Summer 2021
Newsletter of Guildford & Reading Kent & East Sussex and Oxfordshire Branches
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Index Basingstoke Canal Society
John Pinkerton Focus on Accessible Boating Association
Page: 5
Page: 9 Page: 10
Byfleet Boat Club
Page: 11
Canal & River Trust
Page: 38
Guildford & Reading Branch
Page: 5
IWA Chesham
Page: 41
Kent & Sussex Branch – IWAKES
River Adur Dartford & Crayford Navigation River Medway Thames & Medway Canal Association Sussex Ouse Kentish Stour Future Events
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
Page: 24
Page: 31
Page: 11
Newbury Reading Crofton Beam Engines
London Region
Page: 36
Maidenhead
Page: 15
Mikron Theatre Group
Page: 40
Oxfordshire Branch Banbury Canal Partnership
Page: 32 Page: 33
Region Chair Report
Page: 3
River Thames
Page: 23
River Wey & Godalming Navigations
Page: 20
National Trust Future Events
Salisbury Group Future Events
Southampton Canal Society
Page: 4 Page: 4
Page: 17
Future Events
South London
Page: 37
Towpath Walks
Page: 37
Wey & Arun Canal Trust
Page: 20
Future Events
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Future Events
Page: 27
Page: 34
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Editorial I am writing this while on holiday in North Yorkshire – quite different to Surrey, a lovely wild place but with not many canals or rivers close by. Also, mobile signals are poor making &DUJRHV exceedingly difficult to edit! Once we get back we are looking to get away on The Thames on our boat (with a new water hose….). Although at least the Government is keeping red diesel for boaters. I am sure you are all very pleased restrictions are slowly lifting and we can get back to using the waterways how they are supposed to be used. This issue of Cargoes includes events which are likely to go ahead. Boat trips are beginning to start again, although with reduced numbers. Hire boats are out and we can go to pubs and cafés - and not just for a takeaway. Enjoy the Summer. Chris Jones – Editor
From the Region Chair The IWA celebrates its seventy – fifth anniversary this year and I was wondering what your local waterway looked like then. Was it derelict and full of rubbish, or a definite no-go area defined by graffiti and anti-social behaviour? I can remember runner beans growing across the bed of the canal and cars in the bottom of the lock. When we consider what the IWA has achieved over those seventy-five years it is useful to compare contemporary maps with Pre-restoration of Lock 1 on the Basingstoke current ones. What an achievement! The Canal. Courtesy Dieter Jebens IWA captured the indignation of local communities and enthusiasts who saw our heritage disappearing amidst complacency combined with downright hostility in some areas. In the South East Region the IWA has continued to support restoration groups with expertise and muscle power. The Wey and Arun is a great example of the sheer dogged determination, planning and money needed to restore 100 metres of waterway with WRG Forestry playing a pivotal role in opening up choked channels and the Trust beavering away behind the scenes to make things happen. The influence of the IWA is hard to quantify across the South East, with Trusts and Societies using the resources of the IWA to plan and run events, trip boats and policy. The original great spirit of pioneering is alive and well on waterways currently under restoration and we need to re-capture that energy on the Cover Photo: Approaching Fleet Rd Bridge, Basingstoke Canal
Verna Smith
4 restored ones. What can be achieved in the next five years across the system? How can we capture the new-found delight in being by water amongst the local population? As ever, people will rise to the challenges to make sure that our grandchildren can look back with amazement at our achievements. Just as we are doing now. So, enough of looking back, we have been asked to think about some 75 th celebrations in our patch but I am clean out of ideas. If you have any suggestions, please contact me. Also, please check the IWA local and national websites for late news on this. In the meantime we can look forward to the special display at the Waterways Festival near Worcester over the August Bank holiday. On another note, walking along the Basingstoke Canal recently after a heavy night’s rain I took these photos:
:KDW¶V P\ DLUdraft?
I think it may be WLJKW«
Yep!!
Verna Smith
Salisbury Group Our Salisbury Correspondent, Myra Glover writes: Hopefully meetings will be able to commence towards the end of 2021. The Salisbury Group will aim to meet on the third Thursday of October, November, January & February whenever it is permitted and safe to do so. Regular members will be kept up to date by email. If there is anyone within travelling distance of Salisbury who is interested in joining our friendly group then please get in touch with Ron & Myra Glover. glover.3@btinternet.com. Myra Glover
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Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman The branch committee managed a face-to-face meeting last month in a useful car park near Wisley. John and Chris Jones provided freshly brewed drinks on their camp stove, (after they had warmed up the gas cylinder!) a porta loo and cake. Luxury indeed. It was great to see each other again. We debated the pros and cons of taking the sales stand to our usual events if they went ahead, as some sites are very tight, and we were uncomfortable with the possible risks that might entail. We do expect to be at the Guildford Water Festival assuming the National Trust goes ahead with this. Newbury, we understand, has been postponed until next year. Other than that, there is little to report. Verna Smith (acting Chair)
Sales & Publicity Stand As Verna has mentioned, due to ongoing restrictions we are unlikely to attend many events this year. We have to consider the space available and our ability to stay safe. It is possible we will attend the Wey River Festival in September. Please let us know if you may be able to help on our stand. Our email address is chris.jones@waterways.org.uk The Sales Team
Basingstoke Canal Society New moorings, Campaign success, and Research Results for the Basingstoke Canal Society Fundraising Campaign Success We are very pleased to have reached our £20,000 target set for 15 information boards to be installed along the navigable length of our 32-mile waterway. We are working with the Basingstoke Canal Authority to install the boards, which will follow its prescribed design guidance and will be “lectern” style and A1 in size. Fifteen locations agreed with the BCA include Crookham Wharf car park, Eelmoor Bridge, Ash Lock Cottage, Ash Wharf, Frimley Lodge Park, Lock 15, Pirbright Road Bridge and Horsell Common, Monument Road Bridge. Installation of the boards will start in late spring and continue through the year.
6 Research Results Inform our Vision We recently commissioned a survey of canal users with the help of volunteer and experienced market researcher Ruth Hinton. This was a very helpful piece of work and we carried the survey in our bulletin and on our Facebook page. We had a very good response with the results reflecting a broad spread of canal users. Roughly a third of respondents were non-members, a third were relatively new members of two years standing, and the final third were longer-term members of over two years. The results have been collated and will inform our work going forward in terms of confirming what is important to canal users. Pleasingly, we seem to have been on the right track all along, but the survey will certainly help us to prioritise what is important to canal users. So what did the survey tell us? Firstly 84% of respondents live within five miles of the canal, and while acknowledging the limited travel under Covid 19, our prime audience is clearly the local people along the “canal corridor”. Why do people come to the canal? The top reasons for choosing the canal over other outdoor places was the pleasure of being by the water (96%), pleasant views and scenery (95%), it being a quiet and peaceful area (87%) and because of the variety of attractive wildlife (77%). It is also chosen over other outdoor places for being convenient (85%) and because it is free to visit (82%). What are people’s feelings about the canal? The chart below details feedback from members which clearly shows the importance to everyone of “Keeping the Canal Alive” (98% support) with similar messages in terms of “Promoting the Future of the Canal” and “Preserving the History of the Canal”. The importance of Leisure and Protecting plants and wildlife is also very important.
