Cargoes Autumn 2013

Autumn 2013

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

The National Trailboat Festival, Bodiam Photos: Roy Sutton & Angela Acott

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Editorial The months since the last edition of Cargoes have seen three major IWA Waterways events in, or adjacent to, our Region in which many of our members will have been involved. Canalway Cavalcade at the beginning of May provided a splendid start to the season. IWA’s National Trailboat Festival at Bodiam, organised by our own IWAKES Branch, was another successful event which enhanced the image of IWA and produced positive feedback (see report on page 25 and photos opposite), The recent National Festival at Cassiobury Park witnessed a campaigning speech by IWA Chairman, Les Etheridge, which highlighted the consequences of the Government’s decision that the transfer of Environment Agency navigations to CRT would not happen in 2015/16. (www.waterways.org.uk/news_campaigns/bulletins/iwa_august_bulletin_2013). The formal opening was performed by Dorothy Thornhill, MBE, Mayor of Watford (see opening ceremony VIP’s photo inside back cover). The National gave an opportunity for a number of Societies and Trusts within our Region to take their message to the wider public. This event also saw successes with National IWA Awards – the Canal Boat Trophy for the best non-commercial stand going to the Wey & Arun Canal Trust (see report on page 22) and the award for the best private galley and the Marion Monk Memorial Trophy for best private entry boat going to NB Hazel Nut (Rodney Wardlaw). Whilst on the subject of awards we must also congratulate Kathryn Dodington on receiving the Robin Higgs award at the Basingstoke Canal Society’s AGM in May in recognition, in particular, of her having organised the successful Campaigning cruises on the Basingstoke Canal last Christmas and at Easter.

One feature of future activities will be our involvement in working parties to improve local waterways and raise the profile of IWA through press coverage. This initiative is being masterminded by IWA Volunteer Coordinators Alison Smedley and Stefanie Preston, Stefanie being based at HO and responsible for our area.

Their liaison with CRT and Branches has resulted in initial working parties on the K&A Canal at Reading (see page 12) and the Oxford Canal at Oxford/Banbury (see page 33 & 34). We look to our members to give their support.

Finally, we end on a sad note with recording the passing of Alan Eggby (Chairman of South London Branch) and Roy Davenport; obituaries can be found on page 38.

Cargoes Editorial Team

Cover Picture: Philip Riley (BCS Chairman), Martin Leech (BCS Vice Chairman) and Sally Taylor (BBC – South) on board for the naming of the John Pinkerton II - see page 15.

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From the Region Chairman The weather improves!

I do tend to comment on the weather in my reports partly because it can have such an effect on our enjoyment of the waterways: drought leaves boats stranded, floods are even worse and ice brings everything to a halt. Over the last two seasons I have experienced all of these to some degree. Well after a very cold start that I reported in the last edition the weather has now improved dramatically and I have enjoyed another two cruises. Two years after the loss of my wife I have a new lady in my life and she has experienced the joys of our wonderful inland waterways.

Even as I write this she is reading Tom Rolt’s “Narrowboat”.

Over the May Day long weekend we traversed the Leicester summit again experiencing how volunteer lock keepers are helping keeping the boats moving there were three on duty at both Watford and Foxton. The weather for Crick was idyllic and following on from this we had a wonderful week traversing the South Oxford calling in at all my favourite watering holes at Fenny Compton, Cropredy, Banbury Aynho, Thrupp and Oxford. We also moored for the first time at Somerton meadow which was great for the dog. My lady friend struggled with some of the lift bridges, not yet being a fully competent steerer although she had to for the infamous Mill lift bridge 205 which even I had difficulty in pulling open. With time in hand we spent a couple of days on the Thames where volunteer lock keepers are now evident one taking the time to demonstrate to the lady friend how to lasso a bollard.

As I write this I have just returned from the national festival in Watford.

Regrettably I didn’t have time to take the boat but the moorings at Cassiobury Park looked very attractive with welcome shade as the temperatures soared .As always it was useful to have discussions with a number of stakeholders including CRT who were well represented at the senior level including Richard Parry the new Chief Executive. As for the festival itself no doubt we will be reviewing yet again whether the format is suitable for the 21st century - things have moved on a lot from Market Harborough in 1950! Next year the National will be at Stratford upon Avon and will be an open event for the public with no charge for entry. I hope to take the boat there.

Spending Review and the Decision on EA Navigations As I predicted in the last edition the chancellor has imposed an additional 10% cut in the funding for Defra starting in 2015. Thankfully this will have no impact on CRT funding which is a guaranteed 15 year deal. As I write this EA do not know the impact on their budget but given that their grant in aid is such a large proportion of the Defra budget comparable cuts are likely and we wait with baited breath how this will affect navigation charges on EA navigations such as the Thames.

As you know the government policy is that it wishes EA navigations to transfer to CRT subject to suitable funding and the agreement of CRT Trustees.

IWA has been strongly supporting this line so that a secure and sustainable funding line can be found for EA navigations with the inevitable reduced government grants that are likely to be available. Sadly this transfer is unlikely to happen in the near term.

5 In early July the review of EA was published which concluded that EA should continue as a separate non-departmental public body and not be merged with Natural England. It also concluded that navigable waterways did not need to be run

by EA or any other government body - all good news so far. A few days later the Minister announced that the transfer of EA navigations to CRT, whilst remaining the intention of government, could not take place in 2015 due to the parlous state of Defra finances. This was a bitter disappointment to IWA. As I write this the National Chairman and I are deciding how to take forward the IWA campaign: we had already visited Defra and are asking for a meeting with the Minister. Our determination to press for a sustainable future for EA navigations within CRT is undiminished. We may have lost a battle but the war is still to be won! You can expect to hear more about this topic in the coming months.

Paul Roper

Diary of Meetings & Events Thu 15th to Sun 18th Aug, G & R Branch: TB Pudge trip

(see page 10)

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Sat 17 Aug, from 11.00am, W&ACT: Trip Boat on the Summit Pound (see page 24) Sun 18th Aug, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regents Canal, Kings Cross – Granary Building - Hitchcock’s Hackney, starts Kings Cross (taxi rank) (see page 37) Sat 24th – Mon 26th Aug, IWAKES: ‘Shoreham River Fest' 31)

(see page

Sun 1st Sep, 10am – 4pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Work Party, Hythe Bridge, Oxford (see page 33) Sun 1st Sep: Angel Canal Festival Sun 1st Sep, 11.00am, W&ACT: Trip Boat on the Summit Pound (see page 24) Thu 5th Sep, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: “Water Management & Modelling” by Adam Comerford & Gordon Osborn (see page 21) Thu 5th Sep, 11.00am, W&ACT: Trip Boat on the Summit Pound th

Sat 7 Sep, 11.00am, W&ACT: Trip Boat on the Summit Pound

(see page 24) (see page 24)

Sat 7th/Sun 8th Sep, Middlesex Branch: Slough Canal Festival Wed 11th Sep, 7.30 for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Film evening – ‘Working Boats’ (see page 37) Sat 14th Sep, 10.00am, Chichester Canal Trust: A linear guided walk from Barnham Court Farm to Hunston (see page 17) Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sep, Oxfordshire Branch: National Heritage Weekend, Oxford Open Doors (see page 33) Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sep, 2.00pm – 4.00pm W&ACT: Gunpowder Store, Stonebridge Wharfside open (see page 24)

6 Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sep: Mayor’s Thames River Festival

(see page 21)

Sun 15th Sep, 10.00am to 4.00pm, Chichester Canal Trust: Poyntz Bridge open (see page 17) Sun 15th Sep, 11.00am – 4.00pm, W&ACT: Brewhurst Mill open: (see page 24) Sun 15th Sep, 2.00pm, W&ACT: Guided Walk along the old route of the Wey & Arun canal (see page 24) Sun 15th Sep, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross - Granary Building – Camden, starts King’s Cross (taxi rank) (see page 37) Tue 17th Sep, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): To be confirmed

(see page 18)

th

Thu 19 Sep, 7.30pm, G & R Branch: Trip on John Pinkerton ll – cancelled (see page 16) Sat 21st Sep, BCBC: Fox & Hounds Rally

(see page 12)

th

Tue 24 Sep, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Work Party, Banbury Lock 29 (see page 34) Wed 25th Sep, 10.00am – 3.00pm, G&R Branch: Work Party, K&A Southcote Lock 104 (see page 12) Sun 29th Sep, 2.00pm, South London Branch: Cruise on the River Great Ouse (see page 37) Thu 3rd Oct, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Why Archives? By Elaine Kirby (see page 21) Sun 6th Oct, Oxfordshire Branch: Banbury Canal Day

(see page 34)

Sun 6th Oct, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Four Hundred Years of the New River, starts Manor House (Finsbury Park exit) (see page 37) Wed 9th Oct, 7.30 for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Scottish Lowland Canals

by David Bowker (see page 37) Sat 12th Oct, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: ‘Under Billowing Sails – The romance and reality of tall ships’ by Wilf Lower (see page 31) Tue 15th Oct, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): To be confirmed

(see page 18)

Wed 16th Oct, 8.00pm, BCS: 'Brooklands into the Second Century' by Tim Morris (see page 16) Wed 16th Oct, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Social Evening (see page 34) Thu 17th Oct, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: The Bedford and Milton Keynes Canal by Paul Leech (see page 9) Sun 20th Oct, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Grand Union Canal: Uxbridge - Cowley – Little Britain, starts Uxbridge (High Street exit) (see page 37)

7 Wed 30th Oct, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): The Panama Canal by John Laverick (see page 18)

Sun 3rd Nov, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Regent’s Pk & R. Tyburn – Camden, starts Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) (see page 37) Thu 7th Nov, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: “The Awaking of Geoffrey Phelps” by Day Star Theatre (see page 21) Wed 13th Nov, 7:30 for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: '' Progress in the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal'' by Chris Coyle (see page 34) Wed 13th Nov, 7.30 for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Lantern Show

