IWA Festival of Water, Pelsall 2016

IWA Festival of Water 27th – 29th August 2016 | Pelsall North Common

Share your festival photos with #FestivalofWater www.waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 1

Keeping our waterways alive

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Welcome It was in 1987 that IWA held its first gathering of boats on Pelsall Common, and at that time we received a warm welcome from local residents who presented us with a 500 signature petition asking us to return.

During the ensuing years, several gatherings have been held here, and this weekend, with your grateful cooperation, we have returned to your lovely Common in big numbers as you can see.

I feel very proud to act as Chairman of this spectacular event and hope that you all, whether from Pelsall or farther afield, having travelled by boat, car or on foot, will enjoy yourselves over the weekend.

J Eric Wood © Margaret Beardsmore

J Eric Wood Festival Chairman President of Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust

I offer you all a heart felt ‘thank you’ for supporting our aims to increase the usage of this attractive waterway and bring more life to the underused north east corner of the Birmingham Canal network, which will in turn help in our quest to open up, once again, the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals closed in the 1950s.

IWA Festival of Water 2016 This festival is brought to you by volunteers of The Inland Waterways Association, the charity that protects and restores Britain’s 6,500 mile network of canals and waterways. Please come to the IWA stand to see us to find out more here at the festival.

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Contents

Wyrley & Essington junction with Cannock © Angela Acott

Contact Information.........................................................................3 Share Your Waterways Photos...................................................5 Pelsall’s Curly Wyrley...................................................................6-8 Lucky Prize Draw - Win £50 today.........................................9 Festival Highlights.....................................................................10-11 IWA’s Show-only Membership Offer...........................12-13 Entertainment Timetable............................................................14 Site Plan.........................................................................................14-15 Your IWA and HS2 locally..........................................................16 IWA Birmingham, Black Country & Worcs Branch.....17 IWA Lichfield Branch.............................................................18-19 Lichfield & Hatherton Canals - The Missing Link...20-21 Exhibitors’ Listing......................................................................22-23 Food & Drink.....................................................................................23 Historic Boats at the Festival....................................................26 Evening Schedule............................................................................26 Event Supporters............................................................................28

Find out more: Tel: 07811 253 242 Email: event.enquiries@waterways.org.uk

f Search for IWA Festival of Water

t Use #FestivalofWater www.waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater

Rachel Conlisk’s Hula Hoop Workshop

Published by: The Inland Waterways Association. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453.

The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342

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Share your Waterways Photos to be in with a chance of winning our monthly competition Go to IWA’s UK Waterways group on Flickr and upload your photos from today’s Festival of Water or from another day you’ve spent by the waterways. Share your photos and your image could be chosen to win our monthly calendar competition and feature in our downloadable background for desktops and tablets.

For more information go to waterways.org.uk/monthlycalendar

William & Gosp

ort © Ryan Dimm

ock

Feeding time on the canal © Kristo60

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Pelsall’s Curly Wyrley

Wyrley & Essington Canal © Angela Acott

The Inland Waterway Association’s 2016 Festival of Water is taking place on a waterway which is affectionately known as the “Curly Wyrley”.

Canal Act which was designed to link the collieries near Wyrley and at Essington to Wolverhampton, with a branch to Birchills near Walsall. Colliery expansion on Cannock Chase led to the construction of the Cannock Extension Canal, opened in 1863.

The Wyrley & Essington Canal today winds around to the north of Walsall through industrial and housing areas, and some unexpected and beautiful green spaces. The Curly Wyrley is part of a 100 mile network of the Birmingham & Black Country waterways known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Along with other parts of the northern BCN it now sees very few boats, but it was not always so and evidence of its former existence as a busy transport artery can still be seen.

Traffic on these canals was intense, including coal, limestone, iron, clay, bricks, tiles and manufactured goods. The BCN remained busy well into the railway age when other canals succumbed to the competition presented by rail, with rail interchange wharfs developed for local collection and deliveries. The description of boat traffic seen whilst standing on Pelsall Common at the beginning of the 20th Century is a far cry from what might be seen today.

The Wyrley & Essington Canal runs for 16½ miles on one level from its junction with the Birmingham Canal at Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton through Wednesfield, Bloxwich and Pelsall to Brownhills. It was established by the 1792 Wyrley & Essington #FestivalofWater Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 6

“In seemingly endless procession the boats came from the various collieries with scarcely a boat’s length between them.

When one considers the same number of 6

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empty boats was going the other way, one gets the idea of the immensity of the traffic.

The heavily laden boats, coming from the direction of Norton Canes, showed only a few inches of side above the surface of the canal, and looked about to sink.� * The boats were pulled by horses in those days and their drivers motivated them with whip or stick. Next time you are walking under a bridge along the canal, look over and see if you can see the grooves created by the ropes the boats were hauled with.

The scars are likely to be inches deep demonstrating so visibly just how much boat traffic there was at the time.

Pelsall Common is a huge open space with little shelter from the elements and the wind chill was significant requiring ice breakers to be stationed nearby to ensure boats kept moving. During the First World War there was an 11 week frost and the coal being carried to power stations and armaments factories was ice bound. A serious situation.

Ice breakers broke up the ice but the lumps jammed together again. A conveyor belt was constructed and positioned in Fishley where the canal had a steep embankment.

Troops were brought in to push the ice lumps towards the conveyor belt where

Wyley & Essington Junction, Pelsall Š Angela Acott

they rode out of the canal and down the bank. Once the boats were able to move the belt was halted as the loss of ice was causing the water level of the canal to drop!

Today, nothing visible remains of the Essington Branch, and the rest of the Cannock Extension Canal has been extensively redeveloped except for a short section of embankment just north of the A5. The bottom lock of the Wyrley Branch partly survives at Sneyd but the canal above has been filled in as far as the Walsall boundary although it can be followed on roads and footpaths.

The restoration of the Ogley Locks section of this waterway as the Lichfield Canal is being progressed by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, see their website for more information about this project - www.lhcrt.org.uk or go to pages 18 - 19 of this programme.

Pelsall North Common * William G. Farmer source: A-Z of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (Edward Paget-Tomlinson & Ray Shill)

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Spend more of your time by the water

European protected plant has led to the site being designated a Special Area of Conservation. As you walk along you are likely to see impressive populations of flowering-rush, various pondweeds and at least nine species of dragonfly, including the red-eyed damselfly and the emperor dragonfly.

Chasewater Country Park The Anglesey Branch of the Wyrley & Essington takes you to Chasewater Country Park – a wonderful 900 acres of open space and water. The Park focal point is Chasewater Reservoir, constructed to supply water to the canal. It is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a selection of walking and cycling trails. There are lots of activities to get you on the water including sailing, water-skiing and sub-aqua diving. www.enjoychasewater.co.uk

Go on a boat trip with Dudley Canal Trust (Trips) Ltd Explore 428 million years of history on a guided boat trip with Dudley Canal Trust.

Discover an ancient hidden underground world through tunnels, accompanied by videos, lifelike reconstructions and stunning music and light shows. Boat trips range from 45 minutes up to 6 hours with a daily 45 minute skipper guided boat trip taking you into historic limestone caverns dating back to the Silurian age. There is also a regular 2.5 hour open water trip. www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

Cannock Extension Canal Pelsall Junction is the point at which the Cannock Extension Canal leaves the Wyrley & Essington offering one of the richest aquatic plant populations in the West Midlands. A large population of floating water-plantain, which is a

Stourbridge Canal

Horseley Fields

Wordsley

Wednesfield

Deepfields

Brockmoor

Fens Branch Leys

Sneyd

Bloomfield Factory

Old Main Line

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Hawne Basin

Sandy Turn Ladywood

Kings Norton

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© Bob Fox 2014

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Birmingham & Warwick Junc�on Canal BIRMINGHAM CANAL NAVIGATIONS SOCIETY

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Lucky Prize Draw

Win £50 today!

Fill in the form and put your completed entry in the Lucky Draw Postbox at the main IWA stand and be in with a chance of winning £50.

First Name Last Name Postcode

Home/Mobile tel. no.

Email Address ick here to be kept up to date with local and national waterways news, events and offers via T IWA’s regular email newsletters.