And in terms of what people want, feedback is that members want to hear about improvements (82%), History (79%) and again Wildlife and Plants – with the punchline that 39% are interested in finding out how to get involved and support the Society. Good news!
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With our wish to increase membership, the feedback on how people feel about being a member tells us there is a very clear message members wish to support the Canal with comments such as “Proud to contribute to a good cause”, “Informed” and “Part of a Community”. This reinforces the theme of “Keeping the Canal Alive”.
What does this mean in terms of the next steps? The survey reinforces the canal society’s objectives of “protecting this navigable waterway for both present and future generations through involving the local community”. Pleasingly, the survey confirms that we are broadly on track – but it will help us ensure that we are focussed on what is important to the users of the canal, walkers, cyclists, boats, etc. Certainly, through ensuring continued boating on the canal we will protect the history and culture of the canal. Backing this, leisure and health and wellbeing are vital, as are the economic benefits these bring. Most important also is our focus on environmental issues including the plants and wildlife.
8 Clearly there is lots that we want to do and we will keep you advised on our plans and learning points from the survey. In the meantime, current projects include the Information Boards, and our Facebook page regularly has stories on plants and wildlife. Work is also almost finished on additional moorings at Holland Moorings, Farnborough, which will bring more boats to the canal (more follows). Going forward we plan to have a website for members which will give access to a whole range of history and wildlife articles. As for day-to-day work, on an ongoing basis our work parties continue to help keep the towpath tidy (nature doesn’t stop growing during lockdown!), our lengthsmen regularly walk their local stretch, and lots of work goes on behind the scenes to support and raise the profile with local councils – quite simply, in a normal year, volunteers help with around 3,500 volunteer days. Holland Moorings, Farnborough, Work Party At the time of going to print, the weekend working party is expected to have finished the Holland Moorings in Farnborough, which will allow more boats to moor there with the arising income to go to the Basingstoke Canal Authority. Work was held up due to environmental concerns, before Covid-19 halted work. However, work restarted in October and our team were allowed to continue working during the 2021 lockdown, albeit as a very restricted team on a construction project. Six team members, working in two groups of three allowed one group to install the large mooring poles and the other to install the access ramps. Completed at the end of February and moving on to the landscaping, the team has levelled the pathway along the side of the mooring and linked this with a wheelchair accessible ramp and path down beside the slipway. The party has also started work on the car park, with 40 tons of road stone being used over the weekend. Final tasks include finishing the car park resurfacing and then contouring and seeding the site.
9 First Canal Watch Patrols Step Out The first Canal Watch patrols took place earlier this month with volunteers from The Basingstoke Canal Society joining forces with Surrey Police’s Local Neighbourhood Policing Team, Neighbourhood Watch and Woking Borough Council to provide a presence along the Woking stretch of the canal towpath. The first of initiative of its kind in the south of England, volunteers wear highly visible marked tabards to make sure those using the towpath feel as safe as possible following a number of sexual exposures and reports of antisocial behaviour. Ian Moore, our long-time member and volunteer from Woking says Canal Watch is really important for the local community, adding: "I've been involved with helping to maintain and look after the canal and I'm delighted to be involved in this initiative. The canal corridor has, especially over the past year, become a welcoming environment for many people to walk, cycle and be with nature on. This brilliant collaborative effort by the community, will help to ensure that the canal remains this way for all to enjoy.” Lisa Taylor
Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II and Kitty Boat Trip News Public trips are now open for booking on .LWW\ in Woking and -RKQ 3LQNHUWRQ ,, in Odiham from the week beginning 21st June. public trips will be running on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as on Fridays until 16 th September. -RKQ 3LQNHUWRQ ,, public trips are on Wednesdays and Sundays. Private charter trips on both boats can be booked from the 17th May but these will be restricted until June 21st to a maximum of two households or 6 persons. Full details are on the booking site. All trips are crewed by trained volunteers who are passionate about the canal and all proceeds go towards maintaining and enhancing the canal for all to enjoy. NB. All our boat trips are subject to confirmation of lifting of restrictions. Please check the latest news for more information.
Future Events We’ll be starting theme trips on the -RKQ 3LQNHUWRQ from June this year as government restrictions allow. Fri 25th Jun: The “Burgundy Boaters” Jazz band providing traditional entertainment with a selection of ales and a fish and chip supper as we cruise the canal to Winchfield (Barley Mow)
10 Wed 7th July: Our ever popular cream tea cruise makes a welcome return. Scones and clotted cream with tea / /coffee all served on china tea service. Our pianist plays traditional favourites to give a thoroughly relaxing afternoon cruise. Fri 16th July: Join us for a Spanish Tapas cruise Tue 20th July: Ramble and Cruise trip (Ramble up to Barley Mow with Ploughman’s lunch on the return cruise (or the other way round ). Fri 23rd July: A new innovation for this year is our “Grand café” afternoon tea cruise with finger sandwiches, cakes and delicacies served with Prosecco in addition to a selection of teas and fresh ground coffee. Other theme cruises for August and September will be announced later. 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. Trips from Mytchett: Boat trips on board our friendly 12-seater boat 5RVHEXG 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 COVID 19 UPDATE – We hope to see you soon We’ve got everything crossed that if restrictions continue to ease, then we’ll be back cruising from week commencing 21st June 2021. For smaller groups of up to 6 people or two families an earlier trip might be an option. We’re getting the boats ready, making them look really ship shape and all our crews are looking forward to getting back on the water. If you would like to make a booking, register your interest, or talk to us about a small group booking, then please ring our bookings line on 07934 926683. 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: 0DGDP %XWWHUIO\ is a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat and 'DZQ 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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Byfleet Boat Club The Covid 19 restrictions have meant that almost all of our club’s activities in 2020 and the start of 2021 have been cancelled. However, the use of Zoom has meant that the club members have stayed connected and we have managed to attract some excellent speakers to give presentations to the club. Amongst the best of these are an excellent presentation from the Wey & Arun Trust about their work restoring the Wey & Arun Canal and a fantastic and highly informative talk about birds along the River Wey throughout the year given by the Guildford branch leader for the RSPB. As the 2021 season starts we are looking to resume our normal activities including local events along the River Wey with BBQs, games and trips along the River Thames. We also have a full social calendar including a major “Welcome Back to Boating” event in July at our Clubhouse in West Byfleet to allow our members to re-connect in person, meet some recent members and hopefully attract new members. We are busy pulling together some Covid 19 protocols to allow us to restart our annual Boat Hiring each weekend in the summer. This provides an opportunity for anyone in the area to come and hire a rowing boat and try their hand rowing or sometimes just drifting, although there is a small current so some rowing is required! Information about the club and events can be found on our website at www.byfleetboatclub.com. Brian Clarke (Commodore)
Kennet & Avon Canal News Newbury Branch
Due to Covid, -XELOHH was unable to operate at all last season and we missed our boating friends and social contact. However, with the vaccination roll-out and lockdown easing there is light at the end of the tunnel. There remain many uncertainties and being a narrowboat has presented an added challenge in trying to
