Cargoes Summer 2018 by The Inland Waterways Association

Summer 2018

Newsletter of Guildford & Reading Kent & East Sussex and Oxfordshire Branches

Photo’s from IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade 2018 at Little Venice

“Highlander”

“Red watch”

“Stumpy” “Dhruv”

“Opening Richard Parry”

“Pool STP”

“Horse Bridge”

Photos from Christine Smith

“Pool”

Editorial The Cargoes Team hope you find this edition of Cargoes as interesting to read as we have found while editing it. The opening of Gennets Bridge Lock on the Wey and Arun Canal saw boats travelling over the Surrey and Sussex border for the 1st time in over 100yrs. An amazing achievement. Also, Canalway Cavalcade over the Early May Bank Holiday, found thousands of people attending the event at Little Venice in London. Canal boats of many shapes and sizes travelled to Little Venice and took part in a variety of events. On a different note, Verna Smith’s Regional Chairman’s report, mentions the Guildford and Reading branch heard John Gibson, General Manager River Wey Navigations, speak at their AGM. At the end of his talk John acknowledged the IWA's important role as an independent national body which champions the conservation of inland waterways and their surroundings on behalf of its members. Perhaps as members we should bear this in mind and support the IWA both individually and collectively. We wish everyone a good summer on and around our waterways. Cargoes Editorial Team

From the Region Chairman National infrastructure developments have already impacted other regions and now plans for the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway will affect the waterways in our region. The road will connect the Cambridge area to the M4 corridor near Newbury, via Oxford, and will inevitably attract development along its route. The environmental groups are most unhappy about this proposed road, arguing that a reliable rail link would be better for all concerned. There are currently three proposed ‘corridors’ for the route, which all slightly overlap and all share the same end points. Plans are still evolving and the IWA is fully engaged with the planning process to ensure the best possible outcome for the region’s waterways. The next step will be to reduce the corridors to proposed lines for the routes. At this point it will be possible to identify specific areas of concern and perhaps planning again for the affected waterways. Please contact me if you would like to raise any concerns about these proposals. Current plans can be viewed at Highways England, Oxford to Cambridge Expressway Stage 3. The IWA continues to be concerned about the level of funding for the Environment Agency waters and it is also apparent that the EA staffing is stretched to the limit when the unexpected happens, causing key players to be deployed elsewhere. The EA expects to have sufficient lock keepers for the summer season on the Thames, although there are still some difficulties in deploying volunteers to man locks. I enjoyed meeting IWA members at the branch AGMs. Each branch is unique and this was reflected in the format of the meetings. The IWAKES AGM was Cover Picture: Gennets Bridge

Photo: Courtesy WACT]

4 followed by a photo quiz of canal structures, which highlighted by ignorance! The Guildford and Reading meeting was followed by a talk from John Gibson, who is the navigation manager for the River Wey Navigation, on his view of the challenges facing the River Wey. These include local developments and ensuring that the engineering on the navigation has a robust plan for the next 200 years. The Oxfordshire branch meeting highlighted the successful Banbury Canal Day, the positive moves to work more closely with Tooley’s Boatyard and the proposed Oxford Canal Day. Thank you to all IWA members who give up so much time to enhance and promote their waterways. The Wey and Arun Canal Trust held a well-attended ceremony to open Gennets Lock on April 21st. This lock is currently isolated from the restored section of canal by a short stretch of vegetation – choked channel. The towpath here is also a bridleway and the recent wet weather made for some squelchy sections where boots were a distinct advantage. The Basingstoke Canal was looking splendid after the winter closure and a small party from Byfleet Boat Club enjoyed an Easter cruise to Greywell and sampled the menu at the re-opened Barley Mow. The winter season of talks at Chobham was completed by Neil Owen, CRT SE Region Engineer, who gave a talk on repairing structures on the CRT waters. The use of 3D modelling and drones is enabling the engineers to build a bank of detailed knowledge about the deterioration of structures which enables them to plan future work. Let’s hope that this summer brings the right balance of rain and sun so that we can enjoy the waterways from the bank or afloat. Verna Smith

IWA’s Silver Propeller Award Exploring the far-flung reaches of the network just got even more rewarding

Your challenge is to visit as many of the nation’s underused waterways as you can. Why? You’ll get to visit some stunning, yet quieter, parts of the network, and be in with a chance of receiving IWA’s new Silver Propeller Challenge plaque. Taking part couldn’t be simpler. Visit 20 different places on the list, take a photograph of you and your mode of transport (any type of boat, paddleboard, or canoe) at each location, and save all your photos to submit once you’re done. Just ensure your pictures make the location easy to identify. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a Silver Propeller Challenge plaque to attach to their vessel. The challenge opened on 1st January 2018 and covers all visits from that date – snaps from the 1980s, or even last year, won’t be counted. We want to see evidence these waterways are being used today. Where to go? Tick 20 or more of the locations off the list to receive your Silver Propeller Challenge plaque. See list of locations in the Silver Propeller Award or find out more about why IWA is running this award at www.waterways.org.uk

Photo: Ripon Basin, Ripon Canal. Photo by John Lower.

Diary of Meetings & Events Sun 3rd Jun 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Limehouse, Thames to Docklands (see page 40) Sun 3rd Jun WACT: Poddle

(see page 25)

Tue 5th Jun, 2pm-6pm, River Wey & Godalming Navigations: Toll House Turbine Tour, Dapdune Wharf (see page 21) Thu 7th Jun 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (see page 23) Fri 8th Jun 7.00pm, BCS: Blues & Ale Cruise

(see page 15)

Fri 8th Jun 7.30pm, WACT: Pimm’s & Picnic Sunset Cruise

(see page 25)

10th

Sun Jun 2.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Great Houghton Village Hall, Northampton, NN4 0AN, RW (see page 41) Wed 13th Jun 3.00pm, BCS: Cream Tea Cruise

(see page 15)

Wed 13th Jun 2.15pm & 4.30pm, WACT: Cream Tea Voyages

(see page 25)

Wed 13th Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Wharf Inn, Welford, NN6 6JQ, GWS (see page 41) Wed 13th Jun 7.30pm, IWA South London: “Heroes and Villains of the Basingstoke Canal” (see page 39) Sat 16th Jun 10.30am–7.30pm, K&A (Reading): Reading Water Fest (see page 18) Sat 16th Jun 10.45am, Towpath Walks Group: Regents Canal - Little Venice to Camden (see page 40) Sat 16th Jun 2.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Oakley Vale Community Centre, Corby, NN18 8JF GWS (see page 41) Sun 17th Jun 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Grand Surrey Canal - Royal Navy Victualling Yard to Greenland Dock (see page 40) Sun 17th Jun 9.45am & 12 noon, WACT: Dad’s Bacon Butty Brunch (see page 25) Tue 19th Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Moorings, Northampton, NN6 7SQ, RW (see page 41) Tue 19th Jun 2pm-6pm, River Wey & Godalming Navigations: Toll House Turbine Tour (see page 21) Wed 20th Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Admiral Nelson, Daventry, NN11 7HJ, GWS (see page 41) Thu 21st Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Heart of England Pub, Weedon, NN7 4QD, RW (see page 41)

6 Thu 21st Jun 7.00pm, Salisbury Group: Boules & BBQ

(see page 12)

Thu 21st Jun Wilts & Berks: Summer Solstice Campout

(see page 36)

Fri 22nd Jun 6.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Old Rectory, Northampton, NN7 3BJ, GWS (see page 41) Sat 23rd Jun 3.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Canal Museum, Nr Towcester, NN12 7SE, RW (see page 41) Sat 23rd & Sun 24th Jun K&A (Crofton): Crofton steaming weekend (see page 19) Sun 24th Jun 10am, Southern Canals Association: Informal Meeting (see page 41) Sun 24th Jun 3.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Lionhearts Cruising Club, Milton Keynes, MK14 5EL (see page 41) Tue 26th Jun 7.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Lindengate, Wendover, HP22 6BD, RW (see page 41) Wed 27th Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Trout Inn, Lechlade on Thames, GL7 3HA, RW (see page 41) Thu 28th Jun, 7.30pm Mikron Theatre Company: The Globe Inn, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2TA, RW (see page 41) Thu 28th Jun 2.15pm & 4.30pm, WACT: Cream Tea Voyages Fri 29th Jun 7.00pm, BCS: Wine & Food of France Cruise

(see page 25) (see page 15)

Fri,29th Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Grand Junction Arms, Tring, HP23 5QE, GWS (see page 41) Sat 30th Jun 1.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Framfield Allotments, Hall, W7 1ES, GWS (see page 41) Sat 30th Jun 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Ickenham Village Hall, Uxbridge, UB10 8DG, GWS (see page 41) Sun 1st Jul 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Canal: Islington to Mile End (see page 40) Sun 1st Jul 4.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Abbey Ruins, Reading, RG1 3HW, GWS (see page 41) Mon, 2nd Jul, Wilts & Berks: Summer Dinner

(see page 37)

Tue 3rd Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Rising Sun, (see page 41) Berkhamsted, HP4 2EG, GWS Tue 3rd Jul 2pm-6pm, River Wey & Godalming Navigations: Toll House Turbine Tour (see page 21) Wed 4th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EG, RW (see page 41)

7 Wed 4th Jul 12,30pm, IWAKES: River Rother Boat Trip

(see page 33)

Thu 5th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Three Horseshoes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RZ, GWS (see page 41) Thu 5th Jul 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society 51st AGM Fri

6th

Jul 7.00pm, BCS: Acoustic & Ale Cruise

(see page 23) (see page 15)

6th

Fri Jul 7.30pm, BCS/Mikron Theatre Group: The Waterwitch, Odiham, RG29 1AL, RW (see pages 16 & 41) Sat 7th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Teapot Tearooms, Faringdon, SN7 7QJ, GWS (see page 41) Sun 8th Jul 11.30am-4.30pm, K&A (Newbury): Newbury Waterways Festival (see page 17) Sun 8th Jul 3.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Wootton Wawen Village Hall, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6AY, GWS (see page 41) Wed 11th Jul 3.00pm, BCS: Cream Tea Cruise 14th

Sat Wey

(see page 15)

Jul 11am-4pm, River Wey & Godalming Navigations: Puffing-a(see page 22)

Sat 14th Jul 10.45am, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden (see page 40) Sun 15th Jul 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regents Canal: Little Venice to Camden (see page 40) Tue 17th Jul 7.30pm: Mikron Theatre Company: Bourne End WI - Spade Oak Farm, Bourne End, SL8 5PS, GWS (see page 41) Tue 17th Jul 2.15pm & 4.30pm, WACT: Cream Tea Voyages

(see page 25)

