Knobsticks Spring 2018

North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch

KNOBSTICKS

Spring 2018

Breach at River Wheelock Aqueduct on Middlewich Branch

Photo: Roger Evans

Editorial The big news in Middlewich at the moment is “The Breach”, with a constant stream of people wandering along the towpath to have a look. By now (2 days after it happened) the site is safely sealed off behind metal fencing and the public can only see it from a distance.

I took a few photographs, then walked down the path to the river and viewed the destruction from below (see front cover). The water had scoured out the back of the aqueduct retaining wall, but luckily the aqueduct itself seemed undamaged.

However when we awoke last Friday (16th March), we had no inkling of what had happened overnight. Then Margaret said “The canals empty, somebody must have left a paddle up again” However we rapidly realised that it was too empty for that, so something more serious must have happened.

I suppose that we were lucky as all the water went into the river without causing much damage to the surrounding area.

A few yards further toward town and it would have flooded the main A530 road from Middlewich to Nantwich, or even worse brought down the road aqueduct.

A 5 minute walk up the towpath revealed the truth, a very large hole in the canal bed right next to the aqueduct over the River Wheelock. Just beyond the hole was a moored boat tilted over very badly; made worse because it had a keel, rather than a flat bottom (see page 16).

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So we (see below), along with the crews of about 20 other stranded boats are avidly waiting for news ...

Article + all Photos: Roger Evans NOTE: The Deputy Chairman’s Report was written pre-breach.

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Deputy Chairman’s Report the annual branch dinner, and will be a hard act to follow. We are fortunate in having had two volunteers to step into this role, with Gillian Watson offering to put the social programme together, and Sarah Honeysett who will publicise and co-ordinate things with the speakers for each talk.

Following the AGM we could do with a couple more people to join the committee. In particular we have vacancies for Sales Officer and Planning Officer – both interesting roles and full training and support will be given to anyone interested in taking on either one.

The Branch’s 2018 AGM took place recently, on 9th February, and it was great to see some of you there.

At the committee meeting a few days later we had a minor reshuffle of some roles, one of which was my appointment as a joint deputy chairman. Steve Wood will also continue as a deputy chairman, having been effectively acting chairman for the last couple of years. For various (different but work-related) reasons neither Steve nor I wish to take on the title of branch chairman, but between us we will carry out that role for the branch.

At the AGM Barbara Wells stood down as Social Secretary after 8 years, and the branch committee expressed their thanks to her, and I repeat that now.

Barbara has carried out extremely efficient organisation of 8 seasons of interesting talks programmes, along with Spring 2018

The AGM was followed by an interesting presentation by our branch treasurer, Alan Chetwyn, who showed us some video footage of a journey to, from and around the BCN (Birmingham Canal Navigations) 24 years ago. It was fascinating to see what has changed (and what hasn’t) and we look forward to seeing more videos from Alan in the future.

The two remaining talks for this season are on 13th April and 11th May, and I would recommend both topics to you. In April Peter Scott, IWA Trustee and Chairman of IWA North East Region, will be telling us about “his illustrious namesake”, early IWA member and naturalist, Sir Peter Scott. If interested in some background before the evening you can read a blog that I wrote about Sir Peter for IWA’s website last year – on the homepage just search for “Sir Peter Scott and narrow boat Beatrice” and you will find it. [Ed: The full internet address of the article is :- https:// www.waterways.org.uk/blog/ peter_scott_narrow_boat_beatrice ] Page 3

Deputy Chairman’s Report In May the topic will be of particular interest to anyone heading to the IWA Festival of Water at St Neots this summer, or anyone who has enjoyed boating in the Fens or is planning to head that way (we hired a cruiser on the Great Ouse a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it). John Pomfret will be telling us all about the River Nene, the River Great Ouse and its tributaries, and the Middle Level Navigations in-between.

Can I just end with a reminder for you all to fill out the “Yes” form enclosed

with the latest issue of Waterways. This will enable you to determine the ways in which IWA can communicate with you in the future, as required by the new Data Protection regulations which come into force in May. You can respond by post, on the website, or by phoning Head Office on 01494 783453; so even if you have mislaid the form you can still respond – why not do it now?!

