Cargoes - Autumn 2014

Autumn 2014

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

The 11th 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.

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

Kindly Sponsored by:

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Editorial We are saddened to begin this editorial with the news of the recent deaths of significant figures in each of the Branches in our Region. As we go to press we have learned that Tony Harrison of Oxfordshire Branch, a long serving IWA member who was awarded the Cyril Styring trophy in 2010, has died. IWAKES Branch has lost two leading members of the TMCA – Brian Amos and Brian Macknish. In Guildford & Reading Branch, the death of Marion Carnell, Cargoes co-editorʼs wife, will leave a gap in support ʻbehind the scenesʼ as well as in the Sales/Publicity Stand team. Obituaries can be found in each of the Branch News sections of this edition.

This edition of Cargoes can be said to mark the end of an era also in that it contains Paul Roperʼs last report as Region Chairman, a post he has held since 2009. Not only has Paul been our Chairman, he has also, nationally, been Chairman of Navcom (IWAʼs Navigation Committee) and has been involved in Ministerial discussions, particularly at the time when crucial decisions were being made on the funding package for CRT. Members may or may not be aware that Region Chairmen, as Trustees of IWA, are responsible for the oversight of Regional Publications, primarily to ensure that what is said is compatible with IWA Policy in general. We are pleased to say that as far as Cargoes is concerned the editorial team has had a good working relationship. Paul has also been Defra appointee to the Regional Flood Defence Committee (Thames). Many thanks are due to Paul for his unstinting efforts on behalf of IWA in various capacities. As to his successor as Region Chairman, although the official appointment has yet to be made we can reveal that Gareth Jones (currently Chairman of Guildford & Reading Branch and a member of IWAʼs National Finance Committee) has been nominated and as there were no other nominations within the timescale no election will be necessary.

Much has been happening around the Region during the summer months and there is more to come as the season of outside events continues well into the autumn. The schedule of meetings of waterways organisations is taking shape and members will, as usual, be able to hear some interesting talks on a variety of subjects. Not only that but there will also be the opportunity to meet up with fellow waterway enthusiasts, so please give these meetings your support. Full details can be found in the respective Branch sections or by checking the diary entries on pages 5 to 7.

Cargoes Editorial Team

Cover Picture: One of the Steam Boats taking part in ʻPuffing-a-Weyʼ - see report on this yearʼs event on Page 19. [Photo: Courtesy National Trust (Wey Navigations)]

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From the Region Chairman Greetings to you all. We are currently enjoying a warm and delightful summer. We have just returned from an idyllic two weeks cruising down to Stratford and onto the Avon as far as Evesham. It only rained on one day - almost a record in my boating experience! For the first few days we travelled in convoy with friends on another narrowboat sharing the meal preparation and of course providing additional crew for the locks. Since this involved climbing Hatton bank this was a considerable advantage. The canals were relatively quiet although we faced oncoming traffic from several boat gatherings: the Stratford festival, the AWCC 50th anniversary rally at Knowle and a Sea Otter gathering. In general facing oncoming traffic is an advantage although I was disappointed at the number of times a lock set for us was “stolen” frequently by experienced boaters. Luckily we were in no hurry.

You may have noticed my frequent use of “we” in the context of boating. Iʼm very proud to announce that Iʼm set to remarry at the end of the year. The loss of my late wife three years ago was a devastating experience and boating had not until now been the same. I have met someone who was widowed at the same time as me and used to own a narrowboat. We have many other interests in common so the courtship was relatively short and both our houses are being sold and we are starting new lives together - itʼs all very exciting!

As many of you will know, I am just about to complete my second tour as Region Chairman for the south east and also as navigation committee chairman.

Iʼm not standing for re-election so this will be my last editorial in Cargoes. Iʼm standing down from all IWA activity and am looking forward to being an ordinary member. Itʼs been a challenging five years and it has been a privilege to be Navcom chairman at a time of significant change in the waterway scene. The creation of the Canal and River Trust was a momentous event and is a major step in the realisation of Robert Aickmanʼs vision. IWA played a significant role in harnessing support from other boating organisations which enabled a smooth progress through parliament. I am firmly of the opinion that leisure waterways have no place owned and managed by government. This is why I am extremely disappointed that our campaign to get EA navigations transferred to CRT has not so far been successful. Although EA spending plans have not been finalised it looks likely that there are more cuts in both capital and revenue spending and boater licenses are set to rise yet again. The other challenge for the waterways is the growth of the number of boaters, mostly residential, that donʼt have a home mooring and purport to continuously cruise the waterways. Unfortunately a significant number choose to stay in a narrow geographic area and cause congestion of popular visitor moorings. There are no easy solutions but we have managed to elevate this as a priority issue for CRT and we will see greater enforcement. Itʼs a controversial subject and opinions are varied but the status quo is not a realistic option. I will watch how IWA continues to pursue these issues when I read the bulletin and also Cargoes.

I would like to give you all my best wishes and I hope you continue to enjoy the waterways as I intend to.

Paul Roper

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Diary of Meetings & Events Sat 16th Aug, 7.30pm: Mikron Theatre Company: Wharf Inn, Cropredy, Banbury, Oxfordshire, TTCCH (see page 35) Sun 17th Aug, 7.30pm: Mikron Theatre Company: Wharf Inn, Cropredy, Banbury, Oxfordshire, Mikron, Troupers (see page 35) Sun 17th Aug, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: World War 1

(see page 37)

Tue 19 Aug, 7.00pm: Mikron Theatre Company: The Barn, The Park, North Ashton, Oxfordshire, TTCCH (see page 35) th

Sat 23rd to Mon 25th Aug: Saul Waterways Pageant Sat 23rd to Mon 25th Aug: Shoreham River Fest

(see page 31)

Thu 28 Aug, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm, WACT: Pirates & Princesses Adventure Voyages (see page 22) th

Thu 28th Aug, 9.30am for 9.45am, WACT: Guided walk

(see page 22)

Wed 3 Sep, 2.30pm, WACT: Cream tea on a relaxing cruise

(see page 22)

rd

Thu 4 Sep, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: ʻThe old Days of the Societyʼ plus ʻThe History of Foxton Locks and surrounding areaʼ (see page 20) th

Sun 7th Sep, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal

(see page 37)

Wed 10th Sep, Oxfordshire Branch: ʻConservation along the Thamesʼ by Richard Mayon-White (see page 35) Wed 10th Sep, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Thames Eyots & Aits (see page 37) Sat 13th Sep: 2:00 pm, IWAKES: Guided walk to Irongates Lock.

(see page 32)

Sat 13 Sep, WACT: Reg Day Museum, Dunsfold Airfield

(see page 22)

th

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sep, Oxfordshire Branch: Oxford Open Doors th

th

(see page 35)

Sun 14 Sep, WACT: Guided Walk from Gunpowder Mills, Stonebridge, Shalford (see page 22) th

Tue 16th Sep, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): ʻSouthcote Millʼ by Graham Puddephatt (see page 17) Fri 19th Sep, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: “Early canals in Europe”: Nicholas Hammond (see page 32) Sun 21st Sep, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: The Olympics

(see page 38)

6 Tue 23rd Sep, 2.00pm, Southampton Canal Society: Boat trip on the Chichester Canal (see page 20) Thu 25th Sep, 9.30am for 9.45am, WACT: Guided walk

(see page 22)

Sat 27th Sep, 11.00am, National Trust: Dapdune Wharf River Festival (see pages 11 & 19) Sat 27th Sep, 2.00pm, Mikron Theatre Company: Wey River Festival, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, Troupers (see pages 19 & 35) Thu 2nd Oct, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: ʻMemories of the Great Warʼ

by Geoff Watts (see page 20) Sat 4th Oct, 2.30pm, South London Branch: Boat trip on the Chichester Canal (see page 37) Sun 5th Oct, 10.30am, Oxfordshire Branch, Banbury Canal Day

(see page 35)

Sun 5th Oct, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal

(see page 38)

Wed 8th Oct, 7.30pm for 8:00pm, IWAKES: ʻThe River Medwayʼ by Jeremy Clarke (see page 32) Wed 8th Oct, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Open evening (see page 35) Wed 8th Oct, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Londonʼs Lost Rivers

by Tom Bolton (see page 37) Wed 15th Oct, 8.00pm, BCS: 'Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant 2012' by Nick Grundy. (see page 15) Thu 16th Oct, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Boating around Vancouver by Ron & Myra Glover (see page 9) Sun 19th Oct, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal

(see page 38)

Tue 21 Oct, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): TBA

(see page 17)

st

Wed 29th Oct, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): Creating the Crofton Canal Centre by Rob Dean & Peter Turvey (see page 17) Sun 2nd Nov, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal: Mile End to Limehouse, start Mile End (see page 38) Thu 6th Nov, 7.45pm: Southampton Canal Society: Day-Star Theatreʼs visit with their production “A Bad Penny” (see page 20) Wed 12th Nov, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Open evening (see page 35) Wed 12th Nov, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Canals of Brittany by Graham Deavin (see page 37)

7 Sun 16th Nov, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal

(see page 38)

Tue 18 Nov, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): ʻThe Cotswold Canalsʼ by Liz Payne & Christmas eats and drinks (see page 17) th

Wed 19th Nov, 8.00pm, BCS: 'The Wilts and Berks Canal - The Most Ambitious Restoration' by Chris Coyle. (see page 16) Thu 20th Nov, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, IWAKES: The Watermills of the Sussex Ouse and its Tributaries by Colin Smith (see page 32) Thu 20th Nov, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Barging on North East Waterways by Nick Grundy (see page 9) Wed 26th Nov, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): Wonderful Wildlife of the K&A (tbc) (see page 17) Thu 4th Dec, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Annual Inter-Society Waterways Quiz (see page 20) Wed 10th Dec, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Skittles Night (see page 35) Wed 10th Dec, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Bring your own Boating Adventures No. 3 with Christmas Cheer and Mince Pies (see page 37) Thu 11th Dec, 7.30pm for 8:00pm, IWAKES: TMCA/IWAKES Christmas GetTogether - A day in the life of a Thames tugʼ by Richard Thomas (see page 32) Thu 11th Dec, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Christmas Dinner

(see page 9)

Wed 17th Dec, 8.00pm, BCS: 'A Day In The Life Of.....A Thames Tug' by Richard Thomas (see page 16) Tue 20th Jan, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): TBA

(see page 17)

Wed 21 Jan, 8.00pm, BCS: 'National Trust and the Wey Navigations' by John Gibson (see page 16) st

Thu 22nd Jan: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm, IWAKES: Roman Settlements of the Medwayʼ

by Simon Elliott (see page 32) Wed 28th Jan, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): The Wey Navigation by John Gibson (see page 17) Tue 17th Feb, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): ʻThe whole length of the K&Aʼ by Nick Channer (see page 17) Wed 25th Feb, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): An update on the Wilts & Berks by Brian Stovold (see page 17) Tue 17th Mar, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): AGM + speaker TBA

(see page 17)

Wed 25 Mar, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): Branch AGM followed by a talk about the History of Newbury Wharf by local historian David Peacock (see page 17) th

Sun 26th Jul, K&A (Newbury): Newbury Waterways Festival

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Salisbury Group Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: At the May meeting Chris Coyle came to tell us about the Wilts & Berks Canal.

Chris started his talk with the history of this canal which was completed in 1810 and was built to carry coal from the Somerset coal fields to towns and transport food for the urban population. The main route ran from the Kennet & Avon Canal to the River Thames and including the branches was 70 miles in length with 46 locks. It was virtually derelict when in 1901 the aqueduct at Stanley near Chippenham was damaged by flooding. The canal was then officially abandoned by Act of Parliament in 1914.

In the second part of his talk, Chris told us how Jack Dalby in 1971 discovered various ditches which led him to write a book about the canal. The Wilts & Berks amenity group was then set up. Later in 1987 the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust was formed with their “Impossible Dream” to restore the whole canal.

Today, major restoration is well under way. Sadly parts of the route have been lost but plans for new sections around Abingdon, Melksham and Swindon are well under way.

Why restore? There are plenty of reasons why the canal should be restored for use this century and in the future: for leisure, wildlife, heritage, economic development and for long distance footpaths and cycle ways.

Now it would appear that “The Impossible Dream” is slowly becoming reality as work continues. No longer “if” but “when” full restoration will be completed is the only question.

At the June meeting we welcomed Ian Graham, founder of the Wilderness Boats, which are based in Wiltshire. Back in 1969 Ian built his first boat in the form of a flat bottomed punt with a roof powered by a 4HP outboard.

From this basic beginning his idea developed using the concept of a cheap, basic boat with young families in mind. “Functional, not elegant”.

The first production hull, The Water Rat, was created in 1970 followed some years later by The Beaver and later in 1982, The Otter.

Wilderness boats were designed to be towed; Ian started towing with a Mini Traveller 998cc but today most owners use 4X4 vehicles.

Wilderness boats can be seen all over the inland waterways of Britain as they are renowned for reaching parts where larger boats cannot go. Some serious cruising has been done in these small trailable craft, including down the Trent and up the Ouse to Goole Docks. Visits to France, the Canal du Nivernais and Paris, and over to the Irish Inland Waterways. Wilderness boats are regularly seen at waterways festivals particularly the Trail Boat Festival which is always held on a land locked section.

9 The Wilderness Boat Owners Club was established in 1993, at present there are 79 member boats in this club who meet up regularly for cruising events.

In the 45 years since Ian initially set up his business he has built about 400 boats. His motto is:“GO WHERE YOU WANT” “GO WHEN YOU WANT” Our annual summer event took place in July where the weather held fine for our boules & BBQ once again.

As always, Jeff, landlord of the Green Dragon, cooked us an excellent meal which we enjoyed under the sunshades. This was followed by our four teams competing for the first place in the boules match.

This year, Jacques, our French referee introduced us to a new game.

Karelian skittles, otherwise known as Finnish skittles, is a centuries old game and is being revived as a popular new sport. We all thoroughly enjoyed this new challenge and it is certain to be repeated by popular demand next year.

Programme of Events Thu 16th Oct: Boating around Vancouver by Ron & Myra Glover.

Thu 20th Nov: Barging on North East Waterways by Nick Grundy.

Thu 4th Dec: Waterways Quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society.

Thu 11th 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 Sadly Marion, our co-editor's wife, has passed away. Ray as we know has for many years been a bulwark of the branch particularly with Cargoes and Festival representation. In this he has always had Marion's support and she will be sorely missed.

My summer expeditions have included trips to the Canal du Midi and the Scottish lowland canals. Both have had a number of learning points. The French locks have steel gates which lose little in heritage but are much more durable and

10 leak proof. The Scottish canals are a major tourist attraction and attracted £100million from the lottery. The Falkirk wheel is reported to be Scotland's second most attractive tourist destination after Edinburgh Castle. They have attracted a further £25million for an attraction near Grangemouth called Kelpies. This is just opening and consists of 2 massive stainless steel horsesʼ heads, a visitor centre and a ½ mile extension to the canal towards Grangemouth the better to enable boats to use the tidal window onto the Firth of Forth. The principal traffic on the Forth and Clyde is hire boats and yachts making the transit from the North Sea to the Hebridean Islands perhaps also including a transit of the Crinan Canal. We found the need to book travelling lock keepers and have a general timetable dictated was less than satisfactory and somewhat uneconomic. A transit will take on average two days, costs typically £63 and has 2 lock keepers for those two days. The contrast with the Midi was the increasing use of boater worked automation for both bridges and locks overseen by CCTV and a phone link to a control room where necessary. In fairness to the Scottish lock keepers they were both polite and punctual. It is just that the system seems both regimented and uneconomic.

On the subject of economics the latest report on the benefits of waterway regeneration makes very positive reading, see https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/restoration/restoration_resources/pdfs/wa ter_adds_value_benefits_of_waterways_restoration (you must be logged in to use this link).

The branch has an ongoing programme of social events including a trip on the Wey and Arun and, of course, the Southampton Canal Society quiz. Your support will be appreciated. Details in the calendar. We have this year been organising work parties under the management of Verna. WRG had been active and we do try and play a part in support of the local canal societies particularly the Basingstoke and the Wey and Arun.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and do put some of these dates in your diary as we move into the second half of 2014.

Gareth Jones

Marion Carnell 1945 - 2014

It is with great regret that we report the death of Marion Carnell, the wife of the co-editor of Cargoes.

