The Chester Packet

`Chester Packet

1

January 2011

January 2010

Issue No 54 CHESTER & DISTRICT BRANCH

Editor: Margaret Pitney

Disaster on the River Weaver—Mike Wilkinson’s picture shows some of the devastation at Acton Bridge Cruising Club—more inside

Chester Packet

2

June 2010

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE President Richard Drake, BEM Chairman

Brian Phillips, Tel: 01244 300025 Email: bf.phillips@virgin.net

Vice Chairman

Bill Sinclair, Tel: 01244 319890 Email: billsinclair5@aol.com

Treasurer

Ron Evans, Tel: 01928 788673 Email: rjkingsley@tiscali.co.uk

Secretary

Gillian Bolt, Tel: 0151 678 9300 Email: petergillianbolt1@btinternet.com

Minutes Secretary

Helen Forkin, Tel: 01270 650054 Email: jimhelen@jimhelen.fsnet.co.uk

Membership Secretary

Peter Bolt, Tel: 0151 678 9300 Email: petergillianbolt1@btinternet.com

Social Secretary

Vacant

Newsletter Editor

Margaret Pitney , Tel: 0151 608 6487 Email: margaret.pitney@talktalk.net

Planning Officer

Geoff Gittus, Tel: 0151 605 1094 Email: geoff.boatman@tiscali.co.uk

Publicity Officer

Jim Forkin, Tel: 01270 650054 Email: jimhelen@jimhelen.fsnet.co.uk

Sales Officer

Committee Members

Lesley Taylor, Tel: 0151 342 6651 Email: lesley.taylor22@btinternet.com

Jennifer MacGillivray, Tel: 07909 517051 Email: jennifer.macgillivray1@googlemail Mike Sumner, Tel: 0151 4201460 Email: mike@kpsumner.com

`Chester Packet

3

January 2010

Branch Chairman’s Report This year, 2010, is coming to an end and it appears determined to leave just as it started— very cold. As I write it’s -7 outside although in January it dropped to -14. I like the blue skies, the clean crisp air, the clear light from the sun and the canopy of the moon and stars at night. As a boat owner I am concerned at the possible damage which may occur when the canal freezes over. In previous winters I have been very lucky, the only inconvenience has been when turning the tap on, and having to wait 20 minutes before any water came out. This year the boat is moored in a Marina so I have left a small heater on hoping to keep the inside of the boat above 0C. I am hoping for an early thaw.

This time of the year is the start of BW’s maintenance programme so I have great respect for the crews working in these conditions. I appreciate that the winter is not the ideal time to do maintenance but just imagine the disruption if it was carried out in the summer, so a big thank you to those struggling to replace lock gates etc.

Thinking of warmer times, the heat wave in June coincided with the Tom Rolt Centenary Celebrations held at Tower Wharf; it was wonderful to see all the boats and the crowds in the sunshine. The Branch was pleased to be involved in reviving the memory of Tom Rolt, a local hero as he was born in Chester and a founder member of IWA, without which the Branch would not exist. It was definitely the year of Tom Rolt as not only did the National Festival honour him but also many of the other Societies he had been involved with such as: The Talyllyn Railway, The Vintage Sports Car Club, The Newcomen Society (who also funded the Blue Plaque in Handbridge) the Cheltenham Literature Festival and a programme on Radio 4.

Looking ahead to next year there are already many things for the Branch to be involved with, starting in January with a Branch Officers’ Workshop to discuss IWA involvement with BW’s move to the third sector. Also in January the Branch will be attending the BW Open Day at Northgate Locks; this initiative by BW is to be applauded and shows someone is thinking of ways to involve a wider audience in the waterways. Later on a new Boat Show is taking place in Liverpool, although not in the Branch area. They would like IWA involvement and wish to welcome visiting boats.

On March 5th the Branch is hosting the Region AGM at Anderton followed on the 8 th March by our own AGM held at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port.

The Branch web page has been updated; this is a vital tool for keeping everyone informed so if anyone would like to assist in keeping it up to date it would appreciated.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Brian Phillips brian.phillips@waterways.org.uk

Chester Packet

4

June 2010

Region Chairman’s Report Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find an open letter from Tony Hales reporting on the current state of play in British Waterways’ transformation into a third sector charity. I would like to give you my thoughts on this document and on the ‘official’ IWA reaction. This is a misnomer as the IWA is a member-based charity and therefore its view is that of its members, but you are aware that Trustees have given this matter great thought and in some cases have insights into the developments of the ideas and therefore I ask you to read what I have to say before you decide to disagree with it.

