Cargoes Winter 2019

Winter 2019

Winter 2019

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

and Oxfordshire Branches

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IWA Nominee to Wilts & Berks Canal Trust IWA is entitled to appoint a trustee to Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. The nominee takes on the full role and responsibility the same as any other trustee, and in this role their primary duty is to the Trust rather than to IWA, but they should regularly report back to the Association at both local and national level and facilitate good liaison between the two organisations. IWA’s current nominee, Sue Cooper, wishes to stand down as soon as possible following her election as leader of South Oxfordshire Council after the May 2019 local elections – so we are looking for someone to take over Sue’s post with the Trust. The Wilts & Berks Canals flows through areas covered by both IWA Oxfordshire and Avon & Wilts branches, but the group’s trustees are not restricted to coming from just these areas. If you might be interested in taking on this role for the Association, please contact Neil Edwards at IWA’s Chesham Head Office for an informal chat – neil@waterways.org.uk Neil Edward IWA Chief Executive

Could YOU be an IWA Trustee?

The IWA is governed by a board of Directors who are elected by the membership. They have ultimate responsibility for all aspects of IWA activity, but delegate routine day-to-day management to a small staff team and to various national and local committees. If you feel you have the right skills and experience to bring value to IWA’s trustee board, IWA’s chief executive, Neil Edwards, would love to hear from you.

Trustees serve for periods of three years and are eligible for re-election three times. Our trustees meet five times per year (usually on a Saturday), in addition to attending our AGM. Meetings can be attended remotely via the internet.

There is a ballot if there are more candidates than the places available. If this is the case, information about the candidates and voting papers will be published in an edition of Waterways magazine and on the website. More details can be found on our website www.waterways.org.uk.

Neil Edward IWA Chief Executive

First Silver Propeller Challenge Finishers th 8 November 2019 Our Silver Propeller Challenge has been completed for the first time since its launch last year. First across the finish line were a husband and wife team, Michael and Jo Morehouse, who kept their fans updated on social media.

The Silver Propeller Challenge aims to encourage boaters to visit 20 or more lesser-explored waterways across the UK and it was with a visit to Standedge Tunnel that Michael and Jo finally made it to their 20th location.

3 The couple have been boating for several years and found out about the IWA Silver Propeller Challenge after its launch in early 2018. They realised they had already visited several of the destinations and decided to “go for it”.

As Michael says, "We appreciate the IWA's cruise-it-or-lose-it ethos and wanted to highlight some of the gems of these out of the way places. There were some canals where there was no love lost, but others were definitely worth the struggle, including the Ashby Canal and the end of the Montgomery."

Editorial Welcome to the winter edition of Cargoes. I am also very pleased to welcome Byfleet Boat Club who won two trophies at the recent IWA Festival of Water. And Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group have also been very successful with a special “Living Waterways Award” from CRT. Elsewhere, many Societies and IWA branches are looking for volunteers.

Volunteering has been found to be very beneficial to health and wellbeing and I would recommend it to everyone with a little bit of time to spare. Please consider helping in any way you can. I am hoping to attend the next Volunteer’s day.

Finally, Neil Edwards Chief Executive of the IWA, is looking for a Trustee to help with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. Please contact Neil if you are interested.

I wish you all a very happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Chris Jones – Editor

From the Region Chair My term as Region Chairman and Trustee ends in 2020 and all IWA members are eligible to put themselves forward for this role. In addition you should be aware that Region Chairmen are no longer automatically Trustees and have to be elected to the role by member ballot before the IWA AGM, which is normally held in September. Do contact me for an informal chat if you are interested in either role (see page 2 for details).

We are also struggling to attract people to run the Oxford branch and the Guildford & Reading branch. The Oxford branch will lose two stalwarts, Ann and Terry Yeatman, at the next branch AGM in March 2020. I would like to thank Ann and Terry for their loyal support over many years. As this only leaves Robin Williams as branch secretary, we really need a few people to take over otherwise the branch will fold, which would be pretty disastrous for the branch waterways and local events. We know that the branch has 300 members so surely someone can help out? The branch is due to support the Oxford Canal Festival and Tooley’s Open day during 2020.

The Volunteer Day for our region was held in London and it was good to meet a number of branch officers from other regions in addition to some familiar faces.

The day was run by the staff from Chesham and included an excellent address by trustee Paul Rodgers followed by workshops, where lively discussions took place.

Cover Photo: Santa at Bevans Bridge

Courtesy: Wilks & Berks Canal Trust

4 The staff members are to be congratulated on providing an opportunity for branch officials to meet them and air their views.

Thank you for the one sighting of Himalayan Balsam but I really need more input to put together dates for work parties in 2020.

Enjoy the festive season. .

Verna Smith

Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire and Guildford and Reading Branches of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm for 8pm on Wednesday 19th February 2020 at Christ Church United Reform Church, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SG The Oxfordshire Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm for 8.00pm start on Wednesday 11th March 2020 at Begbroke Village Hall, 3 Begbroke Lane, Begbroke, Kidlington, Oxon. OX5 1RN The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 30th March 2020 at National Trust’s premises, Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR. The Agenda for the branch meetings will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws as follows:

Agenda 1

Apologies for Absence

2

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

3

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

4

Branch Chairman’s Report

5

Branch Treasurer’s Report and Accounts

6

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

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

7

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

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Index

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

Page: 8 Page: 9

Byfleet Boat Club

Page: 12

Guildford & Reading Branch Future Events

Page: 6 Page: 7

Kent & Sussex Branch – IWAKES Baybridge Canal Walk Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Kentish Stour River Adur River Medway Thames & Medway Canal Association Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust Future Events

Page: 30

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Newbury Reading Crofton Beam Engines Future Events

Page: 12

Maidenhead Restoration

Page: 16

Page: 37

Pages: 13/15

Mikron Theatre Group

Page: 45

Oxfordshire Branch Banbury Canal Partnership

Page: 38 Page: 40

Region Chair Report

Page: 3

River Thames

Page: 29

River Wey & Godalming Navigations National Trust Future Events

Page: 18 Page: 20

Salisbury Group Future Events

Page: 6 Page: 6

Southampton Canal Society Future Events

Page: 22 Page: 24

South London

Page: 44

Towpath Walks

Page: 44

Wey & Arun Canal Trust Future Events

Page: 24 Page: 28

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Future Events

Page: 42 Page: 44

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Salisbury Group Future Events

Thur 21st Nov: Exploring the South of France by Boat. Jon Van de Geer takes us on a journey from Séte along the Canal du Rhône á Séte and along the Petit Rhône to Arles on board the hotel boat “Anne-Marie”. He will also take us on an excursion to Carcassonne and a trip along the Canal du Midi.

Thur 5th Dec: Waterways quiz organised by Southampton Canal Society at Chilworth village hall (for further details see page 24). Visitors welcome.

Thur 12th Dec: Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon Alderbury, 7.00pm The Meetings for 2020 are still to be finalised. Please contact Ron or Myra for further information. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 or 07768 622966, email glover.3@btinternet.com, myra.glover@waterways.org.uk or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman Autumn has truly arrived now and while travelling to a meeting, I was reflecting on what the branch has achieved this year. The sales team has been very active, both attending events and keeping stock in good order. My thanks to all involved with this vital role. I am disappointed that we have not been able to find someone to lead our walks or organise other social events this year. Maybe next year?

Our branch waterways and associated trip boats have enjoyed an excellent summer thanks to helpful weather. It was good to see so many people taking advantage of our waterways.

The raft race at Odiham attracted more spectators and rafts than last year and the improved course design enabled families to stay at Colt Hill. Two rafts tried to sink within twenty metres of the start but the heroic efforts of one team enabled

7 them to finish. The other craft sank causing much mirth. The standard of sartorial elegance amongst the crews was definitely higher this year, with the “Ladies who Launch” team leading the field. Planning for next year’s race has already begun and details will appear on the link from Galleon Marine’s website in due course.

