Newsletter of Guildford & Reading, Newsletter of
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
Kent & East Sussex Guildford & Reading Kent & East Branches Sussex & Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Branches
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Index Basingstoke Canal Society John Pinkerton Focus on Accessible Boating Association
Page: 6 Page: 9 Page: 10
Branch AGM’s
Page: 4
British Canoeing
Page: 40
Canalway Cavalcade
Page: 37
Chichester Ship Canal Trust
Page: 11
Guildford & Reading Branch Sales and Publicity Stand
Page: 5
Kent & Sussex Branch – IWAKES Dartford and Crayford Creek River Adur Thames & Medway Canal Association River Medway River Stour Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Future Events
Page: 24
Page: 35
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Newbury Reading Crofton Beam Engines
Page: 13
Mikron Theatre Group
Page: 41
Oxfordshire Branch Banbury Canal Partnership Tooley’s Boatyard Trust
Page: 32 Page: 32 Page: 34
Region Chair Report
Page: 3
River Thames
Page: 23
River Wey & Godalming Navigations National Trust
Page: 16
South London Branch
Page: 36
Towpath Walks
Page: 39
Wey & Arun Canal Trust Future Events
Page: 19 Page: 22
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Future Events
Page: 34
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Editorial Welcome to the Spring edition of Cargoes. At long last it looks like life is coming to some sort of new normal. This edition has events we may be able to attend with our Sales Stand. Although we will need volunteers to help - Please contact us if you can. The Chichester Ship Canal is celebrating its 200th Anniversary, The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust its 60th and Basingstoke Canal Society its 30th. all would appreciate your support - as would all the organisations who support Cargoes with their contributions. On a more sober note, I am hearing tales of fallen trees and sunken boats not being cleared from several waterways. Some of it down to the relevant authority and some to landowners. Where there is a “Right of Navigation” it is important that we, as part of the “boating community”, continue to put pressure on those responsible. I hope you have a pleasant Spring on, in and around our waterways. Chris Jones – Editor Photo: Chichester Ship Canal – Walking the Towpath
Janet Osborne
From the Region Chair The start of the new year brings optimism and that “clean sheet” feel, helped by some glorious sunny but cold days interspersed with unmitigated grey skies. This year brings more certainty that events will go ahead which makes planning so much easier. We look forward to welcoming you to Cavalcade at Little Venice in London, over the first May Bank holiday and the main IWA event at Burton on Trent. The Basingstoke Canal Society will celebrate thirty years since re-opening, postponed from last year, the Oxford Canal event will take place in September, while the Banbury Canal event will take place in October. All these events are run by volunteers, and I would like members to support the various groups, but all our branches are short of willing volunteers. If you can help with any of these events, please do contact the relevant waterway group or myself. Even a couple of hours over a weekend really helps. All our branches are also in urgent need of “new blood” to keep IWA alive in the Southeast and the current crop of branch officers are running out of steam. Contact details are on the back page. The re-vamp of the IWA website is visibly better but some aspects have not run as smoothly as planned due to a number of issues. The previous version had Cover Photo Courtesy:
Richard Gatley, Chichester Ship Canal Trust
4 been updated many times, imposing layers of duplicate information which has caused many problems, especially to the finance team. Access to some areas of the website is improving but there are still problems with some aspects. I would like to congratulate Gemma Bolton on her appointment to UNICEF after many years at IWA. She was always willing to listen and rescued me from my lack of IT knowledge on many occasions. Alison Smedley is going part time but will continue with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Waterways as Amy Tilson takes over more of the navigation issues. Alison’s depth of knowledge and contacts will be missed. I understand that new appointments are in the pipeline. Have you signed up for your Waterways Heritage Spotter Guide which is available via IWA website at waterways.org.uk? Verna Smith Region Chair
Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire and Guildford and Reading Branches of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM will take place at 7.00pm for 7.30pm on Thursday 24th February 2022 by Zoom The Oxfordshire Branch AGM will take place Tuesday 5th April at 7.30pm by Zoom. Further details to follow. The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place at 7.00 for 7.30pm on Monday 28th March 2022 by Zoom. Further details to follow. 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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Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman The calendar for 2022 is beginning to fill up with waterway events. There are a number of celebrations that had to be deferred from 2021 plus new events. Elsewhere in Cargoes you will see information about Cavalcade and Chichester Canal celebrating their 200 years anniversary. We are hoping to take the IWA sales stand to the River Wey Festival in September and would like to also go to several other events if we can attract sufficient volunteers to transport and man the stand. Please contact me or one of the sales team if you can help. The sales stand is our only source of income which is used to support local waterways. Winter maintenance is underway on most of the branch waterways, although some postponements’ have been notified on the River Thames. The present dry weather may be helpful for sorting out leaks and culverts but not topping up the aquifers which release water throughout the summer. Congratulations to the Burndell Bridge Society who have received Charitable status. A huge amount of effort is required to meet the criteria for this. Verna Smith (acting Chair)
Sales & Publicity Stand The Sales Team had a very successful stand at the Wey River Festival in September and our thanks go to all those members who helped. We have been looking at which events we can attend in 2022 and, subject to sufficient volunteers being available, hope to attend the following events. Further details on these will follow, and more events may be added. Please contact Ben Scott (benboattrain@gmail.com) or any of the Sales Team if you can help, our email address is chris.jones@waterways.org.uk. The Sales Team
Future Events Mon 28th March: 7.00 - 7.30pm. “Annual General Meeting” Virtual meeting by Zoom. Please use the following link to register some days before the meeting. You will then be sent joining instructions… https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86129655310?pwd=WXcrZDFxeERNT25WSm1Mazkw U3Bodz09 Sat 14th May: Basingstoke Canal Society 30th Anniversary at Frimley Lodge Park. Fri 3rd & Sat 4th June: Reading Water Fest Fri 1st - Sun 3rd July: Newbury Waterways Festival Sat 17th September: River Wey Festival, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford.
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Basingstoke Canal Society Canal Teams Tackle Leaks, Litter and a New-ish Land Rover Chassis?! Run by a dedicated team of passionate volunteers, the Basingstoke Canal Society works hard to support and enhance the work carried out by the Basingstoke Canal Authority on behalf of the owners, Surrey and Hampshire County Councils. They recognise the value of the waterway for communities along its length and show their support by continuing existing budgets for the canal, despite increasing financial pressures. However, we are also doing our bit to help with the maintenance of the canal and to improve the facilities so that users can make the most of this wonderful resource. Artists Show Support for Society We have been busy preparing a special exhibition of artworks by national and local artists inspired by the Basingstoke Canal, in support of our project to replace our ageing community trip boat. To secure an eco-friendly future for the canal, we aim to introduce a new solar-electric cruise boat and canal-side charging points in the Woking – at a cost of £200,000. The Society has already raised nearly £100,000 towards the target, and the exhibition is the next phase of our fundraising effort. The exhibition, called “Replacing Kitty; An Exhibition of Canal Artwork”, opens on Tuesday, 22nd February and runs until Sunday, 6th March. It will feature pieces from local artists Brenda Ord, Charles Duncan Twigg and Christopher Wright, as well as popular painter and printmaker Ian Mowforth, pictured, and Cranleigh artist Mark Weighton, whose sculpture, Burnt Wood, was produced for COP26. Canal Navigation Work has been taking place to resolve leaks at Crookham Deeps Embankment and the water levels between Greywell and Ash Lock have been reduced as a result. No powered boats are able to navigate this stretch of canal until the works are complete. Organised by the Basingstoke Canal Authority, contractors began work in January with the installation of stop plank dams, to gradually reduce the water level, and rescue fish there. Due to the impact on the water levels in this area, canal users may have experienced a little disruption to services including our John Pinkerton cruises. But we are happy to say this project should be finished at the end of the March when normal usage should resume!
