Endeavour February 2022

Endeavour Northampton Branch Newsletter — February 2022 TAKE PART IN OUR LATEST FUNDRAISERS

A painting by DAVID BLAGROVE

Full details on page 11 waterways.org.uk/northampton Printed by Colour Image. Phone 07821 894521 email colourimage@aol.com

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With restrictions being lifted and the weather hopefully warning up, rallies boat shows and festivals are now starting to advertise that they are open this year. This is a good start and hopefully things will continue in this way and Covid will be left in the background.

The IWA Canal Cavalcade at Little Venice is back for 2022 over the early May Bank Holiday, (30 April –2nd May) along with The Crick Boat Show 3rd—5th June, back to a full three day event. Also, in our Branch area, the Braunston Historic Boat Rally and Canal Festival 25th & 26th June (see page 18 and advert on back page) returns. It’s good to see things getting back to normal as much as possible. These shows/festivals are all important fundraisers for various organisations, and, with a lot of these having been cancelled over the last two years, it is so important that we support them in any way we can.

It’s not only these organisations that need our help, but also waterside businesses like pubs and restaurants, chandleries etc that need our support as they have been hardest hit during this pandemic. We could lose our favourite pub etc.

Global warming is another thing that has been affecting us with strong winds and heavy rain in places causing floods during the last few years. With temperatures rising and rainfall in places almost nil and other places with twice or even three times the normal amount it’s not easy boating.

Canal River Trust have a difficult job trying to make sure that the canals have enough water in them for the whole summer with more boats moving with “staycations” becoming ever more popular than before the pandemic and with the uncertainty of how much rain will fall, if any!

Looking back at statistics over the last three years of rain fall these are the months with the biggest difference: January May June August September November December

2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2019 2020

37.7 9.6 107.3 114.5 113.5 119.6 136.9

2021 128.3 +/2021 114.4 2021 47.8 2021 48.7 2021 56.6 2021 88.6 2021 88.6

90.6 mm 104.8 59.5 65.8 56.9 80.6 48.3

As you can see with these differences that it would be difficult to know what is going to happen this year and this is only over the last three years.

Whilst writing this it was said that this could be the driest January for 25 years so there is a possible problem with water shortage before the season starts.

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DIARY DATES D

ALL WORK PARTY DATES ARE ON PAGE 9 March 8th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch AGM at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth followed by Clive Johnson — The Wendover Arm. Auction and sale of books!

17th 7.45

IWA Milton Keynes Branch Meeting at Bletchley Conservative Club 105 Queensway MK2 2DN Speaker Simon Judge— Navigable Thames Creeks

25th 7.30

Buckingham Canal Society AGM & Social Evening at Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, MK18 8AX details www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk

April

7th & 8th

IWA Milton Keynes Canal Clean-up, from Fenny Stratford to Wolverton details www.waterways.org.uk/miltonkeynes

12th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth. Speaker — Roger Butler —A cruise through the Midlands in 1972

21st 7.45

IWA Milton Keynes Branch Meeting at Bletchley Conservative Club 105 Queensway MK2 2DN Speaker John Pomfret— 700 mile voyage down the Danube.

30th - 2nd May IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns after having to cancel due to Covid to Little Venice.

Details at www.waterways.org.uk/support/way-to-get-involved/ events/iwa-canaway-cavacade May 10th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Blisworth. Speaker — Simon Judge — The Thames Navigation Creek.

June 25th-26th

Historic Boat Rally and Canal Festival at Braunston Marina

August 6th-7th

Fenny Stratford Canal Festival Details in next Endeavour

IWA Northampton Branch web site www.waterways.org.uk/northampton Please visit it regularly to see any updates

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Branch Chairman’s Jottings

by Bernard Morton HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our r eader s and adver tiser s! As I’m writing this in mid-January, I think I can probably still get away with such a greeting. 2021 was a year we probably all want to forget – lockdowns, new variants, PCR and Lateral Flow Tests, mask wearing, vaccinations and boosters.

As the new year starts, I’m feeling rather more positive as we hear Covid cases are falling, infections are largely resulting in symptoms like a cold, and there may be a lifting of restrictions soon – or maybe not, as it seems even the scientists can’t agree 100%.

