Cargoes Summer 2024

Index

Basingstoke Canal Society Page: 6 John Pinkerton Focus on Accessible Boating Association

Byfleet Boat Club Page: 9

Chichester Ship Canal Trust Page: 10

Fund Britain’s Waterways Page: 3

Guildford & Reading Branch Page: 5 Sales and Publicity Stand

Kent & East Sussex Branch – IWAKES Page: 27

River Adur

Sussex Ouse

River Medway

Thames & Medway Canal Association Future Events

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Page: 11

Reading Crofton Beam Engines

London Region Page: 38

South London Branch Canalway Cavalcade Page: 22

Mikron Theatre Group Page: 36

Oxfordshire Branch Page: 33 Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

Paddle UK Page: 20

Puppet Theatre Barge Page: 37

River Thames Page: 20

River Wey & Godalming Navigations Page: 14

Surrey Care Trust Page: 35

Towpath Walks Page: 26

Wey & Arun Canal Trust Page: 17

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Page: 34

Cover Courtesy Mike Marsh - IWAKES Illuminated boat at the 2023 Maidstone River Festival. For details of this year's festival please see https://www.maidstoneriverfestival.com "

Editorial

Welcome to the Summer edition of Cargoes. I am writing this while waiting for the rain to stop so my husband and I can cycle into the Crick Boat show! If we get into Crick, I’ll let you know.

The weather is still very changeable and with red and amber boards on the Thames we still haven’t managed to take our boat anywhere.

I understand IWA Cavalcade went well even though it rained on the Monday – and the Campaign cruise held by FBW outside Westminster was well received. I was on my way back from Scotland at the time a nd spent the day at the Anderton Lift where my FBW badge was recognised, and I was thanked by a member of staff for wearing it.

Many local councils are cutting back on funding canal and river trusts to the detriment of all waterways and water quality. You would have thought that with the weather we are having and the benefit being by the water has on peoples’ health, councils would be only too pleased to assist. Having more volunteers would also help – perhaps if the Conservatives get back in and start their National Service plans volunteering will become the norm?

Many thanks to all contributors for the articles and photos you have supplied for this edition of Cargoes. I hope everyone enjoys reading them and has a wonderful summer in and around the waterways.

Chris Jones Editor

PS: we made it to Crick on the Monday – mud everywhere but it was a good day! We helped on the FBW stand …..

Fund Britain’s Waterways

Government receives wake-up call from inland waterways campaigners. Inland waterways campaign group, Fund Britain’s Waterways, takes its message to Westminster.

It was a spectacle for both the eyes and ears on Wednesday (8th May) as the call to safeguard Britain’s inland waterways reached the Palace of Westminster.

A 20-strong flotilla delivered an unmistakable message to Government for funding to protect the future of our inland waterways.

The flotilla included a mix of commercial freight vessels, several sea kayaks and 17 privately owned narrowboats, some of which had travelled over 350 miles battling against the severe weather and failing canal infrastructure, determined to reach Westminster. United together, they sounded their horns to cheers from supporters on Westminster Bridge, capturing the attention of many MPs who had just attended Prime Minister’s questions.

The flotilla was a culmination of Fund Britain’s Waterways’ May Bank Holiday Weekend of Action, with events being held across the country to highlight the impact of insufficient funding on our rivers and canals.

Welcoming the flotilla were crowds of inland supporters and representatives from the campaign’s alliance of organisations, including Dame Sheila Hancock DBE, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways, Sir Michael Fabricant MP.

Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways campaigning to safeguard the future of Britain’s 5,000-mile network of cherished canals and rivers. The campaign calls for recognition of the importance of Britain’s inland waterways for their environmental, leisure, heritage, and commercial freight value.

Les Etheridge, Fund Britain’s Waterways Chair, said: “It has been fantastic to have boats travel from across the country to gather outside the Palace of Westminster. Supporting inland waterways is vital in continuing to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and connect with their local stretch of water ” .

“Our waterways are a bustling network that links communities, provides employment and leisure opportunities, which are underpinned by the network’s unique heritage. They also play a valuable role in water and flood risk management and provide a haven for wildlife.”

Mel Hide, RYA Director of External Affairs, said: “Britain’s inland waterways play an integral role in millions of people’s leisure and well -being. Without support and funding this national asset will undoubtedly fall into decline ” .

“The campaign cruise at Westminster highlights the community spirit and passion waterways inspire in people of all ages and raises awareness of why safeguarding our blue spaces for future generations to enjoy is vital.”

Show your support for the Britain’s canals and rivers by signing the Fund Britain’s Waterways petition.

Contact for further information about Fund Britain’s Waterways, email: info@fundbritainswaterways.org.uk

Photos Courtesy of Kev Maslin

RYA Press Release

Guildford & Reading Branch

Branch Chairman

The IWA is on a journey to become a relevant and dynamic organisation in the twenty first century and this will involve successes and setbacks. It is important to keep the goal in mind while acknowledging mistakes and rectifying them. It is not my place to interrogate those decisions but the need for stronger links between branch officers and staff must be met.

Both Cavalcade and the Westminster Cruise were well supported despite the weather adding to the water levels. Strong stream warnings and high water levels are preventing navigation on waterways nationwide. There have been numerous pictures of boats navigating bridges with little clearance, especially in Norfolk. It is good to report that the Herring Bridge in Great Yarmouth was open this week to allow a tug upstream and it did re-open to road traffic afterwards.

Debris from floodwaters and underwater shoals are causing problems on the Thames, which was already struggling with a maintenance backlog due to poor funding levels. I wonder what will fail next? There are a number of waterways events happening over the next few months and I look forward to seeing you at the Wey River Festival in September Verna Smith (Chair)

Sales & Publicity Stand

Summer Cargoes went to print the weekend of Reading Water Fest so an update of the results will be in Autumn Cargoes. We are still attending the Wey River Festival and will also support IWA Oxfordshire with the Oxford Canal Festival and Banbury Weekend.

Please do let us know if you can help at any of these events. We are really in need of additional help and hope more of you will put yourselves forward. Please contact Chris Jones or any member of the Sales Team if you can help at any of the events, our email address is : chris.jones@waterways.org.uk.

The Sales Team

Future Events

Sat 14th Sept: River Festival. Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

Sat 21st Sept: Oxford Canal Festival: (IWA Oxfordshire Branch)

Sat 5th & Sun 6th Oct: Banbury Canal Festival: (IWA Oxfordshire Branch)

Basingstoke Canal Society

Celebrating the Reopening Birthday of the Basingstoke Canal

On the 10th May, we celebrated the reopening birthday of the Basingstoke Canal following a 17 year long programme of activity to rescue it from dereliction. The Canal’s original birthday was on 5th September 1794, meaning it will be 230 years old in September so that’s one for the diary!

Challenges remain for the Basingstoke Canal

As Spring has sprung, the beauty of the Canal in the sunshine has become apparent to all especially for all the new wildlife, including many new ducklings, goslings and cooties making the canal their home.

On a less positive note, the Basingstoke Canal remains at significant risk due to the decline in funding from many riparian councils. These councils have historically allocated funds of various amounts to support the upkeep and maintain this SSSI site for their residents to enjoy but in these financially challenging times, funds are drastically declining which poses a very real risk for the future.

