IWA Bulletin Mid-January 2014 by The Inland Waterways Association

BULLETIN

Mid-January 2014 Thames Lock Keepers Under Threat

likely to take hold across all waterways services provided by EA as it continues to have to deal with large budget cuts. This highlights the importance GMB, the union for Environment of IWA’s continuing campaign Agency (EA) staff, has to have EA’s navigation duties announced that it has discovered transferred to Canal & River that EA plans to cut 90 resident Trust and the damage that lock and weir keeper posts from EA waterways will potentially the river Thames. This follows suffer as a result of delaying the announcement from EA last this move. Waterways owned, year that it has planned staff cuts managed and operated by the of 1700 positions for 2014. government are not safe as the essential funds needed to GMB claims that the report properly maintain the waterways will recommend the revival and provide an adequate service of previously rejected plans to users are not being made for a substantial reduction in available to EA. the number of lock and weir keepers on the Thames and a freeze on further recruitment to An additional concern of GMB’s, these posts. EA originally claimed following the recent flooding, is that reductions in front line that the freezing of these staff of this scale would have the positions would save £47,000 potential to escalate the risk of per residential post. Such a flooding. EA has given assurances saving would free-up funds to that this would not be the case use in essential maintenance as there are now over 200 across EA waterways. GMB has members of staff on stand-by to argued that EA can provide respond to any incidents on the no evidence that such savings Thames. The Thames is not liable would result from the freezing to flash flooding; instead, water of residential posts. levels increase over time after prolonged periods of rain. Any It is clear that EA would flood risk from the Thames benefit from savings of this comes with plenty of warning size. However, the removal of because of this slow increase residential keepers would have and because water levels a detrimental affect, reducing are continuously monitored the service level at locks on remotely. This allows EA standthe Thames; a pattern that is

Goring on Thames - Graham and Marilyn Speechley

by staff to respond to any risk of flooding in the necessary timescale. EA has stated that its 2014/15 budget is yet to be confirmed but that it is likely to cut staff numbers from 11,250 at the end of March 2014 to around 9,700 by the end of October 2014. Staff numbers should then remain stable until March 2015. For more information on Trade Union GMB’s views of these cuts, visit the GMB website.

Contents IWA News Other News IWA Work Parties Waterway Events

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

IWA News Individuals Urged to Respond to Phase 2 HS2 Consultation The High Speed Rail (HS2) Phase 2 consultation on the initial preferred route for Phase 2 from Birmingham to Manchester, and Birmingham to Leeds, closes on 31st January 2014. IWA has been working with canal societies, CRT and others in identifying waterway issues with Phase 2, to put together a single ‘waterways’ response which will be published shortly, but individuals are also urged to respond. One of the areas that will be most impacted, is along the proposed route of the Chesterfield Canal restoration. IWA and the Chesterfield Canal Trust (CCT) would like to encourage individuals to respond to the consultation, and appeal for an alternative route that does not impact on the restoration of the canal.

The proposed rail route lies directly on top of the restoration route of the Chesterfield Canal for 800 metres at Renishaw and for 1200 metres, in a cutting, at Killamarsh. In addition, the links to the proposed HS2 Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Staveley would cut through the canal’s route at three further points.

the restoration should not be allowed to fail, and why IWA, CRT, Derbyshire County Council, local councils and many others are working hard to bring HS2 to the table to work out a better way forward. The video can be viewed on Vimeo (last around seven minutes).

IWA has supported the work of CCT in its response and appealed for the continuity of the Chesterfield Canal in this section to be assured. Additionally, Chesterfield Canal Partnership and Derbyshire County Council have submitted their own detailed engineering information and alternatives and Chesterfield Canal Trust has put in a formal statement of objection to the HS2 route where it interferes with the canal’s restoration.

The other Phase 2 major issue is where the Leeds Spur viaduct impinges on the Aire & Calder Navigation at various locations around Woodlesford Lock where the the navigation and the track bed would be too close. The south bank of the navigation above Woodlesford Lock is used for boat moorings, and significant visual and noise impact would be caused by the route. IWA is campaigning to maintain air and water clearances, navigation width, as well as the towpath and connecting footpaths.