UPDATE ON EA BOAT REGISTRATION FEES INCREASE. In the November 2021 issue I wrote about EA’s proposals for fee increases for 2022 and beyond. I highlighted the fact that EA’s aim of providing a “more consistent and transparent” scheme across its waterway areas would mean very large increases for those on the Anglian Waterways. As a result of the EA’s public consultation which generated a “really good response”, they have decided to continue with the old charging mechanisms for each waterway so Anglian Waterways users can breathe a big sigh of relief.

However, there will be a 4% increase in fees this year (down from 6% proposed) which makes it comparable to CRT’s.

BRANCH SOCIAL GATHERINGS. Sadly, our Br anch social gather ings had to be suspended due to Covid and were replaced, in part, by Zoom talks and Webinars.

These failed to attract much of an audience from our own members, and I feel were no replacement for meeting face-to-face. We were delighted to be able to restart these in October 2021. We are fortunate that our venue, The Walnut Tree, has a large airy meeting room in which we can maintain social distancing and mask wearing if desired. Numbers attending have begun to slowly increase and January’s talk on Railways In and Around Northamptonshire by John Pomfret was really interesting and enjoyed by those present.

I would like to draw your attention to the Branch AGM on 8th March at 8 pm.

Apart from the usual AGM business (which we keep to the minimum!) and a short talk by Clive Johnson on The Wendover Arm, we will be holding an auction of a David Blagrove painting donated to the Branch and a sale of books kindly donated to the Branch by the family of John Russell.

The David Blagrove painting has been mentioned in Endeavour before. Our plans to hold a sealed bid auction were put on hold once lockdowns/furlough etc hit. Please see front page and page 11 for further details of the painting and how the auction will be organised.

A list of the donated books is included with this issue as a insert for your perusal. If you are interested in any, please following the instructions on page 11 They will be on display at the AGM – the highest offer received will secure as our Treasurer, Paul,

8 has been storing them and he would like to reclaim his dining room!

Ideally, the purchasers of the painting and books will be present at the AGM. If not, we will have to arrange shipment at the purchaser’s expense. Payment can be made at the AGM via cash, cheque, or bank transfer.

TASK PARTIES. Another for m of social gather ing in the Br anch is our r egular task parties working on the Northampton Arm. These were severely curtailed during the various lockdowns but have resumed with added precautions. Geoff Wood and Mick Butler are still our organisers and do a superb job. The pattern of the first Sunday and third Tuesday of each month continues with extra dates added for specific jobs. Geoff and Mick report that numbers of attendees are up, and they remain an enthusiastic bunch who will tackle most things. Recently, there has been training on hedge laying and the results of this down the Arm are great to see.

The annual walk down the Arm (followed by a hearty breakfast!) for some of our regular volunteers which took place at the end of the year, has resulted in a list of works needed which will be allocated to task party dates by Geoff and Mick.

Hopefully, some of our corporate volunteers (eg. Cummins and Network Rail) will be returning to work alongside us soon.

HELP REQUIRED. Tim Coghlan has once again offer ed the Br anch a fr ee stand at his Braunston Historic Boat Rally at Braunston Marina on the 25 th and 26th June 2022. This is a good opportunity to promote the work of our Branch and to seek new members. We need help to staff the stand during the event so if you could spare a couple of hours (between 10am and 5pm) to fill a slot on the rota we would be most grateful. Please contact Geoff Wood via Geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or on 01604 453932.

FAREWELL TO DICK GILL. We wer e saddened to r eceive news of Richar d (Dick) Gill’s passing. Dick was well known within the Branch and the local waterways scene as the owner of the Grand Junction Boat Company based at Gayton Junction and Boat Safety Examiner. He was a loyal supporter of our Branch, taking advertising space in Endeavour and providing raffle prizes at our annual Boat Gatherings at Beckets’ Park for many years.

I engaged his services to replace the modern engine in Lexa’s engine room for a 1948 Lister CE2 and he did a great job. R.I.P Dick.

Dick’s obituary is on page 20 One of my favourite activities during the long winter nights is planning some boating trips. This year we are looking to visit Bristol again with diversions to the Wendover and Aylesbury Arms which we haven’t explored yet. Good luck with any planning you may be doing to explore the waterways, near or far, by boat, cycle, canoe or on foot. Remember, we would like to read about your explorations in future issues of Endeavour so please take a few notes/photos along the way and send a short article to Tony Clarke, editor, using the contact details on page 30

9 TASK PARY DATES NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTIES DATES March 6th, 15. April 3rd, 19th.

May 1st, 17th. June 5th, 21st.

Contact: geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or phone 01604 453932 BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WORK PARTY DATES Every Tuesday, Every Thursday and second and last Sunday in month Contact athinabec@aol.com or phone 01908 661217/07721 319404 STOKE BRUERNE CANAL PARTNERSHIP WORK PARTY DATES March 9th. April 13th. May 11th. June 8th.

Contact: stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk BRAUNSTON CANAL SOCIETY TASK PARTY DATES March 10th, 26th. April 14th, 30th.

May 12th, 28th. June 9th, 25th.

Contact Clive at braunstoncanalsociety@gmail.com or phone/text Clive on 07817 435911.

Due to Covid19 please check before attending that the task/work parties have not been cancelled 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 aWith all the rain that we have had n 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)

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NOTICE OF AGM

IWA Northampton Branch NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Northampton Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will be held on Tuesday, 8th March, 2022, at The walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth commencing at 8pm

AGENDA: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8:

Apologies for absence Minutes of previous AGM held on 9th March, 2020 Matters arising Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report Statement of Committee size Election of Committee members AOB

Under the IWA Branch bylaws effective from 16th May 2009, last amended 11th June 2011, there is no restriction on the maximum size of the committee. Geoff Wood and Catriona Butler retire by rotation and seek re-election.

It is no longer necessary for those who wish to stand for election to be nominated and seconded but all who wish to stand must agree to do so.

Written consents from Branch members wishing to stand for election should be deposited with Branch Secretary Sandie Morton before the commencement of the AGM business via sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk {signed) Bernard Morton, IW A Northampton Branch Chairman IWA Northampton Branch has a Facebook page. It is at https://www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in discussion on what’s happening.

11 Donated painting Back in May 2020, we announced an unusual fundraiser which was to be a sealed bid auction of a David Blagrove painting that had been donated anonymously to the Branch.

The plan was to invite sealed bids which would be opened at our Annual Branch Dinner the following November. With all the uncertainty brought about by Covid (lockdowns, furlough etc), the Committee took the decision to postpone the auction.

We now feel the time is right to set up this auction which will end at our Branch AGM in Mar ch.

David’s daughters have confirmed its authenticity and thought the setting was probably Stoke Bruerne locks, but with some artistic licence! It has the initials DRB and 76 (date created?) in one corner. It measures 65 cm in width and 42 cm in height and has a simple gilt frame.

As you can see in the photo, there are two working boats, named Dunlin and Tern, about to exit a double lock. The painting was displayed at the Branch AGM in March 2020 and aroused quite a bit of interest amongst those present. The consensus was that it depicts a Grand Union lock and that the boats, Dunlin and Tern, were once operated by Willow Wren Canal Carrying Company. If you can throw any further light on the subject matter, we would be delighted to find out more.

If you would like to own this painting, we are inviting sealed bids to be submitted to Branch Treasurer, Paul Lynam, before 5th March 2022. Paul’s email address is paul.lynam@waterways.org.uk and his postal address is 2 Dalestones, Northampton, NN4 9UU. There will also be the opportunity to place a bid in person at the AGM with the painting going to the highest bidder. Payment will need to be via cheque, bank transfer or cash. If you cannot attend the AGM and have placed the highest bid, we will contact you to discuss delivery.

Donated Books These books have been kindly donated to the Branch by John Russell’s family to raise funds.

There is something for everyone, autobiography, photographic history, and some novels to name just a few. I sure you will find something that you like.

They will be on display for sale at the AGM or if you cant get to there you can place a bid for any of the books with Paul Lynam by email at paul.lynam@waterways.org.uk or his postal address is 2 Dalestones Northampton NN4 9UU

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Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum’s Historic Narrowboat, Sculptor Rob Westlake writes: Sculptor has been at the Canal Museum since 1986. After withdrawal from her working days on the Shropshire Union, where she was a maintenance boat, she was restored by Ian Kemp and came to Stoke Bruerne as a museum exhibit. Since then, she has attended many IWA rallies around the country and annual visits to local festivals, boat rallies and shows.

Sculptor was repainted in 2008 by Colin Dundas at Gayton. The bottom boards were replaced in 2012 at Brinklow. New gunnels were fitted in 2018 – again at Brinklow.

Throughout her time at Stoke Bruerne, the Friends of the Canal Museum have financially supported most of these major works. IWA Northampton has helped to fund the work to the gunnels and has promised further help to the interior cabin restoration from the John Faulkner legacy.

Canal and River Trust/National Waterways, who are the owners of Sculptor, decided that the whole of the exterior paintwork should be stripped back to bare metal and the areas of rust treated and repaired. Quotations were sought from 3 boatyards, including 2 in this area, but only one could offer to do the work in the early part of 2022.

The contract was awarded to Bob Hegenbarth, who operates from a yard at Northwich, close to where Sculptor was built by W J Yarwood & Son in 1935.

The Friends of the Canal Museum and our team of volunteers together tried to argue for the work to done more locally, but the decision had been made and plans were drawn up for Sculptor to be taken up to Northwich.

Alex de Leie – Head of Boat Care – Ellesmere Port decided that the best time to undertake this trip was during the week after the Autumn half-term and before the planned winter lock closures on the Trent and Mersey commenced the following week. Volunteers were contacted, but due to various reasons, only Alyn Jones and I offered to assist with the trip. Alex planned the whole trip and hotels were booked; car shunts organised for each of the chosen overnight locations.

All was set, so on the Sunday morning 31st October, the crew, Alex, Steve Bagley – Collections Manager and I meet at 8am on a very wet and windy morning. Somewhat drier and calmer in the tunnel the weather threw everything at us as we moved north up the Grand Union. As we approached Bugbrooke Wharf, the sky dramatically turned blue, and the rain and the wind stopped for 20 seconds before a tornado swept across. Loose objects from the pub garden went upwards and we were swept off course – dodging the 2 moored narrowboats and landing against the armco edging. I grabbed the errant mop, wiped my glasses and we carried on. Just beyond the Wharf Bridge, a large branch had been severed from a willow tree and fallen right across the cut. We pushed this aside and carried on through the cutting in a sea of branches and leaves. We progressed through Stowe Hill and Weedon and on up to the bottom of Buckby.

13 As the weather brightened up, there were a lot of boats then on the move as it was the end of the half term holiday. Whilst in lock 12, a lady came running down the flight to tell us in an agitated way that there was a huge problem ahead with a paddle jammed on lock 10 and water cascading down.

“Who do I call to get help?” As we had Canal and River Trust lifejackets on, she said “You must do something!” As I quickly ran up the flight, there were 2 Sculptor moored up in Nursers Dock boats heading south, stuck in lock 11 with torrents of water overtopping the gates, filling the lock faster than the bottom gate paddles were able to empty the water. On proceeding up lock 12, I was surprised to see two southbound boats exiting the lock! It appeared that a paddle had been fouled or not closed – but everything else was now in order. Water levels were high after the torrential rain, but we completed the flight of locks, through Norton Junction and Braunston Tunnel. A quick descent of the Braunston locks and we tied up in the Nurser Arm at the end of day one as darkness fell.

The next morning, Alyn Jones, the Sculptor Team’s most recent member joined Alex and I. After the necessary car positioning, we set off up the North Oxford, through Hillmorton locks, Rugby and Newbold to Stretton Stop. Whilst Alyn operated the tiny swing bridge, I took a photo of Sculptor alongside the cabin section of her former butty, Toucan, which is at present on the canalside by the Rose Narrowboats offices.

We operated the system of turn and turn about on the tiller, with an hour each – whether that included locks or not. The other crew members spent time ensuring the Epping Stove was burning well, producing plenty of hot water for drinks and the frying pan enabled bacon sandwiches to be provided for everyone. The cabin was therefore well aired and provided a warm, cosy place to sit down.

We rounded Hawkesbury Junction and proceeded up to Marston Junction, where a vehicle had been left earlier in the day. We tied up in the dark and ensured everything was carefully stowed away.

Tuesday morning, Graham Boxer, the Head of Collections and Archives at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port joined us for the day. A cold and frosty morning and a beautiful sunrise greeted us, as the preparations were completed and a further vehicle placement was carried out.

At Atherstone Locks we were greeted by a team of volunteer lock keepers who helped with the Top Lock and then, as we had an extra crew member, we left them Sculptor exiting Hawkesbury Junction to their mugs of tea. Atherstone

14 flight was quickly behind us and we proceeded around Polesworth, down Tamworth 2 and Fazeley Junction onto our planned mooring for the night at Hopwas.

The next day started damp and drizzly as we prepared and set off up the Coventry Canal to Fradley Junction, but it quickly brightened up. After the couple of locks just after the junction and Wood End Lock, we travelled north, enjoying the lovely rural lockless section of the Trent and Mersey through this part of Staffordshire. This provided a good training opportunity for our new team member Alyn. After the long urban section around Rugeley and into the beautiful Tame Valley and my personal favourite lock at Colwich, it was into Haywood Lock and our planned overnight mooring at Haywood Junction.

Due to other commitments, I had to leave the trip north at this point. The next 3 days, Alex, with the help of staff and volunteers from Ellesmere Port, took Sculptor up through the Potteries, Harecastle Tunnel and down Heartbreak Hill, Middlewich and to the top of the Anderton Lift I re-joined Alex and Steve on the following Monday for the final part of the trip which included the descent of Anderton Lift and then up the River Weaver to Northwich. We passed under the newly restored Northwich Swing Bridge and also passed the entrance to the former W J Yarwood boatyard where Sculptor had been built. Our mooring was just before the railway viaduct where we breasted up alongside the restored, historic horse drawn Shropshire Union fly boat ‘Saturn’.

This was adjacent to the Northwich Dry Dock and Bob Hegenbarth’s paint dock – where Sculptor was to be completely stripped and re-painted over the winter.

Anderton Lift

Now that the restrictions have been lifted and we are able to go cruising again let me know about your trip so we can all share in your experiences.

Write a report about your cruise, let others know the good and not so good places to moor, eat, drink, places of interest worth visiting and anything else that might help others to enjoy that area. Let us know of any mishaps or interesting things that happened on your journey. Include pictures of your cruise, unusual things scenery and anything else that you want to add.

Or maybe you could tell us about the boats you’ve hired or owned. Email your articles to me, tony.clarke@waterways.org.uk

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NARROWBOAT CHIP IS OFF TO JOIN THE CIRCUS Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina writes: Leisure narrowboats have become increasingly popular as a cheap alternative housing, but until now not as an alternative to the traditional showman’s caravan that goes with the circus fraternity. That was until young Finley Guy (23) had the idea of acquiring one after her uncle and aunt had moved onto a narrowboat on the Ashby Canal, and she realized that canals for the most part were within easy cycling range of wherever her summer employer, Giffords Circus, was performing.

Pre-Covid, Finley had worked for them in the Cotswold and the London area, as a jill-of-all-trades - front of house, singer, dancer, clown and more - and living in a shared caravan. Optimistically looking ahead, she has just bought her dreamboat CHIP from narrowboat brokers, Braunston Marina. It is an elderly 1980 forty foot narrowboat that had been well maintained, including a major makeover to the hull in 2017. The boat was being marketed at £23,500. Hopefully Finley will be back working in the Big Top when summers return to normal, and she can take her home with her, though nothing is as yet firmed up for this summer.

CHIP was Braunston Marina’s first completed sale of 2022, in a period of great activity that has seen seven other boats going under offer since 1 st January. To celebrate this, Finley was presented with a bottle of Prosecco by Narrowboat Sales Manager Victoria Garfield, after she had handed over the keys.

Finley is now working her way northwards assisted by a friend who is teaching her the ropes, so in due course she can work CHIP single-handed. First port of call will be the same marina where her aunt and uncle moor. Later Finley will be moving on to Stockport where she will be in the Easter panto of Mother Goose at the Plaza Theatre. In the autumn she will be back in Stoke-on-Trent, for her fourth season of pantos at the Regent Theatre. CHIP will be moored in a secure mooring in the city’s centre for the duration.

Finley has been walking the boards since she was sixteen, when she completed her education in music and theatre at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts in Swindon. She also sings with various bands, and we are looking at her coming with one of them to perform at the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally in June, when a mooring in the marina could be provided for CHIP. And if Finley gets that desired summer circus work, then maybe CHIP should be renamed ‘ÇHIP-ER-FIELD’!

Barunston Marina Narrowboat Sales Manager Victoria Garfield presents circus performer Finley Guy with a bottle of Prosecco following her purchase of narrowboat CHIP – the marina’s first completed sale of 2022.

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VISIT STOWE HILL WHARF FOR ALL Y

Proprietor Robert Gudgeon welcomes you to Stowe Hill Workshop

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 NEW — Fuel Polishing Service Stockists of Morris Oils and Grease Full range of Batteries always available (please let us know your requirements) By road we are easily found, a few yards off the A5 at Stowe Hill towards Nether Heyford. By boat close to Bridge 26          

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN, FROM SIMPLE TASKS TO COMPLETE FIT-OUTS

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YOUR ESSENTIAL BOATING SERVICES

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Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally and Canal Festival 2022 – Still planning to go ahead, subject to Covid-19 restrictions Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina writes: With Covid restrictions beginning to lift, and the canals reopening, we are determined to hold our own very special annual event over the last weekend in June – when we have traditionally held it since 2003, bar the loss of the last two years. This year it will be on 25 - 26 June, so save the date!

We are now putting all the necessary preparations in place. The waterways need to have something to celebrate – something to look forward to - and initial soundings of the owners of historic narrowboats, who are the making of the Rally – the largest gathering of these surviving- leviathans of the canal’s carrying past - is that they cannot wait to come.

Likewise song writer and producer Pete Waterman is still onboard. He will formally open the Rally – hopefully on the re-restored narrowboat steamer President and its butty Kildare. President is undergoing works, including a new boiler at Alvecote Docks, and should just be ready on time.

If it happens, the Friends of President are planning to make a non-stop 36 hour fly run from the Black Country Museum to the Rally, arriving the afternoon before the Rally.

Song writer and music producer Pete Waterman (R ) with Tim Coghlan at Braunston Marina for the BBC Radio 4 programme Open Country in 2020. They are standing beside the former working narrowboat Stanton, a regular attendee at the Rally. Coventry born Pete had known what is today Braunston Marina in the 1950s when he came fishing with his dad. (Heather Simmons – BBC Radio 4)

In a main supporting role, on the Nutfield and Raymond, will be our canal treasures Tim and Pru –now in her ninetieth year. When I rang Timothy West to invite them to join us again – they have opened several of the seventeen rallies we have held in the past – his reply was spontaneous, ‘What a lovely idea! But don’t forget I don’t dress up unless I’m being paid!’

Our music-impresario for some years now, Janul, is already networking the amazing musicians she produces each year for the beer tent – a mini Glastonbury, without the mud. Alarum Theatre are also onboard with their latest production, ‘I Dig Canals’ –

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The historic narrowboat Cepheus in a past Parade of Boats. Owner Simon Carey is already committed to attending the 2021 Rally. (Tim Coghlan)

about female volunteers who were involved in the heroic canal restoration projects in the `fifties and ’sixties. We are also seeing a very positive response from trade exhibitors and likewise the canal societies, whom we seek to support through free space and the publicity the event gives them.

We are fortunate to be able to hold the event in our marina, including parking, with use of the canal outside for the parades of historic narrowboats, thanks to CRT. The Rally is very much an outdoor event, with the five odd thousand people who traditionally attend, mainly spreading themselves out along the mile or so of towpath to watch the parades. There are only three marquees involved, including the famous beer tent - the Dry Dock Inn - with most drinkers sitting outside. So we should be able to hold the event in safety.

Here’s hoping the event goes ahead, and we see you there.

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Obituary Richard Dudley Carlyle Gill ‘Dick’ Richard, son of Dorothy and Kenneth, an RAF Pilot, was born in Wilmslow, Cheshire on the 3rd of March 1942. He grew up with Douglas, his older brother and Bridgett, his younger sister in Hemel Hempstead. He attended Berkhamsted public school, where he played on many sports teams, which he particularly enjoyed, and joined the Combined Cadet Force. He attained a Bachelor of Science degree from the National College of Food Technology, Reading University in Weybridge, and continued to work as a Food Technologist at Rowntree’s in York for a short time.

In 1966, he met Dianne, who was at Teacher Training College in Berkshire, and they got married in 1969 in South Shields, County Durham.

They bought their first home together in Deal, Kent, where Richard not only requalified and taught as a Mechanical Engineer in Folkestone, but also joined his parents’ garage business in Kingsdown.

There, they started a family of their own and had three wonderful children: Justin, born in 1971; Ester, born in 1972; and Jessica, born in 1975.

They went on many outdoor family holidays in the UK to the seaside and exploring woodlands, moors and mountains in caravans and canal boats with their dog Bromell. Most people will remember Richard for his work on the canals, and it was after leaving the garage when his parents retired, that the Grand Union Canal drew him and his family to Northamptonshire to operate Blisworth Tunnel Boats, a narrowboat hire business and workshops, where he also took on one of his most trusted employees, Trevor.

After many years of hard work, they sold the business to set up a new one, the Grand Junction Boat Company at Gayton Yard, which specialised in narrowboat building, repairs and servicing. Richard also became a qualified Boat Safety Scheme Examiner and continued testing boats until his complete retirement in 2020.

Richard loved Irish folk music, which he would listen to, play on his banjo

21 and tirelessly whistle all day. He was an avid stamp collector and a huge rugby fan, supporting the Northampton Saints.

One thing he certainly did not like was gardening!

Also known as, Grandad, Richard was very proud of his family.

His son, Justin; his daughter-in-law, Amanda; and his granddaughter, Daisy, loved him for being a loving father, father-in-law and a doting grandad. He was patient, supportive and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. They shared good rugby banter, a good card game and a good bottle of red. Not forgetting Raphy, who will miss playing tug of war!

His daughter, Ester, loved him for being warm-hearted and compassionate towards animals, nature and other people; someone who walked gently on the Earth and did not ask too much from life. They shared a love for travel and fast cars amongst many other things, but most of all, she loved him for being her Dad and she is really going to miss the laughter, good advice and endless support he gave her, no matter what mess she got herself into!

His daughter, Jessica; his son-in-law, Gabriel; and his two grandsons, Ian and Adam, loved him for being kind-hearted, generous, patient and knowledgeable; and simply being there whenever they needed him.

They will always remember his numerous visits and adventures in their homeland Argentina, and it will always be Grandad’s apple juice, even though he preferred a Malbec!

His wife, Dianne will miss him dearly.

He was very much looking forward to celebrating his 80th birthday in March.

Family and friends will miss him so much and he will aways be in our thoughts.

If you wish to donate, in memory of Richard, for the benefit of the RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution - Saving Lives at Sea Donations may be sent to John White Funeral Directors, 188 Watling Street East, Towcester, NN12 6DB. (Cheques made payable to John White FD -Donation Gill) or via bank transfer NatWest Bank 55-70-06. account 07863454. Ref Gill.

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Now fully open

WHILTON MARINA CHANDLERY 

Diesel 



Pump out

Well stocked chandlery  Groceries

Pay us a visit, just browse and see what we have to offer Open daily 9am –6pm ALL YEAR ROUND Tel 01327 844639 E-mail: marinachandlery@gmail.com

The Branch is collecting old printer, toner and/or inkjet cartridges for recycling. I would be most willing to take them off your hands.

Also, we can get money for old mobile phones through the same company.

This form of recycling may not generate large amounts of funds but, as they say, every little helps.

Please bring them to the Branch meetings or please email me on sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk

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Work Boat for Braunston Canal Society

Back in April Graham Newman (General Manager. Braunston Marina) made BCS aware of an opportunity to acquire a 38 ft workboat from Rose Narrowboats, Brinklow. The offer was a free lease of the boat for a 3 year period. This was an opportunity too good to miss as the Society has always had a desire to have use of their own workboat. The committee visited Rose NB and agreed the boat would be extremely useful in supporting the work they do and expressed their gratitude to Anthony Grantham of Rose NB for making the boat available. As can be seen from the photo the boat has a cabin (or shed) at both ends and a flat working area (or skip) in between. The boat, as such, had been nicknamed “Skippy Two Sheds” by Rose NB. One interesting characteristic of ‘Skippy’ is that she is powered by a 10hp Honda outboard motor. BCS replaced faulty reverse gearing and gave it a service, the purchases being funded by Rose NB. At the end of September Skippy was moved to Braunston. The shallow draft coupled with the outboard motor means that she is highly manoeuvrable and actually steers in reverse! Skippy is currently moored on a pontoon in Braunston Marina. Tim Coghlan kindly offered BCS this berth at zero cost.

As well as putting ‘Skippy’ to good use BCS have undertaken some restoration and maintenance. This has included stripping the interior of the front shed and replacing the flooring, a new battery with the addition of a solar trickle charger and a new bilge pump (now automatic). The addition of name plates and BCS signage has completed the task for now. Any painting will have to wait until the warm dry weather returns.

You can find out more about us by visiting our website at www.braunston.org.uk/BCS, emailing us at braunstoncanalsociety@gmail.com or contacting Clive on 07817 435911

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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:

        

DIESEL – always competively priced PUMP OUT – no meter clock here BLUE TOILET FLUID ODORLOS – organic waste tank treatment CALOR GAS – all sizes of bottled gas including Camping Gaz. SOLID FUELS – all types of smokeless fuel or coal. Plus firelighters, sticks and logs.

CHARNWOOD STOVES – all sizes of multi-fuel stoves with or without boilers MORRIS OILS – popular grades of engine oil plus water resistant grease FUEL SET FUEL CONDITIONER

Most Major Credit Cards Accepted.

Open: 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays

Fred Tarry

Bridge Cottage Furnace Lane Nether Heyford Northampton, NN7 3JY

Telephone/Fax: 01327-341202 Email : rhigginbottom@btconnect.com

Northamptonshire RESTAURANT º BARS º TRIP BOAT DINE IN STYLE IN WOODWARD’S CANALSIDE RESTAURANT 01604 862428 www.boatinn.co.uk SAVE THE BRANCH MONEY! Stop receiving Endeavour by post and instead get it electronically. You will be notified by email when it’s published on-line. This will save in postage and printing costs. The printed version will be available at Branch meetings. Contact Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk and he will organise it.

Editor

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BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY We have a new work boat Perseverance joining our existing work boat Louise at Cosgrove. Perseverance was moored at Southall on the Grand Union canal so a group of volunteers took turns taking Shoveler our tug down to Southall to collect Perseverance and then came the long journey back up the canal with Perseverance in tow. At the time of writing this report, Perseverance is on her way to Cosgrove and should be with us soon.

Two of our volunteers who had completed a CRT hedge laying course put their new learnt skills to use and have hedge-laid a section of hedge at Cosgrove close to bridge One. At our Hyde Lane Nature Reserve site, the storms about two months ago brought down several very large trees which completely blocked the tow path and canal bed.

Our volunteers have been working hard to remove these trees from both canal bed and tow path but this has all been done with bow saws as we don't have anyone trained to use a chain saw at present in the BCS. Also at Hyde Lane we have been planting about eighty saplings (all native species) including Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Hazel along the tow path. Our new Community Engagement Assistant, Becky Hall, has contacted the BBC Country File programme to report the tree planting that has taken place and asked them to include these trees in their numbers of trees planted in the UK.

Also I can report that our AGM is taking place on Friday 25th March at Buckingham Community Centre, 7pm for a 7.30 start. All IWA members welcome, with be sending round posters shortly about this event.

Athina Beckett Buckingham Canal Society

29 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

CLASSIFIEDS

1/4 Page (box) £12.00 +VAT 1/2 Page (box) £25.00 +VAT Full Page £40.00 +VAT Other sizes by arrangement

(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

10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance 5% discount for 4 issues paid quarterly

Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May inclusive at

THE WALNUT TREE INN, BLISWORTH, at 8pm All members and non-members welcome Food and drink available

Next Meetings 8th March AGM followed by Clive Johnson — The Wendover Arm 12th April Roger Butler—A cruise through the Midlands in 1972 10th May Simon Judge –The Thames Navigation Creek The next edition of Endeavour will be published in May 2022

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Branch Chairman Bernard Morton

07785 375787/ 01604 858294 E-mail: bernard.morton @waterways.org.uk

Vice Chairman, Joint Task Party Organiser & Membership Secretary Geoff Wood

E-mail: geoff.wood @waterways.org.uk

Branch Secretary Sandie Morton 01604 858294

E-mail: sandie.morton @waterways.org.uk

Joint Task Party Organiser Michael Butler E-mail: michael.butler @waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer Helen Westlake

E-mail: helen.westlake @waterways.org.uk

Branch Meetings

Catriona Butler E-mail: catriona butler @waterways.org.uk

Treasurer

Paul Lynam

E-mail: paul.lynam @waterways.org.uk

Newsletter & Archivist Tony Clarke

07305 893924

E-mail: tony.clarke @waterways.org.uk

Committee Member John Pomfret

E-mail: john.pomfret @waterways.org.uk

Non-Committee posts Website and Media Officers

Gail Anscombe Email: gail.anscombe@waterways.org.uk Lynda Payton Email: Lynda.payton@waterways.org.uk

Vacancies Publicity Officer and Grants Officer

The Inland Waterways Association is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country's 6,500 miles of canals and rivers .

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