Declining funds to maintain the canal come with significant risks. It has become increasingly evident that there are serious financial pressures on the canal that only grow in the coming years. The Basingstoke Canal isn’t alone in its financial challenges but there are some very real risks of the canal falling into disrepair from it becoming unnavigable, overgrown with weeds and invasive species causing a risk to wildlife and the environment and of course towpaths become less usable

Deepcut during restoration

Deepcut Lock today

for us all. Nobody wants an overgrown and poorly maintained eye-sore on their doorstep or worse running through their village or town!

As a charity, the Basingstoke Canal Society remains committed to fundraising, campaigning and supporting the long term sustainable future of the Basingstoke Canal but we need your help. Those who would like to support the Basingstoke Canal Society can do so in a number of ways: donating, becoming a member or even volunteering! You don’t have to be local as we have a number of behind the scenes opportunities in addition to being out on the Canal in the working party groups.

Basingstoke Canal news

You may have heard some rumours about the Basingstoke Canal in the press with some pretty misleading articles about what has been happening – I hope that I can set the record straight here.

That there are challenging times financially for the Basingstoke Canal Authority and the Canal’s local authority owners and partners perhaps shouldn’t come as a major surprise – we are not alone, as I am sure you know. Waterways are not top of the agenda despite being vitally important for both people’s health and wellbeing and as corridors for nature.

The Basingstoke Canal partnership has changed a bit in that a number of local authority supporters have withdrawn their funding, or plan to do so shortly. The partnership has therefore been re-drawn with a new agreement to reflect this and will in future be principally the two owning County Councils – Surrey and Hampshire. The Canal’s Joint Management Committee has ceased to exist and is being replaced by a simplified governance model that recognises that most decisions are operational and made by officers. Officer decisions will be scrutinised by a much more streamlined Basingstoke Canal Joint Board.

During the review that led to decisions to alter the partnership in March the County Councils looked long and hard at the statutory minimums that they are required to provide for on the Canal. There are three key statutory themes around public safety (we own the waterway and therefore have a requirement to ensure its safe by managing water levels and inspecting and repairing assets), health and wellbeing (its owned for public recreation including for people in “small boats”) and nature conservation (as an SSSI the local authority owners have obligations to conserve and enhance nature and biodiversity). This is perhaps reassuring as it’s the bulk of what the BCA already do es!

You may note that navigation is not in this list, and that’s owing to the unusual legal history of the Basingstoke Canal and the way the Councils own the waterway. However, the fees from navigation currently more than meet the costs of

Charlotte Rodgers, Press Officer BCS

operating the waterway – but will never meet the capital costs of renewing major built assets such as the locks, so whilst not a statutory obligation its therefore also secure for the medium term.

The Canal partnership however had to reduce its costs somewhere, and the Visitor Centre at Mytchett and the staff who run it have been transferred out of BCA partnership management. The owner of the site Surrey County Council has taken this on directly, with the aspiration to continue service – investment options may be much more straightforward for SCC as the owner outside the partnership.

The BCA will continue to have the Canal Office at Mytchett for the foreseeable future – but with fewer office staff working on canal management most boating and associated bookings will now be online with links to application forms, or to permits for some activities (canoeing, angling) on the web shop - these can be accessed from the BCA’s website; www.basingtsoke-canal.co.uk

Photo Courtesy: BCS website

James Taylor

Strategic Manager Basingstoke Canal

Boat Trips: The John Pinkerton II trip boat operates from Odiham in Hampshire, running public, themed and chartered cruises. Trips last about 3. 25 hours and run through farms, woodlands and the occasional small settlement. Information for times and prices for trips and how to charter the boat for a special occasion or social outing is available on our website: https://basingstokecanal.org.uk/book-your-trip/. All bookings are done online but for help email: jpbookings@basingstoke-canal.org.uk, or call: 07506 864411 (10am – 6pm). Kitty public boat trips are at 11am, 1pm and 2.45pm from the town wharf in Woking.

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, ( ABA), is a registered charity initiated in 1985 . The charity enables people who cannot use existing canal boats to enjoy cruises on the Basingstoke Canal.

Two boats are available: Madam Butterfly, a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat and Dawn, 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

Byfleet Boat Club

Byfleet Boat Club goes to IWA Cavalcade, Little Venice 2024

On the 1st of May, five boats gathered outside the Club : M’Lady, Narnia, Tros yr Afon, Winter Lily and Paper Moon.

The news from the Thames was that it was on red boards, and we could not proceed as planned to catch the tide at Teddington so we all cruised down to Town Lock and went out for a meal. The next morning at 11 o’clock we saw that Thames was on yellow boards except Shepperton to Sunbury which was still red. After much deliberation and googling of flow rates we saw that flow was decreasing, so decided to go for it even though we would be late joining Cavalcade.

In the end the journey to Teddington was uneventful, the next morning we passed through Teddington Lock down the Thames on the tide and into Brentford to start our journey along the Grand Union canal. After a rope mishap in the lock and various necessary stops in very crowded Brentford basin, we started up the Hanwell flight which took most of the rest of the day, so we ended up on the Paddington arm close to Willow Tree Marina. After an early start we arrived at little Venice only about half a day late. After mooring up we enjoyed the delights of what Cavalcade had to offer, including the food stalls and the beer tent entertainment. The weather was kind to us and on Sunday there was much activity amongst the boaters dressing their boats with lights. Tros yr Afon and Paper Moon joined in

the illuminated parade and once again Tros yr Afon won!

Four boats left on Tuesday to head back to the Wey except for M’Lady who joined the AWCC cruise to the Houses of Parliament in support of FBW. It was agreed that a great time was had by all and we are looking forward to next year.

Mike Chamberlain

Chichester Ship Canal Trust

Our Boating Season is open!

Our rowing boat season is officially open on Chichester Canal! Immerse yourself in nature’s symphony as you row along the serene waters, surrounded by wildlife and the melodious calls of birds. Spot graceful swans gliding by, hear the chirping of kingfishers, and other birds along the banks. This is your chance to experience the beauty of our local birdlife up close! Open now! Book your rowing boat session today and embrace the tranquillity of the canal. Call us at 01243 771363 or pop in to see us in the Cafe to reserve your spot.

Kingfisher

Get ready to embark on a memorable journey aboard the majestic Kingfisher and explore the beauty of the countryside from a unique perspective. Our 75 minute boat trips will be available daily, offering you the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the scenic views. Immerse yourself in nature as you glide along the tranquil waters of the canal, spotting wildlife and soaking in the serene atmosphere. Don’t forget to treat yourself to delicious refreshments at our Canal Café, ensuring your experience is as delightful as can be. Book your tickets and get ready for a voyage to remember! Stay tuned for more updates and announcements. See you aboard the Kingfisher soon!