Chesterfield Canal Trust has produced a short video that provides an overview of progress to date. The video explains why

It is important that individuals also respond to support the objections by IWA, CCT and other waterway groups. You can register your views online, by emailing HS2PhaseTwoRoute@ Ipsos.com, or by sending a letter to Freepost RTEL-YAZX-HAZT, Phase Two Route Consultation, PO Box 1152, HARROW, HA1 9LH. For more information on HS2, visit IWA’s website.

Chesterfield CanalPhoto: Chesterfield Canal (courtesy of Tim Lewis)

IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

IWA Issues New Advice on Towpath Cycling IWA has issued new advice on towpath cycling in response to the increase in demand for new or continuing use of canal and river towpaths as cycle routes. IWA acknowledges the wider benefits of encouraging the population to cycle for recreational and transport purposes. A variety of users cycle on the towpath as commuters, with friends and family or in following the long established practice of cycling as the boaters’ choice of transportation. The benefits of cycling on towpaths in particular include: Cycling on towpaths as a form of transport plays an important role in meeting the requirements (the need for cycle routes away from road traffic) of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. Cycling recreationally on towpaths encourages a wider variety of users to enjoy the waterways as well as helping to promote healthy living. The use of bicycles whilst boating, to set and close locks, is advantageous as it can minimise the use of water and reduce delays at lock flights, as well as sometimes being the most practical way in which to get help in an emergency. Additionally, IWA welcomes the benefits of funding that can be available to navigation authorities for improving towpaths for cycling; funding that would not be available for general towpath improvements. Such improvements benefit all users and not just cyclists, but should be carefully monitored so as not to have adverse side effects such as increased cycling speeds.

Photo: Cycling on the Grand Union Canal

Despite these benefits there is a need to positively manage cycling on the towpaths. Individuals often cycle on the towpath as an alternative to using the road, believing the towpath to be the safer option. Whilst in some instances this is the case, there are many hazards on the towpath that cyclists are often not, but should be, aware of. Included in the cycling advice issued by IWA is a cycling code to help make cyclists more aware of the potential hazards along a towpath. IWA’s Cycling Code aims to promote good practice amongst cyclists on the towpath and to raise awareness and improve the safety of both cyclists and other towpath users.

bollards. • Allow anglers time to move their tackle before you try to pass. • Have a bell or horn fitted to your cycle and use it. • Be friendly to other waterways users. The towpaths are there for everyone to enjoy. The full IWA Cycling Code can be viewed in the IWA Briefing Note – Cycling on Towpaths.

IWA supports cycling on towpaths when properly managed. However, not all towpaths or sections of towpath are suitable for cycling on as they may be too narrow, have restricted views ahead, have surfaces that are susceptible to deterioration or feature a large number of hazards. Neither should towpaths be used for cycling Key points of IWA’s Cycling Code competitions. However, there is no include: • Slow down when approaching reason why individuals, families and small groups should not enjoy a anglers, towpath walkers and leisurely commute or recreational other towpath users. • Be prepared to dismount when bike ride along a suitable towpath as long as they are considerate in local signs or common sense their use of the resource. indicates that you should. • Watch out for hazards on the More detailed guidance can be towpath such as ropes from found in IWA’s Policy on Towpaths. boats, mooring stakes and

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

IWA Receives Award for 60 Years at the London Boat Show

Photo: John Fevyer, for IWA, receives the award from National Boat Show Chairman, Peter Gordon (Copyright onEdition 2014©)

IWA has received a special award from the organisers for its loyal attendance at the London Boat Show. IWA was a founder exhibitor when the event was first launched 60 years ago, and has not missed a year since. The show is an opportunity for IWA to promote the use, maintenance and restoration of Britain’s inland waterways as well as the Association’s specific campaigns. Although the Boat

Last Chance to Enter IWA Calendar Competition IWA launched its annual calendar competition at the end of last year and over 350 brilliant photos have been entered so far all of which can be viewed in the calendar competition group on Flickr. The competition closes on 31st January 2014 so there’s still time to get involved. You can submit your photographs by:

Show is primarily aimed at the offshore sea-going boater, it was once the only national show of its kind, and has enabled IWA to encourage thousands of newcomers to canal and inland rivers over the years, and well as being a recruitment source for hundreds of IWA members. IWA’s stand has long been an important attraction for the show - providing the principal focus for information on inland boating. The stand is organised and run by a dedicated team of IWA volunteers, mostly from the London area, who build the stand in the days running up to the show, man it throughout the time the show is open, and then dismantle everything afterwards. In past years, this has frequently meant overcoming blizzard weather conditions to get there! This enables the stand to produce a surplus for the Association each year.

• Adding them to the Flickr group • Uploading them via the photo upload form • Creating and sharing a Dropbox folder using the email address below (Dropbox is a free file sharing website) • Emailing photos directly to gemma.bolton@waterways.org. uk Entrants may submit up to twenty photos of UK waterways. Please include a brief description of the

The London Boat Show, which always takes place in January, features a wide range of boats, inside the venue as well as a display of tall boats and other vessels in the Royal Victoria Dock immediately outside the exhibition centre. ExCeL also hosts a dedicated marina and a naval ship (either a destroyer or frigate). The first London Boat Show was held at Olympia in 1954, before the event moved to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in 1957 following growth in attendance. The event then moved to ExCeL in 2004 and included a Watersports Action Pool, which showcased smaller craft such as dinghies, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.

waterway location when uploading your photos. Take a look at the IWA Phtography Tips Blog for ideas of how to take the best shots. The winning entrants will receive three free copies of the IWA 2015 calendar in which their photo will feature. Next month IWA will be launching its monthly desktop calendar competition, details will feature in the February Bulletin.

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

Limited Spaces Left for IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade

IWA’s Website or contact Mark Saxon on 07867 488161 or email mark.saxon@waterways.org.uk.

Boat spaces are quickly filling up for the 2014 Canalway Cavalcade, those who are interested in booking a place are advised to do so as soon as possible. Boat entry forms can be downloaded from

Canalway Cavalcade is a major event in this year’s national canal calendar. Organised by IWA annually since 1983, it now always takes place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (3rd to 5th May) at Little Venice in Paddington. It

combines a boaters’ gathering with a trade show and a wide range of activities, attractions and delicious food stalls. The event is open to the public from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday and 10am to 5pm on Monday. There is also a procession of illuminated boats at 9:00 pm on the Sunday evening.

Other News First Dates Set for Chief Executive’s Open Boater Meetings Throughout 2014, Canal & River Trust’s (CRT) Chief Executive, Richard Parry, plans to host a series of open meetings for boaters and other waterway users across the country. The meetings will offer a chance for people to informally air views on any local or national issues and open up channels of communication for any future consultations.

The first meetings will take place on: Thursday 23rd January, 6pm – Birmingham. The Bond, 180 - 182 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SE. Saturday 8th February, 3pm – Nottingham. Waterfront, Castle Wharf, Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH. Wednesday 26th February, 6pm – Banbury. The Old Auctioneer, 44 Parson’s Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5NA. Richard Parry plans to host these open meetings regularly, seeking to hold them in each waterway area over the year. Boaters with home

Photo: Fazeley Junction, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal (courtesy of Angela Acott)

moorings in the local area, and continuous cruisers who have been sighted nearby, are to be contacted by CRT with email invitations. Anyone else who is interested is welcome to attend and the meeting details will be available on CRT’s website. If you would like to attend, please email Fran Read.

CRT to Raise Awareness of the Navigation Requirements for Continuous Cruisers CRT is to carry out a series of measures to raise awareness of the demands of living afloat without a home mooring. The Trust is concerned that those who are new to this way of living may not be aware of or fully understand the requirements for navigation as a continuous cruiser without a home mooring. CRT is concerned that many may believe it is sufficient to move around within a small area and will be shocked when they find that they are in breach of the rules and the subject of an enforcement process.