12 work out how many passengers we could actually take on board whilst complying with the Government guidelines. At the time of writing this in April we expect summer 2021 will see -XELOHH operating “Boat of 6” trips (one group of up to 6 people for our 75 min. trip along the canal through Newbury, out to Northcroft and return). It is really a sort of mini private charter that means we can have the crew we need and welcome some passengers on board to see what the waterway through Newbury is all about. These trips started on 20th May, running on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12.00 noon and 2.30pm. Priced at £40, advance online booking is essential. Other days and times may be available by arrangement. Our big hope is that as the summer progresses and guidelines relax further, we will be able to increase passenger numbers on board so fingers crossed! The only cloud on our boating horizon, has been that sadly given the ongoing uncertainties we have had to postpone the Newbury Waterways Festival for another year. We now hope to hold the event on 3rd July next year. Roll on summer 2022! Perhaps we will see some of you in Newbury over the summer. We would love to welcome you on board -XELOHH, but in any event, enjoy your time around our beautiful waterways and keep safe and well. Sarah Foley
Reading Branch Chairman’s Report Hello, hope you are all keeping well. With Covid 19 numbers reducing and vaccinations increasing it looks like we might hopefully get towards a more open and sociable summer. As I write we are planning for a (lighter touch than usual) Reading Rescue (Rivers and Environmental Spaces Clean Up) event. This is an event headed by Connect Reading and sponsored by Thames Water. This happens over the 1st week of May and the Kennet and Avon Trust volunteers are planning to use 0DWLOGD on the Thursday to retrieve floating debris and to scour the towpath on the Saturday. Sustrans have been looking to opening up the towpaths for cycles. They have removed the gate restrictions at Waterloo meadows, Fobney Lock and the Southern Railway bridge, (cunningly called the “Avon and Kennet Railway Bridge” by Network Rail). Unfortunately, this has seen an increase in motor bike riders (and now Quad bikes as well) speeding down the towpath and Open and high-speed towpath endangering other users. The Police and CRT have been informed (regularly!). In discussions with the police, it appears that this opening up of the bike restrictions makes catching the miscreants and safeguarding the public very challenging due to the route options now available to the bikers. I have spoken to Reading Borough
13 Council officers and they tell me this exercise is a trial and should be reviewed in light of this misuse. If anyone has witnessed the motorbike exploits, please report to the police as the riders are dangerous and are breaking the law. Over recent weeks the water flow has reduced and some boat activity has begun. We have seen “2]]LH the fuel boat” for the first time this year and a number of ABC hire boats have ventured Open and high-speed towpath passed. Having spoken to several of the hirers it appears they are told by the boat yard not to stop in Reading due to lack of friendly mooring or facilities which is definitely a short-sighted approach by RBC. The Environment Agency has brought on-line a new monitoring station to replace the one at Theale. I’m told this is not yet fully functional but is reporting levels and should be fully functional by the middle of the year. We were involved in some of the recent Reading Gaol discussions, and it was roundly agreed by the participance of the (Virtual) meeting that IF RBC’s Reading Gaol plans go ahead to enhance the leisure offering at the Abbey / Forbury area a strong link with the navigation is essential. We are working to define and plan what can be done to improve the “1st Mile”. We are starting to define the work schedule for the renovation of the Aldermaston Toll Office / Washroom in the grounds of the Trusts Tea rooms. The Reading Water Fest 2021 is planned for the 19th June. Plans are advancing to make a covid secure event using the EventBrite system to manage the attendees safely. This year is the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey (and 30+1 anniversary of the re-opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal). You can keep up to date with plans using the Events Facebook pages “Reading Water Fest”. The K&A Reading Branch continues to stage online meetings. On Tue 20th April we had a talk headed by Fabian Hiscock of The Narrowboat Trust with a number of colleagues chipping in to give a fascinating story of the Trust which this year (2021) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Our May meeting will include the GM agenda and feature the Trust’s Chairman presenting the Trusts new vision and strategy. Fobney Lock with Swans If anyone would like to join, please let us know and we can provide the link. You can look for us on Facebook (Kennet and Avon Canal Trust - Reading Branch) for most up to date information. If you would like to sit in on the planned presentations, please contact me. Keep Well, Stay Safe, Test Safe Graham Puddephatt Chair.reading@katrust.org
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Future Event Sat 19th Jun: Reading Water Fest Celebrating 900th Anniversary of Reading Abbey The regular winter meetings will hopefully be restarting in September. You can keep up to date on the branch’s Facebook page (Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (Reading Branch)), or the trust’s web page https://katrust.org.uk/reading-branch/. 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 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)
Crofton Beam Engines Future Events We are following current Government Guidance for visitor attractions and planning to OPEN 22nd May 2021. Please check our website regularly for the latest information and updates.
River Wey &Godalming Navigations There has been more traffic on the river with the easing of lockdown. Day and weekly hire boats and local and visiting private boats have all been in evidence. The National Trust has now introduced new mooring and licencing software which will accept direct debit and BACS payments and will shortly be able to take debit and credit card payments. The Trust has been obliged to limit the opening hours of the offices at Dapdune but staff should be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Due to the financial challenges of the last year it has been necessary to reduce the number of staff in the administration team. The Trust has managed to sustain the maintenance effort required for the navigations and has acknowledged the support of river users during lockdown by not increasing licencing and mooring fees this year. Mike Lewis G&R River Wey Representative.
15 Pollution Incident on the River Wey I was working on my boat, moored downstream of Guildford, on 22nd April when I became aware of a smell of diesel and saw a film floating on the water's surface. Apparently, this was the result of the overnight theft of fuel from the Arriva bus depot in Leas Road which backs onto the river. It is reported that thieves used a pipe to a vehicle on the other side of the river and that 14,000 litres of fuel were stolen. The National Trust closed the river between Millmead and Bowers and the Environment Agency set up a boom to contain the pollution at Stoke Mill. There are no reports of damage to wildlife. Diesel fuel floating on the water's surface has effects beyond damage to the environment. Because of the prevailing wind, and the way my boat lies at its mooring, floating debris and oil tend to gather between the boat and the bank. The oil has dissolved the bitumen on the waterline and over time has significantly contributed to rusting of the surface of the hull. Photos Courtesy: Surrey Life & EA Mike Lewis G&R River Wey Representative.
Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group Fingers crossed, we are finally free from lockdowns to once again resume normal life..!! A new normal perhaps, but definitely a time to get out once more on and by the water.
16 Maidenhead Waterways (MW) activities since the last report have been limited to Zoom meetings plus some essential clearance of fallen trees, that left alone would have blocked the feeder channels and threatened the water supply to the restored town centre waterway. Channel clearance is an essential and the new
Green Lane weir, boat rollers, fish and eel pass are already proving their worth, holding up water levels throughout the restored channels in the town centre but also handling the excess flows during a sustained period of heavy rainfall and high river levels along the Thames. Lower flow rates are directed via a short flow notch and cascade, while high flows spill over the entire length of the weir crest.