Our influence is obvious from the fourth line where he refers to Robert Aikman’s vision for a National Waterways Conservancy. Our initiative with DEFRA has been for a new body to replace BW and include EA navigations and potentially others as well so that there are not only economies of scale to help offset the impending cuts, but also a coherency of policy and management over the different navigations. In this context I am well aware in our region of the significant private enterprise player of Peel Holdings, owners of the Bridgewater Canal, and if I say that management of this is currently effective enough not to arouse major worries, I am sure many will disagree. We also have members in Scotland where the fate of BW Scotland will be decided by the Scottish Government. There are Scottish elections next May and I am tempted to be simplistic and say that a SNP government will be less inclined to retain BWS as part of the England and Wales restructuring than a Labour one.

In his fourth paragraph Tony Hales states there is a lot of work to do. This is perhaps an understatement. There are plans for governance which indicate a participation by stakeholders, including ourselves, at both national and local levels. The elephant in the room remains the funding, and the IWA have stated clearly and loudly that our support is dependent on a satisfactory funding model.

There is a matter that is not referred to but which arouses the interest and, in some cases, anger among many, with which I have great sympathy. The current Directors of BW in some cases enjoy benefits packages which are totally out of step with those applying to national charities. I would ask you to consider whether DEFRA and others with influence are aware of this problem and of the need to address it, just as they must address the significant pension fund deficit revealed by BW’s accounts.

So there is much to welcome in Tony Hales’s letter, just as there are many questions still to be answered and much still to do. Perhaps the most important in the long term in my opinion is the change of culture and cooperation necessary. BW must consult and listen more than they have done in the past. I think they have started this process, and note a more listening tone to user group and other meetings. If this is so, and I accept it is early days, then if we are going to weather the difficult times ahead, we the users must reciprocate and come to the table prepared to work together with them to achieve what we want—a well maintained system, our heritage and environment respected and maintained, and a future for our waterways.

Alan Platt

`Chester Packet

5

January 2010

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS March 2011 seems a long way off, but we have no newsletter until May, so details of the two Annual General Meetings are included in this edition.

First we have the North-west Region AGM which is being held at the Anderton Lift on Saturday 5 March at 2.00 pm. There will be a talk given by Weaver historian Colin Edmondson at 12.00 pm followed by lunch (ÂŁ6) at 1.00 pm. For details and booking for lunch please contact Gillian Bolt on 0151 678 9300 / 07855 968524 or email petergillianbolt1@btinternet.com.

Chester & District Branch AGM , as you will see from the programme, is being held at our regular meeting time and place on Tuesday 8 March together with a visit from BW Waterways Manager Wendy Capelle.

Wendy is giving a talk telling us about her job as a BW Manager.

Items for discussion must be sent to the Branch Chairman by 25 January 2011;—email bf.phillips@virgin.net.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Several years ago a request appeared in this newsletter for members to distribute IWA membership leaflets to likely sources in our area.

We received a very good response to this, but since then due to various circumstances some of our volunteers have had to bow out.

We are now looking for distributors who may live, or pass by, such venues as hire boat bases, canal chandlery shops, boat clubs or anywhere else with an interest in waterways.

New leaflets are now available showing revised member rates for 2011. Also available are leaflet holders, legacy leaflets, WRG Working Holiday brochure, boat insurance information (every policy taken out and subsequently renewed helps IWA) and a leaflet showing IWA waterway events around the country in 2011.

If you feel you can help please contact the Branch Membership Secretary (details on page 2).

Chester Packet

6

June 2010

Below we have a letter from the Chairman of British Waterways, Tony Hale CBE, addressed to all waterways users. In view of the importance of this news to everyone concerned with the future of British Waterways, it is reproduced in full.

Dear Waterway Supporter GOVERNMENT GIVES THE GO AHEAD FOR A ‘NATIONAL TRUST’ FOR THE WATERWAYS The Government has today made an important announcement about the future of the inland waterways in England and Wales, in probably the biggest shake up of our canals and rivers since nationalisation in 1948.