7 Fencing off the Society land at Odiham The work party has been finishing off the fence along the boundary of the land the society purchased that extends from the Galleon Marine yard downstream to the embankment of the Odiham bypass bridge. We did most of the main run from the Galleon end towards the bypass in Late October and November, but then we were delayed by fallen trees. Over the years a number of the Leylandii on this land have fallen over. Those that had fallen onto or across the canal have been cleared. However about seven fairly substantial ones had fallen against the road embankment. While these did not affect the road or canal, they laid across the boundary of our land, so had to be cut up and dragged out of the way. We hope to be back clearing more trees by the time you read this. Tidy Up Has Fleet in Tip Top Condition Covid prevented Kitty’s normal return to service last year and she stayed looking rather forlorn under a black tarpaulin until late spring. But passenger trips were able to resume in July and she rapidly became very busy again. By the end of the season, she had carried well over a thousand passengers and needed quite a lot of work to make her ready for the start of the 2022 season. This proved to be quite an undertaking, including a full external repaint, both above and below the waterline, which required time in a dry dock to clean the underwater areas of the hull, before the team could even start of the annual engine maintenance. Kitty’s Diesel engine is a slightly modified tractor engine and so maintenance is straightforward and now Kitty is ready for action and looking better that she has done John Pinkerton didn’t go to the dry dock this year but also needed a bit of love and attention from our volunteers after the 2021 season. Some of the work included: • Maintenance of the engine • a “lick of varnish” to keep the customer facilities clean and tidy (with a photo of Dave Foster working inside the boat with some maintenance on the tables) • minor repairs around the boat including an annoying leak we had from the dishwasher!
8 Having Fun on a Rubbish Job! The society is delighted to have welcomed a team of volunteer litter-pickers from Frimhurst Enterprises, a Community Interest Company based on the canal at Frimley Green. Frimhurst Family House offers vocational day activities for adults with learning disabilities, and their last initiative has been to litter pick along the canal towpath. The team really enjoy helping in the local community, but were horrified at the amount of rubbish people leave behind. Keeping the canal and towpath clean and clear of rubbish is a never-ending task, and we are grateful and hugely appreciative of the help the Frimhurst volunteers gave us!
Working Party Lands a Surprise Catch Shortly before Christmas we received reports that boats could not get under the Colt Hill Bridge at Odiham. When our work party swung into action to move the work boat from the barn to the wharf, they could see something in the water that needed further investigation. In a stroke of good luck, the team had a JCB on site which was pressed into service to pull out... a Land Rover chassis! Fairly new, the chassis had been cut into four sections and dumped over the bridge parapet.
9 The Last Five Miles The Basingstoke Canal was restored between 1977 and 1991, except for the last five miles leading into Basingstoke town centre. We have a long-held ambition to restore these remaining five miles – but there are significant challenges to overcome! The Greywell Tunnel partially collapsed in 1932 and it is now a winter habitat for bats which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Some of the bed of the canal has been filled in, and the M3 motorway crossing at Hatch eliminated what remained of the canal, while other parts have been built on. Fishing on the Canal Did you know that the Canal has its own angling association? The Basingstoke Canal Angling Association (BCAA) has administered the fishing licence for the Canal since 1991. Angling permits can be purchased from the Canal Centre and also from bailiffs on the bank who sell daily and monthly passes. The Canal can be fished for 9 months from 16th June to 14th March and contains most species of UK coarse fish. The association President, Andre Grandjean is pictured here with bream caught close to Chequer's Bridge but in recent times, the Canal has become noted for the 40lb carp that live around Claycart, Eelmore and Great Bottom Flashes.
Lisa Taylor
Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II and Kitty Boat Trips Kitty will start public boat trips this year on Saturday 9th April with trips at 11am, 1pm and 2.45pm. John Pinkerton 11 will start public boat trips at 2pm on the 1st May. There are several theme trips also planned. Charter trips on both boats so far booked are shown in the list of Scheduled Trips & Events. If you would like to charter on a day without a trip shown, please contact us at https://basingstoke-canal.org.uk or phone the Booking Team on 01256 765889 (10am - 8pm). Cruising in the peaceful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal is a great way to relax. You can charter the whole boat for exclusive use by family, friends or work colleagues
10 Theme Trips - Special afternoon cruises from Colt Hill Wharf in Odiham Departing at 3pm, these cruises are served with our special cream tea, complemented by china tea-sets and tablecloths, to a background of piano accompaniment. A great opportunity to spoil someone or just have a catch-up with your friends. Tables are laid for groups of 4 people, and although we can make slight adjustments you may be asked to share. These cruises generally last around 2½ hours, taking you westwards to Greywell and King John’s Castle where you can get off to stretch your legs while the boat turns. Recommended for adults only. Tea Cruises are available on 18th May, 13th July and 10th August. They start at 3pm and cost £20.00 pp. Grand Café Cruises will be held on 17th June and 19th August at a cost £27.50 pp. These are an afternoon tea cruise with prosecco. Trips from Mytchett: Boat trips on board our friendly 12-seater boat Rosebud usually run at weekends and on public holidays from Easter to September. Please contact us for up to date information. Tel 01252 370073, email info@basingstokecanal.co.uk or check on Facebook or Twitter.
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. Two boats are available: Madam Butterfly is a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat and Dawn is a 12-person day boat Both boats are based in Odiham at Galleon Marine’s boatyard with trips operating from Colt Hill Wharf from April to October. 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
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Chichester Ship Canal Trust Chichester Ship Canal celebrates 200th anniversary!
