Representative, and also a Newsletter / Anglian Cuttings
And finally, may I thank all those many contributors who have helped fill the pages of our newsletter. Please keep them coming for the future editor. Charles Stride
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN I look forward to working with all of you to help the Ipswich Branch continue to benefit the region’s waterways in the future. If you have any comments or suggestions please get in touch with me. Rod Mansel
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The River Gipping Trust AGM was held on the 23rd of April and the latest update from Martin Bird on the ongoing restoration is as follows: 1.0 Introduction
The frame had been built off site, and thanks to its robust design and workmanship, fitted perfectly onto the abutments, to everyone’s great relief. The bridge deck was then installed and work is nearly complete on grading the access areas and landscaping around the abutments
This year the Trust has focused its restoration activities on further works at Pipps Ford, seeking to restore the functionality of the lock by recreating the silted up bywash. We have also been involved in towpath maintenance, tree removal, and investigative works associated with flooding along the River Gipping Way
2.2 Bywash Restoration Progress with the bywash excavation has not proceeded to the timetable we had originally proposed, as, after an initial review of our plans, the Environment Agency requested we employ a consultant to draw up a detailed proposal. The Consultant first reported in July and was asked for clarification of flood risk issues which were resolved in September 2014.
2.0 Construction Projects Pipps Ford
Our re-submission then gave rise to further helpful comments and much discussion with the Environment Agency, including two site visits. This has resulted in the line of the proposed by wash being extended upstream with the by wash being
2.1 Bridge Installation The oak footbridge that we constructed last financial year was installed in the late spring of 2014. 4
made a permanent water course. The entry point has been moved to avoid disruption to environmentally valuable gravel beds in the main river course and will provide a less acute angle of entry, reducing the danger of erosion to the bywash banks. We have also included widening the lateral ditch in our proposals and joining this will be joined in to the bywash to provide a refuge area for wildlife during flood events.
While this process has been a little frustrating, the end result will provide an improved and permanent water course which will comply with the Water Quality Framework Directive and improve the environmental value of the area. Our final proposals are with the Environment Agency at present, and subject to approval, we should see a start on the ground later this summer. Martin Bird
Uncovering The Past at Pipps Ford Preparatory work on the bywash revealed the original weir. The intention is to restore this historic structure by incorporating it into the design of the bywash. The centre section was removed in the 80’s when a culvert was installed to create a causeway. (Reproduced with permission of the River Gipping Trust)
WORKING PARTY DATES Working Parties are held by the River Gipping Trust from 0900 to 1700 every Wednesday and on the second Saturday of each month. For further information and to confirm dates contact Martin Bird Tel: 01394 380765 Email: restoration@rivergippingtrust.org.uk
Please note the change to SECOND Saturday of each Month. 5
Restoring and conserving the River Stour Navigation
FLATFORD LOCK In the last edition of Anglian Cuttings we reported on Flatford Lock and the installation of new gates. On a bright Spring day Griff Rhys Jones, freshly back from his travels on ‘Slow Train(s) Through Africa’, came by an even slower mode of transport to officially open the new gates. The event was attended by the Environment Agency and a wide range of local Dignitaries including your new Chairman, Rod Mansel and his wife Sarah.
SUMMER EVENTS For details of this summer events on the Stour go to their website http://www.riverstourtrust.org/news-events or contact them on 01787 313199 6
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DATES for your DIARY
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FUTURE EVENTS The Committee will be considering possible future events and details will be advised in due course and will be posted on the website. If members have any suggestions or are happy to assist in the arrangements please contact the Secretary.
Waterway Recovery Group is looking to raise £120,000 over the next 2 years to buy new vans for transporting their equipment and volunteers throughout England and Wales. WRG's red vans cost around £35,000 each. We are raising an appeal to help raise additional funds towards the purchase of 2 new vans in 2015, with future plans to purchase the remaining two vehicles in 2016. The sale of the 4 vans will generate around £20,000.
WRG's vans are vital in aiding the work of WRG in canal restoration.
How can you help? Please go to their website https://www.waterways.org.uk/wrg/fundraising/wrg_van_appeal/the_plan To DONATE
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USEFUL WEBSITES IWA Head Office - http://www.waterways.org.uk Waterway Recovery Group - http://www.wrg.org.uk River Gipping Trust - http://rivergippingtrust.org.uk River Stour Trust - http://www.riverstourtrust.org East Anglian Waterways Association –http://www.eawa.co.uk River Waveney Trust -http://groupspaces.com/RiverWaveneyTrust pages/ouraims IWA Peterborough Branch - https://www.waterways.org.uk/peterborough IWA Great Ouse Branch - https://www.waterways.org.uk/greatouse The Broads Society - http://www.broads-society.org.uk The Australian Canal Society - http://www.auscanal.org.au/ The Canal & River Trust - http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ EA - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distribution company limited by guarantee. Registered Office; Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire. HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk Registered in England No. 612245. Registered as a Charity No. 212342
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