Knobsticks - Spring 2021

North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch

KNOBSTICKS

Spring 2021

Landslip near Anderton now passable with care. Photo: Roger Evans

Editorial

We decided to attend the April Cheshire Locks work-party by boat to celebrate the fact the Boris would let us stay out overnight! Imagine our surprise when we found that a new Lidl store had been built since we last used the top lock of the Red Bull flight at Kidsgrove.

It was certainly very handy as we were running low on coffee! Whilst Margaret looked after our boat as the lock filled, I was able to nip down the access ramp, across the car park, into the store, buy a jar of coffee, and get back before the lock was full!

A week later, we passed through the site of the landslip at Soot Hill, near Anderton (also see front cover and page 17). This is out of our branch area, but I’m sure that many of you will be pleased to see that this stoppage has finally, after several months, been downgraded to “passable with care”.

Yes, I know that the Cheshire Locks work was on Red Bull Lock 44 (see page 9), but we needed to turn round, and had time for a short trip along the Macclesfield Canal to Ramsdell Hall too.

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Deputy Chairman’s Report our canals, including a few where we needed (and received) input from those taking part to identify the locations. This online archive photo session followed on from three others held in October, December and February, covering the Caldon, Trent & Mersey and Uttoxeter canals respectively.

It’s been good to see many of you via our computer screens over the last few months for five archive photo zoom sessions over the autumn and winter.

The first in September also included our delayed AGM from earlier last year, and the latest took place at the beginning of April and included this year’s Branch AGM. There was a surprising amount to report on, despite being in lockdown for much of the intervening seven months.

The AGM heard about all the issues that your branch committee has been working on since last year, including three major planning applications affecting waterways in our branch area: Froghall and Burslem (covered elsewhere in more detail in this issue of Knobsticks) and Leek.

The archive photos shown by Steve Wood after the AGM were essentially a random selection of incredible vintage images from across the branch area encompassing 100 years of changes to Spring 2021

We have objected to the planning application for the site at the end of the Leek Arm, where the developers are asking for a variation to the earlier planning permission which required them to build a marina. This “marina” was not what the branch wished to see happen with this site, and we had objected to the original outline planning application back in 2014. We consider that any new terminus of the canal should link in with current proposals for extending the railway line into Leek. If the plans for this site incorporated the Route Option 2 identified by the 2006 Leek Canal Corridor study (carried out

by IWA, CUCT and British Waterways) this would create an attractive new tourism destination in Leek that would include a railway and canal hub, with associated hotel, restaurant or pub.

Such a revised proposal would be more in keeping with the aspirations of SMDC’s Churnet Valley Master Plan. A canal route through the site towards the location of the new railway station would actually enable the developer to build a different style of housing, more in keeping with a canal environment, which would offer the opportunity for a higher number of more affordable dwellings.

We have urged the developer to start afresh with these suggestions in mind.

I recently represented the branch at a meeting, held by video and called by Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, with the leaders (councillors and officers) at Page 3

Deputy Chairman’s Report Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. While they couldn’t talk about specific planning applications, we took the opportunity to remind them of the significance of waterways to the overall area in terms of tourism, leisure and economic potential, particularly in terms of both the current Froghall and Leek development proposals.

Over the last few months your branch has been represented at further online video meetings held by Canal & River Trust, including a CRT North West user forum and a CRT West Midlands Annual Meeting.

We are all looking forward to being able to travel further afield over the coming weeks and months, and as the country comes out of lockdown I hope you are all able to enjoy the local waterways in as many different ways as you can.

BRANCH VACANCIES We are looking to recruit some additional volunteers to get involved with branch activities.

As well as volunteers to get involved with the admin of the branch (taking minutes of meetings and corresponding with new members) we are also looking to recruit members for a number of brand new roles. Most of these roles could be carried out without joining the committee, if attending committee meetings is “not your thing”, provided the committee received regular reports.

in normal times) only attend 2 or 3 events a year.

A Waterway Walks Leader (or Coordinator) to set up a programme of guided walks along the waterways in the branch area. The co-ordinator could lead the walks themselves, or recruit other volunteers to do the leading for individual walks.