She passed away on 19th June after a long fought battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Marion was an enthusiastic waterways supporter and provided just the help that Ray needed when, in addition to running the Lucky Locks Game, he took on responsibility for the Branch Sales Stand from Tony & Kate Firth on their move to the West Country in 2002. She could be seen at many events behind the Sales Counter or encouraging punters to invest in a ʻLucky Lockʼ. Any misgivings that Marion might have had about Rayʼs involvement in the editorship of Cargoes in 2005 were soon dispelled and she entered wholeheartedly into

11 the task. Even when the illness was starting to affect her hands, she insisted on making the quarterly trip to Chesham to help with stuffing the Cargoes envelopes.

Our condolences go to Ray and his family at this difficult time.

Sales and Publicity Stand As stated in the Summer edition of Cargoes, our season started with the Fox & Hounds Rally at Fleet on 10th May, when the Basingstoke Canal Boating Club celebrated its 25th Anniversary (see article by Chris de Wet on page 12). This yearʼs Beale Park event at the beginning of June was renamed ʻThe Beale Park Boat & Outdoor Showʼ and under new management. Hopefully they will learn from experience as there was clearly room for improvement, not least in the content of the Show Brochure which did not give the site locations for the various exhibitors and indeed, in our case, failed to list IWA at all! Reading Water Fest in Mid-June

and Newbury Waterways Festival on 27th July enjoyed good local support, although the number of riverside stalls at Reading seemed to be less than in previous years.

The organising of these events relies on the hard work of the two K&A Canal Trust Sections concerned (Reading and Newbury) and it was good to see their efforts rewarded. At the events we attend we naturally meet a variety of waterways users and so it was at Newbury where we had a chat with Tom Cronin of the Thames Valley Park Rowing Club. He made the point that our waterways should be for the enjoyment of all its users and he went on to refer to some unfortunate experiences of his Club members this year - he hoped that in future those with powered craft might show more consideration for rowers and canoeists on the river.

The fact that we were able to participate in these events this year is due in no small measure to a dedicated team of helpers who have kept the show on the road during my inevitable absences through domestic commitments during my wifeʼs final illness.

Our last event of the season will be the Dapdune Wharf River Festival which should prove to be the major River Wey event of the year – for more details see River Wey News on page 19 and the Advert inside the back cover. Ray Carnell

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Bits on the Basingstoke The good news is that the Basingstoke is again open throughout for navigation. The slip at Dogmersfield is passable by boats but not pedestrians or cyclists. It is hoped that this will be fixed next winter and yes Hampshire do have the money to do so. The Basingstoke Canal Authority led by Fiona Shipp have done an excellent job in dealing with the winter storm damage. Many trees have fallen and been cleared. Navigation has had minimal interruption. This year the timetable has more times when locks can be passed and while not suiting all the boaters all the time is a positive step.

Phil Allen (JMC) has retired and we wish him well. James Taylor now acts for both counties with Fiona in day to day management control. The arrangement seems to be working well but there are constraints.

While the county councils have been helpful with capital funding Surrey, in particular, is giving with one hand while taking with the other. The rental income from the houseboats at Woodham does not form part of the Canal income though its costs do. In recent years the income from fibre optics and the cafe at Mychett has been siphoned away. This is leading to a lack of income for maintenance, particularly dredging. The canal will deteriorate.

In the authorʼs opinion two things need to be done. One, in just the same way as with the Kennet and Avon in the 90's, it needs to be recognised that major expenditure is required to make the canal truly fit for purpose and a significant SE England tourist attraction. While attracting over a million visitors a year it is strangely off the map. Next year is the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. King Johns Castle at Odiham is where King John departed to affix his signature. The only public access to the castle is via the canal. Major expenditure could surely be financed by a lottery grant. Elsewhere I comment on what has been done in Scotland and the studies into the major economic benefits that waterway regeneration makes. Also the Basingstoke will be adjacent to a number of major housing developments. We must ensure that the financial benefits the waterway bring to these are reflected in appropriate payments to the waterway.

Councils come on and be a little more commercial for the sake of the waterway and the taxpayer.

Gareth Jones

Basingstoke Canal Boating Club, the first 25 years This yearʼs Fox & Hounds Rally at Fleet marked the Boating Clubʼs 25th Anniversary and their first Chairman, Chris de Wet, writes: 27th February 1989 … that evening in a smoky back room (remember those?) of the Prince of Wales in Fleet, the Basingstoke Canal Boating Club was founded.

Around 100 people turned up, much to the organisersʼ surprise and delight. It was agreed to adopt the name ʻBoatingʼ rather than ʻBoatʼ to encourage boat usage

13 rather than ownership, and intending that usage should encompass any craft from a coracle to a narrow boat.

Twenty five years on we have recently celebrated at the Fox & Hounds Rally, and it was this boat gathering first held in 1986 that was the seed that germinated and blossomed to a membership of some 200 in a few short years. Roy Mullender and Robin Grieve convinced Ron Kettle, landlord of the pub, to support the very first rally, which he most enthusiastically did and continued to support for many years.

Memorably, under the guidance of the first chairman Chris de Wet and harbourmaster Dick Elder, a large and high profile rally was held at Frimley Lodge Park in 1990 – ʻBoats Afloatʼ. A year later the same team organised the boating activities at the Royal Re-Opening. The Fox & Hounds event became bigger and better, with illuminated boat processions and live waterborne jazz accompaniment.

And hundreds of people lining the towpath to watch. Fantastic! In its heyday, boats were moored almost all the way from the pub to Reading Road Wharf …

Keen to see the canal actively used for boating, the Club organised highly publicised (and unauthorised!) campaign cruises through the locks in Surrey down as far as St Johns. More frequently Club boats attended ʻmoving ralliesʼ along the canal to ensure that the public, and council tax payers, saw boats actually using the navigation. In addition the Club took boats to the Basingstokeʼs twin, the Canal dʼOrleans, to help raise the profile of its restoration.

Other practical help for the Basingstoke included installing water points, waterborne litter and channel clearance, introduction of ʻAdopt-A-Lockʼ to spruce up the locks, and the introduction of Watermate key access to slipway barriers.

In these 25 years the Club has played a valuable part in supporting the IWA and the Basingstoke Canal Society. There is a continuing and good working relationship with the Canal Authority and this has encouraged the recent introduction of easier access to the canal by boats.

So what of the future? Certainly the canal needs greater use by boats, and the Club will do itʼs very best to encourage such. The meeting in Fleet all those years ago closed with Chris de Wet reminding those present that it was a case of “Use it … or lose it!” That applies just as much today.

If you would like more information about the Club, please contact Jan Byrnes on 01252 676833 or email j.byrnes@hotmail.co.uk

Basingstoke Canal Society Chairman’s Report The specification for the repairs to the land slip at Dogmersfield is near to being finalised. The repairs are complicated by the fact that part of the area affected by the slip is in private ownership. It is hoped that the work will commence in the autumn of this year and that the canal will be fully restored by the start of the 2015 boating season. An ecological survey will be required before work can start.

14 Plans for the re-development of the Canal Centre at Mytchett are being prepared by consultants engaged by Surrey County Council and further information will be made available later this year. The plans include improved camping facilities, new changing rooms and showers, administrative offices for the BCA, accommodation for the Canoe Club, a restaurant and an adventure attraction. The intention is to seek planning consent before this Christmas. Clearly funding will be an issue. The designs for new signage on the canal have been agreed and the signs will be installed in the next few months. At the recent JMC meeting, the Canal Society representatives repeated their serious concerns about cyclists using the towpath at excessive speeds particularly in the Woking area where signs indicating cycle times to some destinations appear to be setting targets for cyclists to beat.

In a recent incident a dog owner narrowly avoided injury when a cyclist became tangled in her dog lead. The Canal Society has consistently urged that the signs should be removed and that proper control needs to be exercised on the use of the towpath by cyclists. The Canal Society has recently been undertaking weed clearance in the Woking area using the BCA's weedcutter which the Society has restored, using its own funds, at a cost of 拢5,000.

Philip Riley

Galleon Marine Jim & Jan Peile have sold Galleon Marine the boatyard effective from end July 2014. The new owners are Karen and Arthur McCaffrey and Chris Timmins. They are boating people and the business should be in safe hands.

Sale of John Pinkerton l After 36 years on the Basingstoke Canal, the old John Pinkerton (which has come to be called JPI) has been replaced by the Society始s new trip boat John Pinkerton II, in service since 2013.

JPI was handed over to its new owner in early August at the Mytchett Canal Centre, in the presence of many Society members who have had an association with the boat. The sale of John Pinkerton had been delayed with the agreement of the new owner Josh Kerry so that she could fulfil the special charters at the Farnborough Air Show. Josh enthusiastically told us that after a refit, he intends to use JP for a floating cycle repair workshop. The photo shows the JPI being driven

15 away by its new owner, after the handover. A DVD full of photos of the boat taken over the years since it was purchased in 1977 was presented as an historical record.

