The Packet Boat - Autumn 2021 by The Inland Waterways Association

Chester & Merseyside Branch

Autumn 2021

Sankey Canal – another new milestone installed

1. Chairman’s Report – Autumn Packetboat

Where has this year gone? With the Covid pandemic in 2020 & now 2021 it has been difficult to plan anything throughout the year but signs of “normality” are starting to appear and it has been possible to get out and about on the waterways this summer albeit the 2021 weather has not been as kind as 2020. The branch has not been idle though and as last reported we were working behind the scenes with Cheshire West & Chester Council for Chester to become an Inland Port. This designation has been achieved and Chester is now internationally recognised as the first Canal and River system Heritage Port by the Maritime Heritage Trust (MHT), National Historic Ships (NHS) and European Maritime Heritage (EMH). This designation will ensure that Chester will continue to be a destination of choice and will assist the boost in tourism and contribute to the economic benefit to the city and surrounding area. My thanks go to CWAC, Chester Heritage Trust and the IWA subcommittee of John Herson & Ann Farrell in making this designation possible. Continuing with the positive news we are looking to recommence “normal” monthly socials back at the Boat Museum on 12th October with a full programme through to 12th April 2022, Full details of the programme can be found in this edition of Packetboat. They will also be available on the IWA website. I very much hope that you will be able to join us throughout the winter months for these events as it will be an opportunity for members to get together again after such a long time since March 2020. One event that did not make it to the calendar unfortunately was the Waterways Restoration Showcase in July 2021 at the Anderton Boat Lift. Despite numerous attempts and revised dates it proved unviable to proceed in any form. Speaking of the Anderton Boat Lift, the waterways community, not just IWA, are concerned that the lift could shortly be closed for a period of twelve to eighteen months. CRT report that the closure is required in order to undertake repairs to the main rams, electrical and safety systems. I have been in liaison with CRT and it still remains unclear as to their way forward and timescales as the plans are still being finalised. Alternative routes onto and off the Weaver are essential to ensure continued boating on the river, and suggestions of convoys to and from Marsh Lock to Ellesmere Port via the Manchester Ship Canal have been put forward to CRT.

9 Obituary Many of you will have visited Thorn Marine in the past years and met the helpful owners Margaret and Brian Hamilton who in the later years were assisted by their son Nigel. We are sorry to report that Margaret died earlier this year. Our dealings with Margaret and the shop started as soon as they bought the shop and converted it to the Chandlery much as it is today. When we were moored at the Marina, we often stopped at Thorn to have a chat with Margaret and Brian. As newcomers to boating they were our first point of contact for information and chandlery. When BCC planned to put up the licence fees way ahead of inflation Margaret organised the blockade of boats outside Thorn as a protest. On the evening prior to the protest, she also organised music and supper for the participating boaters. Her generosity didn’t stop there as prior to the annual London Bridge Rally music and supper was also provided. She donated many items for the FBCC Rally goody bags and was also very pleased to help out with Chester Branch of IWA when we asked for donations. Later as time passed Nigel gradually took over running the business and it has continued to give a good service to the boater, running two day boats and also two weekly hire boats. Margaret’s funeral took place during one of lockdowns. As numbers attending the crematorium were limited, alternative arrangements had to be made. The coffin was placed on the bow of a dayboat and slowly made the journey to BMBC mooring at Walton. People had gathered along the towpath and on the bridges to pay their last respects. On arrival the coffin was transferred to the hearse for the short journey to the crematorium. Ian & Vera Short

It should be noted that the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IWA. They are published as being of interest to our members and readers. The IWA is a registered charity No 212342

Also with the Manchester Ship Canal in mind the branch area has a new “Silver Propeller” challenge destination, the Runcorn Branch of the Bridgewater Canal. This used to link to the Mersey and later, the Manchester Ship Canal via two sets of locks. This location has been chosen to highlight the Runcorn Locks Restoration Society’s plans to reopen the link to the Manchester Ship Canal, creating two new cruising rings. Looking further forward, it is the 250th Anniversary of the Chester Canal in 2022 and it had been hoped to hold the IWA National Festival of Water in Chester next year. However, the lack of a suitable site adjacent to the canal in the area is proving difficult to achieve. If this is the case I would like to hold a smaller scale event in Telfords Basin Chester and would be grateful for any assistance and volunteer effort to support this goal. On a personal note I took the opportunity to visit the IWA Festival of Water at Worcester over the Bank Holiday weekend and spent an enjoyable afternoon around the site. There are photos of the day shown below. Finally, I look forward to seeing you at the Boat Museum Cafe on 12th October when our popular social calendar will recommence. Jim Forkin. Branch Chairman

4 Easy Countryside & Waterways Walk – Sunday 5th September In the photo below members of the Easy Countryside & Waterways Walks Club, are about to enjoy a lovely 3.5 mile walk round the Sankey Valley Park at Warrington on Sunday 5th September in the morning. The walk featured the St. Helens Canal which as you know is under restoration. Just before the start of the walk the chairman of the Restoration Trust - Colin Greenall, can be seen here explaining all about the canal and its restoration to our walkers. Colin came on the walk and gave very interesting explanations about the canal’s features that we passed. Everyone enjoyed the canal, the woods, the meadows and the company. The next walk is planned for Sunday 10th October, and will start from Tarvin near Chester and feature the River Gowy. If you would like to join us on it please send your email address to the Newsletter Editor and information about it will be sent to you seven days in advance.

A Tale of Two Seasons (our first boating trip of 2021) We were not able to go away on our usual Spring rallies this year, as they were all cancelled; but the Nantwich Boat Club send an invitation to join them for the Commodores Cruise on the Llangollen Canal, starting on the 22nd May and ending up on the 31st May. We decided to join in with their rally as we don’t often get the opportunity to take part in their boating activities We had to find a suitable slipway on which to launch and recover Olive, there are not many options open to us in that section of the Shroppie, as most have either been sold off or made unusable. The one we previously used, close to the Cheshire Cat, has now been sold off. The Northgate Basin has a lovely new slipway, but this cannot be used due to the high pavement kerb obstruction. That leaves a couple more options at local Marinas and the Calverley slipway, which is currently blocked by a burnt-out boat that someone died on; and CRT don’t like anyone using the slipway anyway. Tattenhall Marina have a good slipway, but because of a breech it was not an option, as we could not get passed the blockage. Luckily there is a slipway at Swanley Marina on the Llangollen canal, so we arranged with them to use this and park up the vehicle and trailer, fortunately they have plenty of parking space and it is an easy site to use. We arrived there just before mid-day in a blustery storm, slipped the boat in during a lull, parked the trailer out of the way, and started to prepare for cruising. This involves amongst other things filling the water tank, which is our ballast, so time for a cuppa before setting off. I was just making a brew when I saw a tractor backing a trailer down the slipway and eyeing us up. I emerged from the boat and was asked if we were the boat that needed its bottom sand blasting - to which I replied ‘no thanks as we are fibreglass.’ Swiftly moving away from the slip way to avoid other complications, by this time it was starting to rain and blowing a gale again. We just managed to get out of the narrow entrance to the Marina as I was able to hold on to the rope and stop the boat hitting the sides. We turned the corner and decided we would moor up close to the first lock, ready to set off early in the morning calm to join up with the rest of the cruising group. We managed that without further ado and spent a peaceful night. Next morning was reasonably dry, but still cold, so we were pleased to be able to reach the lock at Willeymoor Tavern and join the rest of the flotilla for a nice meal inside. There we learned that one of our party had slipped off the lock gate and had to be rescued from a very cold canal.

5 A Tale of Two Seasons (our first boating trip of 2021) We were not able to go away on our usual Spring rallies this year, as they were all cancelled; but the Nantwich Boat Club send an invitation to join them for the Commodores Cruise on the Llangollen Canal, starting on the 22nd May and ending up on the 31st May. We decided to join in with their rally as we don’t often get the opportunity to take part in their boating activities We had to find a suitable slipway on which to launch and recover Olive, there are not many options open to us in that section of the Shroppie, as most have either been sold off or made unusable. The one we previously used, close to the Cheshire Cat, has now been sold off. The Northgate Basin has a lovely new slipway, but this cannot be used due to the high pavement kerb obstruction. That leaves a couple more options at local Marinas and the Calverley slipway, which is currently blocked by a burnt-out boat that someone died on; and CRT don’t like anyone using the slipway anyway. Tattenhall Marina have a good slipway, but because of a breech it was not an option, as we could not get passed the blockage. Luckily there is a slipway at Swanley Marina on the Llangollen canal, so we arranged with them to use this and park up the vehicle and trailer, fortunately they have plenty of parking space and it is an easy site to use. We arrived there just before mid-day in a blustery storm, slipped the boat in during a lull, parked the trailer out of the way, and started to prepare for cruising. This involves amongst other things filling the water tank, which is our ballast, so time for a cuppa before setting off. I was just making a brew when I saw a tractor backing a trailer down the slipway and eyeing us up. I emerged from the boat and was asked if we were the boat that needed its bottom sand blasting - to which I replied ‘no thanks as we are fibreglass.’

On Wed May 23rd, the plan was to have a BBQ at Whixall Moss just after the junction with the Prees branch. This involved going through Grindley Brook locks which was a bit of a nightmare as boats were coming down, there was a long wait to get up the staircase. As our boat’s quite light I was able to keep it in place, whereas other boats coming down struggled with both the wind and sharp bends, causing some to almost lose control. Disaster was narrowly avoided, and we set off to tackle the next obstacles in our path. Having successfully dealt with a few lift bridges we reached the roving bridge where others were moored. Unfortunately mother nature decided to throw more rain at us, this time it was horizontal and we moored up beside a flooded tow path, so no BBQ that night. Luckily, we had food for a meal on board and plenty of gas for heating. Travel next day was to Ellesmere and involving some lovely scenery including passing a couple of Meres and then we turned up the Ellesmere Arm, which has a convenient Supermarket. Here we replenished supplies and then moored quite close to the town, and as it was raining again, I chose not to visit the shops, but stayed inside in the dry. Friday 25th May saw the weather improving, and with pleasant cruising we managed to reach the nights mooring spot by bridge 17 and a busy main road. Although the whole group had booked for a meal, unfortunately the pub was not able to offer much in the way of food, as their cooking facilities were out of action. We did manage to find something on the menu which they could supply, so chose to support.

Swiftly moving away from the slip way to avoid other complications, by this time it was starting to rain and blowing a gale again. We just managed to get out of the narrow entrance to the Marina as I was able to hold on to the rope and stop the boat hitting the sides. We turned the corner and decided we would moor up close to the first lock, ready to set off early in the morning calm to join up with the rest of the cruising group.

Next morning the sun was out and we made our way towards Chirk tunnel, no problems here, we navigated it without scratching more paint; and also the Whitehouse tunnel, before arriving at the scenic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Safely over that we cruised onwards towards Trevor Basin, making the left hand turn onto the last stretch of the canal and the dreaded ‘Narrows’. Unfortunately, a canoe club had chosen that morning to ‘mess about’ on the cut, so it was a struggle to get by them as they manoeuvred their crafts and tried to stay still while we squeezed past. I think there were a few scratched bumpers, our boat nearly lost a complete corner one ,wrenched off by a tight squeeze through a narrow gap.

We managed that without further ado and spent a peaceful night. Next morning was reasonably dry, but still cold, so we were pleased to be able to reach the lock at Willeymoor Tavern and join the rest of the flotilla for a nice meal inside. There we learned that one of our party had slipped off the lock gate and had to be rescued from a very cold canal.

We eventually managed to arrive at the safety of the basin and found a pontoon mooring tucked out of the way of narrow boats. A lovely evening with the BBQ in action and although a bit chilly the conversations made up for a lot of time being in ‘Lockdown’ over the last few months. We were able to catch up on Towpath matters and chat until the sun went down.

4 The Sunday was gloriously warm, some were even calling it hot. First we wandered around the town, had an ice-cream, then staggered back up the steep slope to our boat, spending the afternoon sunbathing. Another day off from cooking as we were booked into The Corn Mill for a meal, which meant negotiating the ‘mountain’ again, it was worth the effort as we were able to enjoy the meal and chat to colleagues. In order to avoid canoes and hire boaters again we set off early starting back, and after stopping at the facilities to empty the loo, we were able to reach our destination for that evening and moored at the Montgomery Frankton Junction and ate on board. The sun stayed with us next day and we reached the next night’s moorings at Grindley Brook after some more delightful cruising. Our final stop was planned for the Cotton Arms at Wrenbury, which we reached early enough to get the deck chairs out and we sneaked onto the corner of a caravan site to bask in the sunshine. A final meal at the pub finished off a lovely trip and we were grateful for all the planning that had made it such a interesting, if somewhat eventful trip. Many thanks to John & Nina Snook who organised the whole cruise and I think despite, the awful weather at the beginning, a good time was had by all. We managed to recover the boat via the slipway, and returned home with the usual bags of dirty washing and set about the repairs ready for our next outing, which was to be the Coventry and Ashby canals. Jeanne and Derek Smith

8 Sankey Canal Milestone Project Set For Completion The Sankey Canal Restoration Society are about to complete their project with partners at both Warrington and St Helens Borough Councils to replace all milestones on the Sankey Canal. It was during the Second World War that over zealous authorities removed the mileposts with the express purpose of confusing German paratroopers but none came and all the mileposts disappeared. For a number of years volunteers searched the banks of the canal in vain but then during earth removal in a restoration project, one was uncovered and the society had the template to copy. This milepost was from the original stretch of the canal to the Mersey at Warrington; opened in 1762. The extension to Spike Island in Widnes (1833) would have had mileposts designed by the London and North Western Railway company (LNWR) who owned the canal in the late C19th and they may have been to a different design but again none have been found. Crafted out of sandstone from Ramsbottom Quarry, the whole project has cost £7500 and all 16 mileposts have been sponsored with Inland Waters Association sponsoring 4 posts at a cost of £1,824. The original mileposts were thought to have dated from between 1762 and 1833 although the LNWR mile posts would probably have been to a different design. The exact positioning of the posts has also never been discovered and the volunteers have measured as accurately as possible to recreate the scenes. One remaining milepost, a mile from Widnes, is in store awaiting its designated site being cleared from civil engineering work. Colin Greenall, (Chairman Sankey Canal Restoration Society) said “I can only thank all the milepost sponsors for their generosity in seeing this project through to completion. It is pleasing to see the response of the many thousands of local people who walk and cycle this canal every day when they look at the mile posts and use them to help plot their walks and rides. Jim Forkin, (Chairman Chester and Merseyside IWA) ,said “Nationally there is a great movement to make sure that these much loved mile stones are fully back in place on the network and we were delighted to help SCARS make sure that the first industrial canal in Great Britain had a complete set“ The photo on the front page shows officers from IWA and SCARS meeting by milepost 3 to hand over the IWA sponsorship cheque. Pictured from left to right are Jim Forkin (Chairman, IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch), Mike Harrison (SCARS Treasurer) Colin Greenall (SCARS Chairman) and Ian Hornby SCARS Work Party Organiser

IWA Chester & Mersey Branch Programme of Meetings 2021-2022 All meetings will be held at 7.45 pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings are at the Cafe, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, CH65 4FW. Our fun raffle, sales and shop will be available for Christmas Cards and Publications. (wearing of masks is optional) 12th October 2021 - Jim Mole talks about the loss of the Royal Charter (built on the river Dee) and wrecked on Anglesey in 1859 with a cargo of £120 million in gold on board. 9th November 2021 - John Yates, Chairman of the Saturn project, talks on the restoration and operation of this much loved horse drawn traditional Shroppie Fly narrow boat. 7th December 2021 - our Christmas party with mince pies, sherry and our bumper raffle. Steve Wood of the Caldon and Uttoxeter Canal trust, tells us about the history and heritage of the Uttoxeter Canal and its potential restoration. 11th January 2022 - Adrian Sumner- artist , presents the depiction of canals and rivers in art from Turner to Lowry 8th February 2022 - Ian Wilson a lifetime liveaboard in his nb Pavo talks on the history and heritage of the Shropshire Union Canal from Barbridge to Ellesmere Port . 8th March 2022 - Branch AGM.

Afterwards a Talk - TBA

12th April 2022 – Ken Pye Managing , Director of Discover Liverpool, talks on the maritime heritage of Liverpool and the massive construction of its docks making it for a time the worlds biggest port . JIM MOLE

9.9 Obituary Many of you will have visited Thorn Marine in the past years and met the helpful owners Margaret and Brian Hamilton who in the later years were assisted by their son Nigel. We are sorry to report that Margaret died earlier this year. Our dealings with Margaret and the shop started as soon as they bought the shop and converted it to the Chandlery much as it is today. When we were moored at the Marina, we often stopped at Thorn to have a chat with Margaret and Brian. As newcomers to boating they were our first point of contact for information and chandlery. When BCC planned to put up the licence fees way ahead of inflation Margaret organised the blockade of boats outside Thorn as a protest. On the evening prior to the protest, she also organised music and supper for the participating boaters. Her generosity didn’t stop there as prior to the annual London Bridge Rally music and supper was also provided. She donated many items for the FBCC Rally goody bags and was also very pleased to help out with Chester Branch of IWA when we asked for donations. Later as time passed Nigel gradually took over running the business and it has continued to give a good service to the boater, running two day boats and also two weekly hire boats. Margaret’s funeral took place during one of lockdowns. As numbers attending the crematorium were limited, alternative arrangements had to be made. The coffin was placed on the bow of a dayboat and slowly made the journey to BMBC mooring at Walton. People had gathered along the towpath and on the bridges to pay their last respects. On arrival the coffin was transferred to the hearse for the short journey to the crematorium. Ian & Vera Short

1 Chairman’s Report – Autumn Packetboat Where has this year gone? With the Covid pandemic in 2020 & now 2021 it has been difficult to plan anything throughout the year but signs of “normality” are starting to appear and it has been possible to get out and about on the waterways this summer albeit the 2021 weather has not been as kind as 2020. The branch has not been idle though and as last reported we were working behind the scenes with Cheshire West & Chester Council for Chester to become an Inland Port. This designation has been achieved and Chester is now internationally recognised as the first Canal and River system Heritage Port by the Maritime Heritage Trust (MHT), National Historic Ships (NHS) and European Maritime Heritage (EMH). This designation will ensure that Chester will continue to be a destination of choice and will assist the boost in tourism and contribute to the economic benefit to the city and surrounding area. My thanks go to CWAC, Chester Heritage Trust and the IWA subcommittee of John Herson & Ann Farrell in making this designation possible. Continuing with the positive news we are looking to recommence “normal” monthly socials back at the Boat Museum on 12th October with a full programme through to 12th April 2022, Full details of the programme can be found in this edition of Packetboat. They will also be available on the IWA website. I very much hope that you will be able to join us throughout the winter months for these events as it will be an opportunity for members to get together again after such a long time since March 2020. One event that did not make it to the calendar unfortunately was the Waterways Restoration Showcase in July 2021 at the Anderton Boat Lift. Despite numerous attempts and revised dates it proved unviable to proceed in any form. Speaking of the Anderton Boat Lift, the waterways community, not just IWA, are concerned that the lift could shortly be closed for a period of twelve to eighteen months. CRT report that the closure is required in order to undertake repairs to the main rams, electrical and safety systems. I have been in liaison with CRT and it still remains unclear as to their way forward and timescales as the plans are still being finalised. Alternative routes onto and off the Weaver are essential to ensure continued boating on the river, and suggestions of convoys to and from Marsh Lock to Ellesmere Port via the Manchester Ship Canal have been put forward to CRT.

Editor’s Musings Hope that everyone has come through 2020 and made it to 2021. We were not able to get out on our boat at all last year, as by the time we were allowed to access the canal system it was late in the season and we had other plans. This year the bans were lifted earlier in the year so we were able to get the boat onto the canal in May. The weather wasn’t so kind to us at the start of our first cruise, (details in my article); but things fortunately got better and we have been able to explore some interesting parts of the system. We went to Llangollen, then later in June, the Ashby canal and parts of the Coventry, which included the Coventry Basin. We were suitably impressed by the Coventry team, who have made a wonderful job of clearing the weeds away, making the trip to Coventry Basin a very pleasant one. Congratulations to all involved and we hope to use this part of the canal again. We belong to the Wilderness Boat Owners Club and usually hold our AGM at the Trailboat Rally in late May, however this year we had to do it by Zoom so I entered the Photo competition. The judges liked my picture which was taken on the Ashby canal at Moira Furnace, a venue which is only accessible to trailboats, and pictures a converted and out of petrol amphibious Land Rover and Sammy reaching for a paddle. (see below) The Ashby canal team are working hard to join up the canal to the main system, and only have a few miles to go. I thought you might like to see the picture and if you are ever in the vicinity, the furnace should now be open to explore. It is possible to walk from Measham to Moira, although I am not sure if the trail has been upgraded yet but it is certainly WIP (work in progress) I hope you all have a good summer and are able to enjoy cruising on our scenic canals, or if you don’t have a boat, then certainly walking along them. (See walks article). Jeanne Smith