Chester & Merseyside Branch
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The main event for the branch during the summer was the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Chester Canal over the weekend of 29th to 31st July 2022. This was a tremendous success with over 30 boats attending and a footfall over the weekend of 1000 plus of the public joining in. My thanks go out to the committee in the organisation of the event; and also not forgetting all the people who turned up on their boats and readily volunteered to help with tombola, programmes, site amenities and other essential activities that ensured a fantastic weekend thank you again.
A full short report of the Anniversary can be found on page 2 of this edition of Packet Boat, and the full report is available to view on the IWA website at:https://waterways.org.uk/branch_news/public flocks to chester celebration
Just prior to the above anniversary there was the siting of a new information board at the top of Northgate Locks which should have appeared in the Packet Boat Summer edition but due to lack of space it is detailed in this edition.
The accolade of Chester being the first to be granted Inland Port Heritage status enabled the branch to impress on the Cheshire West & Chester Council the importance of the waterways in and around Chester, as they seek to finalise a Heritage Strategy and the revised One City Plan looking to the future of Chester until 2045.
I understand that boating has been difficult this summer with closures and low water levels, and the branch is in regular contact with Canal & River Trust on these issues, especially the unforeseen, sudden closure of the Anderton Boat Lift where we are liaising with their Project Manager with meetings at the lift which keep us up to date. She will be presenting the latest information to the branch at our March 2023 social. I took to the water again is September, hiring on the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire for a week and an article describing the cruise is detailed in this edition of Packet Boat.
The branch socials recommenced on the 11th October at the Boat Museum Café but numbers attending, (12) were very disappointing. These talks are put on for the benefit of members to socialise and have a pleasant evening with other members (and non-members) and are free to attend. I am hopeful that this was just a blip and that we will see many more people at our future social evenings please support the branch if you can. A full programme of the social talks is available in this issue of Packet Boat.
Over 1,000 visitors turned out to enjoy IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch’s boat rally to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the opening of the Chester Canal, and the free event was widely enjoyed.
There were nine trading boats at the event and the pizza and cake stand trade boats sold out by Saturday evening and had to restock for the Sunday visitors. The Saturday evening commercial BBQ stall holder was also delighted having only one burger and three sausages left at the close of the evening!
Blessed with improving weather the opening ceremony featured Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council. The event had a waterways education programme for children, trade boats, live music and most popular of all was the local Aspara dance troupe and their pole dancing routine
Experts were on hand both to take visitors on guided tours of the historic inland port and to explain the role of the Chester Canal in the waterway network especially the Shropshire Union canal system from its opening in 1772 to present day.
Growing Awareness of The Economic Value of the Waterway.
The event, possibly coming so soon after Chester was named as the first Historic Inland Port in the UK, attracted a number of senior people from Canal & River Trust, and our local councillors were also in attendance.
Jim Forkin said “Many towns across the nation seek ways of finding a new purpose for their town centres and envy those with a canal or want their derelict canal restoring. Chester is incredibly fortunate having both a canal and a navigable river within the city centre.
Volunteers worked tirelessly at the event, safely mooring some 30 plus narrow boats on Friday afternoon (photos below). From 7.30am on Saturday they then erected gazebos, banners and marquees. Unfortunately, several narrowboats failed to arrive, as the route they were taking was via the Anderton Boat Lift, which unexpectedly had to close for maintenance on the day they were expecting to be lowered down to the river Weaver.
Although primarily a celebration for the anniversary of the Chester Canal’s opening, three waterway restoration societies had stalls. They came from the Montgomery, Sankey and Manchester & Stockport canals, and met many people to promote their restoration proposals.
We are now into GMT time and it will be getting darker earlier from October. Fortunately, it has remained relatively warm and I have not yet had to turn our central heating on, but I suspect this mild weather will not last too much longer. We must therefore plan ahead for next Springs cruising, which for us will start as usual with the Moira Festival in Leicestershire. Last year we were able to meet with lots of other trail boaters as it was the first time for two years we were actually able to hold a get-together.
