Endeavour
1 to attempt (eg the fulfilment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n a serious determined effort
NEW MIDSUMMER MEADOW BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN A NEW 36m long iron footbridge (below) has been opened over the River Nene at Midsummer Meadow in Northampton — although it is highly doubtful if many boaters will actually pass under it! It reconnects a public right of way which has been unavailable since the previous rotted wooden bridge was closed on safety grounds two years ago.
Northampton Branch Newsletter - November 2009
SOS 2010 campaign launched
“SYSTEM COULD COLLAPSE LIKE A PACK OF CARDS” SOS 2010, the IWA’s new national campaign launched in the face of yet further Government cuts in British Waterways funding, is acknowledged by Branch Chairman Bill Joyce as an “absolute necessity” in the continuing fight to save the country’s canal system from potentially falling into an irreversible decline. He says: “No matter how you view it, the situation is critical. I cannot see any way how there will be significant spare money to allow BW to cope with emergency repairs of any sizeable proportion and if one or more of these situations occurs over a relatively short period, then the system could deteriorate like a collapsing pack of cards. Am I being alarmist? I don’t think so. Just realistic.”
The bridge spans the original line of the river which was re-routed during the construction of the nearby Washlands flood relief lake during the 1970s. The disused stanked-off length is now heavily overgrown, attracting only canoeists and other intrepid “explorers” in small boats, but in August 1971, the year of the IWA National Rally in the town, boats moored to both banks. Importantly, the bridge provides a link between the town centre and the Brackmills industrial area as well as removing an embarrassing gap in the national cycle network through Northampton. So once more there is an attractive route, part of the Nene Way, alongside the wide stretch of river very close to the site of the Battle of Northampton waged on the 10th July, 1460. There is free parking by the bridge, accessed off the Bedford Road opposite Allen Ford cars. The path also provides easy access to the Barnes Meadow nature reserve, which has matured nicely in recent years, with good interpretive panels. Together with the generally tidied up Midsummer Meadow, including a new riverside path and EA visitor moorings, the whole area is well worth a visit on foot or by boat. *See “New road bridges span the Arm” on page 15. BLISWORTH CANAL PARTNERSHIP IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
See Blisworth Bankside notes on page 6
The Association nationally has voiced its major concern at the depth of the cut in grant-in-aid for BW covering the next financial year (2010-2011). It is being reduced from this year’s available grant of £57.448m to just £47.848m, representing a reduction of over 16.7%. It is feared that the Environment Agency will be similarly affected. “These figures illustrate only too clearly the necessity for the Association to launch Save Our System (SOS) 2010,” Bill adds. “And who is to say the cuts will end here?”
Widespread support SOS 2010 is additionally supported by the Assocation of Waterway Cruising Clubs, The Boating Association, National Association of Boat Owners, Residential Boat Owners Association, Royal Yachting Association and Save Our Waterways. The aim of the campaign is to encourage all local waterways stakeholders to collaborate and to pursue local action, such as towpath events, publicising the benefits of waterways in their area and highlighting the effects of the cuts. “Have no doubt, Northampton Branch will be doing its fair share of campaigning,” says Bill. IWA is also calling upon all stakeholders to work in partnership with local navigation authority managers to identify instances of poor maintenance and slipping standards, especially those affecting safety, and to report them at www.sos2010.org.uk
The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retention, restoration and development of Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use. The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.
The next edition of ENDEAVOUR will be published in February 2010
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WE ARE TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW!
BANQUETING NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY
BOOKINGS ONLY
EDITORIAL MUSINGS YOU EITHER love ’em or loathe ’em. I fall into the latter category. I’m talking about wind turbines — those huge whirring objects supposed to be one way in which mankind can be saved from some sort of apocalyptic demise. I’ve been subject to all the arguments in their favour but still think their unsightly intrusion into the countryside for so little perceived payback is out of proportion. I am told you learn to love them. Our Branch Chairman, for example, tells me he has become fond of his near neighbours — ten of them — at Burton Latimer. Sorry, Bill, I beg to differ. So it was with a measure of horror that I saw in the local Chronicle and Echo some weeks back the glaring headline, “Turbine scheme put in for reservoir”. The reservoir in question turns out to be Boddington, a BW “feeder” to the Southern Oxford. Closer reading of the story indicated that the turbines will not actually be in the reservoir — that was my initial silly supposition— but on land close by. The plans are for up to five of them, although matters are at an early stage and it is likely to be at least a year before an application is submitted. BW has apparently teamed up with an organisation called Partnerships for Renewables to look at the possibilities and a consultation period now follows. Each of the monstrosities (you get my feelings) would have a maximum tip height of 427 feet (130m) with the capability of generating enough energy for 5,800 homes. BW are reported as saying: “Two hundred years after the waterways were built to serve the industrial revolution, it is important that we put our land and waterways to full use, which includes helping to fight the battle against climate change. Should the plans at Boddington Reservoir go ahead, then all the income that British Waterways generates will be reinvested into the looking after our canals and rivers for the benefit of the environment and local community.” Part of the surveys which will be undertaken will focus on wildlife and habitats in the area. I wonder, will it also include asking passing boaters and towpath walkers how they view the prospect? I should arrange to be around at the time. I’ve seen 200 or more wind turbines grouped together powering a remote town on the Canadian prairies. In that context, fine. But in frequent visits to Wales I suddenly find myself coming face to face with a grouping of half-a-dozen or so on a mountainside. Now, they really do offend. That’s how the Boddington Five would affect me, also. What do you think?
Still editor hunting A NEW editor is still required for Endeavour. Since the last issue, when I indicated I would be stepping down from the editorial chair next March, there has been an unnerving silence. Come on now — it’s a wonderful job for someone retired with time on their hands! As I said before, I shall be around to assist and I will continue to keep an eye on the advertising as well as contributing, if required. So please give me a ring on 01604 767212 if you are interested and to find out what is involved.
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DIARY DATES
November 19th 8pm
Friends of Canal Museum - talk by Brian Collings on “Waterway Ramblings and Other Things” 23rd 7.45pm IWA Milton Keynes Branch meets at MK Village Pavilion, Worrelle Ave, MK village - “Canal Holidays 50 Years Ago” by Roger Butler 24th 7.30pm Friends of Canal Museum: Open Meeting—Can you help with planning Village at War 2010? [Venue TBC—either Stoke Bruerne Village Hall or Canal Museum] 27th 7.30pm OUCS meets at Great Bowden Village Hall, Great Bowden—”Video Mix” 29th 10.45am OUCS walk around Great Central Way and King’s Lock, Aylestone (meet Aylestone Sports Ground car park)
December 7th 7.45pm 8th 8pm
12th 5pm onwards
IWA Milton Keynes Branch (venue see above) Christmas Social (ticket event) IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth - Christmas GetTogether and Quiz Night Christmas Illuminated Boats & Carols at Stoke Bruerne. Prize for Best Illuminated Boat!