Chichester Canal Trust Website

Kennet & Avon Canal News

Reading Branch

Chairman’s Report

Hello again,

At the time of writing the Kennet in Reading has been off red boards for just two weeks! We have had high volumes of water since last October. In that time the rainfall has pushed back to yellow a few times, but we have actually managed to provide some trips on Matilda Too for two consecutive weekends. The water flow seems to have broken records together with banks, locks, shift hundreds of tons of sand and gravel and bring down trees. We have seen boats come off moorings become stricken across the river. It is only in the last few weeks that maintenance work has been possible; needless to say this has also added to and impacted CRT’s planned winter work. Speaking to Rob Coles earlier in the week he told me they had removed four hundred tons of gravel from a sand bank east of Woolhampton Lock with two similar obstructions down stream of other locks. The brick chamber at Widmead Lock has urgent reconstruction planned to make the lock navigable. Two trees downed east of Burghfield Lock also blocked the waterway and were also a focus of attention to provide an open waterway.

The disruption on the water had meant that we had had to undertake maintenance and repairs on Matilda Too in the old, Narrowboat Moorings which was not ideal but we have succeeded in completing most of the planned tasks. Our crew training has been difficult to complete this year but by moving elements around we have managed to get all need ed to be signed off.

Looking forward to Water Fest in June, we are planning for one of our Bruce Branch fully accessible boats to be available. They will be working with Reading Borough Council and others to offer trips to those who otherwise might not be able to get on the water. We are planning to use the wharfage outside the new Huntley Wharf buildings to host a larger number of boats, now that the development is finally finished. There will be an exhibition in the Turbine house, hosted by a gallery of canal artists, several based on the K&A. This year we have decided to focus and support the IWA Campaign “Fund Britian’s Waterways” . The campaign

Burghfield Breech

Towpath Breech

name will be on this years ’ boaters’ plaque. The IWA will have a stall and presence at this year’s event.

The Aldermaston Tea Rooms continue to provide a great service. We opened the Wash house/Toll house information centre at the Easter break and we are improving the display and the building as an ongoing piece of work. We recently hosted Volunteering for Edwards Lifesciences who dug a “French Drain” on the north and east walls of the building. This will hopefully deal with some damp problems we have seen in the building. We have identified some more artifacts to add to the display and have been doing research to look at how things would have been done in the past. In February Sue Law presented her new book “The Dark side of the Cut”. Including fascinating stories of murder and intrigue at the canal side, and an insight into how the boating community were seen. The audience provided an active discussion and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. There was a change of subject for March with Anne Husar, who is the Chair of the National Association of Boat Owners, talking about the campaign “Fund Britain’s Waterways”. This generated a lively discussion.

We had the sad new for us that The Narrowboat was closed at short notice as a restaurant and Fullers have changed it to be a training facility for their kitchen staff. This obviously means that our branch meetings had to be moved. The first being a talk on the history of Crofton Pumping station and the Mechatronics used to show and understand the workings of the steam engine . This was given by John one of the Volunteers at Crofton. We learned that some of the unexplained workings of the engine had been monitored and recorded and prov ed some of the previous theories the Watt engine used. This was held at the Aldermaston Tea Rooms but unfortunately it was a little too cosy to be used on a regular basis. The following months’ meeting was given by David Cliffe about the industry of the 1 st mile of the Kennet Navigation. This was an informative and fascinating presentation. I have heard since our meeting that David has received an award for Outstanding Individual Contribution from the British Association for Local History Keep well and look after each other.

Graham Puddephatt

Chair Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. Chair Reading Branch Kennet and Avon Canal Trust chair@katrust.org.uk

Edwards Lifesciences Volunteers

Future Events

17th Sept: Speaker Victoria Owens, Subject: LTC Rolt

15th Oct: Speaker CRT, Subject: Kennet Hydrology

19th Nov: Kev Maslin: Waterways Photography

Entry donation to Meetings, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses). All meeting start at 7.30pm and further details can be found on the Website at www.katrust.org.uk Nonmembers welcome - please feel free to come along, or contact Graham for the Zoom access.

Crofton Beam Engines

Our 2024 Open Season

It’s full steam ahead here at Crofton to get ready for our 2024 open season. We’re pleased to release our 2024 Steaming and Non-Steaming open dates.

2024 Steaming and Non-Steaming Days (June to September)

There is no charge to enter the site on nonsteaming days except for Special Events. There is a charge to visit the station itself to view the boiler and engines. Advance booking is not required on non-steaming days. There is a charge to enter the site on steaming days. Advance booking is recommended. We operate an on-line booking system with Art Tickets (from Art Fund, supporting museums and art galleries across the UK). Booking recommended but not essential.

Opening Times: Car Park: 10.30 – 16.30 (17.00 0n steaming days). Site: 10.30 –16.00 (Last entry 15.30). Station: 10.30 – 15.00

Opening Dates:

Jun: Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd; Sat 29th (Steaming) & Sun 30th (Steaming)

Jul: Sat 6th & Sun 7th; Sat 13th & Sun 14th; Sat 20th & Sun 21st; Sat 27th (Steaming) & Sun 28th (Steaming)

Aug: Sat 3rd & Sun 4th; Sat 10th & Sun 11th; Sat 17th & Sun 18th; Sat 24th, Sun 25th (Steaming) & Mon 26th (Steaming); Sat 31st.

Sept: Sun 1st; Sat 7th & Sun 8th; Sat 14th & Sun 15th; Sat 21st & Sun 22nd; Sat 28th (Steaming) & Sun 29th (Steaming)

Steam Experience

Have you ever wanted to stoke a huge coal fired boiler or operate the oldest fully working beam engine in the world? Now is your chance!

Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable volunteer, you can light and stoke the boiler, work with the Duty Engineer, enter areas not normally seen by the public, prepare the engines for steaming, and finally take control of the oldest, working beam engine in the world. Please contact us for more information.

Please visit our website for up to date information on our Open Days: www.katrust.org.uk

Photo and information: Crofton Beam Engines

River Wey & Godalming Navigations

Well, what a wet start to the year it has been! After months of tirelessly working the weirs and doing their best to manage the water levels, the Lengthsperson’s team has now shifted their focus to cutting back the vegetation and keeping the towpath and moorings accessible so that everyone can enjoy our peaceful navigation.

One of the joys of a waterway is seeing how our different communities all use it. From the towpath based groups of cyclists, walkers, runners, and fishermen to families out for a nature stroll or those that prefer the wetter bit, our boaters, paddleboarders, kayakers and canoeists, it is always a pleasure to see everyone out and enjoying this stunning place.

On one of the rare occasions where I got to leave my desk and be out on the water, for what was in the end way too short of a boat trip, it was fantastic to remind myself of the beauty of the river. Seeing the

excitement of a group of birdwatchers who were hoping to catch a glimpse of an elusive warbler that was the last on their list to tick off before heading home for the evening, to the pure joy on a toddler’s face when we opened the lock gates and they got to see a boat passing through, or the view across the fish pass at Burpham where Egyptian and Canada geese (with their goslings), herons and deer were all enjoying the peace and quiet of the meadow. This really is a special place that benefits so many people and wildlife. It is these moments and interactions that remind us that all of the hard work really is worth it.

Current work along the Navigation:

The maintenance team are currently repairing Unstead footbridge. Due to the nature of the works, we have had to close the towpath in this area but there is a signed diversion route in place to limit the disturbance to anyone trying to use the towpath.

The condition of the access road to Stoke mooring line has been greatly improved by both the council through the building works site and also by our team on the approach after the barrier.