Alison Smedley Deputy Chairman

Social Survey Results In the Summer Edition of Knobsticks, I wrote an article with a survey to give members a chance to influence the future of our Social Programme. It was repeated by email in December to all members whose email address we have.

Here is the analysis of the replies received: 1. Social Secretary. Are you able to help by taking on this task? Every assistance will be given by the current post holder.

Two people replied offering to undertake part of the duties.

2. Talks. Does the present range of talks satisfy you?

Everyone replied positively, but three thought the range of topics could be wider.

3. Is there too much concentration on restoration topics?

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Four people thought slightly: one suggested talks about waterway personalities.

4. What suggestions do you have for future programmes?

Various suggestions – see below (under “15 Other Suggestions”).

5. Should we have a shorter season, ending in March or April?

Unanimous, yes; April mostly suggested, with Easter taken into account too.

6. Is the timing of the talks on a Friday evening inconvenient?

Friday is a bad night for 2 people, otherwise people satisfied.

7. Would you prefer another evening? – Saturday has been suggested.

The same 2 people wanted Saturday, but everyone else thought that would not be KNOBSTICKS

Social Survey Results good for various reasons, especially since the Boat Club would not be available.

8. Annual Dinner. Will you be able to come to the dinner in March 2018 at Congleton Golf Club?

Most of those responding have signed up or are away. One not coming as he thought golf clubs not appropriate, and wanted canalside venues.

9. Is the location a factor in determining whether you come or not? We have endeavoured to move the event round the Branch in the past.

Despite last year’s boycott by some people (who did not reply to this survey) those responding are generally happy with any location, some preferring a central place.

10. Is price the main consideration?

No – although a ceiling of £20 or £30 was mentioned by two.

11. Would you prefer a shorter time devoted to the auction?

Everyone is in favour of the auction, some suggested no raffle, preferring the Irish bingo that was tried last year.

12. Would you prefer a less formal occasion than the formal-style dinner?

Most would be happy with a less formal event, with 2 objecting to the saying of grace.

13. Perhaps from 2019 onwards, would you like a summer garden party or Spring 2018

barbecue?

There was a lot of support for a Barbecue, although 2 commented that boaters might be away.

14. Walks. Would you consider leading a branch walk?

3 people said they could possibly lead a walk.

15. Other Suggestions A series of guided walks, outings  to places of canal interest further afield. Evening/day visits to places of interest more locally.

Suggestions for future sessions  would be a speaker from the horse -boating society and to hear more about Martin & Roger Fuller’s new rail and canal museum.  We would like to hear of member’s voyages, not particularly those abroad.

MAIN POINTS EMERGING  Shorten the season  Run a barbecue  Consider walks Vary talk content a bit but Friday  mainly best night Less formal dinner but keep the  auction Location and price not seen as  inhibiting attendance At the meeting of the new committee, it was agreed that we would take these suggestions on board. Watch this space!

Roger Savage Page 5

Work Party Updates Uttoxeter work parties Recent work parties have continued the work done at the Waterway Recovery Group visits in October and November.

We are clearing out the line of the canal heading west from Crumpwood towards Alton. This has involved removal of a lot of vegetation from the former towpath as well as cutting back small trees, plus a few larger ones when our trained chainsaw operator Rob was on site.

The section we are working on runs parallel to the former Churnet Valley railway line which is now a well-used public path so lots of people have stopped to ask us about the canal and what we are doing. It is still surprising

when we meet local people who say that they never knew there was a canal in the valley. We are thinking about putting small information boards up in the Crumpwood area so that visitors who arrive when we are not on site can start to appreciate the history of the area.

In addition, we have been looking at the sluices at Crumpwood Weir. Though heavily silted up, these are in remarkably good condition and it looks likely that they could be opened out again if necessary. There will be a project to install a fish pass for salmon and brown trout under the old pumping station next to the weir over the next year or so, and we want to understand more about the structure before work begins.

Above and Top Right: Work-party on January 11th.

Right: Working near Bridge 70 path on February 8th.