Boaters should be aware of significant de-watering on the Basingstoke Canal over the winter to enable planned maintenance and the construction of a pedestrian turnover bridge at Chobham Road in Woking. See the BCA website for more details. There are also lock closures on the Thames which will be on the EA harbourmaster’s website. On the Oxford Canal there are number of closures due to lift bridge works around Oxford and to the south. See CRT website for details.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and thank you for your continuing support in 2019.

Verna Smith (acting Chair)

Sales & Publicity Stand The Sales Team finished this year with a very successful Wey River Festival on September 21st.

We are looking forward to 2020 when we hope to attend the IWA National Trailboat Festival organised by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust in conjunction with the IWA, Reading Water Fest, Henley Traditional Boat show and the Wey River Festival. Further details will be available next year in Cargoes.

Three members of the Sales Team We are always looking for volunteers to help at Reading Water Fest. on the stand even if only for a couple of hours, or for setting up and breaking down. If you can help please contact Ben Scott, on 07484 223691, or the Cargoes editor. We will welcome you with open arms! Our email address is chris.jones@waterways.org.uk The Sales Team

Future Events Thur 5th Dec: Waterways quiz organised by Southampton Canal Society at Chilworth village hall (for further details see page 24). Visitors welcome.

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

Sat 23rd - Mon 25th May: IWA National Trailboat Festival: Wey & Arun Canal Trust.

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Basingstoke Canal Society Chairman’s Report The very hot summer resulted in the closure of the Deepcut section of the canal, for several weeks, preventing through navigation to Odiham.

This has renewed our interest pressing for greater attention to be given to the possibilities of increasing water supply. A number of ideas are being considered including the construction of water storage ponds at Deepcut, the sinking of more boreholes, accessing the reservoirs at Bourley, further back pumping schemes etc. All the ideas will involve considerable investment, but we feel that since hot summers are becoming more regular, we are bound to renew our efforts to secure further water supplies to prevent prolonged closures.

On 1st September a very successful raft race was held at Colt Hill, Odiham with almost 1,000 people attending. This is likely to become a regular event as it gives us an opportunity to promote the canal as an important attraction for visitors.

Our two trip boats, John Pinkerton II and Kitty, had a very good trading season which is now coming to an end. Provisional figures indicated that the two boats have carried more than 9,500 passengers and generated a gross income in excess of ÂŁ65000. John Pinkerton II alone had 4,500 Charter passengers and 2,960 Public passengers. Once our expenses have been paid, this should leave a substantial sum available for our work parties.

Over the summer period, work was suspended at Farnborough Road, at the insistence of Natural England, but activity is resuming this autumn with the aim of providing several additional permanent boat moorings for 2020. Our work party has also been installing a new water point at Ash Lock Depot.

In June we received the extremely sad news that Robin Higgs OBE had died.

Robin was Chairman of the Canal Society in the early campaigning years and throughout the long period of restoration. We all owe Robin a great debt of gratitude for all the work he did for the canal and his most fitting tribute would be for all of us to maintain the canal as a fully functioning navigation and as an important green lung in an increasingly congested part of the country*.

9 Finally, we should congratulate the Basingstoke Canal Authority for pressing ahead with its plans to upgrade the camping facilities at the Canal Centre. Planning applications for the new toilet and shower block and the provision of serviced caravan hard standings are about to be submitted to Surrey Heath. It is hoped that this will be the first stage of a larger improvement scheme at Mytchett which could involve a new Canal Centre, Museum, Café and Archive.

Philip Riley wincombecottage2@gmail.com *Editor’s note: Robin Higgs’ obituary was in the Autumn edition of Cargoes.

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

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

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

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

Wed 20th Nov: Rosie Jordan. Surrey Search and Rescue. Surrey Search and Rescue is a professional but unpaid team who are on call to assist Surrey Police 24 hours a day to search for and rescue vulnerable missing persons. They search on land and in or near water, sometimes from their boats and from the air with drones.

Wed 18th Dec: Film evening. From the BCS archives. Archive film about one of the last commercial voyages from the Wey Navigation into London’s Royal Docks. The film was made in the 1970’s by Tony Harmsworth but has recently had a commentary added and now presents a vivid picture of life and work on the Wey navigation and the River Thames at this time.

10 Wed 15th Jan: Lester Hillman. When London had an inland Port.

The arrival of the completed Regent’s Canal with a huge terminal at City Basin was a game changer for London. Hear about the politics, engineering marvels, commerce and the crime linked to this project. What of the future of the City Basin?

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

Jo Gosney’s talk is about Farnborough and the impact of aviation on the people, workplace and economy for over a century. Farnborough is renowned for its International Air Show but its inhabitants know a different history. At the beginning of the 20th century the army moved its Balloon Factory to Government land in South West Farnborough. This marked the beginning of an era of experimental flying and research that took Britain to the forefront of aviation development. With the evolution of flight the town expanded and developed rapidly. This talk charts that progression with photographs of various aspects of daily life in the shadow of the airfield.

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

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

Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II Public Trips in Hampshire aboard the John Pinkerton II restart at Easter 2020, see: www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/jp/public-trips Theme Cruises - Theme Cruises will also take place during 2020. These were very popular last season, so please book early. All trips depart from Colt Hill, Odiham and are of 3½ hours duration, unless stated otherwise. Please check our website for further details.

PLEASE NOTE: Trip durations may be longer than stated when the Canal water level is low, for example after periods of little rain.

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

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

11 Trips from Woking aboard the Society’s trip boat Kitty should restart at Easter 2020. We run Public Trips on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at various times throughout the summer, each trip lasting approximately 1¼ hours if no stops are made. For details of the trip schedule, http://www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/jp/kitty/. You can book as individuals or family groups on public trips, up to a maximum of 12 people, and you will be sharing the boat with others.

Trips from Mytchett aboard Rosebud the 12-seater trip boat, should restart for 2020 about the 30th March. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available. Trips are usually 90 min. More information on Rosebud is available from the Canal Centre on 01252 370073 or info@basingstokecanal.co.uk Private charters are also available

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

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

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

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

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Byfleet Boat Club Byfleet Boat Club was awarded two trophies at the IWA Festival of Water, Waltham Abbey.

The Club was awarded the Offley and Slack Propeller Challenge trophy for having the most boats at the

BBC members attending plus both Trophies

Greg (with Hat) and Mike Chamberlain (BCC Organiser)

Festival, and Greg Beardsall a club member, who is also the skipper of the Ben Gorton Scout Narrowboat was awarded the Lock Windlass Trophy for the most locks navigated to the Festival.

Kennet & Avon Canal News Newbury Branch The canal in Newbury is quieter now. The Autumn leaves have turned and Jubilee’s trips are starting to wind down. The end of our regular season was marked with our October half term holiday “Creepy Cruises” when a rather spooky looking boat glided along full of little ghouls and ghosts having a “fangtastic” time!

The crew have a short but well-deserved rest before our Santa cruises start in December. As in previous years tickets have been selling quickly and so the canal Elves have been kept busy looking out and wrapping specially selected presents for all the children. These trips last for around an hour and include a story for the younger passengers, Christmas songs for everybody, and of course we pick up a very important passenger in the form of Santa who comes on board with his sack full of

13 goodies. We don’t forget the adults either. Mulled wine and mince pies are in order for them - there is something for everyone aboard the Ice Boat Jubilee. So why don’t you put on that Christmas hat, look out your Christmas sweater and come aboard!

Future Events.

There will be a setting sail for Greenham Land to find Santa on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December.

Also, from Friday 20th to Monday 23rd December.

Departing at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm on all the above dates. Advance booking is essential. Please call our main office on 01380 721279 during office hours Monday to Friday to secure your seat. All tickets are £9 and include a gift for children and refreshment for adults. Tickets are not available on the day. There are no concessions. bookings@katrust.org.uk .

Sarah Foley

Reading Branch The branch holds regular meetings between September and May where we have speakers presenting canal related topics. September had Adrian Lawson local nature and wildlife expert giving us an appreciation of the wildlife of the eastern end of the Kennet. The October Meeting had Derrick Hunt and Adrian Tuddenham talking about the history and progress of the Somerset Coal Canal and plans for preservation and restoration. (see branch pages on the web site for full details).