Anti-social behaviour. Although on the whole, we have a very friendly and welcoming community, unfortunately, with the warmer weather we have seen a rise in the amount of anti-social behaviour along the river at key points. We are working with our local PCSOs to tackle this and also looking at options of cameras and fencing in specific areas to help keep our mooring lines and facilities secure.

This month contractors will be fitting a new security fence behind the elsan point at New Haw. As most of you will be aware, this has been the target of graffiti for a number of years and we are hoping that this will help. The works for this should not cause any disruption to the use of the facilities.

The team have also completed:

• The reprofiling of moorings and sandbars along the length of the Navigation

• Improving the accessibility of the access ramps at Walsham bridge,

• A variety of towpath works

• Dredging of the creek along with other improvements works at Dapdune

• The removal of pennywort rafts

• The removal of a number of fallen trees that were blocking the towpath and navigation.

Planned works (Spring/Summer): NB: This is an outline plan as reactive works will cause alterations to the schedule below.

• July: Works boats out of the water for maintenance.

• July/Aug: Bank protection and towpath works in the Send area.

• Aug: Minor repairs at Old Bucks weir.

• Sept: Various bank protection/repairs.

Events: Over the coming months we have a series of events based at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford as well as a choice of walks to explore the area around the Navigation. All of the events below are free to join unless otherwise stated. Keep your eye on our website for more walks coming that are not listed below.

23rd June, 2pm – 5pm: Cream Tea Totter – Launch from Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. Enjoy a scenic 3 mile walk along the towpath from Dapdune Wharf, meet the boat at the picturesque Bowers lock for a cream tea on the lockside before a tranquil journey back by boat. Cost £22 per person. Due to limited availability, we highly recommend booking in advance via the website to avoid disappointment.

6th July, 10.30am – 1.30pm: Guided walk round Godalming with David Rose – Godalming Wharf. Join local historian and writer David Rose for a walk that takes in the final stretch of the Godalming Navigation and part of the River Wey itself upstream from the town centre. The first part of the walk will be a circular route downstream along the towpath and back via the Lammas Lands. Then, through Phillips Memorial Park, with the memorial to Farncombe man Jack Phillips, a radio operator on the ill-fated ship Titanic. The route then follows a footpath from Westbrook Mills along a beautiful tranquil stretch beside the nonnavigable Wey, probably usually only known to locals and anglers! The walk returns to Godalming Wharf via the town. Plenty of local history facts along the route! Length 4 miles (three hours).

Sat 13th July, 11am – 5pm: Puffing-a-Wey – Dapdune Wharf, Guildford Come and soak up the atmosphere as the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain come and show off their magnificent steam powered craft. This will be a fun filled day for children and grown-ups alike with the sights, sounds and smells of these fantastic craft.

27th -28th July, 4.30pm – 10.00am: Big Camp – Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. Enjoy a night under canvas in the centre of Guildford. This is an overnight event. Come and share a fun night event with other campers at Dapdune Wharf - listen to the sound of the river, sleep under the stars and count the bats flying overhead. We'll have a bonfire for toasting marshmallows and a barbecue available for you to cook your own food. Bring your own tents and food. Bacon butties and hot drinks will be available on the Sun day morning at an extra charge. Cost £26 per pitch

1st - 31st Aug: Summer of play– Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. Kick off your summer holiday with our festival of sport at Dapdune Wharf. Bring your bike and ride our cycle course, play table tennis, disc golf or have a go at archery, or even get on the water and learn to canoe on the River Wey. Check the website for details of sports. Our summer of play is being boosted this year with nature play - pond dipping, bug hunting and den building, as well as performance play with the Guildford Shakespeare company.

3rd-31st Aug: Woking Photographic Society Summer Exhibition - Carbide Store, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford . Woking Photographic Society presents a selection of their members ’ finest images from the season. Photographs covering all genres & styles of photography will be on display throughout August from the members of one of the leading camera clubs in Surrey.

Sat 17th Aug: Model Railways Open Day - Dapdune Wharf, Guildford Astolat Model Railway Circle invites you to their open day. See their layouts, have a go and learn how they are built and operated. Bring your own OO/HO or N locos to run.

Sun 8th Sept, 2.00pm – 5.00pm: Cream Tea Totter. Another chance to enjoy our cream tea totter walk, cream tea and boat ride. Enjoy a scenic 3 mile walk along the towpath from Dapdune Wharf, meet the boat at the picturesque Bowers lock for a cream tea on the lockside before a tranquil journey back by boa t. Cost £22 per person. Due to limited availability, we highly recommend booking in advance via the website to avoid disappointment.

Sat 14th Sept, from 11.00am Wey River Festival. Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. Our biggest event of the year, we welcome boaters and visitors alike to celebrate everything that is great about the river. They’ll be plenty to do such as willow weaving, children’s crafts, Surrey Wood Turners and many other foodie and activity stands. The illuminated pageant at dusk is the highlight of the day lighting up the river from the centre of Guildford. Any boaters reading this who would like to take part in the illuminated pageant, please contact the Navigations office at riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk or on 01483 561389 for further information.

As we move to the warmer months, I am looking forward to seeing more people out enjoying the Navigation and am excited for another successful season. Please visit our website (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey ) for up to date information.

Tristan Brown

Wey Navigations General Manager

Wey and Arun Canal Trust

WACT News

Dunsfold Park desilting results in 2 km of fully navigable canal 2024 has started with the exciting completion of desilting work on the Dunsfold section, resulting in a fully navigable unobstructed wide and deep channel, for nearly 2 km from Fast Bridge down to Tickner’s Heath, and a canalside path.

Our volunteers had made huge progress with restoration here over many years, but we were then set back by Covid. So we were very happy to step back when the final stage was taken over by Dunsfold Airport Ltd, which is behind the transformation of Dunsfold Aerodrome (now known as Dunsfold Park and which

borders the canal here) into a new village, where 1,800 homes and further commercial zones will emerge. The first stage of new housing will border the canal.

The 2023 desilting operation The principal contractors for the desilting were Sir Robert McAlpine. They called on Land & Water Group Ltd, recognised commercial experts in canal desilting, who spent much of the year on Dunsfold Airport Ltd’s behalf on this major project, with Environment Agency oversight.

• All the fish were removed and rehomed. Many of them were large carp, with which the canal here had been stocked by the British Aerospace angling club.

• All the canal water in the section – enough to fill 36 Olympic swimming pools – was pumped into temporary lagoons built on site.

• The water was then cleaned by substantial process plant that uses the power of rising air bubbles to remove harmful contaminants, and returned to the canal.

• 13,000 m3 of silt was then taken out by a modern amphibious tracked excavator and a more traditional dragline and bucket. As far as possible it will be reused for landscaping on the development.

Unexploded Ordnance The aerodrome was built in the Second World War by and for Canadian forces. During the dredging, the contractors encountered unexploded ordnance from that time which required professional disposal.

How the canal will be used and public access At the moment the canal is within the secure perimeter of Dunsfold Park and will not be open to the Public until the housing development is underway. However, Dunsfold Park will allow us to run special events on this stretch of canal and organise guided walks. The Trust has a slipway within Dunsfold Park to launch small boats.

Tickners Heath Crossing

At the Southern end of this section is Tickner’s Heath where the route of the canal is blocked by the causeway which carries Dunsfold Road. To overcome this obstruction a new road bridge will be built and a new canal cut excavated to rejoin the original canal to the west of the old crossing. A new footbridge was built in 2022 but then work had to be put on hold while we awaited highway approvals for a temporary road and for a water main to be re-routed. The Trust hopes to restart this project later this year.

Quotes from the Canal Trust and The Rutland Group (who manage Dunsfold Park)

Sally Schupke (Wey & Arun Canal Trust Chairman) “We are delighted with the work carried out by Dunsfold Park and their support to ensure the canal becomes an important feature and community asset within the Dunsfold Park Masterplan” .

Jim McAllister, Chief Executive, The Rutland Group, “The canal has undergone a significant transformation over the last 12 months. With nearly 2 km of restoration now complete, we’re delighted that the desilting and re-profiling of the banks along the canal has made the waterways more open and accessible. Enhancing and building on the natural environment at Dunsfold Park is a key component of our plans for the new village and the canal is an important part of that.”

Pauline goes dredging in Loxwood

Our dredger Pauline has only recently been restored to service at Loxwood after her return from a prolonged stay up at Dunsfold. Her mechanism is buoyed up by removable enclosed steel float tanks – one of which was found to be no longer floating. Leaks to the tank were repaired at the Depot, and Pauline now sits level in the water.

The Dredger Group used Pauline and her restored tug Kermit to complete a detailed depth survey between Baldwin’s Knob Lock and the Roger Dimmick slipway at Drungewick Aqueduct. Depths as little as 0.7m were identified in some places. Pauline will take this down to the canal ’s nominal depth of 1.4m - 1.5m, therefore as much as doubling the depth. This will allow tripboats an easier turn in the winding hole below Baldwin ’s Knob Lock. It will also enable Pauline herself to get to the slipway, where she will be taken ashore for some much-needed maintenance to her hull.

Boat Trips. A private boat trip can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion, or a fun outing for your group or society. We provide the boat and the crew and we

can also help with refreshments. The best way to book is to use the online enquiry form on our website or you can contact support@weyandarun.co.uk.

For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk

WACT Press Office and Website

River Thames News

The River Thames is our national river and as such should be an example of how we value and care for waterways in this country. I am not sure this is the case now.

A lack of secure and dependable funding makes it impossible to plan in the long or medium term which leaves reactive repairs when infrastructure fails to the dismay of boaters and staff who could see it coming. As a government department we should not be surprised that repairs have to be signed off by remote civil servants who have little idea of the impact any delay has on the operation of the river.

Pollution levels in the Thames have been deteriorating for years yet it is only the rise in “citizen science” that has brought this to the national media’s attention and was highlighted during the annual Oxford v Cambridge boat race. There are no quick solutions there.

The increased rainfall has kept boats in marinas and locks shut and boat businesses without clients. Perhaps there should be a conversation between insurers and boatyards about waivers to allow boats to move for legitimate safety work.

Enjoy the waterways.

Paddle UK

Verna Smith

High rainfall events that commenced in the Autumn and are continuing into May have seen rivers carrying unprecedented volumes of water. Strong streams and flooding apart, trees have been victims of the saturated ground conditions . They fall and obstruct rivers in the region which is evident to paddlers getting back on the water after stream conditions have eased. Left uncleared a build-up of trash can form a more hazardous complete blockage.

Obstructed watercourses and associated hazards are reported to the Environment Agency. At the recent Thames Waterways Forum, trees that completely obstruct the public right of navigation on the Abbey River and Bray Cut at Maidenhead were raised with the Agency.

Another outcome from the high rainfall is pollution that is increasingly featured in the media. Storm water discharges from overwhelmed sewage treatment works, road runoff and animal waste entering water courses and coastal waters present a potential heal th hazard.

Clean Water Alliance: High rainfall and infrastructure issues have exacerbated poor water quality.

Seven organisations from the water recreation sector, which includes Paddle UK, have formed the Clean Water Alliance to demand the government go “further and faster” in tackling water pollution.

Thames Water: Teddington Direct Abstraction Reuse

Thames Water propose to abstract and transfer water from the non-tidal Thames to NE London. The abstraction would be replaced by higher quality treated wastewater from Mogden Sewage Treatment Works discharged into the non-tidal river below the abstraction point - https://www.thameswater.co.uk/aboutus/regulation/strategic-water-resource-solutions/water-recycling-reuse-schemesin-london.

Many organisations have a range of concerns about the impact of the Teddington Direct River Abstraction Scheme on the River Thames:

Water quality being returned to the river.

Changes to the river flow.

Discharge effecting the temperature of the river.

Combination of the above effecting the rivers ecology.

Bacteria pollution affecting recreational use of the river.

Environment Agency: As reported at Thames Waterways Forum all six campsites at Thames Locks closed in 2023 will remain out of use for 2024. The loss of these facilities has made a camping trip along the river impractical for paddlers and other lightweight campers such as cyclists and back packers.

The Agency have concluded that as a publicly funded body whose primary function is to manage water levels and deliver a safe navigation, they are not resourced to safely deliver campsites on the non-tidal Thames. With limited resources available the focus is on the core function of water level management and delivering a safe navigation. Suitable options are being sought to reopen in the future.

Bray Lock - downstream canoe portage: Delayed by a succession of adverse river conditions in previous years the lengthening of the canoe portage landing was

completed in April. It is a welcome improvement compared with the shorter landing it replaces. The 5.5 m long landing with a repositioned non-obstructing handrail provides a larger platform area for easier and safer handling of canoes to and from the water.

Before April 2024

Voluntary

April 2024

Kevin East

Waterways & Environment Project Officer

IWA CANALWAY CAVALCADE

2024

The Inland Waterway Association’s annual celebration of the waterways in London took place over the first May bank holiday from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May. Little Venice was once again transformed into a vibrant spectacle of colour and vitality as over 100 boats arrived from far and wide, and visitors from all walks of life came together to share their passion for waterways. This annual gathering saw almost 10,000 visitors on the first day, with a similar number joining on an equally sunny day on Sunday. Even the torrential rain on the bank holiday Monday did little to dampen the buzz.

There really was something for everyone with narrowboats, both modern and historic, moored alongside widebeam boats in the Pool. Continuous cruisers, liveaboards, and leisure boaters, local residents and those from further afield gathered to celebrate the waterways and highlight the importance of the theme of this year’s Cavalcade, “Funding Britain’s Waterways” . The theme reflected the widespread recognition that what we know and love about the waterways network is under threat, with the government’s deci sion to curtail funding for Canal

& River Trust and the increased operational and inflationary demands on navigation authorities nationwide. It was encouraging to see many boaters proudly flying Fund Britain’s Waterways flags and sporting FBW banners on the sides of their boats.

The event was officially opened by the VIP party led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister who was joined by Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at Westminster City Council, Richard Parry, CEO of CRT, and Mike Wills, National Chair of IWA, Libby Bradshaw, Ceremonial and Children’s Activities Manager for the event, and Paul Rodgers, Event Director and Chair of the organising committee.

The Lord Mayor welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked IWA for organising the event. Following brief speeches and a resounding round of applause from the 1000s of visitors lining the towpath to thank the over 100 volunteers who help put on the event, the Lord Mayor was invited 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.