January 12th 8pm
21st 8pm
25th 7.45pm
29th 7.30pm 30th 7.15pm
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth - “The Story of Panama” by Richard Thomas Friends of Canal Museum Talk. Tim Coghlan, proprietor of Braunston Marina, with Part 2 "Those were the working days: A video of former boat woman Rose Whitlock talking to Tim Coghlan in February, 1996". IWA Milton Keynes Branch (venue see above) “Donald Bailey and His Bridge” by Pablo Haworth (engineer) OUCS meets at Great Bowden Village Hall, Great Bowden—AGM plus social evening Buckingham Canal Society AGM followed by cheese & wine party plus film show & talk at Buckingham Community Centre (01908 661217)
February 9th 8pm
18th 8pm 22nd 7.45pm 26th 7.30pm
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth - “Canal Structures” by Mike Beech Friends of Canal Museum talk at the Canal Museum - an evening of old canal film clips IWA Milton Keynes Branch (venue see above) Branch AGM plus classic waterways films OUCS meets at Great Bowden Village Hall, Great Bowden
March 9th
8pm
18th 8pm
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth - Branch AGM plus Buckingham Canal Update (tbc) Friends of Canal Museum talk at the Canal Museum - Dr Derek Bull, former Blisworth GP, describes “A Canalside Practice”
April 13th
8pm
30th April to 3rd May
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth - “The Recovery of Raymond” by Steve Miles Annual Northampton Branch Boat Gathering at Becket’s Park, Northampton (full details and booking form in next Endeavour)
Buckingham Canal Society Work Parties are being held on December 3, 13,17, 31; January 10,14,28; February 11,14,25; and March 11,14,25 (meet 10am at Bucks, Berks, Oxon Wildlife Trust {BBOWT}Nature Reserve, off A442). Hedge-laying & towpath clearance. Further details from Athina Beckett on 01908 661217
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RELAX, WINE & DINE AT THESE TWO TRADITIONAL HOSTELRIES…
THE ADMIRAL NELSON, BRAUNSTON The historic refurbished canalside pub set in the midst of the Braunston flight of locks — many 48-hour moorings nearby
● Open all day, seven days a week ● Meals served Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 3pm & 6 to 9 pm; Saturday 12 noon to 9pm; and Sunday roast dinners from 12 noon to 7pm.
The Admiral Nelson, Dark Lane, Little Braunston Daventry NN11 7HJ. Tel: 01788 890075 Manager: Neil Brookes
THE ROSE INN, WILLOUGHBY You will find us in the heart of the village
● By road, off the A45 Braunston to Dunchurch road ● By boat, walk from bridge 85 (Willoughby Wharf) ● Full facilities available for disabled customers ● Large garden & play area available ● Open: Monday to Friday 12 noon - 3pm (meals served from 12 noon to 2.30pm) and 6 to 11pm (meals served 6 to 8.30pm). Saturday and Sunday — all day opening (meals served 12 noon to 8.30pm on Saturday and 12 noon to 7pm on Sunday)
The Rose Inn, Main Street, Willoughby (near Braunston), CV23 8BH Tel: 01788 891114 Manager: Marie Fisher
British Waterways South-East User Group meeting held at Gumley on 8th 0ctober
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STAFF REDUNDANCIES DO NOT AFFECT BANKSIDE PERSONNEL AN EAGERLY awaited item on the agenda was the update on BW reorganisation, reports Rodney Hardwick, our Branch representative at the meeting. We learnt that this would be complete by early November, so by the time you read this, it all will have happened! Staff are being reduced by a combination of voluntary redundancy and retirement (six reported) and compulsory redundancy (three). But, it was revealed, bankside personnel are not affected. It was noted that there are now 11 BW regions instead of the previous eight. As far as the South-East Region is concerned, the boundaries are now Bridge 34 on the GU at Radford Semele, butting up with the West Midlands Region; Hawkesbury Junction and Bridge 88 (Kilby, south of Leicester), adjoining Central Shire Region; and Springwell Lock no. 83 on the GU south of Watford (adjoining London Region). Existing boundaries with EA waterways at Northampton and Oxford remain unchanged. Licence evasion. It was reported that the SE Region rate had been reduced to 5.5% (261 boats as of August last). Nationally, the figure is 6.8%. At the time of this October meeting, so far this year nine boats had been removed from the water with 11 more awaiting lift out. Completed maintenance works. BW confirmed that the towpath had been repaired from Welton Wharf to Norton Junction at a cost of £600,000. The towpath had also been repaired at Buckby and reeds cut on the Northampton Arm. The Blisworth culvert repair had cost £100,000 plus. On the Southern Oxford, new fendering had been installed at the Cherwell crossing above Aynho Weir lock. Planned maintenance works. Work is scheduled to start on repairs to the bank slippage in the cutting at the western end of Braunston Tunnel in January (also see item on page 11). By now there should evidence of repairs to Bridge 32 on the Leicester line summit and Bridge 189 on the Southern Oxford. We learnt that as BW have been unable to purchase land on the offside to create moorings for single-handed boaters to operate the Southern Oxford lift bridges, these bridges are to be automated. Does this mean that in due course we shall be issued with something rather similar to remote garage door controls? Sorry, I jest! Apparently it has been decided at national level that BW will not be putting stoppage notices on canalside notice boards as all this information is available on the web. That could be inconvenient for some; it is a fact of life that quite a lot of people, for various reasons, are not on the web and, in any case, there are parts of the Oxford summit around Marston Doles where I cannot get a mobile phone signal (let alone the web). So why have BW just put a new notice board on the towpath opposite the entrance to Blisworth Marina to advertise what often seems to me to be, arguably, a lot of irrelevant information? Wait a moment, though. I have just read a written reply to a submitted question concerning the above. It appears the decision to publish only on the web has afforded BW more planning time and hence less changes are likely post publication. It also results in “substantial” cost savings. And, hurrah, hard copies are still available on request. Another submitted question (by Jenny Sullivan) asked: “Once the new marina is up and running in Northampton, can BW guarantee that the Northampton Arm will be kept clear of weed and, at some points, the channel widened? We can foresee an increase in boating traffic.” Answer: “As the marina development progresses, we can certainly investigate what additional works are required. We have already made a start on reed clearance (locks 15/16 location) in September 2009. We will build in additional reed clearance into our plans for winter 10/11.”
REGIONAL NEWSLETTER IS AVAILABLE ON-LINE Members are reminded that Aegre, the East Midlands Region newsletter which features information about all the Branches in the Region, including Northampton, is available (in full colour) to read on-line on the IWA website at
www.waterways.org.uk/InMyArea Meanwhile, increasing numbers of members are electing to receive Endeavour electronically. If you wish to go electronic (and save the price of an envelope, stamp and printing), please contact Alan Andrews, our membership secretary, on 01604 858023 or alan.andrews@waterways.org.uk Advertisement
The Taverners Boat Club, near Cosgrove, is looking for a new member. If the person lives within an hour’s travel of the club and has a boat under 45 feet, then a mooring may be offered. Contact: Bill Joyce on 01536 724337.