On the 11th August the Branch summer outing took us to the Wey and Arun canal and the electric powered boat at Loxwood. An enjoyable time was had by all with lunch provided at the “Onslow Arms” next to the Loxwood Canal centre and the boats moorings.

One of the more off the wall fund raising activities has been for Andy James (Branch Treasurer) to collect and convert aluminium cans for cash. This has produced the spectacle of bags of cans being handed over at the monthly meetings.

This has moved from small numbers to now local shops and Cafés collecting on our behalf. Well Done Andy.

We continue to have discussions with Reading BC to enable and improve moorings in Reading. We also had a tabletop presence at the Slough Canal Festival and Spencers Wood Carnival.

Graham Puddephatt

14 Trip Boat Matilda.

On the 1st of September we had our first passenger runs. Just a soft start, no great advertising and only a few runs to prove our methods. This all went well. The following week end we had been asked to bring Matilda to the Aldermaston and Wasing produce show at Aldermaston Mill. We ran eight 20 minute trips on the day with an average of 11 passengers per trip (she has a maximum of 12 passengers) and took a good sum in donations. John and Pam Swift held court in a Gazebo in the main area and directed folk to Matilda for Keith, Matt and Peter to conduct them on the short but interesting tour. The highlight was probably seeing a Kingfisher leading the boat down the water in front of the boat for a short time.

Derrick showing Adrian his tour guides speakers hat

learning from the experience. We have additionally taken a group of Reading Borough Councillors around on our trip route. All appeared very happy with our endeavours and more contacts and possibilities have been identified (watch this space).

We were booked to bring a guided wildlife tour back into central Reading as part of the “Reading on Thames” festival.

Dru Marland an artist living on a boat on the K&A and known for her illustrated maps of the West and East end of the K&A (available from Devizes tea shop among other places) has created a stunning route map, copies of which together with Chris Slaney’s photo cards are available on the boat.

Since the first trip in September we have run many weekends and the crew has been

Matilda cruising through the Oracle

15 Aldermaston Café We held the annual Branch BBQ in September at the Aldermaston Café. This is a good opportunity to relax and chat in a pleasant canal side environment.

We have also been talking with the café manager Gary, to review his current activity and to plan how we will work with him when we start to look at the old toll house building.

Reading Gaol Members of the K&ACT joined others in the Reading area to “Hug Reading Gaol” as part of the campaign to turn the old Gilbert Scott designed Prison into an Arts Hub which would also enhance the Canalside environment. RBC have had to look at felling many of the mature chestnut trees along Chestnut Walk due to disease. It is understood that they will be replaced, but it will be rather sad to see them go.

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

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

Tue 19th Nov: Christmas Party and Speaker.

Tue 21st Jan: Rob Dean CMG (K&ACT President) will be giving a presentation on “Bruges to Paris by slow boat”.

Tue 18th Feb: Speaker tba Tue 17th Mar: Speaker tba Branch contact is: John Swift who can be reached on 0118 941 5540 or 07533 886 917 and by email: swift.john21@gmail.com. Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses). Further details can be found on the Website at www.katrust.org.uk

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Crofton Beam Engines Future Events We are currently closed for the winter maintenance period. The 2020 season will start on the 4th April and finish on the 4th October, 10.30am to 4.30pm. In the meantime if you would like to be involved in our maintenance programme please come along to our Winter Work Public Open Day on the 23rd November. Further details are available on our website. This event is free although donations are welcome! More information from http://www.croftonbeamengines.org

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group Richard Davenport, Chair of the Trustees Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group, reports on the latest developments: The Maidenhead Waterways project continues to move ahead on two fronts construction of the new weir, fish and eel passes, plus boat rollers at Green Lane and, separately, construction

by Shanly Homes of the final section of York Stream that will join the already completed up and downstream sections of the waterway. The new weir (pictured) is nearing The New Weir nearing completion completion, with the crest now complete and fully spanning the weir basin. The entrance to the Larinier fish pass is on the left, with the baffles and resting pools already in place. The eel pass and boat rollers are partly covered but can just be seen on the right of the picture.

17 Meanwhile, viewed from the roof of the adjoining multi storey car park, Shanly Homes’ Chapel Arches Phase 3 development is racing ahead. The western underground (and under water!!) car park on the right of the picture is complete and a mix of waterside retail, cafés and apartments is already starting to go upward.

The linking channel and new water basin can be clearly seen taking shape in the centre of the picture.

MW’s Trustees hosted a visit in June from the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) Living Waterways Awards 2019 judges and discovered soon afterwards that the project had been selected as a finalist. A short video has been produced by the CRT and we were invited to see it for the first time at the awards dinner in the Birmingham ICC on October 10th. Although we had submitted in the Built Environment category, MW Trustees were surprised and delighted to receive an unscheduled award at the end of the evening - as Winner, Special Recognition - due to the range of other categories that the project also reflects. You can view the CRT’s video here… https://youtu.be/oRph-Xx5lhA .

We rather like it and hope Cargoes readers do too.

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River Wey & Godalming Navigations Hello to all – it is as usual a pleasure to write for Cargoes, but this time tinged with a little sadness as this will be my final piece. After just over 21 years working for the National Trust as Navigations Manager at the River Wey & Godalming Navigations it is time to move on. I have enjoyed some super experiences while having the privilege to look after both these fabulous waterways and hope I am handing them both on in good shape to my successor. However, all is not lost as I am moving to a role with the Canal and Rivers Trust looking after the Calder and Hebble and Aire and Calder Navigations in their North East Region. I take up my new role early in November.

I will be sad to leave. The Wey and Godalming Navigations are special, challenging at times, but none the less absolute jewels in the crown of our waterways. It goes without saying that it is people who make these waterways so special. Whether it is volunteers, staff, visitors, boaters etc it is people who bring the waterways alive, make them relevant and keep them going, hopefully long into the future. Please look after them – I have been so very lucky to have enjoyed your help and support over the years and I know you will be as helpful to my successor as you all work together to look after these great waterways into the future.

That’s quite enough about me!

For those of you who made it along to the recent Wey River Festival at Dapdune Wharf I hope you had a good experience. The weather was fabulous and the attendance record breaking with over 2,500 people Wey River Festival attending. This was the first year we didn’t allow general public parking on site and what a difference to the atmosphere it made. It was a much more pleasant experience for our staff, volunteers and exhibitors to manage and helped create just the right ambience for our visitors. As always, the day ended with the illuminated boat pageant through the middle of Guildford Town Centre and was watched by many people from bridges and along the towpath as well as from Dapdune Wharf. Easily the largest and best attended public event on the town this year.

19 The festival tends to mark for us the change to winter working. The Maintenance Team have had all our work craft out of the river and have undertaken some deep maintenance task on the boats to prepare them for our winter work programme. This winter they will be changing lock gates at Pyrford and New Haw Locks and completing bank works above Unstead Lock.

The Lengthmen Team have with the change in weather already been busy maintaining water levels and operating weirs. Soon they will begin the winter cut back of vegetation along the towpath and trimming up the offside to keep the navigable fairway open.

This will be the first year our new permanent Learning Officer will be in post over winter.

Education programmes have over the years steadily built up and we have seen a 50% increase in school children taking part in learning programmes compared to last year.

This is a really important part of the work we do to engage with the young adults of tomorrow who will Unstead Lock support all our waterways in the future. Having our Learning Office in post over winter allows us to expand and deliver our programmes into the future.

Elsewhere on the waterway the Environment Agency continue with their programme of replacing their River Wey Improvement Scheme weirs as well as developing plans for fish passes at various location. The new flood barrier and wall at Godalming has almost been completed. The new sluice at the wastewater weir above Unstead Lock has not yet been completed. As I’m sure you know all these works are behind schedule and over budget. Such is the nature of complicated works on rivers.

I do hope you continue to visit and enjoy your waterways. I will be watching from afar with interest and have no doubt the navigations will continue to prosper and be enjoyed at this rather difficult and challenging time with much uncertainty around us in the political and economic world.

Best wishes to you all for the future.