How did you hear about the Pelsall Festival of Water? Please tick all relevant boxes Website Social Media Press Radio/TV Posters

Thank you.

Please post your form in to the Postbox in IWA’s marquee.

Word of Mouth Other (please tell us) Rules of the Lucky Prize Draw Entry to the lucky prize draw is restricted to one entry per person per day please. Multiple entries will be disqualified. The daily prize of £50 is provided in GB sterling only as cash or cheque. Cheques can only be sent to a valid UK address. One winner will be chosen each day 30 minutes before the close of the Festival at random from all valid entries. Winners will be contacted via the details provided. The Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to. The lucky draw will run each day from 27th August 2015 to 29th August 2016. The Inland Waterways Association is compliant with the data protection act. We will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent. Promoter: John Butler, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Registered Charity No. 212342. Registered with Chiltern District council No. 09/1439/GASLOT

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Festival Highlights IWA’s annual celebration of our navigable waterways is here in Pelsall, bringing over 100 boats to the northern reaches of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

Opening Ceremony

Hula Hooping Workshops Rachel Conlisk will have you spinning around or should that be she will get your hips moving as she shows you how to keep those hoops moving. Join her throughout the day.

Saturday 27th August 13.15pm

Wendy Morton MP represents Pelsall as well as being an experienced boater. She is joined

by IWA National Chairman Les Etheridge who will both be declaring the the event officially open.

Over 100 Boats

Rachel Conlisk’s Hula Hoop Workshop

Take a walk down to the waterside and look at the boats decked out with bunting and flags. There are several historic boats on display (see page 26 for details) as well as traders such as The Borders Cheese Carrying Company selling their wares from their boat.

Learn to Drive a Digger Come to the WRG stand where Waterway Recovery Group volunteers will be running FREE “learn to drive a digger” sessions. Visit the stand to try out some fun digger games or just sit in the cab to have a photo taken.

Fun for Children There’s plenty to keep the children entertained with fairground rides, water zorbing, face painting and a ride on steam train located throughout the site. IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group is offering children the opportunity to have a go at driving a digger. Visit IWA’s Wild Over Waterways stand for hands on activities for kids and bigger kids! And don’t forget to pick up a WOW Activity Pack, specially produced for 5-8 year olds.

Learn to Drive a Digger

Your Chance to Win £50 Turn to page 9 of this programme, fill in your details in the pull-out prize draw form and take your completed entry to the IWA Marquee where you will find a postbox.

Pop your form in the box and be in with a chance of winning a cool £50. See the entry form for details and terms.

Classic Cars Each day we have different cars on display.

Take a look at Minis, Morgans and Austin 7’s. #FestivalofWater Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 10

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IWA Marquee Keeping our waterways alive

Come and visit the IWA marquee to chat about the waterways both locally and nationally. There’ll be volunteers to answer all your questions and a stall offering waterways books, maps, guides and exclusive greetings cards.

Also, check out the special Festival offer for you to join and support the waterways’ leading membership charity and don’t forget your £50 Prize draw entry on page 9.

Music and Dance The Festival boasts a wealth of renowned local musicians including Chase Jazz Band, Harvesters and Somerville Gentlemen. Each morning Martin Day will gather his friends to begin the day’s entertainment. We are delighted to welcome both Walsall Academy of Dance and BFAB street dancers who will wow us with their moves.

Chucklefoot One Man Band, © Lydia Collins

Waterway times gone by Local Historic Images Visit the IWA stand to see a collection of historic images of our local waterways that have never been seen in public before.

There are 24 photographs and they are truly stunning.

Bagpipes

Walsall © Chris Clegg

Calum Mor aka Malcolm Morse who has over 50 years experience of this traditional instrument will bring ceremony to the occasion as he pipes us around the Festival site. He will roam the site as will international Malcolm Morse street entertainer Chucklefoot – a colourful one man band playing banjo, harmonica, tambourine, cymbals, ukulele and so much more.

Free Boat Trips Come down to the waterside where Truman Enterprise Narrowboat Trust are offering free boat trips.

Illuminated Boat Parade A highlight of the festival taking place on Sunday 28th August at 9pm.