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Work Party Updates

Spring 2018

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Work Party Updates Burslem work parties A number of recent work parties have fallen on days when poor weather has meant that we could not get to site.

However, we have managed to do a couple of days since Christmas, where we prepared for a major clearance of the site using a flailer, which took place in mid-February.

Above: Investigating the sluices at Crumpwood Weir.

Below: Sluice outlet.

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This amazing machine, designed primarily to manage areas of heather on moorlands, is able to “mow� large areas of brambles and other vegetation which cannot realistically be done by hand.

Over the course of a day the whole length of the canal was done, as well as the open land opposite the former Co-op Bakery. We have never been able to get into this area before as the brambles were too dense, so it as good to be able to open it out and reveal more of the potential of our site.

We now have a very large area of open land which we want to keep tidy and encourage local people to use more. We are looking at ways that we can improve the vegetation management, for example by using a ride-on mower, which will allow our work party volunteers to make better use of their time on site.

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Work Party Updates

Below Left: Clearing vegetation near to the footbridge on February 3 rd.

This Page: Flailer in Action on February 15 th + Opened-out land at Burslem.

Frequency of Work Parties On both the Uttoxeter and Burslem site we want to look at the frequency of work parties. Any of you who are gardeners will realise that that over the summer months in particular it is impossible to stay ahead of the speed of regrowth of vegetation by visiting the sites only once or twice a month. Storing tools on or near to the sites is presently being investigated.

commit an hour before and after the session to transport tools between the store and site).

Article & Photos: Steve Wood

This should allow more flexibility in the scheduling of work parties and potentially will encourage more people to offer to lead sessions (as there will be no need to Spring 2018

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Development of Crown Wharf in Stone Joule’s Brewery has confirmed that they have acquired land adjacent to the Trent and Mersey canal as it passes through Stone town centre. The plot is known as Crown Wharf and was part of the original Joule’s Brewery warehouse operation when the company exported Stone Ales from Liverpool docks around the world.

The site is currently utilised by Stone Town council as a free parking facility.

They have backed Joule’s plans to acquire the land from the Canal and Rivers Trust. Joule’s has for some years been looking to have a flagship Taphouse in Stone which is where Francis Joules established the second of the Joule’s breweries in 1779, having moved from Salford. The company grew to occupy vast parts of Stone which became synonymous with Joule’s.

Steve Nuttall Director at Joule’s comments “This acquisition provides us with an opportunity to embrace the Joule’s story and return the brand to Stone with some style. Our Joule’s boardroom will once again be located in Stone where the story all began. We also intend to establish a full Brewery Taphouse by the canal. This will be the first pub we have built from the ground up. It is daunting for a small company like ours and we know we need to be bold if we are to embody the spirit of Stone and embrace our brewing heritage. We simply cannot get this wrong; scary and exciting in equal measure and now we have bought the site there is no going back.”

Joule’s has been working with the Crown Wharf steering group headed by Stone Town Councillor Rob Kenney who said Page 10

“We are delighted that Joule’s has now purchased Crown Wharf for a pub which will make the canal accessible for the public. It is also wonderful to see Joule’s so committed to our town. The scheme will link the town to the canal which has long been a part of the town plan. In addition, Joule’s have given a commitment that they will provide space on the site for Stone Town Council should the town want to establish a heritage centre, perhaps in Wharfingers cottage. Joule’s also agreed to work with the Stone Revellers where there is the prospect of a studio theatre being a part of the development. It is possible that the Theatre could also be used as a cinema and conference centre.”

Old Fire Station Building Before plans are drawn up Joule’s and the Steering Group have approached the County Council who own the derelict fire station building which is adjacent to Crown Wharf. If this building can be bought it will become a part of the scheme which will form the gateway to the Crown Wharf for the public to access to the site Steve Nuttall adds “‘The county council has been very supportive and we are in talks to acquire the fire station as soon as possible.Once this outcome is known then the design phase will start and plans will be brought forward to the public for comments. If we are unable to secure the fire station we will bring forward a slightly different scheme with access from the current entrance. This is a great moment in our story and we are looking forward to presenting the plans for Joules to return to Stone with a new project at Crown Wharf .”