The Chichester Ship Canal is 200 years old in 2022! The first of the three formal opening events of the canal was held on 9th April 1822, and happily for us, 9th April 2022 falls on a Saturday, the first weekend of the school Easter Holidays. The perfect date for a celebration. Or in our case, not just one celebration, but an entire season of celebratory events. The Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the volunteer led, self-funded, charity behind the canal, is planning a season of anniversary events to help people discover more about the unique heritage and different ways to explore the canal. Events will run through the spring and summer and will feature a historical talk by local author and historian Alan Green at the West Sussex County Record Office, a year-long curated exhibition at the Chichester District Council Supporting PACSO
12 Museum The Novium, hosted boat trips along the canal, a photography competition, a pub quiz, the installation of a new sign to mark the location of the famous view painted by JMW Turner, family-friendly activities through the school holidays, a guided walk with the Friends of the Old Ford to Hunston Canal, and an art partnership with a contemporary art group ARTEL. Recognising our position at the heart of the cultural, leisure and heritage sector in Chichester City, the Trust is pleased to be a host venue for Chichester District Council’s “Spark Culture” opening Event, and a partner Supporting Rotary host for Chichester University and the Fringe performers through the summer. The Trust will also mark 20 years of its formation in September 2022, which coincides with the second formal opening of the canal and Heritage Open Days. Our flagship “200th Anniversary Celebration Event” will be on Saturday 9th April 2022. Inviting the community to the Basin, we will begin at 11am with short speeches followed by a gunfire salute from the Sussex Militia. We’re hosting a day of stalls, food, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, water-based displays including our 1950’s vintage tugs, canoe club and model boats, and land-based exhibitions which will feature knitted bunting, volunteer stories and community memories. The day will culminate in a flotilla along the canal at 3pm. We’d like to invite all supporters to join us. For more information do please contact us info@chichestercanal.com or follow us on social media Facebook @chichestershipcanal, Twitter and Instagram @chichestercanal. Contact: info@chichestercanal.com; www.chichestercanal.org.uk or Tel: 01243 771363 (Canal HQ) Photos: Richard Gatley, Meryn Woodland, Catherine Cannon Trustee and Vice Chair, Chichester Ship Canal Trust
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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 look-out 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 e mail us at jubilee@katrust.org.uk. Training will be in late March/early April ready for the start of our boating season on 9th April. Our public trips are on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 noon and 2.00pm from April to October and on Thursdays at 2.00pm 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 12th 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. Having had to postpone Newbury Waterways Festival for the last two years, we aim to be back this year. It will take place on Sunday 3rd 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 1st July to Sunday 3rd July. Newbury boat Jubilee will be running extra trips on the day. With 2022 marking the 45th birthday of Jubilee, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Festival theme is “Let’s Party”. 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 or email tjstaig@gmail.com .
Future Events. Sat 9th Apr: Start of new boating season. Tue 12th Apr, 7.30pm: K&A (Newbury) AGM, Stone Building Newbury Sun 3rd Jul: Newbury Waterways Festival
Sarah Foley
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Reading Branch Chairman’s Report Hello and Happy New Year. Hopefully we can look forward to a much more open and enjoyable year. We are starting to see 1st signs of spring, I have seen some snowdrops on the side of the Kennet and there are reports of ducks, or at least a duck sitting on eggs in the Oracle. My biggest surprise was to see a Little Egret wading in the shallows of the Kennet near Southcote. Following the dramatic breech above Burghfield Lock. CRT worked tremendously hard to bring the situation under control and the navigation back to use before Christmas. There was a huge movement of aggregates to build a temporary road so that machinery could get to the area. In addition, we have seen Fobney Lock and Tyle Mill Lock Top Gates replaced and work is planned for Sulhampton Lock in this winter work programme. All good work. At the Reading Branch we are looking forward to lots of things happening. We are looking forward to a two-day Reading Water Fest this year over the 3rd and 4th of June. If anyone fancies bringing their boat along, please get in touch. The Trust is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of its founding, so hoping to have a great event to look forward to. We are looking to encourage improvements to “The First Mile” of the K&A. Reading needs to wake up to the way it is deterring waterborne tourist and leisure visitors and the associated trade and income loss. Having discussed this with boat owners, hire boat and Marina owners the thought is that the unfriendly and unwelcoming approach Reading Borough Council adopts towards boats costs the town more than 2.5 million pounds a year and potentially more if the Abbey quarter develops as planned and the Banksie rumours act as a catalyst to save “The Gaol for the Community” initiative. We are looking and working for a replacement to our Trip Boat Matilda and are busily addressing the logistics and building the Business case. We have had good feed back from the regular trips, from the cream tea trips and from the litter picking exercises. We also received positive support from local business and many of the council employees and councillors. The Old Toll House The Old Toll House
15 Aldermaston Tea rooms are Open for business and we are looking to restore the Toll House in the tearoom gardens and make this a destination for K&A information and a fine cup of coffee (or tea). We are looking forward to seeing the restoration of the Devizes to Westminster race. We have already seen…and heard, the paddlers practicing for the famous international marathon of the waterways. The motor bikes have still been making themselves known with the “Sustrans Cavalcade” terrorizing the towpath to the west of Reading. I have recently sat in on a number of meetings with the great and the good of Reading discussing the anti-social behaviour. Reading Borough Council see motorbike based anti social behaviour as a top three issue in Reading and plan to focus on dealing with it. I Another view of The Old Toll House have been told that 5 people have been recently arrested and bikes confiscated. There is a feeling of “wac-a-mole” with this activity, many of the bikes are stolen so confiscation is not a big impact and often those caught are under age so punishment is limited. Things have been a little quieter recently, I don’t think the “little darlings” like the cold and damp! Reading Branch of the K & A has maintained Zoom talks. Recently having the Trusts Archivist telling us about some of the treasures of the K&A’s Archive. In December we had a social Zoom and a friendly Quiz, resuming in January with a talk about the “Multiple Lives of Southcote Mill”. Our next presenter in February is talking about the interesting activity in and around the “Devizes Office of the Trust”. If folk are interested in more detail of any of my ramble, please feel free to contact me Keep well and look after each other. Graham Puddephatt chair.reading@katrust.org.uk 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) 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
Future Event. Fri 3rd & Sat 4th June: Reading Water Fest
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Crofton Beam Engines Our site, pumping station and car-park are now closed until spring 2022. Please visit our website for up to date information www.katrust.org.uk
River Wey & Godalming Navigations A Note from The General Manager My thanks go to all the Lengthsmen and Maintenance teams who have done a great job of ensuring that any repairs or maintenance to the navigation have been done in an historically sympathetic way, whether aesthetically or in their methods used, and have managed to keep this as one of the most beautiful green corridors in the country. Without the money raised through mooring and licence fees this would not have been possible. When the River Wey Navigations were gifted to the National Trust in the 1960’s the Stephens’s family stipulated that any monies raised on the navigation would be ringfenced specifically for use in the care and upkeep of the River Wey and this is a vital part of the conservation of this landscape. I would also like to thank all of our volunteers and staff for their continued hard work and passion for both the Wharf and the waterways. Their contributions have been invaluable, and I have been so impressed by their technical knowledge and dedication. We are looking forward to returning to a fuller schedule of events this coming year as life continues to gradually go back to normal and hope to see you on the water and at the Wharf. From camping on the island at Big Camp to Easter trails and from Puffing-a-Way to the River Wey Festival there should be something for everyone. (Due to illness this report has been taken from Tristan’s letter to Berth holders – we hope Tristan recovers soon) Tristan Brown – Wey Navigations General Manager
17 River Wey Walnut Bridge is now open although the access is by temporary ramps and the width is restricted because the handrails have not been completed on the North side. Photo 1 shows the bridge from the towpath with the temporary ramp, photo 2 shows the North side and photo 3 shows the completed handrail on the South side. There is still a lot of work to do on the ramps, photo 4. The access to the towpath from the railway station in Walnut Tree Close is not complete, photo 5.