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IWA Festival of Water 17/08/2016 16:31:01

Special Show Offer IWA Membership - 3 months for just £3!

Visit IWA’s stand to join today

Includes: IWA’s D to the Inland Wa of Great Britain

waterways Issue 253• Autumn

Free when you join IWA: > Our unique quarterly members’ magazine

You will also receive: > Updates on waterways activities in your area > Exclusive member discounts > Volunteering opportunities

2016

Keepi ng our Water ways Alive www.waterways.o

rg.uk

NAVIGATIONAL AID How Navigation Committee is standin up for boaters’ rights g

WASH TO WELLAND

Campaign cruising through Fulney Lock

plus

FUN-RAISING Bright ideas to bring in the money

SPECIAL AGM PUL Including proxy form, agenda

L-OUT

PLUS Sign up for 12 months and get a map of Great Britain’s waterways including IWA’s new Waterways Directory.

& other details

Autumn cover SH.indd 14

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12 Join IWA today for just £3 at this Festival.

Visit IWA’s stand to find out more Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 12

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INLAN OF

Inset plans: Nor

Enjoy the waterways and help make them better Over the years IWA has promoted the restoration and improvement of hundreds of miles of our best waterways.

We’ve done this with the help of our dedicated members, our renowned Waterway Recovery Group and an army of enthusiastic volunteers.

ay

p of ways

y.

ore

As a result, today thousands of people enjoy this wonderful national treasure.

And there’s so much more that we could do to make the waterways even better for everyone!

We need your support Become a member and help us to protect our heritage and support the move to bring more and more waterways back to life.

Join now for just £3!

This special offer is for 3 months single or joint IWA membership. After that your membership will renew at the appropriate annual subscription.

Includes: IWA’s IWA WA’ WA A’s Directory to the Inland Waterwa ys of Great Britain

MAP INLAND WATEROF THE WA OF GREAT BRITAYS IN Inset plans: North

West England (Cheshire Ring), The Black The Norfolk Broads, Country Canal Network, The Canals of Scotland, London Waterways

Scale 1:625 000

Edited by JANE CUMBE RLIDGE

Annual Membership

Visit IWA’s stand to find out more about how you can sign up for the special showonly offer.

Single............ £31.50 Joint...............£39.00 Concession rates are available for those aged over 65, as well as different payment methods, including monthly.

Keeping our waterways alive

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Site Plan & Entertainments Entertainments Marquee Timetable

Monday 29th August

Sunday 28th August

Saturday 27th August

See pages 10-11 for festival highlights.

11:00-11:30

Martin Day & Dave Fry

11:45-12:15

BFAB Street Dancers

12:30-13:15

Braunston Pickle

13:15

Opening Ceremony (on the field)

13:30-14:00

BFAB Street Dancers

14:15-15:00

Chase Jazzmen

15:15-16:00

Dave Fry

16:15-17:00

Chase Jazzmen

17:15-17:45

BFAB Street Dancers

11:00-11:30

Martin Day & Dave Fry

11:45-12:15

Walsall Academy of Dance

12:30-13:15

Braunston Pickle

13:30-14:00

Walsall Academy of Dance

14:15-15:00

Harvesters

15:15-16:00

Dave Fry

16:15-17:00

Harvesters

17:15-17:45

Walsall Academy of Dance

21:00-21:30

Illuminated Boat Parade (along the canal)

11:00-11:30

Martin Day

11:45-12:15

Martin Francis

12:30-13:15

Somerville Gentlemen

13:30-14:00

Martin Francis

14:15-15:00

Somerville Gentlemen

15:15-16:00

Braunston Pickle

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Car Park

Entrance

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Opening Times Saturday 27th August: 10:00 - 18:00 Sunday 28th August: 10:00 - 18:00 Monday 29th August: 10:00 - 16:00

Children’s Rides

Food & Drink Digger Entertainments Marquee Land Train Vintage Cars

Camp Site

Exit

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Your IWA and HS2 locally

BCN work party © Alan Lines

The Inland Waterways Association has 33 branches around England and Wales with Lichfield Branch and Birmingham, Black Country and Worcester branches being the two that cover our local waterways.