Wed 18th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Bounty, Bucks, SL8 5RG, RW (see page 41) Thu 19th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Eyot Centre, Henley on Thames, RG9 3JD, GWS (see page 41) Fri 20th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Riverside Tea Garden, Reading, RG4 6UR, RW (see page 41) Sat 21st Jul 7.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Donnington parish Hall, Chichester, PO19,8QT, GWS (see page 41) Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Jul 9.30am, BCS: Farnborough Air Show (see page 15) Sun 22nd Jul 3.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Rowbarge, Reading, RG7 5SH, GWS (see page 41) Tue 24th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Minal Cricket Pavilion, Nr Marlborough, SN8 2LY, GWS (see page 41)

8 Wed 25th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Rowbarge, Reading, RG7 5SH, RW (see page 41) Fri, 27th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Goring Lock, Goring, RG8 9AE, RW (see page 41) Sat 28th & Sun 29th Jul K&A (Crofton): Crofton Steaming weekend (see page 19) Sat 28th & Sun 29th Jul, IWAKES: Maidstone Regatta

(see page 33)

Tue 31st Jul 3.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Waterfront Café, Benson, OX10 6SJ, GWS (see page 41) Tue 31st Jul 8.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Waterfront Café, Benson, OX10 6SJ, RW (see page 41) Thu 2nd Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: the Plough Inn, Long Wittenham, OX14 4QH, RW (see page 41) Fri 3rd Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Eynsham Cricket Club, Witney, OX29 4LF, RW (see page 41) Sat 4th Aug 10.45am, Towpath Walks Group: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park & Bow Back Rivers (see page 40) Sun 5th Aug 3.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross Granary Square to Camden (see page 40) Thu 16th Aug: G&R: Trip to Chichester Canal

(see page 13)

8th

Wed Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Plough Inn, Oxford, OX2 8BD, GWS (see page 41) Thu 9th Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Boat Inn, Kidlington, OX5 1JY, RW (see page 41) Fri 10th Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Rock of Gibraltar, Woodstock, OX5 3AY, GWS (see page 41) Sat 11th Aug 4.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: The Pig Place, Banbury, OX17 3NU, RW (see page 41) Sun 12th Aug 2.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: North Aston Village Green, Bicester, OX25 6HS, RW (see page 41) Wed 15th Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Wharf House, Oxfordshire, OX17 1PG, GWS (see page 41) Thu 16th Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Wharf House, Oxfordshire, OX17 1PG, RW (see page 41) Sun 19th Aug 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Grand Union Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Green (see page 40) Mon 20th Aug 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Cricklade Bloomers, Cricklade, SN6 6AE, GWS (see page 41)

9 Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug, K&A (Crofton): August Bank Holiday steaming Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug, K&A (Crofton): August Bank Holiday steaming weekend (see page 19) weekend (see page 19) Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug, IWA: Festival of Water 2018, River Great Ouse on th th Sat 25 to Mon 27 Aug, IWA: Festival of Water 2018, River Great Ouse on Regatta Meadow, St Neots, Cambs. PE19 7AB Regatta Meadow, St Neots, Cambs. PE19 7AB (see www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/festival_water/IWA_festival_water) (see www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/festival_water/IWA_festival_water) Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Sep. Wilts & Berks: Melksham Food & River Festival Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Sep. Wilts & Berks: Melksham Food & River Festival (see page 37) (see page 37) Sun 2nd Sep, BCS: Odiham Raft Race (see page 16) Sun 2nd Sep, BCS: Odiham Raft Race (see page 16) Sun 2nd Sep 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Limehouse to Docklands nd Sun 2 Sep 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Limehouse to Docklands (see page 40) (see page 40) th Thu 6th Sep 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: A selection of Canal Thu 6 Sep 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: A selection of Canal pictures and DVDs (see page 23) pictures and DVDs (see page 23) th th Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sep, K&A (Newbury): Newbury 1940’s weekend Sat 8 & Sun 9 Sep, K&A (Newbury): Newbury 1940’s weekend (see page 17) (see page 17) Wed 12th Sep 7.30pm, IWA South London Branch: Speaker tba Wed 12th Sep 7.30pm, IWA South London Branch: Speaker tba (see page 39) (see page 39) th Sun 16th Sep 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Sun 16 Sep 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Limehouse (see page 40) Limehouse (see page 40) nd Sat 22nd Sep from 11am, River Wey & Godalming Navigations: Wey River Sat 22 Sep from 11am, River Wey & Godalming Navigations: Wey River Festival (see page 22) Festival (see page 22) Thu 27th Sep, IWAKES: “The Caledonian Canal” (see page 33) th Thu 27 Sep, IWAKES: “The Caledonian Canal” (see page 33) Sat 29th & Sun 30th Sep, K&A (Crofton): Crofton Steam Gala (see page 19) th th Sat 29 & Sun 30 Sep, K&A (Crofton): Crofton Steam Gala (see page 19) Wed 3rd Oct 10.30: G&R: Walk – New Haw to The Anchor, Pyrford (see page 13) rd Wed 3 Oct 10.30: G&R: Walk – New Haw to The Anchor, Pyrford (see page 13) Thu 4th Oct 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: “Vic 32”, a Clyde Puffer Thu 4th Oct 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: “Vic 32”, a Clyde Puffer (see page 23) (see page 23) th Sun 7th Oct 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Sun 7 Oct 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden (see page 40) Camden (see page 40) th Wed 10th Oct 7.30pm, IWA South London Branch: Speaker TBA Wed 10 Oct 7.30pm, IWA South London Branch: Speaker TBA (see page 39) (see page 39) Thu 18th Oct 7pm, Salisbury Group: “A Sorry Affair” The Southampton & Thu 18th Oct 7pm, Salisbury Group: “A Sorry Affair” The Southampton & Salisbury Canal (see page 12) Salisbury Canal (see page 12) st Sun 21st Oct 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Sun 21 Oct 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard to Greenland Dock (see page 40) Navy Victualling Yard to Greenland Dock (see page 40) Sat 27th Oct 10.45am, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, th Sat 27 Oct 10.45am, Towpath Walks Group: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden (see page 40) Granary Square to Camden (see page 40) Sun 28th Oct, K&A (Crofton): Crofton Halloween steaming weekend th Sun 28 Oct, K&A (Crofton): Crofton Halloween steaming weekend (see page 19) (see page 19)

10 Thu 1st Nov 7.45pm: Southampton Canal Society “Pleasure Boating in the 1930’s 40’s and 50’s” (see page 23) Wed 14th Nov 7.30pm, IWA South London Branch: Speaker tba

(see page 39)

Thu

15th

Nov 7pm, Salisbury Group: “Vic 32”, a Clyde Puffer

Thu

15th

Nov 7.00pm, IWAKES: “The Evolution of a charity trip boat operation” (see page 33)

(see page 12)

Thu 6th Dec 7.30pm, Southampton Canal Society: Inter-Society Waterway’s Quiz (see page 23) Wed 12th Dec 7.30pm, IWA South London Branch: Christmas Social (see page 39) Wed 12th Dec 7.30pm, IWAKES: Historic Waterway Films Thu

13th

Dec 7pm, Salisbury Group: Christmas Dinner

(see page 33) (see page 12)

Salisbury Group Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: At the February meeting we welcomed Tim Wheeldon to tell us about the excavation, restoration and development of the first quarter of a mile along the long-time derelict Somerset Coal Canal. Throughout the talk we were shown fascinating pictures & photographs of the canal together with the adjoining Dundas aqueduct, so we were able to see the various views and developments throughout their histories. To start, Tim introduced us to the Dundas Aqueduct which carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon and the railway line. It is 150 yards long with three arches built in Bath stone by John Rennie and completed in 1805. The aqueduct was named after Charles Dundas, the first chairman of the K&A Canal Company. During its lifetime leaks have developed, it has been closed for repair on several occasions. More modern photos showed us the relining of the aqueduct, some members had even walked along the bed of the aqueduct at this time. One interesting fact was that originally a wall was built across the towpath; this was where the horses were changed without the boat even having to stop. Sadly, contractors demolished this wall in recent times but it can still be seen as a pile of stones alongside the towpath. Tim bought the first section of the Somerset Coal Canal when it was totally derelict and when the entrance lock was filled in and used as the garden for the cottage. Tim, together with his family and business partner, have worked hard for many years in order to bring this section of the canal to life. It is now in water and

11 the first boat entered in June 1986. It has been a hire base for Anglo Welsh and is now a popular mooring for private craft. The story of the lock at the entrance to the canal is most interesting. When it was dug out it was discovered that originally it had been a wide lock which at some time had been altered into a narrow beam lock. Also during excavation it was discovered that there was third gate in the centre of the lock. Originally there had been only a change of seven inches in level between the two canals; owners were very guarded about their own water. Now the levels are the same. There had been a traditional brick accommodation bridge over the entrance to the canal. Tim used to be a helicopter pilot and used the canals as his guide to navigation. Flying over the Oxford Canal he noticed a surplus metal lift bridge in a yard. This lift bridge was duly purchased and now is at the entrance to his section of the Somerset Coal Canal. After all this hard work Tim now has a thriving business in this short section of canal; moorings, café, cycle hire and electric day boat hire and with the help of European funding an active visitor’s centre. At the March meeting we welcomed John Pomfret to talk to us about the history of transport on the canal system and in particular at Braunston and Stoke Bruerne. We started with a transport time line from the Romans to the present day. Originally goods would have been transported by road where the responsibility and the upkeep were down to the local parishes. Goods would have been transported by pack horses then carts followed by the use of river barges in the 17th century. The use of canals for transport would have started on rivers using flash locks and pounds. Canals themselves could be built almost anywhere. The Bridgewater Canal was the first, and then everyone wanted a canal through their area to transport their goods, especially coal which had to be transported in large quantities to major towns & cities. By using canals, the prices were much reduced. On 17th January 1770 a standard size of boat was decided for the Midland Canals. A narrowboat with one horse could pull 25-30 tons. In 1774 Braunston appeared on the map and the wharf there became very important as a transport hub. Canal transport from Braunston to London eventually came into existence in the late 1700s. The Decline: – The railway era then began to dominate; this led to a boatman’s strike in 1923. Canals were in decline. When the M1 was opened in 1959 road transport grew and largely took over from canals. Stirrings: – New uses were put to the canals, camping boats & purpose built hire boats. Willow Wren originally transported goods; they now started to hire out their boats for holidays. New Era: – Changes now brought the canal system into modern use. Reservoirs could be changed to marinas, hire fleets created & moorings for private boats made possible. Problems: – In the 1970s both tunnels at Blisworth and Braunston had to be closed due to failure. The drought of 1976 saw many waterways short of water and of course on going maintenance is always required. Today: – The canal system is flourishing due to the popularity of cruising on the Inland Waterways.

Programme of Events Thu 21st Jun: Boules & BBQ at the Green Dragon. 7.00pm There will be no meetings in July, August or September. Thu 18th Oct: ‘A Sorry Affair’ The Southampton & Salisbury Canal was a child of the canal mania of 1792 when investors were willing to put their money into any canal scheme in order to receive large profits. It was seen originally as part of a more general scheme for inland waterway routes linking Bristol and the Thames with the south coast. However, history presents a sad tale of a project ineffectively controlled and the canal lost its shareholders a great deal of money and indeed the canal was never completed. Peter Oates will be telling us about our local canal. Thu 15th Nov: Ron & Myra Glover together with Dave Thomas took a week’s holiday on “Vic 32”, a Clyde Puffer. They will be relating their experiences whilst onboard as they pass through the locks on the Crinan Canal and as they steam around the Western Isles of Scotland. Thu 6th Dec: Waterways quiz organised by Southampton Canal Society at Chilworth village hall. Thu 13th Dec: Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon Alderbury, 7.00pm Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 or 07768 622966, email glover.3@btinternet.com, myra.glover@waterways.org.uk or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman We had a very successful AGM with an excellent talk by John Gibson of the River Wey which is of course National Trust. Clearly the Wey is in good shape and enhancement work continues. We met in their offices at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. We now have a committee of six namely myself, Gareth Jones, Jen Bartholomew, Verna Smith, Mike Lewis and Chris and John Jones. At a subsequent meeting the following posts were agreed: Representative of River Thames and Basingstoke Canal, plus Chairman - Gareth Jones; Wey and Arun and Kennet and Avon plus planning - Verna Smith; River Wey and Acting Treasurer - Mike Lewis and Secretary - Jen Bartholomew. Although a regional appointment the Cargoes team at least for this issue continues to be Tim Fry, Chris Jones, Jen Bartholomew and Gareth Jones.

13 The major waterways which we actively look after, obviously in many cases working with local canal societies, are the River Wey, the Wey and Arun, the Basingstoke, a large part of the non-tidal Thames and a small part of the Kennet and Avon. We are also going to try and revive social activities including trips. Ben Scott has now taken responsibility for the sales stand and is always looking for helpers. At many levels white hair seems a qualification. It is not. We would especially welcome younger people as that is where the future must lie. Last week, I had my first of the year waterway trip, on the River Wey. It was busy. No shortage of the younger generation. As previously stated, Jen Bartholomew and I are going to try once again to revive activities, walks, trips and social. Please watch the website for announcements. Gareth Jones

Sales & Publicity Stand We are very pleased to be able to attend the following shows: Sat 16th Jun: Reading WATER FEST Sun 8th Jul: Newbury Show Sat 22nd Sep: Wey River Festival If you can help at any of these events please let Ben Scott on 07484o 223691 or any of the Cargoes team know, or email cargoes@waterways.org.uk. The Sales Team

Forthcoming Events Thu 6th Aug: Trip to Chichester Canal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Further details to follow Wed 3rd Oct 10.30am: Walk New Haw to The Anchor, Pyrford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meet at The Anchor, use a few cars to drive to New Haw and walk back to the pub. Please look out for further details at www.waterways.org.uk.

Bits on the Basingstoke Discussions continue between the county councils, the current owners of the canal, and CRT. We are told it is possible that a decision, in principle, to move forward with a change of ownership may be taken as early as the end of 2018. In

14 the meantime, the change of ownership has been dropped as a specific objective of IWA, though I am told that not too much should be read into that. Meanwhile, revenues from boating and mooring are improving. There is a new trip boat at Woking (ex - Chichester Canal). The councils have committed considerable capital sums to the canal. The repair to Swan cutting is also well up the councils' agenda. Also £500,000 has been secured from a developer which will be used to improve the towpath for cyclists at the top of Deepcut Locks. The water situation on the canal is in good order so hopefully there will be another successful season. Gareth Jones

Basingstoke Canal Society Chairman’s Report Following the very positive presentation given by Peter Walker, the CRT’s Acquisitions Manager, at the JMC in late November we had hoped that the discussions between the County Councils and the Trust would gather pace. We do know that the Trust has now appointed one of its managers to head-up the negotiations and we have been told that a budget has been established to cover the costs of the various assessments which will be needed to determine the long-term cost of ownership of the Basingstoke. We have made the point that an excellent opportunity exists to conclude these negotiations over the next two years before the Trust will need to focus its efforts on securing its next Government grant and the County Council will become pre-occupied with their next round of elections due in 2021/2. We are still hopeful that agreement will be reached on the transfer which, in our view, offers the best prospect of securing a long-term future for the canal. We start the new season with an abundance of water and with the canal in generally good condition. Work is now starting on new permanent moorings at Farnborough Road and we are currently in negotiations to acquire some land in Odiham which could enable us to build a small boat basin. Our aim here is to address the paucity of moorings on the canal which reduces the potential for the BCA to generate sufficient income to cover its costs. We were amazed to learn recently that the commercial fishing operation on the canal had resulted in the landing of 10 tons of crayfish, a truly huge quantity and indicative of the threat that invasive species pose to the canal. We are also very pleased to welcome the Mikron Theatre back to the Basingstoke after a short absence. They will be performing ‘Revolting Women’ at the Water Witch, Colt Hill, Odiham on 6th July starting at 7.30pm. A raft race is also being organized at Odiham on 2nd September to which everyone is invited. Philip Riley wincombecottage2@gmail.com

Chobham Social Meetings The meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, nr. Woking GU24 8AZ commencing at 8pm. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available during the interval. Raffle and retiring collection. Non-members and friends are very welcome. Please pass the word around. The programme for 2017/18 has now ended and a new programme for 2018/19 will be available soon. Further information from Malcolm Brickwood, corona1066@yahoo.com or www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk

Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II Public Trips in Hampshire aboard the John Pinkerton II restart on Friday 30th March and run until Sunday 30th September– see www.basingstokecanal.org.uk/jp/public-trips Or join us in Woking aboard the Society’s trip boat Kitty for a cruise in the beautiful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal. Enjoy a cruise past Horsell Common, a short distance from the setting for HG Wells’ “War of the Worlds”, and see the town from a completely different, and peaceful, perspective. We run Public Trips on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at various times throughout the summer, each trip lasting approximately 1¼ hours if no stops are made. For details of the trip schedule, http://www.basingstokecanal.org.uk/jp/kitty/ . You can book as individuals or family groups on public trips, up to a maximum of 12 people, and you will be sharing the boat with others. Private charters are also available Fri 8th Jun 7.00pm, Blues & Ale Cruise, Dan Sowerby Duo. Tickets: Adults £25 including fish & chips. Wed 13th Jun 3.00pm, Cream Tea Cruise, with piano accompaniment. An approx. 2½ hour trip. Tickets: Adults £18. Fri 29th Jun 7.00pm, Wine & Food of France Cruise, Taste the wines and gastronomy of France, delivered to the boat. Tickets: Adults £25 inclusive. Fri 6th Jul 7.00pm, Acoustic & Ale Cruise. Still Crazy Duo. Tickets: Adults £25 including fish & chips. Wed 11th Jul 3.00pm, Cream Tea Cruise, with piano accompaniment. An approx. 2½ hour trip. Tickets: Adults £18. Sat 21st Jul 9.30am, Farnborough Air Show, departing from the Fox and Hounds pub, Fleet. An all-day trip. Moor at Runways End, with excellent view of flying display. Tickets: £20.

Other Events Fri 6th Jul 7.30pm, Mikron Theatre Group, Revolting Women: The previously annual visit from the Mikron Theatre Group did not take place last year because the Fox & Houndsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; management was not interested and the Fleet Football Club had decided to stop hiring out their hall which had previously been used in bad weather. This year, David Millett has arranged for the performance to take place in the garden of the Water Witch at Colt Hill, Odiham. Sun 2nd Sep, Odiham Raft Race: The idea of a raft race on the canal in Odiham came from Parish Councillor David Stewart who has been doing most of the organising, including getting approval from Natural England! The Society has agreed to run the event, which will be covered by our insurance. The intention is that teams will start from Lodge Copse Bridge and make their way down to Colt Hill. What has yet to be decided is what sort of bank-side entertainment at Colt Hill will be provided. Philip Riley has so far been representing the Society but is keen to get others involved. It is certain that people will be needed on the day to help with marshalling but help with the organisation of the day is also needed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another opportunity to help the Society! Please contact Philip on 01256 702109 or by email at wincombecottage2@gmail.com

Kennet & Avon Canal News Newbury Branch The annual Newbury Waterways Festival is fast approaching, and preparations are well underway. It's a fun day out for all the family, so do come along on Sunday 8th July and join in. As usual there will be a gathering of narrowboats, boat trips and other water-based activities. In Victoria Park there will be a host of stalls, activities, children's rides and entertainment, including live music from the Crofton Stokers, which you can enjoy with a glass of something cold from the K&A Brewery beer tent. Boat trips in Newbury onboard our passenger boat, MV Jubilee, are already proving very popular this year. Join us during the school summer holidays as we embark on our fun pirate themed trips for children. An excellent activity if you have the grandchildren for the holidays. See https://jubilee.katrust.org.uk/ for details of these - and our standard public trips if an eye patch isn't your scene! Have you thought of having your next party on MV Jubilee? Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and club

17 outings, MV Jubilee comes complete with a fully trained crew. Available for hire with trip times to suit you and run for as long as you wish, typically from around 90 minutes to 4 hours. MV Jubilee is ideal for parties of up to 25 passengers. For more information check our website, or call our Charter Manager, Sarah on 07716 460562 or email jubilee@katrust.org.uk. Newbury will be going back in time for a 1940’s weekend over the 8th and 9th September. The town is planning a huge programme of events from Big Bands in the Market Place to vintage bus trips, historical exhibitions, parades, and, we understand, a walkabout by Winston Churchill! Newbury Branch will be getting involved by lending out the John Gould room in the Stone Building for historical talks and exhibitions, while our passenger boat, MV Jubilee, will be hosting extra boat trips. See http://www.homefronthistory.com/events or http://www.homefronthistory.com/events for more information. Julie Dean

Forthcoming Events Newbury saw a new season of boat trips start on Easter Monday on-board MV Jubilee. They will continue through the year until end of October, trips are at 12 noon and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays and at 2.30pm on Thursdays. Extra trips, and our popular themed trips, will also feature during school holidays. See https://jubilee.katrust.org.uk/ for full details. Sun 8th Jul, 11.30am-4.30pm: The Newbury Waterways Festival, is a few weeks earlier than usual this year with boaters arriving from Friday 6th. The Festival has a brand-new organising committee headed by Newbury Branch Chair Trevor Staig and it looks set to be another excellent weekend. Booking forms for boaters are available to download from the Trust website (http://katrust.org.uk/events). This year’s theme is ‘Reach for the Skies’, to mark the centenary of the RAF. Do come with or without your boat! Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sept: Newbury 1940’s Weekend, Further details to follow For further details contact Julie Dean juliedean@btinternet.com

Reading Branch The Reading Branch is continuing to hold their monthly meetings (no December meeting) at 7.45pm at The Grange Free Church, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD (just off the A4 Bath Road). Branch contact is: John Swift who can be reached on 0118 941 5540 or 07533 886 917 and by email: swift.john21@gmail.com Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses). Other meetings will be held as shown below and further details can be found on the Website at www.katrust.org.uk

18 The Aldermaston Tearoom was closed for refurbishment. This is now open…. It is located just east of the liftbridge that carries the A340 across the Canal beside Aldermaston Lock, and sells refreshments, sweets, ice creams and souvenirs. The garden offers an ideal venue to enjoy the canalside setting, and car parking is nearby. Do please visit if you are in the area

Reading Water Fest has become an attractive part of the town’s summer calendar and this year gains an extra attraction when the surviving ruins of Reading Abbey are re-opened to the public following extensive repair and stabilisation work funded through a Heritage Lottery Fund (National Lottery) grant. The key date is Saturday June 16 when Water Fest 2018 and the Abbey reopening take place as a combined event. Official opening time is 11.00am with events running continuously until the Duck Race at 4.00 pm and possibly later. Reading Water Fest’s boat moorings and stalls start directly outside the old Abbey and the annual Duck Race takes place on the Holy Brook constructed by ancient monks to bring clean water to the Abbey. As in previous years, waterside attractions will be supplemented by events in the Forbury Gardens but this year the restored Abbey area will provide a direct walking route between the two. The combined Water Fest event is expected to attract an even greater number of people than usual. Entertainments and a range of “food opportunities” are being planned by Reading Borough Council’s Events Team and the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust’s Reading Branch is looking after the waterside. Lots of boats are needed on the water and the KACT Newbury Branch friends will also be operating public boat trips on “Jubilee”. You will be very welcome as a spectator, as a boater, as a helper or any combination of these. Boaters can get entry forms from juliedean@btinternet.com and a small boat entry fee brings a welcome social event on Friday evening, a commemorative plaque and exemption from mooring fees on site during the event and for several days either side. Two boat parades are planned for Water Fest day for those who wish to take part and prizes are available to the best dressed boats. Offers of help on the land will also be greatly appreciated, even for a short time. Please contact d.copley247@btinternet.com with these. From mid-May the official Water Fest programme will be available from libraries, leisure centres and arts venues across Reading, an electronic version will also be available on the Reading Borough Council website www.reading.gov.uk. Reading Branch of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust look forward to seeing IWA members and friends from all parts of the canal system and all parts of the country at Reading Water Fest 2018 on Saturday June 16th.

Crofton Beam Engines Come and visit the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing the job they were built to do! There are two beam engines, one of which is an original 200-year-old Boulton & Watt. Both are fed by a hand-stoked, coal-fired Lancashire boiler. These are magnificent pieces of industrial archaeology appealing both to families and steam enthusiasts. The engine house is set in unspoiled Wiltshire countryside close to the old market town of Marlborough. The Beam Engines can be run in steam to special order if you have an event you would like to celebrate or a group of people to whom you would like to give a unique experience. Also, the engines are available to use by film and broadcasting organisations, for instance when portraying themes of the industrial revolution, great inventors, canal transport and steam as motive power. The beautiful surroundings make this an ideal location for filming. Prices depend on a number of factors which will differ according to the chosen date and bookings are subject to the terms and conditions set out here. Please contact us if you want to receive more details.

Forthcoming Events Sat 23rd & Sun 24th Jun: Crofton steaming weekend Sat 28th & Sun 29th Jul: Crofton steaming weekend Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug: August Bank Holiday steaming weekend Sat 29th & Sun 30th Sep: Crofton Steam Gala Sun 28th Oct: Halloween steaming weekend More information from http://www.croftonbeamengines.org

River Thames News As has been widely reported the Thames will, at least for the present, remain in EA ownership for navigation. Money has been spent, including on the refurbishment of Blakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lock at the entrance to the Kennet and Avon. There has been a strong flow of water but mercifully no flooding this year below Windsor. No doubt in other areas, flood meadows have been flooded.

20 Money is an issue and the EA are looking to extract more from navigation. Allegedly, navigation costs are c£8m and income c£5m. Many people, however, pay little or nothing for the amenity value of the Thames, let alone its other benefits in tourism, leisure and the wider economy. This is clearly an area where there are many accounting and economic arguments. Undoubtedly a role for IWA lobbying. Gareth Jones

River Wey & Godalming Navigations I had a really enjoyable evening at your AGM at the end of March held here at the Dapdune Centre at Dapdune Wharf. Also, it was good to hear what is going on further afield and how we can work more closely with IWA to look after our interests in our waterways. Much has changed since I wrote my last piece for Cargoes. Taking the traffic light analogy, EU regulation around abstraction licencing has gone from red to green as it looks very much like we will not require any licences on the Wey Navigations. However, Environmental Permitting has only moved from red to amber on the basis that DEFRA has announced a “Consultation on amendments to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016” (in relation to exemptions and exclusions for flood risk activities). Is it too early to think common sense is finally to be applied? The threat to the setting of the conservation area (did you know the whole of the navigations from Godalming to Weybridge including the towpath is a designated conservation area?) from inappropriate development stays firmly at red. While we are not anti-development we do want to see high quality development come forward with excellent design to fit the setting and scale of the waterway – work with it not in spite of it. While the recent application for the site opposite Dapdune Wharf with a 10 storey plus tower block has been withdrawn, we fully expect another application to be submitted soon. The whole of the riverside along Walnut Tree Close is subject to development pressure and we continue to try and exert positive influence to create good quality and well-designed buildings. The green traffic light most certainly represents the work our teams have been undertaking – planned and now being delivered. Out on the waterway we have been busy preparing locks for the boating season, installing a non-power portage point at Triggs Lock and undertaking repairs to the towpath in various areas post winter. Now that it has nearly finally stopped raining the entire time, weir keeping becomes less of an issue and more time can be spent cutting grass and vegetation as well as catching up on painting jobs. Dapdune Wharf and Shalford Mill are now both open again and receiving visitors and our learning programme is keeping everyone busy, as we have schools visiting most days now through until the summer holidays begin. The early Easter has been a real challenge in many more ways than you can imagine. The dreadful weather has, of course, had a severe impact on visitor

21 numbers to Dapdune and Shalford Mill. With the river in flood over Easter it also curtailed all boating and meant all hire boats could not operate. Apart from the income foregone we rely on hire boats to introduce people to the river and boating – they are the potential boat owners of tomorrow and supporters of IWA. The wet weather also meant a lot of extra weir keeping, while very exhausting for those undertaking it, it also prevents them getting on with other important tasks at this time of the year. With the recent hot spell just passed and back to “normal” April weather at least people can get out boating the navigations and walking along the towpath. This has also enabled the Environment Agency to finally begin weir replacement work at Hamm Oils mills (Thames Lock) and Walsham. We hope for dry weather to help them on with their task and for us to enjoy the waterway. Coming up in May & June at Dapdune are range of events – Toll house turbine tour, Wharf Weenies, Down your Wey day and Urban foraging and at Shalford Mill, National mills weekend and Science in action: cogs, gears and wheels. You can find all the details of these and other events for the summer at:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shalfordmill and of course not forgetting the Wey River Festival at Dapdune Wharf on Saturday 22nd September with free admission. Have a super summer and hopefully see you out and about on the river somewhere. John Gibson, Navigations Manager

Forthcoming Events Boat trips from Dapdune Wharf We have three electric launches, Dapdune Belle (see picture on inside front cover), Sir Richard Weston and Seewey and being electric, they are very quiet. The volunteer skippers have an interesting tale to tell - all about the history of the area you will be passing through on your trip. In summer, the damselflies dart in and out of the boat, shining emerald and blue. Most trips head towards Guildford, passing what used to be the manufacturing quarter, with the Electric Theatre - the former electricity works for Guildford until 1868, and the site of Moon's timber yard - now Debenhams. Sometimes our volunteer skippers decide they need a change and head downstream towards Stoke lock, passing lovely bankside vegetation and offering you a completely different view of Guildford. Trips can only be booked at the ticket hut on the day and are not available for advanced booking. When the river is in flood, we're unable to operate the boat. As the boats take a maximum of 12 passengers, on busy days they get booked up very quickly, so there are times when there may only be seats for the last boat left. Tues 5th & 19th Jun & 3rd Jul 2pm-6pm, Toll House Turbine Tour, Dapdune Wharf: Take our electric boat to Millmead Lock and visit the Guildford Borough Council Hydro Project. Includes a tour of the Toll House, where a reinstated turbine is once again generating hydro-electricity. Return trip to Dapdune followed by tea and cake. Booking essential on 01483 561389 £12.50.

22 Sat 14th Jul, 11am-4pm, Puffing-a-Wey, Dapdune Wharf: Come and soak up the atmosphere as the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain come and show off their magnificent steam powered craft. Themed activities for children and some free steam boat rides on the river. Sat 22nd Sep, from 11am, Wey River Festival, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford: We welcome boaters and visitors alike to celebrate everything that is great about the river. There'll be plenty to do such as willow weaving, children's crafts, Surrey Wood Turners and many other foodie and activity stands. The illuminated pageant at dusk is the highlight of the day, lighting up the river from the centre of Guildford.

Southampton Canal Society On the 5th April our members enjoyed Roger Cansdale’s talk “The Heroes & Villains of the Basingstoke Canal”. Currently running from the River Wey at Byfleet in Surrey to Greywell in Hampshire, when built between 1788- 1794, it had a tunnel 1,200 yard long to enable it to reach Basingstoke. This together with deep cuttings and a mile-long, high embankment were all constructed using the picks, shovels and wheelbarrows of the navvies. John Pinkerton was a major contractor and he paid his workers with a one shilling token as, at this time, there was a shortage of coin of the realm. It was one of the first agricultural canals to carry lime to the farmers. Indeed, trade during the Napoleonic Wars was good but over the years lack of capital, competition with nearby railways led to the canal company becoming officially bankrupt in 1866. Despite attempts to sell the canal, it wasn’t until 1874 that a new owner, William St Auburn was found. Despite attempts to revive trade, the canal was put in the hands of a receiver in 1878. The canal was high maintenance when Greywell Tunnel had collapsed and wasn’t repaired until 1884 by Frederick Dimsdale. By 1900, the canal had had three more owners and spent about ten years in receivership. In 1895 the canal was purchased by Mr Fredrick Seagar Hunt, baronet. Gin drinkers may care to know that this gentle-man distilled his own Seagar Gin, obviously to fund the running costs of the canal? Improvements were made to the canal, brickworks were opened and traffic more than doubled. However, a breach in the canal and problems with the quality of the bricks led to the canal again going into receivership. The canal was purchased in 1905 and this is when the financier (and scoundrel) Horatio Bottomley, Liberal MP for South Hackney, entered the scene and the waterway became the subject of a gigantic swindle. Irregularities occurred, including the duplication of shares on an enormous scale. Remarkably, Bottomley emerged from this and other similar schemes almost unscathed.

23 In 1914 with the outbreak of war, the Royal Engineers took over and used German POW͛s for maintenance and repair works. Government stores and munitions were conveyed from Woolwich to Aldershot. The final owner was Alex Harmsworth a former bargeman who in 1913 carried out an epic voyage from Ash Vale on the narrowboat Basingstoke in a failed attempt to reach Basingstoke. Harmsworth then in 1923 became the owner until his death in 1947. Soon after his death it was auctioned for £6000, but restoration only really stared after the two County Councils (Hampshire and Surrey) compulsorily purchased it as a public amenity in 1974 and 1976. The Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society was formed in 1966 and many hours of volunteer labour over many years and almost continuous use of the steam dredger Perseverance were required before the re-opening in 1991. Roger acknowledged SCS Volunteers’ Peter Oates, Eric Lewis, Brian Evans and others for the work that they did. Roger showed pictures of work parties on Locks 8, 9 & 10 and of Joan Marshall, Tim and John Dodwell at the 1957 & 1962 IWA Rallies. All Canal Societies rely on volunteers, helping to keep the vegetation down to make the area attractive to visitors. Thank you, Roger for your very informative and enjoyable talk. Angela Rose

Forthcoming Events Thu 7th June 7.45pm: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The Charity which rescues 24 people a day. Thu 5th July 7.45pm: SCS 51st Annual General Meeting Thu 6th Sept 7.45pm: SCS President, Brian Evans will be showing a selection of Canal pictures and DVDs Thu 4th Oct 7.45pm: Ron & Myra Glover- A week on “Vic 32” a Clyde Puffer thro’ the Crinan Canal and the Western Isles of Scotland Thu 1st Nov 7.45pm: Nick Grundy “Pleasure Boating in the 1930s, 40s & 50s”. Boating exploits of his grandparents before the second World War, using old photographs, surviving log book and other historical material, to include early IWA campaigns. Thu 6th Dec 7,45pm: Inter Society Waterways Quiz. Questions will be set by the 2017 winners - IWA Salisbury. The evening is hosted by SCS and the traditional American supper will finish off the evening. We welcome other IWA teams to challenge us. Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm, Visitors welcome. For monthly Newsletter visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.

Wey and Arun Canal Trust WACT News FIRST BOATS TRAVEL OVER THE SURREY-SUSSEX BORDER ON THE WEY & ARUN CANAL The Surrey/Sussex border near Alfold (Surrey) and Loxwood (Sussex) was the scene of celebrations on 21st April with the completion of Gennets Bridge Lock by volunteers. After the ceremony, small boats were able to navigate across the county border, possibly for the first time since the late 19th century. The Canal Trust has invested about £375,000 and a huge amount of volunteer effort in the lock rebuilding project. Local landowner Nigel Gibbons unveiled a plaque on the bridge and said “When the Canal Trust first approached me, the project manager promised to create a showpiece site. That promise has certainly been fulfilled and the surroundings look magnificent”. The lock is faced with locally made bricks so that its appearance is similar to the original lock that disappeared in the early 20th century. Earlier, volunteer colleagues had presented a card and gifts to Eric Walker, MBE, who retired as project manager earlier this year. As well as rebuilding the lock, the volunteer team constructed a new arched bridge to take the Sussex Border Path across the canal and restored the canal channel northwards towards the Surrey border. After returning from a boat trip across the Surrey border, Chairman Sally Schupke commented “This was a short but historic voyage, marking another milestone in the restoration of the canal link between London and the South Coast”. For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk WRG Restoration Holidays at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust Waterway Recovery Group’s (WRG) 2018 Canal Camp programme will feature 28 Canal Camps across 13 different waterways. More than 400 volunteers are expected to sign up to the week-long residential camps, as well as three family camps. The aim of the programme is to support the admirable work being carried out by local canal restoration groups to help return even more canals back to navigation. WRG’s canal camps are open to anyone aged over 18 and a full list of dates can be found online. Mike Palmer, WRG Chairman said “Canal Camp volunteers have the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and enjoy new experiences. WRG Camps aim to give a significant boost to local restoration societies through an influx of volunteers over a single week or series of weeks and allow substantial progress to be made over a short space of time. Our volunteers both seasoned and new can be found restoring locks, re-lining canals, creating towpaths, removing vegetation and uncovering archaeological artefacts. 2018 is set to be an exciting year for us.”

25 This year WRG are supporting the Wey & Arun from 7th to 14th July and from 20th to 27th October Volunteers will be working on two projects this year. One at Birtley to help create 850m of towpath and recreational paths. The second project will begin the creation of a new visitor and boardwalk for a nature conservation zone located nearby, both projects aim to encourage visitors to come and see this historic canal and encourage interest in the country’s industrial heritage. To book a space go to https://www.waterways.org.uk/wrg/canal_camps or call Alex Melson, Volunteers Coordinator, on 01494 783 453 for more details.

Forthcoming Events Public trips in 2018 began on Saturday 31st March and run every Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday until Sunday 28th October. Private charters are also available Sun 3rd Jun: Poddle - The walk starts and finishes at Walberton Village Hall, near Arundel, and the total distance is about 11 miles. Sponsorship forms are available from events@weyandarun.co.uk. Further details will be available shortly on our website www.weyandarun.co.uk. Fri 8th Jun 7.30pm: Pimm’s & Picnic Sunset Cruise - The first evening cruise of the season offers passengers the opportunity to experience a leisurely summer evening trip on the canal sipping a glass of Pimm's and tucking into a delicious picnic. Tickets £20.00. Booking essential. Wed 13th Jun 2.15pm & 4.30pm: Cream Tea Voyages - Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious cream tea on our electric canal boat, Wiggonholt, whilst watching the beautiful countryside pass by. Tickets £14.00. Booking essential. Sun 17th Jun 9.45am & 12 noon: Dad’s Bacon Butty Brunch - On Father's Day, treat your Super Dad to a trip on the canal whilst enjoying a tasty bacon butty washed down with tea or coffee. From our Loxwood Canal Centre. Adults £14.00, Children £10.00. Booking essential. Thu 28th Jun 2.15pm & 4.30pm: Cream Tea Voyages - Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious cream tea on our electric canal boat, Wiggonholt, whilst watching the beautiful countryside pass by. Tickets £14.00. Booking essential. Tue 17th Jul 2.15pm & 4.30pm: Cream Tea Voyages - Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious cream tea on our electric canal boat, Wiggonholt, whilst watching the beautiful countryside pass by. Tickets £14.00. Booking essential. Further details and booking from the Trust Office on 01403 752403. office@weyandarun.co.uk www.weyandarun.co.uk Northern Office Phone: 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm)

Kent & East Sussex Branch IWAKES Chairman’s Piece I am very pleased to welcome Malcolm Jones to the IWAKES committee as our River Rother representative. Our March meeting was held at a new venue in Tonbridge where we had an excellent presentation from Nick Grundy. It was good to see some different faces in the audience and we hope to see more at our future meetings. It is easy to go to tried and tested venues where we know we can expect a good attendance. We want to make our meetings easily accessible for all those who want to attend which is not easy given the large area the Branch covers. I would be delighted to hear from you if you could suggest an inexpensive venue or if there is a subject you would like to hear about. Thank you for your support for the branch and if you can spare just a few hours now and then to help our important work ensuring that our wonderful waterways are fully appreciated, then please do email me at les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk. I look forward to hearing from you. Les Etheridge – IWAKES Chairman

Past Events ‘IWAKES’ Annual General Meeting’ The IWAKES Annual General Meeting was held as usual at St Nicholas Church Hall, Maidstone. Only twelve members attended the meeting, including Verna Smith, IWA South East Region Chairman, who came from Aldershot. Our new Chairman, Les Etheridge, said he missed our past Chairman, Mike Hannan; particularly for the conversations they used to have about the Branch. He praised the time Mike spent as Chairman. Sue Schwieso was thanked for arranging the Branch programme, Bernard Snell for being Thames & Medway Rep. and Mike Marsh, our Medway Rep. Les hoped that full use would be made of the River Medway following all the improvement work done in 2017. Dartford & Crayford Creek Restoration Trust are a determined group. Following the official ‘business’ we divided into groups to answer the questions in Roy Sutton’s ‘Waterway Quiz’. Strangely, the group’s scores were very similar: hardly any canal water between us. ‘Narrowboating in Tidal Waters’: Nick Grundy Twenty-two members travelled to a new venue in Tonbridge for a talk by Nick, one of the well-known boating family Grundy. They have owned their narrowboat ‘Beatty’ for well over fifty years. She is 70ft 6in, built by Yarwoods in 1937, with an Armstrong Siddeley engine and is named after Admiral Sir David Beatty. Nick regretted he had not started taking photos sooner; but those he showed were very interesting. He had scanned a lot of old photographs from long before slides became popular. Nick went to the River Trent Festival and showed Trent Lock jam-packed with boats. We saw narrowboat ‘Fulbourne’. ‘Beatty’ moored on Blacktoft Jetty, which is huge, made for coasters. Nick then showed pictures of Limehouse Dock before it was redeveloped; full of narrowboats. They joined the Queen’s Jubilee pageant, with enough paperwork to put you off for life.

27 There were five narrowboats abreast and it was difficult to stay in line, with lots of unaligned bridges to pass through. There was a complete mix of boats and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Nick has had a wonderful life on his boat and is sure the three children coming after him will do exactly the same. Angela Acott

Dartford & Crayford Navigation Work has been ongoing clearing and tidying river banks footpaths and the old wharves culminating with a visit by a Victorian Thames Sailing barge to Dartford’s old lock. We planned to berth the Thames Sailing Barge ‘Decima’ just upstream from the lock in the upper pool alongside the quay. Unfortunately, the sailing barge was just a few inches too wide to fit through the partly closed lower lock gate. We have now cleared years of debris and silt that had built up behind one of the lock gates to allow us to winch it open. No easy way to do this other than good oldfashioned waders, shovel and brute force. We dug through a good eight foot of dry mud with a further three feet which was especially difficult as it is all underwater and was cleared using a garden hoe which is far more effective than a shovel at these depths. The barge moved into its new berth in March. In May we are planning a Nautical Festival which will coincide with a visit and stopover of a small flotilla of Narrow Boats from the St Pancras Cruising Club who are planning to come en masse; arriving on the 27th May then leaving a week later. They will berth three abreast in the lock chamber now we’ve removed the banked mud that ran alongside the lock quays. On the 27th May we have a festival with Morris Dancers and music and refreshments on the “Decima” which should be quite an opening creek event and hopefully create a lot of interest from the area. We are still awaiting confirmation on the public slipway which was secured as a planning condition by Dartford Borough Council. The developer Weston’s have drawn up some indicative plans but as of yet we have no clear idea or commitment as to when they will build the slipway or whether they will take on our design criteria. Conrad Broadley

River Medway The picturesque upper reaches of the River Medway at Tonbridge can be explored by taking a river trip on the 12-passenger electric launch ‘Enid May’ that operates from the Big Bridge, High Street Tonbridge. Tonbridge River Trips offer a variety of voyages including bird watching, wildlife spotting, evening bat trips among several on offer. Private voyage trips can be booked and from the end of April rowing boats are available for hire. Operational dates and prices are on http://www.tonbridgerivertrips.co.uk/. Tel: 07808 739020 Flooding and Clean-up After the recent heavy rain in early April when red flood conditions were in place, EA staff have been busy with a clean-up operation. The picture shows the extent of the flooding at East Farleigh Lock. Now all is back to normal as we approach the end of the month. The EA controlled ‘alert’ system worked well. But income on hire and passenger boats was devastated. Keeping the Medway Clean On 17th April staff from three McDonald’s restaurants in the town came to together for a big clean up along the river Medway in Maidstone doing a litter-pick through the town centre stretch of the river park. Maidstone Borough Council supplied the bags and equipment. A great effort and surely much appreciated by all who use the river and river park areas. An organized litter pick by the Countryside Partnership also took place in April and this ran from Maidstone to Aylesford from the river bank. A very good number of rubbish sacks were collected - great work guys. Thanks for your efforts.

29 Maidstone River Regatta The former Maidstone River Festival is to be re branded as previously announced and there are plans to promote it as The Maidstone Regatta. A full committee had been formed headed by Marcus Niblett, and fully backed by the new Mayor of Maidstone Councillor David Naghi. The details have still to be finalised. Previous Gatherings of Boats and River Festivals have usually been held on the last Saturday in July Mike Marsh

River Adur The slipway at Emerald Quay, on Shoreham Beach, has an unusual status. Whilst it is accessible to the public it isn't actually a Public Slipway. It was constructed by the developers of the Emerald Quay complex, in the 1980's, to replace an existing slipway in the immediate area. The slipway has been maintained by the owners of Emerald Quay, at their expense, and they have always worked hard to keep it in a good working state. The work, commissioned by the Environment Agency, to raise the level of the flood defences took considerably longer than predicted. During that time the slipway, which is the only viable one in Shoreham by Sea, remained closed. However, the new (raised) slipway is now available to the public but it is understood that it hasn't been officially handed back to the Emerald Quay. Brendan Whelan

Northfleet Harbour Progress at Northfleet Harbour is now mostly behind the scenes working hard to ensure that Northfleet Harbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restoration forms part of the areas regeneration. Ebbsfleet Development Corporation have been tasked with developing Ebbsfleet Garden City to fulfil Government Housing targets for the area. Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust have been promoting the harbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restoration to them citing how it would transform yet another housing estate to something really special, we have provided them with supporting evidence provided by the IWA showing the economic benefits as well as the socio-economic benefits and are now waiting to see whether they take this on board and start working the harbour into their masterplan. Conrad Broadley

IWAKES Representatives are needed Vacancies exist for IWAKES Representatives for the Dartford and Crayford Navigation and for Faversham and the Swale. If you are interested, Les Etheridge would be very pleased to hear from you. Our Representatives liaise with and respond to waterway authorities and managers and other groups whilst keeping the IWAKES Committee informed of significant issues. Representatives are IWAKES Committee members but are not expected to attend Committee meetings.

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust (SORT) is struggling to find a decent project to keep themselves busy this year. Since 2006, SORT has concentrated on the restoration of the lock at Sutton Hall (Isfield). The physical restoration of the lock structure has now been completed so far as it can be without actually fitting gates and reconnecting the lock to the river. The former action would be very expensive, the latter impossible without the support of the Environment Agency (EA), and the EA's policy in the South East would preclude any such support in the foreseeable future. The horse box that had been converted for use as an amenity hut, and the barrow hoist, have now been dismantled, the wood parts have been burnt and the scrap metal cut up and sold. The top cut is dry while the lock is being cleaned out of the silt that has flowed into it during the normal winter floods. The new pump that had to be sourced to replace a timeserved unit last year is proving very effective for emptying the lock. It is now planned that the access ramp originally built to facilitate access to the lock chamber for excavation and restoration work will be removed and its constituent parts dispersed. Some of the spoil from this can be used to build up the level of the lock island to alleviate future flooding of the site. Other work planned for this summer season is to clear and re-profile at least some of the lower cut at the tail of the lock, once the ramp has been removed. • At Polebay Lock, large tree roots remaining after last year's overgrowth clearance work have been pulled out with winches. • At Bacon Wish Lock, the site has been cleared and the bridge has been restored to how it was before removing the removal of intruding tree roots last year. A safety fence has been erected down the south side of the lock as the clearance that has been done now makes it too easy to fall in. Some of the brickwork on the bridge has also been re-finished to stabilise it. • At Iron Gate Lock (Sheffield Park), attempts have been made to reopen contact with the local property management, now that a new general manager has been appointed there. Unfortunately, there has been no response at all from the new manager, which is very disappointing. It was hoped that a change at the top might have opened a path for SORT to recommence work there on the stabilisation and renovation of the lock structure, but it seems that the National Trust is still not interested in doing this, despite the important historical links between the Navigation and the first Lord Sheffield. • The owners of the land which includes the remains of Sharpsbridge Lock are also still not minded to allow any work there. So, as you can see, we are up against some difficult barriers with respect to progressing with our overall aims of restoration of the navigation, improved public access to the river and education in the historical context of the navigation structures that remain. Although we are giving quite a lot of thought to the possibilities for running a small-scale trip boat operation somewhere on the Ouse near to Isfield or Sheffield Park. Bob Draper

Thames & Medway Canal Association Network Rail has been granted planning permission for construction of the footbridge giving access to the TP Hut from the towpath. The bridge will provide 1.7m clearance over water level (the same as the Milton Ranges Halt footbridge). Its foundations will be shallow concrete slabs that will not damage the puddle clay lining. BCM Construction has undertaken preparatory work by clearing the scrub prior to the bird-nesting season. Main construction should be underway when Cargoes is published. The owner of Nuralite has approached the Thames & Medway Canal Association with an outline offer to transfer ownership of the canal through its site to TMCA. This ties-in with probable capping of the asbestos waste on the remainder of the site and the redevelopment of the site with new industrial units replacing those presently there and a nature reserve in the remainder of the site. IWA has been advising TMCA, who are also seeking legal advice from an independent solicitor and keeping in contact with Gravesham Borough Council. TMCA now plans to repair the collapsed gabions at Mark Lane using volunteers from the Waterway Recovery Group (IWA) to operate the plant. However, it is not likely to happen until the autumn. David Rouse has resigned as Chairman of TMCA but remains on the Committee. David’s successor is Dave Parnell, who was appointed at the last AGM. Angela Acott has resigned as Social Secretary of TMCA after many years in the post. A successor is sought. Rotary Club’s Bike Ride On the 15th April Dave Rouse, David and Angela Acott travelled to Gravesend Promenade for the Rotary Club’s 32nd Sponsored Ride through North Kent, said to be the best organised cycle ride in the south east. It started and finished at the Prom with 15, 30 and 45-mile routes to choose from. About six hundred riders, young and old, took part in reasonable weather. Organised by the Club for the past 31 years it has raised over £500,000 for charities; this year’s charity being Ellenor Hospice. Angela Acott

Kentish Stour National Grid were proposing a low bridge across the River in order to install new power lines. Following warnings from Roy Newing (IWA) and the EA, about the dangers of obstructing navigation on the River, National Grid offered palliative measures. However, they are now considering alternative forms of crossing. It seems further proposals will be made in August or September. National estuary channel has changed due to natural movement of sand. The changes are shown on the Sandwich Port and Haven Commissioners Website at http://www.sandwichphc.uk/page12.html. Environment Agency are now fitting orange warning lights to the Stonar Cut warning signs, following a site visit for EA staff arranged by Roy Newing. EA have also cut back overhanging trees.

Eastern River Rother Malcolm Jones has been appointed IWAKES Representative for the Eastern Rother. He is a long-standing IWA member, now residing in the Kent & East Sussex Branch, though most of his boating is from a base at Harefield on the southern GU. He moved 2 years ago to Northiam, close to the Rother at Newenden bridge, and is refurbishing a small boat for the Rother since it doesn't take 45' narrowboats! Born and bred near Birmingham, he grew to love the water as a schoolboy, sailing dinghies on a local lake. At Southampton University he had many opportunities to crew on coastal boats, mostly in the Channel. Work and marriage then took him to Birmingham again, and so the canals, especially the BCN, beckoned. They got around most of the Midlands in a 17' cruiser. After a break raising children, their first narrowboat was a 32' Hancock and Lane, with a rather temperamental Lister engine, so on coming into some money, they bought their present Colecraft, with the luxury of a permanent bed among other things. They are members of the St. Pancras CC, and trips to the Thames from Lechlade to Barking Creek have included the Queen's Pageant in 2012. There have been rumours about the sale of Rye Harbour for some time. It is denied by EA staff, and appears to stem from the well-known discussions about the transfer of EA navigation responsibilities to the CRT, which on the face of it would include Rye Harbour. IWA members will be aware that these discussions are at this time stalled. The EA is implementing a major programme of flood defence work along the eastern bank of the Rother, from Scots Float to Dungeness (i.e. the whole tidal river and estuary) as part of a larger scheme. This work is planned to take place from 2018 to 2020. There is concern over river levels at Bodiam; the EA are planning dredging work.

Future Kent & East Sussex Events Sunday 27th May 2018: Dartford Lock. Riverside Way, Dartford. DA1 5BS: ‘Nautical Festival’: Morris dancing, Music, Bar aboard sailing barge ‘Decima’: Dartford & Crayford Creek Restoration Trust event. All welcome. Saturday 2nd June 2018: 11.00am to 5.00pm: Royal Terrace Pier, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent. DA12 2BG: ‘Port of London Authority - Open Day’: Book at www.pla.co.uk/openday. Wednesday 4th July 2018: Meet 12.30, Depart 12.45, Return 16.45 for cream tea. Bodiam Boating station, Rye Road, Newenden, Kent TN18 5PP: River Rother Boat Trip: Contact Roy Sutton (RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk) for details and bookings. Weekend 28th & 29th July 2018: Maidstone Regatta: Raft race; decorated boats; illuminated boats. Still being organised. Thursday 27th September 2018: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent. ME2 2AH: ‘The Caledonian Canal’: Roger Squires Thursday 15th November 2018: 7.00 for 7.30pm: Upper Room, Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath. RH16 3DM (near the railway station and 200 yards from Clair Hall): ‘The evolution of a charity trip boat operation’. A talk by several people connected with the Wey & Arun Trip Boats over the past twenty-five years. Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust and IWAKES joint event. Wednesday 12th December 2018: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend. DA12 2BS: Get together with Thames & Medway Canal Association. ‘Historic Waterway Films’: Les Etheridge. Thursday 24th January 2019: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent. ME2 2AH: ‘RNLI – It’s not all at sea’: Colin Brown of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. Wednesday 20th February 2019: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Christ Church United Reformed Church, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SG: http://www.christchurchtonbridge.com/about/how-to-find-us/ ‘AGM’ followed by ‘Antarctica -An amazing continent’: Mike Marsh. Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings. Venue maps are at www.waterways.org.uk/kent/kent_east_sussex

Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman Today my thoughts are with Matt Arnold of Tooleys Historic Boatyard and Dry Dock in Banbury, and his family too. This morning, as Chairman of the Oxfordshire Branch of the IWA I received an email from Matt explaining the latest developments regarding his plight at the hands of Banbury Council, Cherwell District Council, Planning Officers and Property Developers, who it seems are acting in unison to close and preserve in aspic what is the oldest working Canal Boatyard with Dry Dock in the Country. The reason is that it is in the way of a massive multi-hundred-million-pound redevelopment in the centre of Banbury. At best we might see this Unique facility preserved under glass with life size model/mannequin boatbuilders dressed in historical clothing. One or two may have an electrically moving arm sawing a piece of timber, whilst another arm might paint a hull with blacking, in finest Madame Tussaud’s style. Gone for all time will be the real living museum that we have today, gone the county’s oldest living working Canalside Dry Dock Boatyard which by the way is officially listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Gone the atmosphere, the smells, the sounds of the Blacksmiths forge, gone all that has been on this working site for several hundred years past. Gone on a whim of a modern money-making development a precious living, working, breathing history, a real history that has continued to this day. However, of recent years this has only been possible thanks to Matt Arnold and the dedicated hard work and genuine concern of real men and women who have been contributing their efforts and rare skills working hard to preserve this gem. Wikipedia tells us: - The opening of the Oxford Canal from Hawkesbury Junction to Banbury on 30 March 1778 gave the town a cheap and reliable supply of Warwickshire coal. In 1787, the Oxford Canal was extended southwards, finally opening to Oxford on 1 January 1790. The canal's main boat yard in Banbury was the original of today's facility at Tooley's Boatyard which is an officially listed cultural site. The canal brought much growth and prosperity to Banbury over the years and is still popular with boat users today. Tooley's is the oldest continuous working dry dock in Britain and was established to build and repair the wooden horse-drawn narrowboats which regularly travelled up and down the newly constructed Oxford Canal network. This is why it was so vital to the development of the Industrial Revolution in Banbury. However, that was then, but now it seemingly can be cast aside by modern our day developers and Council employed urban town planners who don’t give any consideration or cooperation to Matt Arnold in his efforts to keep it alive as a much needed and fully utilised facility for the benefit of our Inland Waterways boating community.

35 Quite frankly, in my opinion the Banbury Town Council elected Members and their employed Planning Officers should all bow their empty heads in shame. If you feel strongly about this too, then please do email the Town Councils and Cherwell Council Planning Committee Members. If we make enough fuss, who knows maybe we can yet win a reprieve for Tooleys. Steve Good

Banbury Canal Partnership Our working parties have now resumed after the winter shut down because of the bad weather. Unfortunately, nobody as yet has told the weather lords that we are now in spring and require drier and warmer weather! A very few locks on the South Oxford are not accessible by road, and hence we cannot drive there. With some this is not a problem, for instance the Claydon flight of 5 locks where one of them has a small car park giving reasonable access to the other 4. However, Bourton Lock has no access other than a precarious crossing over the high speed main railway line from the south to Birmingham. No bridges or crossings here. So the only access is by boat. The two locks either side share the same problem but at least are within a 30 minute walk along the towpath from a car parking area. This months (April) working parties having been allotted Bourton Lock were treated to a trip on a members traditional working narrowboat to the lock and back to Cropredy. This had the plus of giving access to the off side for vegetation clearance, but the minus of having to carry on to Banbury to find a winding (turning) place for the 70’ boat, making a long day. The first working parties having resumed, will now continue on the third and fourth Tuesdays in May, June, July etc, venue to be announced. As I have said before, many hands make light work, many more hands would make even lighter work. So if you want a day out in the country side come and join us. You might just enjoy it so much you become a regular. Just bring a packed lunch stout shoes and gloves. All else including a tabard, life jacket, tools etc are provided. Please contact myself or Chairman Colin Garnham-Edge if you would like to be put on our emailing list Remember we have an email contact address: bcpontheoxford@gmail.com. We also have a website which can be accessed by putting ‘Banbury Canal Partnership’ into Google or other search engines. Brian Saunders BCP/IWA Committee representative

Wilts & Berks Canal As ever I look for snippets of useful and entertaining news to go in Cargoes but I need to start on a sad note to mark the passing of our President Sir William McAlpine in March. A great supporter of many charities he will be sadly missed On the good news front: Another piece of the jigsaw that is the acquisition of chunks of the canal to achieve our “Destination Lacock” project has been completed with the purchase of six acres of land near Queenfield Farm north of Melksham. This, when combined with landowner permission to access adjoining fields will allow the Trust to work on 1.5km of canal through open countryside. The Trust now hopes to recruit more volunteers to help with clearing, restoring and maintaining the site. In the Spring edition of Cargoes I mentioned the work on and adjacent to the canal in Swindon as part of the Wichelstowe Canalside development. This continues and is most exciting, although it means that our trip boat is still confined to a smaller pound than normal, albeit that plans are now advanced for a new winding hole further along to give a longer journey. The Boat team are also after more volunteers to help maintain Dragonfly and to crew the boat. Talking of Swindon, if you are in the vicinity you might like to visit our Shop and Information Centre at 1 Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 3pm. Date for the diary: Melksham Food and River Festival on 1st September. The Trust is seeking a volunteer with Desk Top Publishing experience to edit our quarterly Magazine as the previous incumbent has now retired from the role. Back near Chippenham on the Naish Hill long pound running between the Double Bridge and Pewsham Locks saw boating activity this month and in particular the Double Bridge saw boats actually pass through it for the first time in 118 years! Much celebration. Closer to home: We’re just entering the fete season so the marquee erecting exercise regime starts again. The local team is out and about strimming and mowing…if any of you are within a reasonable distance…we could do with more help. Contact details on our website Have a great summer! Brian Stovold, Chairman East Vale branch

Forthcoming Events Thur 21st June. Summer Solstice Campout Following our Open Day at Pewsham Locks (June 21st 2014) several members stayed on for an impromptu bonfire/beer party/summer solstice campout. This is now back by popular demand, anyone wishing to join in will be very welcome! It is a wonderful site for wild camping and star gazing. Please contact derek.flexer@wbct.org.uk

37 2nd 2nd

Mon July. Summer Dinner Mon July. Summer Dinner For more details please contact dave.maloney@wbct.org.uk For more details please contact dave.maloney@wbct.org.uk Sat 1st & Sun 2nd September. Melksham Food and River Festival Sat 1st & Sun 2nd September. Melksham Food and River Festival MCC branch of the Trust are joint organisers in this very important event, and there MCC branch of the Trust are joint organisers in this very important event, and there are opportunities for volunteers in many roles: management, PR, finances, are opportunities for volunteers in many roles: management, PR, finances, advertising, communication and general organisation. At the actual event we run advertising, communication and general organisation. At the actual event we run very popular boat trips, sell tickets, staff an Information Gazebo and sell very popular boat trips, sell tickets, staff an Information Gazebo and sell merchandise. It is a big event and needs lots of volunteers who help with sessions merchandise. It is a big event and needs lots of volunteers who help with sessions to suit them. It is fun to join in, and a great way to be part of the team. Please to suit them. It is fun to join in, and a great way to be part of the team. Please contact paul.lenaerts@wbct.org.uk contact paul.lenaerts@wbct.org.uk

IWA Canalway Cavalcade Cavalcade 2018 2018 IWA Canalway Hottest Hottest IWA IWA Canalway Canalway Cavalcade Cavalcade on on Record Record The hottest May Day Bank The hottest May Day Bank Holiday weekend since 1978 brought Holiday weekend since 1978 brought the crowds out in droves in Little the crowds out in droves in Little Venice, where the 36th annual IWA Venice, where the 36th annual IWA Canalway Cavalcade took place. 140 Canalway Cavalcade took place. 140 boats lined up along the Grand Union boats lined up along the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals and moored by and Regent’s Canals and moored by their sterns in Brownings Pool. With their sterns in Brownings Pool. With bunting gently bouncing in the breeze bunting gently bouncing in the breeze and their paint- and brass-work and their paint- and brass-work gleaming they presented a colourful gleaming they presented a colourful spectacle, alongside marquees and spectacle, alongside marquees and gazebos selling a multitude of items. The Noyze Boyz played in the Pool, and soul gazebos selling a multitude of items. The Noyze Boyz played in the Pool, and soul bands, flamenco dancing and the nationally acclaimed Rock Choir performed in the bands, flamenco dancing and the nationally acclaimed Rock Choir performed in the Amphitheatre to huge crowds, who waved, joined in the singing and danced. Amphitheatre to huge crowds, who waved, joined in the singing and danced. At the Opening ceremony, The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Ian At the Opening ceremony, The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Ian Adams, welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked The Inland Adams, welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked The Inland Waterways Association for putting on the event. Speeches were followed by the Waterways Association for putting on the event. Speeches were followed by the Pageant which this year proposed the theme of Canal Builders. Boats and crews Pageant which this year proposed the theme of Canal Builders. Boats and crews accessorized with picks and shovels, boots and wheelbarrows. One boat was accessorized with picks and shovels, boots and wheelbarrows. One boat was covered in “bricks” to resemble a canal tunnel, another had models of the covered in “bricks” to resemble a canal tunnel, another had models of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Falkirk Wheel on the roof and another went right back Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Falkirk Wheel on the roof and another went right back in history to 500BC with crew dressed in costume to commemorate the Grand in history to 500BC with crew dressed in costume to commemorate the Grand Canal of China. On Sunday evening the Procession of Illuminated Boats attracted Canal of China. On Sunday evening the Procession of Illuminated Boats attracted large crowds, and boaters covered their boats with as many lights as would fit along large crowds, and boaters covered their boats with as many lights as would fit along the roofs and sides, powered entirely by their batteries. the roofs and sides, powered entirely by their batteries. See inside front cover or gallery of photos on Flickr. See inside front cover or gallery of photos on Flickr. Awards were presented as follows by Mrs Laura Radley, widow of the late Awards were presented as follows by Mrs Laura Radley, widow of the late Arthur Farrand Radley, who initiated Canalway Cavalcade in 1983. Arthur Farrand Radley, who initiated Canalway Cavalcade in 1983.

38 Marcus Boudier Trophy For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed Pageant Winner: Highlander, owned by Tony Tucker Runner up: Webbies The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group: Winner: Red Watch, owned by Tony Catchpole The Cruise Electric Trophy For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s Procession: Winner: Rachel, owned by Mark Saxon Runner up: My Lovely The Graham Capelin Award For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday Pageant or Illuminated Boats Winner: My Lovely The Westminster Trophy Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition Winner: Stronghold, steered by Ray Oakhill The Roger Squires Trophy Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s 10 years as their Commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition Winner: Stella, steered by Karen Cook The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy Is open to boaters and non-boaters, awarded to the couple in the best “Boaters’ Sunday Best” costume: Winner: Caroline Moore of “Iquitos” The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy Goes to the “Best Boat” at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, it is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime Winner: Mystique, owned by Paul Campbell. The Idle Women Shield Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield was awarded to the best lady entrant in the Boat Handling Competition Winner: Wild Garlic, steered by Ms Laurence Dugeon

39 The Visitors’ Favourite Boat Trophies Sponsored by The Inland Waterways Association’s Canalway Cavalcade Committee two new trophies were awarded to boats in the Pageant and Illuminated Procession which received the highest number of visitors’ votes. Pageant Winner: Stumpy Illuminated Procession Winner: Dragonfly “Iquitos” (Some more photos are shown on the inside back cover) We are seeking candidates to chair the Committee from 2019 - if this is a role which interests you please contact Christine Smith, telephone 01386 642 577, mobile 07774 890 750 or email christine.smith@waterways.org.uk

South London Branch Forthcoming Events South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakers’ expenses, thank you. The programme for meetings is as follows: Wed 13th Jun: "Heroes and Villains of the Basingstoke Canal" by Roger Cansdale SUMMER BREAK Wed 12th Sep: Speaker to be confirmed Wed 10th Oct: Speaker to be confirmed Wed 14th Nov: Speaker to be confirmed Wed 12th Dec: Christmas Social with Mulled Punch and Mince Pies For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk. For updates and information on all IWA events and branches please go to: www.waterways.org.uk

Towpath Walks Group Sat 16th Jun 10.45am: Walk, Regents Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 17th Jun 2.30pm: Walk, Grand Surrey Canal: Royal Navy Victualling Yard to Greenland Dock, meet Surrey Quays Sun 1st Jul 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Islington to Mile End, meet Angel Sat 14th Jul 10.45am: Walk, Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (taxi rank) Sun 15th Jul 2.30pm: Walk, Regents Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sat 4th Aug 2.30pm: Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park & Bow Back Rivers, meet Stratford by “Newham London” sign Sun 5th Aug 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (taxi rank) Sun 19th Aug 2.30pm: Walk, Grand Union Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Green, meet Paddington (Bakerloo, Praed St. exit) Sun 2nd Sep 2.30pm: Walk, Limehouse, Thames to Docklands, meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 16th Sep 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Limehouse, meet Mile End Sun 7th Oct 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 21st Oct 2.30pm: Walk, Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard to Greenland Dock, meet Surrey Quays Sat 27th Oct 10.45am: Walk, Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (taxi rank) Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere). This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you so, if you’d like to give this a try, please contact Roger Wilkinson. The Walks programme for 2018 finishes on Saturday 27th October. The 2019 Walks programme will be available later this year – watch out for the these details. For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £10.00, Concessions & Student rate: £8.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 07896 801930 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk

Southern Association Southern Canal Canal Association

An Informal Meeting of Southern Canals Association will take place on An Informal Meeting of Canals Association will take An24th Informal Meeting of Southern Southern Canals Association will“Victoria” take place place on on Sunday June 2018 at 10am on board the passenger vessel at Paper Sunday 24th June 2018 at 10am on board the passenger vessel “Victoria” at Sunday 24th June 2018 at 10am on board the passenger vessel “Victoria” at Paper Paper Mill Lock, Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, Essex. The meeting will be hosted by Mill Chelmer & Mill Lock, Lock, Chelmer & Blackwater Blackwater Navigation, Navigation, Essex. Essex. The The meeting meeting will will be be hosted hosted by by Essex Waterways Ltd Essex Essex Waterways Waterways Ltd Ltd

Mikron Mikron Theatre Theatre Group Group Get Well Soon (GWS) Get Get Well Well Soon Soon (GWS) (GWS)

70 years of the NHS! 70 of the NHS! 70 years years ofnot the NHS!St Monica’s Hospital. All is well All is is not not well well at at St St Monica’s Monica’s Hospital. Hospital. All at They’re on life support, facing bugs, bedThey’re on life support, facing bugs, bedThey’re on life support, facing bugs, bedblockers and a battle to save A and E. blockers and and a a battle battle to to save save A A and and E. E. blockers 70 years ago, Nye Bevan gave us free 70 ago, 70 years years ago, Nye Nye Bevan Bevan gave gave us us free free healthcare for all. healthcare for all. healthcare for all. Can Can his his dream dream survive survive the the demands demands and and Can his dream survive the demands and pressures of the 21st century? pressures of the 21st century? pressures of the 21st century? Can Simon find a cure for his family Can Can Simon Simon find find a a cure cure for for his his family family troubles? troubles? troubles? Can Nurse Danuta save the day with her Can Nurse Danuta save Can Nurse Danuta save the the day day with with her her Polish pastries and proverbs? Polish pastries pastries and and proverbs? proverbs? Polish With tunes, transfusions and titters, join With tunes, transfusions and join With tunes, transfusions and titters, titters, join Mikron as we make a surgical strike on the Mikron as we make a surgical strike on the Mikron as we make a surgical strike on the state of our NHS. state of of our our NHS. NHS. state

Revolting Women (RW) Revolting Revolting Women Women (RW) (RW)

The fight for The for the the vote vote The fight fight vote Whyfor did the it take take so insufferably long long for Why did it so Why did it take so insufferably insufferably long for for women to get the vote? women to get the vote? women to get the vote? London. 1918. 1918. London. London. 1918. Women tells the Suffrage Revolting Revolting Women tells the Suffrage Revolting Suffrage story through through theWomen eyes of of tells a less lessthe well known story the eyes a well known story through the eyes of a lessfor well known Pankhurst, Sylvia, who fought the vote Pankhurst, Sylvia, who fought for the Pankhurst, Sylvia, who fought forEast the vote vote alongside working women in the End. alongside working women in the End. alongside working women inpush the East East End. Sylvia meets Lettie and they together Sylvia meets meets Lettie Lettie and and they they push push together together to to Sylvia to Parliament, to bend the ear of the Cabinet. Parliament, to bend the ear of the Cabinet. Parliament, to bend the ear of the Cabinet. A story of absolute commitment or A of A story story of absolute absolute commitment commitment or or dangerous obsession? dangerous obsession? obsession? dangerous Full of political satire, song and more Full song Full of of political political satire, satire, song and and more more suffrage suffrage societies societies than than you you can can shake shake a a stick stick suffrage societies than you can shake a stick at, Revolting Women unravels a contentious at, Revolting Women unravels a contentious at, Revolting Women unravels a contentious and momentous movement in history! and and momentous momentous movement movement in in history! history! www.mikron.org.uk

d Waterways Association

42 www.mikron.org.uk

The Inland Waterways Association IWA South East Region

Chair: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE Tel: 07986 2444479 Email: verna.smith@waterways.co.uk

IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee Chair: Gareth Jones Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking RH5 4QQ Tel: 07850 819 071 Email: gareth@hillhouse.farm Secretary: Jenny Bartholomew Tel: 01306 882927 Email: jen.bartholomew@talktalk.net Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis Basingstoke & R. Thames: Gareth Jones

K & A, WACT & Planning:-Verna Smith

IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee Tel: 07768 132703

Chair: Les Etheridge

Email: les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk

Secretary, Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton 79, St Leonards Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EG Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk Treasurer & Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson Membership Secretary: Anne Etheridge Social Secretary: Sue Schwieso Waterways Reps R. Medway: Michael Marsh R. Stour: Roy Newing Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell Dartford & Crayford: Vacant

R. Adur: Brendan Whelan Northfleet Harbour: Graeme Rooney R. Rother: Malcolm Jones Faversham & Swale: Vacant

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee Chair: Steve Good 1 The Bungalows, Ham Lane, Aston, Bampton, Oxon OX18 2DE Tel: 07825 296357 E-mail steve@stevegood.info Secretary: Brian Saunders Tintern Cottage, County View, Clifton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 0QA Tel: 01869 337227 Email: brisaunders33@gmail.com Treasurer: Ann Yeatman Webmaster: Robin Williams

Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: Terry Yeatman Non Committee Responsibilities

Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper

Next issue: Autumn 2018 Copy date: 15th July 2018

Wey River Festival



Come and join us at Dapdune Wharf for a fun packed day.



Site opens from 11am till late.



Entry is free.



A variety of food and craft stalls including, demonstrations from the Surrey Wood Turners, have a go sessions from the Guildford Archery Club and Black Dragon Morris dancers.



Lots of children’s activities will be on the island.

 (there maybe a small charge for some

children's activities)

Parking on site is limited, use of public transport and local car parks, recommended. 

To round off the day, why not come and watch the spectacular illuminated pageant arriving at the wharf around dusk and enjoy music from the talented Croydon steel orchestra.

Navigations Office 01483 561389 or email riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey Printed by www.imprintcolour.co.uk I Tel: 01252 330683

Saturday 16 June 11am – 5pm Forbury Gardens, Abbey ruins and along the Kennet, Reading Town Centre As we officially celebrate the reopening of Reading Abbey, watch live performances in the Abbey and join in with free family activities in the Forbury Gardens, browse the avenue of stalls along Chestnut Walk, listen to live music, enjoy a tasty bite to eat and something refreshing at the Bel & The Dragon at Blake’s Lock and admire the flotilla of boats along the Kennet Canal.

FREE!

For more information contact: General Enquiries – 0118 937 2771 Boater Enquiries – 0118 959 8247 Discover more at: reading.gov.uk/waterfest