Photo 2
Photo 4
Photo 6
Photo 1
Photo 3
Photo 5
Photo 7
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Photo 8
The piling opposite the Rowing Club has been repaired. This collapsed in November 2019 when the river was drained because Millmead Weir collapsed, see Cargoes Spring 2020. Photo 6 shows the whole section. The soil has not been infilled and some interesting constructional details are visible. Photo 7 shows the backstays set about 2 m behind the piling to give it support and photo 8 shows how the
piling has been angled back into the bank at the end. This is to prevent the soil washing away behind the piling which would occur if the piling stopped abruptly along the line of the bank. The development on the site of Guildford Boat House has reached roof level, photo 9 (122100). This is a café and community centre, to be named The Boathouse, and run in association with the Halow project, a charity which aims to provide support to young persons with learning disabilities.
Photo 9
Photo 10
Even in the winter the river attracts paddleboarders and photo 10 shows them out in festive attire. Photos: Matthew Lewis Mike Lewis
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Wey and Arun Canal Trust WACT News It’s been a busy start to the year for the Wey & Arun Canal Trust as restoration work moves on apace and tree works and clearance get underway ahead of bird nesting season. Tickner’s Heath At Tickner’s Heath Road crossing project, volunteers have made great progress on constructing a pedestrian footbridge and bridleway ahead of starting work on the temporary road diversion needed. Here in Alfold, Surrey, the canal is blocked by a causeway which carries Dunsfold Road and a new bridge will be built a couple of hundred yards east of the original crossing point, with the canal diverted beneath. Volunteers have excavated the canal under the footbridge, creating Surrey’s newest section of canal, and bricklaying on the four footbridge abutments is now complete. Bricklaying has also reached final height on both sides of the abovewaterline training walls of the bridge approaches and the pile caps are on. Working parties will now turn their attention to creating the temporary road diversion. Stage two of the road crossing project is now awaiting approval from Waverley Borough Council and will involve connecting the canal to the existing waterway as well as constructing a new bridge and footpath. Gennet’s Bridge Lock in water
Restoration has also been taking place at Loxwood, the Trust’s longest section of restored canal, where working parties have been continuing the reinstatement of the stretch of canal from Gennets Bridge Lock towards Southland. In 2018 Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers opened Gennets Bridge Lock and thanks to landowner permission have now been able to remove the old causeway below the lock. A new bund has been created
just north of the next landowner’s boundary. Dry weather and the low amount of water in the canal bed allowed volunteers to use the Trust’s heavy equipment to clear the winding hole and canal bed of shrubs, small trees and tree stumps as well as build up the towpath levels with Fittleworth sandstone.
20 Part of the work here has also involved removing trees with ash dieback, a long-term project across the Loxwood stretch following an independent survey of all trees here. Diseased trees can present a danger to the public and boat passengers, so sadly the only option is to remove them. Visitors from KESCRG and NWPG have been lending regular working party members a hand in safely removing the identified trees and dealing with them once felled. This is an ongoing project that may last several years as work can only be carried out outside of nesting season. Birtley walk opens to the public A 1 km canalside walk at Birtley, near Bramley, was opened to the public after volunteers put the finishing touches to a temporary bridge deck on Birtley Bridge 1, allowing the public safe access to the new circular route. The stretch of canal was purchased thanks to a generosity of an overseas Trust member and work began back in 2018, with regular volunteers and visiting working parties putting in phenomenal effort to complete the abutments in just 12 months. The temporary deck will be replaced in due course; the Trust is working with the council to get a design approved in principle for lifting bridges, which will be used for Birtley Bridge 1 and a second Birtley bridge for which planning permission has been granted. Tree planting underway A gift of trees from Chichester District Council has meant some 300 mixed trees have been planted close to the site of Lee Place (Harsfold), where volunteers constructed a new bridge in 2020 and built up the towpath and constructed a new weir last year. Volunteers also planted young trees at
21 Gennets Bridge Lock and plan to add more to Birtley and the Loxwood stretch over the coming months. Meanwhile the hedgelaying team have completed a 200m section of hedge in Loxwood, worked on over three seasons. The Wey & Arun Canal waterwheel Did you know there is a waterwheel on the Wey & Arun Canal - and a unique one at that. At the southern end of the canal, on the Arun Navigation, you’ll find Lordings Lock and Orfold Aqueduct (a single structure), along with a waterwheel. Here the canal is carried over the river by the three-arched aqueduct, while the waterwheel - powered by the river - lifts the water into the canal. It is thought to be the only one of its kind on the national waterway system. Sadly, recent vandalism and deterioration have rendered the waterwheel unusable but thanks to a grant from a charitable trust, Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers have begun to restore this heritage asset. The project, led by former mechanical engineer Brian King, has called for painstaking precision; a bespoke single stainless steel shaft with associated end flanges had to be commissioned, manufactured to exact size and fixed in place by a specialist engineering contractor. All the peripheral steelwork had to be removed, then brushed up and rejuvenated with a special underwater paint. The stainless steel buckets that
22 move the water also needed rewelding, another specialist task. The chute from which water flows into the aqueduct has been replaced with a Cor-Ten steel equivalent (the previous one made of wood having rotted through), while the current rubber seals used to prevent water loss between the buckets and the stone wall have also been removed and replaced with a unique stainless steel lip. Brian follows in the footsteps of restoration pioneer Winston Harwood in attempting to bring this very special structure back to life. Back in 1992 Winston and fellow volunteers discovered what appeared to be the foundations of a building. They decided to excavate (by hand) and eventually uncovered the lock and aqueduct and exposed the waterwheel chamber for the first time in 140 years. Working from only the internal dimensions of the chamber, Winston constructed a waterwheel - no mean feat with no drawings or other example. Further improvements have been made to the wheel over the years and work on the wheel will recommence in the spring (the area floods in winter making it difficult to get equipment on site). It is hoped the Wey & Arun Canal Trust will soon be able to show off this special structure in its full glory. If you want to know more about the restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal and ongoing projects, go to www.weyandarun.co.uk. Gill Davies
Future Events Boat trips schedule released Boat trips will resume on the Wey & Arun from Mother’s Day, with the cream tea trips expected to be a sellout. Trips will also run across the Easter holidays starting on Wednesday, 13th April at 11.30am and 12.30pm and on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th, Easter Sunday 17th, Bank Holiday Monday 18th and Wednesday 20th. Bookings are online at www.weyandarun.co.uk. Poddle date set The Trust’s annual sponsored walk, the Poddle, will this year be held on Sunday June 12th. For more details, head to the website www.weyandarun.co.uk.
23 Please check our website for up to date details of all our events and boat trips. 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
River Thames News I wish I could report that the Environment Agency (EA) have improved communications with boating organisations and that the winter works programme is on schedule, unfortunately this is not the case. I do understand restrictions imposed by Covid regulations, and the fatal accident last year will have an impact on maintenance schedules but lack of resources, both human and monetary continues to impact on the fabric of the Thames. There are maintenance issues at several locks, silt is becoming a real problem and EA do not seem to have access to a suitable dredger to clear the in- channel shoals. Boaters planning to visit from other parts of the waterways system are frustrated by the lack of availability of overnight moorings. The EA has been successful in prosecuting the owner of the so-called “slum boats”, which were illegally moored near Windsor. The case relates to mooring that impedes access to the lock and has taken nearly two years to be heard. Members of the Thames Motor Boat Association have undertaken some detailed survey work and number crunching in an attempt to establish the number of powered craft on the non-tidal Thames. Early results indicate EA may be missing out on a chunk of unpaid licence fees. The Thames is a beautiful river to cruise or paddle and I am looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with the upper reaches this year. Photo Courtesy: John Jones
Verna Smith
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Kent & East Sussex Branch IWAKES Chairman’s Piece Volunteers have been at the heart of IWA’s many successes over 75 years in protecting and restoring the inland waterways. The large number of IWA members who have volunteered and the range of skills they have provided are reflected in the enjoyment that we all get from our inland waterways. Without all the IWA volunteers over the years the waterways would simply not be the vibrant places they are today. Our branch has a strong friendly committee that has worked well together for many years and normally meets five times a year by Zoom. Committees benefit from being regularly refreshed so we are looking for new committee members. All you need, just like the current committee, is enthusiasm for our waterways. We would be very happy for you to attend a committee meeting so you can find out more and decide if you would like to join us. Email me at les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk if you are interested and I will let you have details of our next committee meeting. The current committee can’t go on for ever so I do hope you will consider stepping forward to support the branch. Over the last two years our social meetings schedule has been badly interrupted by Covid and I apologise that we have had to change meetings at short notice. Hopefully 2022 will be a better year and we can all enjoy the waterways without restrictions. Les Etheridge
Dartford and Crayford Creek The Dartford and Crayford Creek Restoration Trust (DCCRT) and the Port of London Authority (PLA) are working together to improve the environment of the creeks, which are already havens for wildlife, with good water quality. But there are decades of accumulated rubbish amongst the reed-beds. Over the next six months the project will have teams of volunteers, young and old, removing rubbish by working from the banks and small boats. The project, funded by a grant from PLA, will also carry out research into the pathways that lead to rubbish accumulated in the creeks so they can be kept clean in future. The project management team met at Priory
25 Lock. Holding the sign is Hugh Nisbet, who has made the lock and surroundings a place to visit, fish or picnic during the summer. Good progress is being made on the fenders next to Nelsons Row Slipway. All the brackets are now in-situ and we should see the wood installed shortly. DCCRT has received estimates from the Waterway Recovery Group for resetting the lock coping stones and provision of a ladder in the lock chamber to enhance the safety of use of the lock confines. These have yet to be fully considered and no funding has yet been sought. Brian Franklin
River Adur news from Brendan Whelan It proved impossible, during most of 2021, to obtain information on the plans for the Tidal Walls and the access to the River Adur at Stowes Gap, in Shoreham by Sea. (The slipway is located just off the A259 in the centre of the Sussex Yacht Club). Similarly, it hadn't been possible to start discussions, with the local council, about possible sites for public slipways. Late last year IWA members, other individuals and interested groups (e.g. the Dinghy Cruising Association) were asked to register their concerns with the Chief Executive of Adur District Council. This triggered a Zoom meeting with council officers, councillors, the Shoreham Slipways Group and with me representing the IWA. I would like to thank everyone who helped. It transpired that, after six years, the precise location of the right of way (ROW) at Stowes Gap hadn't been agreed. The situation is complex because the reference line shown on the official West Sussex County Council map doesn't match the associated description. Also, ROWs are supposed to be checked every eighteen months but those records had not been retained. In 1999, the WSCC ROW Committee stated the slipway at Stowes Gap must remain open and uncluttered. To quote one local official “the situation is chaotic”. It was later agreed that the SSG and the IWA will be consulted when a new route to the slipway is eventually proposed. It was further agreed that a council officer will be appointed to review the possible sites for a public slipway in Shoreham. As on all rivers, there is not a perfect location for a slipway because there will need to be a compromise between easy access, parking, the length of the tide window for launching, the river currents, etc. (Not to mention political issues and the reluctance, in many quarters, for change). The remainder of 2022 could be interesting.
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Obituary Joyce Snell Joyce was born on 17th February 1941 in a maternity home at 13 Frindsbury Road Strood, which was to become a significant location for her in later life. She did well at school and passed her ‘A’- levels to take a job as a Water Analyst in the Medway Water Board. A little time afterwards she met Bernard at a Social Club Dance when he was playing in a skiffle group. The boy she was supposed to be meeting had a nose bleed and failed to appear. Bernard persuaded her to be taken home by him on his Lambretta scooter. Their courting lasted several years and he would often take her to Leysdown, delivering cameras and films for the photographic company run by Bernard’s father. They were married after Bernard finished his two year’s National Service and they have two children, Colin and Wendy. Joyce and Bernard first took to the inland waterways on the Norfolk Broads in 1966 and later purchased their own trailable narrowboat Grey Owl in 1989. From their home base on the River Medway in Kent, they explored numerous navigations difficult for “normal” craft to reach. Expeditions were frequently in company with other members of the Wilderness Boat Owners Club including destinations throughout the UK, Ireland and France. At the National Trust property, Bodiam Castle on the Eastern River Rother, Joyce supported Bernard in the key organising role for the 2013 IWA National Trailboat Festival. Joyce became the book-keeper for the photographic business, which had expanded to occupy both 11 and 13 Frindsbury Road, and she ended up working in the very room she was born in. Joyce became treasurer of the IWA Kent and East Sussex Branch, a local Scout Group and later the Medway Singers. She also became a member of the Thames and Medway Canal Association, helping Bernard organise raffles and fund-raising events to cover costs for IWAKES social meetings. Sadly, Joyce fell victim to Alzheimer’s Disease and died on 15th November 2021. Her funeral was on 3rd December 2021. The “Medway Singers” sang and she was interred at All Saints Church, Frindsbury where she was married in 1962. She was a lovely lady and all in the Branch will miss her cheerful and helpful presence.