Canal and Lichfield canals in the Fradley area where three rail crossings were planned on four separate viaduct structures. IWA was particularly worried about the effect HS2 would have on the beautiful and peaceful countryside around Wood End Lock near Fradley Junction. Awareness of the potentially damaging effects of the new high speed route on our local waterways was raised by IWA volunteers who monitor planning applications – not the most high profile or glamorous of roles but so important when protecting our local environment and enjoyment of it by everyone. After a long, detailed campaign involving many partner associations and groups, in late 2014 the Government announced its adoption of our alternative proposals. They were to realign the route of HS2 to avoid much of the popular and historic Fradley Junction to Woodend area.

IWA branches are run by volunteers who have the interests of walkers, anglers, canoeists and other waterway users at their heart. The volunteers work hard to protect and restore local waterways and organise or get involved in a huge range of local activities that will improve our canals and rivers or restore them for the future. For example IWA volunteers clear overgrown or invasive vegetation from the towpaths and footpaths alongside our waterways, remove litter from the pathways, they help haul debris and rubbish out of the canals such as shopping trolleys and mopeds and they paint lock gates and install benches and other waterside furniture. IWA’s volunteers are your waterways voice locally and they have had some particular successes, for example HS2.

IWA intends to follow up any announcements from the government concerning the Phase 2 route from Birmingham to Manchester & Leeds which could significantly impact on navigations and restorations. Talk to your local IWA about how you could get involved in campaigns like this.

HS2 & Our Local Canals Local IWA volunteers have been very active in a successful campaign to reduce the impact of HS2 on the Trent & Mersey #FestivalofWater Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 16

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IWA Birmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire Branch

Dudley No 2 Canal to be restored as far as Weoley Castle and California - with a new Marina at the terminus there. This project is highly achievable and might eventually encourage the possibility of a through route to Halesowen and the existing part of the old canal.

IWA Birmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire Branch is a small but perfectly formed branch covering a very large area.

The Branch has some very significant activities underway, the first being the possibility of a project at Bradley to restore the locks which used to link the Wednesbury Old Loop to the Walsall Canal. So far there have been some public meetings and several exploratory activities have taken place and other organisations are taking an active interest. The branch volunteers are hopeful this project will take off soon.

The second is the Lapal Canal - the possibilities being for the east end of the old

Come and join us at one of our Branch Meetings Branch meetings are held at Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin, Herewood Rise, Halesowen, B62 8AW

For information on talks, contact: Chris Osborn chris.osborn@waterways.org.uk waterways.org.uk/birmingham

Meetings start at 7.15 for 7.30 and everyone is welcome.

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IWA Festival of Water 17/08/2016 16:32:03

IWA Lichfield Branch Walk your way to finding out more about our local area You don’t have to be a member of IWA to come along on one of our branch walks.

Attendance is free although a donation of £1pp is appreciated.

Lichfield Branch work party © Margaret Beardsmore

Tuesday 6th September 2016 – Rushall & Daw End Canals Walk. This is an easy 5 mile walk along field paths and towpaths, with no stiles followed by refreshments at The Dilke Arms, Aldridge Road, Walsall. Meet at 10:15am for a 10:30am start in the car park of Hay Head Wood Nature Reserve, Longwood Lane, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 0QQ. For more information or to find out about future walks please contact Clive Walker clive.walker@waterways.org.uk

IWA Lichfield Branch area covers Stafford, Rugeley, Cannock, parts of Walsall, Aldridge, Brownhills, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, Atherstone, Nuneaton and Hinckley. This amounts to 128 miles of waterways, including the canals around Pelsall, with 63 locks, plus a further 22 miles of canals under restoration.

Lichfield is a very friendly, welcoming branch with plenty of social activities that complement the hard work that happens at work parties on the waterways or when looking at local planning applications to see how they might affect our local area. The branch has adopted a section of the Trent and Mersey Canal in Rugeley and installed mooring rings at Brindley Bank as well as improving the towpath in this area.

Lichfield Branch walkers at Saredon Mill Bridge © Clive Walker

Come and join us at one of our waterway talks

by Phil Clayton about the history of the BCN (Birmingham Canal Navigations).