Aileen Butler’s Magic (see page 37)

Thu 14th Nov, 7.00 for 7.30pm, SORT/IWAKES Joint meeting: “The Wey Navigation, an historic & pictorial journey” by Alan Williams (see page 31) Tue 19th Nov, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): To be confirmed

(see page 18)

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Wed 20 Nov, 8.00pm, BCS: 'The Rivers and Canals of Brittany' by Graham Deavin (see page 16) Thu 21st Nov, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Changes on the Kennet and Avon by Elaine Kirby (see page 9) Wed 27th Nov, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): Rivers, Canals and SSSIs by Paul St Pierre

(see page 18)

th

Thu 5 Dec, 7.30 for 8.00pm, IWAKES: “My journey to Liverpool and first year as IWA Chairman” by Les Etheridge - Christmas get-together (see page 31) Thu 5th Dec, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Inter Society Waterways Quiz (see page 21) Wed 11th Dec, 7:30 for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: ''Skittles Night'' (see page 34) Thu 12th Dec, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Christmas dinner

(see page 9)

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Wed 18 Dec, 8.00pm, BCS: 'The London Water Ring Main' by John How (see page 16) Thu 30th Jan: 7:30 for 8:00pm, IWAKES: “The Baltic and Dutch Canals” by Mike Marsh (see page 31) Wed 12th Feb, 7:30 for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: “The life of a present day Lock Keeper” by Peter Payne (see page 34) Wed 26th Feb: 7:30 for 8pm, IWAKES: AGM followed by a quiz th

Wed 12 Mar, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: AGM. th

(see page 31) (see page 34)

Thu 27 Mar: 7:30 for 8pm, IWAKES: “The passage to Astrakhan” by Roger Squires (see page 31)

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Salisbury Group Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: In April, Dick Skeet from the Hereford and Gloucester Canal Trust came to talk to us about the history of this canal, the progress that is being made and their hopes for the future.

Work started in 1792 and reached Ledbury from Gloucester in 1798, eventually reaching Hereford in 1845, making this one of the last major canal routes to be completed in Britain. It stretched for 34 miles with some 22 locks and 3 tunnels.

The canal was built to transport coal from Gloucester to Hereford. Enough money had been raised by 1793 to start building, but due to construction of the one & a quarter mile tunnel through solid rock, which together with other problems, meant that by the time the canal reached Ledbury in 1798 all the money had been spent. Hence it was 47 years later that the canal eventually reached Hereford.

Unfortunately it was now too late for the canal, as the steam age had arrived and the decision was made to lease the canal to the railway.

The inaugural meeting of the Hereford and Gloucester Canal Trust was in 1983 when the aim was just to preserve bridges, wharf buildings, aqueducts, locks and lock cottages.

Work progressed and in the 1990s sections were reopened starting at Gloucester. However in 1992 the objectives were changed, now aiming to restore the canal fully. One day, it is hoped that the canal will be open from the centre of Hereford to link up with the 2,500 mile inland waterway network at Gloucester.

Dick Skeet concluded by mentioning the challenges that lie ahead. Such things as major road crossings over the navigation, a major railway embankment, the fact that the canal is built over a Roman fort, there are 21 locks still to be restored and that the land over which the canal is built has a hundred separate land owners. He concluded by asking the question “Why Restore?” The answer given was that it will be good for its amenity value, benefit local economy and will be highly beneficial to tourism.

At the May meeting Clive and Jill Field gave us a fascinating account of their 2005 trip entitled “Narrow boats to Norway”.

Clive told us how he took their narrowboat “Aldgate” single handed from the west to London, then down the Thames to Tilbury docks. Four boats in total were aiming for Sweden. The cranes that were usually used to lift containers then lifted the four narrowboats onto 60 x 8 foot trailers, called mafis, which were then craned into the hold of the DFDS Tor Line ship bound for Goteborg. The plan – to travel on the Gota Navigation and the Vanern Lake.

Once arrived at Goteborg they had to wait over a weekend for the boats to be launched. During this time their “hotel” turned out to be a war ship built in 1952 and decommissioned in 1979. They discovered that the berths were most uncomfortable, no changes having been made since it was in use by the navy, and to their horror, that the vessel was actually open to the public.

Once launched they were moored for six days at the maritime museum, but in fact they became exhibition pieces themselves. The Swedish public were

9 fascinated by these four unusual craft and the crowds inspected the narrowboats both outside and the interiors as well.

Eventually the four narrowboats headed off along the Gota Navigation to Trolhatten. The set of locks to climb the 106 foot Trolhatten falls were of great interest. The 1800 derelict locks can still be seen, the 1844 locks are moth balled and the 4 boats were able to travel up the 1916 locks where a large number of gongoozlers appeared.

The Swedes were amazed that they were planning to cross the immense lake to the Dalslands Canal in their narrowboats, but cross it they did. On route their journey just took them over the border into Norway hence the title of the talk.

In all, Clive gave us a most interesting and amusing account of this adventure meeting many different and interesting characters. His ability to imitate the Scandinavian accents added reality to this excellent evening.

Programme of Events Thu 17th Oct: “The Bedford and Milton Keynes Canal” by Paul Leech. Paul will be representing this waterways trust when he talks to us with the aid of slides about this new recreational waterway. He will show us the route of this 32 km navigation and will explain how, when finished, it will complete a new circular course taking in part of the Grand Union Canal and the Fenland waterways providing a linear park for the use of boaters, walkers and cyclists in the future.

Thu 21st Nov: “Changes on the Kennet and Avon” by Elaine Kirby. Elaine is an archivist for the K&A Trust. She will visit us again, this time to show how the K&A looked in the past compared with how the canal looks today. We will see how changes have been made since photography began.

Thu 5th Dec: Waterways quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society.

Thu 12th Dec: Christmas dinner at The Green Dragon Alderbury.

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 email glover.3@btinternet.com or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch Chairman’s Report

As I write this the sun continues to beat down on what is proving a fair to good summer for our inland waterways, especially those in the Guildford and Reading branch area. There are disappointments, the future funding for navigation on the Thames is unclear but there are positive developments at Maidenhead

10 reported elsewhere. The funding for the Kennet and Avon is cause for concern but one must remain optimistic that it will be resolved. CRT has made a good start on its charitable fundraising so should be in a position to keep things going. It is a pity that ownership and policy of the waterways in our branch area is so fragmented.

The Wey continues to go from strength to strength. They do have a long view of planning and other issues. The Wey and Arun makes steady progress and has achieved success with the planners at Guildford and Chichester. Of course the outstanding event has been the reopening of the Basingstoke on which I comment elsewhere. We must also commend the new trip boat on the Basingstoke and the increased cruises on the Wey and Arun. They are both good fundraisers and a good introduction to the respective waterways. Though out of our area Bedford has its trip boat and do join the South London trip (see page 37) to enjoy and learn from that.

We have had some branch activities and there is more to look forward to as the year rolls on. Next on the list is the 4 days cruise up the Thames on the sailing barge Pudge in mid-August. I am just putting the final details for the party who are going. The Trust who operate the barges have just been awarded a Heritage Lottery Grant of up to ÂŁ100,000 to help with repairs to their other barge, Centaur of 1895. The work will be done at Faversham this autumn and involves apprentices and a significant education programme.

So far this year I have had 3 waterway holidays. That on the Basingstoke is commented on elsewhere. The first was at the end of April, a week of glorious sunshine. We took a boat from Black Prince at Yeading on the Paddington arm.

We travelled via the Regents canal and Limehouse Basin to the Lee Navigation. The Hertford Union had a stoppage but Limehouse Cut and the Bow Rivers were open for the transit. There are spectacular views of Olympic Park which still has very substantial construction activity. We then travelled to Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford on the Lee and Stort Navigations. This was a pleasant journey with the locks working well. It also makes one realise how ethnically diverse London has become both on and off the water. This area has improved over the years although the constant electricity pylons are a negative. The return was via the Limehouse Basin and the tidal Thames to Brentford. This requires a VHF licence which I had achieved on a one day course in the winter. Between Limehouse and Westminster Pier there is much traffic but we kept out of the way by hugging the north bank. Listening on the radio we could hear us being referred to as a monkey boat, the old London Waterman's term for a narrowboat. It is a spectacular trip, far less daunting than I expected but a not to be missed experience. The traffic thins out greatly after Westminster Bridge and sights such as the boat race course are very interesting from the river. We returned to Yeading via Brentford which is unrecognisable from the days of working boats. A very interesting trip, we will go again. It is an easy weekend Friday to Monday trip and the VHF licence is good for a lifetime. Do try it - you will be hooked.

At the beginning of July, 6 of us went on a peniche in Holland for a week.

The Dutch waterways are amazing. They combine German efficiency with Dutch charm, good food and lots of windmills. On the Amsterdam ring canal we were in the company of 5,000 ton commercial barges. Not too close or their wake sucks you ever closer. We visited Amsterdam where the clearance on some bridges was minimal. There were lots of houseboats but they seemed very friendly to passing

11 commercial traffic or pleasure boats. After Amsterdam we turned south and by the third evening were on the outskirts of Leiden.

The following morning found a week long stoppage behind us and a lift bridge too low for us to pass in front. A friendly Dutch boatman used his VHF radio to summon a bridge keeper to lift the bridge and release us. We spent the morning in Leiden and the evening in Delft. There was a lot of commercial traffic in Delft and the boat handling was of a high order as the inland harbour is on a very sharp bend. One could spend some time admiring the manoeuvre in both directions. The following morning we cast off to follow a commercial barge down to Rotterdam.

The barge was unloaded and made good time using the radio to ensure bridges opened as it arrived. We followed behind just about keeping up. At Rotterdam he was signalled into a big lock while we took a small lock and emerged ahead into the port area. We worked upstream, fortunately helped by the flood tide, eventually arriving in Gouda at lunch time. There we locked back from tidal waters but as commercial barges took priority it was a two hour process. We turned into the town where there were good visitor moorings in the town centre. The next two days we ambled back to base with a brief flirt with the Amsterdam ring canal and a stop at Utrecht. The last night we moored at a marina on one of the Dutch lakes. On the way home by car we went through the Delta region of south Holland stopping for lunch at Zierikzee, a boaters' resort and fishing port. Another fascinating area that the Dutch reclaimed from the sea after the disastrous floods of 1953. The Dutch do sea defence and inland waterways to a very high standard. I would recommend a trip to Holland. The Dutch were very helpful and the canal maps, though not Nicholson's guide, gave all the lock and lifting bridge details. There were no shortages of facilities ashore in contrast to our trip to France last year where many local restaurants had closed.

Gareth Jones

Sales and Publicity Stand What an assortment of weather we’ve had for our last four outside events. At the Beale Park Boat Show in early June we were fortunate in having a dry spell for the three days of the show. By contrast the following weekend saw strong winds and squally afternoon rain during our participation in the annual Reading Water Fest. Fortunately the weather had relented somewhat for Newbury Waterways Festival over the third weekend of June when, as usual, there was good public support for the land-based show in Victoria Park and the gathering of craft along the waterfront. By early July a heatwave was upon us for the Guildford Festival Boat Gathering – where the public were treated to the colourful spectacle of the Decorated Boats Parade which this year was won by Corn Dolly (Sue & John Webster) with their depiction of a traditional seaside scene – the theme being ‘Britain at its best’. Earlier the same day the Guildford Lions Club had their annual raft race from below Millmead Lock to the Waterside Centre near Stoke Lock.

Many participants seemed to be spending as much effort trying to sabotage their competitors with water laden missiles as they did in propelling their craft – much fun was clearly had and money raised went to the Lions’ Charitable work. Our final event is the Fox and Hounds Rally, see next page.

Ray Carnell

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The Raft Race gets underway [Photo: Ray Carnell]

Corn Dolly (S & J Webster) Winner of the Decorated Boat Competition [Photo: Ray Carnell]

Fox & Hounds Rally The Basingstoke Canal Boating Club’s annual rally at the Fox & Hounds pub in Church Crookham is taking place on Saturday 21st September.

Boats wishing to visit from the River Wey will need to check with the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) to ensure water levels permit access up the locks.

Visiting trail boats may slip in at Winchfield or Farnborough Road. Visiting trail boat licence fee will cost ÂŁ3 per day.

Further information and necessary forms can be obtained from the Basingstoke Canal Authority, telephone 01252 370073, or info@basingstokecanal.co.uk.

We are hoping to have all the usual Saturday entertainments including members of the Steam Boat Association with their beautiful craft. Do make a point of putting the date in your diaries and come along and join us.

Jan Byrnes

G & R Working Party at Reading Attention all Guildford and Reading Members At a recent meeting Alison Smedley and Stefanie Preston, IWA Volunteer Co-ordinators from Head Office, briefed the Committee on how and why they are encouraging us to organise more working parties on our branch waterways in the future and offering to share their expertise and assistance in doing so.

Consequently WE will be holding our first branch working party, in conjunction with CRT, on

13 the Kennet & Avon canal on Wednesday, 25th September from 10.00am to 3.00pm, where we will be painting Southcote Lock, no. 104.(RG30 3DZ). Access to the Lock is through a gate in the lane and a welfare van will be present with a toilet, kettle and water.

Volunteers will need to wear suitable clothes for painting and to bring a packed lunch – all other equipment will be supplied. Do come along and join us!

Please contact verna.smith63@gmail.com or 01252 517622 if you would like to come and for more details.

Bits on the Basingstoke Kathryn Dodington’s Cruise at Easter was evaluated by the Basingstoke Canal Authority and declared a success. The canal was formally reopened with boats permitted through Woodham and St Johns on Saturday and Sunday and Brookwood and Deepcut on Friday and Monday. One can have a week’s cruise on or off the Basingstoke. This, to a degree, suits anyone who favours a ten day hire boat trip starting off on a Friday and returning off the canal on Saturday or Sunday with a return to base on the Monday. It does not work well for hire boats from Odiham. In addition until the beginning of July the last five miles were severed by the slip at Dogmersfield. This has now reopened to one way traffic with a full repair scheduled for next year. While the lack of rain has stabilised the slip we are on the verge of curtailment of navigation due to water shortage.

At the beginning of June I took a narrowboat from Farncombe Boat House assisted by my wife and for part of the cruise by Ben and Judith Scott. Graham Smith accompanied by his brother their wives and his mother, a very spritely ninety year old, took a boat from Guildford Boat House and we were joined by John and Jenny Bartholomew in their 26 foot cruiser from New Haw. The trip had been prebooked with the BCA. Despite this there was a slight panic on the Friday about boat paperwork. Subsequently the BCA have visited hire firms and this should not be a problem in future. On Sunday morning at 9am we were duly met by a ranger at lock one. We were warned that a tree had fallen across the canal between Brookwood and Deepcut. However, we made steady progress up Woodham with no trouble whatsoever with the houseboats. Perhaps they were all at church but peace reigned. Onwards through Woking and a brief stop for lunch at the Bridge Barn There are not many places open on a Sunday night for food. Having worked through St John’s we duly moored up near Brookwood. There was a distinct lack of moorings. This was an on-going difficulty as the timetable restricts where you can be and that is not where there are moorings. Monday morning found us at Brookwood lock but no ranger. A call to the BCA and the ranger was found so it was a somewhat late start. The tree was still there near Deepcut Bottom lock but the rangers were on the job and had clearly assembled the relevant kit over the weekend. They did a remarkable job of removing said tree and we were on our way again. It would be fair to say that while Deepcut is open it does require some fettling. Lock bollards are sometimes badly placed and poorly designed. As the boat rises lines are inclined to slip off and two people ended up swimming in the

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lock. There was one lock that the gates only partly opened being fouled by bollards and others where the boat gates were too low with water over the top while the lock and the next pound were at slightly differing levels. Lots of grunt and we were glad of the assistance of Ben and Judith. However the canal is open and I am sure these faults can be rectified, with less effort and better use of water. There did seem an awful lot going down the bypasses.

We arrived at the top of Deepcut around 2.30pm and rewarded ourselves with lunch and refreshments at a local hostelry. We then moored near Ash Station as we had a night out at the Globe in London. Tuesday we moved on to Crookham Wharf and again there was a good hostelry for dinner. The following day I went to a JMC meeting so was able to report first hand on the state of the navigation. After lunch at Crookham we paid a visit to the slip. Thursday was a return to the top of Deepcut. Friday we all assembled at Deepcut but again no ranger. Further calls to the BCA and 50 minutes later he appeared. Apparently there had been confusing messages coming from a local trip boat operator. With Ben and Judith’s assistance we made good progress down the flight though John and Jenny were concerned at how badly their boat was steering and stopping. As they do not have a weed hatch we could not at all easily look at the prop or rudder and the return to New Haw proved that much debris had accumulated thereon.

We moored above St John’s and had a very pleasant if somewhat late Italian lunch. Ben and Judith were back to their car and we packed up the boat as I had to go to an IWA meeting the following day. Sunday morning we were back at it and an on time arrival by the ranger. Boats were coming up but we had time for some excellent breakfast rolls from the Bridge Barn. Progress was slow and we were offered advice from the towpath. We did stop to clear the prop more than once. Just after one we arrived at Woodham, John going back to New Haw and I turning right for Farncombe.

It appears that about 3 boats a week are making the trip. I will continue to encourage people to go as I have yet to meet anyone who was disappointed. The opening times are not the perfect answer. The slip will need sorting out. Have a weed hatch and expect to use it. The canal needs more visitor moorings and facilities like pump out, gas, diesel and convenient water points. There are a lot of boats that appear derelict and some are badly moored. The canal particularly the Deepcut flight does need fettling and boater feedback must be helpful. The canal is very wooded and has its own beauty and charm. Do not expect to move swiftly.

There are some very good pubs but do check opening times. The locks are slow, the gear is heavy, there is a lot of tat on the bottom and there are parts that desperately need dredging. However we would not have missed it and we will return. The BCS have their new trip boat, John Pinkerton II, in operation. It was named the week we set off on our expedition. We wish the BCS every success with the Pinkerton II and 3 cheers to the BCA and the two County Councils who are really making an effort. It will be good for boaters and good for the economy.

Gareth Jones

15

John Dodwell visits the Basingstoke Canal John Dodwell, a long standing IWA member and also a CRT Trustee (but acting in a private capacity) went up the Canal in late July in his boat HELEN, a former BCN tug which draws 3ft and is 51ft long. He reports: We were met by the ranger on time at Woodham on a Sunday; indeed, all our ranger “appointments” were on time. We stopped that night at the Brookwood Country Park moorings. Monday saw the ascent of Brookwood and Deepcut locks; due to her depth, HELEN had some problems with scours below the Deepcut Locks – but then pound levels were down (No trouble on the later return journey when levels were up). Stopped the night at Fleet.

Tuesday saw us through the Dogmersfield slip site OK and on to King John’s Castle before winding. The return journey down Deepcut and Brookwood was with four other boats. Three of us continued the next day down St John’s and Woodham.

My overall impression? It’s a wonderful Canal. The top pound, especially the part west of Fleet, is well worth ascending the Locks. The Canal is far more treelined than most and the wildlife is great – we saw thousands of damselflies. Yes, HELEN found some shallow patches but at 3ft draft she finds them on other canals too.

I’d urge Members to use this Canal – re-opened now after the recent major work.

My thanks to various BCS members who helped with working the locks.

John Pinkerton II The new trip boat on the Basingstoke canal was formally named by Sally Taylor from BBC South on June 2nd (see cover picture). The event was witnessed by volunteers from the Basingstoke Canal Society, who crew the boat, past crew and local MP’s and councillors. Philip Riley, Chairman of the Canal Society, opened the proceedings by remarking on the foresight of those members who took the decision to launch the original John Pinkerton Trip Boat some 35 years ago.

Sally Taylor spoke of her great love of the canal and her experiences hiring from Galleon Marine for a ‘quiet weekend away’. She then poured a traditional quantity of champagne over the bow of the boat signifying its naming as ‘John Pinkerton II’ and taking care not to damage the fine artwork of John Ross, who had been working on his decorative assignment right up to the last minute.

Later, the new boat with invited guests set out on its inaugural cruise towards King John’s Castle. Aboard we were treated to a splendid buffet lunch as we glided along and learned much, particularly from those who had been involved with the first trip boat venture all those years ago – brought to life by some photos of the occasion that Robin Higgs produced from his collection - and so back to Colt Hill where the boat was quickly made ready for its first public trip in the early afternoon.

The JP II, which was built by Lambourn Boats in Droitwich, was designed specifically for the Basingstoke Canal and is wider than its predecessor and has a much improved galley, movable tables and better quality chairs. The improved layout and quality have helped to secure more charters than had been anticipated.

16 The month between the launch and the naming had been used to train the crew and to satisfy the Maritime Coastguard Agency’s requirements. Some small issues were identified by the local MCA Inspector, who was minded not to extend the temporary licence. However, Philip Riley Chairman of BCS, wrote a letter to the MCA which resulted in the licence being granted until October.

Over her thirty five years of service, the first John Pinkerton raised over ÂŁ750,000 which was used to enhance and improve the canal through bankside protection, back pumping at St. Johns and more recently helping to mend the BCA weed-cutter.

Ray Carnell/Verna Smith [Ed: Please note that the Branch Cruise on the JPII planned for 19th September has been cancelled. It is hoped to rearrange the trip for next season]

BCS Chobham Social Meetings The meetings will be held as usual on the third Wednesday of the month at the Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, near 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 autumn and early winter programme is shown below:Wed 16th Oct: 'Brooklands into the Second Century' by Tim Morris. Tim, who is the Brooklands Trust Members Administrator, will describe and illustrate the long history of this famous establishment, from its earliest motor racing days of 1906 right through until the present time. The motoring story is a fascinating one and also covers aircraft as well as both cars and aircraft are features of the current museum.

Wed 20th Nov: 'The Rivers and Canals of Brittany' by Graham Deavin. Graham and his wife Lyn will describe and illustrate the geography of the waterways and their links, their history and engineering features and how the system is currently operated plus the various craft using them. In the second half Graham and Lyn will talk about their experience of having a boat based in this area and describe some of the major sights, towns and cities one can see whilst cruising this beautiful part of France.

Wed 18th Dec: 'The London Water Ring Main' by John How. John, who is now a volunteer with the Inland Waterways Association, currently working on the Basingstoke Canal leading the 'Water Strategy Group', will describe the history of the London Water Ring Main known as 'the best kept secret about for London in the last 100 years' The project now supplies drinking water to the 8m people in London from a tunnel 40m to 60m below ground and has avoided Thames water bringing the capital to a grinding halt through digging up the roads to repair and renew existing water pipes.

Further information from David Millett on 01252 617364 or email: d.millett7@ntlworld.com

17

Chichester Canal News Linda Wilkinson, Secretary, Chichester Ship Canal Trust, reports: Recently work began on our visitor/information centre thanks to several grants - some to refurbish the building and some to fit out the centre. We are still a bit short to complete the project but hopefully the new shop will have a successful year and so far it looks favourable. Some time ago we ‘found’ some metal work belonging to a lock gate, Casher lock, which is part way down the marina road.

Our friends in the Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society have cleaned up the metal and are going to build part of a lock gate to be used in the visitor centre as a partition.

We also have grant money to replace 12 interpretation boards along the length of the canal. Those being replaced are 20 years old and beginning to look ‘a little’ dated with not very much information - the new ones, I hope, are not too much the other way.

Unfortunately we have a few district councillors who are under the impression that our proposed lifting bridge on one of three roads from the Witterings and Selsey will be opened in the rush hour and no one will be able to get to work! No one seems to have read our reports that that is not how canals operate. Perhaps the extensive report on the West Sussex CC Website is too long for them to read!

Forthcoming Events Sat 14th Sep 10.00am: A linear GUIDED WALK from Barnham Court Farm, Church Lane, Barnham (follow directions from the Murrell Arms) to Hunston. Approx. 6 miles. Bring a packed lunch. See the engineering remains along the old Portsmouth and Arundel Navigation.

Sun 15th Sep 10.00am - 4.00pm: Poyntz Bridge. Situated approx. 200 yds south of the canal basin, Chichester. Possibly the only, working, single span 1820 cast iron swing bridge in the UK. Plus a display of photos and artefacts. At 2.00pm there will be a guided walk around the canal basin led by Alan Green, illustrating the past history around this canal feature. In conjunction with Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society.

All enquiries about the events please contact Linda Wilkinson on 01243 576701 or e-mail canal.linda@uwclub.net

18

Kennet & Avon Canal News Canal Trust Meetings Both the Newbury and Reading Sections of the Trust hold a series of autumn/winter/spring monthly meetings to which non-members are always welcome. For the latest details see their Website at www.katrust.org The Newbury meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month (no December meeting) at The Stone Building, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS at 7.45pm prompt (doors open 30mins before). Admission is free. Light Refreshments are available. There is adequate public parking alongside the venue.

Wed 30th Oct: John Laverick, the recently retired chairman of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, will be giving a talk about the Panama Canal. He has become one of the acknowledged experts on it.

Wed 27th Nov: Rivers, Canals and SSSIs by Paul St Pierre of the Environment Agency. The River Kennet and its tributary the River Lambourn were designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest in 1995 because of their unique nature as chalk watercourses. Paul will talk about the issues that this raised and some of the remedial work that has been done since then. He will also talk about the interactions between the Kennet & Avon Canal and the SSSI, and the work that has been done and some of the options that have been considered to try and reduce the Canal's impacts.

Further information from the Trust Administrator 01380 721279 or Branch Secretary 01635 580356, Email: kact.newbury@btinternet.com The Reading meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month (no December meeting) at The Grange Church Hall, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD (just off the A4 Bath Road).

Meetings are scheduled to take place at 7.45pm on Tuesday 17th September, Tuesday 15th October and Tuesday 19th November but details of speakers have yet to be confirmed.

Entry donation, including K&A members, ÂŁ2.50 (to help with expenses).

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group Moving Ahead following Planning Consent Richard Davenport, Chair of the Trustees Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group, reports on the latest developments: Following grant of planning permission at the beginning of this year, and with the backing of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, technical work to

19 clear planning conditions and complete the detailed design of the Maidenhead Waterway is forging ahead. The aim is to be ready for a start of construction (subject to funding) by Spring 2014, with real potential for the first stage of the waterway to be built by 2015.

A full topographical survey of the route has been undertaken by Murphy SI and an internal survey of the surface water drains that outfall into the channel (some will be affected by raised water levels) has also been completed by McNicholas. Consultants GTA have been appointed to undertake modelling of the necessary sewer modifications and will support the scheme detailed designers.

Finally Golder/Peter Brett Associates have been selected as preferred bidder for the detailed design contract itself, after a comprehensive competitive tender process. Subject to contract, they will undertake the overall scheme design and be responsible for clearing planning conditions and securing further consents in readiness for a start of construction.

In the meantime, updated Bat and Badgers surveys have now been conducted and specialist contractors have commenced a rolling programme to eradicate some stands of invasive Japanese Knotweed that have been found next to the channel.

The importance of the waterway as a catalyst for the Royal Borough’s regeneration plans for Maidenhead town centre was re-affirmed at an investor conference hosted by local MP (and Home Secretary) Theresa May earlier this year. A major planning application from the Shanly Group for the historic Chapel Arches area has also been submitted and is shortly due for determination. Designed to embrace and complement the consented waterway plans, this residential led development is expected to help fund implementation of the waterway.

The Royal Borough, supported by Maidenhead Waterways and the Shanly Group submitted an outline application for £1.6m to the government funded Growing Places Fund in the Spring and was invited to submit a detailed application at the end of May. The due diligence stage has just been successfully completed and the TV LEP (who manage the fund) expects to make a final decision shortly. If it and the Shanly Group’s Chapel Arches planning application are both approved, then funding for the first stage of the waterway build could be in place by year end to align with completion of the detailed design contract.

To celebrate its planning consent, the Waterways Group has launched a PR refresh, with a new logo (see alongside heading), new simpler branding (Maidenhead Waterways or just ‘MW’), a new look web site and a new leaflet. MW has also joined the social media bandwagon, with links to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all provided via the home page of our web site www.maidenheadwaterways.org Please try them and contact us if you have any question or can help in any way.

[Ed: It was pleasing to see that the Maidenhead project was featured in the Restoration/Regeneration display in the IWA Marquee at this year’s National at Watford]

20

River Thames News Our Branch Thames Representative, John How, reports on salient matters from the latest meeting of Thames Navigation Users Forum (TNUF) Funding The EA Waterways revenue budget has been reduced by 8% from £6.6m in 2012/13 to £6.07m for 2013/14. This results from the continued requirement to reduce the Government ‘Grant in Aid’ (GiA) funding for these waterways, (this is in the order of 65% across all EA navigations). Capital allocation has increased slightly from £2.75m to £2.85m for 2013/14, but still remains well below the £4+m capital funds required each year to sustain the assets. No funding information is available for Flood defences.

Future of Navigation (FoN project) On 3rd July 2013, the Environment Minister Richard Benyon made a statement to Parliament, postponing the proposed 2013/14 review for the possibility of EA Navigation being transferred to Canal & River Trust (CRT). An extract from this statement is:The fiscal situation remains challenging and as a result Defra must identify additional savings in 2015/16 to help deal with the deficit. Initial scoping work on transfer costs which was undertaken during the New Waterways Charity Project indicates that the transfer of EA navigations is unlikely to be affordable in the current climate. The Government has therefore decided that the Review planned for 2013/14 to consider options for the transfer will be postponed until Defra’s finances improve and there is a realistic prospect of the transfer being affordable and that it can take place on terms which would enable CRT’s Trustees to manage the additional liabilities involved More detail is available from the IWA ‘Top Storey’ in the July 2013 Bulletin, refer to;https://www.waterways.org.uk/news_campaigns/bulletins/iwa_bulletin_july_2013 Income Development It is clear that over the next 3 years, whilst the FoN project is progressed, sustainable additional income is essential for the River Thames, to balance future reductions in GiA and associated budgets.

Although progress is being made with new projects to generate additional income, plus enforcement of licenses and fees from ‘accommodation structures’, the resulting additional income over the last 12 months has been small. There do not appear to be any projects that will generate several millions each year to compensate for the Government’s requirement to reduce GiA. Operational Statutes Generally the day-to-day management of the River Thames and associated matters of enforcement; volunteers and the like are achieving the standards expected. These are reported quarterly and can be found at;http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/130919.aspx

21

Thames Relay & Festival The River Thames Relay is a journey from the source of the River Thames to central London involving walkers, swimmers, rowers, powered and unpowered classic sailing craft, river communities and organisations associated with the Thames.

The 'relay' will begin on Sunday 1st September, starting with walkers following the Thames Path from the source to Cricklade, then into the water with river swimmers and taken to Lechlade and finally onto the main river and carried by various craft to Tower Bridge arriving on Sunday 15th September - this will be the final day of the Thames Festival.

For more information and how to get involved please email the project manager Jon Cooke on j.cooke@thamesfestival.org www.loveriver.org www.thamesfestival.org Jon Cooke, Project Manager The Mayor's Thames Festival

Southampton Canal Society Forthcoming Meetings Thu 5th Sep: Water Management & Modelling by Adam Comerford & Gordon Osborn: Adam is Group Hydrology Manager at Canal & River Trust and Gordon, SCS member and modeller with ABP Me. They will present a joint talk about the science of managing water both when there is too little water and when there is too much. This is just what we all have been wanting to know, so please put a note in your diary and find out how they ensure there’s water in the cut.

Thu 3rd Oct: Why Archives? By Elaine Kirby: Elaine, who is K&ACT Archive Administrator, will explain the roll of an Archivist. Plus old footage of the K&A. Thu 7th Nov: “The Awaking of Geoffrey Phelps”: Day Star Theatre will be performing a new play Tickets £10 inc. an American Supper supplied by our Members.

Thu 5th Dec: Inter Society Waterways Quiz: Hosted by SCS and run by last Years winning team, IWA Guildford and Reading. An American Supper will finish off the evening.

Meetings held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm. For Monthly Newsletters visit www.sotoncs.org.uk 02380 675312 Angela Rose

22

Wey and Arun Canal Trust W&ACT continues to maintain progress on several fronts. Negotiations with both Waverley Borough Council and the owners of Dunsfold aerodrome about the removal of the causeway at Dunsfold and replacing it with a bridge were reported in the local press, with all parties seeking to resolve the issue soon. The proceeds from this year’s annual Poddle (see report below) have been earmarked for the reconstruction of Gennets Bridge Lock in Ifold. This lock, the last to be restored before the canal crosses the Sussex/Surrey Border, will cost nearly £400,000 as it has to include a bridge as well. This sum covers the work to be undertaken by the contractors with W&ACT volunteers providing the finishing touches. WRG are holding a work camp in August to construct an access pathway and viewing platform for Cranleigh Waters.

The visitor centre at Loxwood received two commendations from the.

Peter Marchi and Dave Verrall receiving the Waterways Renaissance Awards for both ‘best stand’ award on behalf of the Wey & Arun the design and structure of the centre. At Canal Trust [Photo: Dave Verrall/W&ACT] this year’s IWA National, the Trust won the award for the best non-commercial stand. What really swung the award was Richard Emsley’s narrowboat shaped mouseboat in front of the Trust’s Stand.

W&ACT Poddle The opportunity to explore some new footpaths around West Sussex while raising funds for restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal attracted 178 walkers to the Trust’s 41st annual "Poddle" on 9th June.

Starting from Brinsbury Campus of Chichester College, near Adversane, walkers covered a 15 mile circular route. "The weather was ideal for walking - dry but not too hot," said W&ACT chairman Sally Schupke who took part in the event for the first time. "The route took us through some of Brinsbury's farmland with views of the North and South Downs and through a quarry which supplied some of the stone for locks on the Canal, as well as along part of the canal towpath itself.

Organisers Jo and Kevin Holcombe and route planners Geoff and Rosie Perks have done a great job of organising this key fundraising event for the Trust for over 10 years but are now standing down so I'd like to thank them for their hard work and efforts”. When all sponsorships funds have been collected, it is estimated that the event will raise around £8,500 towards the reconstruction of Gennets Bridge lock in Ifold.

23

W&ACT Cruise – Pulborough to Pallingham Successful trip for navigation rights cruise Forecasts for heavy rain at the end of June failed to deter a small flotilla of boats from casting off from Pulborough, in West Sussex, with the crews determined to show once again that the Arun is navigable as far as Pallingham Quay. As it happened, the day remained dry which made this successful trip even more enjoyable.

The boats were launched on the River Arun at Pulborough on Saturday, 22 June with the aim of reaching Pallingham Quay, the highest point navigable by boats on the Arun. The Wey & Arun Canal joins the river just downstream of Pallingham Quay. The aim of this annual event is to ensure that, when restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal is completed, there will be no legal reason why boats cannot venture from the canal into the Arun. These cruises were started by the Inland Waterways Association in around 1983 with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust taking over in 2011.

While waiting for the incoming tide to rise, boat crews enjoyed refreshments from the tea room at the Old Corn Store Emporium next to the river at Swan Bridge but by midday the five boats and crews plus nine canoes were heading upstream towards Pallingham.

All but one boat and all the canoes reached Pallingham Quay. The group then explored the nearby stretch of the canal before heading back to Pulborough, completing the trip in three and a half hours.

Wey & Arun Canal Trust expedition leader Brendan Whelan said: “Everyone enjoyed themselves and once again we showed that it is still possible to take small boats to the head of the river”.

“Although the trip was a month later than normal, we had no problems with weed but there were a number of places where it was difficult to squeeze past the trees.

However, unlike in many previous years, I didn't need to use my bow saw.”

The annual navigation event plays the vital role of proving that navigation rights continue to be exercised. When the canal is reopened it will once again be Boats on the Pulborough –Pallingham possible to travel from London to Arundel Cruise [Photo: Julian Morgan] and Littlehampton along rivers and the Wey & Arun Canal.

Trip Boat on the Summit Pound

This summer, the Trust is running some special boat trips on a section of the canal by the Three Compasses pub at Alfold, near Dunsfold Park, GU6 8HY. A few

24 short trips were run here last year with great success, and this section of the canal has benefitted from some further clearance since then, opening up a longer stretch to navigation.

The Three Compasses pub was the site of the original celebration dinner and inaugural cruise for the completion of the Canal in September 1816. As these trips are taking place on a smaller canal boat, places are limited, so should be booked in advance via the W&ACT’s Loxwood office on 01403 752403 or our website: www.weyandarun.co.uk The trips will take place on Saturday 17th August, Sunday 1st September, Thursday 5th September and Saturday 7th September. Trips will be running from 11am onwards at half hour intervals. £4 adults £2 children.

National Heritage Weekend Heritage Open Days – Sat 14th & Sun 15th Sep The W&ACT will be playing its part in the Heritage Open Days weekend, when the Gunpowder Store, Stonebridge Wharfside, Shalford, near Guildford will be open between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, 14th and Sunday 15th September.

This building is not normally open to the public. There will be displays on the history of the Wey & Arun Canal and Chilworth Gunpowder history.

On Sunday 15th September, there will also be a Guided Walk led by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust leaving at 2pm from the Gunpowder Store, along part of the old route of the Wey and Arun Canal, via Tannery Lane Bridge (the only roving bridge built on the canal), Gosden aqueduct and finishing at the old Bramley railway station. Approximately 2.5km, 1.5 hours. Please book in advance at the Guildford Tourist Information Centre Telephone: 01483 444333 email: tic@guildford.gov.uk or the Trust's Canal Centre in Loxwood canalcentre@weyandarun.co.uk.

Parking available at Broadford Business Park, Shalford, near Guildford, GU4 8EP (located behind the Parrot Inn, on the A248 Shalford to Peasmarsh Road) The W&ACT would like to acknowledge the assistance received from The National Trust and Gordon Murray Design Limited.

Brewhurst Mill will be open to the public on Sunday 15th September 11am4pm, teas and goods for sale. Toilet. No parking at the mill. Please park in the Trust’s car park behind the Onslow Arms pub and walk down the towpath.

Further information about the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is available from the Trust’s office, on 01403 752403 or from the Website: www.weyandarun.co.uk W&ACT organise a ‘mini-dig’ at Gosden aqueduct in Bramley The Wey & Arun Canal Trust is assembling its very own ‘time team’ for an archaeological ‘mini-dig’ at Gosden Meadow, Bramley, with the goal of uncovering hidden features of Gosden aqueduct, a structure of 1815 which carried the Wey & Arun Canal over the Cranleigh Waters. The excavation will be directed by Martin Cook, an archaeologist of vast experience in such projects on England’s inland waterways. The team of volunteer diggers will be hard at work by the second week of September and the excavation will remain open until Sunday 15th September, giving participants in the Trust’s Heritage Open Days’ guided walk from Shalford to Bramley on 15th September the chance to view what comes to light. No charge is

25 made for participation in the guided walk, but it is essential to book your place through Guildford Tourist Office 01483 444333. All other enquiries to the Trust’s Northern Office on 01483 505566. www.weyandarun.co.uk

IWAKES Branch News National Trailboat Festival On a glorious weekend at the end of May the Inland Waterways Association held the National Trailboat Rally on the River Rother in East Sussex. Three charities squeezed into IWAKES’ blue and white striped tent: IWA, SORT, and ‘The Primrose-Rye Barge Trust’. TMCA used one of their member’s substantial gazebos. Hundreds of people visited the site during the weekend.

Twenty-four boats of all shapes and sizes attended. Everybody enjoyed the lovely weather and the delightful surroundings of Bodiam Castle and the river.

Minibus trips were laid on to Smallhythe Place, Rye, Battle and the Royal Military Canal. Bodiam Castle was opened later on Saturday, in beautiful evening sunshine.

The National Trust also organised a barbeque. Then later a delightful illuminated boat event, for which many people had waited. At the closing ceremony, apart from the presentation of prizes, it was announced that next year’s Rally would be on the Grand Western in Devon. After such a wonderful weekend, those who were involved in the organising must have been well pleased with the way everything had gone.

Angela Acott

St. Pancras Cruising Club, Gravesend visit The club cruise to try out the Gravesend Town Pier moorings returned to Limehouse Basin on the evening of 2nd June after a splendid weekend boating.

There were 11 narrowboats and a Light Tug for the outward trip, with two more narrowboats joining us for the return.

On Friday evening, over a long supper, we were very pleased to draw on the knowledge and experience of our long-standing members who had “done the Medway” previously. Saturday saw an early start with wise heads studying weather forecasts and wind-speeds, but no reason could be found to stop us boating. So, with tea and bacon sandwiches sustaining us we were locked through Bow at half past eight, with both upstream and downstream gates open for six minutes of freeflow. Turning downstream at Bow Creek Mouth we settled down for a transit of 18 miles to Gravesend. Though our engines were only just above tick-over, my GPS registered 7 knots as we gained the full benefit of the ebb. The Barrier, Woolwich Ferry, Royal Docks and Barking Creek are all familiar to us, but it’s well known that there be dragons downstream of Margaretness. As the river widened, boats became ships and the sky darkened with their bulk. Coasters, bulk carriers, tankers, ferries and cruise liners were all encountered. Mile markers and buoys were ticked on our charts as we passed them, mostly on the correct side too. Jenningtree, Crayfordness, and Broadness Point were all new to me, and probably others too.

26 But we were undaunted. QEII Bridge had a good 60 metres headroom, though the traffic was moving more slowly than us. The Port of Tilbury came into view, the lock being 1000’ x 110’. Our good fortune held and it remained quiet as we passed, though later, big stuff with tugs at each end were in and out.

If our narrowboats felt small, worthy of mention were the sea rowing boats with which we shared the river. Six crews had started from Tower Bridge that morning on a 2,000 mile race around the coast of Britain. A female crew came within chatting distance at Dagenham, seemingly cheerful and undaunted by the fact that the leaders were already well ahead. (See http://www.gbrowchallenge.com) There were many hands to take our lines on the sparkling new pontoon moorings attached to Gravesend Town Pier. Jan Harris (Country Member with husband Dave), the Embankment Marina Staff and others soon had our boats secured with the ebb still running. Long lines were rigged on some of the outer boats, to ease the strain on others. Meanwhile the tug took up the river buoys with a narrowboat on either side.

The weather was kind to us for most of the weekend, but gusts of between 22 & 25 mph led to the cancellation of the Saturday evening excursion to the Dartford and Crayford Navigations. We were disappointed, though not downhearted, knowing we can always return.

It was a busy weekend with a Saturday evening social and a Sunday morning walk.

Low Water Tilbury was at 1430 on Sunday when we broke away from our moorings, our engines going astern. Gravesend VTS assured us there was no traffic (that she was aware of) so we crossed to the north bank in short order, settling down for the 22 miles upriver to Limehouse Lock. The sun shone, the wind was fair, passing ships were unfailingly courteous, and we were well behaved. The lock was readied to receive us and our four lockings were very well executed.

Some returned to St P, arriving at midnight, others went for a beer instead. It was a gleaming cruise; I’ve enjoyed them all, but this rates as well above average.

[Photos: Dr. Roger Squires] Andrew Phasey

27

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Isfield Lock The proposals put forward by the Environment Agency under their Middle Ouse Restoration of Physical Habitats (MORPH) plans altered the original Summer 2013 restoration programme that SORT had hoped to push on with.

As well as making improvements to the fish ladder at the Sutton Hall (Isfield) Weir upstream of Isfield lock, MORPH proposes to reinstate the ox-bow west of the upstream cut. That would bypass the lock, but not compromise the long-term plans of SORT and to achieve this the cut would once again need to be flooded. The work is scheduled to begin in 2014 and obviously IS something that would seriously compromise the current restoration of the lock.

Isfield Lock

[Photo: Terry Owen]

Isfield Wharf

[Photo: Terry Owen]

And so thoughts were turned away from the continued restoration of the west wall within the lock chamber to installing stop planks at the upstream end of the lock and to the complete restoration of the upstream wharf wall.

The relatively kind weather conditions (as opposed to the summer of 2012) have enabled work to progress well. At the time of writing the lock approach and cill has been cleared and re-laid. Stop plank grooves have been cut ready for lining.

The wharf wall has been exposed; dug out, partially demolished and is now being rebuilt. Photographs show the work in progress. Additionally the rebuilding of the banks/towpath along the cut is a work in progress and about 2/3rds complete.

A great effort by the restoration team working under project manager Ted Lintott and the supervision of Roy Sutton. SORT fully expects to be ready for any works and changes to the river flow that MORPH proceeds with in 2014.

28 Irongate Lock The main focus of SORT’s work is rightly on Isfield Lock but one eye is being kept on Irongate Lock at Sheffield Park, lying on a short cut in the river on land owned and managed by the National Trust. The Trust is anxious to help with work later in the summer and SORT will be on hand to offer help and expert advice on the way forward with this possible restoration.

SORT If you want to help with either project contact Ted Lintott on 01444-414413. If you want to become a member of SORT contact Bob Draper (Chairman and current Membership Secretary) on 01825-763857.

Additionally SORT currently requires urgent help with updating their web site.

Anyone who thinks they can help should contact Bob Draper and would need to have the appropriate computer skills.

Terry Owen

River Medway News The rebuilding of Teston Lock has hit further unexpected difficulties, this time with miss-fitting lock gates. However, it should have been be fully re-opened on July 12th. There are some restrictions at Tonbridge Bridge with repairs going on and piling work being done for Tonbridge scouts river frontage. Details are on the EA website and Allington lock website.

The decision, announced by Richard Benyon, that the Government will not merge EA into CRT in 2015 appears very bad news for the Medway, since it is certain that the budgets of Defra (and therefore EA) will be cut in forthcoming years and this will affect the standard of the waterway.

The MRUA AGM took place on 24 May on boat Allington Belle with guest Helen Grant MP and was followed by an excellent talk by Simon Elliott on the Roman settlements along the Medway. He gave much evidence of the Roman’s presence on the river and how they would have used it to transport stone and other commodities. Excavations are underway near East Farleigh at the site of a Roman villa.

Mike Marsh

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Thames & Medway Canal Association Since turning the pump on, reported in the last issue, we have seen the amount of water increase and the canal become a very acceptable linear waterway.

Top left: Fixing measuring plates to monitor the canal water level Bottom left: The Thames & Medway Canal near Mark Lane and now in water Right: Water entering the canal [Photos: Angela Acott]

However the combination of rainfall and increased levels has thrown up some problems. The levels in the canal and between the dams are being monitored regularly. The pump is being turned off to check for leakages. The results have made it possible to turn the pump on again to raise the level. Refilling a canal that has been neglected for a considerable length of time has to be done carefully as leaks and seepages cannot be determined properly until it is filled with water. The Tuesday Morning working party continues to battle with the vegetation that wants to take over the canal and footpaths. Attending to the knotweed, trees and reeds keeps us busy. Fly tipping and litter picking is on-going.

Our display team have been present at The Model Railway Exhibitions at River View Park School and the new £14m centre at Gillingham, ’Medway Park’; both good venues with lots of local people visiting the stand.

We also had a display at The National TMCA Display Stand [Photo: Brian Macknish]

30 Trail Boat Rally at Bodiam Castle. It proved to be a splendid three days for weather and visitors. We also gave an illustrated talk about The Canal to Rainham ARA. 118 members were present and all seemed to enjoy the talk. Some of them knew the Canal and had spent happy times playing in the area.

As reported on page 25 the St. Pancras Cruising Club came down to Gravesend in June and moored alongside the new Town Pier Pontoon at St. Andrews Quay. The eleven narrowboats navigated down The Thames from Limehouse and were joined by two more, who came up from Maidstone and the River Medway. TMCA organised a guided walk along some of the Thames and Medway Canal. All the crews enjoyed the weekend and there is talk of making it an annual event. It would be convenient to be able to use Gravesend basin for mooring but the lack of a second river lock gate makes this difficult.

We attended the Gravesham East and Rural Neighbourhood Forum to discuss “Options for a New Lower Thames Crossing�. 500+ people were present and the main concern was about Option C, the proposal to cross from the M2 at Shorne Ridgeway, Chalk Church, East of Denton Water treatment plant, across the railway, the Thames and Medway Canal, River Thames, West Tilbury, join the A13 and on to the M25 at North Ockendon. Two spokespersons, from The Department of Transport, were present to answer questions if they could and listen to any comments from the floor. Gravesham, Chalk, Higham and Shorne had Councillors present with MP Adam Holloway. After a short presentation the floor was opened and lots of objections and suggestions were expressed. Nobody present supported option C, all wanted tolls abolished to ease traffic congestion.

The audience felt violation of the countryside, green belt and Ramsar areas made this crossing unacceptable. The mood was hostile.

If you can help us restore the Thames & Medway, please get in touch through our web site at www.thamesmedway.co.uk or Email: info@thamesmedway.co.uk Brian Macknish

River Adur A study into the effects of three possible slipways, on the river Adur, in Shoreham by Sea is now under way. The consultants, JBA consulting, are using a mathematical model of the river banks combined with tidal and river flows. The original model was developed for an EA study into the effects of raising the flood defences in anticipation of global warming. (The EA granted permission for this model to be used for the slipway project.) To create the model the area covered by the river, at high tide, was divided into 5m squares and laser height data (LIDAR) used to set the average height in each of the squares. The Shoreham Slipways Group provided the precise position and shape of each of the slipways together with their profile relative to the sloping banks. When the slipway structures are combined with the river flow data the model predicts the rate of flow in each of the squares which in turn will be used to predict any movement of mud around the slipways. Based on this information, the slipway design can be changed to reduce

31 possible effects. When completed, during August, the resulting report will assist in selecting the best site for a slipway.

A river festival has been organised in Shoreham over the Bank Holiday Weekend 24 – 26 August. Various events are planned, including a Farmer's Market, a paddleboard race, etc. An online search for “Shoreham River Fest” will provide further information. (See http://www.shorehamriverfest.co.uk/) Brendan Whelan

Future IWAKES and Other Events Sat 12th Oct: 7:30pm for 8:00pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, Gravesend: ‘Under Billowing Sails – The romance and reality of tall ships’ by Wilf Lower: This is a TMCA event to which all are welcome.

Thu 14th Nov: 7:00pm for 7:30pm: SORT/IWAKES Joint meeting: The Upper Room, Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DM (near the railway station and 200 yds from Clair Hall): “The Wey Navigation, an historic & pictorial journey”.

Alan Williams, a National Trust Volunteer based at Dapdune Wharf: Thu 5th Dec: 7:30pm for 8pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend: TMCA/IWAKES joint event.

“My journey to Liverpool and first year as IWA Chairman”: Les Etheridge: Christmas get-together plus raffle and nibbles.

Thu 30th Jan: 7:30 for 8pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knights Road, Strood: “The Baltic and Dutch Canals”: Mike Marsh.

Wed 26th Feb: 7:30 for 8pm: St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone: IWAKES AGM followed by a quiz.

Thu 27th Mar: 7:30 for 8pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knights Road, Strood: “The passage to Astrakhan”: Roger Squires.

Maps for these venues can be found at: www.waterways.org.uk/kent/kent_east_sussex Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

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Oxfordshire Branch News Chairman’s Report Hello again. Since the last report in Cargoes your committee, together with those members who agreed to take on a specific role to assist us have all been very busy. I am very pleased to say that we have members covering the River Users Groups on the Thames. So if any of you, our members, require information on those meetings or want to raise some issues we can now do so.

Mary has been busy putting the finishing touches to the main events of the year. We still have a vacancy for a Social Secretary and a person to welcome new members. In my first report to you I explained that we had concerns about the branch which appeared to be failing and sought your opinion on what could be done to prevent that. Several suggestions were made and we have included these suggestions in our programme for the coming months.

Consideration has been given to our winter meetings and the low levels of attendance. We will not be holding these quite as often, they will be more varied and while at times we will still have speakers on other occasions our main purpose will be to bring members together and be more of a social gathering. (see list for dates and further information).

In October we particularly want to thank all those people who have helped at the events which have been held during the summer. Coming together to help can be enjoyable and we will have lots of picture’s to refresh our memories and remind us of the fun.

I am sure you will be aware that there is a move to seek volunteers to help keep our waterways in good order. At the committee meeting in April we were joined by IWA Volunteer co-ordinator’s Alison Smedley and Stefanie Preston who covers the S/E, and John Highmore, CRT Volunteer co-ordinator. Together we have arranged two working parties on the Oxford Canal. One in Banbury and the other at the lower end of the canal in Oxford. Further details of both of these can be found elsewhere in this edition of Cargoes. This will be our first time so please support us. Hopefully the working parties will provide some worthwhile pictures too for the October meeting and we can pat ourselves on the back for a job well done.

Brian Saunders (Secretary) and I attended a meeting with CRT senior personnel in order to discuss their plans for the coming years. One of the main issues was the mooring problems, which I am sure you are all aware of and the proposed changes to be introduced in an effort to resolve this problem. It was pleasing to hear that the numbers of unlicensed boats in the South East has been considerably reduced.

My Best Wishes to you all and hope we shall meet at some of the planned events.

Ron Heritage, Chairman

33

Past Events Thrupp CCC 30th Birthday Celebrations.

Finally we were pleased to join with members of Thrupp Canal Cruising Club when they celebrated their 30th Birthday. There were stands, duck races and members (including one of own) in the stocks - getting rather wet from the sponges being thrown at them. The day included a well attended Barn Dance in the evening.

A fun time was had by all. Donations from this event are being given to a local Charity “Rosy” who care for terminally ill children and support their families.

(My contact details are the same as the Oxfordshire Branch Chairman) Mary Heritage

Forthcoming Events Sun 1st Sep, Work Party, 10am – 4pm, Hythe Bridge, Oxford Join IWA Oxfordshire Branch at Hythe Bridge on the Oxford Canal to help get the waterway ready for Oxford Open Doors. The work party will be cleaning up the area by carrying out litter picks and clearing low level vegetation.

Wear stout shoes, old clothes and bring waterproofs just in case! All help is welcome whether you can spare a few hours or the whole day (remember to bring a packed lunch). For more details get in contact or visit the website.

Sat 14th & Sun 15th Sep, National Heritage Weekend - Oxford Open doors.

Arrangements are now well under way for this event. In addition to the usual boat Trips, a number of other stands will be in the pocket Park to add interest and colour to the days. These include the recent winners of the Heritage Lottery Fund so come along and find out more about what is happening on the Oxford Canal.

If you are able to spare a few hours to help and would like to bring your boat and stay for the weekend, just let me know so that I can organise the moorings I am delighted that we have help this year from the local Sea Scouts who will work with us on both days.

34 Tue 24th Sep, Work Party, 10am – 4pm, Banbury Lock 29, City Centre Join IWA Oxfordshire Branch at Banbury Lock (by the Mill Arts Centre) on the Oxford Canal to help get the waterway ready for the 10th annual Banbury Canal Day. The work party will be painting bollards and other pieces around the lock to smarten up the canal in preparation for this special event.

Wear stout shoes, old clothes and bring waterproofs just in case! All help is welcome whether you can spare a few hours or the whole day (remember to bring a packed lunch). For more details get in contact or visit the website.

Sun 6th Oct, Banbury Canal Day This is the 10th year for this event and Banbury Town Council hope to make it a very special one. We will once again be acting as Harbour Masters, advertising IWA of course and probably having a stand to try and raise some funds. The boat trips are always a big attraction and this year we will be running four boats.

Once again Kate Saffin is planning her “Theatre in the Dock” at Tooleys Boat Yard.

If you want to bring your boat you need to book early as places are filling up already (see the local council website for booking forms). Do come and join in these events. It is all good fun, with lots to see and do. (See advert on back cover) Wed 16th Oct, Social Evening A get-together to meet with members and say thank you to everyone who have taken part in the events that we have been involved with this year including working parties, Thrupp 30th Birthday Celebration, Oxford Open Doors and Banbury Canal Day. Wed 13th Nov, '' Progress in the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal'' by Chris Coyle Wed 11th Dec, ''Skittles Night'' Please note – booking with Ann Yeatman is required (contact details below) Wed 8th Jan, No meeting this month.

Wed 12th Feb: “The life of a present day Lock Keeper” by Peter Payne Wed 12th Mar: “ A.G.M.” Unless otherwise stated the above events are held on Wednesday evenings in the Social Club at Kidlington Football Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT. 7-30pm for 8pm. New members and visitors most welcome.

For more details or directions phone Ann Yeatman – tel: 01865372552.

35

Berks Canal Wilts & Wilts Berks &Canal

Wilts Trust & Berks Canal the name ‘Abingdon’ is synonymous with In Wilts & BerksInCanal terms theTrust nameterms ‘Abingdon’ is synonymous with ‘reservoir’ but announcement dates from Thames Water (TW) on ‘reservoir’ but announcement dates from Thames Water (TW) on their proposed their proposed reservoir to be across theofhistoric route the Wilts and Berks reservoir to be built across thebuilt historic route the Wilts andofBerks came and went.came and went.

However, their consultation Draft Water ResourcesPlan Management Plan However, their consultation document Draftdocument Water Resources Management 2015 to 2040 has atthough last surfaced though the consultation period 2015 to 2040 has at last surfaced the consultation period from 1 May untilfrom 1 May until 25 June is long passed.

It is a huge document most of which is available on-line at 25 June is long passed. It is a huge document most of which is available on-line at www.thameswater.co.uk/haveyoursay/16875.htm withAppendices the Technical Appendices www.thameswater.co.uk/haveyoursay/16875.htm with the Technical (Part available request as a CD. report in many parts but the summary (Part C) available onC) request as aon CD. The report is in The many partsisbut the summary does indicate that the Abingdon Reservoir is still an option though does indicate that the Abingdon Reservoir is still an option though transfer from transfer from areasblessed of the country blessed withraw more plentiful raw via water areas of the country with more plentiful water sources thesources via the Cotswolds Canals and Oxford Canal as well as a Severn to Thames pipeline are Cotswolds Canals and Oxford Canal as well as a Severn to Thames pipeline are The options map shows all these proposals including the Abingdon also discussed.also Thediscussed. options map shows all these proposals including the Abingdon Reservoir.

Reservoir.

Onthe a lighter note the entire Abingdon workforce (the twoout of the us) carried out the On a lighter note entire Abingdon workforce (the two of us) carried minimal intervention grass cutting around Jubilee Junction as defined in our grant minimal intervention grass cutting around Jubilee Junction as defined in our grant document approved by WREN who part funded the project.

We were delighted to document approved by WREN who part funded the project. We were delighted to see a dinghy approaching which outthe to be carrying thelock local Thames lock see a dinghy approaching which turned out to beturned carrying local Thames their tourFriendly of inspection.

Friendly were exchanged before they keepers on theirkeepers tour of on inspection. greetings were greetings exchanged before they went on their way. went on their way.

Martin Buckland Martin Buckland

Vale Horse/Oxfordshire of White Horse/Oxfordshire Vale of White

In the the county far westWest of the county West Vale Branch have had various visiting In the far west of Vale Branch have had various visiting teams from local businesses working their way along the towpath teams from local businesses working their way along the towpath between the between the

36 nearly completed Steppingstones bridge and Bourton Wharf, south-west of Shrivenham. The length here is about 1000m in all. Lots of scrub bashing and bonfires. In addition about 600 trees have been planted as hedgerow or small spinnies In the middle of the district East Vale branch have continued with the internal decoration of the Sack House at Wantage Wharf, and all that remains now is the installation of the electricity supply and fittings and the displays. The team have done a wonderful job on the internals which included laying paving stone floor, replastering the walls, painting and installing a loft ladder to the small loft area ( the ladder was donated by a local member).

The Sack House was the focal point for two of the guided walks I undertook for the annual Wantage Summer Festival. 122 people in total attended the walks – a record number and it is interesting for me to recall the early days of the festival walks around 10 years ago when I would expect half a dozen people. The first one this year, being a three mile (my estimate) walk from Wantage following the route of the Wantage branch out to the junction at Grove and thence to East Challow had 25. Even the 6 miles walk out from Ardington to see Ardington Marsh Lock complete with one remaining lock gate had a worthy 8. The walk along the Grove Lock flight had a record 29 and again the work the team had done over the last couple of years, battling the undergrowth to restore a path on the proper towpath location, paid dividends.

I must thank Cargoes for publicizing the walks in the last issue as one worthy soul came all the way from Farnham for the evening. Luckily the weather stayed dry.

Negotiations continue for a substantial lease over the canal at East/West Challow and we await completion in order to commence restoration work.

Over the Easter Weekend Tim Pyatt repeated the Towpath Challenge sponsored walk, which covers the entire length of the Wilts & Berks from Semington to Abingdon. This year with careful discussions he had managed to gain permission to walk more towpath as permissive path, taking the amount of towpath rather than off towpath walking to 50%. I understand the sponsorship received is in excess of £6,000. For photos and more information please see the Trust website.

The Vale of White Horse District has seen an increase in the numbers of housing developments being promoted. Two such schemes are for an old engineering site adjacent to the canal route at East Challow and also fields adjacent to the canal near Wantage at Stockham Farm. As part of the S106 agreements both developers have agreed to part fund an engineering study for the canal between East Challow and Grove taking in what we term our “pinch points” ie road crossings and places where development has taken place across the line, as well as the green space between East Challow and Grove. Arup were commissioned earlier this year and are close to finalizing their report.

Brian Stovold

South London Branch Meetings 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

37 presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do request a contribution towards room hire and refreshments. The programme for meetings is as follows: There are no social meetings at Croydon during July and August Wed 11th Sep:

Film evening: ‘Working Boats’

Cruise on the River Great Ouse. A boat trip has been arranged Sun 29th Sep: on the River Great Ouse starting in Bedford adjoining the Market Square Car park, (easily accessible from Bedford station) at 14:00 for 2-2.5 hours, cruising upstream to Kempston and back. Prices are:- Adult £8, senior £6, Child £4.40, Family £21.60.

The Community Boat is a new venture run by Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterways Enterprises Ltd. to raise funds for the new canal linking Bedford to the Grand Union Canal. To register your interest in participating in this trip, please email or telephone Alan Smith on 07774 890 750.

Wed 9th Oct:

Scottish Lowland Canals by David Bowker

Wed 13th Nov:

Aileen Butler’s Magic Lantern Show

For more information about South London’s Social Calendar, please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581, mobile 07774 890 750 or email alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

Towpath Walks Group - London Walks 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 the IWA. Sun 18th Aug, 2.30pm: Walk, Regents Canal, Kings Cross – Granary Building Hitchcock’s Hackney, starts Kings Cross (taxi rank) Sun 15th Sep, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross - Granary Building – Camden, starts King’s Cross (taxi rank) Sun 6th Oct, 2.30pm: Walk, Four Hundred Years of the New River, starts Manor House (Finsbury Park exit) Sun 20th Oct, 2.30pm: Walk, Grand Union Canal: Uxbridge - Cowley – Little Britain, starts Uxbridge (High Street exit) Sun 3rd Nov, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Regent’s Park & R. Tyburn – Camden, starts Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £9.00, Concessions & Student rate: £7.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 020 8458 9476 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk

38

Roy Davenport We are saddened to report the death, on 16th June, of Roy Davenport. Not only did Roy give much practical support to his wife Sheila in all her work for IWA until her early death in 2003 but he himself did much to support G&R Branch.

Roy was part of the original IWA Working Party team under Dick Harper-White that undertook the restoration of Lock One on the Basingstoke Canal in the 1970s and 1980s. But his lasting legacy will be the Lucky Locks Game which he designed and constructed. This has been a fund-raising feature of the Branch’s presence at numerous waterways events around the area since the mid-1970s, initially run by Roy working on Lock One in Colin & Janice Ward and family, which has raised May 1977[Photo: Ray Carnell] funds that must, by now, be in the thousands of pounds.

Alan Eggby The Chapel at Croydon Crematorium was full to overflowing on 23rd May with those who had come to bid farewell to Alan Eggby. The congregation heard how Alan had given so freely of his time and effort in support of the waterways and transport in general, particularly through IWA and the Norbury & South London Transport Club going back some 50 years.

Not only was Alan the Chairman of our neighbouring South London Branch but he had links with Guildford & Reading Branch going back to the 1970s when he and his team of navvies from the Transport Club regularly helped at the Branch’s monthly Lock One restoration Working Parties.

Alan also gave much practical help when the Branch organised a series of annual Water Festivals in Guildford during the late 1980s.

[Photo: David Bowker] On the National IWA scene, Alan could often be found at National Festivals helping Dick Harper-White with the children’s canal-related activities or, on some occasions, running the bar.

The Transport Club, under Alan’s guidance, was instrumental in organising the annual (subsequently biennial) Autumn Transport exhibitions in Croydon in which both the South London and Guildford & Reading Branches of IWA took part.

Much more could be said but suffice it now to record that the waterways have lost a redoubtable supporter and we extend our condolences to Alan’s sister, Marion, and all the family.

Ray Carnell

National Festival

VIPs at the opening of the National Festival. Left to right, Carol Mead, Les Mead (Chairman of Three Rivers DC), Les Etheridge, Dorothy Thornhill MBE (Mayor of Watford), Michael Stimpson (Festival Chairman), Sue Stimpson and Ian West.

[Photo: Ray Carnell]

The Inland Waterways Association South East Region: Chairman Paul Roper Cranborne, Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants RG26 5LL Phone: 01189 813381 Email: paul.roper@waterways.org.uk Guildford & Reading Branch: Chairman Gareth Jones, Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking, RH5 4QQ Phone: 07850 819071 Email: hhel@btconnect.com Kent & East Sussex Branch: Chairman Mike Hannan Trumpeter, Water Lane, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9JN Phone: 01622 890586 Email: mcfhannan@btinternet.com Oxfordshire Branch: Chairman Ron Heritage “Arbre�, Main Street, Fringford, Oxon OX27 8DP

Phone: 01869 277400 Email: oxfordshire@waterways.org.uk Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Tim Fry iwacargoes@hotmail.com Next issue Winter 2013 Copy date 15th October 2013

Printed by www.imprintcolour.co.uk - Tel: 01252 547023

The 10th annual Banbury Canal Day offers you a wonderful day out at the heart of Banbury’s canalside. Join us for a day of dance, folk music, boat rides, theatre in the dock, Tooley’s working forge and chandlery, continental market, plus an arts & crafts market and stalls galore. Save time to browse around the Mill Arts Centre and Banbury Museum; an enjoyable visit for young and old, with plenty to keep active minds happy.

Bring yourself along, add a balloon and join us for our 10th year of celebrations.

Sponsored by:

Event organised by Banbury Town Council: Tel: 01295 250340 Email: info@banbury.gov.uk Web: www.banbury.gov.uk