Whilst MW’s activities have been restricted, Shanly Homes is racing ahead with the final phase of its Chapel Arches development in the town centre, set around the restored waterway. A second water basin and enlarged channel - per the waterways planning consent - has been built and now filled on the north of the main road bridge, providing the final link in
17 the restored York Stream arm of the waterway. During construction the flow had been piped and pumped through the site, while the already completed up and downstream channels awaited. The final clearance and filling of the basin to full depth was fun to watch and surprisingly quick. Richard Davenport Chairman
Southampton Canal Society Drink Sea Water to save chalk streams. More than half a million people will drink treated seawater under plans to build a giant desalination plant to help to protect prized chalk streams where the sport of fly-fishing was invented. Chalk streams have been compared to rainforests because there are only about 200 globally and 85 per cent are found in England. The Test and the Itchen in Hampshire are two of the finest and anglers from around the world pay up to £350 a day to fish for trout, salmon and grayling in their normally gin-clear waters. The rivers are threatened by excessive abstraction for drinking water, especially during droughts, which are predicted to become more frequent because of climate change. Abstraction can rob the rivers of the strong flow needed for salmon and trout to migrate upriver to spawn. It also reduces weeds, which keep the rivers healthy, and means fertiliser and other chemicals that leak into the water from farms are less diluted and therefore more harmful. The Environment Agency ordered Southern Water to reduce how much water it takes from the rivers. The company has responded with plans to build a £600 million desalination plant by 2027 that would take seawater from the Solent to produce up to 75 million litres of drinking water a day. Desalination plants are increasingly common in countries at risk of water shortages, including Australia, Israel and Saudi Arabia, but the UK has only one at present, in Beckton, east London. It is used only occasionally, as a back-up, unlike Southern Water’s plant which would operate all year round, normally producing about 15 million litres a day but increasing output in a drought. The plans were welcomed by the Test & Itchen Association, which represents landowners with fishing rights on the rivers, but were strongly opposed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust because of the threat to marine wildlife from the concentrated brine that would be discharged back into the Solent. The trust said the increased salinity could cause algal blooms and other effects that
18 would threaten the recovery of native oysters and damage seagrass, which stores carbon and is a breeding ground for sea bass, cuttlefish and spider crab. In a letter to Southern Water seen by The Times, the trust said: “We feel strongly that there are significant risks to protected habitats and species. The Solent is already stressed and the unfavourable condition of its protected habitats such as seagrass has been attributed, in great part, to the impacts of poor water quality”.ଳ It urged the company to do more to fix leaks and to invest in water treatment plants that allow wastewater to be turned into drinking water. Julian Lewis, the local Conservative MP, also opposes the plant, saying that a planned reservoir at Havant Thicket near Portsmouth could meet the shortfall in water at a fraction of the cost and without the environmental impact. Dr Mike Keil, of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “The enormous pressure on water resources in the south and east of England demands urgent attention but a desalination plant carries with it substantial costs both for customers and the environment. The company has a good record on reducing leakage and personal consumption of water but it still needs to make clear to customers why this is the right solution and will provide alue fo money.ଳ” Southe Water said it planned to halve leakage by 2050 “but large solutions are also needed to make up the shortfallଳ and the desalination plant was its ଲpreferred solution”. Photo Courtesy: thegreenage.co.uk The Times 1st May 2021 Star Ferry – Hong Kong One of my favourite things to do in Hong Kong is to take the famous Star Ferry, which has gone back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island across the famous Victoria Harbour for more than 120 years. The Star Ferry has been a part of the Hong Kong transport network since 1888 when a Parsee cook called Dorabjee Noarojee Mithaiwala decided to branch out from cooking to transporting people and goods across the harbour. The trip would take between 40 minutes to an hour in those days and early photographs show the coalfired, steam-driven vessels and the rudimentary matt shed for the passengers on the dockside at either end.
19 When Mr Dorabjee started the ferry network, it was called the Kowloon Ferry Company. Then, 10 years later, it was bought by an Armenian trader called Catchick Paul Chater, later Sir Paul. He was behind many of the big companies that still exist in Hong Kong and also pushed reclamation plans –as much of Hong Kong Island is very hilly. So the reclamation went out at various stages into the harbour though, thankfully, they’ve stopped it in recent years otherwise there wouldn’t be much of a harbour left. Paul Chater changed the name to the Star Ferry Company and introduced the vessels that still have a similar shape and style today. Initially they were single deck, then two decks, and women in the early years travelled separately. They are green and cream and travel from Kowloon to two destinations on Hong Kong Island. There’s Central, more the business district, and Wan Chai – traditionally a pub and nightclub area where Suzie Wong hung out at the 1930s waterfront Luk Kwok Hotel in the book of the same name. These days the trip only takes about 10 minutes. The vessels are open at the windows, and are fitted with wooden seat backs that you can flip back or forward depending on which way you are travelling when you go and sit down. The Star Ferry vessels started out as coal-fired steam engine ferries, which later became diesel engines. The ferries still have the same names of the first-generation ferries of Chater’s time, including the Morning Star. Last year, the Morning Star took six months off from the harbour run to be made more environmental and in July was relaunched with a dieselelectric propulsion system. At about 25 pence, yes really, it¶s not only one of the best ways to see the illuminated skyline around the harbour at night, and the other boat traffic, it is also a very cheap ride. Annemarie Evans With thanks to the Southampton Canal Society
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Future Events All meeting and events are in abeyance due to COVID 19 restrictions. Please visit our website for up to date information. 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 Talks group goes online to entertain during lockdown While most of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers have been on a break during lockdown, one group is seeing demand for their services increase. The talks team have been giving online presentations throughout the pandemic as groups and clubs have turned to virtual meetings instead of face to face gatherings. Zoom technology means they can broadcast their presentations across the UK and the team have been entertaining clubs and groups as well as other Canal Trusts as a result. Talks include the history of the canal and its restoration, as well as the vision for its future, and can include a Q&A session. Anyone wanting to request a speaker for a club or group can go to the Trust’s website, www.weyandarun.co.uk. Explore the West Sussex countryside and help the Wey & Arun Canal Trust The Wey & Arun Canal Trust will be holding its 48th annual sponsored walk, dubbed The Poodle, on Sunday June 6th. The event is open to both members and non-members (and well-behaved dogs) and is one of the charity’s most important fundraisers of the year, with proceeds going towards pushing ahead with future restoration projects and current towpath maintenance.
21 This year’s route will take in the scenic West Sussex countryside and canal. The 12-mile walk around Loxwood and Plaistow will begin from the North Hall, Loxwood, and take walkers along the canal as far as Brewhurst Lock and then through countryside and woodland to Winterton Hall in Plaistow. The afternoon route follows paths north of Plaistow and back to the canal at Bonfire Hanger, returning to North Hall, Loxwood. Walkers can do either morning or afternoon sessions, or both. The usual format is that lunch is provided, along with refreshment stops along the route, and at the time of writing plans for this remain in place. To take part, just register online at https://weyarun.org.uk/events65 and download a sponsor form. If you enter as a team and raise more than £200 sponsorship (minimum £20 each) funds can be split equally with another charity or organisation of your choosing. If walking isn’t for you, you can also support the Wey & Arun Canal Trust by making a donation online or helping on the day as a marshal or on a refreshment point. For more information, go to www.weyandarun.co.uk. Photos: Dave Verrall Gill Davies Photography Competition: Calling all photographers! Here’s your chance to get your work recognised by appearing in our 2022 calendar. We’re looking for your best shots of the canal, whether it’s stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, boats or paddlers, or simply people enjoying all the Wey & Arun can offer. The competition is free to enter (a donation is appreciated) and is open to all ages (see T&Cs). Entries must be received by midnight on June 18th 2021. Photos must be in landscape format and at least 2400 pixels across and 1800 pixels high (4000 by 2500 would be preferable). A maximum of 8 images may be entered per applicant. If possible include the area of the canal photographed and which season. Please upload your entries to: https://ringsoftcloud.egnyte.com/ul/bdkZxYbqod. Or email to: photo_comp@weyandarun.co.uk. Gill Davies
22 Apprenticeship first for Wey & Arun Canal Trust The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has become the first independent canal trust in the UK to take on a Water Environment Worker apprentice. Nineteen-year-old Adam Rayner has begun work at the Trust on the level 3 apprenticeship, run in tandem with Bridgwater & Taunton College. The course was developed by the EA, in partnership with the National Trust, the Canal and River Trust and Somerset Drainage Board in conjunction with the Canal & Rivers Trust in 2019. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust is the first independent canal trust to invest in the 18-month apprenticeship scheme. Adam will work with Trust employees and volunteers to gain on-thejob training while studying remotely and in person at the West Country college. With no shortage of projects on the go and ongoing canal maintenance tasks, Adam will receive a thorough grounding in many elements of canal restoration through the Trust, from site work, health & safety to habitat management and more. Adam said his background working with the Girlguiding and Scouting movement and interest in the outdoors made the role an appealing one. “I’m looking forward to learning many new things and being able to work with all the volunteers. The apprenticeship scheme means I get some real hands-on experience alongside my classroom work, and a professional training qualification at the end of it. The Trust has achieved so much already and I am keen to be a part of their future success.” Wey & Arun Canal Trust vice-chairman and training director Margaret Darvill said: “This is a bold move for an independent canal trust and we are really proud to have been able to offer Adam this opportunity to learn about waterway management and show how rewarding canal restoration can be. The Trust already employs two full-time maintenance and restoration staff and so we are well placed to take on an apprentice, offering on-the-job training alongside structured college-based learning.” "It is a particularly exciting time for Adam to join us, too, as we have begun a major project at Tickner's Heath in Alfold
23 in Surrey, where we are constructing a road and pedestrian crossing to allow restoration of the canal there, and there are plenty of projects in the pipeline. "I'm sure he will be a real asset to the Trust and enjoy working with our volunteers to restore London’s lost route to the sea."
Future Events
Scheduled Trips Boat trips will resume from the 19th May on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm. Booking online only though our website www.weyandarun.co.uk and tickets are on sale now. We will be adding Saturday and special cruises after the 21st June when Government restrictions allow. 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 Two issues have dominated correspondence about the River Thames. Firstly, the implementation of the moorings contract by the Environment Agency with DE, their chosen contractor. The initial proposed signage drew howls of protest about the “draconian” language. The revised signs are an improvement but still contain clauses that are “unfriendly”. The second issue has been the implementation of the drinking water directive with the removal of hoses provided at water points. This has caused problems with larger vessels that have huge water tanks, taking hours to fill up and smaller craft losing hours of cruising time and sometimes losing their mooring slots as a result. As one of the last waterways to implement the directive it is surprising that lessons learnt on other waterways do not appear to have been taken on board. Boaters have complained about the poor water pressure which has been blamed on the new stop valves and the need to carry rigid hoses as the flat roll variety also cause problems. A solution has to be found. Photo Courtesy: Tony Riley
Verna Smith
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Kent & East Sussex Branch IWAKES Chairman’s Piece We were saddened to hear of the death of Roy Newing on 11th March. Roy served IWAKES wonderfully well as our Representative on the River Stour where he fought in particular to protect the right of navigation and to ensure the Environment Agency carried out proper maintenance. His enthusiasm and passion for the river rubbed off on others and we are delighted that one of Roy’s friends at Grove Ferry Boat Club, Malcolm Hasler, has volunteered to take on the role. Malcolm is well aware how difficult it will be to follow Roy in the role. He has the great advantage of good contacts at Grove Ferry and I thank him for volunteering and look forward to working with him. The Committee currently has vacancies for representatives for Northfleet Harbour and for Faversham and the Swale. If either interests you please do get in contact. Any offers of assistance however small are always greatly appreciated. I hope everybody gets the chance to enjoy the waterways to the full this year. Les Etheridge
River Adur news from Brendan Whelan Shoreham-by-Sea still has an active commercial port but, in the past, there was also a thriving shipbuilding industry which required access to the water. The River Adur runs through the town and it has changed course many times, sometimes cutting through roads and tracks. Where that happened, public “hards” were formed and used for loading/unloading boats and for launching small craft. Inevitably, over the years many “hards” fell into disuse and a high proportion were infilled or simply rendered useless. These changes were made despite both public “hards” and public slipways having legal protection. The Sussex Yacht Club (SYC) is located on an old shipyard which was used by the Stow family, over many generations, for constructing a range of boats, especially yachts. Within the site, public records show that there was access to a slipway and two “hards”. The SYC has challenged some of the information and the situation is rather confused. Currently, a “tidal wall” is being built along the side of the A259 which forms the northern boundary of the Yacht Club. Current plans make access to the water at the “hards”/slipways more difficult. Bizarrely, the local council put changes, to the route from the road to the water, in place and then asked for objections! As one would expect, the situation is complex because of the number of
25 official bodies involved, there may be financial implications should the work be delayed and each group involved has its own agenda. The IWA has formally objected to the restricted access and the Shoreham Slipways Group (SSG) has raised similar concerns. At the time of writing, both Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council are trying to arrange a compromise that will be acceptable to all parties. In the meantime, both the IWA and the SSG are working to gather more local support for keeping clear and unfettered access to the River Adur. Whilst the slipway and “hards” in question will never be used by large boats they are of use to canoeists and stand-on-boarders as well as maintaining an open view of the river for pedestrians.
Dartford & Crayford Navigation news from Brian Franklin The foot of the slipway (being built by Weston Homes under a Section 106 agreement) has now been cleared of the bund that had been put in place whilst the concrete was poured, and has been tapered into the river bed. There is still some hope of the top part of the slipway being concreted to adjoin the existing footpath to give almost perfect vehicular access. A lamp standard that was reducing the available width of the slipway has been moved back by about 12-18 inches improving the access for larger trailers. Our stalwart “lengthsman” Hugh has continued to keep the area around the lock tidy and attractive for visitors. We continue to keep an eye on local planning applications in the hopes of further S106 opportunities and are aware that the ASDA site that abuts the Creek is closing down and we await developments.
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River Medway news from Mike Marsh A team trying to rescue a trapped seal from the River Medway has thanked the public for their help. Volunteers from the British Diver Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) have been trying to help the mammal which was first seen in the river in Maidstone on 2nd April. Lengthy attempts have been made to rescue "Bradley” recently but with no success. It is thought the wayward seal is trapped in the Medway because it cannot negotiate the lock gates at Allington (closed since last autumn for maintenance). Rescuers say “It is not the right place for it to be. It is in no danger, apart from the danger of the world’s most dangerous animal which is the human being”. BDMLR director of the rescue operations Mark Stevens says he suspects the seal is a girl and is hanging around the Tovil slipway because it is the only inclined area. “Everywhere else, it can’t get up the bank to get out”. Food for Thought: With Covid 19 restrictions easing why not support some local businesses on the River Medway that are now opening up…. The Little Old Toll House ("The Loth" for short) is a Coffee Shop, in miniature, situated on an island in the middle of the River Medway at Allington Lock. They serve Barista Coffee, a range of teas, proper Cornish Pasties, pastries, muffins, cake and Ice cream! Presently open from Wednesday to Friday (10 am to 4 pm) and weekends (9 am to 5 pm). https://www.facebook.com/oldtollhouse The Old Boat Café is an historic 1911 former horse-drawn FMC narrowboat, fully restored and open as a floating café moored between the two bridges in Maidstone Town Centre. It opens from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch, delicious cakes, and takeaway meals. Lunch starts at 12 noon with freshly baked baguettes, proper jacket potatoes, canalman’s lunch, Moroccan summer salad and vegan or lamb pasties with homemade coleslaw. All dining is outside at present. Special occasions catered for. Preordered picnic hampers available. Bookings not always essential. theoldboatcafe@gmail.com www.facebook.com/theoldboatcafe
27 The .HQWLVK /DG\ hopes to start operating river trips again from 22nd May. Meanwhile, it has two electric boats for hire and a new open boat for river trips. The new vessel Gilly-Anne offers skippered hour-long trips from the mooring in Maidstone, pre-book only. You choose your route, either up to Farleigh or down to Allington and back. The café kiosk is open for refreshments and ice cream. To book and for more info contact the .HQWLVK /DG\ office #boattripskent http://www.kentishlady.co.uk/ Self drive: sales@hirecruisers.co.uk boattrips@kentishlady.co.uk Tel 01622 753740 Environment Agency update…. Other than at Allington Lock, the navigation is now fully open. Anchor Sluice pound levels are now reinstated. The boating facilities at Allington are very nearly finished and the shower/toilet facilities are fully operational. Town Lock (Tonbridge) facilities are being done at the moment. The dredger is working in the Sluice Weir pound removing a very large fallen tree and clearing shoals. All the locks have been greased and oiled ready for the season. At Allington Lock the head, middle and tail gates have all undergone extensive refurbishment. New GRP skins and stainless-steel brackets have been installed on all sets of lock gates. The existing middle gate cill was in worse condition than expected and has been repaired. All lock gate work has now been completed. A new system of traffic lights will be installed at both ends of the lock (red signalling to stop and green to proceed) In early April as Part Two of the Environmental Enhancement project, the first 25 fruit trees were planted on the lock sites. Delivery of the next 75 is pending. The trees were supplied by Grow Brogdale at Faversham.
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Thames & Medway Canal Association
After much lobbying of councillors and discussions with the developers JTP Properties we have had a success at the planning stage for the Albion development so should now have a continuous unbroken waterway from the road crossings each end of the site. Currently this section is completely filled in so I am pleased with the result of a waterway even if it is not yet joined up or to our requested full depth. The other planning involvement was with the Nuralite site. This resulted in approval of a redevelopment but unfortunately the canal section is too contaminated with asbestos to be excavated. The developer did however offer help to the TMCA in a number of ways even to the extent of preparing a lottery funding application should we feel it necessary to reposition the canal. We are now concentrating our efforts into getting quotations for the section from Shorne Crossing westward dug out to enable it to be used by small boats giving a 3 km stretch of navigable water. We were the fortunate recipients of a grant given to us by Village Voices, a
newsletter distributed locally to properties around the Hoo Peninsula. We also had an eBay sale of some refurbished items we were unlikely to use so together we have funds to swell our kitty for the coming year. The funding is very useful as some of our equipment needs replacing or refurbishment in one way or another and our duties have increased as more and more people use the towpath for leisure activities. Dave Parnell (Photos by Bernard Snell… David and Angela Acott litter picking The Obelisk in spring blossom)
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Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust The Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust is now back at work after a long winter of lockdown. During this period of outdoor inactivity, we have been indoor active by changing our Memorandum and Articles of Association to make them “more obviously charitable”. This was done at HMRC’s suggestion for which we are very grateful. (We are recognised by HMRC as a charity for tax purposes.) We have also commenced an application to register as a charity with the Charity Commission. Another important piece of off-site work has been our developing a new and improved website. Still early days and not yet visible but good progress is being made with the aim that it would be easily maintainable in the future by those without higher degrees in computing. Back on site we have started preparing the new area to where we’ll be moving our storage compound so that we can complete the landscaping around the lock at Isfield. This involves turning our 20 ft sea-going container into a land-based trailer. We are fortunate that one of our volunteers, Brian, is a former fishing boat builder and knows all about welding, tolerances and balance requirements. We are only moving it 75 metres but all this effort will definitely be worthwhile. We have also been looking at how to repair or replace the damaged fish ladder at the weir adjacent to the lock. Specialists in civil engineering and fish ladders are applying their minds to the matter, after which we’ll seek a partnership with EA to get the work done. The fish ladder has been in this damaged condition for a couple of years or so and is not allowing the sea trout to get above the weir to spawn in their preferred quieter waters. David Evans
Volunteer IWAKES Webmaster IWA Head Office has installed a new Website and has offered to provide training to enable the IWAKES web pages to be maintained and kept up-to-date by a volunteer member rather than Head Office. If the role of IWAKES Webmaster/Webmistress appeals to you then please contact Les Etheridge (contact details inside back page).
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Obituary Roy Newing Roy E Newing, the IWA Kent & East Sussex (IWAKES) Branch Representative for the Kentish Stour, died on 11th March 2021 following a stroke related to a heart condition. He had been busily active on the River until just weeks before his death. Roy had a lifelong interest in the Tidal Stour since he was a boy. He built a successful boatyard and marina at The Boat House, Grove Ferry, after buying the run-down site in 1970. He was a leading member of the Downstream Interests Group, an alliance of riverside commercial and leisure interests formed to champion the Public Right of Navigation on the Stour. He was also a leading member of the British Marine Industries Federation. He had comprehensive engineering skills, building not only his own tug and barge for work on the river, but also other boats and major projects for fellow boaters. For many years he and his wife ran popular passenger boats up and down the river. Roy fought several legal battles to protect the public right of navigation, presenting historic data and evidence from two Acts of Parliament authorising navigation. Roy objected at the 1982 Public Inquiry into Southern Water’s proposal to abstract from Plucks Gutter to ensure that the scheme had no effect on siltation and that obstruction caused by a gas main was ended. In 1984 he secured an agreement that no abstraction would take place below a “Hands-Off-Level”. In 2001 Roy objected to the EA over nutrients in treated effluent from May Street WWTW discharged at Grove Ferry causing heavy weed growth and consequent siltation for four miles downstream. This led to a campaign headed by Roy and IWA during the Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy process which resulted in the affected reach being designated a “Sensitive Area (Eutrophic)”. In 2003 Roy and Irene, and several boat owners from Grove Ferry took IWAKES members on a memorable boat trip on 5HQHUR\ and other craft to the Wansum Channel before giving a talk on the history of the navigation that included a picture of Thames Sailing Barges at Fordwich. He hosted the IWA National Chairman’s visit in 2004 which publicised the siltation and water quality issues. In 2012 Roy made representations, involving the Marine Management Organisation, to reduce the “river-take” of the new Sandwich Tidal Flood Defence scheme. More recently he kept oversight on obstructions to the navigation caused by painting the railway bridge and temporary bridges installed to erect high tension power lines. He leaves widow Irene, daughter Mary, son Lawrence and several grandchildren. He will be missed by all his waterway friends.