A Waterway Heritage Ambassador to keep an eye on the historic buildings, structures and features, and to raise concerns when they might be under threat. An example of this would be Bridge 37 on the Caldon Canal, where we are on standby to comment on the proposed design of the new bridge as soon as we see it.

A Planning & Development Champion to monitor planning applications alongside the waterways in the branch area. This involves monitoring the planning portals of 5 local authorities, picking up on anything that we ought to be commenting on, bringing it to the committee for comments and responding in line with IWA policy.

A Fundraising Champion – to coordinate fundraising activities and grant applications for projects in the branch area.

Full training and support will be given for all of these roles, and in the case of several of them IWA has either advisory panels or members of staff in place to An Events Co-ordinator to co- support branch volunteers in those roles. ordinate our attendance at events taking place in the branch area. This would If any of these opportunities appeals to involve booking stand space at the event, you, please make contact with me co-ordinating the logistics of getting the (allie.smedley@waterways.org.uk) for gazebo, sales stock and display boards to further information. and from the event, and drawing up a Alison Smedley volunteer rota. We currently (or at least Deputy Branch Chair Page 4

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Froghall Planning Application

One very significant issue that we’ve been working on over the last couple of months, and supporting our colleagues in the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canal Trust over, is the planning application for 48 new houses at Froghall, which would block the line of the Uttoxeter Canal and effectively prevent any future restoration of the canal further down the Churnet Valley.

The deadline for comments has now passed, but our wholehearted thanks to everyone who submitted comments. By the closing date there were well over 250 objections, with 220 of those specifically objecting on account of the canal restoration.

We were grateful to be able to call on the advice of IWA’s national Planning Advisory Panel in putting together the branch’s response, which ran to 6 pages.

With no other viable route available, Spring 2021

blocking the restoration on this site would also negate any regeneration of the canal further down the valley, and would prevent the communities along its route from being connected to 2,700 miles of waterway network.

The basin adjacent to the proposed development site, along with the first lock of the Uttoxeter Canal joining it to the Caldon Canal, was restored in 2005 (photo: Harry Arnold, Waterway Images) in a £625k partnership project between volunteers, British Waterways and local authorities, backed by the European Regional Development Fund.

A study carried out in 2009 concluded that it would be feasible to restore the Uttoxeter Canal between Froghall and Denstone. Since then, the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, supported by the branch, has led specific projects at a number of locations further down the Page 5

Froghall Planning Application valley, including projects in partnership with SMDC and others as part of the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership (see example photo below).

By allowing this development to take place, SMDC would be deviating from its own intentions for the line of the canal to be protected, as outlined in the Staffordshire Moorlands Local Plan, which in turn refers to the Churnet Valley Masterplan which specifically allows a strip of land for the future restoration of the canal, along with a route for walking, cycling and horse riding.

As the Heritage Impact Assessment submitted with the application identifies, most of the route of the former canal, including 3 locks, lies buried under the current ground level. Despite

the later railway line being built on the line of the canal, evidence of the canal still exists on site in the form of a stone culvert under the canal and a clearly identifiable section of canal bank. The line of the canal and locks 3 and 4 would end up buried underneath the access road to some of the houses, resulting in this industrial heritage being lost irretrievably.

We sincerely hope that SMDC turns down this application as it currently stands and asks the developers to reconfigure the site layout to allow restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal to happen in the future.

Work in progress at Bridge 70 in 2016 Page 6

Alison Smedley (Deputy Branch Chair)

Phot0: Steve Wood KNOBSTICKS

Burslem Port News During Covid restrictions, it has not been possible to carry out any work on the Burslem Port site. Nevertheless, a lot has been happening behind the scenes.

The Trustees Steering Group has been meeting monthly via Zoom and a number of significant developments have taken place.

Last year, we had appointed consultants Moss Naylor Young to work with us in taking our project forward. Patrick Moss has over 10 years experience working with canal societies. He is assisted by Laura Wigg-Bailey, who has had much success in raising money for waterway schemes.

In January, Laura successfully applied for funds from the Architectural Heritage Fund which will enable us to carry forward work on plans for the historic wharf site. This involved her and Steve Wood renewing contact with Ron and Debbie Garlick, owners of Potteries Waste Ltd, and engaging their support.

We have been considering a planning application for what we have always called the Co-op Bakery site on behalf of Eden Valley Developments. Since they acquired the site last year, we have worked closely with their MD, Marcus von Tiele, who supports our scheme.

Steve Wood submitted our views in support of the development which involves the creation of over 150 new homes, including houses and apartment buildings. Our founding trustee, David Dumbelton, has also submitted a response on similar lines for the Trent & Mersey Canal Society. However, a recent modification of the application has given us some cause for concern as it will make the construction of the canal more difficult. In its present form, we are unable to support it.

Spring 2021

Also last year, we gave a briefing to Jon Rouse, newly appointed Director of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. We were unable to take him on a site walk for two reasons: the restrictions due to coronavirus were already in place and, due to our inability to have working parties, the vegetation on site had grown so extensively that parts of the footpath access had become impassable.

Nevertheless, we arranged a briefing by Zoom which resulted in Jon expressing his interest and support for our scheme.

He requested a one-page summary, which Laura quickly provided. Meanwhile, James Dunn who had been taking forward some of the work indicated in the Peter Brett report (land transfer and planning support) had left the Authority, so we worked directly with Jon until David Harris took up his post in March.

We immediately held a briefing meeting with him and his colleagues in the planning department to ensure that they are fully aware of our aspirations.

Another significant change in personnel also occurred last year as Simon Papprill, our long-term link with the Canal & River Trust, has changed his job to develop partnerships at national level for CRT. Simon has been a great supporter over the last few years and was instrumental in giving us access to CRT funds on several occasions, notably more recently in providing match funding for our Footsteps Project. We wish him well in his future work and are pleased to welcome Nicola Lewis-Smith as the new CRT Enterprise Manager for the city area. Nicola has already joined our Steering Group and played an active and constructive part in our proceedings.

Speaking of Footsteps, the Covid pandemic has brought our work to a Page 7

Burslem Port News standstill just as we were poised to purchase the mower needed to maintain the site. Plans to engage with the Waterway Recovery Group to carry out the path laying could not be taken forward, although Steve Wood, Trustee and Working Party Organiser, has been actively planning recommencement of activity as soon as Covid restrictions allow.

Another big change came about when David Frost, Chairman of the Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), retired. David had been very supportive in providing some of the funds which enabled us to commission the Peter Brett report. Our plans to engage with his successor have so far not come to fruition, although this remains our intention in the near future. We have kept abreast of LEP developments informally through the good offices of our Patron, Ian Dudson, Lord Lieutenant of the County. Similarly, plans to engage with Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke North, recently led to a Zoom meeting with him. He is looking at ways we might benefit from the ‘levelling up’ funds, particularly in the development of water-based tourism.

We can report that our links with the City’s Potto Lotto scheme have been fruitful, providing us with a steady monthly income. Fruitful for me, as I have been a winner on several occasions.

You can help with this by buying tickets.

Visit www.pottolotto.

Our involvement with this was initiated by our trustee John Brewer. Regrettably, John resigned last year, having made a substantial commitment to our cause.

We thank him and wish him well for the future. John’s resignation leaves a vacancy for a new trustee, who we are actively seeking to recruit. If you think you would like to take on this rewarding task, or know someone who might be persuaded to, I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Your support is vital to our continuing success. We have recently launched a campaign on social media to increase public contact. We hope we will soon be able to engage more productively with those of you who are champing at the bit to join a working party. Meanwhile, please keep safe.

Roger Savage (Chairman, Burslem Port Trust)

Social Scene Having been forced to cancel our ‘live’ speakers for the whole of 2020-21, I am pleased to report that most have agreed to try again in 2021-22. All being well, in October we will welcome Helen Gardner from Waterway Recovery Group to our first face-to-face gathering for over 18 months. This is, of course, dependent on it being safe for the Stoke Boat Club to reopen, although Helen has said she can deliver her talk as a Zoom presentation…

Thanks to Steve Wood’s willingness to dedicate a great deal of his time to digitising some of the archives of local Page 8

canal photographs held by our branch and CUCT, we have managed to meet online to view and discuss some intriguing historic scenes as well as more recent shots of our local waterways and restoration projects. We were pleased to get quite large audiences, including some people who don’t usually attend our face-to-face gatherings. If you weren’t able to enjoy the online presentations, don’t worry – I hope to persuade Steve to share the highlights at a future ‘live’ social one day.

Sarah Honeysett KNOBSTICKS

Cheshire Locks Work Party

Finally, after a long hiatus for Covid-19, we were allowed to resume work on April 15th at a new site: Lock 44 on the Red Bull Flight. All ground paddle metalwork was scraped and painted.

Balance beams on all gates on both lock chambers were scraped, sanded and painted (Before and after photos above).

All the wooden strapping posts were scraped and painted, as were the 3 lock ladders.

Sadly we have to report that, during the hiatus, we lost one of our most stalwart Cheshire Locks Work Party volunteers: Paul Taylor of Mow Cop (photo right), who passed away in hospital on 31st January from Covid Pneumonia at the age of 66, having previously been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Paul was an enthusiastic member of our group and as a much valued colleague and friend will be greatly missed .

Article (& Photos): John Lawson Spring 2021

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Navigation Notes – Macclesfield Canal, April 2021 Taking advantage of the lovely weather (though some rain for the gardens and allotment would be gratefully received!!)

Sarah and I helmed UPLANDER II from Kidsgrove up to the Bosley Locks on Monday 19th April, moored near Lock 12, and returned on Tuesday 20th.

There appeared to be a problem at Hall Green lock. The bottom gate would not open fully, and only by Sarah adding her strength were we able to get ‘UPPY’ through (with the fenders raised), despite clearing all the debris we could reach behind the gate.

A CRT contractor engineering team has consolidated the towpath opposite the winding hole at Ramsdell Hall, where Nb. GAILEY was photographed with a mechanical digger.

At the ‘turnover bridge’ No. 77 at Congleton, wall stabilisation is under way again with CRT personnel and a spoil-barge.

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Further observations noted examples of towpath bank work required, which should keep this team gainfully employed for the foreseeable future!

Interestingly, when Richard Parry spoke to our branch in December 2018, one request made was for better management of canal-side hedges so that views of significant landmarks could be KNOBSTICKS

Navigation Notes – Macclesfield Canal, April 2021 enjoyed more easily. We were delighted to find that this recommendation seems to have been taken to heart. Both at the moorings below the Bosley Locks and for a distance leading to them, the hedgerows have been cut back hard, affording excellent views of the railway viaduct, although one boater who had based himself there for lockdown did say he would have appreciated a little more protection from high winds!

More towpath improvement work has been taking place adjacent to the locks, and in general, this lower section of the Macclesfield Canal retains its attractiveness to boaters and towpath-users alike.

Article: Jon Honeysett Photos: Sarah Honeysett

Another bank protection problem

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Find us on Facebook - Londis Birches Head Spring 2021

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Social Programme

North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch This is the PROVISIONAL programme of talks for our 2021-22 season

Subject to Covid-19 regulations of course Friday 8th October – 7:45 for 8pm The Waterway Recovery Group Helen Gardner A look at some of WRG’s recent projects Friday 12th November – 7:45 for 8pm The Cromford Canal (A speaker from the Cromford Canal Society) The history of the Cromford Canal, its restoration to date and future plans.

Friday 10th December – 7:45 for 8pm TBC A speaker from the Canal and River Trust or A presentation on the proposed new waterside development in Stoke Page 12

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Social Programme

January 2022 – Date & Time to be announced IWA NEW YEAR ANNUAL DINNER at The Rising Sun, Scholar Green Friday 11th February – 7:45 for 8pm The Stafford Riverway Link Ivor Hind An update on the project to link Stafford to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Friday 11th March – 7:45 for 8pm Annual General Meeting followed by films presented by Alan Chetwyn.

Friday 8th April – 7:45 for 8pm The Daniel Adamson Les Green and Bob Cannell The early working life of this steam ship, the restoration work needed to save ‘The Danny’ and the ship’s new role as a tourist attraction.

Admission to talks is FREE Donations to waterway causes welcome!

