Cargoes Spring 2020

Spring 2020

Spring 2020

Newsletter of Guildford & Reading, Newsletter of Kent &&East Sussex Guildford Reading & East Sussex & Kent Oxfordshire Branches

and Oxfordshire Branches

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IWA trailboat

Festival 2020 23rd - 25th May, Wey & Arun Canal Surrey/Sussex Border Join us on the Wey & Arun Canal and enjoy a fun filled programme of activities such as live music, food stalls, demonstrations, competitions and a boat parade to celebrate the waterway and its restoration.

Photo Š Phil Sharpe

Earlybird Discount

in partnership with:

When you book your trailboat space by 1st March. Email: support@weyandarun.co.uk

waterways.org.uk/Trailboat

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IWA Chief Executive Announces Retirement IWA Chief Executive, Neil Edwards has announced his retirement, during the summer, following more than 24 years with the Association. Neil has spent many years as a volunteer and member of staff. Over 210 miles of waterway have been reopened during his tenure.

Neil will be involved with appointing his successor and mentoring him or her during their first few months. We wish Neil well.

Editorial Welcome to the Spring edition of Cargoes. I hope you had a restful Christmas and New Year and are now looking forward to better weather and using our lovely rivers and canals.

Thank you to all our contributors who have provided very interesting articles and photos, which I hope you will also enjoy. Please take note of the events they are holding and support them where possible. Also, if you can offer your help in any way please do!

On another note EA is holding a consultation ‘Challenges and Choices’ which seeks views on the challenges threatening the water environment. Please read more about it on page 30.

Chris Jones – Editor

From the Region Chair The appointment of Paul Rodgers as National Chairman promises to inject new energy into the IWA as the Trustees seek to examine how to ensure a dynamic future for the IWA. It is appropriate to look at our guiding principles and procedures after decades of alterations and amendments to the guidelines drawn up in 1947. In the intervening years groups of dedicated volunteers have raised an astonishing amount of money, restored miles of canal and through dogged determination have made the IWA a respected voice nationally and locally The overall aim of the IWA remains unchanged and in order to deliver an organisation fit for the twenty-first century the trustees need to ensure that we are making the best use of the available resources, both human and monetary. In all charities the Trustees are appointed to ensure good governance. At a recent workshop the Trustees examined the elements that contribute to good governance and the outcomes will be a useful starting point for further work. As part of looking forward, the staff at Chesham have been working hard to launch the new website which will bring our online image up to date and make the search facilities easier.

On a Regional level I am delighted to say that two keen volunteers have come Cover Photo: East Farley Lock on the Medway in flood. Compare the (just) visible height of the boom gantry in normal conditions.

Courtesy: IWAKES

4 forward to help with the Oxford branch and two more have volunteered to help with the sales stand for the Guildford and Reading branch. Thank you. All branches are always in need of more volunteers so even if you can only spare an hour on an ad hoc basis, you are very welcome. We do need people to help with heritage, planning and website maintenance.

As you are aware, we are hosting the IWA National Trailboat Festival in May at Dunsfold. We are fortunate that the Wey & Arun Canal Trust have dedicated their considerable resources and expertise to stage the event, and it would be great to see a good show of local IWA members helping out as well, either in preparation or during the weekend. Please contact me by email or text if you can help.

Finally, have fun on or by the water.

Verna Smith

Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Oxfordshire and Guildford and Reading Branches of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Oxfordshire Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm for 8.00pm start on Wednesday 11th March 2020 at Begbroke Village Hall, 3 Begbroke Lane, Begbroke, Kidlington, Oxon. OX5 1RN The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 30th March 2020 at National Trust’s premises, Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR. The Agenda for the branch meetings will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws as follows:

Agenda 1

Apologies for Absence

2

Approval (following amendments if necessary) of the Minutes of the Branch AGM held the previous year

3

Matters arising from the Minutes (and not under other Agenda items)

4

Branch Chairman’s Report

5

Branch Treasurer’s Report and Accounts

6

Election of members of the Committee (Nomination no longer necessary).

Simply contact the Chairman to apply to join the Branch Committee or do so at the AGM

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Any item for discussion of which the Branch Chairman has been notified in writing at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the relevant AGM

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Index Basingstoke Canal Society Chobham Social Meetings John Pinkerton Focus on Accessible Boating Association

Page: 9 Page: 9

Byfleet Boat Club

Page: 14

Guildford & Reading Branch Future Events

Page: 7 Page: 8

Kent & Sussex Branch – IWAKES Page: 26 Dartford and Crayford Creek Restoration Trust River Medway Kentish Stour Thames & Medway Canal Association River Adur Future Events Page: 31 Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Newbury Reading Crofton Beam Engines Future Events

Page: 15

Pages: 15/17

London (Paddington)

Page: 37

Mikron Theatre Group

Page: 40

Oxfordshire Branch Banbury Canal Partnership

Page: 32 Page: 33

Region Chair Report

Page: 3

River Wey & Godalming Navigations National Trust Future Events

Page: 18 Page: 20

Salisbury Group Future Events

Page: 6 Page: 6

Southampton Canal Society Future Events

Page: 21 Page: 22

South London

Page: 37

Towpath Walks

Page: 38

Wey & Arun Canal Trust Future Events

Page: 22 Page: 25

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Future Events

Page: 34 Page: 36

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Salisbury Group Our Salisbury Corresponent, Myra Glover writes: At our first meeting of 2020 we welcomed Maritime Historian Paul Barnett to tell us about “Operation Dynamo”. This was the story of the evacuation of troops from the besieged port of Dunkirk between 26th May & 4th June 1940. It was thought that 45,000 troops would be recovered but in the end 338,226 men were taken to safety, this included British, French, Polish and Belgians.

Altogether 861 Royal Navy, Merchant and Civilian vessels took part in the evacuation, sadly 243 were sunk. Paul was able to show us many photos of the vessels that took part from the smallest sailing dinghy to the larger coasters. This included lifeboats, fishing boats, pleasure steamers, ferries and leisure cruisers from the Thames & Norfolk Broads. Many of the private boats were commandeered, owners were not allowed to be on board, however even though their boats were commanded by Naval Ratings many owners insisted on travelling with their vessels.

Beaches were continuously under bombardment by German aircraft. 106 allied planes were lost over Dunkirk but the Luftwaffe lost about 135. Troops on the beach were unaware of the work being carried out overhead by the RAF who were protecting the beaches from German bombardment. One plane continued to fight until every drop of his fuel was used, he then crash landed on the beach, left the wreckage of his plane and joined the troops in order to return to British soil. His Spitfire has been recovered from the beach and is in the process of being rebuilt, and hopefully will fly again.

This evacuation lasted for nine days. The last troops remained to ensure that all guns and equipment were completely disabled so that they would be of no use to the Germans. However the steel from all this equipment was of great use to the Germans in their manufacturing industry.

Even though we all knew the story, Paul had carried out a lot of his own research on the subject so was able to inform us of facts that we hadn’t been aware of previously.

No Copyright infringement intended Myra Glover

Future Events

Thur 20th Feb: Peter Oates is the owner of the Historic Working Boat “Stanton”. Peter will be informing us about the history and renovation of this craft and we will be taken on some of the journeys he has cruised aboard

7 “Stanton”.

“Stanton”. Included, Included, will will be be information information about about the the Historic Historic Narrow Narrow Boat Boat Club Club and and festivals that Peter onboard Stanton has attended. festivals that Peter onboard Stanton has attended.

Thur 19 19th Mar: Ron Ron & & Myra Myra Glover Glover recently recently trailed trailed their their 23 23 ft. ft. Viking Viking Cruiser Cruiser to to th Mar: Thur Ireland to to explore explore The The Irish Irish Waterways.

Waterways. In In this this talk talk they they will will be be taking taking us us on on a a Ireland trip from from Athlone Athlone on on the the River River Shannon Shannon in in Southern Southern Ireland Ireland via via canals, canals, rivers rivers and and trip loughs to Enniskillen in Northern Ireland. loughs to Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.

There will will be be no no meetings meetings in in April April or or May May There Thur 18 18th Jun: Boules Boules & & BBQ BBQ at at the the Green Green Dragon.

Dragon. 7.00pm 7.00pm th Jun: Thur There will will be be no no meetings meetings in in July, July, August August or or September.

September.

There Thur 15 15th Oct: In In 2007 2007 Ann Ann Harries Harries gave gave us us a a fascinating fascinating talk talk entitled entitled “The “The th Oct: Thur Man who ate his his Trousers”.

Trousers”. Her Her Great Great Great Great Grand Grand Uncle, Uncle, Admiral Admiral Sir Sir George George Man who ate Back who’s expedition mapped the Arctic including the search for the North West Back who’s expedition mapped the Arctic including the search for the North West Passage. Since Since 2007 2007 a a lot lot has has happened. happened. In HMS Terror Terror was Passage.