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014 CRT is working to raise awareness of these constraints amongst home-seekers and boat sales advertisers, as well as aiming to provide clearer information to those who live afloat. From January 2014, CRT plans to contact everyone who registers as a new continuous cruiser to ensure they fully understand the navigation requirements. Following this, the newly registered will be contacted after three months if CRT is concerned by limited movement of the boat. A reminder will be sent along with an invitation to contact the local enforcement officer to discuss the cruising pattern. If the cruiser cannot meet the movement requirements, they will have to secure a home mooring before they can renew their licence.

Photo: Moorings at Bridgwater Docks

HLF Funding for Thomas Telford’s Wappenshall Wharf Plans to restore the canal warehouses at Wappenshall in north Telford are to be part funded by a grant of almost £1million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). A first round grant of £72,000 has been awarded to Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust to fund the development of the plans for the project. The Trust plans to restore Thomas Telford’s canal-

Photo: Wappenshall Wharf (courtesy of Richard Knisely-Marpole)

side warehouses and wharf at the junction of the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals, Wappenshall, to create “Thomas Telford’s Wappenshall Wharf ”. The utilisation of the first grant to develop good plans will support a second round application for a further £909,900, to be used with other grants to complete the work at a total cost of £1.453 million. The project aims to carry out conservation work to restore the warehouses, which will include a Thomas Telford Information Centre, a cafe and a space for community use, business meetings and other events. An educational programme is also planned that will involve students from local schools and colleges. Trust volunteers and members of the public will be able get involved both during and after the renovation. The renovation, which is planned to start in the Autumn of 2014 and will be completed within two years, will create many jobs during the restoration and some permanent employment once open.

Nelson’s Arm Open for First Time in Decades After three months work, the long since derelict arm at Nelson’s Wharf on the Grand Union Canal at Stockton in Warwickshire, is once again navigable. This is the first stage of a private restoration with further stages planned for later this year and early 2015. Nelson’s Wharf is the new home for Willow Wren Training and the arm is just part of the challenge to reinvigorate the canal-side area. The site used to be a cement works using the canal and a fleet of Nelsons narrowboats to bring in coal and take out cement and lime products. In addition to the arm, Willow Wren Training is building a new training centre, planned for completion by March 2014.

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

HLF Grant Awarded to Fund Pocklington Canal Project

Society and Natural England, to develop plans to support an application for a full grant of almost ÂŁ500,000.

A project to protect important wildlife habitats and repair the 200 year-old Church Bridge on the Pocklington Canal has been awarded an HLF grant of ÂŁ47,100. The money will help the project team, CRT in partnership with the East and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership, East Riding Council, the Pocklington Canal Amenity

The Pocklington Canal, which runs between Canal Head, near Pocklington, to the River Derwent in East Cottingwith, is an important canal environmentally and historically. Almost the entire length runs through sites of scientific interest and all nine locks and four bridges are Grade II listed.

CRT Closes Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Between Bridges 93 and 97 Following the recent exceptional rainfall on the Brecon and Abergavenny Canal there has been movement of the embankment at Llanfoist. CRT has taken the precautionary measure to close the canal between bridges 93 and 97. The canal will remain closed in this area whilst further engineering investigations take place. For up to date information please contact CRT on 0303 040 4040.

CRT Update on Rochdale Canal Closure from Lock 6 to Lock 7 In October, a culvert beneath the Rochdale Canal between locks 6 and 7 failed leading to the closure

Photo: Gardham Lock, Pocklington Canal (courtesy of John Ellis)

of the navigation between these David Henderson locks to allow repairs to be carried General Manager of the out. Work has re-commenced following the Christmas break with Canal Museum, Stoke the installation of temporary dams Bruerne and pumps to create a dry working environment and removal of the IWA is sad to report that David temporary repair to uncover the Henderson, General Manager failed section of culvert. of the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne, died suddenly on 11th A permanent concrete repair January following a heart attack. will be carried out to the culvert David was 57 and had been with and then new puddle clay will the museum since 2006. be laid over the top to ensure a watertight seal. CRT 2014 Living The contractors will then remove Waterways Awards the temporary dams and pumps, refill the canal, reinstate the CRT has launched the 2014 Living towpath, site compound area and Waterways Awards (previously the rebuild the boundary wall. Waterway Renaissance Awards) Currently the work is expected to on 7th February, to recognise waterway-based projects across be completed and the canal the UK. re-opened by 24th January, however this is dependent on Led by an independent panel good weather and working of experts drawn from the conditions. voluntary, environmental, heritage,

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014 engineering and architecture sectors, the Living Waterways Awards will celebrate the work completed by individuals, communities and organisations to improve waterways. There are nine categories which are open for entries until 3rd April, winners will be announced in September 2014. For more information visit CRT’s website.