Refreshments available.

Non-IWA members are very welcome

Venue (unless otherwise stated): Stoke on Trent Boat Club Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST9 9DU but see note on previous page !!!

For further information contact: Sarah Honeysett (01782 772295) socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk or visit the branch webpages at: www.waterways.org.uk Spring 2021

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IWA West Midlands Region 75th Anniversary Quiz after the event: “My thanks to all of you who were able to join our IWA 75th anniversary quiz on Wednesday, whether as a participant or spectator. I think that you will agree with me that it was a most enjoyable evening. Almost 60 members joined in. It was really lovely to see and talk to people whom I haven't seen for several years. I regret being unable to visit all the groups.

“Birmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire branch, Lichfield branch and Warwickshire branch managed to field two teams each. North Staffs and South Cheshire branch had one team.

We were also pleased that the Shrewsbury and North Wales branch were able to "bring" a team. (One of the great advantages of not needing to travel!)

“I am very grateful to Ian Fletcher who provided beautiful pictures and the testing questions and to Bob Fox who, as one of our region "Zoom champions", provided the technical expertise and in doing so vastly extended his own knowledge. I must also mention that Jenny Black and Alex Melson, members of our staff team at Chesham, provided us with a huge amount of help by way of Our Mascot (Photo: Anne Chetwyn) advice and a lot of "hand-holding". They also both joined us for the whole evening February 2021 was a busy month for to provide support to any of the teams IWA socialising and celebrating – via who were struggling with the technology. online “zooming”! Friday 12th was our As the quiz didn't finish until 10.30pm, Branch social evening then Tuesday 15th this was way beyond the call of duty and was the national 75th Anniversary shows great dedication! My special Auction – an entertaining event to fund- thanks to them too. raise for the future of our waterways.

The evening of the 24th saw a team from “The winners were the team from North North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Staffs and South Cheshire branch who join with West Midlands Region friends, won, what Ian Fletcher assures us is, a plus some from further west and Wales, "solid gold" windlass - I have my doubts! for an Inter-Branch Quiz.

The losers, one of the two Lichfield teams, who were placed bottom with an West Midlands Region Chairman Helen equal number of points, won a beautifulWhitehouse wrote to region members ly carved wooden windlass, much Page 14

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IWA West Midlands Region 75th Anniversary Quiz coveted I was told, by several of the other teams.”

Cobb (invaluably identifying artworks around the Ribble Link and GU railway stations), Alan and Anne Chetwyn (sharp As Helen says, the occasion proved a at locating bends beyond BCN tunnels – great opportunity to be with people on- just in time as “break-out” rooms closed line and chat - especially with Branch and we Zoomed back to the main screen) friends when we went into our team and Julie Arnold (randomly recalling “Break Out” rooms to compare notes and T&M canal milage fractions). agree our answers for each round of questions.

One picture did not fox the NSSC team – but they admitted to not having seen this Ian’s testing questions took us all around particular historic view before! Later Ian the network, and the NSSC team mined Fletcher kindly forwarded a copy to their waterway knowledge and collabo- reproduce in Knobsticks (Etruria rated to great effect. Here’s the team and Canopy © IWA (Rhodes Thomas some of the pictured highlights we Collection)). The scene is from the IWA identified (where do they bring to mind national archive and shows Etruria, for you?): Steve Wood (sterling service looking east out of the top lock of the on guillotine gates on CRT’s Yorkshire Trent& Mersey Stoke flight. A great shot waterways), Rob and Maria Frost to top off a fascinating and fun evening. (especially adept on canal ‘flyovers’, including the one that moves), Alistair Julie Arnold

Spring 2021

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I.W.A. Souvenir Teddy Bear You will have seen in Julie’s article about the 75th anniversary quiz, the photo of a rather smart-looking teddy bear, whose history will be revealed later.

It was a spur of the moment thing to use the bear on the night, as a mascot, but I’m glad I did, judging by the smiles we got. As you now know, he proved to be lucky.

I have no idea how long ago I bought this bear, but it’s got to be 25 years. Also, being a huge fan of teddy bears, I’m willing to bet it was one of the first I.W.A. items I bought. Unfortunately, however, I cannot remember where I bought it and for how much.

Well, as you can see from the photo in Julie’s article, he is still with me, having undergone a little up-dating!! Oh, alright then, he’s had a make-over! (Am I going mad in “lockdown” – you may well ask!)

The bear is now wearing the latest logo and a little boat-bear’s belt, which I thoroughly enjoyed making (see photo on page 14). This is, of course, based on the old boatman’s belt, using Spider Embroidery. Thanks to Sue Dutton of the Caldon for introducing me to this several years ago at the Etruria Festival!

Little did she know what she started when she presented me with a bag full of colourful wool and a little booklet about Spider Embroidery.

Back to the history, the little “T-shirt” is the original one with a rather intriguing motif on the front, which is now on the back (see photo this page). This is because I didn’t want to lose the original feature. I don’t know exactly what it represents from earlier days, but it would be interesting to know. Incidentally, the shirt is now a better fit having been turned round.

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Bearing [Ouch – Ed] in mind our resident 3 bears, Sonning, Hanley and Endon (courtesy of Sarah), there was a suggestion from Steve Wood that the branch is being taken over by bears and do we need a new category for membership ……. ??

Over to you, Julie Arnold in your new role as branch membership secretary !!

Article & Photo: Anne Chetwyn KNOBSTICKS

Ode to 75 (by) RAC 2021 The I.W.A. is 75 you know During that time, we’ve seen things come and go, But one thing still remains the same VOLUNTEERING is the name of the game.

When your branch magazine comes through your door Have a think . . . . . Can I do more?

Join a work-party – Bring a packed lunch We really are a friendly bunch.

You could consider a sponsored walk And then go to an evening talk.

We don’t just talk canals and boats So go, get on your hats and coats.

The WRGies deserve a mention here They work really hard, that is clear.

But you haven’t really seen and done it all Until you’ve slept in a village hall.

Help is always needed across the board So there is no excuse for being BORED. Campaign festivals and rallies range far and wide So, hopefully, there’ll be a Park and Ride.

AFTER ALL we are 75

The buoyed Channel at Soot Hill (also see page 2)

Spring 2021

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The Boating Adventures of Sonning Bear Home from the River Weaver The bears had a wonderful holiday on the River Weaver, but after their visit to The Danny, it was time to head home.

They had stripey chicks, which came very close to the boat if the bears were quiet and didn't frighten them.

After seeing how spick and span the Danny’s bears kept everything on board, they decided Uppie's brasswork needed shining, so they helped Grizzly and Polar to clean the brass and put up some plaques in the cratch, showing where Uppie had been.

In the evening, they moored near the boat lift at Anderton.

'We will have to keep these polished too,' Sonning told the other bears. ‘But we mustn’t get Brasso on our paws!’

Travelling upstream was easy, as there was very little current against them, although they did have to watch out for the big dredgers. There were lots of water birds to see, including big grey herons and pretty great-crested grebes.

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Polar and Grizzly had agreed to let the bears sit on the roof while they were in the lift, but there were heavy showers the next morning, so Sonning and his friends had to watch from the cratch KNOBSTICKS

The Boating Adventures of Sonning Bear again. It was not as scary going up, because they knew what was happening this time.

The next day was showery too, so the bears stayed indoors, helping the human who wasn't steering to do boat chores.

Uppie shared the Big Lock at Middlewich with another crew, then started up the narrow Cheshire Locks, stopping near Wheelock. The bears spotted a boat they knew moored there and went to say 'hello', but there was no-one at home.

Soon they were back out on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Polar put on their CD of Paddington stories while the bears waited for their rice pudding, which cheered them up as they had been feeling sad that the holiday was almost at an end.

Spring 2021

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The Boating Adventures of Sonning Bear They think some of you will know whose boat it is!

The next day was fine and sunny, so Polar and Grizzly didn't get wet working up the locks. They decided to stop for the night only a little way from home - but with ten locks still to do.

Polar steered right at Hardingswood Junction and soon the bears were amazed to find themselves going over the top of the Trent and Mersey, two locks below them.

This time, they only went a little way along the ‘Macc’, through an odd little stop lock, before turning at the marina and getting the end-of-cruise jobs done.

Then they came back down the canal to Hardingswood Junction and turned right for Uppie's moorings. The voyage was over.

'We are going to have a short trip on the Macclesfield Canal in the morning,' Grizzly explained. 'We're going to get Uppie some fuel and to get the sewerage tank pumped out.'

'Poo!' said Hanley Bear.

'We'll go back over this canal on an aqueduct,' added Polar. 'Watch out for kingfishers near there.'

The bears love to see new waterways, so were quite excited by the time they reached the top lock.

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Next time the bears set off up the Macclesfield Canal, they were on the way to Manchester – and that’s what Sonning plans to tell us about in the next edition of Knobsticks.

Article: Sonning Bear Photos: Sarah Honeysett KNOBSTICKS

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The Swan Inn Stafford Street, Stone Two minutes from bridge 93 at Star Lock

Serving 10 Real Ales & Scrumpy Cider Bar Snacks available

Beer Garden Page 22

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North Staffordshire & South Cheshire contacts President: Chris Skelhorne Vice President Roger Savage roger.st21@gmail.com

Newsletter Editor Roger Evans 01606 834471 newsletter.nssc@waterways.org.uk 10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0BL

Planning Deputy Chairmen VACANT Alison Smedley 01538 385388 (Use planning.nssc@waterways.org.uk) allie.smedley@waterways.org.uk Membership Officer Steve Wood 07976 805858 Julie Arnold steve.wood@waterways.org.uk membership.nssc@waterways.org.uk Treasurer Alan Chetwyn (No Email)

Navigation Officer Jon Honeysett 01782 772295 01782 279277 navigation.nssc@waterways.org.uk

Secretary VACANT (Use secretary.nssc@waterways.org.uk) Sales Officer VACANT Use steve.wood@waterways.org.uk

Burslem Port Work Party Steve Wood 07976 805858 steve.wood@waterways.org.uk Caldon + Uttoxeter Work Parties Steve Wood 07976 805858 steve.wood@waterways.org.uk

Cheshire Locks Work Party Social Secretary John Lawson 07940 878923 Sarah Honeysett 01782 772295 john.lawson@waterways.org.uk socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk Other committee member: Publicity Officer Sarah Honeysett 01782 772295 None publicity.nssc@waterways.org.uk West Midlands Region Chairman Web and Social Media Officer: Helen Whitehouse 01543 491161 Peter Smedley 01538 385388 westmidlands@waterways.org.uk webmaster.nssc@waterways.org.uk The Branch committee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of March, June, September & December at Stoke Boat Club, Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon, Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 9DU. All Branch members are invited to attend.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association, the West Midlands Region, or our Branch.

They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers. © The Inland Waterways Association - Registered as a charity no. 212342 www.waterways.org.uk/staffscheshire Spring 2021 Page 23

Join Us on a Canal Work Party

Our Branch runs 3 work parties each month, helping to maintain and restore our local canals :-

Cheshire Locks work parties have resumed • Cheshire Locks (Trent & Mersey Canal, Kidsgrove to Wheelock)

(jointly organised with the Trent and Mersey Canal Society) 3rd Thursday of each month (except December), 10am to 3pm.

Contact: John Lawson Phone: 07940 878923 Email: john.lawson@waterways.org.uk

Uttoxeter & Burslem Port: Check with Steve!

• Uttoxeter Canal (Bridge 70, near Denstone — or near Alton)

(working in partnership with Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust) 2nd Thursday of each month, 10am to 3pm.

Contact: Steve Wood Phone: 07976-805858 Email: steve.wood@waterways.org.uk • Burslem Port, Stoke-on-Trent (working in partnership with Burslem Port Project) 4th Tuesday of each month (except December), 10am to 3pm.

Contact: Steve Wood Phone: 07976-805858 Email: steve.wood@waterways.org.uk ——————————–————-—————————-————— See the IWA website www.waterways.org.uk under “Events” for dates.

Volunteers are advised to wear stout shoes and old clothes, and to bring waterproofs (and a packed lunch and drink if staying all day) Page 24

KNOBSTICKS