John Gibson, Navigations Manager

20 Editor’s note: Many thanks John for all your input into Cargoes during your tenure at Dapdune Wharf. The G&R Committee wish you and your wife, Andrea, all the very best for the future. We trust your move to Yorkshire and your new position with the CRT will bring you every happiness. Mike and I are grateful for being included in your leaving “do”.

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

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

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

Guildford Boathouse Site November 2019 While walking by the Wey at Millmead when the level was low, I looked at the current state of the site of the former Guildford Boathouse. The site was acquired by a developer, Soul Space and a charity, Halow, which supports young people with learning difficulties. The plan was to develop the site for volunteering, training and work opportunities, with a café/bar and a pleasure boat hire business. The plan was to face the river with the building shown in photo 1. Due to difficulties with the planning requirements however, Soul Space put the project on hold in mid 2018. The old Boathouse has been demolished and the site is boarded up as in photo 2. With the low water level it is clear that the two dock entrances of the old Boathouse have been filled in. Sadly the river has lost a valuable navigation facility and has gained an eyesore.

Mike Lewis

21 River Wey - Millmead Weir Collapse I was watching the river level downstream of Guildford on Saturday 2nd November when I noticed a rapid rise, of over a foot (30 cm), far more than I would have expected for the amount of rain we have had. After a few minutes the river fell back to its normal level and I assumed that this was due to adjustment of the weirs. I discovered later that the tumbling bay (the fixed portion of the weir) at Millmead, had collapsed draining the reach above Guildford and causing this flood.

Photo 1 shows the drained channel above Millmead Lock, with sandbanks and the public exploring the riverbed. The foundations of the towpath footbridge over the weir were undermined by the water flow, the footbridge collapsed and the towpath has been closed, see photo 2. There are reports on social media that a person was standing on the bridge when it started to move and had a lucky escape. The National Trust, Guildford Borough Council and the Environment Agency are liaising to arrange repairs. There is already a plan to rebuild some weirs on the Wey and incorporate fish passes. Photo 3, taken in the late afternoon of 4th November shows the ethereal view of the mist settling over the drained channel near Guildford Rowing Club. As

22 this reach of the river has been drained, Millmead Lock is closed, the top gates are padlocked and the lock is fenced off. One boat, Swingbridge 2 is aground a little way above Millmead, see photo 4, and the Guildford Hydro-electric Power Station is not operating. As the towpath at Millmead is on an island there is no road access and any construction equipment must be brought in by boat. As of 9th November the weir has been blocked with large sandbags to raise the level sufficiently to enable a workboat to be brought in to start repairs.

Mike Lewis

Southampton Canal Society September Meeting: “Bursledon Brick Works� with Bob Marshall The society welcomed Bob Marshall from Bursledon Brick Works for the September meeting. The first part of the presentation provided a brief history of the building construction and the part played by the humble brick. This covered Celtic buildings and their use of wattle and daub, until the Romans arrived with the first use of bricks. Saxon building mostly reverted back to wattle and daub but with some Roman bricks scavenged and reused.

Medieval brick was used in prestige buildings for example Hampton Court Palace and Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire. Bricks were also used more commonly in the 15th Century for chimneys. The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed the City of London and this resulted in an increase in the use of brick for the reconstruction of the City.

As the quality of bricks improved so their use increased in Georgian buildings. However, the Victorian era was boom time for bricks. The growth in canals, industry and railway infrastructure both increased the demand for bricks and also facilitated their transport. Brick building on a large scale continued into

23 the 1930’s and 40’s. Battersea Power Station, built between 1929 and 1941, is apparently one of the world's largest brick buildings.

The first brickworks would be on the site of the construction using small scale hand-made bricks. Brick earth, a mix of clay and sand, is thrown into a brick mould. The excess is cut off with a wire, then tapped out of the mould, and left to dry before firing in a kiln. The first automated brick machine for forming the brick, was called a Stupid, reflecting the amount of skill required.

The Bursledon Brick Works was exceptional for its longevity, opening in 1896 and continuing until the 1970s. Run by The Bursledon Brick Company (BBC), the works included a clay carrying inclined plane and later transport included an overhead cableway (aerial ropeway) and conveyors.

Brick presses produced better bricks, including the frog indentation in the brick. The machinery was all steam powered. Coal fired for the majority of the time, later oil fired boilers, now gas. Steam from the boilers was also used to heat the brick drying rooms before firing in one of the 12 kiln chambers.

Photos courtesy: The Bursledon Brick Company Gordon Osborn October Meeting William Walker with David Farthing David Farthing provided an entertaining and informative talk on Winchester Cathedral. The talk explained the story behind what has been described as the greatest engineering restoration project ever͟ covering the four “P”: the problem, the project, the people, and the party. The Cathedral, which has been estimated to weigh around 100,000 tons, is built in the middle of a river plain. The east end of the cathedral stands on particularly poor ground and is supported on a raft of logs. However, after 800 years this log raft was starting to fail, perhaps as a result of a change in water levels and resulting in worrying subsidence. The Cathedral’s subsidence was the problem and the replacement of the foundations, which are below the water table, was the project. The project took around six years to complete and started with reinforcing the building structure, fillings voids and bracing. Sections of the foundations were then dug out, initially relatively easy work through a layer of compressed peat, but at deeper levels this had to be completed underwater, by hand and by touch placing cement bags to seal the foundation pit so that it could be pumped dry. Once dry the foundations could be rebuilt in brick. This required around 26,000 cement bags and 900,000 bricks.

24 The people in this story included Francis Fox the engineer and William Walker the diver. William worked two shifts of three and half hours each, with a break for lunch. The task required day after day dedication to complete and although working in low visibility is the norm for many commercial divers and has the advantage of no tidal currents, there was always the constant threat of collapse from above. After each pit was completed the work was inspected by the engineer, donning the same diving suit, before the pit could be drained and the brickwork started. The people of Winchester and elsewhere were also just as critical to the process in donating the required money to fund the project. The whole story is brought closer to mind with photos from the period, together with illustrations and accounts from the time. The party to celebrate the completion of the works was also fittingly recorded for posterity. One interesting tale surrounds a commemorative statue of William Walker, which was based on a group photo from the period of the works. Unfortunately for the sculptor the individual in the diving suit, assumed to be William Walker, was actually the engineer Francis Fox (although this was later corrected).

Photo courtesy: Winchester Cathedral Gordon Osborn

Future Events Thur 6th Dec 7.45pm Inter-Society Waterways Quiz: SCS will be in charge of this year’s quiz evening. Followed by the traditional American Supper Thur 2nd Jan 7.45 Members Photographic Evening and Competition: This gives everyone the opportunity to show some pictures that you feel will entertain / amuse / educate your fellow members.: 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 Canal Trust helps keep Sumatran tigers happy When the Wey & Arun Canal Trust received a request for old rope to keep a Hertfordshire’s resident tigers occupied, it was only too pleased to help out. The Trust organised a collection of unwanted maritime rope to send to Shepreth Wildlife Park, where it is to be used by big cats including Sumatran Tigers Kelabu and her mum Ratna.

25 Keeper Alice Vasallo from Shepreth Wildlife Park explained why the rope was needed: “We use rope to make enrichment to keep our animals stimulated, which is a very important part of keeping animals healthy both physically and mentally. In particular, we are aiming to make a giant scratching post for our tigers and lynx that could help them replicate some natural behaviours in the wild.”

The collection was organised by rope supplier Buyrope.co.uk, which realised that maritime rope could make the perfect play thing for big cats. It has been supplying the wildlife park with coir boat fenders and contacted the Trust to see if it too could help.

Wey & Arun Canal Trust chairman Sally Schupke was keen to get involved: “The Sumatran Tiger is now critically endangered, with a population of less than 400 in the wild, and the Trust was only too happy to aid its conservation. The members of our boat team soon managed to collect a good amount of old rope and fenders. We now look forward to hearing how the tigers are enjoying their new toys.”

Gill Davies Canal fish rescue goes swimmingly The Wey & Arun Canal Trust takes conserving wildlife seriously and when a section of canal in West Sussex needed draining, the Trust called on a local specialist environmental consultancy to ensure the 7,000-plus fish living there came to no harm.