Lichfield branch meetings are held at 7.15 for 7.30 pm at Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane (off Walsall Road), Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 8AY. Meetings are open to all and include refreshments.

Wednesday 19th October 2016 “The Fens and Fenland Waterways” an illustrated talk by John Pomfret.

Wednesday 16th November 2016 “Not such Idle Women” an illustrated talk

by Mike Constable about the wartime women boaters. waterways.org.uk/lichfield

Wednesday 21st September 2016 “Joeys, Joshers and James” an illustrated talk #FestivalofWater Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 18

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Wyrley & Essington Canal, Brownhills © Phil Sharpe

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals - The Missing Link The Hatherton Canal was constructed in two phases, the first section opening in 1841 and connecting the main line to Churchbridge. The second section linked Churchbridge to the Cannock Extension Canal and opened in 1863. The canal remained in use until 1949 and was abandoned in 1955, after which much of the route was destroyed by open cast mining.

The Case for Restoration

“Why is the Pelsall Festival of Water significant for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust?” I hear you ask.

Well, Pelsall is between the two canals LHCRT is restoring.

As well as adding more waterways to the nation’s canal system, the restoration of the two canals provides opportunities to conserve the built heritage of the industrial revolution and to restore the waterway habitats that were lost when the canals were abandoned and infilled. The restoration also provides excellent opportunities for leisure, recreation, tourism and sport.

The Lichfield Canal connects Catshill Junction to Huddlesford, and the Hatherton Canal connects the Wyrley and Essington at Fishley Lane to Calf Heath. So, one day, you’ll be able to travel by boat or towpath from Pelsall to Huddlesford or Calf Heath and onwards along our historic canal network.

The main difference between this and other canal restoration schemes is the huge impact that its completion will have by restoring the missing link of the Midlands waterways and reconnecting the underused canals which lie to the north of the Birmingham Main Line to the busy canals to the North East and North West.

History

Restoration

David & Sheila Suchet next to the Lichfield Canal Aqueduct

The Lichfield Canal covers a distance of about seven miles and was originally the Ogley Locks Section of the Wyrley and Essington Canal, which opened in 1797. It stayed open until 1955 and much of it was filled in.

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The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Trust was set up in 1988, as a registered charity, to campaign and raise funds for the restoration of the two canals. The trust is made up entirely of volunteers who work tirelessly to bring the canals back to life.

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The latest pound to take shape Š Margaret Beardsmore

The Trust has a Lichfield Canal work party, which is on site four times a week down at the Lichfield end where there is one pound in water and another nearing completion.

Work is going on at our Summerhill section, near Oddfellows in the Boat, and the Lichfield Canal Aqueduct with many corporate volunteers spending a day away from their jobs to help LHCRT build the towpath.

All of this work is helping the Trust towards completing the Heritage Towpath Trail and the reopening of the canal.

Visit the Stand

Visit stand 25 at the festival, or see the website at www.lhcrt.org.uk for more information. You can also find the Trust on Facebook or Twitter.

Work party using the latest canal restoration techniques Š Margaret Beardsmore

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Exhibitors’ Listings

Please refer to the Site Plan on pages 14-15 or ask at the Information Stands.

Androne Group Professional legal and boating services

Dudley Zoo Face painting, free zoo visits for children

Lucky Canal Art Hand painted canal art by Mary Baskerville

Beez Neez Ethnic / retro clothing and accessories

First Aid Team First Aid Point

Marine Engine Services Experts in marine and boat engines

Garyeannna Alpacas Alpaca scarfs & blankets

Melton & Oakham Waterways Society Working to restore the Melton Navigation and the Oakham Canal

Birmingham Canal Navigations Society Charity that encourages interest in the 100 miles of Birmingham and Black Country Waterways Boaters’ Christian Fellowship Christians who appreciate the inland waterways Buckingham Canal Society Restoring the Buckingham Canal Canal Transport Services Boat building, modification and other services at Norton Canes Canal & River Trust Charity, which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales.