In 2014 2014 his his ship ship HMS was located under under water water 100 100 km km south south of of its its last last known known position. position. HMS HMS Terror Terror is is now now located being examined using modern technology and is found to be in excellent condition. being examined using modern technology and is found to be in excellent condition.

So the the story story continues…………………………. continues………………………….

So Thur 19 19th Nov: The 28 miles miles long long and and was was built built th Nov: The Royal Royal Military Military Canal Canal in in Kent Kent is is 28 Thur in 1804, constructed as as a a defence defence against against the the possible possible invasion invasion of of England England during during in 1804, constructed the the Napoleonic Napoleonic Wars.

Wars. Local Local historian historian George George Fleming Fleming will will tell tell us us about about the the history, history, construction construction and and purpose purpose of of this this canal. canal.

Thur 3 3rd Waterways quiz quiz organised organised by

by Southampton Southampton Canal Canal Society Society at at rd Dec: Dec: Waterways Thur Chilworth Village Hall.

Hall. Questions Chilworth Village Questions set set by by last last year’s year’s winners winners – – Salisbury Salisbury IWA. IWA. Thurs 10 10th Dec: Christmas Christmas Dinner Dinner at at The The Green Green Dragon Dragon Alderbury, Alderbury, 7.00pm 7.00pm th Dec: Thurs Unless otherwise otherwise stated, stated, meetings meetings are are at at The The Green Green Dragon, Dragon, Old Old Road, Road, Alderbury, Alderbury, Unless Salisbury, Wiltshire Wiltshire SP5 SP5 3AR 3AR starting starting at at 7.30pm 7.30pm when when visitors visitors will will be be warmly warmly Salisbury, welcomed. Further Further information information can can be be obtained obtained from from Ron Ron & & Myra Myra Glover Glover on on 01722 01722 welcomed.

710322 or or 07768 07768 622966, 622966, email email glover.3@btinternet.com, glover.3@btinternet.com, 710322 myra.glover@waterways.org.uk myra.glover@waterways.org.uk or or Jon Jon Van Van de de Geer Geer on on 01722 01722 412841.

412841.

Guildford & & Reading Reading Branch Guildford Branch Branch Chairman Chairman Branch After After a a quiet quiet winter winter we we are are looking looking forward forward to to taking taking the the sales sales stand stand to to a a number of venues this summer.

As Newbury Water Festival, The Henley number of venues this summer. As Newbury Water Festival, The Henley Traditional Festival will will be be additional additional venues venues this this Traditional Boat Boat Show Show and and the the IWA IWA Trailboat Trailboat Festival

8 year we will need more people to augment the sales team. Please contact Chris Jones if you may be able to help. You will find the dates for all the shows under Future Events.

We have a number of roles in the branch which do not require you to attend committee meetings. Namely, heritage, planning and social events. Can you help?

Our local waterways are undergoing winter works. On the Basingstoke Canal, the new pedestrian and cycle turnover bridge in Woking is progressing and works at Deepcut are also on track. I would like to commend the BCA rangers for their efficient tree clearing on many occasions this winter.

The River Wey in Guildford town still looks rather forlorn in its post weircollapse state. I understand that the original towpath is unlikely to be completed as the bridge over the weir will not be rebuilt.

I look forward to seeing you at our AGM in Guildford on Monday 30th March.

Verna Smith (acting Chair)

Sales & Publicity Stand The Sales Team start 2020 with the IWA National Trailboat Festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend 23rd-25th May organised by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust in conjunction with IWA. This is followed by Reading Water Fest, Newbury Water Festival, Henley Traditional Boat show and finishes with the Wey River Festival.

We desperately need volunteers to man the stand at these events - even if it’s only for a couple of hours, or for setting up and breaking down. If you can help please contact Ben Scott, on 07484 223691, or the Cargoes editor, Chris Jones. We will welcome you with open arms! Our email address is chris.jones@waterways.org.uk The Sales Team

Future Events Mon 30th Apr, G&R AGM: will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 30th March 2020 at National Trust’s premises, Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR. To be followed by a Speaker (tba).

Sat 23rd - Mon 25th May: IWA National Trailboat Festival: Wey & Arun Canal Trust. Please see advert and page 24 for further information.

Sat 15th Jun: Reading WaterFest Sun 5th Jul: Newbury Festival of Water Fri 17th to Sun 19th Jul: Henley Traditional Boat Show Sat 19th Sep: Wey River Festival, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

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Basingstoke Canal Society Chairman’s Report It is hoped that a group of boats from the Byfleet Boat Club will visit the canal in April and moor in the town centre and at the Bridge Barn. This event should mark the re-opening of the canal in Woking following its closure and de-watering over the winter for the installation of the new pedestrian/cycle bridge between Chobham Road and Bedser Bridge. Another Raft Race is planned for this year. It will take place at Colt Hill, Odiham on 6th September. The Canal Society’s two trips boats, “John Pinkerton 11” and “Kitty”, both had an excellent trading season in 2020. Work continues on the review of options to either replace both boats with electric or hybrid/electric powered vessels or with a re-engineering programme.

Membership of the Society is increasing as a result of the work of new teams targeting younger people (in particular through social media) and by raising the profile of the Society with local decision-makers especially those serving on local councils. The Society continues to press for the canal to receive benefits from local housing developments including those at Wellesley (near Aldershot) and Hartland Village on the borders of Fleet. A new website is under development with an official launch planned for later this year.

Philip Riley wincombecottage2@gmail.com

Chobham Social Meetings The Chobham Social Meetings take place during the Winter season at The Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AJ, at 8pm on the third Wednesday of the month from October to April. Not only are these meetings an opportunity to meet fellow canal enthusiasts, but also to hear interesting talks on a variety of subjects, which are usually canal related. Non members and friends will be made very welcome.

These meetings are free of charge to attend although there is an optional retiring collection. Refreshments will be available at the interval. There is sufficient, and safe, parking alongside the hall. Please come along and support these social evenings as we always like to see new faces.

Please email Mark Coxhead at chobhamtalks@basingstoke-canal.org.uk for more information, or if you have an idea for interesting future talks. Mark provides an email reminder service and sends these out about a week before the meeting.

Please mark@coxhead.org.uk if you would like to be on the list.

Wed 19th Feb: Ms Jo Gosney. 100 years under the flightpath.

Jo Gosney’s talk is about Farnborough and the impact of aviation on the people, workplace and economy for over a century. Farnborough is renowned for its

10 International Air Show but its inhabitants know a different history. At the beginning of the 20th century the army moved its Balloon Factory to Government land in South West Farnborough. This marked the beginning of an era of experimental flying and research that took Britain to the forefront of aviation development. With the evolution of flight the town expanded and developed rapidly. This talk charts that progression with photographs of various aspects of daily life in the shadow of the airfield.

Wed 18th Mar: Alan Norris: Woking’s Railway. Alan describes the coming of the railway to Woking in the 1830’s and how the London Necropolis Company’s cemetery at Brookwood affected the town’s development. The talk will also include the Brookwood Cemetery railway and the Bisley Tramway.

Wed 15th Apr: Tim Knox: The Electric Boat Association. Tim is a committee member of the Electric Boat Association and owner of Mothership Marine. He will tell us about the association, the advantages of electric propulsion for canal boats and the current state of electric boat technology.

Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II Public Trips in Hampshire aboard the John Pinkerton II restart at Easter 2020, see: www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/jp/public-trips Theme Cruises – The following Theme Cruises will take place during 2020.

These were very popular last season, so please book early. All trips depart from Colt Hill, Odiham and are of 3½ hours duration, unless stated otherwise. Please check our website for further details.

Sun 22nd Mar, 2.30pm: Mother’s Day Cruise. A leisurely afternoon cruise to King John’s Castle, with flowers and chocolate for every Mum. Approx 2½ hrs.

Fully booked but we are creating a ‘Wait List’. If there is sufficient interest, we will put on a morning cruise. Please email your interest. Tickets: Adult £12, child £5.

Sun 12th Apr, 2.30pm: Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt A leisurely afternoon cruise to King John’s Castle. Watch the children search out their Easter Eggs. Approx 2½ hours cruise Tickets: Adult £12, child £6 Fri 15th May, 7pm: Gin Tasting Cruise. Nibbles and live music from “Four in a Bar”. Tickets: Adult £28.

Fri 29th May, 3pm: Grand Café Afternoon Tea Cruise. Special afternoon cruise for those who enjoy a little more pampering. This cruise is served with Prosecco and fine food, complemented by china tea-sets and tablecloths, to a background of piano accompaniment. A great opportunity to spoil someone special.

Approx 2½ hours. Tickets Adult £25.

Wed 10th Jun, 3pm: Cream Tea Cruise, with piano accompaniment.

Cream teas served with china tea-sets and tablecloths, to a background of piano

11 accompaniment. A great opportunity to spoil someone special. Approx 2½ hours.

Tickets: Adult £18 Fri 12th Jun, 7pm: Tapas and Wine Tasting Cruise, Celebrate a summer’s night on a cruise with wines and beers plus a selection of authentic Tapas dishes.

Live acoustic guitar music from Duncan Mizen. Tickets: Adult £25 Wed 24th Jun, 7.30pm: Midsummer Night Cruise. Celebrate Midsummer Day with an evening cruise. Approx 2½ hours. Tickets as Public trips Wed 8th Jul, 3pm: Cream Tea Cruise, with piano accompaniment. Cream teas served with china tea-sets and tablecloths, to a background of piano accompaniment. A great opportunity to spoil someone special. Approx 2½ hours.

Tickets: Adult £18 Fri 10th and Sat 11th Jul, 7pm: “It’s up to us now!” An evening of Drama, Comedy and Song set in July 1940. England is poised for an expected German Invasion and the Basingstoke Canal is designated as the Last Line of Defence. Fish and chips supper included in ticket price. Exactly 80 years later, the event will be performed by the Hampshire Theatre Group and friends. Period dress is strongly encouraged but not essential. Real ale, wines and spirits will be available for purchase at the bar. Tickets: Adult £25.

Fri 17th Jul, 3pm: Grand Café Afternoon Tea Cruises.

Special afternoon cruise for those who enjoy a little more pampering. This cruise is served with Prosecco and fine food, complemented by china tea-sets and tablecloths, to a background of piano accompaniment. A great opportunity to spoil someone special. Approx 2½ hours. Tickets Adult £25.

Sun 19th Jul, 2.30pm: Extended One Way Cruise (Odiham to Fleet). These extended trips provide canal enthusiast with the opportunity to see some perhaps less familiar parts of the Basingstoke Canal.

Following a prompt 2.30pm start at Colt Hill Wharf, Odiham, you will cruise along a major section of the attractive Hampshire pound (around 8 miles), and arrive around 4 hours later at the Fox and Hounds pub in Fleet. The licensed bar will be open to provide drinks and light snacks (more substantial meals cannot be provided). Tickets: Adult £15 Sat 25th Jul, 9.15am: Extended One Way Cruise (Fleet to Odiham). The return journey of the above trip gives another opportunity to see less familiar parts of the Basingstoke Canal. For both extended cruises, passengers must arrange their own onward transport. Tickets: Adult £15 Tue 4th Aug, 11.30am or 1.15pm: Ramble and Cruise, or Cruise and Ramble – with Ploughman’s Lunch, We are offering a choice of a one-way cruise plus a ramble walk between Colt Hill wharf at Odiham and Barley Mow wharf

12 at Winchfield. You can choose whether you want to cruise by boat on either the Outward Leg or the Return Leg. Tickets: Adult £12.50, Child £7.50 The Outward Leg ticket departs from Colt Hill wharf, Odiham at 11.30am, and cruises to Barley Mow, where your ploughman’s lunch will be delivered at 1pm. You will be free to ramble the towpath in your own time to Colt Hill. The Return Leg ticket is for you to ramble on the towpath in your own time to Barley Mow, have your ploughman’s lunch delivered at 1pm, and depart by boat from Barley Mow at 1.15pm, and cruise by boat to Colt Hill. You may book both legs by boat by selecting Outward Leg tickets and Return Leg tickets, to pay an additional charge of Adult £4.50 / Child £2.50.

Thur 27th Aug, 11.30am or 1.15pm: : Ramble and Cruise, or Cruise and Ramble – with Ploughman’s Lunch, As Tuesday 4th August.

Wed 19th Aug 2.30pm: Kid’s Pirate Treasure Hunt Cruise. Be a pirate on an afternoon cruise to King John’s Castle and find the hidden treasure. Puzzle sheets to fill in en route. Cakes, soft drinks etc available and prizes for keen hunters. The treasure hunt is aimed at 5-12 year olds but open to all. Approx 2½ hours including Treasure Hunt.

Tickets: Adult £12, Child £6, Senior Citizen £10 Fri 11th Sep, 7pm: Traditional Jazz & Ale Cruise We are running a special trip for traditional jazz enthusiasts.

Starting from Colt Hill Wharf, Odiham, at 7pm, music by Tim Eyles Ragamuffins, the boat will head eastwards and turn at the Barley Mow bridge in Winchfield. Fish and chips supper included in ticket price. Real ale, wines and spirits are available for purchase at the bar. Tickets: Adult £28.

Wed 9th Sep, 3pm: Cream Tea Cruise, with piano accompaniment.

Cream teas served with china tea-sets and tablecloths, to a background of piano accompaniment. A great opportunity to spoil someone special. Approx 2½ hours.

Tickets: Adult £18 Fri 2nd Oct 7pm: Sea Shanties & Ale Cruise. This distinctly maritime musically flavoured trip let you enjoy an evening of authentic sea shanties and folk songs with The Shanty Hounds. Sing along to the ones you know and then enjoy a fish and chip supper, included in ticket price. The boat will head eastwards and turn at the Barley Mow bridge in Winchfield. Real ale is available for purchase at the bar. Tickets: Adult £25 PLEASE NOTE: Advance payment is recommended for all John Pinkerton trips and is required for all theme cruises. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Trip durations may be longer than stated when the Canal water level is low, for example after periods of little rain.

13 Bookings and Enquiries The public and theme trips are popular, and to avoid disappointment, we suggest you make an advanced booking using our secure on line booking system.

We are limited to 50 passengers for each trip (except where a lower limit is stated), so cannot guarantee to have space at the last moment. For more information, or to make a booking for any of our trips, contact the Booking Team on 01256 765889 (10am – 8pm), or via email at jpbookings@basingstoke-canal.org.uk.

Trips from Woking aboard the Society’s trip boat Kitty restart on Saturday 4th April. We run Public Trips on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at various times throughout the summer, and Fridays during the School Holidays. Each trip lasting approximately 1¼ hours if no stops are made.

For details of the trip schedule, http://www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/jp/kitty/.

You can book as individuals or family groups on public trips, up to a maximum of 12 people, and you will be sharing the boat with others.

Trips from Mytchett: Boat trips on board our

friendly 12-seater boat ‘Rosebud’ run at weekends and on public holidays from Easter to September plus Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays during Easter, Spring Half Term and Summer school holidays. Times of the trips: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. These 55minute boat trips leave from the Canal Centre in Mytchett and go to Greatbottom Flash and back. Prices: £6.50 per adult, £4 per child (ages one to 12), family £19 (two adults, two children). Book and pay at reception or over the phone- 01252 370073. Trip days are dependent on the weather - so please check with the office if you are travelling any distance. Tel 01252 370073, email info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk or check on Facebook or Twitter.

Cream Tea Cruises Cream tea cruise specials run on Tuesday (£11.50) and Thursday (£14) afternoons from the end of May to September.

Tuesday: Departure time: 2 pm for a 90 minute round trip to Greatbottom Flash.

Tea served on board at anchor.

Price: £11.50 per person.

Thursday: Departure time 1.45pm for a two and a half hour round trip to Deepcut.

Tea served on picnic tables on the lock lawn.

Price: £14 per person.

Advance booking essential. Minimum of six for the trip to run. Max number 10.

Spring and Autumn Specials Special Mother’s Day, Easter Hot Cross Bun and Autumn Colour trips are also planned. Phone 01252 370073, email info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk Private charters are also available

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Focus on Accessible Boating Association The Accessible Boating Association, (Accessible Boating or ABA), is a registered charity initiated in 1985 by Mildred Stocks, then Chairman of Hart District Council, who wanted to enable people who couldn’t use existing canal boats to enjoy cruises on the Basingstoke Canal.

Madam Butterfly is a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat, equipped with wheelchair lifts, fore and aft, and a hospital bed, ideal for families or groups with little or no experience of canal boating Dawn is a 12-person day boat with a wheelchair lift, toilet and a gas hob and is available for trips manned by ABA volunteers or self-drive hire. Dawn is used for scheduled trips and for publicity and fundraising activities such as Father Christmas trips and running trips from Old Thatch when open for the National Gardens Scheme.

Both boats are based in Odiham at Galleon Marine’s boatyard with trips operating from Colt Hill Wharf from April to October. Over the winter months maintenance of both boats is undertaken by volunteers calling on professional help when necessary.

For more details see the website www.accessibleboating.org.uk. New volunteers are always welcome; speak to one of our volunteers or contact our Chairman, John Ranson at chairman@accessibleboating.org.uk

Byfleet Boat Club

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Kennet & Avon Canal News Newbury Branch In Newbury preparations for our new season are well underway. As part of that we are on the lookout for new volunteer crew. If you are interested in volunteering on the boat, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for fit, friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. To find out more email us at jubilee@katrust.org.uk. Training will be in March ready for the start of our boating season on 4th April. Our public trips are on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 noon and 2pm from April to October and on Thursdays at 2pm from April to September. For further details and to book online please visit jubilee.katrust.org.uk. As well as our public trips, we offer private charter trips so get in touch if you would like your next party onboard Jubilee. The Newbury Branch AGM will take place on 23 rd April at 7.30pm at the Stone Building in Newbury. Everyone is welcome to come along; you don’t have to be a member to attend. For further details contact Julian Foley newbury.chairman@katrust.org.uk.