The plan, to move the waterways out of state control and into a new independent national charity, builds on the proposals I launched at the House of Commons in May last year and on Robert Aikman’s vision for a ‘National Waterways Conservancy’ half a century ago.

When we called this proposal ‘2020’ we thought it would take a while to achieve. The fact that the Government now wishes to adopt it as policy, replacing British Waterways with the new charity by April 2012, is a tremendous achievement and I have congratulated the waterways minister, Richard Benyon MP, on his imaginative and positive response.

The waterways have been utterly transformed for the better in the time since British Waterways was established in 1962 and they are used and enjoyed by more people, in a wider variety of ways than ever before. This transformation owes its success to the contribution of countless staff, volunteers and enthusiasts. Moving the waterways into a charitable body recognises the need to build on that enthusiasm and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their history.

The Board and directors of British Waterways believe that this is absolutely the right next step for the nation’s magnificent waterways.

The move will attract new funding for waterways maintenance, safeguard investment and give everyone who uses and enjoys the

`Chester Packet

7

January 2010

waterways a greater role in how they are cared for. I don’t underestimate the challenges ahead in making it happen, but history has shown that the waterway movement, when it pulls together, can achieve great things.

There is still a lot of work to do to: develop the new governance model; agree a long-term funding contract with government and; put in place transitional arrangements. Defra will examine the inclusion of the Environment Agency’s navigations, as part of a coherent plan for the waterways it funds in England and Wales, and the Scottish Government will decide whether Scotland’s waterways will be in the new body. British Waterways will continue to work with government officials and waterway stakeholders to ensure good continuity, a smooth transition and a successful launch for the new body.

The question for us all now is not whether we should form a new waterways charity, but how we can do it. Open dialogue and involvement will be vital to making this happen and I know that Defre intend to consult with waterway stakeholders as they develop the content of the Public Bodies Bill, through which the new charity will be set up.

I cannot overstate what an enormous opportunity this is for the waterways, and for all those who feel passionately about their future. We must all make sure our views are heard and I look forward to many interesting and constructive debates during the next six months. With this in mind, please pass this letter on to any colleagues, friends or members who you think will be interested and feel free to reproduce it in your own publications or websites.

Yours faithfully TONY HALES CBE Chairman It was stated at the User Forum that legislation is expected to be enacted

by March 2011 and new body to be in place by April 2012.

Chester Packet

8

June 2010

River Weaver Navigation Society Re-Opening of Riversdale Bridge The re-opening of Riversdale Bridge on 3rd. December 2010, even after interminable delays, is a source of great satisfaction to our Society.

The original swing bridge was built on the instructions of the Weaver Trustees, at Navigation Yard, in Northwich, over a period of approximately six weeks in 1888, rebuilt in c.1930, and obviously had deteriorated to such an extent that it was overdue for extensive renovation when it was closed in 2004. It was heavily used as a short-cut through the town.

The new bridge is slightly wider than the one it replaces, enabling wheelchairs and bicycles to pass on the bridge. The new swing bridge is also electrically operated, actuated by a plug-in controller, whereas its predecessor was operated by hand The Chairman of the River Weaver Navigation Society, John Tackley, said, “We are delighted that this bridge is finally restored. Our members battled long and hard to help raise funds, by actively supporting and campaigning for a grant from Sustrans to assist with its restoration. In this we were helped by votes collected from the local populace.

We also offered technical advice to the bridge consultants, which was taken on board.

Apart from the immediate benefits of better pedestrian access to Sir John Deane‟s College and other local properties, with a consequent reduction in road traffic, our Society has been instrumental in achieving better access to the river backwater, which will be of undoubted future benefit to the town.

The new bridge offers an increased navigational headroom of approximately 7‟-00”, which will enable canal craft to pass beneath it without opening the swinging span. This means that an extra quarter of a mile of waterway will be readily accessible for visitors to use as town centre moorings and give craft, including future trip boats, access to both Weaver Hall Museum and the Bowling Green public house. Each of these properties has garden access to this newly accessible backwater. This will undoubtedly improve Northwich‟s facilities as a tourist attraction.

It is pleasing to record that a third sector organisation like ours, working in conjunction with Cheshire West and Chester Council and British Waterways, can actually help achieve real long term benefits for Northwich, despite the financial constraints that make the revitalisation of the town, so long awaited, currently so difficult.”

