Hereward Winter 2017/8

HEREWARD WINTER 2017/8 Crossing The Wash 2 Old Bedford—Mud wins 2—1 Easter Cruise Fletton Quays Progress MLC Bill moves forward

PETERBOROUGH BRANCH

Fletton Quays development moving apace on the South Bank of the River Nene in Peterborough

www.waterways.org.uk/peterborough The IWA charity registered number 212342 The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the Peterborough Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers

Olive Emily digs out a channel watched closely by Lily May in the main river. [photo David Mercer

The tide is beginning to turn as Olive Emily nears the tidal doors and the non-tidal river beyond. [photo David Mercer

On 13 November all three boats locked out of the Middle Level lock at Salters Lode into the tidal Great Ouse. I then attempted to enter the narrow tidal channel leading to the Old Bedford sluice. This looked hopeless because it had not been maintained or dredged and was badly silted up. Moreover there was a sand bar at the entrance with only 3" of water covering it.

Only ducks would have been able to enter the Old Bedford 'on the level'.

I therefore turned the boat round and started to dig a channel to the Old Bedford sluice usin g the propellor in reverse gear. Th is was repetitive and time consuming but worked and I was able to enter the non tidal river still in reverse just after the tide turned. Chris and Jeff were less fortunate and were unable to follow me which was very disappointing for all concerned including the many onlookers.

Soon after we were on our way to Welney where we moored overnight outside the Lamb and Flag (Elgoods beer, excellent food, fine old photos, large stuffed fish in glass cases, accommodation if we had needed it and a real fire) .

Early next morning we set off for Welches Dam lock 6 miles away. This is an attractive location with a fine lock-side cottage close to the extensive RSPB Ouse Washes nature reserve. It looked particularly good in the autumn light and once again we received a warm welcome from one of the residents.

Welches Dam lock remained completely impassable and once again we had no alternative but to turn round and head back to the Old Bedford sluice. Leaving proved far easier than entering, perhaps because I had already laboriously dug a channel on the way in.

Following d iscussions with the Middle Level Lock keeper and a member of EA's Navigation team I reversed a short distance into the tidal channel at low water enabling them to shut the tidal doors and for 'Olive Emily' to rest on soft mud just outside. Soon after the boat lifted on the incoming tide and I then reversed into the main tidal river and then (in forwards) reentered Salters Lode and the Middle Level In public EA accepts the statutory right of navigation but this appears to be largely ignored in practice. It seems that each time we try to take a boat into the Old Bedford we are told it is either too early in the year or too late. If April, July and November are not suitable then when is it tru ly open and navigable? Why did only one boat out of three manage to enter the river this time?

Which is more likely, the lack of maintenance and dredging or just bad luck?

Left: A muddy 'O live Emily' waits in the nontidal river to see if the other two boats will be able to join. Unfortunately this did not happen. [photo: David Mercer

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