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Kentish Stour news from Malcolm Hasler It is with some trepidation and a deep respect that I attempt to pick up the challenge left in the shadow of Roy Newing. Rest in peace Roy, we will continue to do our best to protect the rights of all interested parties on the river and uphold your quest that was so hard fought for. Since being elected to the post of IWAKES’ Representative on the Kentish Stour I have been busy making initial contact with those whom I hope can guide me and advise me on the issues currently of concern, including Grove Ferry Boat Club (of which I am a member), boat owners at The Boat House and also contacts on the “Downstream Interests Group” whose interests will continue to be heard and respected. The ongoing challenge to seek the correcting of Hansard and the protection of the public right of navigation on the tidal (tidal effect) limits of the river will be continued with the long-planned site visit (delayed by Covid 19) to view the limit(s) of this tidal effect on the Kentish Stour, within the Fordwich Town jurisdiction limits, to be arranged as soon as practical and restrictions safely allow. At the time of going to print, the de-wiring works planned by the National Grid should have been completed with minimal disruption to the navigation and use of the river. Subsequently, and of greater potential concern, will be the planned removal of the two temporary bridges by the National Grid. Both will involve planned closures of the river over several days in May and June. Liaison will be maintained with all interested and affected parties as best as possible. On a positive note, and as a direct result of Roy’s persistence, the Environment Agency has used contractors to clear obstructions on the river at Westbere and Richborough. Although a “one-off” operation they are to be thanked for their assistance. Various perceived problems (common to many, if not all, rivers) due to large increased leisure usage of the river (arising mostly from Covid 19 restrictions) have raised concern in the Town of Fordwich and generally on the river. This will be monitored and discussed with all agencies involved. Please contact me through IWAKES should you have any concerns or matters you wish to discuss. You can contact me on Malcolm.Hasler@waterways.org.uk
Future IWAKES and Other Events Please check the IWAKES “Events” pages on the IWA website https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/branches/iwa-kent-eastsussex-branch/events for the latest situation. The branch is investigating the possibility of meetings in the Autumn.
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Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman At the time of writing, although lockdown is being lifted, the branch went ahead with an AGM over Zoom rather than in person. There was a good attendance with 20 members on 16 screens as some screens had 2 members. With technical support from Alex at head office we conducted the business of the AGM, had an update on IWA matters from Verna Smith the South East Regional Chair, and Paul Rogers, the National Chairman who was attending the meeting as a local branch member. Paul was kind enough to take a few questions from members too. Everyone attending then enjoyed a fascinating talk from Matt Armitage of Tooleys Boatyard on the history of the yard, their current work and their exciting plans for the future to ensure the long term preservation of the site and operation as a working boatyard. Matt accompanied his talk with a series of incredible images which hopefully inspired members to get involved with the developing opportunities to support Tooleys. Speaking of which, we are still seeking more help from members with running the Oxfordshire Branch and achieving more things particularly the monitoring of planning applications for which we need someone to volunteer to be the branch planning officer. Please get in touch if you could help out with this or anything else. The boating season looks to be starting well, so I hope that you enjoy a good summer. Photo Courtesy: Tooley’s Boatyard Ian Lindsay
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Banbury Canal Partnership Since the relaxing of the Covid 19 lockdown we have been allowed to recommence volunteer working as long as we stick rigidly to the guidelines laid down by the Government and the Canal and River Trust. This really only means us keeping to the 2 m (unless you are a couple) distance apart, plus our numbers have to be limited in any one group to 6. So on April 20th we were asked to repaint & repair two fences. The first fence runs round the whole length of the winding hole at Nell’s Bridge. This included some minor replacement of timber rails and the complete painting of the fence – see pictures. The winding hole fence at start (Nell Bridge C&RT works behind)
The winding hole fence at finish (Nell Bridge C&RT works behind)
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Repaired and painted fence to front of C&RT Depot
On the second day (a week later) it rained, the first time this month! Some of the team walked down from Twyford Wharf to the lock again whilst painting was not possible, equipped with appropriate gardening tools the area was given a tidy up. 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
Future Events 2021: Thurs 16th to Sat 18th Sept: Oxford Canal Festival. Further details www.oxfordcanalheritage.org
Wilts & Berks Canal News on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s new workboat will have to wait till next time – its delivery was delayed but it is expected three days from the time of writing this! Meanwhile, our main news is that because a landowner has closed his section of the canal for reasons of his own, we were unable to resume trips on 'UDJRQIO\ when lockdown was eased, as the first feasible turning point was not available to us. However, two of our enterprising skippers discovered that it is possible to turn the boat at places we had not envisaged; several of our skippers have tried out this new,
35 shortened, run so we are now able to offer “'UDJRQIO\ experiences” at a reduced rate. Better something than nothing!
We also had some fun and games over the Easter Bank Holiday – we put on an Easter Egg Hunt for families, and who should come to assist us but Bentley the Bear! He was on furlough from Paris Disney, saw our Facebook post about the event, offered to help – and hey presto there he was! We’d catered for around 50 children a day, with a prize of chocolate eggs for completing the course. In the event, over 90 came on Good Friday, and over 100 on Easter Saturday. We rushed out buying more eggs and were able to cope with another 100 on the Sunday, but of course were not able to buy more in the numbers needed. But we raised over £700 for the Trust, so were very satisfied – and Bentley almost stole the show – in fact he almost stole 'UDJRQIO\! Heartfelt thanks to Dominic of Mascot Ambassadors. Chris Barry, Comms Secretary, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
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Future Events Dragonfly is currently at its mooring outside Waitrose and undertaking short trps. Please visit our website for up to date information. The Boating season for 'UDJRQIO\ normally starts at Easter and finishes in September. Trips may extend through October depending on the weather. The boat can be chartered and is popular for birthday and anniversary parties. Plenty of notice is required to make it easier to find crew. For further information, please call the boat team on 07401 220076 or preferably email boat.bookings@wbct.org.uk
London Region Future Events Future webinars and meetings: At present we still have no idea when we can return to Paddington but, regardless of that, we have now decided to run further webinars on the 4th Monday of the month: The link to all IWA webinars and the calendar is https://www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/online_talks. The link to recorded previous webinars is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ROBJ6rpm_41BSmu-Glf2Q Please visit our website or contact Libby Bradshaw for up to date information 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
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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
Towpath Walks Group Prior booking is Mandatory on these walks. Please contact London Walks on 020 7624 3978, or using their website: http://www.walks.com Sun 30th May, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue) Sun 20th June, 2.30pm: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR)(by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 4th July, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue) Sun 25th July 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St North/Lords exit) Sun 1st Aug, 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock. Meet Surrey Quays Sun 15th Aug, 2.30pm: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR)(by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 12th Sep, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St North/Lords exit) Sun 19th Sep, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue) Sun 3rd Oct, 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock. Meet Surrey Quays Sun 17th Oct, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue) 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).
38 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: £15.00, Concessions, Student rate and accompanied children over 16yrs £10. Accompanied children 815yrs: £5.00. Accompanied children under 8yrs: free) please contact London Walks, telephone: 020 7624 3978. Booking Essential
Canal & River Trust: “Unlocking” The Full Biodiversity Value of the Nation’s Canal Towpaths New ways of mowing to benefit birds, bees, and waterways wildlife The Canal & River Trust, the waterways and wellbeing charity which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is beginning a six-month trial looking at the benefits of changing the mowing regime along its towpaths. The trial, which starts in April, seeks to balance the needs of boaters, anglers and others accessing the water, with the benefits to wildlife and biodiversity that a change in mowing frequency will bring. A different mowing regime could save the Trust money which it can use elsewhere on important maintenance to look after the nation’s 200-year-old network of former industrial waterways. A legacy from the Industrial Revolution, canals are unique ecological corridors that offer tremendous benefits to the nation’s flora and fauna by providing sanctuary to many much-loved and endangered species. Due, in part, to changes in farming practices and urban sprawl, the canal network, with its linear hedgerows and verges, provides vital connecting routes between increasingly fragmented woodlands and other important wildlife habitat. The Trust currently spends over £2 million a year mowing over 2,000 miles of towpath every four to six weeks between April and October, leaving nearly 50 percent uncut at the water’s edge or back of the path. There is one “hedge to water’s edge” cut in the winter to remove encroaching bushes and woody vegetation. The trial will see the mowing regime altered across 375 miles of towpaths (almost a fifth of the Trust’s network), with expected improvements to wildlife habitats, alongside cost savings for the charity. Waterbirds nesting in reedbeds will be left undisturbed and it will create habitats for water voles, one of the UK’s most endangered mammals. Leaving verges to grow will encourage a greater diversity of plants and better cover and foraging opportunities for insects,
39 birds, mammals, and reptiles. There may be an improvement in wildflowers, vital for pollinators such as bees. Ensuring the safety of boaters will remain paramount, and the trial aims to formalise the navigation requirements for grass cutting at moorings, locks and sightlines on bends, and improve the service for boaters. It has been developed with a panel of boaters who assist the Trust on navigational issues. Millions of people enjoy the towpaths every year and the trial will preserve access for visitors, and for the charity’s maintenance and inspections. Peter Birch, national environmental policy adviser at Canal & River Trust, said: “The canals have come a long way since their freight-driven origins, and are now havens for a huge variety of wildlife. During the pandemic, their role in providing “on the doorstep” access to nature for people, particularly in towns and cities, came to the fore. This trial is an exciting opportunity to see if we can further improve the habitat for the species that make them home and reimagine the arteries of the Industrial Revolution as the nation’s wildlife superhighways. The waterways run through the heart of cities and towns and this is a great way of bringing wildlife into urban centres. “The way we mow the grass hasn’t fundamentally changed in over a decade. We are testing various methods and standards to try and find the best balance to maintain safe use, minimise cutting, save money, and get a wildlife bonus as well.” The trial will see different grass cutting options used to suit the characteristics of different areas: Option 1: a single end of year edge to edge full width cut removing saplings and woody vegetation. This regime will be applied on canals with very low soil fertility, of high elevation, or redundant canals where towpath use is low. Option 2: a single end of year full width cut with two added navigational cuts which ensures that grass growth where people walk and at key points, such as boating sightlines and approaches to bridges, are maintained. This regime is ideal for limited use or disused canals. Option 3: a single end of year full width cut with four navigational cuts. This is similar to the current mowing regime and is expected to be used across the majority of the network. Option 4: a full width cut at the start and end of the growing season plus three navigational cuts, this regime would be best implemented in southern regions which experience longer growing seasons, more favourable climatic conditions, or sites with high soil fertility. The success of the trial will be reviewed by the end of September, considering colleague, volunteer, contractor and customer feedback, in-year monitoring, and by determining the effect on the towpath itself. Any alterations will be undertaken
40 over the winter period before full implementation of the new mowing approach in 2022. The Trust is welcoming feedback throughout the trial period from boaters and towpath users: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us A map of the trial areas is available here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/refresh/media/original/43461-mowing-trail-2021options-map.pdf
Mikron Theatre Group
Anywhere for Everyone by Canal, River and Road: We are back on tour for 2021 on our narrowboat, 7\VHOH\. Please check our website for information on the plans we have to keep you safe. All tickets are available on line. We tell stories of uniquely British things: In our 2021 season we once again explore two fascinating British stories with two brand new commissions by two new writers. In Atalanta Forever (AF) The game is on! It’s 1920, and in post-war Britain, women’s football is big news Explore the extraordinary world of heroic hounds, pampered pedigrees and naughty nobblers through the halls and history of Crufts, with A Dog’s Tale (ADT). Fri 9th Jul, 7.00pm: AF. North Aston Village Green, Bicester, OX25 6HS Sat 17th Jul, 7.30pm: ADT. Bourne End WI, Spade Oak Farm, Bourne End, SL8 5PS Tue 20th Jul, 7.00pm: AF. The Bounty, Bourne End, SL8 5RG Wed 21st Jul, 7.00pm: ADT. Hurley Riverside Park Picnic Grounds, Berks, SL6 5NE Thu 22nd Jul, 7.30pm: AF. Eyot Centre, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3JD Tue 27th Jul, 7.30pm: AF. The Rowbarge, Reading, RG7 5SH Wed 28th Jul, 7.30pm: ADT. The Rowbarge, Reading, RG7 5SH Fri 30th Jul, 7.30pm: ADT. Goring Lock, Goring, RG8 9AE Sat 31st Jul, 7.30pm: AF. Goring Lock, Goring, RG8 9AE
41 Sun 1st Aug, 5.00pm: AF. Caversham Court, Reading, RG4 7AD Tue 3rd Aug, 7.30pm: ADT. The Plough Inn, Long Wittenham, OX14 4QH Thu 5th Aug, 7.30pm: ADT. Eynsham Cricket Club, Witney, OX29 4LF Fri 6th Aug, 7.00pm: ADT. Cricklade Bloomers, Cricklade, SN6 6DD Tue 10th Aug, 7.30pm: ADT. The Trout Inn, Lechlade On Thames, GL7 3HA Wed 11th Aug, 7.30pm: AF. Plough Inn, Oxford, OX2 8BD Thu 12th Aug, 7.30pm: ADT. Boat Inn, Kidlington, OX5 1JY Fri 13th Aug, 7.00pm: ADT. The Pig Place, Banbury, OX17 3NU Sat 14th Aug, 7.00pm: AF. The Waterwitch, Odiham, RG29 1AL Tue 17th Aug, 7.30pm: AF. Wharf House, Cropredy, OX17 1PG Wed 18th Aug, 7.30pm: ADT. Wharf House, Oxfordshire, OX17 1PG www.mikron.org.uk
IWA Webinar Programme During the last few months IWA has been running webinars on a variety of subjects. Please visit the IWA for up to date information. Registration for all our webinars is through the IWA website at https://www.waterways.org.uk. The link to recorded previous webinars is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ROBJ6rpm_41BSmu-Glf2Q
The Inland Waterways Association Chesham Staff Phil Hornsey Chief Executive Officer
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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 Chair: Les Etheridge Tel: 07768 132703
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 Acting Treasurer: Jules Lindsay Webmaster: Robin Williams
Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: tba
Non Committee Responsibilities Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper Next issue: Autumn Copy date: 27th July 2021 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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Competition
waterways.org.uk/photocomp