The main motivation for the Society buying the John Pinkerton was to raise money for the Basingstoke Canal restoration project. During its period of operation, nearly £¾ million has been generated from public and charter trips run from various places along the Canal, all crewed by Society volunteers. An added benefit is that it served as an excellent ambassador for the Society in helping raise awareness of the Canal, - something the new boat will continue. The John Pinkerton figured prominently in the celebrations marking the re-opening of the entire canal in 1991, when the Duke of Kent was guest of honour at Frimley Lodge Park. It also appeared at other celebratory events leading up to that climax, as various sections of the Canal were successively restored and opened.

Throughout its venerable history on the Basingstoke Canal, the old John Pinkerton has been the symbol of the extraordinary voluntary efforts that have been invested in the waterway. Dick King (JP Chairman) said he " wished the new owners every success with their venture, and we are delighted it has gone to a good home."

Mikron on the Basingstoke The Mikron Theatre group made their annual visit to Fleet on 27th July to perform ʻTroupersʼ, a play based on the experiences of a group of music hall performers who took their act to France at the height of the First World War. The multi-talented cast of four managed to recreate the tensions and pathos of their forebears who were met with both ridicule and hostility when they suggested entertaining the troops in France.

The loyal audience rated the performance as ʻone of the bestʼ and ʻwell worth seeingʼ. This performance was jointly sponsored by Anthony and Stella CapoBianco and The Basingstoke Canal Society.

If you missed seeing the show on this occasion there is another opportunity to see it at the Dapdune Wharf River Festival on 27th September (see page 19).

Verna Smith

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 8.00pm. 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 15th Oct: 'Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant 2012' by Nick Grundy. In 2012, Nick was privileged to take part with 'Beatty' in the River Thames Pageant. Beatty was chosen to represent the county of Merseyside in the Pageant.

16 The talk will cover the planning and preparation for the Pageant, including bringing Beatty down to London from Leigh, near Manchester, followed by a full account of the Pageant day when a thousand vessels assembled to honour Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.

Wed 19th Nov: 'The Wilts and Berks Canal - The Most Ambitious Restoration'

by Chris Coyle. Chris will describe what is probably the most exciting and ambitious canal restoration project in the country. It will include a brief history of the canal, as well as an overview of the Wilts and Berks Canal restoration project covering the reasons for the restoration, what has been done so far, the challenges that are faced and the plans for some major projects in the near future.

Wed 17th Dec: 'A Day In The Life Of.....A Thames Tug' by Richard Thomas.

Richard will update his talk from October 1996 with a close look at the work done

by Cory tug General VIII, which is one of a fleet of seven vessels engaged in the movement of the refuse lighters for the Western Riverside Waste Authority. The talk features a voyage from Wandsworth to the aptly named Mucking in Essex. It gives an insight into one of the remaining commercial operations on the tidal Thames and how this has changed since the closure of the dumping ground at Mucking in 2010.

Wed 21st Jan: 'National Trust and the Wey Navigations' by John Gibson. John, the Manager for the National Trust on the River Wey, will give us a presentation on the history of the Wey Navigations and the half century since the Trust's acquisition of the Navigations from the Stevens family in 1964.Although local to us this waterway has not featured previously in our Talks programme before and this talk will bring us up to date.

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

Chichester Canal News Members may be interested in the Southampton Canal Societyʟs trip organised for Tuesday, 23rd September and the South London Branch trip organised for Saturday, 4th October – see pages 20 & 37.

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

17 Newbury Section invite you to their monthly illustrated talks which start at 7.45pm and are held on the last Wednesday of the month between October and March (no meeting in December). The meetings are held in the upstairs room of the Stone Building, Wharf Road, Newbury RG14 5AS and entry is free. There is plenty of room in the car park which will cost £1 for the evening.

Wed 29th Oct: Creating the Crofton Canal Centre by Rob Dean & Peter Turvey. ʻReconnecting Crofton and the Kennet & Avon Canalʼ Trust Chairman, Rob Dean and Crofton Chairman, Peter Turvey will explain the Trustʼs ambitious project to create the Crofton Canal Centre and link it with a series of information centres all along the canal. The project is currently bidding for £2m of Heritage Lottery Funding.

Wed 26th Nov: Wonderful Wildlife of the K&A (tbc). It is hoped to have a speaker describing the wonderful wildlife of the K&A and the work underway to ensure the River Kennet is a good environment for wildlife.

Wed 28th Jan: John Gibson will repeat his Reading talk, given in May this year, about the Wey Navigation.

Wed 25th Feb: An update on the Wilts & Berks by Brian Stovold.

Wed 25th Mar: Branch AGM followed by a talk about the History of Newbury Wharf by local historian David Peacock.

Sun 26th Jul: Newbury Waterways Festival 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 3rd Tuesday of the month (no December meeting) at 7.45pm at The Grange Free Church Hall, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD (just off the A4 Bath Road). Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses).

Tue 16th Sep: ʻSouthcote Millʼ by Graham Puddephatt Tue 21st Oct: tba Tue 18th Nov: ʻThe Cotswold Canalsʼ by Liz Payne & Christmas eats and drinks Tue 20th Jan: tba Tue 17th Feb: ʻThe whole length of the K&Aʼ by Nick Channer Tue 17th Mar: AGM + speaker tba

18

River Thames News Environment Agency Overall The EA has migrated from a three tier business, National / Region and Area, to a two tier business, National and Area. Staff reduction across the EA has commenced, to achieve the potential reduction of 15% of total workforce (nominally 1,500 resources to go). How this affects the River Thames is not yet clear.

Andrew Graham has been appointed Thames Waterway Operations Manager, following Matt Carterʼs change of role in May. Funding The 2014/15 budget for Navigation is still awaited, but reductions of nominally £1.0m are expected. Concerns are being expressed that any increases made in income from enforcement or other income generation streams will simply be absorbed by the EA in future years through further reductions in Grant in Aid. Flooding Following the desperate problems over the winter, some 3,000 properties have had a ʻthreshold level surveyʼ completed. Flood prevention measures such as a ʻflood relief channelʼ (as the Jubilee River), enlarging the Desborough Cut, and three weirs are expected to reduce the risk to the majority of the 3,000 properties surveyed, but no indication is given when these projects will be operational. Those properties still ʻat riskʼ after these projects are completed, will be entitled to grants towards property flood prevention measures.

Income Development Additional income is being progressed and some delivered from three main topics;• Enforcement for Licences to be on the River. This work is progressing and the legal situation for marinas has been determined, that all boats require a licence.

• Accommodation This investigation has concluded that any additional fees due for Structures in or over the River will not be a significant contribution to income.

• Lock Keepers Cottages A report is due that indicates although there is a financial case for letting these cottages, this is offset by the impact on the sitesʼ look and feel. The recommendation from the report was that no more houses should be let.

Operational Statutes - available from the excellent Environment Agency websites;http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/130919.aspx http://www.thames21.org.uk/events/ http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/RT_Investment_Programme_map John How, IWA Representative

19

River Wey News This year, marking as it does a half-century of the National Trustʼs ownership of the Wey Navigation from Millmead to the Thames at Weybridge, is proving to be an eventful one. In earlier editions of Cargoes this year we noted the destruction caused by the severe weather conditions at the start of the year and illustrated by the picture of Thames Lock on the cover of the Spring 2014 Cargoes. The situation was put into perspective when John Gibson (Navigations Manager) gave a talk at the K&A Canal Trust /IWA joint meeting at Reading in May. It was interesting to learn of all the different aspects of Johnʼs responsibilities and to see these illustrated on screen. It was reassuring to see his enthusiasm for ensuring the continued success of the Wey Navigations as a fully operational waterway for the benefit of all.

More recently the Trust hosted a Steam Boat Association of Great Britain gathering of steamboats at Dapdune. Entitled ʻPuffing-a-Weyʼ, it was estimated that 350 people came to see these rare craft. Many of the boats gave rides to an enthusiastic public. The event spectacularly boosted numbers visiting Dapdune and some 60 children spent time on the various craft activities also on offer in one of the boatsheds.

Next on the calendar comes the Heritage Open Day on Saturday 13th September when one can visit Dapdune Wharf and Shalford Mill (11am to 5pm) and the Send Workshop (11am to 3pm).

Then, on Saturday 27th September, the Trust are holding a major event Dapdune Wharf River Festival – a successor to the usual Guildford Festival Boat Gathering held each July at Millmead but with a greater variety of activities including many craft and waterway organisationsʼ stands, the usual Dapdune Wharf exhibitions and the Mikron Theatre Companyʼs performance of Troupers (advance ticket sales through the NT on 01483 561389 or email to riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk). During the event there will also be an unveiling of the ʻRed Wheelʼ award marking the pioneering status of the River Wey as a navigable waterway dating from the time of Sir Richard Weston in the 1650s. The ʻRed Wheelʼ scheme, an initiative of The Transport Trust, commemorates Britainʼs rich and globally important legacy in the development of transport and presents it to a new and wider audience. Some of the most significant transport heritage sites e.g. the Forth Bridge and Channel Tunnel, are household names but many more are currently little known and their importance unappreciated. Whereas many plaque schemes commemorate famous individuals, ʻRed Wheelsʼ principally highlight key locations of engineering and transport importance. 60 sites have now been commemorated with ʻRed Wheelsʼ and many more are under consideration.

At dusk there will be an illuminated pageant of boats going up to Millmead and back. This end of season event at Dapdune should be well worth a visit and further details can be found in the Advert inside the back cover of this edition.

Finally, early in the New Year, John Gibson, Wey Navigations Manager, will be giving presentations on the history of the Wey Navigations to the Basingstoke Canal Society at their monthly meeting at Chobham on Wednesday 21st January and to the K&A Canal Trust Newbury Section on Wednesday 28th January (for more details see pages 16 and 17).

Ray Carnell

20

Southampton Canal Society Forthcoming Meetings Thu 4th Sep: “The old Days of the Society” plus “The history of “Foxton Locks and surrounding area”. Visitors welcome.

Tue 23rd Sep: Chichester Canal Cruise. The Society is organising a cruise on the Chichester Ship Canal on 23rd September when we have chartered the wide-beam trip boat Richmond for a two hour cruise from the Canal Basin starting at 2.00pm. .

The cruise will include a talk on the wildlife and history of the Canal and a Cream Tea (tea or coffee, scones with jam and cream and a selection of sponge cakes).

The cost will be £16 per head.

There is limited parking at the Canal Basin but public parking nearby. The Canal Basin is a one minute walk from Chichester railway station and there is a regular service from Southampton Central at 13 and 33 minutes past each hour, with a journey time of about 60 minutes.

The Societyʼs meeting on 4th September will provide a last chance to decide and pay, after which payment becomes due to the cruise operator for the final number of places.

The cruise will only accommodate a maximum of 28 people so, if you have reserved a place but not yet paid, or wish to reserve a place, and are not planning to attend the meeting in September, please email us on aelred.d@virgin.net or call us on 01794 512920 and we will sort out how you can get your payment to the Society.

Aelred and Sue Derbyshire Thu 2nd Oct: “Memories of the Great War” by Geoff Watts. Visitors welcome.

Thu 6th Nov: Day-Star Theatreʼs visit with their production “A Bad Penny” tickets £10 to include an American Supper supplied by our members.

Thu 4th Dec: Annual Inter-Society Waterways Quiz. We are down to 3 teams if any IWA group would be interested in making up another team of four people it certainly would be a challenging & enjoyable evening! The traditional American Supper finishes off the evening.

Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm. For Monthly Newsletters visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.

Angela Rose

21

Wey and Arun Canal Trust WACT have continued to celebrate achievements and are striving to meet their next objectives.

Southland Lock The official opening of Southland Lock was performed by Mr. Simon Carter on 21st June in front of 150 people who later enjoyed a barbeque and music from the Guildford Brass Band. The restoration of the lock has taken 3 years to complete at a cost of £ 500,000 with volunteer labour contributing over £125,000.

Compasses Bridge The fund-raising campaign to restore the crossing at Compasses Bridge has been launched with an initial target of £180,000. The scheme involves building a new bridge before the existing concrete causeway can be removed. The total cost of the project is £750,000 which will open up a further two kilometres of canal for cruising thus adding to the existing section of the summit level already restored alongside Dunsfold Airfield. This will benefit the trip boat operation on that pound.

Silt is already being removed from this section.

Small Boat Cruises WACT has welcomed British Canoeing as a corporate member and this will have some cost benefits to paddlers wanting to enjoy the restored canal. Please see the WACT website – www.weyandarun.co.uk - for details. Canoes also

22 featured in both the small boat cruise in March and the ʻRight to Navigate cruiseʼ in May. The latter is an annual event started by IWA in 1983 and involves small craft navigating from Pulborough to Pallingham to maintain the right to navigate this section of the river. This year nine boats were launched on the River Arun at Pulborough with the aim of reaching Pallingham Quay, the highest point navigable by boats on the Arun. The flotilla of boats soon spread out as they explored the river before heading back to Pulborough, completing the trip in about three and a half hours. WACT 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".

42nd Annual Poddle The Annual Poddle took place on 8th June with 153 walkers enjoying fine weather on the figure of eight course centred on Shalford. They are expected to raise £7,000.

New WACT Membership Secretary Mr. Alan Dyer has been announced as the new membership secretary. Alan was the WACT covenant secretary until work pressures forced him to step aside.

Following his retirement Alan has decided to support WACT in this vital role.

Verna Smith

Future Events Boat trips from Loxwood are continuing until the end of October and there will also be specialist trips as detailed on the Trustʼs Website.

This yearʼs programme of guided walks is now coming to an end with the final two being on 28th August (4.5 miles) and 25th September (2.5 miles). The cost of each walk is £5 per person with groups limited to 20 people, so booking in advance is recommended. The meeting time for each is 9.30am at the Canal Centre, with the walk starting at 9.45am. Places can be booked by contacting Loxwood Canal Centre 01403 753999; email canalcentre@weyandarun.co.uk. Bookings can also be made by contacting the WACT office on 01403 752403.

Two events have been arranged for Heritage Open Days this year.

On Saturday 13th September from 11am to 2pm (approx): it will be possible to visit the Reg Day museum at Dunsfold Airfield. The museum contains unique memories of the airfield's history from its rapid construction by Canadian engineers in 1942 to the present day, when the runway can still accommodate a jumbo jet. Access to the museum is via the main entrance to the Airfield at Stovolds Hill (by turning off the A281 at Nanhurst Crossroads).

On Sunday 14th September starting at 2:30pm: there will be a guided walk from the Gunpowder Store at Stonebridge, Shalford to Tannery Lane via Hunt Park and Tanyard roving Bridge.

Both these events are free but need to be booked in advance by email to support@weyandarun.co.uk or by contacting David Daniels at the Shalford Office (open Mon to Thurs, 8.30am to 12.30pm) on 01483 505566, email northernoffice@weyandarun.co.uk.

23

IWAKES Branch News Past Events "Smugglers, Secret Tunnels and the TMCA", a talk by Bernard Snell Of the few London-born canal engineers, perhaps the most well-known, most unlucky and most unsuccessful, was Ralph Dodd. His Schemes were prolific, but those completed under his direction, very few. During 1800 the Act passed through Parliament and Dodd began cutting the canal. By the end of 1801 four miles from Gravesend to Higham were cut; as was the basin at Gravesend. By this time money was running short, so Ralph Walker was called in to advise shareholders. A further Act of Parliament was passed in 1818 authorized the raising of ÂŁ100,000. The Tunnel was started in April 1819 and completed in 1824. The canal was finally opened through to Strood on 14th October that year. At 4012 yards, Higham is the second longest in England, after Huddersfield. However, Higham is wider at 26 to 30ft, with towpath, whereas Standedge is a mere 7ft with no towpath.

It was mainly Thames barges that used the canal, and could not pass in the tunnel, causing a bottleneck. So the canal was closed for 10 weeks in 1830 to construct a passing place. Despite a steady trade, the canal was never a financial success. So a single-track railway was built alongside the canal to Higham, then through the tunnel, with one rail on the towpath and the other supported on timbers above the canal. The canal and the Gravesend and Rochester Railway continued in co-existence for 18 months, when the canal and railway were sold to the South-East Railway. There were two (at least) windmills above the tunnel and if you lived in the streets locally you could hear the trains rumbling through.

The canal society was formed in 1976 to save what was left of the canal, and the members are sure Dodd, Walker and their contemporaries would be amazed and overjoyed their works are still being looked after today.

Angela Acott Walk to Small Hythe A walk was arranged in mid-May for IWAKES members. How many joined in? Two! But the walk was wonderful, with views of the Isle of Oxney, swans, ducks, skylarks, lambs, many wild flowers and trees.

We walked beside the inelegantly named Reading Sewer, and were on one of the islands of Kent. It is still

24 surrounded by water, after very heavy rain when the little streams spill over and it becomes an island again; looking very much as the Saxons saw it when they settled their Isle of Oxen. Nowadays it始s hard to believe the area was once a major shipbuilding centre, as the sea is 10 miles away. The little creek where the houses at Smallhythe end was once a seawater channel forming an arm of the Rother.

When the walkers reached Smallhythe Place, they met with about fifteen other members. The house itself, a characteristic Wealden manor house of timber and brick and mellow hung tiles, is owned by the National Trust and merits preservation even apart from its memories. We were taken to the old barn and shown a short presentation about the house and its past owner, the actress Ellen Terry. She spent the remainder of her days there from 1900, entertaining many celebrities and performing many plays in the little theatre.

Angela Acott Thames Tideway Cruise St Pancras Cruising Club undertook a cruise from London to the new pontoon on Gravesend Town Pier, where they moored on 7th June.

Nine boats, of all shapes and sizes from 34ft upwards attended. Four boats entered Dartford Creek on the return.

However, the combination of reed bed spread at the upper creek turning point, plus rubbish on the bed at the point where the works pontoon was situated, meant only one 40ft boat was able to get to the turning point and turn.

Other craft had to reverse out. On the way up the Creek one boat caught a large rope on its prop which took an hour to cut off. In consequence no craft visited Crayford Basin due to lack of time.

Angela Acott (Based on a note from Roger Squires) Up the Creek without a paddle!

Libby Bradshaw始s boat Panacea led a contingent of four narrowboats up river from Gravesend on 7th June to make a 驶challenge始 cruise along the Dartford and Crayford Navigations. The sun shone and the morning rain had disappeared. The cruise up stream was uneventful. None of the large passing freighters caused the flotilla any problems. However, the bright sunlight reflecting from the water made the entry to the Creek tricky. Luckily, Roger Squires who was acting as pilot knew the way in, and that first obstacle was safely overcome.

25 Although the mud banks loomed large on either side of the channel, a careful course between them ensured all the boats made good progress.

That was until disaster struck.

Without warning Panaceaʼs engine cut out.

On close inspection down the weed hatch what can only be described as a ʻhugeʼ ships rope appeared.

It was completely wrapped around the prop and the prop shaft. Various knives and saws initially failed to budge it. Reinforcements were called and two additional ʻcuttersʼ came across from the second boat in the flotilla, which, by then, had ground to a halt. The next problem was that, with extra ʻcuttersʼ combined with the bow on the mud, the extra weight at the stern caused the water to lap over the top of the weed hatch. A hasty redistribution of weight and easing the bow off the mud bank, solved that problem and the ʻcuttingʼ continued. After about an hour of sawing and cutting, the final sections of the rope were removed. Then came the task of pumping out the surplus water that had got into the bilge and checking that the oil in the engine was not contaminated. Fortunately all was well and the flotilla could continue the cruise up the creek.

A new building site, on the west of the creek after Dartford Bypass Bridge, caused the next problem. A works pontoon, with scaffold poles sticking out, narrowed the channel. Debris from the piling works had also blocked the channel bed at this point. In consequence, only two of the four craft could get through past it and up towards Dartford Town Lock. The first craft, a 40 footer, tried to turn at the ʻusualʼ turning point, but the expansion of the reed beds here simply did not leave enough room. The boat had to wait another 15 minutes, for the tide to rise sufficiently, for it to get round. [Clearly, unless those reed beds are cut back, that will be a limiting factor for the length of future craft venturing up to this point.] By this point, with time against us, the other craft had to start reversing down the creek to the known reliable turning points. This all took valuable time. Thus when we reached Crayford Creek mouth, our time had run out. It was with heavy hearts that the flotilla set off down the now water filled creek to head for the Dartford Creek Barrier and the open river beyond. Just as we turned out of the creek, a huge freighter passed down river with minimal wash. Our little row of narrow boats swung in behind it for our journey back to Gravesend Pier.

26 The sun was beginning to go down as we passed under the QE II Bridge. At Broadness Point the river control told us of a huge tanker with two tugs that was coming up stream. We had to give them a wide berth. Another huge ship was waiting to come out of Tilbury Dock lock when we passed, but fortunately the River Control asked it to wait until we had passed. It was dark when we got back to Gravesend Pier, some two hours later than planned. But all arrived back safe and sound.

The moral of the escapade was that, because of lack of regular use, the two creeks will soon become un-navigable, with the narrowing of the channel due to the spread of the reed beds. A clear case of 驶use them or lose them始. Roger Squires

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Good progress is being made down on the River Ouse at Isfield lock by the Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust (SORT). Throughout the summer months the 2014 target to complete the rebuild of the west chamber wall and therefore the complete restoration of the lock chamber is firmly in the sights of the volunteer working parties.

With only a small number of volunteers available, Ted Lintott, the project manager, has so far made the most of what has been a good spring and summer to push on with exposing and demolishing the remaining section of the wall in readiness for the re-build and back filling. Much of the spoil from the dig to expose the area to be rebuilt is being carefully positioned to raise the tow path and the adjacent public footpath to the north of the lock area.

27 Another ground paddle has been restored and a new stop plank shelter built on the east side of the lock (see photographs). A good stock of original bricks has been cleaned and stacked in readiness for what will be the long task of rebuilding the complete depth of the lock wall over the remaining 5m section.

A photograph demonstrates the enormity of the work ahead.

More volunteers are always required and Ted would be very pleased to hear from you. Telephone him on 01444- 414413 if you are interested in helping.

Terry Owen

River Medway News On 19th June the Mayors of Maidstone and Tonbridge were taken on a Medway River Court of Survey Cruise out to Hawkwood Stone and back to Wateringbury. This was courtesy of Hampstead and Yalding Cruising Club with Commodore Mark Smurthwaite and a flotilla of six decorated boats.

The Mayor of Maidstone presented Mark with a commemorative pennant.

This is an annual event revived in 1975 from a Charter of King James I, dated 12th July 1619, which granted the privilege of keeping swans and cygnets on this stretch of the Medway and marking them.

There was no official Maidstone River Festival this year but there was a Boat Gathering on Saturday 26th July in Maidstone Town Centre organised by Medway River Boaters.

The Environment Agency Navigation team have taken on two more volunteers bringing the total of volunteer staff up to five now. They form a valuable addition to the work of the EA on the River supporting boaters and river users.

The EA are planning Open days for the general public at Allington Sluice Maidstone and the Leigh barrier at Tonbridge to give people a better understanding of how they operate in varying flow and flood conditions. East Farleigh Sluice has undergone replacement and refurbishment of wheels and shafts. Complete replacement of the 74 years old gate would cost in order of ÂŁ 2.8m.

28 Yalding toilet block is being refurbished with help from Mid Kent College Builders Project management and British Canoe Union. Work is planned to start in October this year.

A navigation hazard still exists a few hundred yards below East Farleigh Lock, around where the buoys currently mark an obstacle under the water. Boats should approach with caution. A tree fallen across the River on 3rd July was quickly removed by EA staff The Medway dredging contract with Land & Water Services Ltd has ended and a dredger on loan from the National TrustĘźs River Wey has been returned. Phil Munslow the EA Medway River manager is submitting a business case to the EA for funding for a new dredger to be kept permanently on the Medway. Advice from the Canal & River Trust has been sought and visits made to see CRT dredgers of which there are many on the system. The engineering quality and reliability of these vessels is understood to be of a high standard.

The old Kiosk at Allington lock is now open as a Tea Shop run by Megan.

Boaters and all that use the river are encouraged to support this venture.

The EA report that cabins for hire at Allington Lock are being well used and the new moorings are filling up.

Calling all canoeists‌. The Medway Canoe Trail runs for 31km from Tonbridge to Allington near Maidstone.

The Environment Agency gives a FREE splash-proof Medway Canoe Trail guide with a full map. To obtain a copy just email your postal address to allington.lock@environmentagency.gov.uk Mike Marsh

29

Thames & Medway Canal Association Brian Macknish

Chairman TMCA 2006 - 2014 Like many of us Brian found his love of canals during family holidays on narrow boats. When he heard of a restoration group being formed to save the local Thames and Medway Canal, he became one of the founding members of the Thames and Medway Canal Association in 1976. He participated, with his daughter Jayne, in the first sponsored walk in 1978.

Brian had his own business supplying wedding stationery directly to the customers. This proved valuable experience as he was keen on what he called 驶networking始, always spreading the word wherever he went whoever he met. As such he spent his earlier years in the Association on our publicity/fund-raising stall at local fetes.

After Brian retired he became more involved. He joined the Committee in 1998 and in 2006 he was elected chairman of the Association. Brian始s drive and enthusiasm was put to good use and during his tenure much progress was made.

He instigated the Tuesday morning working parties providing volunteer opportunities for retired folk. The weekly events replaced the monthly digs. He also created the Display Team making use of the boards he had used at wedding exhibitions during his working life. Brian and Maureen Amos led the display team visiting schools and libraries throughout the locality and at as many local events as they could find. Brian compiled a large and interesting set of historic slides of the canal and used them to give talks to local groups to raise awareness of the canal and raise funds.

Over the past five years Brian spent much time in contact with the local Council and a developer concerning the redevelopment of an area including the infilled section of the canal, trying to ensure that the canal restoration would be included within the scheme. Unfortunately the developer has now withdrawn his application. Brian was keen to see boats back on the canal and only two weeks after his death Gravesend Sea Cadets had their kayaks and canoes litter picking along the newly re-watered section. Brian will be greatly missed by all of those he came in contact with and our condolences go to his family.

30

Brian Amos 1933-2014

Brian Amos trained as a dental technician after leaving school and (with a lifelong interest in flying) his National Service was in the RAF, though not aircrew for medical reasons. On return to civilian life he started selling insurance part time and this gradually became his main occupation whilst he and Maureen brought up their daughters. Amongst many other pastimes they were leading lights in the Reliant Owners Club! Brian retired in his late fifties and he and Maureen joined KESCRG (Kent & East Sussex Canal Restoration Group). For over a decade they attended almost all the KESCRG weekends and work camps on many canals south of Birmingham; especially the Droitwich and Basingstoke. Brian was a skilled bricklayer and almost completely surrounded himself when rebuilding, to above his own height, a brick shaft above a lock by-wash on the Thames and Severn.

Brian and Maureen were core members of KESCRG. He was always a totally reliable support on site; especially when heat or overwork caused others to flag. In recent years Brian始s health started to deteriorate and they decided to concentrate on the Thames and Medway. They attended the Tuesday work-parties where Brian was a champion hedge layer, and made many sites on the canal look nicely tidy. They also organized the TMCA display; taking it to many local events each year to attract support to the Canal with its history and potential. So the rest of us who are hanging on will have to get used to the absence of both Brian Macknish and Brian Amos and carry on the good work in their memory. Wishing their wives and families many condolences and we are sure we will see them on or near the canal their men-folk so loved.

Thames & Medway Canal visited by Sea Scouts Twelve Sea Scouts together with four canoes and several kayaks came to Mark Lane in June. As part of their community target the aim was to clear litter from along the south side of the canal. Due to the fence and the railway line this side of the canal is only accessible from the water. Each canoe was manned by two paddlers and a picker. The operation was highly successful and six bags of cans, plastic bottles and general rubbish were collected from amongst the

31 undergrowth. Once the litter had been removed the kayaks made their way the one kilometre up to the Swing Bridge and back. All crews wore gloves to protect against rough undergrowth or possible waterborne infections and cleaned their hands with a sanitizer once they had finished handling the vessels. Many thanks to Gravesend Sea Scoutsʼ Civilian Instructor (CI) Brenda Mackley and the Training Officer, Petty Officer (PO) Triona Chapman both BCU Paddlesport coaches. We look forward to more visits in the future.

David Rouse

River Adur For many years IWA, the Shoreham Slipways Group and many others have highlighted the need for a public slipway on the river Adur, in Shoreham. That battle has been won and West Sussex County Council now has a slipway on their infrastructure list and has instigated a study. CH2M, formerly Halcrow, has agreed the details of the study to investigate the feasibility of putting a slipway at one of three possible sites in Shoreham. The work is expected to be complete within about three months. However, agreeing a site will be difficult because of the complex issues of land ownership, pre-existing users, the tidal range, commercial port activities, environmental matters, the availability of parking, etc. One possible location is within a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) that in reality is a 1960's rubbish dump that is collapsing into the river! However, it is still viewed in some quarters as a site that “must” be protected! Hopefully, with cooperation from the key Stakeholders it should be possible to agree a location that is acceptable to all, even if reluctantly.

A river festival has been organised in Shoreham over the Bank Holiday Weekend (23rd - 25th 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. www.shorehamriverfest.co.uk Brendan Whelan

32

The Kentish Stour Work to rebuild Environment Agency flood defences in Sandwich is substantially complete. The Town Quay is complete, but with a mooring charge of £16. Canterbury City Council is threatening to withdraw the licence of the Canterbury Punting Company (one of two rival operators) following an incident in which a crew-member stepped off a boat into shallow water. An on-line petition appeals against this.

Future IWAKES and Other Events Sat 13th Sep: 2:00 pm, return by 4:00 pm: Sheffield Park Gardens (meet in carpark): Guided walk to Irongates Lock.

SORT event to which all are welcome.

Fri 19th Sep: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: St Mildredʼs Church Hall, Church Road, Tenterden: ʻEarly canals in Europeʼ: Nicholas Hammond.

Wed 8th Oct: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend: ʻThe River Medwayʼ by Jeremy Clarke: TMCA meeting to which all are welcome.

Thu 20th Nov: 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm: The Upper Room, Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DM (near the railway station and 200yds from Clair Hall): ʻThe Watermills of the Sussex Ouse and its Tributariesʼ by Colin Smith, co-author of the "Sussex Watermills" books: SORT/IWAKES Joint meeting.

Thu 11th Dec: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend: ʻA day in the life of a Thames tugʼ by Richard Thomas: TMCA/IWAKES Christmas Get-Together.

Thu 22nd Jan: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent ME2 2AH: ʻRoman Settlements of the Medwayʼ by Simon Elliott: Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

Maps for these venues can be found at: www.waterways.org.uk/kent/kent_east_sussex

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Oxfordshire Branch News Tony Harrison Tony Harrison was a member of The Inland Waterways Association for over fifty years until his death from Parkinsonʼs disease on 31st July 2014. In the 1950s, when based in Birmingham, he canoed on the then about to be abandoned Southern Stratford Canal. He gained a postgraduate Diploma in Hydraulics at the Delft University and moved to work at the Wallingford Hydraulics Research Station.

At this time he was an active member of IWA Oxfordshire Branch, eventually becoming its Chairman. Later he continued to live in Goring when commuting to Watford where he developed best practice for civil and building contract administration at the Building Research Establishment.

[Photo: Harry Arnold, Waterway Images] In 1989 Tony became an Honorary Consultant Engineer to IWA and was simultaneously co-opted to the then fledgling IWA Restoration Committee. He served on the Committee for over twenty years and was its Chairman for five years. Tony promoted and managed the production of the entire IWA Technical Restoration Handbook, over a period of two years, with twenty papers (some by several authors) going through an exhaustive revision and peer-review process overseen by Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Tony also served as IWAʼs representative to the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust in the period of their transition from an “amenity group” to a major force. He also represented IWA on the Cotswold Canals Partnership where his expertise was invaluable. Tony was an elected IWA Trustee for fifteen years and a member of both Navigation and Finance Committees. He will be deeply missed and our sympathy is with his wife Mary and son Alastair.

Banbury Canal Partnership Last year Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry chaired a meeting with the aim of setting up an association to look after the Oxford canal in the Banbury Area. At a packed meeting at ʻThe Millʼ in Banbury the suggestion was discussed at length and names were taken to forward this idea. Several members of the IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee were in attendance and Branch Secretary, Brian Saunders added his name to the list.

Colin Garnham-Edge volunteered as Temporary Chairman and was able to commence preparations including a web site, logo (as above) and other necessary

34 details including a constitution etc. An AGM was held at the turn of the year when Colin was elected Chairman. Brian has remained as IWA representative/liaison person.

The main aim has been to set up working parties to provide TLC to the canal infrastructure. The first item on the agenda was Kings Sutton lock, which following several days始 work has now been completed with the fence rebuilt, the encroaching greenery cut back on the lock cottage side and all paintable objects being cleaned and repainted. See pictures below.