RICHARD GILL BSc, MABSE BOAT SAFETY TESTING BW AND EA APPROVED
EXPERIENCED EXAMINER WITH 25 YEARS WORKING ON THE WATERWAYS Grand Union, Oxford & Leics Canals Rivers Nene and Thames RING:
07889 10 99 39 RGBARCOS@BTINTERNET.COM
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CHAIRMAN’S JOTTINGS by Bill Joyce IT HAS been encouraging to see many of you attending the first few meetings of our winter social programme. We have enjoyed some really splendid speakers (ably backed by their slide selection). Patrick Moss’s illustrated presentation about the construction of the Prescott channel and lock near the Olympic site was particularly fascinating but disappointing to those who came along expecting a talk extolling the virtues of parliamentarian John Prescott! Then in October, Roger Butler had to make a last minute adjustment to his presentation due to a computer crash. Instead of going Up the Macc with him, we went all round the country with his camera — a really enjoyable selection of slides which enabled those present to demonstrate an impressive knowledge of what was being shown, often without prompting. If you have read the front page of Endeavour, you will be aware of the latest funding crisis to hit BW. Believe me, this is a very serious situation, as BW are already struggling with the funds they currently have. I know the response from Head Office will be robust but we can all play our part locally, especially by making individual representations to our MP, and by so doing backing up the efforts made at national level. Over the last few months, lock 17 on the Northampton Arm at Far Cotton has been a safety worry following the fitting of water conservation security locks. Along with Branch Committee colleagues, I feel there is a genuine safety issue here in times of river flood conditions with the possibility of boaters, without the necessary BW key, getting trapped on the river. I have been in touch with BW officials who, sadly, refuse to remove the locks at number 17 on the grounds of water security. Is this a sensible approach? I understand that now Eastern Marine at Billing Aquadrome are no longer trading, there is nowhere on the river to purchase a key. It’s all very risky (please see “News from the Nene” on page 11). Although as a Branch we haven’t been told officially that
Northampton will not be hosting the 2011 IWA National Festival, many of the local river organisations have already decided to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Nene being made navigable from the town to the sea by organising an event themselves. This move is heavily backed by the EA and Northampton Borough Council. We shall be there, too, so watch this space. Our Boat Gathering sub-committee has now re-convened under the direction of Bernard Morton and from all accounts appears to be going great guns! Ring the dates in your new 2010 diaries — Friday 30th April to Monday 3rd May — and make it a bumper attendance. I am at present discussing with BW the situation regarding volunteer help. This BW initiative which was introduced at Wolverton in January seems to have got somewhat bogged down locally. I am sure the will is there amongst members. What we need, though, is leadership and direction from BW. You will see from the report on page 15 that the attendance at our Annual Dinner was disappointing. Those attending enjoyed the occasion thoroughly and the food at The Boat Inn was excellent. But we do need to know why numbers were so down. A few years ago we were closing the guest list at 70 plus. And before my time I understand that on occasions it was a black tie dinner-dance affair. Let me know your feelings. Finally, Endeavour is seeking a replacement editor. It appears the present incumbent is determined to hang up his quill at the next AGM — well, he has been involved with the IWA scene since 1969 but now wants to do other things! Roger has made Endeavour into a splendid newsletter, so don’t let’s lose it. I know he will continue to be around to help, especially liaising with advertisers, which in itself is quite a sizeable chunk of his editing role. Come on, someone volunteer.
From the BLISWORTH BANKSIDE with Jan Andrews THERE’S NO doubt it, the canal is enjoying a raised profile in and around the village at the moment. This is undoubtedly due to the success of the events held in August in connection with the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of the tunnel after its four-year closure for extensive repairs, followed in October by the official launch of the Blisworth Canal Partnership. This launch took the form of a “local” event in the village hall when the Partnership presented its aims and objectives by way of a series of visual displays, seeking endorsement from those who attended. Happily, this came unanimously as villagers reacted enthusiastically to all the groundwork put in by the Partnership team over the past six months. So the organisation is now officially up and running and, moreover, is about to become a limited company which will aid it enormously in funding management. The initial results of the Partnership’s endeavours are already well in evidence. For example, you can now linger awhile on the new oak bench situated by the signpost at the Northampton Arm junction and whilst sitting there, admire the refurbished sanitary station across the water. Next on the agenda is the installation of a heritage board beside the bench. Then over the winter months, two de-commissioned lock beams from the Buckby Flight will be installed as seating on the grass area opposite the mill flats adjacent to the old main road bridge. Obviously, British Waterways is taking a central role in all this and due acknowledgment should be made here to the wholehearted co-operation the Partnership has received from James Clifton, a member of the Partnership’s commit-
tee, who is based at BW’s regional offices at Milton Keynes. The next canal environment improvement to be carried out during the winter will be hedge lowering and re-laying between Stoke Road and the tunnel car park at the North Portal. This has long been a matter of contention as the existing dense vegetation and its height has been providing ideal camouflage for those wishing to indulge in anti-social behaviour. Blisworth residents are now also regularly making sure the towpath is tidy between the North Portal as far as Sandlanding Wharf on the Arm. The mile markers have been repainted, too. The next big hurdle facing the Partnership is to secure funding for two major projects. The first is the laying of a hard towpath between Candle Bridge and Arm End. The other is the creation of a “walk in the woods” experience on the embankment from the North Portal towards the village. It is hoped this will include a well defined pathway, seating areas and the overall enhancement of the natural environment. Meanwhile, there has been a good response to the request in Endeavour and other waterways media nationally for historical details relating to the settlement at “The Arm, Blisworth”, including information about the Navigation Inn, Arm Farm, the BW maintenance yard (Gayton Arm) and the Arm as far as Sandlanding Wharf. This information has now been consolidated into a document by Tony Marsh and James Payler which can viewed on the Blisworth website blisworthimages.org.uk
Rodney Hardwick recalls ...
Earlier crisis situations in which the Branch was concerned THE ASSOCIATION always seems to be involved in some crisis or other, most recently concerning adequate funding for the waterways. Hence the current SOS 2010 campaign. In the early days of the Branch, campaigns were more varied. An unsuccessful attempt to keep the Whitworth’s grain traffic from Brentford to Wellingborough was one. Another, also unsuccessful, was the fight to ensure the construction of the A5 diversion through Milton Keynes did not jeopardise the future restoration of the Buckingham Canal, which leaves the main line above Cosgrove Lock but within yards is stanked off. I recall clearly the Public Inquiry held at Stony Stratford into the proposals by the Eastern Roads Construction Unit to build the re-routed Watling Street across the waterway (also known as the Old Stratford Arm) below the bed level of the canal. Although the canal had been abandoned some years previously, the Branch asked that nothing further should be done to prevent future restoration. To their credit, the then Milton Keynes Development Corporation offered filling materials to enable the road to be raised and cross over the canal at a navigable height. But some of the residents of Old Stratford opposed our aims, one of their objections being that if the canal was reopened, children from boats would use the swings in the local playground!
Working parties The Branch organised working parties, supported by a variety of others (including Blisworth Scouts), clearing trees at the Cosgrove end of the canal. This was in 1973 before Health and Safety; for example, chainsaws were borrowed from workplaces and used without any training — perhaps in hindsight a tad rash but we all survived. The Branch also hired a solicitor to represent us at the inquiry and then we had to organise the 1973 rally, billed as a Waterways Festival, at Becket’s Park to help pay his fee. The Inspector was very sympathetic, but his recommendation was that the road should go ahead as planned although, he suggested, it would be possible to reopen the canal to the “new” A5 and build a marina! For the purists amongst us, the canal up to Old Stratford was wide beam and known as the Old Stratford Branch (of the GU). From Old Stratford onwards, its was narrow and, indeed, termed the Buckingham Canal. The navigation was closed in 1948 and officially abandoned in 1965. In retrospect, I think the Branch was somewhat remiss in failing to list two stone bridges between Cosgrove and the A5. Had we done so, they would certainly have been a feature of this length which, hopefully, will eventually be re-watered. Another more successful campaign was to result in getting the new A43 Blisworth bypass moved further away from the Northampton Arm — but that’s another story.
7 GO-AHEAD FOR BUCKINGHAM CANAL FEASIBILITY STUDY by Athena Beckett, Chairman of the Buckingham Canal Society THE GOOD news is that the Society is able to go ahead with a feasibility study. We have been hoping to carry out a such a study of the entire canal for some time and now, thanks to a £1,000 grant from the IWA’s Restoration Committee and other very generous donations from Northampton IWA, Milton Keynes IWA and Buckingham Town Council, together with our own fund-raising efforts, this can proceed with Halcrow undertaking the work shortly. The BCS study will be similar to the one carried out by Halcrow for the Uttoxeter Canal Society. For us this is a very important step forward for our restoration programme, especially coming at a time when Buckingham Town Council is showing considerable interest in the canal. I am also pleased to report the Society’s annual Lock Ransom Festival, held at Cosgrove Lock in July, proved to be our most successful one to date in spite of rain on the Sunday. There were more trade boats attending, including the cheese and fudge boats and return visits from Raymond and Nutfield. Our Heritage Walk in September attracted 29 people — the highest number to attend one our walks apart from when we held a joint one with Milton Keynes Ramblers.
BRANCH MEMBERS WELCOMED We extend a warm welcome to the following IWA members who have joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour Mr and Mrs A Brooks (Corby) Mr and Mrs A. Buckle (Rothwell) Mr and Mrs I. Tack (Hardingstone) We look forward to meeting you all at Branch events
8 ENDEAVOUR SPOTLIGHT
LIFE ABOARD nb INCHY “Ladies, trust me, there is always space for that extra pair of shoes,” says Roberta Casentieri WHAT IS the attraction of living on a narrow boat, or just “why”? These are the most frequent questions asked by both family and friends. It is so easy just to be glib and say it’s the quietness and the freedom but you soon discover this is not the case. It takes a long time before you find the total quietness of the countryside even on board. For example, on the stretch from Blisworth to Whilton and above it is very rare for you not to be able to hear the trains and especially at Whilton you have both the motorway and the trains, so quietness of the countryside just doesn’t happen. Furthermore, the freedom is there — but only to a certain extent if one or both of you work. Freedom isn’t always possible.
Roberta and Tim at Gayton
Tim and I move every two weeks as required by British Waterways, but having lived on the Nene for 3½ years and not being able to move about due to high water levels and other reasons, it is really nice to have that freedom to relocate to another view. Sometimes we look on to open fields and at other times on to the back end of a working farm with its lambs and horses. At other times we have more enclosed views, but each area has a different feel. Some places you listen to birds singing and see owls flying at night. When you are lucky, you not only see rabbits but foxes as well.
People seem to think that because you don’t have much space, then you must get bored and knit or read books all day. However, small spaces take just as much cleaning but in a different way. I have lots of brass on my boat and it takes ages to keep clean. We don’t go to the pub every night to eat and drink as not only would this be financially impossible but also it would become boring after a while. I enjoy cooking on board. I especially like it when we have a fire going in our wood burner as this means I can cook for free on the top, which makes me feel good. We have entertained as many as seven for a four-course meal. Cosy is the word. This year we started off with a New Year’s party on the boat with eleven friends and their instruments. We managed a buffet on the stern under the canopy and smokers went outside and sat near the fire pit but had the advantage of looking at the lights on the boat. Tim is the lighting expert both on the outside of the boat and also the inside. I love to decorate the roof but I also like to have a theme inside the boat in one area or another. You can’t change the furniture about very much, so I tend to swap covers and curtains. Last year, in September, I had an Indian theme, changing the photos in the frames and buying dream catchers and posters on American Indians. This all started when I went to a car boot sale and found some curtains which I decided to make into throws for the winter. On another occasion I went to Peterborough to buy a dress and came out of the shop with a brightly coloured ceiling hanging which, when hung, looked more like a Bedouin tent. I was lucky enough to get curtain material to match when attending a rally at Northampton. Finally, before I get cut off in mid flow, I would just like to say that winter on board is just as warm as in the summer — indeed, often warmer than most summers! And ladies, trust me, there is always space for that extra pair of shoes and that must-have top or special outfit (but don’t let my husband read this bit..!) Ciao — look forward to seeing you on the water with the boater’s cheery wave (that doesn’t happen on the roads).
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Several thousand people — one estimate went as high as 6,000 — came along to this year’s Village at War Weekend at Stoke Bruerne in October. In marked contrast to 2008, the sun shone most of the time for this Friends of the Canal Museum organised event, which raised almost £5,000 for the museum. For some the highlight was a flypast by a Hurricane fighter plane whose pilot decided to put on a full acrobatic display. This was preceded by an air raid siren warning of approaching planes and ended with the ‘all clear’ followed swiftly by Vera Lynn singing the White Cliffs of Dover which brought tears to many eyes. Our top picture shows Sheena Bourne in appropriate attire on nb Aldgate, while in the bottom picture the glamorous Lola Lamour entertains the troops and civvies outside the air raid shelter (aka Stoke Bruerne road bridge).
Photo: Laura Sturrock
THOUSANDS ON PARADE AS STOKE BRUERNE GOES TO WAR
BLISWORTH TUNNEL RE-OPENING CELEBRATED
During the celebrations, pennants were exchanged in the middle of the tunnel by Jan Andrews, representing the Blisworth Canal Partnership, and Helen Westlake (Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership). In our picture on the left by James Rudd, one of the VIP boats enters the tunnel at its southern end.
Photo: James Rudd
IWA sponsored the two VIP boats at the celebrations staged in August to mark the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of Blisworth Tunnel after its four-year closure for major repairs. Hundreds of people turned out at either end of the tunnel and in the villages of Stoke Bruerne and Blisworth special events were organised to mark the occasion. Talks given by engineers Roy Slocombe and John Woods, of Mowlem, both of whom worked on the tunnel repairs in the early 1980s, proved highly popular.
10 Around the local business scene
COALMAN FRED’S LEGACY LEAVES RICHARD A HAPPY MAN AS BOAT NUMBERS GROW MORE BOATS than ever on the 15-mile long Stoke Bruerne-Buckby pound mean that Richard Higginbottom continues to be a happy man. Richard, who sometimes mistakenly gets addressed as Fred Tarry, runs the well-established canalside coal business at Furnace Lane, Nether Heyford. He says: “During the last 12 months or so, there has been a noticeable increase in boat numbers around here, which is not surprising considering the new marinas opening up. Am I complaining? Certainly not — I look forward to meeting as many new faces as possible!” Officially termed as Bridge 32 Supplies, this friendly, family firm is more generally known as just Fred Tarry. So who was Fred Tarry? Well, he was Richard’s grandfather who, as an enterprising young man back from World War One, set himself up as a carrier at Bugbrooke. Initially he moved stone by horse and cart for a local builder. Then, in 1926, he acquired his first motor vehicle, a Model T Ford van, which he also fitted with wooden seats to satisfy a burgeonThelma and Frank in front with Richard (back left) and Ian ing market for his passenger service in the days before buses came on to the Bowmer, who Richard describes as his “right hand man” scene. Meanwhile, as well as coal deliveries and general carrier work, he undertook more miscellaneous haulage work, including livestock haulage. Fred acquired the present Heyford premises and adjacent smallholding in 1948, consolidating it with his existing Bugbrooke activities. Already there had been a coal business at the site for around 100 years run by George Faulkner and his forbears and even in the late 1940s, coal was still being collected by horse and cart from a railway siding at nearby Weedon. Fred steadily developed the business, with coal deliveries being made over a wide area, although not yet to passing boats. After Fred’s sad death in 1956, aged 62, control passed to his daughter, Thelma, Richard’s mother, and her brother, also Fred. Brother Fred subsequently moved to Norfolk to run a smallholding, leaving Thelma and her husband Frank as partners in the business. Richard, the third generation to become involved, joined the partnership in the early 80s. Richard recalls the move into boat trade with solid fuels and bottled gas in the mid 1970s. This was when the canals were at the birth of what would be described today as an “amenity resource”, Richard realising that the company possessed one enormous asset — a concrete quay heading long enough to take two full-length boats and no clutter of moored craft to impede coming alongside. In recent years, diesel has been made available, soon followed by a pump-out facility. Says Richard: “From nothing we went to being one of the major diesel suppliers in the area. Sales remain consistently high although they do tend to fluctuate with the weather.” The various types of solid fuel available are bagged electronically from hoppers into heat sealed bags — a big advance from manually shovelling into sacks. Becoming increasingly popular is Cosycoke, well on the way to upstaging Taybrite, Richard observes. He adds: “With our diesel, which is always competitively priced, we are more than happy to allow customers to make their own declarations on propulsion percentage.” It is not surprising, therefore, that Fred Tarry’s wharf — where Thelma and Frank still live in the house on site, once a pub, the Bricklayers Arms — has become a regular stop for countless boaters. Nevertheless, the principal side of the business comprises domestic coal sales. There is a steady stream of callers to the yard by road who collect their bags of coal (and wood), augmented by nearly 700 other customers receiving lorry deliveries over a 30-mile radius. The company, which closed its Bugbrooke site in 2000, is also contracted to Heygates at Bugbrooke, transporting bagged flour and animal feed all over the country. It often gets very hectic behind that anonymous wall you cruise by! And, ironically, as far as is known, coal has never been delivered to the Heyford yard by boat although over the years hundreds of tonnes of prepacked fuel has been shipped out in working boats belonging to such people as Trevor Morley, David Blagrove, Alan Ackhurst and Malcolm Drage.
NEWS FROM THE NENE by Sue Cant IT IS hard to believe that another busy summer boating season has passed and that our winter works programme has started. This year full structural surveys, maintenance and repair of the following locks is planned. As usual, the overlapping dates allow for the “unexpected” and bad weather/river conditions. Things can change, so if you are thinking of travelling, please keep in touch with your local River Inspector as these works progress.
Site Billing Lilford Wansford Orton Water Newton Warmington
C Dates 02.11.09-29.11.09 16.11.09-24.12.09 04.01.10-31.01.10 18.01.10-21.02.10 08.02.10-14.03.10 01.03.10-01.04.10
■ I’m really pleased to confirm that we have full funding for the creation of a marina at Becket’s Park, Northampton. Planning permission has been applied for, a series of public consultations have been held, and we aim to start construction in January 2010. We are already receiving a steady number of enquiries from people interested in mooring their boat in the new marina. Due to the way in which funding is allocated, it is highly likely that a number of moorings, permanent and visitor, will be available for use in summer 2010. The site will be secured, although the rest of the marina will not be completed until spring/summer 2011. We will be providing the St John Ambulance boat with a mooring, so that their volunteers can continue with their good work in the local community, secure in the knowledge that they have a permanent mooring in Northampton. ■ Continued opposite Sue Cant is the Environment Agency Team Leader for the Nene Waterway
11 On the
BRAUNSTON TOWPATH with Peter Andrews WE ARE all glad to hear there will be a stoppage scheduled at Braunston Tunnel from 11th January to 5th March when BW plan to deal with the landslip which occurred in 2007 and now partly obstructs the western tunnel entrance. At the same time they hope to improve the towpath between the tunnel and the top lock. This area has suffered for many years from a series of springs fed with water from the field above. They dribble continuously onto the path, making it very muddy. BW attempted to address this problem in 2004 but only succeeded in making it worse! They assure me they will do better this time. They have certainly done a fine repair job to the ladder bridge over the east entrance to the marina. The brick columns and ironwork remain the same but all the wooden parts have been replaced by new smart hardwood whilst the steps have a solid non-slip surface embedded in them.
Changing hands I reported earlier in the year that the Admiral Nelson pub had changed hands. Well, it has done it again! It is now in the care of the Rose Inn at Willoughby and seems to be offering a good service to its customers. The Millhouse has also changed hands — Marstons are the new owners. Following a very thorough refurbishment, both inside and out, resulting in an improved layout of facilities, it was due to reopen on 23rd November under its old name, The Boatman, but why not an even earlier name, the Rose and Castle? However, at least this name change will avoid the indignity of having the letter “M” fall off the signboard… Meantime, it seems that Howard did not get his way after all. Instead of extending his enterprises in Braunston, he has now put The Manor up for sale. Anyone want a B&B with conference facilities?
New on the lockside at Stoke Bruerne
SUBLIME INDIAN CUISINE New fully licensed restaurant Serving the finest ingredients with careful preparation
Easy cover AJ Canopies have been trading in Braunston for many years but have moved their premises from one place to another. They have now settled within the marina complex next to boatbuilder Peter Nichols. This will make it much easier for anyone needing a boat cover to find them.
News from the Nene (continued) ■ An update on the navigation sanitary station at Rushden & Diamonds: currently only the waterpoint, pumpout and showers within the sports hall are available for your use. The site trustees have advised me that they are reluctant to reopen the elsan disposal and rubbish collection points because (a) the elsan is being left in a filthy state by some people, and (b) they have CCTV evidence of some boaters taking their household and garden rubbish — even oil and batteries— there by car. Without doubt, this will be a case of a few people spoiling things for the majority but the trustees have asked me to remind all boaters that the site is run by volunteers, that such behaviour is not in the spirit of these facilities, and there is a household waste and recycling site less than three miles away. We are in talks with the site trustees over the future of these facilities and I hope to be able to bring you more positive news next time. ■ We have been given a small supply of BW keys needed to operate the water conservation locks on the lower stretch of the Northampton Arm. You can purchase one direct from Nene River Inspector Andy Hall, who can be contacted on 07760 422263. ■ We have recently commissioned consultants to carry out a review of all Nene landing stages and to seek suitable locations for safety moorings. This information will then be used to develop a programme of prioritised improvement works along our navigation.
TAKE AWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Tel: 01604 863330/863654 5 The Canalside, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB
12
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS REVIEW SEPTEMBER Blisworth Tunnel anniversary
Stowe Hill Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF Tel: 01327 341365 Stowe Hill Workshop is now run by Graham Shepherd & Robert Gudgeon • Boat Building • Full Repaints • Hull Blacking/Stern Gear Inspection and Repairs • Engine Repairs and Maintenance • Complete Fit-Out and Woodwork Alterations • Plumbing Installations and Repairs • Electrical Installations and Repairs
Because this event was arranged relatively late in the day, it was agreed retrospectively to make a payment of £40 towards the sponsorship costs of two day boats to transport VIPs, the balance coming from IWA Head Office. The committee agreed the event had been a great success and congratulated the organisers, who included IWA Branch members.
Branch meetings Graham Treagus reported that speakers were arranged for all of the new season’s meetings. Members (please bring friends) were urged to attend these get-togethers — second Tuesday of the month at the Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth (see back page).
Branch magazine Roger Hasdell, who is retiring as editor next March, said no-one had yet come forward as a replacement (see Editorial Musings on page 3).
IWA website Lynda Payton noted that IWA Head Office had appointed a company to design the Association’s new website. Meantime, the existing Branch pages had been updated.
Lock 17, Northampton Arm It was noted that although BW’s Murray Geddes and Steve Morgan had agreed to look into the removal of the “handcuff” at lock 17, thus allowing craft to escape flood conditions on the river without a BW key, this had not been carried out. The Chairman is to chase this up.
Listed buildings It was agreed that the Branch should undertake a full evaluation of all waterways buildings and structures within the Branch area with a view to drawing up a list of features which would benefit from being listed. Heritage and Planning Officer Rodney Hardwick to oversee. If anyone wishes to contribute to this exercise, please contact Rodney direct (contact details on back page).
OCTOBER Information box Confirmation was forthcoming to the effect that a replacement Branch information box will be fitted soon to the wall of the sanitary station at Arm End. Usually this box contains copies of the Branch’s guide to the Arm which passing boaters pick up, leaving a donation to funds, and over the years this has proved to be a “nice little earner”.
New Regional Chairman It was noted that at the Association’s AGM in September, John Pomfret, a Branch member, had been elected Chairman of the Association’s East Midlands Region, to which we are now affiliated. (John will contribute in the next Endeavour).
IWA/BW partnership
All work undertaken, from simple tasks to complete fit-outs
The committee was reminded that very little had happened since the BW organised meeting at Wolverton last January when BW put forward their ideas to get more volunteers working on the canal system. Apart from towpath tidies at Stoke Bruerne and at the lock 17 area on the Arm at Far Cotton, nothing else had been organised locally. The Chairman is to enquire as to how this BW initiative is developing so that some progress can be made.
13 Branch Committee Review (continued)
NOVEMBER
IWA/BW partnership See October meeting on previous page: BW have responded by suggesting the Branch “adopts” locks 16 and 17 on the Northampton Arm. Although agreeing that this, in principle, is feasible, it was considered that before progressing the scheme, BW should elicit the support of other local organisations in line with their original stated intention of encouraging volunteers to come forward from a wide range of groups, spurred on by the example of IWA involvement over many years. The committee felt that a community project to encourage local pride and a sense of ownership, which should also help to reduce vandalism, would be appropriate.
Branch “census” It was agreed that a Branch “census” should be taken to determine where Branch members live, ie, how many are domiciled in Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties compared with those who live further afield but keep their boats on the Northampton “patch”. Should it be found that a glut of members live in the west of the county, for example, would it be a good idea for some social meetings to be held, say, at Braunston?
Sales Catriona Butler’s offer to resume duties as Sales Officer after several years absence was gratefully accepted. If you have anything which you think saleable to boost funds for waterway causes, please bring along to the monthly social meetings or contact Catriona on 01604 473756.
GET THOSE BOAT GATHERING DATES IN YOUR DIARIES NOW ARRANGEMENTS are already in full swing for the Branch’s annual early Spring Bank Holiday Boat Gathering at Becket’s Park, Northampton. Mark the dates in your diaries NOW — Friday, 30th April through to Monday, 3rd May. Bernard Morton returns as Chairman of the Organising Committee, which has been strengthened to give added “oomph” to the event. The biggest change from previous years will affect the Friday night boaters’ get-together in the marquee. This, in fact, was the biggest cause for comment following the 2009 Gathering — keep it informal but also let’s do something special as we do on other evenings. So the organisers have come up with the idea of a Games Night. May be a little competitive, although not too much. But always a lot of fun with the main aim of “stirring the mix”. A real “getting to know you” sort of thing. (Memo to organisers: Get out that track from the “King and I” for a sing-along). Something rather different is also being sought for the Saturday afternoon outing around the town. Nothing definite yet — it’s early days, but the little grey cells are ticking. More details in the next Endeavour. The main thing now is to ring the dates in your diaries and promise yourselves to come along. And if you haven’t got a boat, come on wheels — or use your bus passes!
14
GAYTON MARINA The narrowboat specialists… In addition to operating part of the 200 boat UK Boat Hire fleet of holiday narrowboats, we offer full marina services at our prime location on the Grand Union canal between Bugbrooke and Blisworth. … for boat owners: Diesel / Gas / Pump-out / Moorings Repair, breakdown and re-fit work Boat painting & sign-writing Boat craning and lift out facilities … for buying, selling and new boats: Brokerage service including full colour internet listing Selection of boats for sale High quality bespoke narrowboats built … for the finest fleet of holiday hire boats: UK Boat Hire Over 200 self-drive narrowboats, from 2 to 12 berths 11 UK start bases, giving unrivalled coverage of the UK canal and river network Tourist Board inspected and star graded annually RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Courses
Old Stager
NOTABLE COVENTRY ANNIVERSARY ROUND ABOUT this time 50 years ago, a momentous decision was taken by Coventry City Council: its members agreed by an overwhelming majority in favour of retaining the Coventry Canal into the city centre basin and to develop it as an integral part of the city’s open spaces and amenities. This was reported as a “stop press” item in the IWA Bulletin number 60 dated December 1959, described as a “diamond jubilee bumper issue” running to 86 pages, edited and largely penned in the inimitable style of Robert Aickman. A feature of the Coventry Council debate which culminated in this decision was that the Labour group on the Council had removed the Party Whip — for the first time, it was believed, in 31 years. It was understood that the minority Conservative Group all voted in favour of keeping the waterway. The final vote was 34 to 10. The motion for retention was seconded by the legendary Alderman Mrs Pearl Hyde, MBE, an Honorary Member of the IWA and a former Lord Mayor of Coventry. However, one of her Council colleagues, a Cllr Waugh, a notorious advocate of filling in the canal, was reported to have declared: “We cannot have Loch Lomond or Loch Ness and its monster in the city — nor the Alps. It is an industrial city.” The support of the Coventry Canal Society, Corporate Members of the IWA, was also acknowledged, among others, but Bulletin noted that “no-one who has been in touch with the fight from first to last will question that most of all the credit goes to our Council Member, Mr David Hutchings. His efforts have never flagged and he has never even thought of losing heart, often in the most discouraging circumstances, when many around him were failing.
“Refuses to compromise” “The decision by the City Council shows what one man who knows what he is talking about, refuses even to consider compromise, and never lets up in his task, can still achieve, even in the impersonal world of today. “It is at once the success secret and the pride of our Association that we still provide a field where single individuals can achieve results of importance.” In the dire circumstances surrounding the future of our inland waterways today, is there a similar figure around possessing the stature and sheer determination of David Hutchings? David, who following the Coventry victory went on to inspire great restoration achievements on the Southern Stratford and Upper Avon, led with zeal and a level of unstoppable enthusiasm that we need now more than ever to hold the line. Meeting him was akin to coming face to face with anyone at the top of their jobs, especially sportsmen: they possess a focus upon their set goals which can be positively daunting.
01604 858685 Holiday enquiries: 0845 126 4098 Gayton Marina, Blisworth Arm, Northamptonshire NN7 3ER
www.gaytonmarina.com
In the same IWA Bulletin, reference was made to David Dimbleday, David and Jonathan’s dad, an eminent war correspondent later to become the “Royal” voice of the BBC — “Abbey Dick” as some of us irreverently termed him. Bulletin, in congratulating him on his promotion to Commander of the British Empire, reminded readers that he was also an IWA member. There was, too, a full page picture of John Betjeman, thus illustrating clearly that Robert Aickman always went for the big names when canvassing support. And from the same 1959 Bulletin, how about this for an observation reportedly made by a BW employee at an Association meeting: “Boats don’t run on bloody hedges.” Apparently he was referring to “the well-known official policy of trimming the hedges but not the water-weeds,” the journal stated.
15 ANNUAL DINNER ATTENDANCE LOWER THAN USUAL Please tell us why you were not there FEWER people than usual attended the Branch’s Annual Dinner in October. In fact, we failed to break the 50-barrier. Not so long ago this event was attracting up to 80 people, sometimes with a waiting list. Indeed, it reached a point when the Branch Committee considered a bigger venue! However, since those days there has been a steady decline. Why? Our Chairman, Bill Joyce, wants to know your views. Would you like a reinstatement of a guest speaker, may be someone high profile from IWA nationally? Or would you prefer the event to include entertainment — a dance, perhaps? At the moment it is a social evening, pure and simple. Gather in the cocktail bar at The Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne before dinner is served. A raffle, then general chat. This year’s dinner, despite the disappointing attendance, was nevertheless reckoned to be a great success, with some people lingering as midnight approached. The food served in The Boat Inn’s stylish restaurant was first rate, the service friendly and efficient. And the raffle was extremely well supported, £140 being raised for the Buckingham Canal Society. But where were the rest of you?
We lc om e ne w faces at the dinner: David and Margaret Cooper (on the left) and Peter and Jane Dougill
New road bridges span the Arm TWO road bridges spanning the Northampton Arm have been completed and become operational in recent months. Just below the M1, above lock 13, the original single lane carriageway of the A43 link road to the motorway and the Swan Valley industrial estate (top) has been dualled, with the extra width being added on the north side. Further down, between locks 14 and 15, is the bridge (below) carrying an extension of Upton Way serving the Pineham industrial estate and acting also as a somewhat laborious route by-passing the Sixfields complex to the A45 near Kislingbury.
16
BLISWORTH TUNNEL NARROWBOATS LTD
and marine services
We are a small friendly family run business based at Blisworth on the Grand Union Canal offering a complete range of marine services.
• BOAT REPAIRS • COACH PAINTING • DIESEL • CALOR GAS • PUMP OUTS • MOORINGS • CHANDLERY SERVICE • RESIDENT BOATBUILDER • DAY BOAT HIRE • HOLIDAY BOAT HIRE For more information visit our website or give us a call!
blisworthtunnelnarrowboats.co.uk 01604-858868
17
SUPPLIES We are a family run, customer friendly business based adjacent to Bridge 32 at Nether Heyford. Our service point is clear of moored boats making your stop quick and easy. We offer the following services:
• • • • • • •
• Northamptonshire
•
RESTAURANT º BARS º BOAT TRIP
IT’S QUIZ TIME AGAIN!
Twice-monthly Thursday night quizzes have now resumed Ring number below for details
BOOKINGS ARE STILL BEING TAKEN FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
01604 862428
www.boatinn.co.uk
• •
DIESEL – you will find us as competitively priced as any supplier in the area. PUMP OUT – a proper assisted job, no rushing against the meter clock here. TOILET CHEMICALS – blue toilet fluid, pink toilet flush and ODORLOS. CALOR GAS – all sizes of bottled gas including Camping Gaz. SOLID FUELS – all types of smokeless fuel or coal to suit your multi-fuel stove. Plus sticks and logs. CHARNWOOD STOVES – we can supply new stoves to meet your heating requirements. MORRIS OILS – we stock the popular grades of engine, gear and hydraulic oils, including water resistant grease. Specialist requirements can be obtained to order. FUEL SET – one of the better fuel conditioners on the market. OIL/FUEL FILTERS – popular types in stock. Any specialist requirement can be obtained within 24 hours. BATTERIES – top quality leisure and engine batteries can be obtained to order within 24 hours. All major credit cards accepted.
We are open 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays
Fred Tarry Bridge Cottage Furnace Lane Nether Heyford Northampton, NN7 3JY Telephone/Fax: 01327-341202
18
topiary Pub and Hotel
gift and party shop The Old Chapel, Chapel Lane, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SQ tel: 01604 862221 e-mail: jay.topiary@btconnect.com
web: www.topiary.uk.com • design-led
High Street, Weedon NN7 4QD Tel: 01327 340335
2 FOR 1 on all Main Meals in our restaurant, including our “Specials” Children’s menu available 13 Letting Rooms from £59.95 per night (including breakfast)
A canalside pub and restaurant offering fantastic facilities, including free WI-FI connections Children’s outdoor play area MARSTONS Real Ales, great food and friendly team
gifts • home accessories • cards & gift wrapping • party & seasonal accessories • specialist quality stationery; bomboniere; balloon décor; chocolate fountains…
Open 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm GET LIT UP FOR CHRISTMAS! Boaters are invited to illuminate and decorate their boats, preferably with a festive theme, and join in the Christmas festivities at Stoke Bruerne on Saturday, 12th December starting at 5pm. A prize will be presented to the best decked out craft. The evening will commence with a carol service led by children from the village primary school, making it all a very magical Christmassy occasion. The Friends of the Canal Museum, who are organising the event, will be offering seasonal warming fare. So come along all ye boaters, lighten up and give the colourful Inchy, winners for the last two years, a run for her money. Contact Lynda Payton on 01604 861205 for more details.
The Little Mermaid Canal Shop Stoke Bruerne
Danish Gifts, Glassware, Wooden Toys, Jewellery, Candles, Canal Prints and Flower Decorations **
For more information, please contact Dawn Blockley
Open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm (closed Mondays) until end of year. Jan & Feb, only open Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm ** The Wharf, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SE 07721 - 505525
19
THE WHARF INN WHARF HOUSE NARROWBOATS LTD
Builders of individually designed boats of superb quality Northamptonshire’s friendliest chandlery Stockists of a wide range of chandlery and other equipment
Open 7 days a week
Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4 Come and see us and bring along your latest edition of Endeavour and receive a 10% discount We also have a self fit-out discount scheme and are always happy to help with advice
We also specialise in advanced electrical systems for boats Tel 01788 899041 Fax 01788 891535 E-mail: phillabbott@wharfhouse.co.uk Website: www.wharfhouse.co.uk
Bottom Lock, Dark Lane, Braunston, Northants NN11 7HJ
Boat Building and Fitting, Marine Engineers, Electricians, Chandlery, Agents for Yanmar Diesel Engines & Boat Safety Examinations CANAL MAINTENANCE YARD, BLISWORTH ARM, NORTHAMPTON NN7 3EF Tel: 01604-858043 steve@stephensullivan.demon.co.uk
BUGBROOKE Cornhill Lane, Bugbrooke, NN7 3QB by Bridge 36 on the Grand Union Canal
Tel: 01604 832585 Under the management of Richard Williams and Paul Hazel
FOOD SERVED EVERY DAY
EXTENSIVE NEW WINTER MENU VAST RANGE OF DISHES INCLUDING
CLASSIC PUB FOOD, VEGETARIAN CHOICES AND A VARIETY OF SEAFOOD
LARGE CANALSIDE BEER GARDEN
20
WHO’S WHO IN NORTHAMPTON BRANCH 2009/2010 Chairman Bill Joyce 01536-724337 E-mail: bill.joyce@waterways.org.uk
Branch Meetings Graham Treagus E-mail: graham.treagus@waterways.org.uk
Branch Secretary/Sales
Membership Secretary
01604-858023
01604-858023
E-mail: jan.andrews@waterways.org.uk
E-mail: alan.andrews@waterways.org.uk
Jan Andrews
Deputy Chairman & Police Liaison Officer Eric Young E-mail: eric.young@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer Laura Sturrock
Alan Andrews
Website Lynda Payton
E-mail: lynda.payton@waterways.org.uk
Committee Member Bernard Morton
E-mail: laura.sturrock@waterways.org.uk
Heritage & Planning Officer Rodney Hardwick 01604-584919
Newsletter Editor, Publicity Officer & Archivist Roger Hasdell 8 High Street, Hardingstone, Northampton NN4 7BT 01604-767212
Non-Committee posts Sales: Catriona Butler 01604 473756 Newsletter Distribution: Penny Spencer
E-mail: bernard.morton@waterways.org.uk
Boat Gathering Sub-Committee Members Bernard Morton (Chairman), Catriona Butler, Michael Butler, Peter Canfield, Jenny Copeland, Peter Copeland, Kevin Cousins, Roger Hasdell, Jenny McCalman, Sandie Morton, John Pomfret, Sam Samuells and Eric Young (also occasional member: Ian Bekusch)
Please note our new Branch Website URL: www.waterways.org.uk/ InMyArea/EastMidlandsRegion/ Northampton
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine. Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however, gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify articles published in the interests of clarity or space. The Inland Waterways Association is registered as a charity (No. 212342)
ADVERTISING All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.
COMMERCIAL RATES (suggested donations) 1/8th Page (box) £10.00 1/4 Page (box) £18.00 1/2 Page (box) £30.00 Full Page £50.00 Discount of 10% for 4 issues CLASSIFIEDS (suggested donations) £1.50 for 22 words, 15p each additional word £3.50 for box around classified advertisement (nb. telephone numbers count as one word) £3.50 for photographs
BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May inclusive at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, at 8pm.
All members and non-members welcome. Food and drink available
Tuesday, 8th December Christmas Get-Together and Quiz Night Tuesday, 12th January “The Story of Panama,” by Richard Thomas Tuesday, 9th February “Canal Structures,” by Mike Beech Tuesday, 9th March Buckingham Canal Update (tbc)
ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BUCKBY HERITAGE WALKS IN A bid to encourage visitors to the GU’s Whilton and Buckby flight of locks, the Whilton and Buckby Locks Association has published an illustrated leaflet covering four heritage walks taking in the canal and surrounding countryside. The walks are two to three miles long, mostly flat going and very suitable for those wishing to take some gentle exercise or as children’s nature/educational walks. The colour leaflet includes historical notes on architectural features, past uses and industries together with lists of likely wildlife to be seen. The Association aims to promote and protect the flight and its amenities as well as carrying out environmental improvements. It also hopes to introduce a sculpture trail in due course. Free copies of the leaflet may be obtained from The New Inn, The Canal Shop (Chandlery) and Whilton Locks Garden Centre (all by the canal), from Daventry District Council’s outreach offices in libraries at Long Buckby, Moulton and Woodford Halse, and from the District Council’s information office at Brixworth.