Recreational Craft and Personal Watercraft Directive 2013/53/EU The Directive 2013/53/EU on recreational craft and personal watercraft was published in the EU Official Journal on 28th December 2013. The directive can be viewed at the EUR-Lex website.

Past Copies of Waterways World The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust has many old Waterways World magazines dating from the early 1970s in its archives, which the The Trust wishes to pass on. For further information contact archiveadmin@katrust.org.uk.

will include paintings, and some photographs, by many of the best canal artists in the country. The exhibition attracts many visitors from across the country to the canalside village of Audlem, to enjoy both the artwork and the other features of the village. Other events that may be of interest to boaters includes the historic Narrowboat gathering from 26th27th July, organised by Audlem Mill. Visit Audlem Mill’s website for further details.

Blisworth Canal Festival 2014 Blisworth Canal Partnership has confirmed that the 2014 Blisworth Canal Festival will take place over the weekend of the 9th-10th August. This festival, completely organised and run by volunteers including villagers and local community groups, attracted over 25,000 visitors last year and promises to be just as successful in 2014.

will be trade and work boats, the opportunity to take a boat trip to Gayton Junction and back and a bar, food, live music and stalls on the Wharf. In addition to these attractions on the waterfront, there will be vintage caravans, a children’s fairground, WWII re-enactors and much more in the Festival Field, located adjacent to the canal, and events taking place at six other locations around the village. Parking, mooring and entry are free (not including Open Gardens). For more information contact Blisworth Canal Partnership. This section contains volunteer reports from IWA branches and IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group (WRG). IWA branch reports contain information from their latest work parties where volunteers have worked to help maintain their local canals. WRG reports on its canal camps and weekend digs to keep readers up to date with the restoration work they have been undertaking.

On and around the canal there

Audlem Mill Canal Painting Exhibition From 6th April to 4th May 2014, Audlem Mill in Cheshire is to host an Exhibition of Canal Paintings. The 2014 Canal Art Exhibition, organised in conjunction with the Guild of Waterway Artists,

Photo: Blisworth Canal Festival

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

IWA & WRG Work Party Reports No Rest for WRG Canal Restoration Volunteers this Winter WRG’s main Canal Camp programme ends in October but this does not mean that its volunteers go into hibernation for the winter. From 26th December – 1st January a team of thirty volunteers from around England spent a week working on two sites in the Cotswolds. The first site was at Weymoor Bridge on the Thames & Severn (T&S) Canal carrying out enabling works for the Cotswold Canals Trust’s bridge re-building project. After rising water levels on the River Thames curtailed works at the second site, Inglesham Lock, volunteers productively cleared vegetation at an alternative site on the adjacent North Wilts Canal where it meets the T&S at Latton Basin. Weymoor Bridge originally provided an access to the historic Latton Basin trans-shipment site between the Thames & Severn and North Wilts Canals. Volunteers constructed a temporary hardstanding for the site compound, assisted with the installation of a water main diversion, carried out excavation work around the remains of the bridge, and went on to expose more of the original brickwork and coping stones. It is hoped that considerable progress with rebuilding work will be made in 2014 by the Cotswold Canals

Photo: Volunteers hedge planting on the Caldon Canal

Trust together with assistance from WRG volunteers. Other volunteers spent the week exposing the canal bed near the Basin and successfully cleared around 350 metres of vegetation and hand winched out numerous tree stumps. Despite some inclement weather it was a successful week and a lot of progress was made at both sites. The New Year was seen in with a fantastic four course meal prepared by the canal camp cooks and celebrated in the appropriate WRG style.