All materials were supplied by Canal and River Trust along with great camaraderie by representatives of CRT, IWA, and the Banbury Canal Partnership.

The saga continues at Grants lock, with Sir Tony Baldry promising to come during August.

Work is carried out on the third and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Give Colin Garnham-Edge a ring on 07833 190 115 or 01295 816 025 before travelling or of course contact Brian Saunders. The next few dates are 19th/26th August, 16th/23rd September and 21st/28th October.

Brian Saunders Secretary, IWA Oxfordshire Branch

Forthcoming Events Work parties.

Earlier this year the branch had plans to renovate the historic bridge and clean up and paint Isis lock on the lower end of the Oxford Canal. Unfortunately we have been unable to do either of these things. CRT felt the bridge required a survey to be carried out by them and that this was not on their agenda/budget for this year.

Work has been taking place at Kings Sutton Lock and further up the canal organised by the Friends of Banbury Canal (see article by Brian Saunders).

We are hoping to arrange a working party to re-paint Banbury Lock, cut back foliage and remove rubbish along the towpath before Canal Day. If this can be arranged we will notify members and hope for a good turn out as happened last year.

35 Sat 13th & Sun 14th Sep: Oxford Open Doors This is part of the National Heritage Weekend when historic buildings right across the country, are open to the public. On behalf of the Oxford City Canal Partnership (OCCP) we have, for the past 7 years, organised an event at the Hythe Bridge pocket Park which is at the end of the Oxford Canal, with the intention of drawing the publicʼs attention to the Oxford Canal and the benefits this can bring to the local community.

Last year OCCP was successful in obtaining a bid from the Heritage Lottery Fund in order to introduce a Heritage Trail along the lower end of the Oxford Canal.

You may recall I mentioned the launch of this trail in the last edition of Cargoes. The “Open Doors” event at the canal side this year will focus on the “opening “of this trail.

Sun 5th Oct: Banbury Canal Day Once again we will be responsible for the “waterside” part of this event running 4 trip boats and dealing with the moorings for the boats booking in to attend. Running 4 trip boats, manning the bridge & lock, chatting to the waiting passengers, dealing with the embarking/disembarking etc. does require a lot of volunteers. It is great fun though and very rewarding. Why not give me a ring (or email) to offer your services for an hour or so and come along and join in the fun.

You would be very welcome. For further details see advert inside front cover.

In addition to the day itself the “Boaters bash” will be held on the Saturday evening. This year food and entertainment will again be in the Dry Dock at Tooleys Historic Boatyard. Arranged by Kate Saffin, one of our ardent supporters, Mary Heritage, Eventʼs organiser (01869 277400)

Monthly Meetings Wed 10th Sep: ʻConservation along the Thamesʼ by Richard Mayon-White.

Wed 8th Oct: Open evening Wed 12th Nov: Open evening Wed 10th Dec: ʻSkittles Nightʼ: Venue to be decided.

Unless otherwise stated the above events are held on Wednesday evenings at Oxford University Press Association Athletic Club, Jordon Hill, OX2 8EF 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm. New members and visitors most welcome.

For more details or directions phone Ann Yeatman – Tel. 01865372552

Mikron Theatre Company

This yearʼs summer tour continues into September as listed in the diary of events on pages 5 to 6. Details of the two productions - Till the Cows Come Home (TTCCH) and Troupers – can be found on pages 35 to 36 of the Summer edition of Cargoes or see the Mikron Website www.mikron.org.uk.

36

Wilts & Berks Canal

In the Vale we are currently working on a fresh strategy to move the project forward. The reservoir scheme for the land between Grove/Marcham/Abingdon has been pushed further back on the agenda such that the land is slowly being covered in solar farms and now is the subject of a possible new garden city proposal. This has great scope for the canal project and we are now effectively ignoring the reservoir as being so far in the future that we should just go ahead and plan for restoration on the historic route.

The Abingdon branch of the Canal Trust has been in abeyance for several years now. There is work to be done on the upkeep of the Jubilee Junction. This is kept deliberately wildlife friendly as part of a management plan and hence the banks and footpath down to it are left alone.

We would like to extend westwards but this is dependent on other factors.

Any local members who would like to resurrect the branch would be welcomed.

Contact me or the Trust Office.

The housing applications and developments in the Vale continue apace and we continue to have productive and helpful meetings. It is our intention to move forward with plans for restoration and a new diversionary stretch of canal in Grove on the back of the engineering study carried out by Arups.

The Sack House Museum at Wantage Wharf was officially opened on the 26th April and is now open 10am-2pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and Saturdays.

We have a programme of attending various local events i.e. village fetes with the White Horse Show in Uffington on the August Bank Holiday Sunday/Monday.

As ever at Newbury Waterways Festival I enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with the volunteers on the adjacent IWA stand.

In the middle section, Waitrose have opened a store alongside the canal at Swindon as part of the Middle Wichelstowe development. Their caf茅 and decking overlooks the canal and is well worth a visit. Planning continues as regards linking the historic section to the nearby new canal at East Wichel.

Finally I should add that I delayed this submission for Cargoes in order to report that in August the Canal Trust had become the proud owner of its very own canal side public house, the Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock. The membership have very generously come forward with donations and loans to enable the purchase to happen. The aim now is to convert the building into an allpurpose Trust office, visitors始 centre, pub/restaurant / boating facilities under the title of the Dauntsey Lock Canal Centre Brian Stovold, East Vale Branch Chairman and Trust Director

37

South London Branch Forthcoming Events South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakersʼ expenses, thank you. The programme for meetings is as follows: Wed 10th Sep: ʻThames Eyots & Aitsʼ by Miranda Vickers Sat 4th Oct: ʻBoat trip on the Chichester Canalʼ. We have chartered “Richmond” for a 2 hour round trip from the canal basin at Chichester starting at 14:30. The cost will be £10 and a cream tea is available for an additional £6. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available on board at £1.50 each. Please send your booking details to Alan Smith by 4th September, together with a cheque, made payable to him, for the full amount.

Wed 8th Oct: ʻLondonʼs Lost Riversʼ by Tom Bolton Wed 12th Nov: ʻCanals of Brittanyʼ by Graham Deavin Wed 10th Dec: ʻBring your own Boating Adventures No. 3ʼ with Christmas Cheer and Mince Pies For more information about South Londonʼs Social Calendar, please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581, mobile 07774 890 750 or email alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

Walks Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regentʼs Canal (and elsewhere).

This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders donʼt realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, weʼll brief you so, if youʼd like to give this a try, please contact Roger Wilkinson Sun 17th Aug, 2.30pm: Walk, World War I, Enfield Lock, R. Lee, Ponderʼs End, meet Enfield Lock Railway Station Sun 7th Sep, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Kingʼs Cross to Granary Building (Camden), meet Kingʼs Cross (taxi rank)

38 Sun 21st Sep, 2.30pm: Walk, The Olympics, Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers, meet Bromley-by-Bow Sun 5th Oct, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Kings Cross to Granary Building (Camden) - Hitchcockʼs Hackney, meet Kings Cross (taxi rank) Sun 19th Oct, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 2nd Nov, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Mile End to Limehouse, meet Mile End Sun 16th Nov, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Islington to Hoxton, meet Angel For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £9.00, Concessions & Student rate: £7.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 07896 801930 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk

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: Contact Brian Saunders Tintern Cottage, County View, Clifton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 0QA Tel: 01869 337227 Email: brisaunders33@gmail.com Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Tim Fry iwacargoes@hotmail.com Next issue Winter 2014 Copy date 15th October 2014

Fri 26 & Sat 27 September 2014

Come and join us for a fun packed weekend, boats will be moored around Dapdune Wharf for the weekend and there will be stalls and children’s activities on the Saturday. An illuminated pageant will take place from dusk to light up the river.

Special Guests The Mikron theatre Company will perform ’Troupers’ at Dapdune on Saturday 27 Sept, so make sure you book your tickets.

For further details ring the Navigations Office on 01483 561389 or email riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk

T R A D I T I O N I N E XC E L L E N C E S I N C E 1 8 6 9

GOLDEN FILM CANAL BOAT RANGE A selection of lubricants and ancillary products to assist with the maintenance and servicing of canal boats.

www.morrislubricants.co.uk Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2EL Tel:+44 (0) 1743 232200 Fax:+44 (0) 1743 353584