The Aquamaintain team used a process called electrofishing to catch the thousands of fish in the canal at Drungewick in a two-day operation at the end of September.

26 This humane and Environment Agencyapproved method involves passing an electric current through the water, from a generator onboard a small boat. The field of electricity causes the fish to swim towards the positive charge and become momentarily stunned, allowing the fish catchers in the water to net them and transfer them within seconds into freshwater containers onboard the boat.

From there they are moved to a tank of oxygenated water on the towpath, where they can then be discharged into another part of the canal. The process results in no lasting harm to the fish, which return to their natural state within minutes.

Aquamaintain fisheries consultant Dave Hellard said the process was the most humane way possible to move the fish. “The fish recover quickly, and once in the oxygenated water tanks quickly become pretty lively again,” he said.

“The team in the water carefully monitor the voltage and go back and forward over the area to be sure that as many of the fish as possible are caught.”

The process allows the experts to assess the health of the fish living in the canal, as well as look at the size of fish and species that thrive there. The team gave the Wey & Arun Canal fish a clean bill of health, with pike, eels, bream, roach and carp among the fish caught.

The Trust has had to drain the short section of the Drungewick stretch of canal to allow leaks to be repaired.

Gill Davies Canal Trust unveils plans for new Cranleigh bridge The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has revealed plans to restore a length of canal at Elmbridge in Cranleigh, Surrey, replacing the problematic giveway single lane bridge with a new and improved structure.

In conjunction with Surrey County Council, the Trust is proposing widening the singlelane stretch of Elmbridge Road to create a two-way road and footway. The road widening will include the building of a new

27 canal bridge, allowing restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal beneath. Plans also include rejuvenating the existing footpath by widening and resurfacing.

The level of the canal will be lowered to pass through the new bridge without excessive raising of the road, requiring a new lock to be built towards the southern end of the restored length.

Gill Davies IWA National Trailboat Festival to come to the Wey & Arun

The Trust is to host the IWA National Trailboat Festival in 2020. The threeday event will take place at the Summit Level at Alfold/Dunsfold over the Bank holiday weekend of May 23rd -25th.

Trailboats from across the UK are expected to attend the festival, which will also be open to the public, with a full programme of entertainment planned for all ages.

Boats will launch from the Thriscutt Slipway, which was built by Trust volunteers and opened last year, and get a close-up view of canal restoration.

It is hoped the festival will significantly help the Trust’s work in publicising the canal in the Cranleigh/Alfold/Dunsfold area.

If you would like to help in organising the event, please email support@weyandarun.co.uk.

Gill Davies Munching bugs to help see off invasive canal weed The Wey & Arun Canal Trust is enlisting the help of 1,000 tiny bugs to help control an invasive water fern which can threaten other plants, fish and invertebrae.

An army of weevils has been released into the canal at Dunsfold on the Surrey/Sussex border to eat its way through the fast-growing and non-native Azolla weed, which can form a dense cover on the water and deprive other species of light and oxygen.

Azolla Weevil

28 The weevils can feed and reproduce only on the Azolla, and usually die out naturally once they have eaten their way through the fern, helping to control the weed without the need for chemicals.

The recent hot weather has provided ideal conditions for the Azolla to thrive, and it can rapidly double in size in warm weather, forming a thick blanket and posing a serious threat to water wildlife.

Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s conservation and ecology director John Reynolds said the Trust was keen to use eco-solutions to protect the waterway. He said: “We have invested in buying in the weevils as a safe and environmentally friendly way to control this problematic fern. Our aim in restoring the canal is to increase biodiversity, and keeping on top of the water fern will help to ensure the ecology of the waterway remains healthy” Photos courtesy: Rob Reeder CABI Gill Davies

Future Events

8th, 15th, 21st and 22nd Dec 11am, 12noon and 2pm: Santa Cruise: Children under 12 years can meet Santa and his helpers and receive an early Christmas present. Join in the festive songs as you cruise along the canal! Festive refreshments on board are included in the ticket price. £10 per person 26th Dec 11am, 12.15pm and 2.15pm: Boxing Day Cruise: Blow away the Christmas Day cobwebs with a 50 minute trip on the canal. Adults £7, Children £3.50

29 1st Jan 11am, 12.15pm and 2pm: New Years Day Cruise: Welcome the arrival of 2020 with a 50 minute trip on the canal whilst enjoying some light refreshments.

Adults ÂŁ10, Children ÂŁ5.

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

River Thames News At the recent meeting of the Thames Navigation User Forum [TNUF] Barry Russell, who is the River Thames manager, spoke of the challenges and choices facing the Environment Agency. The budget does not allow for the EA to do all it would like and he asked for input on what was important for the delegates. Most delegates prioritised tree work and/or assisted passage. The latter was felt to be important for organising boats using the locks as well as operating them. Many of the trees needing work are not on EA land but even those that are have not been managed and some are now impeding the navigation channel, obstructing sight lines or leaning at alarming angles. As extensive tree work is not identified in the current budget it will be some time before noticeable improvements can be made.

The provision of working water taps, sewage and rubbish disposal were also highly rated in the list of priorities. The meeting encouraged the EA to make better use of volunteers to do towpath and bank maintenance, as CRT have demonstrated on their waterways. Barry Russell felt that the full manning of locks over the summer weekends had been a success, but the budget did not allow for this to be extended. There were concerns expressed about the combination of shoals and over-hanging trees near Benson lock, which were causing problems for hire boats in particular. Delegates congratulated the EA on removing thirty-seven derelict boats from the river. Various members of EA staff gave updates on various topics which included news that the obstruction in the Abbey River had been removed by workmen who were refurbishing a nearby footbridge and that the social media sites were to be re-instated.

Verna Smith Region Chair

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Kent & East Sussex Branch IWAKES Chairman’s Piece There are some fascinating talks in our 2019/20 programme. In March we welcome back Colin Brown with his presentation “RNLI – Innovations”. Colin’s first presentation was extremely well received earlier this year and we are delighted that he can return. The RNLI has no government funding and relies on volunteers whose bravery is so well shown in the BBC programme, “Saving Lives at Sea”.

Do come along if you are able to and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. We also have a very different meeting in December when Eric Garland from South London branch will be talking about “Waterways Books”. Eric is a long-term collector and an expert in this area.

It is troubling to hear that on both the Medway at Yalding and on the Dartford & Crayford Creek there are problems with anti-social behaviour. It is such a shame but demonstrates the importance of getting the value and benefits of our inland waterways understood widely. It is reassuring to know that nationally IWA is working hard to achieve this although sadly it takes time to get the message more widely understood.

On a much more positive note I’m delighted to report that a volunteer has now come forward to lead on a potential Thames & Medway Canal Partnership.

This is excellent news and I thank John Knight for taking on this responsibility. I wish him well in driving the restoration of the canal forward and IWA will, of course, be fully supportive.

Les Etheridge

Baybridge Canal Walk Firstly, a brief introduction to the River Adur and its history. The eastern arm of the river starts around Ditchling Common whilst the western branch has its source near Slinfold. The lower parts of the river were definitely used for navigation from Roman times and probably much earlier. In 1826 the river was canalised with locks and refuge/loading places being created to permit barges to cope with the tidal flow. The short Baybridge canal was constructed along the western arm. It had just two locks each 75 ft by 12 ft 6 inches with a rise of 7 ft. These improvements enabled goods to be moved as far upstream as the current A24, at Knepp Castle. The eastern arm was navigable to at least the bridge at Shermanbury and probably to the site of an old mill further upstream. Like many waterways, the canal fell into disuse when the railways arrived and the roads improved, officially closing in 1875. However, the river remained in use as far inland as the Upper Beeding Cement Works until the middle of the twentieth century. The tidal part of the river was certainly used from around 1900 for recreational use but that has declined because of the near impossibility of launching boats.

31 The walk, to locate and view some of the features of the canal, took place on a gorgeous summer’s day. The group of walkers ranged from aged-nine to somewhat older. The route started from St George’s church car park in West Grinstead and headed west to the well-hidden basin at the head of the former navigation at Bay Bridge. Here the layout and course of the waterway could be deduced. We walked downstream passing weirs with provision for Sea Trout to pass. Being the middle of a dry summer, water levels were low but the weir and remaining lock create pounds, providing a habitat for fish.

