BEAR ESSENTIALS The Newsletter of : -
IWA Warwickshire Branch Issue No. 43 – August 2015.
An Ill-wind Over The Avon?
Originally I was rather sceptical about the launch of CRT - reluctantly accepting that it was a ‘least-worse’ solution. Today I am pleased to say that time has proved me wrong. Although my change of mind has been growing for a couple of years, final confirmation came this summer after spending several weeks on the River Thames. This ‘Royal River’ always used to be the jewel in the inland waterways crown. Today it is still a great place, but frankly its gloss has faded. Even more worryingly, the omens are not good.
Oops !
Photo by Dennis Stinton.
Crop-sprayers may seem ‘at home’ in fields of wheat, but on public th roads they look ‘unsteady on their feet’. On Tuesday June 9 one such machine was blithely bouncing its way across Bidford Bridge when it ‘over-reached’ itself and came into contact with the 600 yearold listed structure. The result of this unfortunate action is graphically illustrated here above; and the problems that it created for Bidford’s residents - and particularly for its local businesses - cannot be overstressed. The town needs not just our sympathy, but our support. Fortunately, the navigation has not really been affected. However, there is yet more we can be grateful for ….. ANT is now working with the contractor undertaking the repairs. Photo by ANT.
Not only has the Trust been engaged to salvage the fallen masonry from the river, but also to clear the navigation channel in the vicinity of the bridge. Although this is primarily to enable more efficient workboat operation throughout the rebuild period, the legacy will be an improved through-navigation at Bidford well into the future. So, ultimately, this unfortunate accident will turn out to have been far from an ‘ill-wind’ after-all.
If you think that CRT has ‘dredge-nveg’ problems (which it has) then try the Thames above Oxford. I‘ve never seen so many buoys marking off shallows – often directly opposite overhanging trees on the other bank. In some places this combination reduces the navigable channel to ¼ width, and on bends and in moving water, here are incidents just waiting to happen. Unlike CRT, EA doesn’t appear to have the plans (or the resources) to tackle this problem. Although EA does use volunteer lock - keepers at many of its locks, it does not appear to extend volunteering to other bank-side activities. On the upper reaches, Himalayan Balsam is starting to appear, and as we know from CRT waters, if it isn’t ‘nipped in the bud’ the problem will just grow. I’ve always thought that the two main constituents of luck are: First, vision – an ability to perceive opportunities, and then courage – the ability to seize those opportunities. By this definition I think that CRT is a very ‘lucky’ organisation. First Robin Evans and Tony Hales provided the vision; and now – in Richard Parry CEO, and Allan Leighton Chairman designate - I think that CRT has leaders with that second attribute. Following this summer’s experience, I know which organisation I’d rather give my license money to. Editor:
Ian Fletcher.
Bear Bones:
Bear in Mind: Chairman’s notes.
An outline of upcoming activities. Our Autumn / Winter Programme of Activities Unless otherwise stated, evening events take place at:
The Sports ConneXion, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3FL Wednesday September 9th 2015: at 7:30 pm. CRT in Operation: by John Dodwell, CRT Trustee. An IWA member since 1961, and the Association’s General Secretary from 1970-73; John’s talk will encompass The Trust’s incomes and expenditures, the role of volunteers and adoption schemes, CRTs 10 year plan, and the need to increase the appeal of the waterways to the general public. Questions for John in advance please, to info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk
Sunday
October 11th 2015: A Hatton ‘Haircut’. 10:00am - 3:00pm Continuing our off-side maintenance work. Park and meet at Oaklands Farm kennels, CV35 7DZ. Wear appropriate clothing. Tea and coffee will be available. If attending the whole session, please bring a snack lunch.
Wednesday October 14th 2015: at 7:30 pm. Partners on The Water: by Chris Page. As British Canoeing’s Waterways & Environment Manager, Chris will enlighten us as to the different types of activity that ‘paddlers’ engage in, and the role that they can play, in conjunction with IWA, in enhancing our inland waterways.
Sunday
October 25th 2015: Canal Clean-up in Leamington. Register from 9:30am for a 10:00 am start till 1:00pm Meet at Rushmore Street car park off Clapham Terrace. Held in conjunction with CRT and local residents, we plan to work east, past The Fusilier towards Radford Semele.
Wednesday November 11th 2015: at 7:30 pm. The Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Its History and Restoration: by Paul Hindle. As chairman of the MB&BC Paul will illustrate his talk with historic photos and maps, and conclude with a progress report on its current restoration.
Sunday
November 15th 2015: Meet at 10:30 am.. A gentle country ramble between Solihull & Knowle, taking in the River Blythe Valley and Grand Union Towpath. Start and finish at car park in Brueton Park, B91 3HW, GR: SP163789
I hope that you’ve all had a chance to enjoy our waterways this summer. Jackie and I visited the Basingstoke canal – where we were surprised to find both gorse and heather in full bloom at the same time. The Rangers employed to help boaters through the locks are keen that more of us visit this beautiful canal now that it is fully restored. In July the branch organised its first Himalayan Balsam clearance (see page 3). By the time you read this the lessons we learnt then will have been put into practice on our second work party in August. As well as the obvious task of clearing this weed, these events are a good opportunity to talk to the public about waterways and their importance to their local community. September sees the start of a new programme. We shall be following a similar pattern to previous years, beginning with a keynote speaker from CRT followed by speakers from restoration societies and other waterways users. It is important that we offer a varied programme – we’d therefore appreciate your help in organising next year’s programme. Since raising my concerns regarding the size of our committee in March, no one has approached me to discuss how they could help. The branch does not run itself; it needs active members to do that! Please think how you can contribute, and call, e-mail or talk to me at branch events; we really do urgently need your help.
Richard Sanders.
Wednesday December 9th 2015: at 7:30 pm.
* Note different venue Skittles/food evening Navigation Inn, Wootton Wawen B95 6BZ Booking required – for further details please register your interest on 02476 442701 or email info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk
Sunday
January 3rd 2016:
A walk around Lapworth:
Meet at Brome Hall Lane car park, Lapworth, B94 5RA
.
Other Work Party Information* st
CRT-WM: Towpath task-force: a) 1 Mon & Wed of the month - Hatton. rd b) 3 Thurs & Sat of the month - Lapworth st
nd
Plus additional Towpath improvement at Knowle. Mon/Tues Sept 21 /22 . Meet Hampton Rd car park (by canal) B93 0NT @ 9:30 for 10:00am start. *Note: For the most up-to-date information please see the Warwickshire page on the IWA web-site. www.waterways.org.uk/warwickshire
IWA Christmas cards & 2016 Calendars The Branch will be selling these at both our October and November meetings. Purchasing your cards and calendars through the Branch aids Branch funds for waterways projects and saves you postage and packing costs. Specific orders th can be placed at the 9 September th meeting, or alternatively, by 13 September by phoning: 02476 442701, or by e-mailing: info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk
Random snippets from around our patch:
Bear-faced Lines: Marlcliff Repainted: Having noticed on our November 2013 Avon walk that the IWA Lock at Marlcliff was in need of a little tlc, and emboldened by the success of last year’s refurbishment of the Robert Aickman lock, at Harvington; in April a group of members repainted Marlcliff lock in ANT’s ‘new’ black & white lock and bridge colours.
Bashing The Balsam: th
On July 12 , ten branch members and 2 members of the public, turned out for the inaugural Warwickshire Branch Himalayan Balsam clearance event in Myton Fields, Warwick. As the plant is shallow rooting, a tug on the stem easily dislodges it from the soil; but as the stems are not very strong care was needed to avoid breaking the stem and therefore having to remove the root section separately. The plants were then carried to the area set aside for removal of the flower heads - which contained the developing seeds. The flower heads were stored in black bags and the stems in a pile, ready for collection and disposal by Warwick District Council. However, hindsight now tells us that it will be easier to separate the flower heads immediately after the plants have been pulled - rather than in a separate area.
Careful Ann, he’s watching you!
However, an ‘unfortunate’ side effect of each of these repaints is that it shows up the remaining ‘grey’ locks even more, and - before Marlcliff was even finished - thoughts were turning to ‘where next?’ Luddington seems to be the front-runner at the moment; meanwhile keep your brushes in soak and ‘watch this space’.
Gormley’s Gongoozler: th
On Saturday May 16 Lowsonford lock on the southern Stratford saw the largest number of gongoozlers in its 200 year history, and ironically they had all come to see one particular gongoozler.
Warwickshire in general, and the Stratford Canal in particular, can feel honoured that The Landmark Trust had chosen this particular location to site one of Anthony Gormley’s five statues that they had commissioned to th mark the Trust’s 50 anniversary – especially as ‘Ned’s Cottage’ at Lowsonford was their only ‘inland’ location.
Eradication of Himalayan Balsam is a long term project, and so the site needs to be monitored and revisited with further clearances in future years. However, as fellow members in other parts of the country have found, this is a very worthwhile exercise, which here in Warwickshire will yield long-term benefits to the banks of the river Avon – in both Warwick and further downstream.
Man of The Match: Normally our ‘motm’ award goes to the Branch member who has, over the few months since our previous edition, made a noteworthy contribution to Branch activities - or indeed to the wider inland waterway movement; and it is not unknown for it to be presented in a somewhat ‘tongue in cheek’ manner. This time – with tongue well clear of cheek – it goes to the Warwickshire Branch member who has – not just over the last few months, but over the last few years – made a bigger contribution to the well-being of our waterways than anyone else on the scene. In fact, even ‘Player of The Year’ would fail to be an adequate reward. Pausing just to fix some claret & blue ribbons to the trophy we then say …...“Step forward Mr.Tony Hales”.
Gongoozling the gongoozler.
“Is it a Lister mister?”
Enjoy your retirement Tony – but please keep in touch.
Bear with us:
Friends and Neighbours.
Regional Round-up.
Saltisford Canal Centre: th
On Wednesday 8 July, Branch members gathered at the Centre for a tour of the site followed by a barbecue. The tour was led by Alan Lorentzen, a Trustee of the Saltisford Canal Trust, and creator of ‘Bernard’, the Bear and Ragged Staff exhibit, in living willow – viewed here by members.
The landscaping, which has been carried out in recent years by volunteers, comprises a variety of areas including a picnic lawn, community orchard, sensory garden, raised beds of wildflowers, a canal contemplation lock gate installation, and a Visitor Centre. A new building has been erected this year which will be used for education purposes and can also be hired out for meetings. The site is open to the public during daylight hours, and visitors can pick up a self-guide to tour the site at the Visitor Centre. Here below Alan Lorentzen introduced members to ‘Celebration’ – an artwork dedicated to the volunteers who restored the Arm 30 years ago.
Nuneaton News: Although Nuneaton is in Warwickshire, and we have a number of branch members who live there, our waterway responsibilities finish at Marston Junction. Beyond the junction Lichfield Branch takes over responsibilities for the rest of the Coventry canal. Members living in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area may be aware of an issue that has been developing for a year or so now around Cat Gallows Bridge – namely one of ‘informal’ access to the towpath.
Due to ‘problems’ caused by ‘unsavoury characters’ congregating around that access, it was closed off by WCC in 2014. However, their action upset many local residents - ranging from ‘young mums’ with pushchairs to the elderly and disabled. Alternative solutions, involving a footbridge modification have been proposed by CRT, but this has land ownership and cost implications. However, there’s a willingness among local councillors to pursue the issue with the County Council when funds allow – provided that there is significant local support for the action. Although strictly not a navigation/CRT issue Lichfield Branch wonders to what extent it should contribute to the local ‘debate’ – under their ‘Waterways For All’ remit. Helen Whitehouse, Lichfield Chairman, would like to hear from our members – particularly those living in the district - as to their views on the issue and what ‘line’, if any, their Branch should take. To do so, please contact Helen on e-mail at lichfield@waterways.org.uk. Subject, ‘Cat Gallows’.
As in previous years, The Trust will be hosting a Heritage Open Days event at the Centre over the th th weekend of Saturday / Sunday 12 - 13 Sept. when Warwickshire Branch will have a stand there. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. All members and friends are welcome.
Stop Press !
They don’t just do it !
The B&Q store in Stratford has kitchen units to CRT’s volunteer Wilmcote flight - who are now their rebuild of the CRT store ‘torched’ by vandals last year.
kindly donated new lock-keepers on the near to completing and welfare facility
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed here in this newsletter, but encourages its publication as a matter of interest. Nothing herein may be construed as a matter of policy, or an official announcement, unless otherwise stated. The Association accepts no liability for any of the material contained herein. The IWA is a registered charity (No. 212342), founded in 1946. Supported by donations & members’ subscriptions, it campaigns for conservation, use, maintenance, restoration, & development of the inland waterways of England and Wales - for the benefit of all. Registered & General Office: - Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Herts. HP5 1WA. Phone: 01494 - 783 453.
Website :-
www.waterways.org.uk.
Editor: Ian Fletcher, 4 Village Hall Cottages, CV47 9QH Phone :01926 – 815 413. E-mail : - newsletter.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk For local contact on all other Branch activities please e-mail: < info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk > For up to date info. between BE editions visit our web page: < www.waterways.org.uk/warwickshire > Please inform Head Office of any e-mail address changes.