Dazzlers Hand knitted and crocheted items Denise Phillips Fudge making genius - handmade fudge, toffee and truffles Dimand Crafts Wooden gifts, dream catchers, photography, cushions, instruments

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Gifts by Harvey Handmade jewellery and gifts Gilchrist Confectionery Traditional British pick & mix sweet stall Hearing Dogs for the Deaf Charity that trains hearing dogs who change the lives of deaf adults and children in the UK IWA IWA is the charity campaigning to restore and protect our 6,500 miles of inland waterway Jackie Morgan Papercraft, sewing & beadwork Jancraft T-shirts, polo shirts carrying the Festival logo plus other logos Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust Information about the local canal restoration & gift items for sale

Northern Fabrication Manufacturers of solid fuel stoves for boats and homes Pelsall Residents Artworks, local honey & vintage clothes Phoenix Trading Cards, giftwrap, notecards, christmas cards and stationery The Pod Floating Studio Canal inspired handmade glass and prints Ragdoll Rugs n’bags Sustainable design homewares and fashion accessories River Canal Rescue Marine breakdown assistance and recovery across the UK inland waterways.

Royal British Legion Tombola and poppy goods

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RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Utility Warehouse Visit the stand for your chance to win a Mini!

Ruff Life Online Therapy treaments, organic skincare products and childrens books

Velvet Art Studio Velvet art colouring boards and balls

Scarf Shack Bags, scarves, sarongs and gifts

Vimart Signwriting Professional, traditional signwriting

Spoons from the Shed Handmade solid silver jewellery from antique and vintage hallmarked silver cutlery

Wallflower Jewellery & gifts

St Giles Hospice Offers specialist care in a variety of settings for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses Toys of Character Toys and fancy dress for both adults and children

Westies Wax Handcrafted, high quality scented products, accessories & gifts Wikianiko Eco-friendly biodegradeable products helping families to become greener

Willow Boats Ltd Top quality boat painting Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Restoring a Waterway connecting Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire for the 21st Century Woofs Treats Handmade and home baked all natural treats for dogs WRG Volunteers restoring the waterways.

Learn to drive a digger experience WRG NW Selling books and bric-a-brac to raise money to support local canal restoration projects

Floating Traders The Borders Cheese Carrying Company Selling Welsh cheeses and English chutneys. Free tastings TR Boat Handling RYA recognised boat handling courses

Truman Enterprise Narrowboat Trust Offering boat trips. Educational residential narrowboats for use by youth groups and day trips for people with special needs

Waterway Routes Waterway maps, books and information

to IWA and we love both him and his roast potatoes

crepes, service and staff made an impression on us. They will be serving sweet and savoury crepes

Wildside Preserves The hedgerow’s finest jams, marmalades, jellies and chutneys

Food & Drink We have tried to bring you a wide selection of menus. Whether it’s fine alfresco dining or real ale drinking you want, there is a wide range to tempt and satisfy your appetite.

Cafe2U Sutton Coldfield Cafe2U will be providing us with delicious coffee, teas, hot chocolate and pastries Green Kitchen Andrew Norman with his Green Kitchen will be on site, with his delicious beef stew, chicken sandwiches and his duck fat roast potatoes. All ingredients are organic. Andrew is a good friend

Guptas Tasty Indian food for festival goers looking to add a little spice to their day Leo’s Ice Cream Local Italian ice cream company manufacturing their own Italian ice cream. They will have two ice cream vans on site, selling ice creams and lollies for your delight Quick Crepes Quick Crepes made their first appearance at our Festival of Water event in Northampton 2015. Their

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Real Ale Bar It wouldn’t be an IWA Festival without a good mix of local real ale on sale. See you there?

Spice it Up BBQ Debbie from Spice it Up BBQ will be supplying us with jerk chicken, stuffed salmon or sea bass, baked sweet potato, coleslaw, fried dumplings. Children’s meals are available

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#WeDigCanals

Help us to Restore a Canal Get outdoors and help to bring a derelict waterway back to life.

There is little more rewarding than spending a week restoring a crumbling lock chamber or rebuilding a bridge alongside other like-minded volunteers.

Canal Camps, run by IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group, are unique residential volunteer holidays, designed to restore unnavigable canals to their former glory.

And there are plenty of projects taking place across England and Wales to choose from.

Volunteering with WRG is a great experience for anyone who loves being outdoors, meeting people, and wants to learn new skills such as bricklaying; stone walling; and machine operation. #FestivalofWater Pelsall 2016 Programme - Double Spread.indd 24

Register your interest to receive next year’s brochure Website: www.wrg.org.uk Email: enquiries@wrg.org.uk Phone: 01494 783453 24

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FROM

Visit the Inland Waterways Association Bookshop for a variety of books from Waterways World Waterways World 2016 Annual available now with your FREE route-planning map! Just £6.99

› Practical books for boat owners › Canal guides and maps › Back issues › Historical books › Gifts and merchandise › Julia Bradbury DVD BARGES & WIDE -BEAM BOATS ON THE

The

INLAND WATERW AYS

Barge Guide HOW TO BUY A BOAT

£7.99

Boating and livi ng

afloat

WE TELL YOU HOW

BOAT TESTS

10

WIDE-BEAM BOATS REVIEWED

+

FAVOURITE RIVER S WHERE CAN YOU GO IN BRITAIN? BOATING IN EURO PE FRENCH WATE RWAYS

HOW BIG?

Our beginner’s guide to the different styles and sizes of boats available Barge Cover.indd

1

LIVING AFLOAT

■ How much it costs ■ Getting a moor ■ Suitable boats ing

GUIDES

More books available online The UK wide waterw ays: Thames, Kenne t& Trent and Anglia Avon, n waterways

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Call 01494 783453 or visit www.iwashop.com Bookshop IWA Show fp ad.indd 27

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Historic Boats at the Festival Fulbourne (1937) Grand Union Canal Carrying Company Motor boat Town class

Montgomery (The Jam Butty) Scorpio (1935) Grand Union Canal Carrying Company Motor boat Star Class

Kew (1960) British Waterways South East Division River class butty

Skylark (1934) Cowburn & Cowpar Motor boat

Laplander (1830) BCN tug

Trent 5 (1946) Staffordshire Chemical Company Ltd. Motor boat

Leo (1935) Grand Union Canal Carrying Company Butty Star Class

Evening Schedule

Keep an eye out for these historic working boats at the Festival.

Wristband required for entry

Friday 26th August

Sunday 28th August

19:00

Boaters’ Bar opens

19:00

Boaters’ Bar opens

19:00

Boater’s Supper served

by Green Kitchen (needs to be prebooked)

20:00

Open mic night. Bring an instrument or your voice and join in*

20:00

Boaters’ Quiz

21:00

Illuminated Boat Parade

23:00

Boaters’ Bar Closes

23:00

Boaters’ Bar Closes

Saturday 27th August

Monday 29th August

19:00

Boaters’ Bar opens

19:00

Boaters’ Bar opens

19:30

Chucklefoot

20:00

20:30

Duchess & the Dukes

23:00

Boaters’ Bar Closes

Informal singalong and musical jam session Boaters’ Bar Closes

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23:00

*You can sign up for the open mic night by visiting the entertainments marquee on Saturday or Sunday.

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Fulbourne (1937) GUCCCo. motor boat

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Thank You to our Supporters The Inland Waterways Association is a registered charity and relies on legacies, fundraising and its membership subscriptions to fund its work.

Our events, such as the IWA Festival of Water, Pelsall are organised and staged with substantial help from IWA members, a very small team of professionals and many other volunteers and supporters and we are thankful for all that they do.

We are also grateful to other organisations for their help and sponsorship. Thank you to PRS for Music for licensing the event and DTM Traffic Management Solutions for providing the ‘No Parking’ cones.

In particular, the following have helped make the 2016 IWA Festival of Water, possible:

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Boatbuilding, Boatpainting, Repairs & Restoration

Our family company has been building and repairing narrowboats at Norton Canes Dock for over 50 years.

We specialise in producing high quality, bespoke built narrowboat shells for the discerning customer.

To complement our shells and steelwork, we offer a full range of boatyard services with all types of repair and restoration work carried out, including full repainting on our heated dry dock.

www.canaltransportservices.co.uk Tel. 01543 374370 Email: info@canaltransportservices.co.uk Canal Transport Services Ltd, Norton Canes Dock, Lime Lane, Pelsall, Walsall, West Midlands WS3 5AP

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