A detour was made to ‘The Partridge’, unsurprisingly located in Partridge Green.

Following a leisurely lunch, the cars were retrieved and most of the group went on to see the lock that has survived largely intact. It is rather like Ankor Wat but more overgrown with trees growing out from the walls.

However, within the structure the walls, coping stones and paddle locations could be clearly seen. Whilst never one of the world’s greatest waterways, the River Adur and the Baybridge Canal served a useful purpose and it was interesting for the walkers to glean some of its history.

Brendan Whelan

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Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust SORT is still actively seeking work!

There has been some activity down at Isfield Lock during the summer, but this has been mainly cosmetic apart from continuing to excavate and profile the cut below the lock. That’s when the digger is working of course – having been repaired, it decided to throw a track. Such things are sent to try us.

We reported last issue that we had been contacted by the new owner of Pimm’s Lock with a view to reinstating the winding hole and wharf at their property, which is just north of Lindfield. A visit was made by members of our restoration working group but no traces were found of either winding hole or wharf, so this seems to be a dead-end.

We did, however, succeed in locating the remains of Henfield Wood lock during an exploratory walk on a very hot and sunny 23rd July. This was nowhere near the location that had been suggested and thus not in the care of the landowner who we had identified. But we have definitely found the remains, which apparently even P A L Vine failed to do.

The remains are quite extensive, and it would be a good location to work at - if we can find out who owns it. Investigations are underway, but no luck yet.

The SORT Chairman, Bob Draper, met with a volunteer at Sheffield Park on October 10th to visit the site of Iron Gate Lock and to appraise him of what the lock was actually for, as he had no knowledge of the workings of Britain's inland waterways. This chap is apparently tasked with cataloguing all of the archaeological aspects of the South Park, which encompasses all the fields and meadowland south of Sheffield Park Garden leading down to the River Ouse. This was duly accomplished and said volunteer is keen for us to recommence some work at the lock site there. There has been a change of management at this National Trust property and it may now be possible to progress with some limited restoration works. The next step is to take the volunteer and his immediate boss to visit Isfield Lock to show them the work that we have done there. Fingers crossed for some better news in the near future.

We also reported last time that we had found a potential volunteer from within our membership to take on the organisation of a trip boat operation. Various other commitments during the summer months have prevented us from being able to meet up and explore the possible operational area with him, but this is still in train. We hope for more positive news next time.

Bob Draper

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Kentish Stour news from Roy Newing In early September 2019, I managed at short notice to persuade Ian Nunn and Debbie Thompson of the EA together with Peter Dowling of the Internal Drainage Board to join me on board Reneroy to inspect the river from the Boat House to Sandwich, specifically to look at obstructions, trees down and reed encroachment. The previous day, the tides had failed to come in or go out properly, which was odd. On the way to Sandwich several trees obstructing the river and areas of reed encroachment were noted. Tying up at the railway bridge upstream of the Richborough Power Station site, we transferred to the launch towed behind Reneroy. A quarter of a mile upstream of Richborough Castle a fallen tree was blocking 80% of the river and we were only just able to pass in the launch. Ian Nunn stressed this must be removed and the work was done by the EA within three days. He was concerned about a lot of other places needing work. There may be a chance to bring in the EA dredger next year. Meanwhile the Boat House will help by towing some of the larger trees afloat in the river to Plucks Gutter, where they can be removed by the EA (the first of these was moved on October 15th). This was a good result from the river inspection trip and let’s hope for the dredger next year.

A letter has been received via Rosie Duffield MP which confirms the Public Right of Navigation on the tidal river.

River Adur news from Brendan Whelan Whilst Shoreham Port Authority has been very positive about a possible new public slipway on the River Adur, the local council is moving very slowly. A useful meeting took place several months ago between the Shoreham Slipways Group (SSG) and representatives of Adur District Council (ADC). It was agreed that every official report, written over the past 40 years, clearly stated that Shoreham needed improved public launching facilities and that no practical public slipway remained on the river Adur. Unfortunately, developers have failed to incorporate access to the water and often, surprisingly, no compensation (e.g. using S106 legislation) to provide a practical slipway has ever been sought by ADC. Whilst, at the meeting it was generally accepted that a new public slipway was unlikely to cause any noticeable change to traffic flow, ADC agreed that they would confirm this with WSCC. No response has been received.

The only potentially usable publicly accessible slipway on the River Adur, at Emerald Quay, remains closed due to an impasse between the EA and the owners of the site. The issues centre around an up-and-over slipway constructed by the EA. Unfortunately, the structure has created several safety issues. The SSG is considering whether to use Freedom of Information requests to discover more about the various issues and the reasons for the delay.

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River Medway news from Mike Marsh Anti-Social behaviour. Hampstead Lock: Sadly, incidents of anti- social behaviour continued to occur over the summer months, the latest of which was damage to the security lock on the Yalding lift bridge in September. Navigation was suspended for a few days while repairs were carried out and the bridge lock was quickly reinstated by Environment Agency staff. The police are very much aware of the problem and advice, as always, is to report such incidents. Maidstone Borough Council Community Protection Team have been helpful and approaches to the people concerned have been made. Discussions with the Environment Agency and Medway River User’s Association about the problem are ongoing. CCTV is being considered among other measures to address the issue and how to resolve it.

Maidstone River Festival: This took place on July 27th July 2019 and was a success despite wet conditions.

87 boats joined in the festival which included the traditional raft race, procession of illuminated boats and a firework display. It is understood the Festival will go ahead next year and planning for that will start early in the New Year. Pictures and comments on the festival can be viewed on the Festival Facebook page link. If you want to be involved for next year’s festival why not contact the organisers via the link.

The festival is more than just boaters getting together - it is about promoting the River Medway in and around Maidstone and all the river can offer everyone in the town, residents and visitors alike, whether walkers, boaters, anglers or those with other interests. https://www.facebook.com/mstoneriverfest/ River Medway Canoes: Ever tried canoeing or kayaking? Based in Wateringbury, River Medway Canoes offer the chance to get afloat with a variety of craft including single and 2 person kayaks and 2 & 3 person canoes. Stand up paddle board available too. Daily/short hire rates are published with guided trips between Allington and Yalding and Yalding and Tonbridge being available. They also offer British Canoeing courses including ones for the popular pastime of paddle boarding. Hire charges cover canoe or kayak, buoyancy aids, waterproof barrel, map and paddles. They operate all year round, subject to river conditions, and are busy at weekends so booking is advisable. Call 07557 947592 or 01622 816723 http://www.rivermedwaycanoes.com/medway-canoe-hire River Canal Rescue (RCR): Has your boat ever suffered problems on the river or broken down, got stuck? If so, why not consider RCR who are the AA of our canals and rivers. Membership comes with various levels of cover and basic cover is

35 often included with some boat insurance companies policies. RCR cover the River Medway and may come out to boats on the tidal sections if safe to do so. RCR also offer engine servicing, boat handling courses maintenance and RYA courses, tips and advice on boat purchase and have a chandlery service. http://www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk/ Their useful phone app is Waterways SOS Finally, but very important, is oil pollution caused by boat bilge pumping. See http://www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk/2019/05/15/962/#.XaiMGUZKibg

Thames & Medway Canal Association The TMCA Work Party has been very busy clearing brush and dead wood surrounding our recently acquired base. After a rained off weekend an additional work day managed to get a good fire going on the following Sunday and kept it fed with at least half the piles of cut brush we had accumulated over the last month or two. A very noticeable difference is evident around the car park and grassed areas which now look quite tidy. Bernard Snell had the foresight a few years ago to collect some Dexion racking from a factory closure along Norfolk Road. This he donated to the TMCA so it provides a very useful storage facility in our container for the smaller tools which tend to get hard to find when everything is piled on a bench. We now have some Hi Vis vests with TMCA on the back, this should promote our corporate image to those who go past while we are working and confirm that the work along the canal is done by us, not the council or others.