Press Release KNOBSTICKS

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Find us on Facebook - Londis Birches Head Spring 2018

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Social Programme

North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch Friday 13th April 2018 – 7:45 for 8 pm Sir Peter Scott

A designer, an Olympian, a wild fowler, a glider pilot, a skater, the Radio and TV voice of nature, and actor. Presented by his namesake Peter Scott.

Friday 11h May 2018 – 7:45 for 8 pm Fenland Waterways

The history of the fenland waterway systems in eastern England, and a tour around the currently navigable parts. Presented by John Pomfret.

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 For further information contact: Sarah Honeysett (01782 772295) socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk or visit the branch webpages at: www.waterways.org.uk Page 12

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Cheshire Ring Mooring Project

On the 2nd and 3rd November, IWA’s most recent Cheshire Ring Mooring Project work party took place at Fools Nook on the Macclesfield Canal. 12 volunteers – including a pair visiting from Scotland, joined the most recent work party to install six new rings that were concreted-in close to the old Fools Nook pub. Currently the project has installed over 220 new rings on the Cheshire Ring, exceeding the original scope of the project. With more work parties planned over the winter months, we are always looking for new volunteers to come and join us.

If you are interested in getting involved with the CRMRP, get in touch with Alex Melson on 01494 783 453 ext 610 or Email alex.melson@waterways.org.uk Article & Photos: Alex Melson

Jigsaws wanted for our Sales Stand If you have any unwanted jigsaws, then which were donated last year sold very please consider donating them for well, so we need some more stock. selling on our branch stand. The jigsaws Alison Smedley Spring 2018

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Sandbach goes to the London Boat Show

Sandbach, as well as being the name of a place in our IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch area, is also the name of a canal tug launched in February 1946, ironically the very same month that The Inland Waterways Association was founded by Tom Rolt and Robert Aickman.

Ironic because, 72 years later, Sandbach had the opportunity to fly the IWA flag (literally) at the London Boat Show at London Dockland’s Excel exhibition centre, in January.

The first stage of the journey from Sandbach’s current mooring on the Grand Union Canal took place one wintry December day with colleagues from IWA Head Office helping Campaigns Officer (and branch member, and Page 14

Sandbach’s owner), Alison Smedley. The second stage of the journey was craning out and transport by road (via the M25!) to London Docklands, where a mock lock (which was also to contain a Broads hire cruiser) was built around the boats, complete with adjacent lock-side pub!

The opportunity came about because British Marine Inland Boating, who were putting on an increased inland waterway presence at the Show this year, wanted a historic boat to represent the heritage of the waterways. To fit the proposed lock, the boat needed to be 35ft or less (not many of those about) and thanks to a number of conversations between IWA NSSC branch members (including IWA Vice President, Harry Arnold, and his daughter, Julie, both members of this branch) Sandbach was suggested.

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Sandbach goes to the London Boat Show Sandbach was one of a pair of tugs built

by W J Yarwoods at their yard on the River Weaver in Northwich for London Midland & Scottish Railway in 1946. The sister tug was Beeston, and they were both built as 25 feet long, although Sandbach was lengthened to 35ft later the same year.

Commission (British Transport Waterways). This became the British Waterways Board in 1963. Sandbach was part of the maintenance fleet, based initially in Middlewich, and later (by the 1970s) on the River Weaver.

Later abandoned and sunk, she was rescued by Malcolm Braine in 1982, and Originally built as a maintenance tug/ restored, with a new (traditional rather icebreaker for work on the Trent & than replacing the previous wheelhouse) Mersey Canal, Sandbach also worked on cabin by Malcolm and his son, Ian at embankment repair work at Shebdon on Norton Canes. Since 2015 Sandbach has the Shropshire Union Canal. Sandbach been owned by Alison Smedley (whose was built with wheel steering and a husband, Rupert, owns Cowburn & wheelhouse.

Cowpar motor Skylark) and is currently based on the Grand Union Canal, but On the nationalisation of the railways may head back to branch waters in the and some waterways in 1948, Sandbach next year or two. was transferred to British Transport Article & Photos: Alison Smedley

Spring 2018

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Breach at River Wheelock Aqueduct in Middlewich

Above: Moored boat precariously balanced just above the breach.

Left: Stranded boats in town.

Below: Piece of broken towpath wall.

Top right: Onlookers far too close to the breach for safety! [Photos: Roger Evans] Right: Unhappy branch member!

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Breach at River Wheelock Aqueduct in Middlewich

Spring 2018

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The Boating Adventures of Sonning Bear Sonning’s Most Dangerous Mission Sonning the Boat Bear had enjoyed many adventures aboard Uplander II with his human guardians Jon and Sarah (who he called Polar and Grizzly, due to the colour of their fur) both on the River Thames and on the Wey and Godalming Navigations. He discovered what locks really were and how they worked, and he persuaded his human friends to make him suitable clothes for a boat-dwelling bear, including a life jacket made from a Bag for Life. Although the Thames kept getting wider and busier, especially downstream from Shepperton, Sonning felt quite safe in his life-jacket.

'I wonder if there are bears at Brentford, where we are going tomorrow,' he thought, as he munched one of his favourite herby crackers for lunch. When he opened Grizzly's guidebook to see what it said, he got quite a shock. After One day, Sonning thought he heard the map was a whole page full of Grizzly say they were going to Teddy important Navigational Notes with Town. 'That sounds like a place where warnings in bold type. As he read, other small bears would live,' he Sonning learned that below Teddington thought. He was so curious to see if there Lock, the River Thames rises and falls really were bears living in Teddy with the tides, like the sea. ‘Grizzly and Town that, when they moored, he Polar will have to be very careful not to sneaked out of Uplander II, scrambling get stuck on the mud or swept all the nervously over the high bridges across way down the river to the City of the lock and the weir, and dodging London,’ he cried. 'Goodness me! How behind walls and hedges to make his way frightening!' into the town.

Sonning felt a little less scared after He found lots of very busy people, a few eating some nice, juicy grapes and, when sniffy dogs on leads and some cats, who Polar and Grizzly got home from a visit were particularly suspicious of him. to Kew Gardens, he settled down to Sonning asked one if she had seen any sleep. It seemed no time at all before bears in Teddy Town but she just Polar was lifting him off his cushion and laughed, as if he had said something helping him into his dungarees and lifestupid, and flicked her tail at him. Poor jacket. 'We have to go through the little Sonning walked a very long way, up lock on the next High Tide,' she and down streets of little brick terraced explained. 'And we have to get to houses, without meeting any other bears. Brentford by half-past eight, or we might Then he saw a street sign with Tedding- not have enough water to get into the ton on it and realised he must have lock to the Grand Union Canal.' misheard. He returned to the boat, Sonning wanted to stay cuddled up on feeling quite sad.

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The Boating Adventures of Sonning Bear his cushion but Polar said he had an important job to do. 'When wartime pilots had dangerous missions to fly, some of them took lucky mascot bears with them, to give them confidence. You're going to be our lucky bear!'

Polar sat Sonning in the lifebelt on top of the hatch as Grizzly steered Uplander II into the lock. It was early morning and a cool breeze ruffled his fur, so he was glad he had his hat on.

Looking at the land, Sonning was shocked to see that some of the roads and gardens beside the river were under water. Polar took lots of photographs.

Grizzly kept looking at his watch and looking at the map.

'I think the tide has turned,' said Grizzly, a little while later, looking at the water.

'We're going faster, now the current is with us and so are the other boats.'

'Uppie isn't as fast as the other boats,' Grizzly told him. 'Luckily, Bob and Lesley on Zodiak have said they're going to follow us, to make sure we're alright.'

Sonning noticed that the other boat had a small dog as their lucky animal. She trotted up and down on the roof of the boat and told Sonning not to worry. 'Bob knows lots about water,' barked Milly.

'He used to work as a diver.'

The little bear didn't know if that was really a good thing, since divers work under the water and he very much hoped they were going to stay on top of it.

Below the lock, the water looked murky and dirty and the current seemed to be going the wrong way. Uppie, Zodiak and some other boats set off down the river together.

Spring 2018

Several narrow boats came past, their engines making loud put-put-put noises.

Polar was pleased, because it helped her to see where they had to steer when they got to Richmond. There were some very sleek patrol boats belonging to the Port of London Authority moored along jetties.

'I hope they don't have to rescue us!'

Sonning said to Polar, seeing how fast the river was now running. She gave his paw a little squeeze to reassure him and waved to their friends on Zodiak, who were following Uppie and making sure they were safe, but Sonning was still a very scared little bear.

'Not far now, Sonning,' said Grizzly, as they came around a bend near Syon Park. By now, the water wasn't over the roads at all - it had dropped so much Page 19

The Boating Adventures of Sonning Bear they could see slimy mud all along the banks and the current was almost pulling the marker buoys for the channel under the water.

Up ahead, Sonning saw two narrowboats sideways on to the current, trying to turn around to go up the creek to the lock.

With his sharp little eyes, he could see that they were struggling against the current. 'Oh no!' he thought. 'Uppie will never turn there!'

the tiller right over and Polar gave the engine a sudden burst of extra power and, although they rocked about quite alarmingly and seemed to come to a complete stop for a few moments, facing into the current, Polar gave the engine another burst and they gradually crept round the turn into Brentford Creek. As they moved out of the fierce Thames current, Uppie’s crew found we were going too fast towards lots of houseboats.

This time Sonning did cover his eyes with his paws but he need not have worried; Grizzly and Polar had Uppie under control and, just ahead, some people were waving to them from beside some big, black lock gates. They had reached the Grand Union Canal!

He wanted to cower down and cover his eyes with his paws, until he remembered that Polar and Grizzly were relying on him to be their lucky mascot bear for this most dangerous mission, so he gripped the lifebelt and wished hard for everything to be alright. Grizzly swung Page 20

If you would like to read more of Sonning’s adventures, both afloat and exploring Stoke-on-Trent with his little Stoke City supporting friend Hanley Bear, you can find his blog at: https://bearonaboat.blogspot.co.uk/ There are no adverts and the content is always suitable for children (or ‘human cubs’, as Sonning calls them).

Article & Photos: Sarah Honeysett KNOBSTICKS

C.J. Skelhorne

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Serving 10 Real Ales & Scrumpy Cider Bar Snacks available Page 22

Beer Garden KNOBSTICKS

North Staffordshire & South Cheshire contacts President: Chris Skelhorne Vice President Roger Savage roger.st21@gmail.com Deputy Chairmen Alison Smedley 01538 385388 alison.smedley@team.waterways.org.uk Steve Wood 07976 805858 steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk

Web-site Liaison Alison Smedley 01538 385388 webmaster.nssc@waterways.org.uk Planning VACANT (Use planning.nssc@waterways.org.uk) Membership Officer Ju Davenport membership.nssc@waterways.org.uk

Navigation Officer Treasurer 01782 772295 Alan Chetwyn (No Email) 01782 279277 Jon Honeysett navigation.nssc@waterways.org.uk Secretary Judith Turner 07789 518816 Burslem Port Work Party Steve Wood 07976 805858 secretary.nssc@waterways.org.uk steve.wood@waterways.org.uk Sales Officer VACANT (Contact steve.wood@waterways.org.uk) Caldon + Uttoxeter Work Parties Steve Wood 07976 805858 steve.wood@waterways.org.uk Social Secretary Sarah Honeysett 01782 772295 Cheshire Locks Work Party socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk John Brighouse 07808 878317 john.brighouse@waterways.org.uk Publicity Officer Sarah Honeysett 01782 772295 Other committee members: publicity.nssc@waterways.org.uk Julie Arnold Maria Frost Newsletter Editor Roger Evans 01606 834471 Rob Frost Roger Savage newsletter.nssc@waterways.org.uk 10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire, West Midlands Region Chairman CW10 0BL Helen Whitehouse 01543 491161 westmidlands@waterways.org.uk The Branch committee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of every month 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. Š The Inland Waterways Association - Registered as a charity no. 212342 www.waterways.org.uk/staffscheshire Spring 2018 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 (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 Brighouse Phone: 07808-878317 Email: john.brighouse@waterways.org.uk

 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, 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

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