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch Plant Over 300 Trees Volunteers from IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust met at Basford Bridge on the Caldon Canal for a hedge planting work party on Thursday 9th January.

After loading up wheelbarrows with spades, stakes, protective sleeves and a variety of hedge plants, the volunteers walked down the towpath to Woods Lock, where they then started working back towards Cheddleton filling in the gaps in the existing hedge. Some gaps just required two or three plants, but some of the longer gaps took twenty or thirty plants. Such good progress was made that a return trip to base for further plants, stakes and protective sleeves was required. Over 300 trees were planted in total.

WRG Volunteers Spend a Dirty Weekend on the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals During 11th and 12th January over a dozen volunteers from WRG’s Regional Group, London WRG spent two days helping the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust carry out restoration work at

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014 that’s starting to make some real progress!”. The main task for the weekend WRG volunteers will be returning involved removing infill from in the summer for a weeklong Meretown Lock on the canal camp from 16th-23rd August Shrewsbury & Newport Canals. to continue clearing the chamber The lock had been completely filled and start working on the section in, and volunteers removed around above the lock that is going to be 3ft of topsoil from the entire length re-watered. of the chamber, using an excavator and two dumpers. The volunteers WRG Forestry on the then transported the materials Wey & Arunn Canal 90 metres to build a dam at the far end of the length of canal, Over the weekend of 11th-12th above the lock, that is going to be January members of WRG’s restored and re-watered. As well as lots of soil and some rubble, the specialist Forestry Team continued chamber excavation job produced their work on the Wey and Arun Canal. Twelve volunteers, an interesting assortment of old with support from the Wey and iron – parts of the paddle gear Arun Canal Trust, spent two days including a rack and a distinctive working between Brewhurst Lock Shropshire Union type jackhead, both of the top stop-plank grooves, and Baldwin’s Knob Lock carrying out selective tree removal and tree and parts of the gate reinforcing pollarding. Their work was aided ironwork – plus many reusable by the purchase of a new pole coping stones. saw funded by WRG donations and with a team working from a The second task of the weekend boat they cleared a good amount consisted of digging a 100 metre of vegetation that was obstructing long trench (by hand and with navigation, for the Trust’s mid week an excavator) to install a water team to burn. supply pipe that will be used with a pump, which is currently keeping WRG Forestry is able to carry out the length of the canal between work from a single tree removal Meretown Lock and Newport to major scrub and tree clearance, town centre in water, to re-water for canal restoration projects the new length of canal. throughout England and Wales. The Team has a firm belief in safe Volunteers also removed working practices; all chainsaw vegetation and trees that were operators within the team have encroaching on the towpath and the offside canal bank. Click here to undergone training and gained LANTRA & NPTC qualifications. see photos from the weekend. Meretown Lock.

Martin Ludgate, London WRG’s site leader for the weekend, said “It’s quite a distance for us to travel up from London, but it is well worth it to help a canal restoration

IWA Branch and Region Magazines The following IWA region and branch magazines have been added to the website since the last edition of the Bulletin: North Staffordshire & South Cheshire - Knobsticks- Autumn 2013 Ipswich Branch - Anglian Cuttings Winter 2014 Chester & Merseyside Branch The Packet Boat - January 2014 The following IWA region and branch magazines have been added in recent weeks: Warwickshire Branch - Bear Essentials - December 2013 Milton Keynes Branch - Towpath Telegraph - January 2014

The next weekend dig is planned for February (13th-16th), working near Ryeford Double Lock on the Cotswold Canal

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IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

Waterway Events Major IWA events in 2014

1st - 2nd February Work Party Weekend - Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation (IWA Chelmsford Branch and Essex WRG) 3rd - 5th May 2014 - IWA 2nd February Work Party Canalway Cavalcade, London Hatton Locks (IWA Warwickshire 24th - 26th May 2014 - IWA Branch) Trailboat Festival, Devon 3rd February Work Party 6th - 8th June 2014 - IWA Hatton Locks (supported by IWA Campaign Festival, Chester Warwickshire Branch) Branch Boating Events in 2014 5th February Work Party 2nd - 5th May 2014 - Braunston Hatton Locks (supported by IWA Boat Gathering (IWA Warwickshire Branch) Northampton Branch) 8th - 9th February Work Party 4th - 6th July 2014 - Ware Boat Festival (IWA Lee & Stort Branch) Weekend - Tardebigge Lime Kilns (supported by IWA Birmingham, 6th - 7th September 2014 Black Country & Worcestershire Maesbury Canal Festival (IWA Branch) Shrewsbury, District & North 9th February Stoke-on-Trent Wales Branch) Canal Clean-up (IWA North Staffs & South Cheshire Branch) Have you got a waterway event 12th February Work Party or activity to promote? - Anyone Kidderminster (IWA Birmingham, can add details of a waterways Black Country & Worcestershire event or activity to this area on Branch) the website. You don’t even need 14th February Work Party at St to register with the website or Augustine’s Field, Rugeley (IWA provide any sort of password. Simply use the upload event form. Lichfield Branch) 15th February Work Party Lapworth (supported by IWA Upcoming Volunteer/ Warwickshire Branch) Clean-up Events 18th February Work Party Malkins Bank (IWA North Staffs & South Cheshire Branch) January 20th February Work Party 21st January Work Party Northampton (IWA Northampton Lapworth (supported by IWA Warwickshire Branch) Branch) 22nd February Work Party - Hyde 25th January Work Party - Hyde (IWA Manchester Branch) (IWA Manchester Branch) 22nd February Work Party at Leathermill Lane, Rugeley (IWA February Lichfield Branch) 1st February Work Party - Dee 23rd February Work Party Branch, Chester (IWA Chester & Northampton (IWA Northampton Merseyside Branch) Branch)

To advertise your restoration/ cleanup events in the bulletin please add details to IWA’s events calendar

Upcoming Towpath Walks January 23rd January Waterway Walk (IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch) February 2nd February London Towpath Walk (IWA Towpath Walks Society) 16th February Walk - Napton Bridge (IWA Warwickshire Branch) 16th February London Towpath Walk (IWA Towpath Walks Society) To advertise your towpath walks in the Bulletin, please add details to IWA’s events calendar

IWA Bulletin - Mid-January 2014

IWA Member Discounts and Special Offers The following special offers are now available exclusively for IWA members: ABC Boat Hire - 15% discount Airedale Cruising - 10% Discount off skippered day cruises Boatshed Grand Union - 10% discount on brokerage Calcutt Boats - 5% Discount Canal Boat Magazine - 6 Issues for £6 Channel Glaze - 10% discount on double glazing for boats Cotswold Outdoor - 10% discount Europcar - Special hire rates to IWA members Grand Union Diesel Services - 5% discount IceGripper - 20% discount Lee Sanitation Ltd. - 10% on orders over £100 Midland Chandlers - 5% discount River Canal Rescue - up to 15% discount RoadPro - 5% discount UltimateBerths.com - Free Listing Willowbridge Marina - 10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard Worcester Marine Windows Ltd 5% discount Wyvern Shipping Co. Ltd - 10% discount on published prices Zead - Free postage and accessories Please note: All discounts and offers are entirely at the organisers’ discretion.

To see details of how to take advantage of these offers, please go to www.waterways.org.uk/ support_us/members_area/ member_discounts_special_offers_ public For IWA members who receive a printed copy of this bulletin in the post, please contact the membership team on 01494 783453 for the details of the offers. Members can also support IWA with a Narrow Boat magazine subscription

Boat Insurance IWA has an arrangement with insurers Navigators & General and River Canal Rescue that provides top quality boat insurance and access to the basic waterway rescue service for boat owners, with the added benefit that every policy taken out and subsequently renewed helps IWA, and thus furthers our charitable work for the waterways. See IWA website for more information about the IWA insurance scheme for boaters.

IWA Volunteers contributed 10,000 days in 2013

IWA Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA 01494 783 453 Bulletin is edited by Stefanie Preston

Published by: The Inland Waterways Association. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453.The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 www.waterways.org.uk

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