Siemens Ltd had a team- building away day for their employees and very kindly offered help in clearing reeds and brambles between the canal and towpath along the Nuralite section. This was very gratefully accepted as you can now see the canal in many more places when walking along the towpath. We also have a regular visit from the North West Kent Countryside Partnership who are helping with tools and training and with their assistance a recent invertebrate study was carried out.

Dave Parnell

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Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust The Trust held an open day on 19th October and achieved a good turnout, including an influential Port of London Authority officer.

The pictures show some of the many artefacts uncovered during excavations at the historic slipway site.

David Ball David Ball, who lives in Shoreham-bySea, has achieved sixty continuous years of IWA membership and at September's National Annual General Meeting in Stoke-on-Trent was presented with Honorary Life Membership and a gold medal.

David joined IWA as a result of seeing the film 'Painted Boats'. He participated in Ashtac in 1972 and the Droitwich Dig in 1973.

He is a founder member of The Wey and Arun Canal Society (now Trust) and still helps out each year at the Poddle (the Trust's Annual Sponsored Walk), now in its 48th year.

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Future IWAKES and Other Events Thursday 21st November 2019: 7.00 for 7.30pm: Upper Room, Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath.

RH16 3DM (near the railway station and 200 yards from Clair Hall): “Fish-Passes”: Tony Woolnough, Director of Fishways Ltd, is an internationally renowned specialist designer of fish-passes. He has been a SORT member from the start and lives near Lewes. Many fish-passes on the Ouse are ineffective and we hope Tony can tell us what should be done: Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust and IWAKES joint event.

Wednesday 11th December 2019: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend. DA12 2BS: “Waterways Books”: By Eric Garland: Get together with the Thames & Medway Canal Association.

Thursday 23rd January 2020: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent. ME2 2AH: “River Medway”: A speaker from the Environment Agency.

Wednesday 19th February 2020: 7.30 for 8.00pm: Christ Church United Reformed Church, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SG: “IWAKES Annual General Meeting” followed by ‘IWA Videos’ presented by Les Etheridge.

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

Wednesday 15th (or 8th) July 2020: 4.30pm departure (TBA From Heybridge Basin: Park at…

Daisy Meadow car park, Basin Rd, Heybridge Basin, Maldon CM9 4RW: “Two-hour cruise on Blackwater Dawn”: Cost around £16.00: Contact Roy Sutton 01342 317569 Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

Entry is free with a raffle to cover costs.

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

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Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman After many years of unstinting service, Ann and Terry Yeatman are retiring from the branch committee at the next AGM. I would like to thank them for their loyal support over many years. The job of branch treasurer which Ann has being doing, is not onerous and with three or four fresh faces the branch could continue. I am working with the staff at Chesham to ensure a positive future for the branch.

Many of you will also be aware that Steve Good felt unable to continue as branch chairman and has resigned. I would like to thank him for the fresh ideas and energy that he brought to the branch.

We look forward to being involved with the Oxford Canal Festival in 2020 and it is great to see the progress that Tim Wiseman in Oxford City has made within a very short space of time.

The problem of trees on the Thames was highlighted by all the RUG [river user group] chairmen at the recent Thames User Group meeting with the shoals at Benson Lock also causing concern. The Environment Agency have a limited budget which does not stretch to them doing everything that we would like them to and we were asked to prioritise what was important. Boater facilities were seen as a necessity and people were happy to pay a reasonable fee for pump outs. The use of rubbish facilities by non-boaters was debated with the suggestion of locked compounds accessed by a BW key suggested as a solution. There was general agreement that the EA needed to make more use of volunteers and to expand the range of jobs that they tackle.

Please do check the relevant websites if you are planning to use the waterways or towpaths this winter as there are a number of stoppages which will prevent passage and may impact on towpaths.

Season’s Greetings On behalf of the Oxford Branch Committee Tooley’s Very Own Canal Day in Banbury Although a bit of a washout, last year's Banbury Canal Day was the last for a while to be run by Banbury Town Council. This year's event was cancelled due to major building works right in the heart of Banbury on both sides of the Oxford Canal and just a few yards along from Tooley's Boatyard.

39 Tooley’s, one of the oldest working dry docks on the Inland Waterways, decided to run its own event. On the first weekend in October, the long established date for Canal Day they ran an "Open Weekend".

Tooley's hosted an open weekend with  Boat Trips  Theatre in the Dock  Music and songs  Historic Tours of the Boatyard  Children's Stories  Blacksmith Demonstrations in the Forge.

The dry dock was emptied, dried out and used to accommodate performers and audience for Theatre in the Dock, as it was for Banbury Canal Day over the past several years, On Friday evening we were treated to performances by Alarum Theatre. Acts of Abandon - The Muck and Shovel Brigade. Stories and poetry describing the events leading to the restoration of the Droitwich Canal. The Mary Rose - a boat of ill-repute. The true story of 2 women taking residence in an old canal boat possibly moored at Wolvercote on the Oxford Canal.

On Saturday Evening it was a traditional Boater's Bash with Fish and Chips followed by canal themed music, songs and stories from "The Idle Women", "The Boat Doctors" and "Phil Underwood".

Over the weekend entertainment was provided in the dock during opening hours. Tea & Cakes were supplied by the small Café in the boatyard.

Boat trips were provided on The Dancing Duck during the main opening hours. Each trip had a reader on board to read stories to the children from the Muddy Waters books.

Charitable Trust Tooley's Boatyard was recently set up as a charitable trust to protect its future. It has a team of regular volunteers to assist with boatyard maintenance, heritage tours and boat trips. This allows full-time staff to work on boats booked into the dry dock. Currently boat trips on The Dancing Duck are available to the general public on Saturday mornings throughout the year.

The following week there was a filming for television at Tooley's Boatyard - where Cherwell Council announced a new 150 year lease between Cherwell Council and the boatyard trust. This was attended by Jennie Bond, Anne Diamond, Bill Oddie, Peter Waterman and many of the boatyard volunteers.

In the recent past it was difficult to plan ahead because of the very short lease. Now the Tooley's Boatyard Trust can move ahead with confidence.

Robin Williams Secretary IWA Oxfordshire Branch and volunteer

40

Banbury Canal Partnership The last quarter has been quite different for our group. We had been asked

by Canal and River Trust to “find” a towpath.

The towpath in question is about a mile south of the road crossing at Somerton on the South Oxford Canal and had been totally covered by an excess of vegetation. The area some 300 m x 40 m contained hawthorn trees, dog roses, brambles and all the growth one expects when an area is allowed to grow unmolested by human hand for many years. This had made the towpath totally impassable and walkers had had to make a new path over the farmer’s adjacent field, the latter being used for cattle grazing.

Day 1, What we found – towpath comes to an abrupt end!

The first day was largely a reconnaissance to see what we were letting ourselves in for. We did some preliminary clearance.

The second and third day we had extra help from Companies who encourage their staff to volunteer for charities. This boosts our numbers. For example, the

41 most recent being from DHL taking the body count on site to around 20. We were also lucky that the farmer is friendly and offered to burn our cutting back arisings, with his own autumn clearance. This meant the work was cutting down and forming piles so we did not have to worry about bonfires etc.

Day 3, we have located the towpath, but it is still not clear all the way through.

We will continue with this work, our next session being on Tuesday 12th November. If you receive this Cargoes before that date and if you can help, you would be made very welcome. All tools and gloves provided. Just contact us for directions.

Our working parties usually take place on the third and fourth Tuesdays each month - venues to be announced. If you want a day out in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside come and join us. You might just enjoy it so much you become a regular. Please contact myself or Chairman Colin GarnhamEdge 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 Committee representative

42

Wilts & Berks Canal In the last exciting edition, I said that we were on the look out for some specialist volunteers. I can at least report one out of the four! After much hard work by one of my Executive Committee we now have a Head of Accounting, which will be a great relief. One of our long-standing volunteers is also joining the Executive Committee as Head of IT. We’re still on the look out for a replacement CEO, Chief Engineer and PR/Comms person.