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Thames & Medway Canal Association After the seemingly endless negotiations, representations and correspondence involving the Albion developers, Gravesham Council, the Nuralite development and Highways England (Lower Thames Crossing) things have gone quiet, which was especially welcome for me as I managed to catch Covid. Some members had said they couldn’t help on a Tuesday but could work on a weekend so we arranged a monthly weekend work morning but this has been a big disappointment as only one or two showed up with no new workers throughout the six months. We will continue to try to encourage more to lend a hand but it is a very unsupported struggle. Biker vandals have been at it again and totally destroyed the steel railings and fencing next to the gate which guarded the towpath at Nuralite. We keep repairing it but they continue to cut it away, with what seems like a portable angle grinder, to enable them to ride their bikes in the RSPB area along the river wall. The winter weeks have been a little slow but our valiant Work Party labouring at the Higham end continue to improve the area at the Vista and the Obelisk with new plantings of flowers and daffodil bulbs to look great in the spring. Dave Parnell
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River Medway news from Mike Marsh Being the late winter /early spring season, the river is quiet with few boat movements save for the hardy canoeists and rowers who are out and about as always. Winter is a busy time for navigation authorities as it is the peak maintenance time. The IWAKES branch members offer our thanks to the Environment Agency (EA) team for their hard work in keeping the River Medway in good order as EA works closely with other river users and organisations to achieve this. Emergency work to repair the sluices at East Farleigh lock is complete. Earlier this year, the sluice developed a fault in the gate raising mechanism, meaning that the twin gate structure, commissioned in the late 1930s, could only operate on a single gate. The sluice comprises of two vertical roller type steel gates; each gate raised and lowered independently by steel wire ropes. In 2003 and 2010 one of the steel ropes failed, therefore a full rope replacement project was needed. Allington Sluice has a 3-year project to replace all the motors and gearboxes in the three sluices. Year 1 is now complete. EA are staggering the works to reduce risk during the traditionally wet winter months. Maintenance work on Sluice Weir and Oak Weir locks will be undertaken from 4th January 2022 until 14th April 2022. This aims to address leakage through the lock gates by replacing the existing timber skins with glass reinforced fibre, and to reinstate the controls to the downstream gate penstocks. This will make the locks easier to operate, while saving water during the summer months. Details of the EA Capital Works and Winter Draw Down programme are on https://therivermedway.co.uk/news/9-of-2021/ EA have seized three boats in recent months for non-payment of registration charges. This action is very much a last resort after warning notices and all other avenues to claim payment have been exhausted. Boats seized are put up for sale or auction if not sold. Details can be found on the EA website https://therivermedway.co.uk/seized-boats-for-sale/ The Environment Agency new registration charges take effect on 1st April 2022. In summary: the area-based assessment proposal for boat fees is not being implemented and the 10% rise in registration charges is being spread over 3 years (22, 23 and 24) not two. The “consultation” was published and, unsurprisingly, the majority of Medway boaters who replied did not support the registration increase.
29 Two new Navigation Officers have joined the EA Team and for boaters, the facilities at Yalding are receiving a full internal refurbishment, showers, toilets, pump put and disposal. All very welcome. The Embankment Restaurant barge, destroyed by fire in February 2020, was finally towed away in December 2021 from its mooring by the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone. It had been there since 2009 as a floating restaurant where many people will have enjoyed meals over the years. The fire damaged barge had become something of an eyesore and legal attempts to remove it were quite protracted.
Before
After
A new River Medway Canoe Trail leaflet with lots of useful information for the many canoeists who use the river is now available and can be downloaded from https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/uploads/documents/medway-canoe-trail.pdf A new riverside play area opened in early December; the latest project at Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre. The woodland-themed play area, situated by The Stag sculpture, was opened by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Fay Gooch, alongside children from Boughton Monchelsea Primary School. Costing £80,000 in total the play area is aimed at children between two and eight years old and joins the Love Food Hall and outside terrace as a new addition to the centre. With little rain of late the river has been largely quiet. Unusually for a river, ice was spotted recently on the water at Allington.
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River Stour news from Malcolm Hasler It has been incredibly quiet on the river and indeed at the various Clubs and venues that adorn the banks between Pegwell Bay and Canterbury. The weather has not been conducive to leisure activities on the river resulting in few boat movements, not to mention very few canoes, paddleboards and dinghies. The period has, however, been subject to several very high-water levels caused by spring tides which coincided with high levels of water run-off and tidal surges down the North Sea. As a result, boat owners had to continually check their moorings; that is if they could access their boats! Here’s to a warmer and calmer Spring and Summer, which allows us all to utilise our leisure vessels on the river as often as possible. In a future issue… river trips to see the seals, World War II prisoner of war barracks, moth balled experimental wind turbines and the delights of Red House.
Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Since the last Cargoes, SORT volunteers have been continuing to improve the landscaping around Isfield Lock. In mid-December 2021 a group of us had a social stroll to look at other locks (first time during the pandemic-era) and enjoyed a BBQ lunch at Bacon Wish Lock, which is owned by one of our members. There was no shortage of material for the BBQ and warming bonfire, as the lock is deep in a wood! Bacon Wish (Lock 10 of 19) has not been in water since work to restore the original course of the river took place years ago. It is still part of the flood defences, hence the sluice gate at the far end of the lock. The bridge was strengthened and widened in the mid20th century and, if you look closely, you can see the “modern” brickwork outside the original structure under the arch. Over the years SORT has assisted the landowner in preserving the bridge and walls by removing trees and scrub that were threatening it. The chamber looks in remarkably good condition but closer inspection will show it has had some rebuilding in the last 50 to 70 years. David Evans
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Social Events Secretary Sue Schwieso has, after many years of organising branch events, decided to retire. Could you succeed her? The job involves researching possible presenters, contacting and booking them; contacting and booking venues around the branch area; publicising events on the website and email (via IWA Head Office). If you could do this then please contact Les.Etheridge@waterways.org.uk
Future IWAKES and Other Events Thursday 24th February 2022: 7.00 for 7.30pm “Annual General Meeting” followed by “Waterway Quiz”. Virtual meeting by Zoom. Please use the following link to register some days before the meeting. You will then be sent joining instructions…
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qdOGtpzgvGN3NCkBOt5z1FPcdFtSpYTSK
Thursday 7th April 2022: 7.30 for 8.00pm Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH (map below) “Crossing the Wash” by Simon Judge, an extreme narrowboater. Saturday 3rd September 2022: 10.00am to 5.00pm Meet at Brede Steam Giants, Waterworks Lane, Brede, Rye, TN31 6HG Visit the engines in steam. Proceed to a midday pub meal in Winchelsea. Walk from Winchelsea to Rye (along the Brede). Train back to Winchelsea. Please book with Roy Sutton (RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk or 01342 317569) so we can ensure enough tables at the pub. Thursday 6th October 2022: 7.30 for 8.00pm Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH (map below) “Puffing a’Wey” by Mark Rudall, a stalwart of the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain. Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES ‘physical’ evening meetings. Entry is free with a raffle to cover costs. All IWAKES events are open to non-members and you are encouraged to bring friends to ‘physical’ meetings or to tell them about ‘virtual’ meetings. Similarly, if you know a local club or society that might be interested then please do tell them.
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Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman It has been a quiet winter so far, I hope that it has for you. We have arranged the branch AGM to be a Zoom meeting on Tuesday 5th April at 7.30pm. An email with sign up details will be sent to all members and we are hoping to arrange an interesting speaker too. Looking further into the year the Oxfordshire branch is hoping to have a stand at the Oxford Canal Festival on the 17th September and the Banbury Canal Festival planned for the 1st and 2nd of October. Please let me know if you can help out at these events even for a short time, it is really important that we take the new IWA message of being a campaigning organisation out to events and demonstrate it to existing and potential supporters. Before these events in the autumn alongside enjoying using the waterways do try to find time to get involved with one of the local waterways restoration groups in our area either in Banbury, on the Wilts and Berks canal or on the Cotswolds canals. Ian Lindsay
Banbury Canal Partnership In the last issue of Cargoes I said: “Our AGM comes between writing this account and the publication of Cargoes. We are expecting some major changes at Banbury Canal Partnership but more of that next time”. At the AGM our Chairman, who had been in Charge of the BCP since it was started, tendered his resignation. This left us with a double problem, finding his replacement and finding someone who had the facilities to store the equipment, tools and paint etc. The latter took several large crates as well as large tools that could not be fitted into crates. These items needed to be transported to site and returned each work day. They needed a small van or pickup. Nobody within the group was willing to take on the onerous responsibilities of chairman, nor had the facilities alluded to above. After much discussion it was felt that the only logical outcome was to put the Banbury Canal Partnership into abeyance for a year or until Towpath at Cropredy lock showing circumstances change. digging out for new fill.
33 As it is with the change of The Canal and River Trust, use of volunteers since their formation to the old British Waterways official attitude, it was agreed we should recommend that volunteers who wished to continue should join one of the local CRT groups. Any monies remaining in the BCP account would remain until the BCP was reinstated or wound up. So some of us have joined the two groups run by The Canal and River Trust, one at Cropredy and one at Banbury. The first and second we attended were at Cropredy. Our first job was rebuilding the fence leading from the bridge down to the tail of the lock and some associated lock and infrastructure painting. This was successfully carried out on the day with one group, whilst a second group cleared the overgrowth on the wharf and a third group did some painting. Part of the fence is shown on the last photograph below. The second work party was digging out and reforming the towpath alongside Cropredy Lock:
Filling and trimming at head of Cropredy lock
New Lock towpath complete, showing new fence constructed and painted at previous work party
Our following attended event was in Banbury, where despite the good weather forecast it was drizzling and we were unable to paint or do any foliage trimming so spent the time litter picking. I say litter, but we actually removed a pair of boots, anorak, and an adult scooter. This will be my last offering on behalf of Banbury Canal Partnership. So thanks from all of us to our past Chairman Colin Garnham-Edge and to all those who gave willingly to the benefit of the Oxford Canal over the years Brian Saunders – (ex) BCP Cargoes representative
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Tooley’s Boatyard Trust A new year, and a new season of boat trips! Back by popular demand (as they say) are Tooley's weekend boat trips in our very own Dancing Duck. We are looking to start with regular trips from May 7th, plus some specials over Easter - but we do need some more volunteers to help out. So, if you fancy spending a few enjoyable hours with us on a Saturday or Sunday, get in touch! Ring us on 01295 272917 or email info@tooleysboatyard.co.uk . As well as the trips on the Oxford, and the guided tours of the Boatyard, we'll be featuring the Old Forge. Dating back to 1778, and recently refurbished, our forgemasters will be demonstrating the traditional ironworking skills. And if you need something made to measure - a gate, a grid or frame, or just something ornamental, why not ask Tooley's?
John Madden Chair Tooley’s Boatyard Trust
Wilts & Berks Canal The pace of activity in the Wilts & Berks is increasing. Work on linking Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon, at least by towpath, has taken two steps forward – but none back! The first step was obtaining the agreement of the landowner at Harris Croft Farm, in whose land the towpath was in a sorry state, to allow our work party to get it properly drained, with more work to even it out and clear vegetation ongoing. The second step is that landowners Biffa finally installed a footpath giving access from the far (eastern) end of our Studley Grange section through to the B4005 Hay Lane just south of Junction 16 of the M4. Thus, for the first time, there is an easy
35 walking and cycling route from Templars Firs in Royal Wootton Bassett through to Hay Lane by the Garden Centre; this being a stone’s throw from where the road underbridge currently under construction will continue the route into Wichelstowe and Swindon itself. Thanks to the engagement of Marsha Miles Consultancy the Trust has just received a number of grants including one for £25,000 from the Underwood Trust towards wildflower planting and a Bee Route along the canal’s line. On the canal itself, detailed plans for a bridge over the canal at Chaddington (Binknoll) Lane have been submitted to Wiltshire Council. Once approved, fundraising can begin, increasing the navigable length at Studley Grange.
December saw the resumption of our ever-popular Santa trips. Despite the continuing blockade of the canal by a landowner at Westleaze, our shorter “Dragonfly experience” trips proved well suited to young families. We ran up to six trips a day over some 11 days, giving great pleasure to over 500 adults and children and raising some £2,800 for the Trust. Many other changes occurred towards the end of 2021; several Branches acquired new Chairs – much to the relief of the retiring ones, in case you were wondering! Our Back to Business (B2B) group produced a comprehensive and detailed strategy document covering all our 70 miles and our Signage group is in the process of replacing most of our existing information boards, bringing them up to date. One of our Trustees, John Henn, is putting together a series of podcasts – keep an eye on our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/wiltsberkscanal - to see what they are and when you can see them. Our social media presence continues to grow. We have resumed activity on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and our Facebook page has increased its followers to almost 6,000. Our work parties constantly engage with passers-by and we have created a business card to hand to those interested. Onwards & upwards! Chris Barry Comms Secretary, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
36 Future Events Boat trips will restart on Saturday, March 26th 2022 Shortened trips will run at weekends, and Wednesdays during school holidays, from 10.30 am - 4pm at halfhourly intervals. To book, call (but do not text) the boat team on 07401 220076 or preferably email boat.bookings@wbct.org.uk. For details of where to come please visit https://www.wbct.org.uk/enjoydiscover/take-a-boat-trip-with-us . We very much hope we shall be able to resume our usual trips once the blockade has been lifted.
London Region South London Branch We are delighted that now the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the committee has decided to return to having in-person social meetings. A large selection of second hand and pre-loved books are available to buy, and refreshments and homemade cake are available to purchase during the break,
Future Events Wed 9th Mar, 7.30pm: Social meeting and talk by Mick Taylor – “Water and Disputes” A talk about the historical aspects of the River Wandle, and the changing face of the River from its tributaries. Wed 13th Apr, Speaker TBC Wed 11th May, Speaker TBC 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
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Canalway Cavalcade IWA CANALWAY CAVALCADE 2022 FREE ADMISSION BOATS / FOOD / DRINK / MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT / CRAFTS / FAMILY FUN After a two year absence we’re so excited to be welcoming you back to Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice. This iconic venue has been hosting the event since 1983 and will be transformed once again by over a hundred colourfully dressed boats, live music, refreshments, craft stalls and plenty of family fun for all to enjoy. This vibrant festival is one of the biggest and brightest events in the nation’s waterways calendar and a firm favourite with visitors. Organised by volunteers from The Inland Waterways Association (IWA), the event takes place over May Day Bank Holiday weekend – 30th April to 2nd May - at Little Venice in Paddington. There is a packed programme of events both on and off the water including a pageant of decorated boats on Saturday; boat handling competitions; an evening procession of illuminated boats on Sunday and a parade of historic and working boats on Bank Holiday Monday. Younger visitors can try their hand at kayaking, visit a Teddy Bear’s Picnic or watch a traditional Punch & Judy show in Rembrandt Gardens. Opening Times: Saturday 30th April Sunday 1st May Monday 2nd May
10 – 6pm 10 – 6pm and 9pm – 10.30pm 10 – 5pm
For more details of what’s on, timings, how to get there, how to book in your boat, plus a full listing of food & drink, craft and other stalls, please visit the website: www.waterways.org.uk/cavalcade. Follow us on Facebook (search for IWA Canalway Cavalcade) or use #canalwaycavalcade on Twitter and Instagram.
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CANALWAY CAVALCADE NEEDS YOU! To all our wonderful volunteers and those who have always wanted to get involved but haven’t yet had the chance. Come and join the fantastic team of volunteers who organise one of the most successful and best attended inland waterways events in the country – IWA Canalway Cavalcade. Preparing for next year we need to strengthen the team and fill some much-needed roles in the committee. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love getting stuck in and have a positive and eager “can do” attitude for the following: • Secretary • Assistant Secretary • Publicity Assistant • Social Media Manager • Commercial Assistant • Site Services Assistant All roles above require attendance at around eight committee meetings per year, and the need for general availability during the week to take on duties attributed to the role. You will of course also be required to attend the event too. For more information, or to register your interest, please contact: Christine Smith, Deputy Chairman Email: christine.smith@waterways.org.uk or phone 07774 890750 Christine Smith IWA Canalway Cavalcade
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Towpath Walks Group The Start time for all Walks is 2.30pm Normal charge: £15. Concessionary and Student rate: £10. Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £10. Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5. (Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free). Prior booking is mandatory: Please contact London Walks: 020 7624 3978 Or email them at: london@walks.com. It is Very Important to watch the IWA website - www.waterways.org.uk - or the London Walks website – www.walks.com to see if any late changes to the walk have had to be made. Towpath Walks Group are 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. Sun 20th Feb, 2.30pm: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 6th Mar, 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock. Meet Surrey Quays Sun 20th Mar, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue) Sun 3rd Apr, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Sun 17th Apr, 2.30pm: Grand Union Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Green. Meet Warwick Avenue. Sun 1st May, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Sun 15th May, 2.30pm: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 5th Jun, 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock. Meet Surrey Quays Sun 19th Jun, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue) Sun 3rd Jul, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse. Meet Mile End.
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British Canoeing Water Quality in Rivers: House of Commons, Environmental Audit Committee Report Published on 13th January 2022 the committee highlighted serious issues with the health of rivers in England: Rivers in England are in a mess. A “chemical cocktail of sewage”, agricultural waste and plastic is polluting the waters of many of the country’s rivers. Not a single river has a clean bill of health. Cleaning up our rivers is important for public health and vital to protect wildlife.” British Canoeing has contributed to these findings and gave oral evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee in May 2021. The report lists a wide range of actions to clean up rivers. River Bourne, Chertsey Meads The conditions recently seen on the River Bourne at Chertsey Meads with fallen trees trapping plastic and other litter in a slurry of foul water illustrates a not uncommon sighting. Abbey River – Unauthorised dam and update This River Thames side stream between Penton Hook and Chertsey Weir pool is a popular route with paddlers. In July 2018 an unauthorised dam constructed by a landowner obstructed the river that has a public right of navigation. Reported to EA Waterways it was removed by contractors in October 2019 with the proviso if it was rebuilt to First Dam at Ferry Lane, Chertsey advise the Agency. A second unauthorised more substantial dam was installed in June 2020. It has been reported to EA Waterways and Thames Navigation Users Forum several times since for removal. Without consent and in contravention of the River Thames Conservancy Act 1932, enforcement by the Agency is still awaited. Kevin East British Canoeing, Waterways and Environment Project Officer
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Floating Pennywort Floating Pennywort is an invasive nonnative plant which is smothering plants and aquatic life in our rivers and streams. Members of British Canoeing have been organising several days on the River Wey and Mole (both of which join the River Thames) to help combat this plant. I visited them recently near the River Mole and witnessed first hand the amount of Floating Pennywort they are able to remove in a few hours. Once the plant has been lifted onto the riverbank it is allowed to decompose naturally and any insects etc. can make their way back to the water.
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Mikron Theatre Group
Small Scale on a Big Scale Multi-award-winning Mikron was founded in 1972, and 2022 marks Mikron’s 50th year of bringing professional theatre to your doorstep. Mikron is the UK’s most prolific theatre company, touring to over 120 venues per year. We tour on our narrowboat, Tyseley, in the summer and by road in spring and autumn, to every conceivable type of venue, reaching audiences that other companies cannot. We have 2 new shows for this year:
Raising Agents: 100 years of the WI
Join us for our brand new revival! On the threshold of one century into the next, this tale of hobbyists and lobbyists asks how much we should know our past or how much we should let go of it. Above all else, like the WI itself, Raising Agents is a story of friendship.
Red Sky at Night: The wild and wonderful world of weather
The weather is changing. And Hayley must tell the world, hold onto her brolly and her microphone, and walk into the eye of the storm. Bring your anorak. And maybe your factor 50. Well, you never know. Please visit our website for the Tour Dates. More dates are being added all the time.
The Inland Waterways Association Chesham Staff Phil Hornsey Chief Executive Officer extn 609 Tracy Higgin Administration Manager Day-to-day running of the Head Office at Chesham.
extn 601
Rachel Bryant Membership
extn 600
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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: Malcolm Hasler 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: Ian Lindsay Tel: 07889 070623 Email: ian.lindsay@waterways.org.uk Secretary: Robin Williams Tel: 07490 454260 Email: robin.williams@waterways.org.uk Treasurer: Roger Badger Webmaster: Robin Williams
Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: tba Non Committee Responsibilities
Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper Next issue: Summer Copy date: 29th April 2022 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
Join our heritage team However much time or experience you have, you can help save waterways heritage by volunteering with us. If you already spend time near a waterway, share your heritage finds with us. Or you can help campaign for heritage features under threat from home.
find out more online Whether you have heritage expertise - or just an interest and a camera - you can help save waterways heritage.
waterways.org.uk/heritage The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Company registration number 612245. Charity registration number 212342. Registered office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Photo © Kevin Maslin.
