August 2015

Endeavour

1 to attempt (eg the fulfilment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n a serious determined effort

Northampton Branch Newsletter - August 2015

FESTIVAL OF WATER at Becket’s Park, Northampton, on 29th – 31st August Official openers will be Timothy West and Prunella Scales Festival Chairman John Pomfret writes: We couldn’t do this without our partners and I would like to recognise the cooperation and enthusiasm, not to mention major contributions in kind, we have had from the start from Northampton Borough Council, the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust. We hope in particular that canal boaters not familiar with the River Nene will take up the Agency’s two weeks for the price of one offer (see Festival entry form) and visit this beautiful and fascinating river. CRT have made a similar offer to allow boaters with an Environment Agency river registration to visit their system at special rates.

There is free entry to the Festival and free car parking all weekend, so come along and join in the fun.

If you haven’t got your boat or caravan booked in yet, please do so soonest to ensure everyone and everything is provided for. You can send in entry forms by email and pay online. Forms are available at www.waterways.org.uk/ events_festivals/festival_water/festival_water__bookings.

The official opening by actors and keen boaters Timothy West and Prunella Scales will be at 12 Noon on the Saturday. See you there!

The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retentiohe n, restoration and development of Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use.

The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.

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EDITORIAL MUSINGS It’s always pleasing to get a positive response to something which appears in Endeavour. Although Branch members seem extremely reluctant to communicate with me either in a written or electronic way, at least good old-fashioned word of mouth remains valid – and in this instance I refer to Old Stager’s article in the last issue about the IWA’s first National Rally at Market Harborough in August 1950. Intensely interesting – but how things have changed appeared to be the general reaction (indeed so – it was, after all, some while back). And others congratulating our columnist in condensing so much of Robert Aickman’s idiosyncratic writing style into easy reading form more suited to the 21 st century.

Although he didn’t reveal the fact in his article, I happen to know that Old Stager actually attended the Rally – by bike! To a 15-year-old, the 17 miles to Market Harborough from Northampton was a doddle. For a start, very little traffic and what there was, rather lumbering by today’s standards. It wasn’t all that difficult, he reports, to overtake a struggling pre-war Austin 7, especially when your drophandlebar Dayton (all the rage at the time) had the benefit of a stiff tail wind.

I got the impression from the article that everything was gloriously amateur and “off the wall”. But what about health and safety? What in heaven’s name was that…?

Robert’s ability to attract big names from the showbiz world was impressive and naturally enormously helpful. Today’s IWA does the same, though – think particularly West and Suchet – but somehow Aickman seemed to exist in a league of his own in his campaign to save the inland waterways system we love and enjoy today.

I am, of course, far too much of a newcomer to have met Robert Aickman. But Old Stager did, on several occasions, especially at Association AGMs. He recalls that there was always a sharp air of expectancy in his presence, wondering what his inclinations were to be on that particular day, which way was he going to veer in his words and deeds - feisty or benign? And a tricky person to interview, too. Old Stager had a couple of attempts and on both occasions felt he had come off second best.

Robert always knew what his message was and how he wanted it to be expressed, even though at the time of these interviews he had largely stepped out of the limelight.

And so to Northampton Festival of Water. Clearly the memories of the more mature hark back – some say to “the good old days”. But they would, wouldn’t they. I say now, just come along and join in, help to put the IWA message across to the public and volunteer your services as and when called for.

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August 4th –31st 29th – 31st

DIARY DATES Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum Summer Activities (see page 15) IWA Northampton Festival of Water 2015 at Becket’s Park, Northampton

September 5th 5pm & Over and Under. A Boat Trip with commentary through Blisworth Tunnel 6th 9.30am followed by Guided Walk back over the top (details from the Canal Museum, tickets only) 8th 6pm IWA Northampton Branch 3 mile walk, starting and finishing at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth. More details will be on the website, Facebook and Twitter 12th –13th Stoke Bruerne Village at War (please see page 9 and details also from www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk)

October 13th 8pm 17th 7-7.30

IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth.

Speaker: David Blagrove — Jack James IWA Northampton Branch Annual Dinner at the Riverboat floating restaurant, Midsummer Meadow, Northampton (please see loose insert or contact sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk)

November 10th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth.

Speaker : Tony Conder — Did the railways close the canals?

December 8th 8pm 12th 5pm

IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth.

Christmas Quiz with Sam and Lynda Illuminated Boats and Carols by The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne.

Christmas Market at The Navigation pub all weekend. Organised by The Friends of The Canal Museum

NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTY DATES September 8th, 27th. October 6th, 25th.

November 10th, 29th. December 15th.

For details, contact geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or phone 01604 453932

BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WORK PARTY DATES September 10th, 13th, 24th. October 8th, 11th, 22nd.

November 5th, 8th, 19th. December 3rd, 13th, 17th, 31st.

For details, contact Athina Beckett on 01908 662127

IWA Northampton Branch web site www.waterways.org.uk/northampton Please visit it regularly to see any updates

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Engine Repairs and Maintenance

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Plumbing Installations and Repairs

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Stockists of Morris Oils and Grease

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Full range of Batteries always available (please let us know your requirements)

By road we are easily found, a few yards off the A5 at Stowe Hill towards Nether Heyford. By boat close to Bridge 26

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN, FROM SIMPLE TASKS TO COMPLETE FIT-OUTS

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Branch Chairman’s Jottings

by Bernard Morton I’m only a few days returned from what has been one of the most enjoyable canal trips in recent years. Sandie and I were away for three weeks, leaving our moorings at Titchmarsh Mill on the Nene, then upstream to Northampton and the Arm to Gayton Junction. This was followed by a familiar GU route to Braunston, Napton and Warwick to the southern Stratford Canal at Lapworth Junction, followed by an easy 14-mile passage to Stratford-upon-Avon itself.

Unbeknown to us, our arrival in Stratford was a few days before the town’s Festival Weekend, but there was still space for us to spend a couple of nights in Bancroft Basin. It was also good to meet there, completely by chance, Richard Sanders, Chairman of our neighbouring IWA Warwickshire Branch, who was attending the Festival. It was a change to compare notes “on the ground”, as it were, and not around a committee table.

During the entire trip – Lexa is now temporarily moored at Stoke Bruerne ready for attendance at the Northampton Festival of Water – hardly a drop of rain, with some days exceedingly hot and it was a relief to find the occasional tree (or pub!) to linger by to get some respite from the heat. I am glad to report that, overall, I found the main line in pretty good condition – an acceptable level of water being maintained, locks working well (with lots of charming and helpful volunteer lock-keepers) and things looking spick and span. Is this the result of the diligent work being put in by the various CRT-linked adoption groups? Certainly so in the case of the Northampton Arm, which gives me a excellent link to the next musing.

TASK PARTY DEDICATION. A Sunday morning at the end of June amply illustrated the dedication of a loyal group of some 10 worthies who form the core of the team of Task Party volunteers providing TLC to the Northampton Arm as part of the Branch’s adoption of this stretch of water.

At 10am, meeting time, it was raining, not heavily but sufficient to put mowing and strimming around Lock 17 out of court. It so happened the previous day Task Party leader Mick Butler had boated down the Arm and spotted several submerged shopping trolleys, so the morning’s work plan was amended. The volunteers were divided – some litter picking; the others, more robust, set off with grappling hooks etc to tackle the trolleys. Within two hours, 11 of these had been retrieved, a record haul, I am told, for a Task Party effort to date. Other items hauled out of the water included a wheelie-bin, a plastic bath, an elderly person’s wheeled walking frame (what was the fate of the pusher!?) and several other iron and steel pieces of equipment, all an acute threat to navigation. And, yes, the litter pickers did their bit too by filling nearly a dozen bags. Well done everyone.

8 There is no doubt the level of litter scattered on the towpath along the whole length of the four-and-a-half mile Arm has significantly lessened since we started our regular Task Parties two years ago. We make sure we keep on top of things and I really do believe, in a lot of instances, tidiness encourages tidiness. Alas, not along the mile or so of the canal bordering Briar Hill estate. I’m talking Lock 16 back towards Lock 15, particularly around bridge 14 which forms part of the public footpath leading to and from the town from Briar Hill. Task Party members are frequently being congratulated by locals, appreciative of our efforts. But sadly the few spoil it for the majority by their total disregard and lack of respect, repeatedly scattering the area with drink cans and bottles (not always empty) and other thoroughly unpleasant detritus. Always optimistic, I do like to think things are getting better around here but it’s a slow process. We can only continue with our clean-ups. Care to join the Task Parties? See page 4 for details.

PS. Several members of the Task Party returned the following morning when it was sunny and dry and completed their mowing and strimming around Lock 17, including those who carried out scraping weeds from the block paving. A superb effort.

EMERGENCY ARM CLOSURE Our sincere thanks are due to the emergency services, EA, CRT – indeed, everyone involved – in averting what could have been a truly awful incident following the kerosene leak in the Gayton Marina area (reported in more detail elsewhere in Endeavour). The leak caused a temporary closure to the Arm, but it is a comfort to know that so many people are fully geared up to meet such situations. What an escape we had …

ANNUAL BRANCH DINNER Plans are being finalised for the Branch’s Annual Dinner on Saturday evening, 17th October. As Monty Python would have put it, it is a case of “And now for something completely different”. For the first time ever, we shall be going afloat for this event.

Our venue will be the totally revamped and renamed floating restaurant, formerly The Ark, moored at Midsummer Meadow adjacent to Becket’s Park in Northampton.

Now known as The Riverboat, spaces will be limited so it will be case, as always, of first come first served. Fuller details are given on the loose insert in this Endeavour.

For the past few years, our Annual Dinner has been held at the Heart of England at Weedon - previously we have gathered at The Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne, amongst other venues. Now your committee believes a new venue is needed to encourage members’ continuing support for the dinner at a more central location within the Branch area. Thus the somewhat dramatic switch to eating afloat en masse.

FESTIVAL AHEAD. The Northampton Festival of Water is upon us at last.

It’s taken much planning by a dedicated team and the event deserves your full support. Do please come along to Becket’s Park over the August Bank Holiday period by your chosen means of transport, preferably by boat. For those not attending by boat, may I remind you there are no daytime admittance charges to the Festival — plus free parking. What a bargain day out for all the family! I look forward to seeing you there.

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STOKE BRUERNE CANAL VILLAGE TO GO BACK 70 YEARS IN TIME Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Stoke Bruerne’s 8th annual Village at War weekend on 12th-13th September to enjoy the popular 40s spectacle organised

by The Friends of The Canal Museum and villagers.

This WW2 vintage event, which has won many awards and accolades, features two aerial displays, one each day (subject to weather), with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight buzzing the skies over the village.

Living history groups and individual re-enactors such as policemen, spivs, air raid wardens, American GI’s, the Free French and Land Army girls come from all over the country to entertain and show visitors what life was like in wartime Britain. The glamorous singer Lola Lamour and George FormPictures of previous Village at War weekends

by James Rudd by (aka Paul Casper) will be performing to packed audiences on the Alhambra Stage (under the arches of the canal bridge) and in the NAAFI tent. Wartime fare like spam sandwiches and bread and dripping, will be on sale and Monty, King George VI and Winston Churchill will be on hand to carry out troop inspections.

Tanks and all kinds of military vehicles will be on display, the local Northampton Home Guard and Army Cadet Force will be on parade and regular air raids will send visitors running for cover.

The whole village takes part with a fashion parade at the Church, together with opportunities to learn how to dance the hokey-cokey or palais glide at the Village Hall Tea Dances, and a chance to sip a well earned cuppa at the Nippy Tea Rooms (aka Village School). As always, there will be colourful vintage boats moored along the canal, many of which played important roles carrying vital supplies for the war effort, plus WW1 and WW2 displays about the role of the canals on view in the Canal Museum.

All in all, the weekend will be action packed with plenty to see and do for all the family. Admission is £6 per adult (under 16s free) and parking in event car parks is free.

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NEW BRANCH MEMBERS ARE WELCOMED We extend a warm welcome to the following who have joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour

NEW MEMBERS Mr R Nunn, Long Buckby Mr P & Mrs F Gill, Isle of Man Mr S Gammond & Mrs J Waddup, Buckingham We look forward to meeting you all at Branch events

CALLING ALL BRANCH MEMBERS! With the Festival of Water fast approaching, we now have a much clearer idea of what jobs we desperately need volunteers for. We cannot stress how vital your support, even for just a couple of hours, will be to the success of this important event in our Branch calendar.

We need help before, during and after the Festival for the following:Westbridge Arm Clean-up -- Sunday 23rd August Vegetation/rubbish clearance along Nene Waterfront – provisionally 6th August Set up of marquees/tents/stalls in Becket’s Park from Wednesday 25th onwards Volunteer lock-keeping on Locks 1-12 on Northampton Arm 27th/28th/31st August 1st Sept. Training session provisionally 24th August Car park marshalling – Sat/Sun/Mon Selling Festival Programmes at car park and around Becket’s Park.

Help staff Branch stand in Becket’s Park – Sat/Sun/Mon Help staff the Island Bar – open Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon evenings 6pm onwards.

Clearing tables in Entertainments Marquee.

Clean-up of site – litter picking, taking down marquees, tents etc – Tues 1st Sept If you are able to help in any way, for whatever time, please contact Sandie Morton on 07917 163860 or email sandie@abmdata.co.uk with details of what job you can help with and when you are available. If you have already offered to help, could you please let Sandie have details of the job you’d like to do and your availability.

Thank you!

IWA Northampton Branch now has a Facebook page. It’s at https:// www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in discussion on what’s happening.

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ITEMS WANTED FOR BOATERS’ AUCTION Organisers of the Northampton Festival of Water have made an urgent request for items suitable for the Boaters’ Auction which will be held on the August Bank Holiday Monday morning on the Lock Island.

It will follow the lines of the Boaters’ Auctions held regularly at our Northampton Branch Boat Gatherings, so many of you will be familiar with the sort of things that sell. These are not exclusively items linked to boating and the waterways but can be of a more general nature, such as pictures, china, household and leisure equipment, electrical items – but please bear in mind we don’t want it to be a glorified auction of jumble or bric-a- brac.

If attending the Festival, please hand in your donations to the organisers early on the Monday morning. If not attending, members of the Branch committee (see page 34) will be pleased to accept any contributions (collection can be arranged).

These popular Boaters’ Auctions have always produced a significant sum of money (as well as entertainment!) for worthwhile waterways causes. Thank you very much for your support.

SAVE THE BRANCH MONEY! Stop receiving Endeavour by post and instead get it electronically.

You will be notified by email when it’s published on-line. This will save in postage and printing costs. The printed version will be available at Branch meetings. Contact Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk and he will organise it.

Editor

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12 TRANSPORT TRUST RED WHEEL FOR BLISWORTH’S PRESTIGIOUS CANAL HERITAGE Jan Andrews, of Blisworth Canal Partnership, reports: As they say, it's all in the preparation! And prepare for the Red Wheel Day we certainly did!

Weeks of paperwork, permissions to install it in the chosen spot, painting canalside lock beams and weir fencing, booking trip boats, organising the refreshments, sending invitations out… but when a plan comes together in the spectacular way it did on the day, every second is always worth it!

Even though Blisworth Canal Partnership organised and funded the celebrations, we were determined that the day should showcase Blisworth, its canal and what can be achieved when you put the local community, and not yourselves, at the core of a project. We’ve since been told that it was a day that demonstrated canal and community engagement at its very best. That’s Blisworth and its villagers for you!

The unveiling day, Saturday 6th June, dawned bright, always a good omen, or so you'd think! At 6.30am a call from the Police Control Room threw us into slight panic mode. A major pipe leak, likely cause criminal damage, was pouring thousands of gallons of aviation fuel directly into the canal down the Blisworth (Northampton) Arm. The likelihood of us being able to turn the trip boats at Gayton Junction was not looking promising. Our wonderful PCSO, Tara Cooksammy, soon took over, liaising for us and we breathed a sigh of relief when she announced that the trips could go ahead.

In no time at all guests from The Transport Trust, CRT and local Councils started arriving. They soon disappeared into the crowd of about 200 villagers and boaters gathered to watch this historic occasion. The unveiling ceremony was heralded in by a peal of the Parish Church bells by our talented bell-ringers. The Scout Band, looking resplendent in their bright red uniforms, took over the musical introduction and people were soon tapping their

13 feet. The unveiling was preceded by speeches

by James Clifton (CRT), whose flattering compliments about Blisworth Canal Partnership were well received, and Stuart Wilkinson (Transport Trust) who talked about the Red Wheel project.

Your correspondent and Stuart Wilkinson then unveiled the Red Wheel to much applause.

Guests and representatives from village groups then climbed aboard two trip boats to be treated to a journey along most of the length of Blisworth Parish Waterway, accompanied by heritage talks given by two eminent Blisworth historians.

After a relaxing and informative boat trip, guests and villagers made their way up to Blisworth Baptist Church. They were serenaded by the Scout Band as they arrived and the WI ladies were waiting in their splendid costumes ready to serve refreshments. Displays by Blisworth Art Club and Blisworth Heritage Society adorned the walls of the Chapel foyer alongside some images from the Jim Payler collection.

People mingled and chatted about the day before adjourning to the Chapel Hall for the cutting of the cakes and the toast.

Members of Blisworth Canal Partnership and Blisworth Art Group then walked along to Blisworth Tunnel Hut, accompanied by guests and villagers. All were full of praise for the restoration project and the fabulous canal mural created by the Art Club.

A brilliant performance by Mikron Theatre in a stunning canalside garden rounded off the day. An audience of some 300+ enjoyed picnics, laughter and a great show in a beautiful setting. It couldn’t have been better. Just as we hoped, the Red Wheel day clearly belonged to Blisworth and its canal, a day that made happy memories for all those involved.

No breathing space for Blisworth Canal Partnership though as we move on with planning Blisworth Canal Festival to be held on 8th & 9th August. Free parking, mooring and entry. Another major community event for Blisworth.

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The Navigation Stoke Bruerne 2 Meals for £10 Monday – Thursday Live Music every Friday Like our facebook to keep updated with all offers and promotions www.facebook.com/navigation.sb www.navigationpubtowcester.co.uk

The Canal Museum Stoke Bruerne Summer Activities August 4th 12-3pm Teddy Bears Picnic 6th 11am Pond Dipping 13th Kids Canal Painting 16th 12 Noon Caribbean Steel Drums on the Green 20th from 11am Bug Hunting in the Woods 27th from 11am Craft Activities 30th –31st Stoke Bruerne Pirate Weekend

All activities are free More details from The Canal Museum 01604 862229 or www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/sb

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FUEL SPILL THREATENED ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER A potential canal environmental disaster in our Branch area in early June was averted by swift and positive action by the emergency services working in close liaison with the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust. At the centre of the drama was ABC Leisure Group’s Gayton Marina, where alternative arrangements for boat hirers had to be hastily organised.

The incident occurred when, reportedly, around 50,000 litres of kerosene escaped into the Northampton Arm, the spill beginning during the early hours of Saturday, 6th June.

In what was thought to be an attempt to steal the aviation fuel from one of the two arched pipelines spanning the canal adjacent to the first humped road bridge, a short distance from the Junction, quantities of kerosene got into the water before the flow was stemmed and the severed pipe eventually sealed. The pipe had been drilled into at near ground level at a location on the marina perimeter. Northamptonshire Police are currently investigating the incident. Vandalism has not been ruled out but is considered unlikely. There is also a possibility the perpetrators might have thought the pipe carried diesel.

A boater in the marina initially detected an oily smell around 4am and immediately raised the alarm. Within minutes, the Fire Brigade arrived and a full-scale emergency procedure was set in motion. As well as a fire threat, the kerosene, sitting on top of the water, was also producing a strong vapour, described as “a thick mist rising from the canal”, which was also identified as a possible serious health risk.

Gayton Marina manager Zoe Harrison was alerted of the incident at her home in Northampton at 4.30am. When she arrived at the yard as dawn was breaking, she was aware of the “awful stench of oil”. She recalled: “It was immediately obvious the situation was serious. Very quickly the area was swarming with emergency service personnel – fire, police, ambulance, you name them – to be joined soon afterwards by specialists who knew how to deal with fuel leaks and had the necessary equipment, such as booms or floating barriers, to contain the spread of the kerosene.”

First the marina entrance was sealed, with very little fuel entering. Then, thanks to a fortuitous wind direction, the kerosene was blown down the canal away from the Junction. However, all the time the flow of escaping fuel was being gradually stemmed and collected and, on the water, its spread controlled by the strategic placement of booms before being sucked into containers. Traces of kerosene were detected a short distance down the Arm. The severed pipe was eventually fully sealed late on the Sunday afternoon.

Early on the Saturday, moorers on their boats in the marina had been woken and told to evacuate the area, finding temporary shelter at various locations. Several were accommodated at a local hotel on Saturday night. Zoe told Endeavour that instant alternative arrangements had to be organised for the six Gayton Marina hire boats and other syndicate hire boats returning to the marina for the Saturday change-over.

17 “Fortunately we were able to contact the hirers via mobile phone and the boats were gathered at bridge 47, the turnover bridge, on the main line, only a short distance away from the marina. New hirers were offered, and accepted, alternative boats and start points at one of the other ABC bases,” said Zoe. By Monday night, 10 boats were gathered near bridge 47. Zoe added: “It was a case of all hands to the pumps, working in conjunction with our central booking office. It was great when our MD Edward Helps turned up on Saturday morning to give a hand.”

Amazingly no-one was harmed during the incident and the affect on wildlife is thought to have been minimal. Private moorers arriving at the marina for a weekend’s boating were also unable to access their boats although they were assured there was no danger to their craft.

The emergency was finally declared over early on the Tuesday afternoon. Paying tribute to the emergency services, the specialist contractors together with EA and CRT personnel, Zoe said: “It was fantastic, a real genuine team effort. All was calm throughout, evidence of the meticulous preparation and training for such a situation.

We owe them an enormous vote of thanks. Things could have been so very different.”

By the Wednesday, normal service had resumed at the marina. The police are continuing their investigations.

The two pipes spanning the canal at Gayton are part of a countrywide network running from oil refineries to airports.

Now fully open

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Pay us a visit, just browse and see what we have to offer Open daily 9am –6pm ALL YEAR ROUND Tel 01327 844639 E-mail: marinachandlery@gmail.com

Local Crafts & Gifts THE CANAL SHOP at Stoke Bruerne Under the management of Sue Austin, who warmly welcomes all visitors Crocheted lacework a speciality Special offer –10% off for boaters SUMMER OPENING TIMES Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am - 3.30pm From 1st October, open Fridays Saturdays & Sundays 11am –3pm

Contact 07760 778638 You will find The Canal Shop opposite the Museum at Stoke Bruerne

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Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally continues to attract the old boats Tim Coghlan, of Braunston Marina, writes: A total of 81 historic narrowboats attended the recent 13 th Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally. It was a significant improvement on last year’s 63, and this was despite the growing popularity of similar events around the waterways: in particular the new Manchester based Lymm Historic Transport Day, which was held head-to-head on the Sunday. That event attracted a number of northern-based historic narrowboats, several of which have been seen at our Rallies in past years.

We have received some wonderful comments from those who attended our Rally.

Former working boatman David Blagrove and now Chairman of The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, emailed to say: “Once again Braunston has hosted the main event of the waterways year, so far as I am concerned. Boat shows, rallies, events etc are all very well, but the Braunston Show is the one that gets closest to the heart of what it is all about. I think this view is borne out by the numbers of those who bring historic boats from long distances just to be there.” One, the Madely, had travelled from Skipton in Yorkshire, as it has done almost every year since the Rally began in 2003.

The Rally was formally opened by the Canal & River Trust CEO Richard Parry aboard the last surviving steam narrowboat President. Accompanying him was his Chairman Tony Hales steering the butty Northolt, which is better known as Sunny Valley from its appearance in the 1945 Ealing Studios film Painted Boats. Together they steered the pair of boats from the Grand Union Canal into the marina.

As they passed under its famous 1834 Horseley Ironworks Bridge, Richard Parry declared the 2015 Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally “Open!”

Their entry was fanfared

by Daventry Brass - back by popular demand - and a fine peal of bells from All Saints Church, Braunston, the Cathedral of the Canals.

An hour prior to the formal opening, actor Timothy West (80) and his actress

Canal & River Trust CEO Richard Parry opens the Rally on board President, the last surviving working steam narrowboat

19 wife Prunella Scales - of Fawlty Towers fame - unveiled a plaque to commemorate the Braunston years 1946-51 of working boatmen George Smith and his then wife Sonia Rolt - both of whom died in recent years in their mid nineties.

Timothy West and Prunella Scales had donned traditional working boatmen and women’s costumes.

They then took part in the parade of boats on Sonia Rolt’s wartime narrowboat Phobos. They were at the marina filming the Rally to be included in their next television canal series.

Another plaque was unveiled by Julia Long, National Officer, Unite the Union, to commemorate the 1923 Braunston Boatmen Strike, when between 50 and 60 striking boat families gathered at Braunston.

The strike, to fight the wage cuts and for the right to join a union, was to last for 14 weeks. It was one of the first disputes anywhere to involve the recently created Transport and General Workers Union. The TGWU would go on to become the world’s biggest trades union. Today the TGWU forms part of Unite the Union.

The annual Braunston Historic Rally is an awesome sight to behold. To accommodate the historic narrowboats, 20 or so boats are moored as tightly as possible in the historic old Oxford Arm in the marina, with the remaining 60 or so on the canal outside the marina, in places six abreast. This annual historic narrowboat migration to Braunston encourages about 7,000 visitors, some coming from as far afield as Canada, the USA, South Africa and Australia especially for the event. The real thrill is when the boats paraded, which is what makes our Rally unique and so special.

This year’s Nurser Best in Show Award, as voted by the historic narrowboat owners, was won by the coal-boat Southern Cross, which was last year’s runner-up. It is owned and immaculately maintained by Ryan Dimmock, who received the traditionally painted Buckby can to keep for the year, plus £250 in Midland Chandlers gift vouchers to spend on his boat’s ongoing maintenance - generously given by Midland Chandlers. The award was presented by David Blagrove and received on Ryan Dimmock’s behalf by former working boatwoman Alice Lapworth. Ryan Dimmock had already set off on a coal run in the Wolverhampton area by the time the presentation was made in the bar on Sunday lunchtime. This year’s runner-up was David Ray on Ibex.

20 To manage the event at its present size, a number of changes in recent years included now having this year 14 volunteer harbourmasters to manage the moorings and parades. One of them, John Boswell, was a working boatman in his boyhood in the 1950s, and knew some of these boats in their working day. He was interviewed before the Rally by Radio Northampton about his memories of those days. The stewards have much reduced the good humoured chaos traditionally associated with those parades. Head Harbourmaster Graham Scothern said: “We now get the morning parade back in time for lunch, and the afternoon in time for tea, which means the boaters can all meet up for a natter in the beer tent and on their boats.” The Rally also had invaluable help from the Canal & River Trust in many ways, including closing the visitor moorings on the parade route and making them available for historic narrowboats.

Great support was also received from the Braunston Canal Society - both during the event and in the previous winter, when they helped with cutting back the overgrown canalside vegetation along the parade route. This considerably widened the canal for the parades.

Shore-side attractions included a trade marquee, and also a number of outside exhibitors, including a record number of canal societies. There was also the now well established canal artists’ marquee. Entertainments included morris dancers, the famous beer tent, with music provided by a number of groups.

All profits, which exceeded £6,000, were donated as usual, to canal causes. The main recipient was the Friends of President who received £2,000 for their important restoration maintenance of the last working steam narrowboat on the canal. A number of other donations were made to canal societies attending the Rally, including £1,000 to The Friends of The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, whose narrowboat Sculptor has recently undergone major restoration. It was seen in the parades.

The Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally is sponsored by Braunston Marina and TowPath Talk, and is supported by the Canal & River Trust. Braunston Marina will be hosting the event again next year on the same last weekend in June – 25th – 26th.

The theme for next year will be the approximate 80 th anniversary of the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company’s fleet, largely built between 1935 and 1937 – so 2016 is appropriate. Some 180 boats were built in those years, and a substantial number survive. Over the years some 50 have attended our rallies. So hopefully next year will see a spectacular turnout.

The parade will be led by the Braunston marina-based Nutfield, now owned and lovingly cared for by the Friends of Raymond. It was built by Yarwoods of Northwich in 1936 for the GUCCC fleet before going on to work for British Waterways Board after nationalisation in 1948, then canal-carriers Willow Wren, before joining the Braunston-based Blue Line fleet in 1968 for the last days of canal carrying – and changing its livery for the fourth time. Nutfield was indeed the ‘Boat of Many Colours!’

Here’s hoping to see you in 2016!

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Northampton Branch Task Party Update July 2015 As you may have read in the last edition of Endeavour, CRT have been very productive on the Arm during the stoppage season. Miriam Linforth, Wayne Moore and Stephen Morgan of CRT have also given their support.

The Branch have not been idle either with the Task Parties being well supported and the weather being kind to us. Since the start of March we have totaled almost 500 volunteer hours.

We are starting to get positive feedback on the Arm, both from the navigation condition and appearance aspects.

During March we carried out painting on the garage on the towpath side at Lock 1, the top gate of Lock 2 that was changed during the stoppage and did a considerable amount of litter picking, especially around bridge 9b to Lock 15. In fact we put on two extra Task Parties to complete this task because the litter was so bad.

April saw the mile posts painted and a considerable amount of painting work and weeding around the Sanitation Station at Gayton to get it ready for the Arm celebration at the start of May. We now need to begin the procedure of sourcing a replacement for mile post 2.

In May we concentrated all our effort on vegetation work around Lock 17 which is now looking very good to the extent that we now plan to mow it every four weeks to keep it in control.

June saw a number of different activities, starting with Lock 15 being painted and the by-pass channel vegetation cut back. We moved here to get away from the kerosene leak at the top of the Arm. On the 16th June we hosted a party from Santander and painted Locks 16 and 17. They enjoyed themselves immensely and made a big contribution in volunteer hours and a donation of ÂŁ250 to the Branch, for which we are very grateful.

We now have five more volunteers trained on feedback, brush cutter and mower operation which was carried out by CRT at Gayton Yard. This now gives us a much bigger choice of machine operators.

The end of June saw a litter pick from Lock 17 up to bridge 14 with 11 shopping trollies and other associated rubbish removed. This area is always going to require a substantial amount of litter picking due to it being near a residential area.

We are now going concentrate on finishing the lock painting ready for the Festival of Water. Once again I would like to thank all of our volunteers who have turned out and if you have not tried it yet, why not give it a go. You will be made very welcome.

Geoff Wood

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23 WHY BECKET’S PARK?

This article appeared in the 1971 Northampton National Rally of Boats brochure

The name Becket’s Park is a misnomer, or nearly so, for it was only in order to spare feminine blushes that saintly Thomas Becket posthumously bestowed his name upon this fine open space bounded by the River Nene and Bedford Road, Northampton.

In the early 1930s, Northampton High School for Girls, situated just across the road from the Park, boasted a gaggle of mistresses who were very fond of a gentle game of bowls.

Most summer evenings they were to be seen crossing the main road, dangling their reticules from dainty feminine fingers, no doubt, and on their way to the bowling greens, at – let me whisper – “COW MEADOW PASTURES.” Chivalry must have run high on the Town Council those days, for in 1934, in deference to “certain requests”, they changed the official name of the open space to Becket’s Park.

Certainly Thomas Becket did have a very much earlier connection with Northampton. This was nearly 800 years earlier, when in 1164 he was tried for non-compliance of a feudal edict in front of Henry 11 at Northampton Castle.

The scene that day was the climactic point in surely what was the most dramatic confrontation ever, between Church and State. Absolutely refusing to accept the legality of the court, the Archbishop finally strode majestically from the Castle, bearing his cross aloft.

Outside, the waiting population acclaimed him joyously. Later that night the Archbishop fed the blind and crippled among them at St. James Priory.

As Henry raged impotently within his castle, Becket was persuaded to take flight, and dawn saw him disguised in monk’s habit stealing across the very water meadows which bear his name on his way to his beloved Canterbury and eventual death from assassins.

An age old legend tells how he stopped to slake his thirst at a spring in what is now known as Bedford Road. For centuries, this spot was revered as Saint Thomas a’Becket’s Well and in 1843 a tiny Gothic structure was built over it to replace an earlier and then ruinous building. If you wander from the rally site in a N.E. direction you find it there.

Bill Mayes

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WHEN THE BOATS DESCENDED ON BECKET’S PARK OLD STAGER RECALLS THE MAMMOTH IWA NATIONAL RALLY OF 1971 Forty-four years ago this August, an armada of around 650 boats descended on Becket’s Park in Northampton for the IWA’s annual 1971 National Rally of Boats, as the event was then termed. It was the biggest – and widely acknowledged the best – National Rally held up to that point.

Some of us old stagers still think we hold the crown.

Congestion on the Northampton Arm below Lock 16 (Picture: John Russell)

There was a Royal opener, the Duchess of Gloucester, and many thousands of people entered the paying area of the main Rally site in the Park over the four days of the event.. Thousands more also flocked to the riverside from South Bridge to Barnes Meadow, near Rushmere Road, to see the boats as the banksides in Becket’s Park could only accommodate a limited number despite being breasted up on both sides of the channel. Remember – it was still a few years before the river was widened and straightened and The Washlands flood lake created, and there was ample depth allowing relatively easy “ribbon” moorings downstream of the Park on the north At the heart of the Rally site in Becket’s Park (Picture: John Russell)

25 bank. Furthermore, the Nene Valley Way, the A45, had yet to be built. Some crowd estimates have indicated upwards of 50,000 people overall attended the Rally. It’s difficult to tell, but there were certainly a lot!

A fairground organ and a wide variety of entertainments and stalls, some manned by canal societies from all parts of the country, provided plenty of interest for the public. A dog show, a model railway and an art exhibition were also among the attractions. A 76-page Rally Brochure containing relevant articles and pictures (black and white only in those days, colour was too expensive), all self-funded from advertising, was produced – a rally publication which I believe has never been The front cover of the Rally exceeded at an IWA event. It cost 15p, a sum Brochure was designed by determined after much head-scratching at pubBranch member Victor Farrar, licity committee meetings as 1971 was the year a Bedford architect when decimalisation was introduced. We were not great at maths.

The local papers gave the Rally saturation coverage. The Northampton Chronicle and Echo and the Kettering-based Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, then both daily evening papers, certainly came up trumps with regular advance stories and pictures which drew the public to Becket’s Park like moths to a light bulb to find out what it was all about. I recall spending much of the Sunday afternoon with my wife at one of the main admission points and looking up to see a queue winding back to Victoria Promenade and out of sight. I think we got everybody in; in fact we must have done as there was a sizeable financial surplus for waterway causes when everything was totted up.

Local radio didn’t feature largely. BBC Northampton was 10 years away but BBC Oxford had just begun and they turned up with a radio car and flashed a mic around and several of us had our first taste of “speaking on air”. There was television coverage, too, local and national but I don’t think anybody spoke on camera and we certainly didn’t see any pictures as we were too busy on site and, of course, there were no recording and play-back facilities as there are today.

We were very fortunate to have among the volunteers Bill Mayes (who at the time lived on a boat at Gayton) who had the knack of drumming up page after page of advertising for the brochure, edited by your correspondent, and also going around the town arranging window displays in several major stores and at the town’s Public Library and Central Museum.

There was no Rally sponsor as such, but Avon Cosmetics, who then produced their range of fragrances in a factory the other side of the river at Becket’s Park, hosted a Rally Reception and Lunch attended by the Duchess of Gloucester and presided over

26 by the then IWA National Chairman John Humphries. And, oh yes, there was a daily Rally newspaper written and “Gestetnered” on site when distaff secretarial skills really came to the fore, all put together by Cliff Garrod, a keen boater who happened to be the Wellingborough news editor of the Evening Telegraph. How lucky can you be to have experienced personnel around like this!

Leafing through the Rally Brochure reminds one of the enormous scale of things, of all that was going on. I haven’t even mentioned the Rally Queen, the Police Underwater Search demonstrations, model boats, firework display, coach tours of the town, square dancing, waterways forum – the list seems endless. The Royal Theatre (then known as The Rep) got into the act by producing a maritime offering, The Middle Watch, during the Rally period. Then almost unnoticed, a film crew turned up with David Hemmings directing and Gayle Hunnicott starring, and began shooting sequences for Running Scared on the 72 footers breasted up towards South Bridge. I recall seeing the film, also starring Robert Powell, on television a long time ago.

Much of it was shot on location in the Braunston area, but I gather it was not a real commercial winner.

Why was this National Rally such a huge success? In retrospect the answer is obvious — the sheer number, quality and expertise of the volunteers who came forward the best part of 12 months earlier, all subsequently working successfully and harmoniously (usually) as an interlocking team. An initial meeting was called at The Racehorse Inn on Abington Square, Northampton, and the “room upstairs”, I recall clearly, was well filled. Very quickly David Martin was elected to fill the key position of Rally Director, whose role included close liaison with IWA Head Office. It was an inspired choice. David was indefatigable and totally committed, always leading from the front. Sadly, like so many others involved with the Rally, David (who, with his wife Christine, was an enthusiastic WRGie) is no longer with us, but much of the success of Northampton 71 is down to him.

Breasted up narrowboats between South Bridge and Becket’s Park.

The boat in the foreground is Arcturus, a wooden ex-GUCCC motor boat that ran trips at the Rally (Picture: courtesy Far Cotton History Group)

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The busy Rally site between Town Lock and the footbridge which today provides access to Northampton Marina (Picture: courtesy Far Cotton History Group)

The Rally was actually organised locally on behalf of the IWA by its South-East Midlands Branch, centred upon Northampton. The name change to Northampton Branch came soon afterwards in an Association reorganisation. The Borough Council were somewhat lukewarm towards the event at first, but when they realised the scope of the Rally and its wider implications, plus the fact there was a Royal opener, they hurried aboard – to such an extent they actually encouraged us to organise another big rally at Becket’s Park in 1973, but that’s another story.

There was, of course, a vital campaigning element to the Rally, spotlighting the plight of the so-called Remainder Waterways identified in the 1968 Transport Act. In fact, all through 1971 a countrywide series of rallies was held with the aim of securing the future of these endangered waterways, which included parts of the BCN and the Cheshire Ring, the Caldon and the Kennet and Avon. Enthusiasts feared, quite understandably, a potential Dr Beeching hatchet job on the system. Mercifully it wasn’t to come to pass, an outcome from which the Association can take the lion’s share of the credit. Another aim was to raise money for the IWA’s National Waterways Restoration Fund and also to focus attention on the Nene itself and encourage its use as a Fenland link.

For those of us who remain, memories of the Rally are getting a wee bit hazy. But what is still very clear is how Northampton and the surrounding area became totally consumed with the event. For four days – Friday to Monday, August 13th – 16th, 1971 – it seemed that nothing else actually existed! I don’t think we shall ever see the like again.

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Buckingham Canal Society Cosgrove Canal Festival a huge success The Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair took place on 11th and 12th July when the Buckingham Canal Society (BCS) event was held in conjunction with the Cosgrove village's traditional festival, the Cosgrove Feast, with both festivals proving to be a huge success. Visitors and families from the around the area enjoyed food and craft stalls along the canal at Cosgrove Lock and at the nearby Village Hall.

Historic narrowboats and trade boats lined the canal and visitors were tempted to homemade fudge and ice cream, as well as beautifully designed jewellery and crafts. In the Village Hall, there was bric-a-brac, wooden craft and alpaca scarf stalls, with coffee and cake to indulge in, too. Saturday evening also included an extremely popular fish and chip supper.

Members of the BCS were on hand to showcase the Society’s restoration plans and current progress on the re-watering of the Buckingham Arm of the canal. Visitors were invited to sponsor a brick and help raise funds for the project The festival was also an opportunity for the MK Dons football team to reveal to local residents their proposed plans for a club and community centre at Cosgrove. The plan proposes 20 outdoor and two indoor pitches along the Old Stratford Cut, which BCS is currently working to restore. As part of their plans, MK Dons have outlined their intentions to support the restoration project currently being undertaken at the site.

Letter to the Editor

Getting to the greyhound track at Becket’s Park One of the things I enjoy reading in Endeavour is the Old Stager articles. I may be as elderly or not as OS, but I think his recollection is faulty regarding the access across the river to the greyhound track at Becket’s Park (Endeavour, February 2015).

I knew the area well as my aunt lived in Swan Street from where I would climb over her garden wall to explore the remains of nearby St John’s Street Station.

Most greyhound patrons walked from the town centre and, to avoid the long detour over South Bridge, a old and rusty narrowboat hull was winched across the river just above the lock cut when race meetings were taking place. The hull had a better shape than a joey boat and had a wooden walkway and handrail down the centre. I have no idea what happened if a boat wanted to pass, but there was not much traffic then. When the track closed the boat disappeared .

Rodney Hardwick, Northampton Old Stager replies: You may be right, Rodney. I am sure some of my other reminiscences could well have a tendency to stray from time to time!

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DIESEL – always competively priced PUMP OUT – no meter clock here BLUE TOILET FLUID ODORLOS – organic waste tank treatment CALOR GAS – all sizes of bottled gas including Camping Gaz. SOLID FUELS – all types of smokeless fuel or coal. Plus firelighters, sticks and logs.

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RESTAURANT º BARS º BOAT TRIP

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RECYCLING REMINDER The Branch recycles ink jet cartridges and mobile phones to raise cash to help local projects.

Please bring them along to Branch meetings or ring 01604 248582 to arrange collection.

Please no Epson ink tanks.

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RICHARD GILL BOAT SAFETY TESTING

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HIGH HOUSE MARINA LTD High House Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF OUR SMALL MARINA (ONLY 24 BOATS) IS A VERY FRIENDLY PLACE TO BE MOORED, HENCE OUR CLIENTS TEND TO STAY PUT Our car park is quite secure and well hidden from the road WE DO NOW AND AGAIN HAVE A VACANCY, SO WHY NOT GIVE US A CALL? Contact Phil Gardner on 01327 349519, E-mail:phil.h.gardner@btconnect.com

DAY BOAT HIRE FROM BRAUNSTON OUZEL 11 Cruise either towards Napton or Hillmorton and return The Ouzel 11 seats up to 12 people It has hot and cold water in the galley, crockery, cutlery and glasses on board, a gas ring, kettle and flush toilet. Buoyancy aids on request.

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The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine.

Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however, gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify articles published in the interests of clarity or space.

ADVERTISING

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All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.

COMMERCIAL RATES 1/4 Page (box) £12.00 +VAT 1/2 Page (box) £25.00 +VAT Full Page £40.00 +VAT Other sizes by arrangement 10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance 5% discount for 4 issues paid quarterly

CLASSIFIEDS (suggested donations) £1.50 for 22 words, 15p each additional word £3.50 for box around classified advertisement (nb. telephone numbers count as one word) £3.50 for photographs

BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May inclusive at

THE WALNUT TREE INN, BLISWORTH, at 8pm All members and non-members welcome.

Food and drink available

NEXT MEETINGS Tuesday, 8th September, at 6pm (please note early start time) A 3-mile walk starting and finishing at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth Tuesday, 13th October Speaker: David Blagrove — Jack James Tuesday, 10th November Tony Conder — Did the railways close the canals?

Tuesday, 8th December Christmas Quiz with Sam and Lynda The next edition of Endeavour will be published November 2015

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WHO’S WHO IN NORTHAMPTON BRANCH 2015/2016 Branch Chairman Bernard Morton 07785 375787 E-mail: bernard.morton @waterways.org.uk

Vice Chairman, Joint Task Party & Membership Secretary Geoff Wood E-mail: geoff.wood @waterways.org.uk

Branch Secretary Sandie Morton E-mail: sandie.morton @waterways.org.uk

sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer Alex Madisons E-mail: alex.madisons @waterways.org.uk

Publicity & Grants Officer Lynda Payton E-mail:lynda.payton @waterways.org.uk

Newsletter & Joint Website Editor Tony Clarke 07939 977859 E-mail: tony.clarke @waterways.org.uk

Non-Committee posts Sales: Catriona Butler 01604 473756 Endeavour Assistant Editor/ Advertising & Distribution, Archivist Roger Hasdell 01604 248582

Branch Meetings Graham Treagus E-mail: graham.treagus @waterways.org.uk

Boat Gathering Chairman Michael Butler E-mail: michael.butler @waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer Helen Westlake E-mail: helen.westlake @waterways.org.uk

Festival of Water Chairman John Pomfret E-mail: john.pomfret @waterways.org.uk

Joint Website & Social Media Officer Sam Line E-mail: sam.line @waterways.org.uk

Boat Gathering Sub-Committee members Michael Butler (Chairman), Catriona Butler, Linda Clarke, Tony Clarke, Alex Madisons, Steve Miles, Bernard Morton, Sandie Morton and John Pomfret

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