I delayed submission of this (Sorry Chris!) as it was the WBCT’s Annual General Meeting last weekend. This year it was our Melksham Calne Chippenham Branch’s turn to host the AGM with the usual tour of works in the morning. I duly turned up at the School where the meeting was to be held in the morning and watched as the minibus headed off to the other end of the town for visits to Pewsham Locks where the team have been re-building the “waiting wall” below the bottom lock. I have to say the weather was not particularly kind. In the afternoon fortified by lunch (usual stalwart caterers) and many cups of coffee I chaired the AGM for the first time. The AGM was followed by the “Open Forum” which gives members a chance to ask questions, air concerns etc.

Our IWA Nominated Director/Trustee, Sue Cooper, will be stepping down in due course once her replacement has been found. We look forward to welcoming whoever is the new nominee.

The Santa trips on our Trip boat Dragonfly are already being advertised and will no doubt fill up fast. I joined the crew for one last year and great fun it was too. The Boat team put a lot of effort into getting it right and the looks on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile. https://www.wbct.org.uk/the-trust/our-news/301-santa-trips-on-dragonfly Our latest edition of Dragonfly came out a few weeks ago. The next is due before Christmas which reminds me it’s time to put my Chair’s report to bed.

Work on the Shrivenham Park at the western end of the Oxfordshire part of the canal continues. In early October the news of the biodiversity programme hit the Swindon Advertiser with local Chairman Graham Banks talking about our plans for the four-acre site The bio-diversity plan includes a woodland sanctuary with bird and bat boxes, a meadow with grasses and flowers for pollinators, and information zone with noticeboards plus grass walkways and natural fencing. Later stages at the site hopefully will include re-watering a 600 metre section of the canal.

Our fundraising team are hard at work putting the funding in place for the continuing programme of work.

Of course, you can keep up to date with Wilts & Berks Canal matters via the website: www.wbct.org.uk. Twitter: WiltsBerksCanalTrust@wbctcanal Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Brian Stovold, Chairman, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

43 Wichelstowe Games: Fit fundraisers took part in a sports challenge to raise £3600 for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

The first Wichelstowe Games were held on Saturday August 24th on the southern edge of Swindon, where a short stretch of the waterway has already been restored.

Conceived by Karl Drew, the General Manager of the new Hall & Woodhouse pub adjacent to the canal, the games involved teams competing across four events: cycling, climbing, canoeing and a tug of war. Prizes included a Wichelstowe Games trophy and meals / vouchers courtesy of Hall & Woodhouse, Waitrose & Partners, Swindon & District Canoe Club and Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

The money raised will support the construction of a new slipway providing safe access into the water, near Beavans Bridge.

Tessa Lanstein is the Head of Projects and a member of the Executive Committee for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. She said: “We are sincerely grateful to the Event Team (Hall & Woodhouse, Waitrose & Partners, Wichelstowe Development Team, Swindon & District Canoe Club, Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team and Fandangos Events) for choosing our charity as the first beneficiary of the inaugural Wichelstowe Games and we’re delighted it was such a success. The canal is already proving to be a major asset for the local community and this event has provided much needed funds to continue its restoration, ultimately providing a vital new source of employment, leisure and tourism, as well as a new wildlife corridor.”

Karl Drew, General Manager of Hall & Woodhouse pub, said: “We wanted to arrange a fun event to give something back to the local community and were delighted to support the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust at our first games. We’re lucky to have such a beautiful waterway on our doorstep and look forward to the day when the canal is fully restored, providing a new tourist attraction which will boost the local economy.”

Next year’s Wichelstowe Games will run on Sunday 14th June so keep up to date on the latest news at www.wichelstowe.co.uk Melksham Food and River Festival A very successful fun-filled family day out was held over the weekend of Saturday 30th August and Sunday 1st September.

There was lots to do for the whole family, boat trips, canoeing on the River Avon, a children's funfair, face painting, rides on Frankie the canal horse, cookery demonstrations, live music and many artisan food and produce stalls to browse plus plenty of hot food & drink stalls and an onsite bar for whenever you needed some refreshment.

44

Future Events Santa Trips on Dragonfly Bookings are now open for our popular Santa trips.

These run from Waitrose, every Saturday & Sunday from November 30th till December 22nd and on Monday December 23rd (but not Christmas Eve).

Trip times are 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm & 2.30pm. Dragonfly departs from Waitrose and collects Santa at the next bridge (See front cover). Santa gives presents to each child by name - and even knows if they've been before! For this reason, when you book please give your children's names, ages, gender and whether they've been before. This information will be held confidentially and destroyed at the end of the season. While the children get their presents, the adults get a glass of mulled wine & a mince pie - all this for £10 per child and £7 per adult! To book, email 2santa@wbct.org.uk

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

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

Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk Wed 11th Dec: Christmas Social meeting at Croydon. Members & Friends are invited to bring slides of this year’s boating experiences Wed 8th Jan: An evening of Stand up regency comedy and much more! Entitled “Stand up in the Canal” by Lester Hillman Fri 31st Jan: Annual dinner & Raffle 7.30 for 8.00pm. Caprini Italian Restaurant opposite Waterloo Station. Please contact Judith Hunter at judith.a.hunter@btinternet.com or on 07773 532384 for more info and to register your interest Wed 12th Feb: A presentation entitled “On the Waterfront” Lambeth’s changing riverside by Alan Piper Wed 11th Mar: Branch Annual General Meeting

Towpath Walks Group Sun 1st Dec 2.30m: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden: meet Warwick Avenue tube station.

45 Sun 15th Dec 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to St. Pancras, meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue sign) Fri 27th Dec 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden: meet Warwick Avenue tube station.

Wed 1st Jan 2.00pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to St. Pancras, meet King’s Cross (taxi queue sign) Sun 5th Jan 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden: meet Warwick Avenue tube station Sun 19th Jan 2.30pm: Grand Union Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Green to Paddington, meet Bakerloo, Praed Street exit Sun 2nd Feb 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, King’s Cross (by taxi queue sign) Sun 16th Feb 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Limehouse, meet Mile End Sun 1st Mar 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue sign) Sun 15th Mar 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Mile End to Haggerston, meet Mile End Sat 28th Mar 10.45am: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue tube station Sun 5th Apr 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock, meet Surrey Quays Sun 12th Apr 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue tube station Sun 19th Apr 2.30pm: Limehouse, Thames to Docklands, meet Westferry (DLR)(by Cycle Hire Point) Sat 25th Apr 10.45am: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (by taxi queue sign) Sun 3rd May 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn to Little Venice, meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere).

This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you. For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £10.00, Concessions & Student rate: £8.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 020 3612 9624 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk

Mikron Theatre Group While the 2019 season has finished Mikron Theatre Group is planning two new shows for 2020. Find out more about them at their website. www.mikron.org.uk

46

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: chrismjones10@btinternet.com K & A, WACT & Planning:-Verna Smith

IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee Tel: 07768 132703

Chair: Les Etheridge

Email: les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk

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

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

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee Chair: Vacant

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

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

Non Committee Responsibilities Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper Next issue: Spring Copy date: 22nd January 2020 Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. IWA, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453 Company No: 612245. Charity No: 212342 www.waterways.org.uk Cargoes Editor: Chris Jones chris.jones@waterways.org.uk Printed by www.imprintcolour.co.uk I Tel: 01252 330683

IWA 2020 calendars calendars FREEPOSTAGE POSTAGE £7.99 £7.99 FREE

FREE FREEPOSTAGE POSTAGE

£5.50 £5.50

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2020 2020Calendar Calendar Waterway Waterway Worcester Worcester & Birmingham & Birmingham Canal Canal

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For more details, call us at: 01494 783 453 Or visit: waterways.org.uk/gift

The Inland Inland Waterways Waterways Association Association is is a a non-profit non-profit distributing distributing company company limited limited by by guarantee. guarantee. Company Company registration registration number number 612245.

612245. Charity Charity registration registration number number 212342.

212342. Registered Registered office: office: Island Island House, House, Moor Moor Road, Road, Chesham Chesham HP5 HP5 1WA 1WA The The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Company registration number 612245. Charity registration number 212342. Registered office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA