London Region

London Region Socials (Combined with North and East London Branch)

Our IWA London Region Socials, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, are currently held at the London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT

On Monday 20th March North & East London Branch held their AGM followed by a talk by Chris Bushill: “London Bridge - the Dartmoor Connection” which was open to all Region members and friends. A really interesting presentation enjoyed by all.

On Tuesday 21st March, rather than having an evening meeting, we had an afternoon visit to the Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay. Several people visited the general galleries whilst others booked on the special exhibition on “Executions”. Rather them than me! This was followed by a drink/meal in the nearby Wetherspoons, The Ledger Building.

Tuesday 18th April – This was a presentation by me on the Platinum Reflections Flotilla last September, which paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen by the river users. 150 craft, both powered and manpowered made the downriver transit from Chelsea Bridge to Tower Bridge on the night of Saturday September 24 th 2022. I was one of 13 narrowboats and we were immediately in front of Gloriana who was leading the manpowered boats. A highlight of the trip was steering under Tower Bridge whilst she was open in Royal salute.

Tuesday 16th May – “Narrowboats to Hull and back” – we had record numbers for this talk by Heather Boyce and Simon Judge. Starting from Newark-on-Trent, Heather travelled on her 40 foot narrowboat Bleasdale to the Humber and on to the River Hull, almost all on tidal waters. Accompanied by Simon Judge on Chris Howes’ boat, Lily May, they travelled almost as far as you can get and then explored beyond on land. An exciting and memorable presentation.

Future Events

Tuesday 20th June – “The Pirate Castle – Overcoming Modern Challenges and Building for the Future” – Tim Molloy, General Manager. The Pirate Castle has been a Camden institution and an integral part of our community since 1966. Covid, the cost of living crisis and huge societal change have thrown numerous unexpected challenges in our way but we continue to grow and survive. How have we succeeded in such difficult times?

Summer Break – no meeting in July or August

Autumn dates for your diaries – full programme will be on IWA website and will be circulated to all members of IWA London Region.

Tuesday 19th September – a talk from the Port of London Authority

Tuesday 17th October – TBA

Tuesday 21st November – TBA

Tuesday 19th December – a revival of the Christmas Quiz and Auction. Contributions to the auction gratefully received.

If you would like to be added to my circulation list and are not on the IWA London Region circulation list please email me as below: Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037

South London Branch

South London Branch Meetings are held on the 2nd 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.

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. For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson. Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk

IWA Canalway Cavalcade

Celebrating 40 Years At Little Venice This May Day Bank Holiday Weekend 2023

This bank holiday weekend saw the welcome return, and 40th anniversary celebration, of the annual Canalway Cavalcade festival taking place in Little Venice, London. Glorious weather on the opening day saw over 8,000 visitors to the event with 120 boats shimmering in the Pool and along the Grand Union Canal. People from all walks of life came together to share their passion for waterways with narrowboats, both modern and historic, moored alongside widebeam boats in the Pool. Continuous cruisers, liveaboards, and leisure boaters, locals and those from further afield gathered to highlight the importance of protecting our waterways at this time of urgent need.

The long weekend included a packed schedule as always with a unique selection of events and activities. Stallholders and food stands brought a variety of crafts and interest to the event this year, most being based locally to Little Venice. Particular highlights included many regular attendees such as hand-woven baskets made by WoodWoolWillow, Peruvian delights by Inkas Craft, Handmade by Janet, and our regular Candle Powered Victorian Steamboats. Visitors were treated to many delicious treats too, including the vibrant Caribbean Hut, mouth-watering Mr Bombay and the delectable Greek Souvlaki. As with each year we also welcomed the ever-professional Jervis team and their real ale bar, the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon in the sunshine.

At 1.30pm on our first day Libby Bradshaw, Ceremonial and Children’s Activities Manager, introduced the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, who welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) for putting on the event. Richard Parry, Chief Executive of Canal and River Trust followed with his thanks. Les Etheridge, National Chairman for IWA welcomed everyone to the event, paying special attention to the dedication of volunteers for organising the event, and finally Tom Claydon, Chair of the Organising Committee, thanked the volunteers, Committee members and supporters whilst also encouraging attendees to volunteer for our 2024 event. Wrapping up the presentation, Libby asked Councillor Hamza Taouzzale to ring the bell to formally open the festival. This was echoed by cheers around the Pool, the ringing of bells and horns, and the start of the Pageant.

In Rembrandt Gardens children and adults alike were entertained by Punch and Judy, a circus workshop, and the legendary Alarum Theatre with pieces such as “A Century of Boatwomen”. Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend. Sunday saw the wonderful Teddy Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the garden and the sun warmed the crowds almost the whole weekend. Other children and young people’s activities were led by the Pirate Castle from Camden, with Paddlesports taking place across the weekend.

This year the evenings’ brought a vibrant celebration of Sunday Best boating too. Friday night was the regular quiz, a packed tent for our annual Martin Ludgate extravaganza – raising nearly £100 from the raffle for the IWA. Saturday night saw the first variety night led by Mark Saxon our Commercial Manager, welcoming 25 brilliant artists performing spoken word and live music. On Sunday evening Craig Haslam once again excelled as Master of Ceremonies for the Procession of Illuminated Boats, where the boaters covered their craft with as many lights as would fit to the delight of hundreds of spectators standing on the Horse Bridge and around the Pool. A particular highlight included the Canal Dream Company and Slash Arts aboard the Boat Fit Co widebeam 2 Crew and A Cockapoo whose awe-inspiring laser, light and interpretive movement display blew the spectators away. We were delighted to welcome the Canal Dream Company for the second year, their programme throughout the weekend thrilled everyone who saw their performances and we thank them so much for their participation.

On Monday afternoon, the awards were presented by John Edmonds, Vice President of IWA London Region .

Marcus Boudier Trophy: For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed Pageant, was awarded to Chedoona owned by Bob and Mary Metcalf. Runner up: Thyme, owned by Elizabeth Jones

The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy: For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group: Sola Gratia, steerer Tim Clarke

The Cruise Electric Trophy: For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s Procession: Tros Yr Afon, steerer Jonathan Gaskell. Runners up: The Canal Dream Company and the Slash Arts Team aboard 2 Crew and a Cockapoo , owned by Calum Henderson

The Graham Capelin Award: For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday Pageant or Illuminated Boats: Badger, owned by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon. Runner up : Lucky Chance, owned by Chris Pratt

The Westminster Trophy: Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition: Middlesex, steerer Robin Hendley. Runner up: Emu, steerer Ben Partridge

The Roger Squires Trophy: Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of

Roger’s 10 years as their Commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition: Moonraker, steerer Daniel McKnight. Runner up: Badger, steered by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon

The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy: Goes to the “Best Boat” at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, it is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cava lcade during his lifetime: Tugby, owned by George Cutting

The Idle Women Shield: Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield was awarded to Freebird, steered by Cath Jennings. Runner up: Uplander II, steered by Sarah Honeysett.

The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy for the best Boaters’ Sunday Best costume: Was awarded to the Moore family

Tom Claydon, Chairman of the IWA Canalway Cavalcade Organising Committee said: “It’s wonderful to welcome everyone to the 40 th Anniversary of IWA Canalway Cavalcade, an incredible milestone for this unique spectacle in the heart of London’s waterways. This event would not be possible without the 10,000 hours of dedicated volunteer time, and I thank each and every person for making this such a great success. Soon we start planning for 2024 and we need you to join us to make it happen! Find out how on our website.”

Next year’s event is planned for the 4th, 5th & 6th of May, find out how you can help support the event through our website: www.waterways.org.uk .

FOR MORE INFORMATION please contact: canalway.cavalcade@waterways.org.uk

General Enquiries, Press & Publicity: Tel: 07774 890750

Or email: canalway.cavalcade@waterways.org.uk

Photos Courtesy: Joe Dixey

Christine Smith, Publicity Manager

IWA Chesham Head Office Staff

Head of Operations (FT): Ross Field ext 602

Administration Manager (PT): Tracy Higgin ext 601

Volunteer Manager (FT): Jenny Hodson (07531 004531) ext 605

Membership Assistant (PT): Rachel Bryant ext 600

Administration Assistant (PT): Kelly Gascoine ext 615