This coming Spring there have been no takers to act as host for a trailboat Festival, I just hope that a branch somewhere will allow us to have a get together and we will be able to hold our AGM and meet with other boaters. At the moment it is not looking very hopeful, but maybe there will be an offer when everyone starts looking to 2023 season.
Meanwhile I will wish all our readers a Happy Xmas and New Year and will carry on planning for next year. Don’t forget our Monthly Socials at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, where we will have plenty of Xmas cards on sale and a few IWA calendars left……. and remember to send me your stories for the next issue of Packet Boat, which will be published in Spring.
Working barges on the Chester to Ellesmere Port branch of the Shroppie. They are engaged on the towpath upgrade which is now completed and back to the original width. However, it has been tarmacked for multiusage which makes the surface much better than the original
Tony Hirst; long standing member of our branch, died at the beginning of July. He became working party organiser in 1974 when work first started at the derelict docks at Ellesmere Port. It became The Boat Museum and he was it’s director from 1981 until his retirement in September 1999. He then became the IWA Vice President in 2000 and held the post until he passed on in July. For his full history see the obituary here on the IWA website:https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/the-charity/in-appreciation/tony-hirst
My Nicholson Guide says “the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal is, without doubt, one of the prettiest and most interesting waterways in England”. Having cruised the southern section last summer, and on several previous occasions, I can wholeheartedly agree.
What a pleasure it is to travel along one of the earliest canals in the country with its winding course, continually changing views, picturesque wooded sandstone cliffs and narrow locks. This canal was completed by James Brindley in 1772 and connects the Trent and Mersey Canal with the River Severn at Stourport.
Admittedly the stretch from Autherley and through Wolverhampton is unexciting but at Compton that changes when you arrive at the first lock of 31 which take you down to Stourport. This is the very first lock built by James Brindley and it became the model for all subsequent locks. Here, too, the canal begins to move from suburbia to quiet countryside. Another interesting feature awaits you at The Bratch. Here are locks which are unique on the canal system. Originally a staircase of three locks these were separated into three individual locks by moving the second and third locks a little downhill whilst leaving the top lock in place. The very small spaces between the locks were then connected to large side ponds. The idea was to conserve water. The locks, associated buildings including an octagonal toll office and immaculately kept grounds make a very impressive complex. We didn’t even have to wait to go down!
Further on, having negotiated both the Bumblehole Lock and the Botterham staircase of two locks, the canal surroundings become more wooded and outcrops of red sandstone, so typical of this canal, begin to appear. Greensforge, besides having a lockside pub, has another of this canal’s interesting features a circular weir similar to those alongside many of the locks.
After a few more lovely wooded miles, we passed by the Devil’s Den (a ‘house’ cut into the rock) just before Stourton Junction. From here the canal follows the valley of the River Stour all the way to Stourport. Kinver is an attractive town with a church set high on a hill and houses cut into the rock. Good shops too; definitely worth a visit. Further on, south of Whittington, we crossed from Staffs to Worcs the local canal society has erected a stone pillar to mark the boundary. Moored up here it was an easy walk to Caunsall where the Anchor serves an extensive range of ciders.
The following day’s destination was Kidderminster, with such delights as Austcliff, Cookley tunnel, and the cavern at Debdale Lock along the way. Also the village of Wolverley with its charming collection of houses and cottages dominated by the church on the hill which is approached by a footpath cut into the rock. On your return to the canal you can sit outside the Lock Inn and watch the boats as they pass through. Around midday we moored up above Kidderminster Lock adjacent to a shopping centre, and then went to swap crews at the railway station.
The next day was spent on a steam train on the Severn Valley Railway and exploring its destination, Bridgnorth; a fascinating town well worth visiting. Back on Ena May we stocked up with provisions and left the following morning for the short trip to Stourport by boat.
Stourport owes its very existence to the canal. The docks and associated warehouses etc were constructed on an open site near the confluence of the Stour and Severn. The closest settlement was the small village of Lower Mitton, now absorbed into the outskirts of the town. The development was first referred to as ‘Stourport’ in the Birmingham Gazette in 1771; up until then Brindley had referred to it as ‘Newport’.
We were fortunate to be able to moor in the Upper Basin, the first basin to be constructed. But even more fortunate to join ‘Mikron’ for their show ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’ performed in the grounds of the former Tontine Hotel ith the river in the background and the sun shining! The following day we started back towards home, looking forwards to our next adventure.
Henry Berry 1726 -1812; was the inspirational early canal civil engineer responsible for Britain`s first industrial canal, the Sankey (St Helens) Canal, has been honoured by his hometown of St Helens with an English Heritage Blue Plaque. Organised by the Sankey Canal Restoration Society and sponsored by member Dr Barrie Pennington the plaque has been sited in a prominent position on the wall of the popular “World of Glass” visitor attraction alongside the canal close to the town centre.
Henry`s exact date of birth is not recorded, and the place of birth is believed to have been Parr, a district of St Helens. Believed to be a religious man who never married, his early career is noted in a limited number of local documents when he was both a highway surveyor and “overseer of the poor”. His education is not known but it is highly likely that when working under the experienced civil engineer Thomas Speers in Liverpool, he will have learned his trade.
Speers has extensive experience of inland waterways as well as docks and it is after Speer’s death in 1750 that Henry comes into prominence in Liverpool. Salthouse Dock, built for the expanding trade in salt extracted from Northwich and surrounding areas then shipped down the Weaver Navigation, is largely credited to Henry Berry. It was Henry`s work in Liverpool that brought him to the attention of the proprietors of the Sankey River all of whom were Liverpool councillors and substantial financing for the canal was to emanate from Liverpool.
Both industry and the growing towns in the North West needed cheaper coal and to exploit the rich coalfields of South Lancashire, the Sankey Brook was viewed as the best way to be developed as a river navigation but Henry knew this was impractical. However, in 1755 Henry gave evidence to parliament on the project but Henry, despite his religious background, may have been complicit in the building of an artificial cut the full length of the valley without first informing all the proprietors what was needed. Henry can be acclaimed as the person responsible for the construction of the first canal of the Industrial Revolution some 3years before the Bridgewater Canal.
Dr. Barrie Pennington is a member of the National Transport Trust which has nominated and sponsored the Sankey (St. Helens) Canal and Sankey Viaduct for two of the Trust's Red 'Red Wheel' heritage plaques. (These plaques are recognised by Historic England as the equivalent of their own blue plaques). One of the goals of the Red Wheels is to draw attention to and raise awareness important heritage landmarks in our history. The two plaques shown below are now in place under Arch Number 3 of the Viaduct where the canal used to flow.
Dr. Pennington is also the Deputy Chair of a group of historians and business people who are working together to bid for World Heritage Status for the Canal and Viaduct together as significant contributors to the Industrial Revolution. This bid has the backing of St. Helens Council. They intend to help with opening up the Sankey Canal once more from Bradlegh Lock to Newton Common Lock and landscape the surrounding area to resemble the 1830s and rebuild a lock-keeper's cottage. They also plan to install a Mersey Flat barge as a working museum; and hope to attain World Heritage Status for this locality before the 200th anniversary of the opening of the viaduct in 2030. As part of the raising awareness process, Dr. Pennington has also organised and funded three blue plaques dedicated to Henry Berry. Two are now in place - one at the World of Glass museum in St. Helens and one at the United Reformed Church where Berry has a memorial stone. The third is in production and will be fixed to a plinth near the swing bridge over the canal in Newton-le-Willows.
Already a tourist hotspot with strong links to Roman and Medieval times; Chester is increasingly viewing its inland waterways as an additional attraction to bring to the attention to those interested in waterway history
At a ceremony in April, the Lord Mayor of Chester Martyn Delaney unveiled a new public information board titled “North gate Locks and Cutting “ and had it well positioned on a sandstone retaining wall. Also at the unveiling were Ian Green (CRT) Jim Forkin (IWA), John Herson and Ray Buss.
The original works date back some 250 years when Chester was losing its medieval position as the North West`s leading port and had to compete with the rapidly developing Liverpool. The Chester Canal, later to be linked into the Shropshire Union network originated in Nantwich and was a “broad canal” taking standard sized barges or “flats” some of which were capable of costal trade. However, Liverpool with its access to deep water and world markets, was to eventually grow into the massive port it still is today but with the arrival of Thomas Telford`s Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal and the link to Ellesmere Port , Chester still flourished .
Jim Forkin Chairman IWA Chester and Merseyside said “Tourism under pins Chester`s buoyant economy and it is pleasing to see that the city is increasingly aware of their waterway and industrial heritage which could further contribute to the city`s economic development”
Martyn Delaney, Ian Green, Jim Forkin, John Herson
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
This summer Derek and I decided to stay nearer to home and enjoy the top end of the Monty, a stretch of canal we had not done before. Whilst we had launched several times at Welshpool and cruised as far as we could on the section from Ardleen to Berriew a couple of times we had never ventured on the section from Frankton Junction to Queens Head and beyond.
This year after we had enjoyed the Chester Canal gathering in Telford’s Basin we decided to continue down the Shroppie and explore the rest of the navigable Monty. We tackled the Northgate staircase on the first day and managed to reach the outskirts of Waverton where there is a pleasant mooring with a wide green verge well away from the busy A41. We spent a very quiet night enjoying the warm weather which had set in for a few days.
Next morning we left around 9.00am and set off through the various locks, which included the Bunbury staircase. We decided to call at the Nantwich Boat club and make use of their mooring facilities and catch up with fellow members. There were plenty of free mooring slots as a lot of members were out cruising on their boats so it was good to chat and catch up with those who were still on the moorings. We set off next day to tackle Huleston locks which were manned by very helpful lock keepers.
It was a very sunny day and there were no hold ups so we made easy cruising and found a convenient mooring in the shade at Wrenbury. We decided to book in for a meal at th Cotton Arms which was very enjoyable. Back on board for the night the only disturbance was the sound of acorns falling on the roof and a few early morning water birds searching for their breakfast.
Once through the lift bridge we carried on through very pleasant scenery, eventually reaching Grindley Brook where we were able to slip through to the petrol station and top up our tanks ready for the next stage of our journey. Convenient showers in the facilities block meant we were able to make our way towards Frankton Junction and the turn off for the Montgomery Canal stopping briefly on the Ellesmere Arm to stock up on supplies at the local supermarket and phoned the CRT to book down the Frankton Locks next day. A stop for water and toilet emptying ay the Ellesmere Yard meant we were ready and moored up for the night within spitting distance of Lower Frankton and the entrance to the Monty.
The locks were due to be manned at 9.00 in the morning so we arrived early and queued behind a long boat to be second in line for the locks. Having ticked us on his list, the lock-keeper then let us through his locks for a two day stay, which was also at the start of the historic heatwave.
Assisted passage through the Frankton Locks made the going easy and we turned right at the bottom to meet a further, very shallow, lock, named after Graham Palmer who is head of the IWA Restoration Hub Once on the main stretch of the canal it is very rural with lots of wildlife around, we saw hosts of butterflies and dragonflies which set against the background of the Welsh hills made our journey very pleasant. We reached Queens Head, where we stopped for lunch, before continuing towards Maesbury Marsh.
There are a further 3 locks at Aston, all well spaced out, before we arrived at Bridge 75 where we moored for the rest of the day. I have a friend living in Oswestry, so was able to contact her to arrange for a meet up on the canal bank by the bridge. The weather continued to be hot, so we sat on our chairs with our refreshments, and reminisced about times gone by, before they set off back home.
The Navigation Inn does meals, so we booked in for an evening meal, which we were able to have outside and enjoyed most delicious food. I can recommend their menu to anyone who is passing through either on the canal or by road, as there is plenty of parking available. That evening’s main entertainment consisted of watching house martins, swifts and swallows catching the many flying insects over the water for their supper. Next morning we were able to reach the end of the navigable section, before turning round and returning towards Frankton locks. There are plenty of facility blocks along the way, mostly with showers, which made our stay there easy as there is much more space to wash in them than on our small boat.
The final afternoons entertainment was provided by a group of young people learning paddle boarding in the shallow water at the foot of Frankton Locks. We enjoyed their antics from the comfort of our deckchairs under the shade of a large oak tree with suitable refreshments in hand. If you have not yet visited this area then suggest you try it sometime.
Jeanne and Derek Smith ~ Wilderness trailboat Olive
After selling our boat in 2019 Helen and I decided that we needed a waterways “fix” so we hired a 45 foot narrowboat (New Moon) from Nicky and Gary at Cambridge Narrowboats, based on the edge of Cambridge. Our intention was to cruise into Cambridge before heading for the Great Ouse and St Ives but two days before picking up the boat we were informed that Bottisham lock, just above Cambridge, had a mechanical failure and was out of action (something very rare on the River Cam apparently!).
Revised plans meant that we drove down to Lazy Otter Marina (on the Old West River) to pick up New Moon from owner Gary and set sail mid afternoon for a nice cruise along the river to Great Ouse Boating Association (GOBA) moorings just past Aldreth. The birdlife was superb as we saw many kingfishers, kestrels, grebe and egrets. We were all alone until 3 more boats joined us in the early evening.
The next day we set off to the manned Hermitage Lock, and like Thames locks had to turn the engine off, and onto tidal waters at Erith to meet Gary at Westview Marina for a pump out as we’ve been used to a cassette toilet for all our boating years. Gary accidentally dropped the fittings and his tools into the river but we managed to find the tools (in bag) using a magnet but as we were moored on a marina, he managed to acquire a new fitting. We then went on through Brownhills Staunch (guillotine lock) and moored at One Pound moorings for lunch and a quiet afternoon.
On Monday 19th September, we watched the Queen’s funeral on TV in the morning, and set off early afternoon to St Ives for a long wait at the lock as the electric guillotine gate was timed. We ploughed on all afternoon through Huntingdon and Godmanchester and moored in early evening in remote countryside
An early morning cruise to St Neots and winded at Town Bridge and moored at Priory Centre. We had lunch, took on water then had a stroll round the town. In the afternoon we started heading back and moored in Godmanchester Pool (a short arm above Godmanchester Lock), and walked round the pretty town.
We were now retracing our steps, so could plan our stops and recall the nice moorings. We set off from Godmanchester for a gentle cruise to the Hemingfords, where we moored, had lunch then walked to Hemingford Abbots (very picturesque), and onto Houghton Mill (National Trust) for a guided tour of the last working water mill on the Great Ouse. We visited Houghton itself, then onto St Ives along the Thicket to Hemingford Grey for a well earned pint in the Cock Inn after 6 miles of walking. Whilst back on
board enjoying the evening sunshine in the cratch we were entertained by a couple of wild swimmers taking to the water.
Next day we had a lazy morning and after lunch cruised back through St Ives, with that long timer at the lock again, and onto Holywell where we moored outside Old Ferry Boat Inn, which is said to be the oldest pub in England. There are even records of drinks being sold here as early as 560 AD! We walked around the village, visiting the “Holy Well” outside the church then back to the boat where we encountered another group of wild swimmers then sat outside the pub for a drink before enjoying a nice meal inside.
A morning cruise saw us back at Brownhills Staunch where we went tidal again (you’d never know) and onto Hermitage Lock where the kind lock keeper lowered us down some milk as we’d nearly run out and shops were miles away. We stopped at Aldreth again for lunch then cruised back to the Lazy Otter, winded on GOBA moorings and chilled out opposite the marina. Again, we were able to sit outside, this time watching F15 and F35 fighter jets preparing to land at nearby Lakenheath and a wonderful sunset over the river.
In the morning we packed up and Gary joined us to nip across to the marina (hirers are not allowed to berth the boat apparently!). We loaded the car, said goodbye to Gary and Nicky then drove to Wicken Fen which was close by. We had a walk round the Sedge Fen and saw a Marsh Harrier before heading home back to Cheshire. It was a great holiday, a comfortable boat, decent weather (it never rained, apart from once in the night) and a lovely part of the country to explore.
Times: - For all walks we assemble at 10.15 am. for a 10.30 start; and should finish back at the parking place early afternoon, normally about 1.30 pm.
Parking: - Normally at a pub. On the Thursday before the walk a reminder is sent to everyone who has booked in - which also gives details of the name of the pub and data for Satnav’s.
Booking a Place: - If you wish to join any of the free walks, please send your request to the walk organiser and guide: derek.smith@waterways.org
13th November ~ Bunbury and the surrounding countryside.
This walk along the Shroppie will be about 4 miles long. First downhill to Tilston lock, then along the towpath to Calveley passing the staircase locks. Then footpaths over countryside meadows to the Bunbury Water then back to the village pub for lunch. With meadows to cross and stiles are in good order
This five-mile walk has delightful Bridgewater Canal scenery at the start of the route. And then through a variety of different woods and valleys with very little road walking. All of the paths are firm and mostly quite wide and well used. There are no stiles and only a few old kissing gates
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15th January ~ Barbridge and the surrounding countryside.
This 4 mile walk is on good paths with scenery is very rural with some fields to cross, and then the Hurleston Locks. Most of the fields have crops so you won’t see many animals. There are only a few stiles towards the end of the walk near the Shroppie, they are in very good order but not really dog friendly.
12th February ~ Ravensmoore and the surrounding countryside.
This challenging walk will be 5 miles along the Llangollen and footpaths rarely used. Most of the route crosses rural landscapes and sometimes fields of crops. The twelve stiles are in good order. But bring a walking stick to fend off any cows, although there shouldn’t be cows out in February. We pass three locks and may see a boat pass through.
This circular walk is 3¾ miles along well used footpaths all the way. A very easy circular walk along River Weaver bank. The footpaths are in good condition and we may see boats passing through a lock. There are wooded sections and we will see the boats moored at the end of Jalsee boatyard.
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. The meetings include our fun raffle and our sales and shop are available for Christmas Cards and Publications. The Café is open for light refreshments, tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.
8 November 2022- Ray Buss talks on the history and heritage of the Chester Canal
- 250 years old and still going strong. (The Industrial Revolution in 18th and 19th century had a major impact on life and work across the country. Everyone wanted to be part of the new transport network, businesses in Chester included. The project got the ahead in 1772. This history of how the local waterways were planned, built and extended tell a story of the era and how important its heritage remains for canal users of today.)
13 December 2022- our Christmas party with mince pies, sherry and our bumper raffle. - Gill Bolt talks on their adventures and voyages down the Canal du Midi
10 January 2023 – Ian Wilson talks on the history and restoration of the Kennet and Avon
14 February 2023 - Les Green talks on the Daniel Adamson restored Liverpool steam tug boat operating on the River Weaver
14 March 2023 - Branch AGM followed by a presentation by Fran Littlewood (CRT Project Manager) on the current and future situation of the Anderton Boat Lift and the plans for its refurbishment over the next twelve months.
11 April 2023 - To be decided. Final meeting of the season.
President. Ron Evans
Branch Chairman Jim Forkin jim.forkin@team.waterways.org.uk H. 01270 650054 M. 07803 928929
Minute Secretary Ann Farrell ann.farrell@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer, Social Sec & Assist Planning Jim Mole jim.mole@waterways.org.uk Officer H. 01606 40955 M. 07580 162355
Publicity Officer Les Green les.green@waterways.org.uk
Editor Packet Boat Jeanne Smith jeanne.smith@waterways.org.uk H. 01244 382058 M. 07746 955931
Planning & Geoff Gittus geoff.gittus@waterways.org.uk Navigation Officer H. 0151 605 1094 M. 07808 859751
Membership John Herson john.herson@waterways.org.uk Secretary
Merseyside Liaison Geoff
Scars
Chester
geoff.gittus@waterways.org.uk
Colin
colin.greenall@waterways.org.uk H.
M. 07944 101162
John Herson john.herson@waterways.org.uk
Ian
Short ian.short@waterways.org.uk
vera.short@waterways.org.uk