Newbury Waterways Festival 2020 will take place on Sunday 5th July in Victoria Park, which will be full of trade and charity stalls, and entertainment for all. Entry is free. As always boats will form the centre of the Festival and bankside moorings are reserved alongside the park from Friday 3rd July to Sunday 5th July.

Newbury boat Jubilee will be running extra trips on the day. The Festival theme is “The Great British Summer”. All attending boats will receive a special plaque marking the event. There will also be a prize for the best dressed boat. For a Boaters’ information pack please contact Jill Staig on 01635 47392 .

Sarah Foley

Future Events.

Sat 6th Apr: Start of new boating season.

Thur 23rd Apr 7.30pm: K&A (Newbury) AGM, Stone Building Newbury Sun 5th Jul: Newbury Waterways Festival

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Reading Branch At the time of writing we are at the start of 2020, so I wish you an enjoyable and successful new year. Much of my piece here is looking forward to some interesting and exciting activities through the coming year. If you feel you would like to be part of the K&ACT Reading activity, please let me know.

The eastern end of the Kennet and Avon canal has been in a high water, high flow state for some time with the Blakes (EA – Thames) Lock still on Red Boards as I write. The Navigation had been in this state on and off in the Reading area since late October, so activity has been limited. No public activity has been possible since early October, but some training cruises have been undertaken in the Burghfield pound (while the water was calm enough) to assist with skipper training.

We held a “thank you” event for the folk who had worked on Matilda in 2019 in the Fisherman’s Cottage, a Kennet side pub. Most involved were able to attend and a very pleasant evening was had by all.

Two new skippers have been identified and two more people have put themselves forward as potential skippers. This will bring our available skippers to 9. We now have 16 volunteer crew, which I believe puts us in a good place to start the coming season.

Our new trip boat Matilda and crew are being prepared for the new season.

We are still open to new crew for the boat so if you are available and fancy helping to crew Matilda please get in touch (boatmanager.reading@katrust.org.uk) We have been asked to contribute to two Reading initiatives (Reading Wilding and Fobney Island open day) where we hope to do some short trips around the area. Additionally, we have been asked to attend the Aldermaston Fayre and again provide some short trips.

We are also looking to use Matilda in a (floating) litter collecting activity.

Initially working with the intended RESCUE style clean up event and possibly extending to a regular run through the year to collect floating rubbish.

Reading Waterfest: Discussions have started with Reading Borough Council to plan this year’s Waterfest. We will be putting out invitations to last year’s attendees shortly. Newcomers are very welcome so if you would like to bring your boat to the Waterfest please contact me. We have again asked Jubilee to participate as trip boat and will have some other duties for Matilda. We are hoping to have a raft race and some performances on a traditional narrowboat.

Other activities: We have had discussions with the Environment

17 Agency to discuss possible improvements that could be explored in the Kennet mouth and Forbury loop areas and are sorting a similar meeting with Reading Councillors to improve the Boaters experience to Reading, both RBC and ourselves being members of the Great West Way initiative.

Members of the branch have been having discussions with a number of artists with a view to the production of works show off the wonders of the K&A with a possible exhibition of works at Reading Waterfest.

We continue to work with CRT to renovate the toll / wash house at Aldermaston Wharf alongside the tea rooms, hopefully this will become more tangible as the year progresses.

Graham Puddephatt graham@southcotemill.co.uk 07802 154504 The Eastern End K&A Volunteers (an independent Community Waterway Adoption group) is authorised by CRT to carry out maintenance work on certain parts of the K&A on the 2nd Wednesday and last Saturday of each month. If you would like to join a Working Party, email Mick Savill for dates and details and to check the next one will be taking place. (micksavill@icloud.com)

Future Events The Reading Branch holds its monthly meetings (no December meeting) at 7.45pm at The Grange Free Church, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD (just off the A4 Bath Road).

Tue 18th Feb: ‘Long life lock gates’ - Laurel & Hardy (Bill Fisher & Terry Kemp) Tue 17th Mar: A.G.M. - ‘The Future of the Trust’ - Chris Sims, Trust Chairman Wed 25th Mar: Branch ANNUAL LUNCH - The Butt Inn, Aldermaston Fri 10th – Mon 13th Apr: Easter holiday Tue 21 Apr tba Fri 8th May Bank holiday (changed from Mon 4th May) Tue 19th May Annual joint meeting with IWA G&R (Speaker TBA) Mon 25th May: Bank holiday Sat 13 June Reading Water Fest Branch contact is: John Swift who can be reached on 0118 941 5540 or 07533 886 917 and by email: swift.john21@gmail.com. Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses). Further details can be found on the Website at www.katrust.org.uk

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Crofton Beam Engines Future Events Crofton Beam Engines is currently closed to the public for the annual winter maintenance period. In 2020 Crofton Beam Engines will open six days per week, Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from Saturday 4 April to Sunday 4 October 2020. We open at 10:30 and close at 16:30, with site gates closed at 17:00.

Admission to see the boiler house and engines on other non-steaming days is currently by timed guided tour only. Typically tours start at 11:00, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 although this can vary due to circumstances beyond our control and operational factors. Further details are available on our website http://www.croftonbeamengines.org

River Wey & Godalming Navigations 2019 was busy and lots of work has been undertaken to keep the Navigations in good operational order. As usual for this time of year, the Lengthsmen team are busy with the winter brush cutback. The first stage involves strimming the riverbank to remove dense vegetation. This allows us to inspect the banks for any damage, as well as preventing an overgrowth of vegetation during the following year. The second stage is to strim the perched embankments, which are done on a rotation so that each one is done on a five-year cycle. This allows us to inspect the embankment and ensure that there are no signs of seepage or movement. The third stage is the offside cutback - removing any overhanging vegetation from the nontowpath side, which ensures that the Navigation is as wide as possible and removes blind spots around bends.

We have adopted a five-year cyclical plan for our maintenance works as we don't have the resources to do the full 20 mile stretch every year. Volunteers play an important part in helping us to deliver all sorts of jobs that we would not be able to afford to do otherwise and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their tremendous work over the last year.

In addition to our cyclical maintenance the Navigations Foreman and his team do an excellent job in maintaining the structures and towpaths along the Navigation. This year the team have done: Towpath works between Broadford bridge and Riff Raff weir. This was an area that had become extremely muddy during times of heavy rain. Removal and replacement of the top gates at Pyrford lock. Planned work for 2020: Replace the bottom gates of New Haw lock week

19 commencing 10th Feb 2020. Bank protection works from Unstead lock to Tilthams bridge, this will be completed in Spring 2020 The Environment Agency has also completed works along the Navigations.

The Unstead wastewater sluice (immediately upstream of the lock) has now been completed, as have works at Newark and Bowers. A site was also set up at Broadmeads in September, unfortunately the wet Autumn put paid to any work starting and contractors have now left site for the winter. Their current plan is start refurbishment works again in May 2020.

The Navigation has been restricted between St Catherine's lock and Millmead lock due to the failure of the fixed crest weir at Millmead. The National Trust, Guildford Borough Council and The Environment Agency are working together with other partners to bring about the restoration of water levels in this stretch. A porta dam was installed in early December to allow the weir site to be surveyed. This will allow work to make the river navigable once more possible in early January 2020.

The work is planned to be completed by the end of February 2020. However, the towpath that had previously bridged the weir will not be restored until the longterm future of this area has been determined. We thank you for your continued support and patience whilst we return the water levels to a navigable state. As you can imagine the repair works come at a high cost, this and the fact that this stretch of water is not generally used by many at this time of year has fed into our decision to not refund any part of the licence fees for 2019.

Around 20,000 visitors enjoyed a range of activities such as: have a go sports, education events, children's parties and just simply relaxing with a cup of tea and a scone at Dapdune Wharf last year. The Wey River Festival at the end of September was a huge success with around 2,400 visitors - our best-ever attendance! We decided to trial a no parking on site for this event, as it had been an unpleasant experience for our visitors and difficult for us to manage in the past. I am really pleased to report that it worked well and helped us to create a much calmer, more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

If you would like to volunteer to help us either on the Navigation, helping us to put on events, education, cut grass or assist in our tearoom please contact Fiona Exall at the Navigation Office on 01483 561389.

Dapdune Wharf will re-open on 21st March. Don't miss our popular Easter events and River Festival the highlights of the year.

The National Trust is first and foremost a charity. We are committed to making sure that we do everything we can to look after the land and nature in and around our properties. We want people to get involved in helping us do this. We also want to make sure that we maintain access to the outdoors in our care by making everyone feel welcome to enjoy their visit. We can only do this through your support. Our mooring and licence fees will increase as our costs and inflation increase. The income from National Trust membership sales combined with income from moorings and navigation licence fees are absolutely crucial in funding the vital work that must take place to keep the waterway open and operating for boating. We continue to explore and take advantage of every appropriate business opportunity we can to help the funding of the waterway.

Thank you for supporting the waterway during 2019 and I look forward to seeing you enjoy the pleasure of using the navigations in 2020.

Jacqui Mooney Wey Navigations Interim General Manager

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Future Events Boat trips from Dapdune Wharf We have three very quiet electric launches, Dapdune Belle, Sir Richard Weston and Seewey.

Boat trips run from Dapdune Wharf from Thursday to Monday during our open season and all week in August. The trips take about 40 minutes, with the first trip leaving at 11.15, and then roughly on the hour throughout the day after that.

Trips can only be booked at the ticket hut on the day and are not available for advanced booking. When the river is in flood, we're unable to operate the boat. As the boats take a maximum of 12 passengers, on busy days they get booked up very quickly, so there are times when there may only be seats for the last boat left.

River Wey - Millmead Weir Collapse The Tumbling Bay (Fixed Crest Weir) at Millmead has not yet been repaired and the Wey Navigation remains closed from Millmead Lock to St Catherine's Lock. Water is still flowing through the site of the collapsed weir and the bank on the upstream side has been protected from erosion by plastic sheet and sandbags. Photo 1 shows the state of the weir on 19th January 2020, with flood debris building up against the old footbridge handrails. The temporary dam near the Rowing Club has been removed and the steel piling has collapsed on the inside of the bend just below the Rowing Club, see Photo 2. The fast flow in the bed of the river has probably scoured away supporting material from the base of the piling and the soil, softened by rain, appears to have pushed the piling out, unresisted because there was no water pressure behind it.

The National Trust has stated that the weir will be repaired but that the towpath footbridge over the weir will not be replaced until plans have been made for the area. There is a diversion for towpath users, crossing the river by the footbridge at Millmead lock, walking along the A281 and rejoining the towpath by the footbridge below the Rowing Club. Unfortunately this is not available to wheelchair users because the latter bridge has steps on the towpath side.

Mike Lewis

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Southampton Canal Society November Meeting Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve, Romsey - Andy Lester Andy started the evening with a summary of his work with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. He then told us of his interest in the wetlands now known as Fishlake Meadows. He explained about the wildlife that lives there and rests there. Fishlake Meadows is a spectacular wetland, home to hunting ospreys, elusive bitterns, migratory cuckoos and murmurating starlings. It also supports other species like otters, water voles, many species of dragonfly and damselfly, and an impressive variety of plants. The unique inhabitats of the area established themselves after farming of the land ceased some two decades ago. Kevin Keegan, the footballer, bought the land to build a golf club but found the land too wet as the golf balls would be lost in the water. Unusually, the reserve now boasts a mix of floodplain habitats rarely seen in our chalk river valleys.

Visit in winter to see the wildfowl, visiting marsh harriers and majestic great white egrets. Spring brings reed and sedge warblers as well as a great variety of migrant birds. It’s also possible to spot beautiful demoiselle and azure damselfly, osprey, kingfisher and snipe. The location of the reserve is Cupernham Lane, Romsey, SA51 7AA and it’s open to all.

Angela Rose December 2019 Quiz Report.

Once again the Society’s Year finished with our annual inter society quiz. As last year’s winners it was down to Southampton to arrange the evening. We did this by obtaining the well-known quizmaster our very own Mr Peter Oates with assistance from Laura Sturrock.

We welcomed teams from Guildford and Reading IWA (Ben Scott, David Daines, Mike Lewis and Don Barber) and Salisbury IWA (Eric and Sue Lewis plus Rosemary and Colin Davis). The Southampton team consisted of Tony Fry, Jan Gunningham, Gordon Osborn and Alan Rose.

The quiz consisted of Five Rounds of written questions with photos consisting of: Round 1 – Aquaducts - i.e. How many Iron Aquaducts, etc? (10 questions in all) Round 2: Tunnels - i.e. Which tunnel with towpaths? (10 questions in all) Round 3: Home and away - i.e. What country has the highest vertical boat lift?

(10 questions) Round 4: Locks - i.e. Which Flight, Which Canal etc? (8 questions) Round 5: Junctions - ie: Which Waterways meet here, What is this Junction called? (10 questions in all)

22 All the questions had been very well thought out and all the contestants, including the audience participation, thought so too.

The winners were Salisbury IWA followed closely by Southampton and IWA Guildford and Reading. The audience prize was won by Malcolm Gunnigham.

Many thanks to Peter and Laura for setting up an enjoyable quiz and of course for travelling down from Braunston to be with us.

The evening was finished off with an American Supper and thanks to you all for supplying an excellent selection of food and drinks and to those assisting in the galley and setting up the furniture.

Well done everyone.

Angela Rose

Future Events Thu 5th Mar 7.45pm: “Holland in 2016/17” will be the subject of the talk by Rob Dean, President of the K&A Canal Trust. Chilworth Village Hall, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7JZ (SU410184). Angela Rose: 02380 675312 Email: alanjrose@btinternet.com Thu 2nd Apr 2020 7.45pm To be arranged.

Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm, Visitors welcome. For monthly Newsletter visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.

Wey and Arun Canal Trust WACT News HRH The Earl of Wessex learns about canal restoration

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust got the chance to show off the Trust’s work to HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO on the 6th November as part of a Royal Visit to Birtley near Bramley, organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises.

Surrey Hills Enterprises is a community interest company which focuses on building a strong local economy and tourism industry, supporting rural businesses and environmental sustainability. The Trust was among a group of selected Surrey

23 Hill Enterprises members, ranging from arts and crafts workers, to food and drink producers and tourism organisations.

Trust director Margaret Darvill said His Royal Highness seemed very interested in learning about the canal. “He asked when it was built and where it ran from and to and said he thought it was a tremendous project and such a worthwhile volunteer effort to restore the canal.”

Simon Whalley, chairman of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said that the Royal Visit “was a wonderful recognition of the growing reputation and development of the Surrey Hills as a hub of innovative, high quality, sustainable, local products and services”.

Gill Davies Birtley Bridge and Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers star in IWA safety video Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers and a newly constructed bridge at Birtley in Surrey take a starring role in The Inland Waterways Association’s latest safety information video.

A camera crew spent the day filming a working party and key team members at the site for its CDM - No Excuses film, which sets out the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and how it applies to canal restoration projects.

CDM are the main regulations that cover the management of health, safety and welfare on construction sites – regardless of size, number of volunteers on site, duration and nature of work. The regulations apply to all waterway restoration projects, from towpath creation to bridge building and everything in between.

Volunteers said they were happy to help the IWA and reinforce the importance of safety on site. Wey & Arun Canal Trust restoration supervisor Dave Evans commented: “Following CDM is the law, but it also benefits a project as it has encouraged us to properly plan and reduces risks for everyone on site and improves communication between our volunteers. Ultimately, it has meant the project has been well run and on schedule.

24 “CDM doesn’t have to be an onerous regulation to follow, it’s just about working safely and following some key guidelines.”

Teams began work at the Birtley site at the end of last year, creating an access track and towpath, but construction of the first of two bridges planned started in July. With the help of visiting WRG summer camps and weekend visits, and ongoing support from the Trust’s own volunteers, the bridge structure is now complete and ready for its steel deck. The Trust plans to open a 2.5 km circular canalside walk at the section.

The video can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7zcp5IL9hU.

IWA Trailboat Festival on the Wey & Arun Canal

2020 marks 50 years exactly since a small group of enthusiasts met with the common ambition of restoring the Wey & Arun Canal in West Sussex and Surrey, so it’s only fitting that this year’s IWA National Trailboat Festival is being held where it all begun: the site of the canal’s official opening in 1816.

Restoration has moved on apace since the first six members began their restoration in the 1970’s, and those attending the annual trailboat festival over the bank holiday weekend of May 23rd-25th will get to see some of the Trust’s recent successes such as the award-winning Compasses Bridge and the newly-built Thriscutt Slipway at the site on Dunsfold Park, home to BBC’s Top Gear.

The event will be opened by Guildford MP Angela Richardson and promises fun for all the family, with boat trips, live music, activities and food and drink.

Entry is free to visitors.

Early bird booking fee for trailboats costs just £15 (£25 from March 1st 2020), with no fee for canoes, kayaks, dinghies and paddleboards.

For more details and to book a trailboat, go to https://weyarun.org.uk/trailboat-festival, or email support@weyandarun.co.uk Gill Davies

25 Volunteer with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust If your New Year’s Resolution is to get fitter, take up a new challenge, meet new people or just give something back to your community, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust has just the answer.

The Trust is holding a Taster Day offering more information for those looking to join its band of volunteers. There are roles to suit all levels of skill and fitness, from hedgelaying and construction, to joining the boat crew and manning the Canal Centre at Loxwood.

Full training is given and as a Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteer how much time you dedicate is down to you. You’ll be supported every step of the way, learning new skills and meeting great people.

The Taster Day is being held at the restored section at Dunsfold/Alfold off the A281, from 11am to 1pm, on Thursday 12th March.

To find out more and to register go to www.weyandarun.co.uk, or email events@weyandarun.co.uk.

2019 was a successful year for the Trust, all thanks to the work of its volunteers. Highlights include embarking on the creation of a 2.5km scenic towpath walk in Birtley, including the construction of the first of two lift bridges; the construction of a bridge at Harsfold, near Wisborough Green; opening a slipway at Dunsfold; building new landing stages; and clearing many miles of towpath for the enjoyment of many.

Future Events Sun 22nd Mar: Mothering Sunday Relaxers, Treat the one you love to a Coffee and Danish Pastry Cruise departing at 11am and 2.15pm. 90 minute trip. Adult £15, Child £11.

Fri 10th, Sun 12th & Mon 13th Apr: Easter Specials, Celebrate the Easter holiday with a boat trip on this peaceful canal. Included refreshments are Buck's Fizz or a hot drink for each adult and a Fruit Shoot for each child together with a festive chocolate muffin for everyone. Adult £12, Child £7.

Sat 23rd to Mon 25th May: IWA National Trailboat Festival and 50th Anniversary since the start of the Restoration of the Wey and Arun Canal.

Further details and booking from the Trust Office on 01403 752403. office@weyandarun.co.uk www.weyandarun.co.uk Northern Office Phone: 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm) For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk

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Kent & East Sussex Branch IWAKES Chairman’s Piece IWA needs younger members to carry on the work of the last 75 years during which IWA has fought to protect and restore the nation’s inland waterways. As you will have seen elsewhere IWA has a new National Chairman. Paul Rodgers is very different from National Chairmen of recent years who have tended to be long term IWA members and boaters who have retired from full time work. Paul is in full time employment and relatively new to the waterways. Over the last five years he has become a total waterways enthusiast as an active WRG volunteer, a hirer and a regular walker along the canals and rivers. Having worked with Paul I know just how much he appreciates the value of the inland waterways and the importance of IWA in continuing to secure their future. So good luck Paul in your new role and as a branch we look forward to supporting you as best we can.

CRT’s initial government funding is for 15 years but the time is soon coming when negotiations with Government will start over future funding. I’m sure IWA will be using its considerable political influence to make the case for the need for ongoing financial support. IWA has produced a report “The Value of Inland Waterways” which can be found on our website at… https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa_publications/pdfs/valueinlandwaterways I hope you find it an interesting read. It is a good starting point for IWA in terms of convincing politicians that waterways deserve ongoing funding.

There are lots of younger people involved in the waterways most of whom are not IWA members. Their interests align with IWA’s and we need to reach out to them and recruit them as members. Paul is well placed to lead in achieving this.

Les Etheridge

Past Events ‘The Thames Barrier(s)’: Nathan Ellis On 17th October 2019 Nathan Ellis of the Environment Agency described the Thames Barrier(s) (which he manages) to 22 people at Strood Yacht Club. Barriers at Woolwich and every tributary together provide flood protection to around £300 billion of assets. The Woolwich Barrier comprises in-situ concrete piers and precast floating units sunk to form sills. Its gates weigh 3300T (and hundreds more of paint). It was functional in 1982, but formally opened in 1984. Every part has multiple redundancy to be fail-safe (for instance there are two access tunnels through the sill units). Computerisation is restricted to prevent risk of viruses or unforeseen behaviour. Most maintenance is done in-house. The Woolwich Barrier’s location was dictated by a balance between greater river width increasing structure costs and the cost of raising riverside defences, coupled with a long straight reach to give hydraulic and erosion stability. The barrier is operated according to forecasts made of (i) astronomical tide, (ii) tidal surge (which can be as much as 3.3m every 1000 years), (iii) fluvial flow (from the upstream river) and (iv) wind effects. It has been operated 186 times since 1983. Increasingly it is operated

27 to provide storage for fluvial flood flow. By doing this it can reduce levels upstream by up to 0.5m, preventing localised flooding. However, operating for fluvial floods more than 50 times a year would affect maintenance. For the future, the TE2000 plan will use evidence-based decision making. One option being considered is for a new barrier in the vicinity of Tilbury in around 2070.

‘Historic Waterways Books’: Eric Garland On an evening in December we welcomed Eric Garland of South London Branch to come and talk to us about ‘Waterway Books’, of which he has many hundreds and mostly read and recommended by Eric. He started with “Three Men in a Boat” by Jerome.K.Jerome. A P Herbert wrote three books featuring canals.

Eric de Mare’s books have lovely photographs. Many catalogues for book sales contain wonderful pictures. Eric has a printed copy of the Act of Parliament for the Weald of Kent Canal, including a detailed map of its route. Many boatmen were illiterate.

Angela Acott

Dartford & Crayford Creek Restoration Trust We have recently secured landowner consent to use a wharf at Crayford and are currently clearing the wharf and securing the end with a lockable gate.

This will be a major boost to the Crayford Creek part of our aims. ‘Decima’ is just securing the Port of London Authority licence which seems to be going through at the moment. This location will be very secure and so won’t suffer the vandalism problems that had plagued us at Dartford. At the moment it is just a bit overgrown which we are slowly clearing off ready for a Mayoral opening in April 2020.

The red is the path we are creating to join up with the public footpath, the blue line is the wharf we’ve got permission to use.

Conrad Broadley

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River Medway news from Mike Marsh Flooding: Late December 2019 and January 2020 have seen the Medway once again in regular strong stream conditions with widespread flooding. The Environment Agency was busy dealing with debris, trees and boat recovery. These river conditions are not uncommon of course in winter though so far, the disastrous floods of 2013 have not been repeated.

Flooding occurred in Yalding, Little Venice Caravan Park and Tonbridge around the swimming pool as well as Haysden Country Park. A narrowboat broke free from moorings at Unicomes Lane and was later successfully recovered with only minor damage all the way downriver at Allington.

‘The Embankments’ Restaurant Barge (left) was stranded when the river level receded, though has since been re-floated in the recent January high water conditions.

Leigh Flood Barrier was in full use to alleviate further flooding down river.

29 Maidstone River Festival: This event will be going ahead on 25th July this year and the organising committee are looking for volunteers to help with the Festival preparation. If you can help please go to https://www.maidstoneriverfestival.info/how-can-i-help for contact details.

Environment Agency Consultation: EA have launched a consultation seeking views on the challenges our waters face and the choices we all need to make to improve and protect this vital and precious resource. The ‘Challenges and Choices’ consultation seeks views on the challenges that threaten the water environment, how we can work together to manage our waters and who should pay.

Go to the link below to respond: Deadline 24th April 2020. https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/environment-andbusiness/challenges-and-choices CCTV Hampstead Lock: New CCTV cameras (right) are installed and working. There are four fixed cameras and one roving camera. It is hoped that this will deter the vandalism that has plagued this location and caused calls from a wide variety of parties for deterrent measures (including IWAKES, who wrote on 1st November 2019 to EA).

Pesticide Amnesty: With support from the National Farmers Union and funded by and in partnership with Southern Water the Environment Agency and North Kent Marshes Internal Drainage Board, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership MVCP) are proud to be running a Pesticide Amnesty project across the Medway Catchment. Many farms have out of date or unwanted chemicals in store and these can be costly or awkward to dispose of.

To avoid chemicals potentially leaking into our waterways and water supply, we want to help farmers remove these stored chemicals safely. MVCP are offering free collections for up to 50 litres of chemical per working farm registered. In order to do this, they have teamed up with Chem Clear, a specialist chemical waste collection and disposal company. Farmers in the catchment can register to take part in the amnesty, confidentially and directly with Chem Clear, from 6th Jan 2020 to 31st Jan 2020 and Chem Clear will schedule the chemical collections for Feb 2020.

Tel 03000 422997 or email MVCP at medwayvalley@kent.gov.uk

Kentish Stour news from Roy Newing In February Roy will meet the Environment Agency to discuss a groundwater study undertaken to investigate the causes of flooding of the Nailbourne (roughly once every seven years). The flooding affects the local roads and houses lining the stream. Unfortunately, it seems the study does not cover the lower reaches, where the Nailbourne joins the Little Stour. Also, its actions omit scouring existing drains.

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Thames & Medway Canal Association The Legacy Department of the Lower Thames Crossing organisation held a meeting in London to ask local groups to give ideas of what could be provided of lasting benefit for the area.

The meeting was attended by members of Shorne, Higham and Gravesham councils together with local environmental managers and others.

Fortunately, I had written some notes for my own use which outlined some of the TMCA projects ranging from a pie in the sky bridge at Shorne Mead to a replacement for our very dilapidated Portacabin. It was explained that they collate all the requests from those affected and as I was the only one with a list, they were thankful they had something to work on. It is a long-term program but eventually I am sure they will provide some local benefits in exchange for cutting a swathe through our area.

North West Kent Countryside Partnership, our lottery associates, provided us with some funding to buy tools and equipment some of which are shown in the photo. The main items were the two long reach Stihl motorised cutters for cutting the reeds on the canal bank without having to climb down and get wet feet. Another project now completed was the short length of hedging along the Canal side at Nuralite giving another aspect to the very pleasant walk along the towpath.

The Work Party Christmas lunch was very successful with eleven workers together with partners celebrating at the Ship and Lobster pub in late December.

Unfortunately, Bernard and Joyce Snell could not attend as Bernard had suffered a severe accident breaking bones in his face which needed ongoing major repairs at East Grinstead and we all hope he has a speedy and successful recovery. A different seating arrangement made for a slight squeeze, but it was very cosy and there was plenty of chatter from all members. The staff were as attentive as ever and the food hot and tasty as we remembered from previous years. Following the meal there was plenty of talking and laughter, followed by a quiz, before we said our good-byes and headed homeward mid-afternoon.

Dave Parnell and Angela Acott

River Adur news from Brendan Whelan In May 2017 the publicly accessible slipway at Emerald Quay, located on Shoreham Beach, was closed to allow the EA's contractors to increase the height of the Adur Tidal Walls. The work

31 was planned to be completed in August that year but the ramp finally reopened in December 2019. Concerns were expressed about the suitability of the design and the EA has carried out some remedial work to roughen the surface of the slope. The structure is now an up-and-over style which makes manoeuvring more difficult and removes the visibility, from the land side, of what is happening on the actual slipway. Time will tell whether this style of ramp is safe and effective at this location. Sadly, this is now the nearest thing to an effective publicly accessible slipway along the South Coast between Littlehampton and Rye.

Future IWAKES and Other Events Wednesday 19th February 2020: 7.30 for 8.00pm Christ Church United Reformed Church, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SG: Park (free after 6pm) in Sainsbury’s and use the rear door of the church.

‘IWAKES Annual General Meeting’ followed by…

‘IWA Videos’ presented by Les Etheridge.

Thursday 26th March 2020: 7.30 for 8.00pm Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent. ME2 2AH ‘RNLI – Innovations': Colin Brown of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute will extend on the great talk he gave at Strood in 2019.

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2020: 10.00am to 4.00pm Mark Lane, Gravesend, Kent. DA12 2QB Thames & Medway Canal Association Open Day: Boat Trips and displays: http://www.thamesmedway.co.uk/ Wednesday 15th July 2020: 4.30pm (prompt) departure Heybridge Basin: Daisy Meadow car park, Basin Rd, Heybridge, Maldon CM9 4RW ‘Two-hour cruise on Blackwater Dawn’: Cost around £16.00: Book through Roy Sutton 01342 317569 Saturday 25th July 2020 Between A229 bridges downstream of Bishop’s Palace, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6YE. ‘Medway River Festival’ https://www.maidstoneriverfestival.info Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

Entry is free with a raffle to cover costs.

Venue maps are at www.waterways.org.uk/kent/kent_east_sussex All IWAKES events are open to non-members and you are encouraged to bring friends. Similarly, if you know a local club or society that might be interested then please do let them know.

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Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman It is wonderful to report that two volunteers have come forward to help with the Oxford Branch committee. This will bring the committee to three which allows the branch to continue. But we need more people to help with the ongoing roles such as monitoring planning, heritage, social events, website maintenance and volunteer co-ordinator. It is possible to take on any of these roles as a co-opted committee member. Why not join us for an informal discussion at the AGM or contact Robin Williams, branch secretary. In addition we need extra people to support the Oxford Canal Event and Tooley’s Open day.

My thanks to the current committee for keeping the branch going.

Verna Smith

Walks and Talks hosted by Oxford local historian and author, Mark Davies Tues 25th Feb, 5.30 to 7pm: Oxford Canal Pubs WALK and TALK An insight into the historical connections between the Oxford Canal and some nearby city-centre pubs. This twilight walk and talk will start at the Lighthouse and finish in the cosy Study in the Oxford Retreat with a drink and time to warm up.

The walk will last approximately 30 minutes, followed by a talk of similar duration in the Study of the Oxford Retreat, with additional time for questions. At the Retreat, your ticket can be exchanged for a drink (bottled beer, house wine or soft drink). You must be over 18 to attend this tour. Price: £10 inc. drink. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/homepage/214/museum_whats_on On a previous occasion, participants said: "Great to walk and see history in situ." "Very knowledgeable speaker, nice walk around and good venue for the talk and slides." "Informative and went to parts of Oxford not visited before."

Sun 26th Apr, 4-5.30pm: "Tom, Nick and Barney" WALK A literary and historical walk from St Thomas the Martyr Church through the parish of Oxford’s former working boat families, alongside river and canal, passing significant railway, church and canal locations, to end at St Barnabas in Jericho, rich in literary associations and religious significance. Tea and coffee will be available at the end of the walk, at approximately 5.30pm. Please register your interest in advance. Price £5. https://www.sbarnabas.org.uk/150

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Banbury Canal Partnership The last quarter has been a continuation of last quarters scrub bashing, plus we entered into our winter break. As per last time we had been asked by Canal and River Trust to ‘find’ their missing towpath.

The towpath had been found and work started in clearance. It is about a mile south of the road crossing at Somerton on the South Oxford Canal. The scheduled next meeting in November coincided with exceptional rainfall which allowed the

canal to overflow its bank and flood the adjacent fields between the site and Water Street in Somerton. However, the intrepid band of volunteers, including the contingent from DHL still made it to site and managed to complete the work apart from a very small amount of tidying up.

Your correspondent and his wife, a week or so later, were asked to deliver a boat from Banbury to Lower Heyford and whilst passing through Somerton were able to take some photographs from the canal of the completed work.

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Looking back at the completed job Our work for the year having been completed we gathered at our Chairman’s house a week before Christmas for canapes, mince pies and a glass of mulled wine.

We commence works again at the end of March. Our working parties usually take place on the third and fourth Tuesdays each month - venues to be announced.

If you want a day out in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside come and join us. You might just enjoy it so much you become a regular Please contact myself or Chairman Colin Garnham-Edge if you would like to be put on our emailing list Remember we have an email contact address: bcpontheoxford@gmail.com We also have a Facebook page Brian Saunders BCP Cargoes representative

Wilts & Berks Canal you.

A short report from me this time. Happy New Year to all of

Dragonfly paid host to around 500 passengers during the Santa Specials season in the run up to Christmas. The trips are very popular in Swindon and were fully booked fairly soon after bookings opened. Boats ran from the quayside at Waitrose, opposite the Hall & Woodhouse pub restaurant and ran through to the skew bridge (which used to carry the Midland and South Western Junction Railway) and the winding hole. This made a convenient length and timings to fit in enough trips during the day. The Boat Crew pride themselves on the organisation that goes into the trips and this was obviously appreciated judging by the great comments received.

35 Even the Chair was seen manning the kettle and mince pie plate on the weekend before Christmas.

In the words of a famous film “I think we’re going to need a bigger boat” In the meantime Dragonfly needs some maintenance which is on the cards for the Spring before the season proper starts again. Having said that in the last few weeks ie early January, boat trips have continued on an experimental basis to see what demand is like.

The view from the quayside at Wichelstowe going south is of a pristine length of canal heading towards the next bund/blockage a few hundred yards away. This is going to be the site of the next bridge to be built as part of the continuing development of the community. After that it’s only a relatively short distance to the M4 .

Talking of the M4: This is a long talked about barrier to restoration on the canal as a route from the Kennet and Avon. However: Good news. Possible financial support via a Highways England fund is being actively pursued to get the canal under the M4.

Watch this space for further news in due course.

Further westwards, The Melksham, Calne & Chippenham branch are gradually working their way through the various elements at the Pewsham site: the dry dock has been revealed and rebricked; the middle pound waiting wall has been rebuilt and work will hopefully start on the top lock bridge during 2020.

At Shrivenham in the “Berkshire” bit of the Wilts & Berks, now in Oxfordshire but with a Swindon postcode, work continues at the park with the emphasis on improving bio-diversity. The local cub pack has made bat boxes which have now been installed. Local businesses are once again sending volunteers to help with the project as part of their Community Engagement responsibilities.

Of course, you can keep up to date with Wilts & Berks Canal matters via the website: www.wbct.org.uk. Twitter: WiltsBerksCanalTrust@wbctcanal Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Brian Stovold, Chairman, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Winter Ales, Cider and Sausage Festival The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust recently held their Winter Ales, Cider and Sausage Festival in Melksham Assembly Hall. Although weather was inclement more than a hundred people attended the fun event.

36 They were able to enjoy ten real ales, four traditional ciders and a range of sausages from local producers, including vegan options. Visitors drank around 280 pints and ate around 180 sausages.

Profits support the ongoing restoration of the former waterway from the Kennet and Avon Canal near Semington to the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Melksham, Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

Future Events Fri 17th Apr: Quiz Night at Neeld Hall, High Street, Chippenham, SN15 3ER, arranged by Melksham, Calne and Chippenham branch, in aid of restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal. General Knowledge Quiz, entry £15 per team (of up to 4). Tea, coffee, cake available, licensed bar. To enter email quiz@wbct.org.uk no later than Friday 12th April, please.

The Boating season for Dragonfly normally starts at Easter and finishes in September.

Trips may extend through October depending on the weather.

The boat can be chartered, subject to crew availability, during the week or at weekends. It is popular for birthday and anniversary parties, including pirate parties, club meetings and get togethers, in the day or summer evenings. Plenty of notice is good to make it easier to find crew. Charter fees are £60 for one hour, £90 for two hours.

If you would like to purchase a trip voucher as a present for a friend, we offer them at £18 for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. To obtain one, please email cheryll.yeowell@wbct.org.uk. For information, call the boat team on 07401 220076 or preferably email boat.bookings@wbct.org.uk

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South London Branch Future Events South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon, CR0 5LP. Admission to talks and presentations is free to members and non-members, but we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakers’ expenses, thank you.

For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson.

Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk Wed 11th Mar: Branch Annual General Meeting Wed 8th April: A social and presentation on “Hidden Rivers of London & links to Canals” by Tom Bolton Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd May: Canalway Cavalcade: On the canals around Little Venice & Paddington in London. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 200 Years of The Regents Canal” Wed 13th May: “Cherish the Tidal Thames” a presentation by the Thames21 River Watch team.

London (Paddington) Branch Future Events Tue 17th Mar: “Exploring our Waterways heritage in London Region” Derek Humphries, IWA London Region Heritage officer. Derek has researched listed buildings and structures in each branch area throughout our region and will present information on all of these.

Tue 21st Apr: A liveaboard’s story – 4 years continuously cruising the cut’. Steve Haywood, well-known former contributor to Canal Boat magazine and author of several waterways books, shares the joys and challenges of 4 years living on the cut.

Tue 19th May: Community Boating in London. Contributions from various community boat projects in the London area. The National Community Boats Association was founded in 1985. Community boating organisations provide access to services on the UK’s waterways for the benefit of their local community, including those with special needs.

38 Tue 16th Jun: ‘The Thames from Source to Sea’. Dr Roger Squires. The navigable River Thames is said to be from Lechlade, although, many of us have been further than that in our narrowboats! Dr Roger will take us from the true source of the river, down the non-tidal Thames to Teddington, onwards on the tidal Thames through London and on towards the sea.

Details of each talk will be sent out in advance by email and also can be found following the link https://www.waterways.org.uk/branches_regions/london/london_region Refreshments are available from 7pm and the talks start at 7.30 with the exception of 17th March which starts at 8pm due to a half-hour meeting of one of the branches being held from 7.30 – 8pm.

The venue is Auditorium, 2 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central W2 6BD. This link may help you https://goo.gl/maps/VjKJvzXfy6B2.

Further details from Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037

Towpath Walks Group Sun 1st Mar 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue sign) Sun 15th Mar 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Haggerston, meet Mile End Sat 28th Mar 10.45am: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue tube station Sun 5th Apr 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock, meet Surrey Quays Sun 12th Apr 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue tube station Sun 19th Apr 2.30pm: Limehouse, Thames to Docklands, meet Westferry (DLR)(by Cycle Hire Point) Sat 25th Apr 10.45am: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue sign) Sun 3rd May 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn to Little Venice, meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Sun 17th May 2.30pm: Regents Canal: Kings Cross to Hitchcock’s, meet Hackney Kings Cross(taxi rank) Sun 24th May 2.30pm: Secrets of the northern Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stratford, meet by “Newham London” sign

39 Sun 7th Jun 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Limehouse, meet Mile End Sun 21st Jun 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 5th Jul 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross by taxi queue Sun 19th Jul: Grand Surrey Canal: Rotherhithe, Mayflower, Surrey Water, Greenland Dock, meet Rotherhithe Sat 1st Aug 10.45am: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden meet King’s Cross by taxi queue Sun 2nd Aug 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 16th Aug 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross by taxi queue Sun 6th Sep 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 20th Sep 2.30pm: Limehouse, Thames to Docklands, meet Westferry (DLR)

by Cycle Hire Point Sun 4th Oct 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard to Greenland Dock, meet Surrey Quays Sun 18th Oct 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Limehouse meet Mile End Sun 1st Nov 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn to Little Venice, meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Sun 15th Nov 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden meet King’s Cross by taxi queue As August sees the Bicentenary of the Official Opening of the Regent's Canal, the majority of the Walks are along the Regent's Canal. However, the Quartercentenary of the departure of the "Mayflower" from Rotherhithe has not been neglected.

Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere).

This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you.

For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £10.00, Concessions & Student rate: £8.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 020 3612 9624 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk

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Mikron Theatre Group The Mikron Theatre Group has planned two new shows for 2020. The Season starts on Saturday 8th April, please check our website for times, dates and locations

A Dog’s Tale

Linda and her wayward rescue dog Gary are pursued by security through the halls and history of Crufts, accused of a terrible crime.

When Charles Cruft, the ‘Greatest Showman in Dogdom’, held his first show in 1891, he had a sense that dog ownership and breeding was about to be pretty big.

In this extraordinary world of heroic hounds, pampered pedigrees and naughty nobblers, does Gary have what it takes to win the day?

Help cheer the underdog, as we celebrate canines past and present and explore the enduring love between people and their dogs.

Atalanta For Ever

Game on! It’s 1920, and in post-war Britain, women’s football is big news. Across the country, all-girl teams are pulling huge crowds in fund-raising games for wounded soldiers. Huddersfield amateurs Ethel and Annie take a shot at the big time. Teammates at Atalanta AFC, they’re soon tackling new football skills, mastering the offside rule and kicking back at the doubters.

Come and cheer for Atalanta as our plucky underdogs learn how to play the game, take on the legendary Dick, Kerr Ladies – and find the toughest opponent of all is the FA.

www.mikron.org.uk

The Inland Waterways Association Chesham Staff Neil Edwards Chief Executive

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Tracy Higgin Administration Manager Day-to-day running of the Head Office at Chesham.

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Rachel Bryant Membership

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The Inland Waterways Association IWA South East Region Chair: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE Tel: 07986 244479 Email: verna.smith63@gmail.com

IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee Acting Chair: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE Tel: 07986 244479 Email: verna.smith63@gmail.com Secretary: Chris Jones Tel: 07711 784374 Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis Basingstoke & R. Thames: Vacant

Email: chris.jones@waterways.org.uk K & A, WACT & Planning:-Verna Smith

IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee Tel: 07768 132703

Chair: Les Etheridge

Email: les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk

Secretary, Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton 79, St Leonards Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EG Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk Treasurer & Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson Membership Secretary: Les Etheridge Social Secretary: Sue Schwieso Waterways Representatives R. Medway: Michael Marsh R. Stour: Roy Newing Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell Dartford & Crayford: Brian Franklin

R. Adur: Brendan Whelan Northfleet Harbour: Vacant R. Rother: Malcolm Jones Faversham & Swale: Vacant

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee Chair: Vacant

Tel: 07490 4542660 Treasurer: Ann Yeatman Webmaster: Robin Williams

Secretary: Robin Williams Email: robin.williams@waterways.org.uk Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: Terry Yeatman

Non Committee Responsibilities Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper Next issue: Summer Copy date: 22nd April 2020 Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. IWA, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453 Company No: 612245. Charity No: 212342 www.waterways.org.uk Cargoes Editor: Chris Jones chris.jones@waterways.org.uk

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book a holiday with a difference Join us on a working holiday and have a truly memorable week helping to restore a stretch of derelict canal.

As part of our 2020 Canal Camps, we will be in Surrey building the second of two new lift bridges on the Wey & Arun Canal.

Our Canal C amps cost just ÂŁ70 , which includes tra ining, meals and a ccommodati on.

Choose you r date: 4th - 11th July 11th - 18th Ju ly 24th - 31st O ctober

Spend a week outdoors and learn new skills All ages welcome (18+) No experience necessary

Book your place now

01494 783 453 waterways.org.uk/canalcamps

IWA festival 43 of water 2020 29th to 31st August Worcester & Birmingham Canal

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e r websit visit ou g or a moorin e v r e s re g pitch campin

Join us in Perdiswell Park, Worcester. August 2020 marks IWA’s 75th Anniversary year and where better to start the celebrations than on the waterway where it all began, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal?

The Festival promises to be a spectacular event, and is fully supported by Worcester City Council.

Supported by: Photo Š Andrew Lachlan

waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater

IWA Canalway

Cavalcade 2020 2nd - 3rd May Little Venice, london

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Join us at London’s biggest, brightest and best waterways festival. This year’s celebration will be a two day event. There will be activities for all the family with a boaters’ gathering, a boat pageant, trade shows and stalls, live music, kids’ activities, competitions, Morris Dancers, a real ale bar and a variety of snacks and food.

Enjoy the event with a front row view. Reserve a weekend mooring at the festival for just £38.

Book your space online.

01494 932 730

canalway.cavalcade@waterways.org.uk

waterways.org.uk/cavalcade