CONTACTS: Chairman John Tackley 01606 76204 07966 521273 jtackley@hotmail.com Historian Colin Edmondson 07721 620747 colin@colinedmondson.com

`Chester Packet

9

January 2010

BW LIAISON REPORT FROM BILL SINCLAIR Our Vice-Chairman, Bill Sinclair, has regular meetings with BW to keep the Branch up to date with current events. Here is his latest report; Tony Hales’ letter on pages 6 and 7 explains the details of BW changes.

Although the replacement for BW should take place by April 2012 none of BW staff know much about any changes or what sort of budget they will have to work to, but hope that more information will be coming soon.

All lock gates at Hack Green are planned to be replaced in November and December as are the flood gates at either end of Nantwich embankment. Repairs are being made to the stop plank grooves at Anderton along with some structural repairs to the lift up to Christmas. In January gate repairs are being carried out to Northgate locks and these locks will be open to the public on 29 January—a good day out. New stop planks are about to be made for Barbridge and anywhere else in need of them. There is a need for more outlets for the sale of pumpout cards as people are having problems finding them.

Sutton Weaver bridge repairs and stoppage have been cancelled due to problems with traffic management in the area. BW is looking into ways of funding dredging on the Weaver, especially at the entrance to the Frodsham arm. They are hoping to get some help from local firms. There is also hope for more visitor moorings at Acton Bridge if they can afford them. There are no short term plans as yet to increase visitor moorings at Northwich where the Flotel used to be. The Vale Royal Barge lock bridge is in very poor condition and there is still hope of installing a temporary pedestrian bridge below the bottom gates this financial year.

The biggest problem affecting our Branch area concerns Williams moorings and the Dee Branch at Tower Wharf. The general consensus within BW is that the Branch is impassable and without any potential funding available they may have no alternative but to close the Branch. However, they have been meeting with Chester West & Chester Council and the Environment Agency to look for potential funding opportunities. They will contact local user groups to discuss any future proposals and potential closure. In the meantime they would like to arrange a meeting with this IWA Branch to discuss the problems in more detail.

This sad picture is the bottom lock leading out to the River Dee.

Chester Packet

10

June 2010

Mike Wilkinson of Acton Bridge Cruising Club tells us of THE DAY THE TIDE WENT OUT ON THE RIVER WEAVER It was 8.30am on 27th October and I was very comfortable sitting up in bed reading the local paper and enjoying a caffeine fix prior to getting up. The phone call was short and to the point, ‘Better get down to the boat as the river level has fallen’. No alarm bells rang as this does happen from time to time and only necessitates someone to go to the Club and loosen the mooring ropes.

Nothing however could prepare me for the sight which greeted me on my arrival. Many members had already arrived and were staring at a river which had shrunk to a tiny stream. Boats were everywhere, some broken loose completely and others were hanging at crazy angles from the bank. One cruiser had broken loose from further up the river and come to rest in our club.

Gradually we all got organised and started to assess the situation. A number of BW staff also appeared to lend a hand.

The major problem was that as the water level dropped, the weight of the boats had torn some of the moorings out of the bank. The lucky members were the ones moored in shallow water, whose boats simply sat on the mud, and those with poor ropes which broke under the strain.

By 11am the river was rising and while members ensured that their boats refloated safely BW set about taping off dangerous landing stages. Boats were

`Chester Packet

11

January 2010

moved and double moored on secure moorings.

Thanks to the sterling efforts of the ladies present, we were all fed and by 4 pm everything was as near to normal as it could be.

At this time it is still not clear exactly what happened. At about 6 am the inhabitants of the cottages adjacent to the Club heard a loud noise and the crash of breaking landing stages. It appears that the computer which controls the weirs had caused Dutton weirs to open fully and all the water had rushed through.

The previous day workmen had been servicing the controls but it is too early to claim this as the cause. BW are carrying out a full investigation and Acton Bridge Cruising Club are in negotiations to facilitate repairs which are expected to cost many thousands of pounds.

Every cloud does have a silver lining however.

No-one was hurt, no boats were badly damaged and finally the force of the water flowing through our moorings removed quite a lot of the silt which has been a problem to us for many years.

Chester Packet

12

June 2010

Branch Waterway Walks January - May 2011 All walks take place on the 4th Thursday of the month commencing at 10.15 am and are open to IWA members and non-members alike. Each walk starts and finishes at a pub.

Anyone requiring lunch at the pub at the end of the walk can book their meal just before we set out on the walk. Halfway through each walk we stop for welcome ‘bring your own’ refreshments.

January 27th - Northwich—New Year, New Walk, New Bridge!

The Bowling Green, London Road, Northwich (CW9 8AA) is the starting point for this new walk. After leaving the pub garden, the walk crosses the brand new Riversdale Bridge and Hunt‟s Locks before turning upstream to follow the banks of the River Weaver, passing through the Marshall‟s Arm nature reserve on the way. The walk crosses the river at Vale Royal locks and returns to the pub after a distance of 3.7 miles. Map reference 657 732 OS Explorer 267.

February 24th – Chester Telford‟s Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester (CH1 4EZ) is the starting point for this 3.7 mile walk along the Shropshire Union canal, around Chester‟s city walls, through Grosvenor Park, along the bank of the River Dee and across the Roodee and Water Tower Gardens. Map reference 400 667 OS Landranger 117 March 24th – Middlewich The Big Lock, Webb‟s Lane, Middlewich (CW10 9DW) is the base for this walk which follows the towing paths of the Trent and Mersey and Shropshire Union canals and uses the lanes, tracks and footpaths in the valley of the River Dane to connect the two canals. The walk is 3.4 miles long, the map reference is 702 668 OS Explorer 267.

April 28th – Ravensmoor The Farmer‟s Arms at Ravensmoor (CW5 8PN) is about 2.5 miles south west of Nantwich. From the pub this 4-mile walk heads west across green pastures before turning north to follow the towing path of the Llangollen canal. After roughly one and a half miles the route turns off the towing path to cross undulating pastures before heading south on quiet lanes to return to the pub. Map reference 621 506 OS Explorer 257.

`Chester Packet

13

January 2010

The group pauses for a rest on the Shropshire Union Canal near Beeston Stone Lock

Support for the Branch walks is going from strength to strength. Two walks have taken place this season which were attended by approximately 20 people— some having read about it in their local press, some being regulars who started coming out with us from the early days of Branch walking. Walks take place at all points of the Branch boundaries and all include a waterway at some point.

Members of the public with no connection to the IWA are particularly welcomed—they soon learn all about us and some join the Association. So come along to the next walk—you will be very welcome.

Nearing the end of the November 2010 walk from The Walton Arms

Chester Packet

14

June 2010

CHESTER BRANCH WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS: Mr J Kummer, Ellesmere Port Mr and Mrs R Nicholas, Birkenhead Mr A Cross, Deeside Mr D Haslam, Shotton Mr N Payton, Connah‟s Quay Mr A Ramsay, Prenton We look forward to meeting you all at our monthly meetings at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum and on our Branch walks.

CHESTER CANAL HERITAGE TRUST Chester Home Guard, Canal Street, Chester, at 8pm, in the function room

Wednesday February 2nd 2011

The North West Transport Archive Charles Roberts - Lecturer from the Liverpool John Moores University and custodian of photographic archive material of transport in the North West will reveal gems from the collection

Wednesday March 2nd 2011

Taylor’s Boatyard Two centuries of boatbuilding - Geoff Taylor, local historian

`Chester Packet

15

January 2010

BOAT MUSEUM SOCIETY—Diary Dates Meetings are held in the Rolt Centre at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, 7.30 pm.

21 January

Anthony Annakin-Smith—’Neston Collieries and the Underground Canals’

18 February

Annual General Meeting followed by presentations on Museum progress

18 March

Roger Wickson—’Working Boats and Working Boatpeople’

22 April

(Good Friday) - Pat Crecraft—’A Special Kind of Traffic’

20 May

Professor Ivor Harris—’Hydrogen, Magnets and Ross Barlow’

.

SKITTLES

SKITTLES

The Annual Inter-Branch Skittles Challenge is to take place on Friday 1 April 2011 at the Bickerton Poacher, Bulkeley, Near Malpas (on the A534). A lamb hotpot or vegetarian option will be served at 7.30 pm (£7.50) and the match will start at 8.00 pm.

Please ring Janet Farmer on 01270 811157, at least one week before, to order your meal COME ON YOU CHESTER MEMBERS—WE NEED YOU!

Chester Packet

16

June 2010

BW Licence Increase It is important to realise that there is a consultation open until 31 January.

It is vital that everyone responds to this consultation because the increase of 2.5% in VAT will also come into effect resulting in an increase of over 7% at a time when everyone is struggling with static of negative wage increases.

It is also important to note the changes to the terms and conditions of licences and early payment dates. Further information can be obtained on http://ww.britishwaterways.co.uk/listening-to-you/consultations-andreviews/current-consultations Mersey Ferries Cruise from Boat Museum It is reported in Friends of the Ferries newsletter that next summer, when adverse tides limit access to the Manchester Ship Canal, a ferry will be based at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum to provide truncated trips on the Canal, but inclusive of admission to the Museum.

Tower Wharf Open Day On Sunday 29 January from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm British Waterways are holding an Open Day at Tower Wharf. This will give the general public an insight into the work being done by BW on the restoration of the locks.

There will also be a presentation on Tower Wharf by Dr. Ray Buss of Chester Canal Heritage Trust and Kate Lynch of British Waterways. The operational team will be on site to discuss the work with members of the public. Full details of this event will be on Waterscape early in January.

Other societies taking part include Shropshire Union Canal Society, Waterways Action Squad, the University of Chester and Chester Canal Heritage Trust. £1 million HLF Project ‘Saltscape’ Cheshire West and Chester Council have commissioned a new project to improve and create a better access to and appreciation of the landscape in the Weaver Valley. This involves woodlands, wetlands and the River. Members of the committee of River Weaver Navigation Society took Heritage Lottery Fund staff and council officers on a boat trip from the Lion Salt Works to the Boat Lift where discussions were held with Wendy Capelle and her staff. The preliminary bid goes in in February 2011.

`Chester Packet

17

January 2010

BRIDGEWATER CANAL USER GROUP MEETING REPORT Branch committee member, Mike Sumner, represents the Branch at these meetings and sends this report to keep us up to speed with news from the Bridgewater Canal Marinas The Bridgewater Canal Company is not permitting any private marinas on the canal.

They do have 4 or 5 possible marina sites, but do not intend developing them all at the same time. They will build a marina and see what demand for moorings there is, then look at a second site and so on.

Ownership Ownership of the canal has been transferred from the Manchester Ship Canal Company (51% owned by Peel Group) to Bridgewater Canal Company Limited (100% owned by Peel Group). When Peel Group sold 49% of Peel Ports (to which the Manchester Ship Canal Company belongs) to a third party, the Bridgewater canal was excluded from the sale, hence the need to change the ownership to a new Company— the Bridgewater Canal Company Limited. The powers are the same as before with the full ownership retained by the Peel Group as before.

There were no negative comments from any parties present at the meeting. I consulted with IWA at National Level and they came back with no concerns as ownership will remain with Peel Group.

Licences 1023 were issued during 2009, 962 were issued to the end of September 2010.

Mooring 400 Permits were issued Stretford Marina has 6 births vacant for small boats.

Edgerton Moorings (near Castlefields) will reopen soon, as the developer has delayed the completion of the site due to the economic situation. A revised planning application for the Edge Lane site in Stretford has been submitted.

Other matters Worsley Delph ochre removal is the responsibility of Salford Council who are seeking funding; after this has been completed the ochre in the canal can be looked at.

There are problems with the proposed picnic area at Lymm, an alternative site at George Cleaves bridge is being investigated.

Barton Aqueduct is planned for a winter closure.

New mooring rings are to be installed at the Old Number 3 The increase in bikes on the canal path is causing a problem, with a few cyclists speeding excessively on some stretches. A solution is being investigated.

The 250th Anniversary of the Bridgewater Canal is next year. The Friends of the Bridgewater Canal (Sale) will be putting on a exhibition in Sale.

Mike Sumner

Chester Packet

18

June 2010

RAILWAY CROSSINGS OF THE WEAVER NAVIGATION

by Ron Evans Five railway viaducts cross the River Weaver Navigation but only three lines of rails. In order to meet the requirements of the Weaver Navigation Trustees who demanded that the clearance between river and railway should be at least 61 feet, four of the viaducts had to be expensively constructed using high embankments and multiple arches. The fifth leaps across the river where it passes through a gorge below Vale Royal Locks.

Cheshire‟s first railways were the horse-drawn tramways. Like the Helsby Quarry Tramway which from the early 1800‟s ran from Helsby Hill down to the River Mersey at Ince, they served the mines and quarries in their areas. By 1820 there were extensive plans for regional and national networks of horse-drawn lines. None of them crossed the Weaver.

In 1830 the world‟s first passenger steam railway opened between Liverpool and Manchester, passing through Newton le Willows on the way. Soon the railway system was heading south towards the Weaver with the construction of the line from Newton le Willows to Warrington. Next came the Grand Junction Railway which was planned to run from Warrington to Birmingham. It was authorized in 1833 and opened in July 1837. With its opening came the first two rail crossings of the Weaver, Dutton Viaduct and Vale Royal Viaduct. In 1847 the Grand Junction became part of the London and North Western Railway, later the London, Midland and Scottish (the LMS) and then British Rail. It is now part of Network Rail‟s west coast main line.

The third and fourth rail crossings of the Weaver were built to carry the Birkenhead,

Dutton Viaduct

Vale Royal Viaduct

Lancashire and Cheshire Junction Railway. On the 18 th December 1850 the Chester and Warrington Junction section of this railway was opened and with it two viaducts at Frodsham. The westerly viaduct crossed the River Weaver itself whilst the viaduct to the east crossed the Weston Canal which had been opened in 1810 from the Weaver

`Chester Packet

19

January 2010

Frodsham Viaduct West Frodsham Viaduct East above Frodsham Lock to the deep water of the River Mersey at Weston Point. The purpose of the canal was to avoid the delays to Mersey and Weaver flats which occurred on the Weaver below Frodsham lock at neap tides when sandbanks were a hindrance to navigation The opening of the canal enabled the flats to do 25% more trade in a given period.

The Frodsham viaducts had been in use for only four months or so when on 30 th April 1851 a tragic accident occurred less than a mile to the east in Frodsham Tunnel. The accident started with the breakdown in the tunnel of a train carrying home to Manchester racegoers from a day at the races in Chester. Before the alarm could be raised, a second train came along and crashed into the back of the first one. Then along came a third train which crashed into the back of the second. In total nine people died as a result of the accident, five at the scene and four later.

Weaver Viaduct which crosses the river just below Huntâ€&#x;s Lock south of Northwich town centre was the last of the Weaverâ€&#x;s five railway crossings to be built. It forms part of what was originally called the West Cheshire Railway and connects Northwich with Helsby. The railway was opened in 1869 for goods traffic and in1870 for passengers.

Weaver Viaduct

Chester Packet

20

June 2010

BW CUSTOMER FORUM 21 OCTOBER 2010 At each BW Customer Forum waterway users are invited to ask questions with a guaranteed answer. I reproduce below some of the questions and answers referring to problems in our Branch area.

Q. A.

Q.

A.

Q.

A.

Lack of waste facilities near Middlewich towpath—small section sinking and very muddy in Middlewich near to Wardle Lock between first two bridges.

BW agrees there is some work to do on improving the length of towpath referred to and are now looking at options to have this section upgraded. Need more detail on lack of waste facilities.

Narrowboats appear to be abusing moorings by 1) carrying out extensive refurbishment work, 2) moving a short distance before returning to start the cycle again. Unfair to anglers who are denied access to some lengths e.g. at Henhull and to genuine boaters.

Boaters are permitted to undertake works to their boats but must not breach any of their licence terms and conditions e.g. noise, nuisance and obstruction. Email details to Sheila.shaw@britishwaterways.co.uk. (01452 318059). If you have examples in relation to angling access contact John.Ellis@britishwateways.co.uk, the National Angling Manager.

Do cyclists have open, unrestricted access to towpaths and if so is there any stipulation that they dismount or ring a bell when approaching anglers? Their silent approach can lead to broken tackle.

BW is experiencing difficulties with the increased use of our towpaths by cyclists all across the country and a national review on the subject has been instigated. We have attempted to educate our cycling friends but will never be in a position to fully prevent nor police this matter. BW has recently met with the waterway usersâ€&#x; special interest group to review the waterway code with particular reference to cyclists with a number of proposals put forward. Any amendments will be updated onto Waterscape; if you do have any particular problems please do not hesitate to bring them to our attention.

`Chester Packet

Q. A.

Q.

A.

Q.

A.

21

January 2010

Northwich Visitor Moorings. Any progress since April in increasing the mooring space available?

The site that has now been made available after the removal of the Floatel is a development area as part of the regeneration of Northwich. It is anticipated there will be additional mooring space available as a part of this development. We will consult with local users to obtain their views on any proposals for the moorings/ facilities. In the meantime there are no short term plans to increase the mooring space.

Vale Royal Barge Lock. When do you expect the bridge over it to be serviceable so that it can be swung and the lock used? Why not use the existing lock gates as a means of crossing the lock rather than build a special temporary bridge as is proposed?

Engineering inspections confirm the condition of the existing bridge to be in very poor condition. As you are probably aware it has now been closed to vehicles and is not operable. We are still hopeful that we can install a temporary bridge crossing below the bottom gates to enable us to keep the route open to pedestrian traffic within this financial year. It is not an option to use the existing lock gate walkways as we are obligated to provide a wider access across the lock side.

Now that the land below Vale Royal Lock has been returned to the local angling club there is a problem if more than 2 or 3 boats have to wait for the timed opening of the lock as there is nowhere to go. Is there any reason the gates cannot be opened before time and boats moored in the lock? When will the bottom paddle be repaired?

As we are attempting to get the small lock operational again imminently there is not a great deal of benefit in changing the process now that the season is at an end. Hopefully we should be able to give passage on demand once more in the coming season so this particular problem should be removed.

The editor is pleased to receive contributions to the newsletter from any of our readers. Please contact margaret.pitney@talktalk.net or ring 0151 608 6487 or 07850 278719. Photographs are particularly welcome.

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

Chester Packet

22

June 2010

LIVERPOOL BOAT SHOW at the Albert Dock, Liverpool THIS PROMISES TO BE A SHOW LIKE NO OTHER!!

29 April—8 May 2011 10.30 am—8.30 pm Features include visit from the tall ships, historic boats, steam boats, wake boarding, power boat racing, water skiing championships, sailing regattas, cultural and family activities and MUCH MORE! Special ticket offer for IWA members when they quote IWA20 E-MAIL—info@marine-industryevents.co.uk or call 0844 809 4620 for tickets and your Liverpool One discount card!

www.liverpoolboatshow.co.uk

`Chester Packet

23

January 2010

RUNCORN LOCKS RESTORATION SOCIETY LATEST NEWS The Government spending review announcement on Mersey Gateway boosts restoration hopes.

The society was delighted that there was a positive announcement about the Coalition Government„s backing for the Mersey Gateway in the Chancellor‟s recent statement to the House of Commons. The new crossing and eventual “de linking” of the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge from the motorway feeder roads are an essential first step in any restoration scheme.

There is still a long way to go before a full restoration takes place and many millions of pounds will be required from the private sector to complete the Mersey Gateway project; similarly funding for the locks restoration needs to be secured but this announcement keeps the hopes and aspirations of our small Society alive.

We look forward to hearing the more detailed plans for the work in the next few weeks and expect to continue with our discussions with the development team at Halton Borough Council who continue to offer support to our eventual aims.

Graeme Bridge Chairman R.L.R.S. desiderata2@ntlworld.com 01925491743

Image of proposed bridge provided by Chris Taylor, DTW, Guisborough

Chester Packet

24

June 2010

CHESTER & DISTRICT BRANCH CALENDAR JANUARY-MAY 2011 All meetings are held at 7.45 pm on the second Tuesday of the month in the Tom Rolt Conference Centre at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum 11 January ‘A Look Backward and Forward’ Clive Henderson, National Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association 8 February ‘My Life of Bolinders and Sinking Assets’ Part II Alan Jones, Boat Museum Society 8 March ‘A Day in the Life of a British Waterways Manager’ Wendy Capelle, Waterway Manager North Wales & Border Counties followed by Branch Annual General Meeting 12 April ‘Barton’s Bridges Falling Down’ Glen Atkinson. The saga of how each of the 7 bridges built there between 1670 and 1960 fell down during building 10 May ‘Taylor’s Boat Yard, Chester’ Geoff Taylor. Geoff keeps his promise to come back with more fascinating stories and history of this famous boatyard.

28 January, 25 February, 25 March, 22 April, 27 May Branch waterway walks—details on Page 12