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, many 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, flavourful Moroccan cuisine from Harissa & Lemon, and of course plenty of ice cream which proved to be popular whatever the weather! As in previous years, we welcomed the ever-professional Jervis team and their real ale bar which provided the perfect place to enjoy a break in the sunshine – and shelter during the rain!

One of the most popular destinations in Rembrandt Gardens was the Wild over Waterways (WoW) marquee which offered a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained and spark their curiosity in the waterways. Children and adults alike were entertained by whimsical performances from the “Suitcase Circus”. Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend. Sunday saw the return of the much-loved Teddy

Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the gardens while activities for older children and young people were led by the Pirate Castle from Camden, with paddle sports taking place across the weekend.

Whilst the theme of this year’s event focused on the existential threat to the waterways nationally, the event also continued its tradition of engaging with the local community. One way of doing this is through the Schools Art Exhibition which featured a range of impressive art projects from local schools. The message that our waterways should be saved for the enjoyment of all came through loud and clear in the creative and collaborative efforts of younger canal fans.

This year’s Event Director, Paul Rodgers, who joined the organising committee for the first time this year expressed his thanks to the team of volunteers without whom the event would not be possible. Over 100 volunteers were mobilised to deliver this year’s event both in the planning process and the hugely demanding logistical deployment on the ground. This included the experienced team from IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group, more commonly seen across the country supporting canal restoration projects, who transformed Little Venice and the surrounding area in the week before the event.

Collaboration with partners is also crucial to the success of the event with CRT, Paddington Central and Westminster City Council taking the lead in a demonstration of what can be achieved when waterways charities, businesses, government, and the many supporters of the event come together.

This year the evenings brought a vibrant celebration of 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 once again saw an open mic night in the bar, compéred by Mark Saxon. 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. They 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. The award winners for 2024 were:

Marcus Boudier Trophy For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed Pageant.

Winner: Galatee; Boat owners: Simon Hodgkinson & Sarah LaBrasca. Organisation: Slash Arts & Canal Dream CIC

The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy Awarded for the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group. Not awarded

The Cruise Electric Trophy Awarded for the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s Procession.

Winner: Tros-Yr-Afon; Boat Owner: Phil Gaskell

Runner-up: Galatee; Boat owners: Simon Hodgkinson & Sarah LaBrasca Organisation: Slash Arts & Canal Dream CIC

The Graham Capelin Award Awarded for the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday Pageant or Illuminated Boats.

Winner: Purple Emperor; Boat Owner: Ian Marr

The Westminster Trophy Donated by the City of Westminster it is awarded for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition.

Winner: Iquitos

Runner-up: Fulbourne

3rd place: Middlesex

Steerer: Mike Moore

Steerer: Robin Hendley

Steerer: Tim Lewis

The Roger Squires Trophy Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s 10 years as Commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition.

Winner: Purple Emperor

Steerer: Ian Marr

The Idle Women Shield Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield is awarded in the best female entrant Boat Handling Competition.

Winner: Thisuldo

Steerer: Charlotte Trimby Runner-up: Badger

3rd Place Free Bird

Steerer: Naomi Goldsmith

Steerer: Cath Jennings

The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy The Award for the best Boaters’ Sunday Best costume.

Winner: Hannah Maude (Iquitos)

The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy Awarded to the “Best Boat” at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime.

Winner: Lion

Boat Owner: Michael Pinnock

IWA National Chair, Mike Wills, underscored the value of members, volunteers and partners in the many activities that IWA is involved in, saying, “We need your help! If you have enjoyed your experience at Cavalcade, tell others about it. Financial support is also welcome so, like the spirit of our theme this year, please donate some money! Even more importantly, consider donating some time to IWA. There are opportunities to gain hands on experience of

waterway restoration, or maybe just to offer your experience, knowledge, and skills to the many areas in which we are engaged.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Canalway Cavalcade which is planned for 3rd, 4th, and 5th May 2025 and the team will welcome offers to volunteer for both the planning committee and at next year’s event. Volunteer opportunities will soon be posted on IWA’S website: www.waterways.org.uk.

For more information, general enquiries, press & publicity: Email: paul.rodgers@waterways.org.uk . Tel: 07785 502605

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: london@walks.com. It is Very Important to watch the IWA website - www.waterways.org.uk - or the London Walks website – www.walks.com – for any late changes to the walk.

Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere). This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways. It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you.

Sun 7th Jul: Regents Canal: Little Venice – Camden meet Warwick Avenue

Sun 21st Jul: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign next to Pret A Manger)

Sun 4th Aug: Four Hundred Years of the New River: Meet Manor House (Finsbury Park exit: exit 6)

Sun 18th Aug: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR)(by Cycle Hire Point)

Sun 25th Aug: The Secrets of the Northern Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Stratford (Westfield / QEOP exit by the Pret A Manger sign)

Sun 1st Sep: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign next to Pret A Manger)

Sun 15th Sep: Regents Canal: Little Venice – Camden meet Warwick Avenue

Sun 6th Oct: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign next to Pret A Manger)

Sun 20th Oct: Regents Canal: King’s Cross -Hitchcock’s Hackney – Kings Cross. Meet by Taxi (meet by Taxi Queue sign next to Pret A Manger

Kent & East Sussex Branch

Interim IWAKES Chairman’s Piece

I am writing this during our usual summer absence from Kent afloat on the waterways of England and Wales. I imagine that this is in common with a number of our branch members. This year we are heading South from Braunston rather than our usual ambition to cross the Pennines into Yorkshire. This change of direction was prompted largely by the impending lengthy closure of River Lock in Leeds. The reasons CRT has given for the unusual timing of this stoppage made me wonder if planned maintenance of the canals might be better achieved if scheduled over 10 months each year. Would this result in a more resilient system with fewer emergency closures and save money in the long term? Last year we transitted the Wigan flight twice and missed breakdowns resulting in lengthy closures by a matter of hours. What luck!

During the journey South I was delighted to see expressions of support for Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) in a number of places, especially the very prominently placed banners at Batchworth and Dunstable. I would like to offer best wishes to the campaign on behalf of the branch. Peter Wilkinson

River Adur

On 16th November 2023 Adur District Council (ADC) imposed an Order stopping up Restricted Byway 3157 in Shoreham, which is an access for an historic slipway. It has been unlawfully obstructed by Sussex Yacht Club, preventing its use, for decades. On 20th December 2023 IWAKES sent a formal objection to ADC, attaching 14 pages of evidence.

We understand that a total of four objections were received by ADC and that, principally as a result of the arguments made in the IWAKES objection, ADC has now decided that it cannot close the Byway. Instead, it now proposes to create an access through the proposed new flood-defence wall. The access is planned to be located opposite the existing slipway in the Sussex Yacht Club. Meanwhile, some businesses in the Sussex Yacht Club area have been flooded due to a combination of high tides and very high rainfall.

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust news from Roy Sutton

Minor maintenance at Isfield lock continues; as does planning for an interpretation board and for the winding up of the charity.

River Medway news from Mike Marsh

Environment Agency News….

Staffing – EA now has three new Navigation officers, so the EA Medway team is almost fully staffed now. The new staff members are settling in very well and have completed their water safety and inland helmsman courses.

Town Lock – The picture on the right shows EA staff de-silting the gates at Town Lock. The river will be open and fully navigable by May 22nd.

Anti-Social Behaviour – EA and boaters have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour with the recent good weather. EA Navigation organised a joint boat patrol with Kent Police, Border Force, Maidstone Borough Council and the EA fisheries team on Friday 31st May. This is really good collaborative working, tackling the problem on several different fronts.

Allington Upstream Landing Stage – Work is finished. The picture on the left shows Mandrake from Strood Yacht Club alongside. EA has also installed a Rolec unit with 4 electric charging outlets on the landing stage.

East Lock – Emergency works have temporarily fixed the penstocks at East Lock. Repair works are planned when the boating season is finished. EA has reinstated the river.

Boat Registration – EA has started its annual boat registration enforcement activities.

The pictures show seizure notices issued to two boats.

Litter pick – EA is holding its annual canoe litter pick from Town Lock to Allington in the week commencing 10th June with the help of Canoe Club members.

Twyford Bridge – Works to replace Twyford Bridge at Yalding are underway. The completion date will be extended due to poor weather. The site is passable by boats with caution . Further updates will be issued by the EA shortly. Look out for them at https://therivermedway.co.uk.

Other News….

Tonbridge flats – A nine-storey block of flats is to be built in Tonbridge town centre after a fourth bid to transform the site was approved.

Tonbridge and Malling councillors have approved plans for the development of 118 flats on the former car park of the “River Centre”, close to Town Lock in Tonbridge.

The picture on the right is an artist’s impression of the development.

https://www.maidstoneriverfestival.com .

Maidstone River Festival – This will take place on Saturday July 27th, 2024, and promises to be as popular as ever with boaters and the general public with all the traditional events including fireworks taking place.

Finally, don’t forget there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the lovely River Medway this summer; whether hiring a boat, as a passenger or by joining the Canoe / SUP and Rowing clubs. Here are a few links….

https://kentishlady.co.uk

https://maidstonecanoeclub.net

https://tonbridgerivertrips.co.uk/trips/

https://www.paddlecabin.co.uk

https://kingfishermedwaytrust.org.uk

https://maidstoneinvicta.co.uk/#

Thames & Medway Canal Association

200 Year Anniversary – This is the 200th anniversary of the opening of the canal. To celebrate this the TMCA will have a display at the Hoo Peninsula Heritage Festival on the weekend of the 7th – 8th September. The focus of the event will celebrate Thomas Aveling’s 200th birthday with steam traction engines and similar attending from all over the UK as well as many other displays and stalls. Almost like a mini county show, there will be masses for everyone to see and do.

Wildlife – Piles of decaying timber have been left to encourage bugs and small mammals . Also, several boxes have been

installed along the route. They look something like a black electrical post and are designed to encourage bats. As yet we have seen little evidence of use which is a shame as the bats are losing much of their habitat to developers when old buildings get demolished to make way for functional new ones that may not have quite the appeal of the old Nuralite buildings (pictured) next to the Canal.

Bench Vandalism – Sometimes our job of restoration and improvement gets a little disheartening. The photo on the left shows a bench which we installed last summer at Shorne Mead Crossing. The photo on the right shows it recently. The teak seat boards are totally smashed and the steel legs uprooted. We now have to restore the legs and replace the seat boards before the spring.

We already have enough work cutting and removing fallen trees (below).

Higham Cabin – Our Gravesend cabin is tucked in the corner of our “ green ” at Mark Lane and reminds passers-by of our presence. Having got used to the benefits offered by this we have established another at the Higham end. To transport small tools and equipment from our Gravesend storage was time-consuming and

often a tool that was needed was still at Gravesend. Something was needed to store equipment and provide shelter when it rained. Despite the cost taking us below our financial “comfort” benchmark we hope this expenditure is slowly recouped as we do not foresee further major expense this year.

Rain – The water level in the Gravesend section of the canal is maintained by pumps but for seven consecutive weeks recently the system has not been needed. Proof of the rainfall is seen by the level of water in the dyke behind our “old” HQ which has risen hugely from 9” to 3’-9”, as seen by the now submerged small pipe crossing the “pond” and overflowing the site. A reminder of quite how wet it is is a photo taken a couple of months ago and one taken recently. The narrow, forked tree is in the foreground of both photos. Foliage has grown as if in a greenhouse!

Grade II listed status – Part of the Thames and Medway Canal has been listed by Jeremy Hunt. The citation details the canal basin, the basin swing bridge, the 19th Century walls and two old lock areas but does not include the swing bridge. The listing may at least reinforce our long-term ambition of reopening the stretch of canal between the canal basin and Mark Lane, thus making more than three miles of navigation accessible from the Thames. Dave Parnell

Future IWAKES and Other Events

Saturday 27th July 2024 – All day, with evening fireworks: Between the bridges in Maidstone Town Centre: “Maidstone River Festival”: https://www.maidstoneriverfestival.com

Weekend 7th and 8th September 2024:

“Hoo Peninsula Heritage Festival”: With TMCA 200th centenary display: https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/steam-rallies-and-events/event/thomasavelings-200th-birthday-celebration

CANCELLED – The “Walk alongside the Tidal Kentish River Stour” that was planned for 5th October 2024 has been cancelled: We apologise for this.

Tuesday 12th November 2024: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH: “The Basingstoke Canal”: A talk by Ian Moore of Basingstoke Canal Society.

Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings. Entry is free with a raffle to cover costs. All IWAKES events are open to non-members. So, please invite friends to meetings. Similarly, if a local club or society might be interested, please tell them.

We still very much wish to appoint an IWAKES Branch Events’ Secretary. Please contact Roy Sutton if this interests you.

Oxfordshire Branch

I hope you are getting back to using the waterways now that the weather finally shows some signs of improvement.

We held the branch AGM in March 2024 which was reasonably well attended as in addition to the usual AGM business the members discussed the future of the branch.

I had said that unless between 4 and 6 people were willing to put themselves forward at the AGM meeting to take on official branch committee roles then there was only 1 choiceto agree to close down the branch and furthermore to agree that the balance of Branch funds be put into central IWA funds for general IWA purposes.

At the meeting there was considerable enthusiasm for the branch to continue and a couple of offers of help to arrange events. As it was, only 1 person, Mark Rowan, put themselves forward to take on the formal role as treasurer and to proactively organise events. The branch will therefore continue for a few more months pending more people volunteering to help.

At the time of writing this, Mark has surveyed branch members to garner interest in a social meeting and is busy organising that. There is a brief introduction from Mark to members below, but we do still need more people to proactively become involved if the Branch is going to continue.

Mark Rowan said about himself: “I am based in north Oxfordshire and have been a narrowboater for some 24 years with the first 17 years being a liveaboard. Passionate about my boat with her Gardner 3LW engine, motorcycling (dependent on aches & pains as 70 yrs looms!) and two cats who I am destined to serve with the utmost loyalty! Have had a varied career including carpenter/joiner, full time fireman, IT professional, safety advisor to the feature film industry and now a semiretired fire risk assessor”.

Hopefully you can help man the stands at Oxford and Banbury Canal Festivals in September and October 2024

Ian Lindsay Oxfordshire Branch Chair

Photo Courtesy: IWA website – Debbie Mullier

Future events

Sat 21st Sept: Oxford Canal Festival

Sat 5th & Sun 6th Oct: Banbury Canal Festival:

Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

Easter saw the start of the boat trips season – our team of dedicated volunteers giving up time every Saturday (and sometimes weekdays) to welcome visitors on board our Dancing Duck to sample the atmosphere of the Oxford Canal and to learn a bit about how that Canal, and Tooley’s Boatyard, made such a difference to Banbury in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Tom Rolt, and to mark it the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust (which holds much of Rolt’s archive of letters etc.) put on a very interesting two-day conference. This included two excellent talks by members of Tooley’s team – Kate Saffin and Kit Acott – and a display of some of the artefacts and documents from our own collection.

Rolt didn’t just write Narrow Boat, and many of his other works are well worth a read, but to hear a talk on his ghost stories was quite a surprise to many of us!

And work continues on our historic wooden boat Hardy. A delivery of 10-metre oak beams recently made even the strongest bodies struggle to stow them safely in the yard. But there are plenty of lighter jobs that need doing on Hardy, so if you live near enough and can spare a couple of hours on a Saturday, give us a ring to find out when the next session is due to happen: 01295 272917

Boat Trips

Throughout the warmer months of the year we run boat trips on Dancing Duck from Tooley’s Boatyard on Saturdays (approx. 40 mins). All tours are run by qualified helmsman and crew. https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk/boat-trips/ . John Madden, Chair Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

As hinted at last time, our Royal Wootton Bassett Branch has now acquired its own trip boat. She is a 35 ft steel day boat, licensed to take 8 passengers and two crew, so slightly shorter than Dragonfly, which runs in Swindon. She has been renamed Nonsuch, purchased using part of a very generous legacy from the late Vic Miller, whose own boat had that name. Some dredging was required, funded from the same legacy, to enable Nonsuch to travel a decent distance from its base at Templars Firs; the dredging was done by the ingenious Truxor – a truly amphibious vehicle! At the time of writing, Nonsuch has not yet acquired her final livery nor started trips, as

crew training and bank preparations are under way, but we look forward to her coming into service by the time this is published.

Meanwhile, the photo is of the Truxor doing its amazing job, thanks to JLS who operate it. Note the tracked tractor on the bank, that takes the dredgings to deposit elsewhere.

Elsewhere in the canal’s 50-plus miles of main line, work continues establishing our Bee Route between Lacock and Pewsham; a reconstruction of a Carpenters Workshop unearthed by Pewsham Locks is taking place and construction of a new canal line is about to start in Wichelstowe, Swindon that will extend Dragonfly trips hugely.

At our recently purchased patch of woodland at Uffington Gorse, our Woodland Management Plan is being actioned, to include restoration of the towpath and canal itself, along with an attractive park similar to our popular Canal Park at Shrivenham. We look forward to greatly increased activity as the year goes on.

Chris Barry Comms Secretary, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

Surrey Care Trust

Swingbridge Community boats provide a wonderful experience people who have limited mobility or special needs.

Our boats run excursions from Dapdune Wharf on the River Wey throughout the spring, summer and early autumn.

Tranquility helps people take time out in a relaxed, purpose-built setting. Are you looking for a special extracurricular or reward activity for your group? Or an engaging team-building or motivational activity for your organisation? Or for an opportunity to volunteer and support your community. Swingbridge Tranquility's trips and activities are for you!

Tranquility is specifically adapted with a wheelchair lift, so it is fully accessible for people with limited mobility as well as other needs, to enjoy a morning or afternoon out. We also offer courses leading to National Community Boats Association qualifications as well as our own courses. All training courses can be adapted to meet different interests and ability levels. www.surreycaretrust.org.uk

Mikron Theatre Group

Two

new shows for 2024

Common Ground - Rambling and our rights of way

The Pendale and District Ramblers are looking forward to their 50th anniversary walk. But the path has been blocked by the landowner. How will they find their way through?

A diverting ramble through the history of land access in England, from the Norman Conquest to Lockdown, via the mass trespass at Kinder Scout. Get your boots and jacket on for a hike through history.

Jennie Lee - The extraordinary life of the radical MP you’ve never heard of…

In 1929, Jennie Lee left her coalmining family in Scotland to become Westminster’s youngest MP – so young that, as a woman, she couldn’t even vote for herself.

Tenacious, bold and rebellious, Jennie cut her own path through history. She fought with her every breath for the

betterment of all our lives and believed that every person deserved their share of the fruits of the earth – for wages, health, and housing, and for art and education too.

Her role in the foundation of the Open University and the expansion of the Arts Council aided Jennie’s fight for bread and roses, and in doing so, changed the twentieth century.

Oh yes, and founder of the NHS Nye Bevan was her husband. But Jennie is no footnote in someone else’s past. Tell her story and say her name – this is the one, the only, Jennie Lee. Please visit our website for booking details, times and venues.

www.mikron.org.uk

The Puppet Theatre Barge

Abingdon

London Region

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

Our Region Socials started again in September on either the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month. They are currently held at the London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT. Details of all these events may be found using the following link: https://waterways.org.uk/support/waysto-get-involved/events

The talks start at 7.30pm. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available beforehand and in the break. You are welcome to join us in a local pub for a drink afterwards. Please bring your friends, they do not need to be IWA members. If you would like to be added to my circulation list and are not on the IWA London Region circulation please email me as below: Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037

South London Branch

South London Branch Meetings will start again in September and 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

Future events

Sat 22nd June: Brentford River Festival

Sun 23rd June Hayes Canal Festival

Sat 1st Sep: Angel Canal Festival

IWA Chesham Head Office Staff

Administration Manager (PT): Tracy Higgin

ext 601

Membership Assistant (PT): Rachel Bryant ext 600

Administration Assistant (PT): Kelly Gascoine ext 615

The Inland Waterways Association South East Region

Chair:

Vacant

IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee

Chair: Verna Smith

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

Interim Chair: Peter Wilkinson Tel: 01303 890658 Email: peter.glen4@gmail.com

Secretary, Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer & Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson

Membership Secretary: Les Etheridge Social Secretary: Vacant R. Medway: Michael Marsh R. Stour: Malcolm Hasler Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell R. Rother: Malcolm Jones

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee

Chair: Ian Lindsay Tel: 07889 070623 Email: ian.lindsay@waterways.org.uk

Secretary: Vacant

Treasurer: Mark Rowan Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: tba Email: mark.rowan@waterways.org.uk

Non Committee Responsibilities

Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper

Next issue: Autumn Copy date: 27th September 2024

Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. IWA, 16B Asheridge Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2PX. Tel: 01494 783453 Company No: 612245. Charity No: 212342 www.waterways.org.uk

Cargoes Editor: Chris Jones chris.jones@waterways.org.uk

Saturday 14 Sept

Bring the whole family for a fun-packed day at Dapdune Wharf

•Food and craft stalls

•Children's activities

•Live music

•Pageant of illuminated boats at dusk

•Free entry

Please note that there is NO parking on site . The use of public transport and local public car parks is recommended.

nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey

Phone 01483 561389 or email: riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk

@ ntriverwey 11 RiverWey

With thanks to our sponsors: