“I’ve lost my sense of humour at work and I need a holiday” That was Allan in 2001 and the start of many happy holidays he and I shared on Panacea until his heart problems forced him to stop some years ago.
Allan’s love of canals and waterways took him in all possible directions – restoration, boating, fundraising and helping at events. For many years he was out for days or weekends with London WRG setting off in a transit on a Friday evening and working on restoration projects all around the country. Eric Garland recalls Allan on digs back in the 80’s, someone who would “put his hand to anything that needed doing and who was always reliable”.
Allan’s reliability spread over into everything in which he got involved. As a member of the South London Branch of IWA he threw himself into our many events and fundraising activities. He was commonly seen working on the branch stand persuading people to have a go on the Waterways game.
Allan was involved as Waterspace manager for IWA Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice from 1998/9 until 2012. He led the team responsible for moorings and all boating activities – processions, competitions and so on. I well remember in 1999 when all his assistants were female and got labelled ‘The WaterSpice Girls’!
Some years ago when South London IWA did ‘Waterways for Youth’ activities near South Norwood Lake I remember watching Allan teaching bricklaying to children whilst telling them about canal restoration. It was quite something to watch him managing to do both at once – he never stopped bricklaying and he hardly drew breath! One year the branch decided to sponsor someone to undertake the Certificate of Community Boat Management at the Pirate Castle in order that they could be a volunteer skipper on the boats thus saving the charity some money. Allan had retired so we offered him this opportunity which he took. He did far more trips than were originally part of the deal and really only stopped through illness. Andrew Carpenter, their boat manager, wrote this to me when I told him the sad news of Allan’s death “Allan was a very keen and intelligent man who loved his boating and was always willing to help out where he could. I'm sure he will be missed by all who knew him”.
In September 2018 we had a branch outing on the Basingstoke canal the day before Allan’s 70th birthday. We celebrated with a cream tea with scones made by Eric’s sister, Julie, and birthday cake made by Lesley Pryde-Coales. It was a happy day.
Allan was secretary to South London branch and continued in this role until his death. Our meetings were at the Falcon Pub near Clapham Junction. He was due at our Christmas dinner there in December 2022 and when he had not arrived I rang him and he said he had just been admitted to St George’s – he never came home again. But back to the happy days of boating – Allan had been on Panacea on various days before that first holiday we had together in 2001 but from then on he was regularly on the boat as we travelled to various festivals around the country. Somewhere along the line he got nicknamed my ‘cabin boy’ despite being some years older than me! There were a number of times I was on crutches and/or unable to jump on and off the boat. If Allan had not been there to do the locks I couldn’t have gone
boating. I especially enjoyed watching Allan teaching youngsters how a lock works and showing them how to use a windlass and open the gates – he was a good teacher.
I remember when we were heading for the Huddersfield Narrow IWA festival in 2002 and had plenty of time to spare. It was glorious weather so we took on various detours including a visit to Bugsworth basin, the terminus of the Peak Forest canal and once the interchange with the Peak forest tramway where Allan had worked with WRG.
Beale Park, in 2003, was on the Upper Thames and Allan found that waterway very boring as there wasn’t enough to do! The locks are done for you which, as he once said, ‘spoils the fun’. However he never tired of the tidal Thames which was exciting all the time. He enjoyed the challenge of the trip down to the mouth of the Thames estuary and into the River Medway, also nipping up tidal creeks and trying not to get stuck or cut off by the tide. So many happy times and memories which were good to share with him in his last few weeks.
Christine Kemp from St Pancras cruising club says “I first remember Allan from my early days at Cavalcade and then from his brilliant barbershop singing, such a lovely man” So, yes, singing was his other love and for many years he was a member of The Downsmen, North Surrey Barbershop Harmony Club, who sang at his funeral. Prior to his barbershop days some of us also remember seeing him in light opera including in a principal role in The Gondoliers many years ago. I enjoyed reminiscing with him about this at the hospital.
All your South London friends miss you, Allan, but may you now be at peace.
Libby BradshawMooring for the Ware Boat Festival stretches over a length of, probably, half a mile and the focus of activity for the event is a particular bend in the river where the towpath widens sufficiently to accommodate our gazebos, barbeque, etc. Since anyone can remember, there has been a well-used, metal-framed public bench at that focal point. Several years ago, the long-term secretary of Lee & Stort branch – Les Hunt – died very suddenly while, coincidentally, on board his pride and joy Georgina D. The branch felt it should mark Les’ contribution to IWA and – in particular – to his many years of organisation of the Ware Boat Festival and sought permission to mount a brass plaque on said bench. So we asked C&RT – “not our bench”; Ware Town Council - “not our bench”; East Herts District Council - “not our bench”; Herts County Council - “not our bench”; Environment Agency - “not our bench”. Well, we thought, if no-one wants to own the bench then no-one is going to mind if we put our plaque on it. So we did, and no-one complained. All well and good until a storm one day in late 2021 caused a huge branch from an overhanging tree to fall on the bench and pretty-much flatten it. Keen to restore our tribute to Les, the L&S committee through its local government expert, George Cutting, went around the buoys again – several times – to establish ownership. But, no, everyone disclaimed knowledge and so we took matters into our own hands and set out after this year’s AGM to bend the metal frame back into shape. Easier said than done! The result of many hefty blows with a sledge hammer and persuasion with ratchet strap produced some result but not sufficiently to our satisfaction. Next best thing; call in the professionals – but the confounding factor all along is that the bench is on the towpath side without easy access for heavy plant and equipment. Bright idea – call in boat engineers who are used to dealing with
such inconveniences. And so our local company, DW Mechanical Handling, came along in April and within a few hours funded from our branch coffers had restored the bench to a usable form. Now we can replace the plaque and continue to remember Les. Happy days!
In November 2021 HM Barge Master, Chris Livett, consulted representatives of Thames Festival Trust, Totally Thames and Thames Alive with a proposal to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with a night-time pageant on the River Thames with all boats lit up with white lights. The date agreed was Saturday September 24th 2022. It was also proposed the flotilla would raise funds for the replacement Lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.
Thames Alive was asked to organise the flotilla. The following description was put out by the organisers in early 2022: “The Platinum Reflections flotilla will be an opportunity for members of the River Thames’ community to capture the enchantment of the evening river and create a thoughtful celebration with a parade from Chelsea to Tower Bridge through central London passing under all 14 lit bridges”.
All craft wishing to take part had to submit an application and, if we were accepted, we received the following at the beginning of July: “We are pleased to inform you that you and your craft have been accepted to take part in this unique event celebrating HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Thank you for joining us and the Thames Festival in celebrating the Jubilee in the Reflections Flotilla and in raising funds to support the valuable new asset on the river, a replacement RNLI station at Waterloo Bridge”. Passage planning and much excitement followed.
Sadly, Her Majesty died on September 8th. HM Barge Master immediately had other duties to perform during the State Funeral on Monday 19th September and ‘Gloriana’ was to salute HM Queen’s cortege at Runnymede on the day. Would the Platinum Reflections Flotilla go ahead? Finally we heard on 14th September: “The decision has finally been taken – the ‘Reflections Flotilla’ will go ahead on the 24th September. The Event will be held with due reverence on the passing of HM Queen as a fitting expression of the river communities’ sadness at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen”.
A new description of the event was published: ‘A tribute by the river communities marking the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the accession of King Charles III’.
There were to be 150 boats taking part in total, 50 of which were man-powered and the rest motorised. There were 13 narrowboats, including Panacea seen on the right lit overall with over 2000 lights.
We assembled at the Cruising Association for a briefing by Andrew Phasey on the Friday evening. In the morning we travelled up river to assemble in clusters opposite Battersea Parish church (St Mary’s) for the afternoon. Being at the end of the motorised craft we were to be closely followed by the Royal Barge, Gloriana, which was leading the manpowered craft. A memorable quote from Thames Alive was “150 boats, with 1000+ people afloat in the dark with no rehearsal – what could possibly go wrong??!”
The flotilla proceeded downstream as the light was beginning to fade. As we came under Albert Bridge Gloriana was waiting to join us to lead the manpowered craft. As we passed Battersea Power Station the chimneys were changing between red, white and blue and as we continued downstream every bridge was lit up. As the light continued to fade all the lights on the boats reflected in the river were making quite a spectacle. Landmarks were lit up as we continued down and the bridges were full of spectators. This caused a hold up at Tower Bridge where the bridge was to be opened in ‘Royal Salute’ but spectators in the middle of the bridge were reluctant to move. HMS ‘Belfast’ had 150 Sea Cadets lining the decks. ‘Gloriana’ and the manpowered boats tossed oars to return the salute as they passed. Steering through Tower Bridge when in Royal Salute is a rare occurrence especially for privately owned boats. It was a real privilege. Beyond Tower Bridge the manpowered craft were called to ‘Easy oars’ and ‘Royal salute - toss oars!’ then a final moment of silent reflection. This was followed by rousing cheers of “Long Live the King” echoing across the Thames with the horns, bells and whistles of the flotilla signalling the opening of the new era. Dispersal for the narrowboats was back into Limehouse where a warm welcome awaited us at the Cruising Association. A memorable day for me and my crew: Ian Ferguson and daughter, Naomi, who last steered through Tower Bridge when she was 7 years old, Jenny and Lucien Nunes who, together with Alex had taken me on their boat, Helix, for the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla in 2012 and John Serocold from St Pancras Cruising Club.
A final word from Thames Alive “It was an honour for the small team of Thames Alive to work with HM Barge Master, The Thames Festival Trust and many others to create this little piece of ‘liquid history’ on Old Father Thames in memory of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and to celebrate the accession of King Charles III to the throne of the United Kingdom - “Long Live the King!”
Libby BradshawFirstly, my thanks to the committees of South London and North & East London branches for agreeing to Lee & Stort branch joining the Meridian Cuttings party. I hope we can play a full part in future and would encourage our branch members to contribute actively both to the newsletter and to take advantage of the social events on offer. In that regard, something we can bring to the party is the Ware Boat Festival in July (details elsewhere in this newsletter) and I would reiterate the sincere invitation to boaters from across the region to attend this great annual event.
The Branch AGM was held at the Lee & Stort Cruising Club clubhouse in Stanstead Abbotts on 11th March attended by 19 members. My thanks to Craig Haslam for taking notes and publishing minutes which are (or should be) on the branch page of the IWA website. The meeting incorporated the usual elements of Branch Chair’s report, Treasurer’s report, Regional Chair’s (Paul Strudwick) report and election of officers (no change there – am I surprised?) but we were particularly pleased to welcome our local MP, Julie Marson, to speak about her long-term association with the waterways and support for the work of IWA. Immediately following the AGM several members descended on the towpath at Ware to “sort out” a long-standing matter of “Les’ bench” – see associated article.
The branch was well-represented at this year’s Canalway Cavalcade both by boats (about 10) and volunteers. Having been involved with its organisation, I am aware of the effort required to put on such an event. However this year’s seemed to be particularly fraught by obstacles being put in the way by some of the stakeholders – one might almost have concluded they didn’t want it to happen. But, reflecting on the tens of thousands of people who must have attended over the three days, then how could anyone suggest it was anything but hugely successful and enjoyable?
Each month we scan the list of planning applications upon which C&RT have been invited to comment for those in the L&S branch area. By comparison with other branches in the London region these are few and far between, and nothing of particular note over the past few months. One major infrastructure project currently underway, however, is EA’s replacement of the sluice gates at Stanstead Abbotts over the next two years. Hopefully this will correct the lottery of river water level above the gates! More information can be found on the EA website at: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/hnl/stanstead-sluice-replacementproject-information-p/
Mike Newman Chairman, Lee & Stort BranchThe Storm Clouds are brewing over the future of our waterways. This time ten years ago in my contribution to your newsletter, I was welcoming the formation of Canal & River Trust (CRT)and looking forward to a summer without the weather stopping us enjoying our canals and causing too much disruption. Much has changed since then and the future of our beloved waterways looks less certain.
I am naturally an optimistic person, a glass half full rather than half empty is the way I look at events, but I am growing more and more concerned for the future of our waterways. This is occurring just as IWA is at its weakest for many decades. Our membership is falling and aging. We have not been recruiting new members fast enough to replace those who are unable to continue supporting our work, particularly since Covid struck. The waterways are faced by threats from all sorts of directions and unless we start preparing for the fights ahead, we could start losing the gains made over the last seventy years.
The CRT current funding, from government, is in the region of £50 million pounds. This will end in 2025. We are expecting an announcement soon on how much funding, from government, CRT will be getting after that. According to CRT they need, to maintain the current 2,000 miles of waterways, an extra £20-30 million per annum not the cut in grant aid expected. However, CRT are not the only navigation authority suffering from underfunding. The Environment Agency has suffered continuous cuts over the last decade and other waterways such as the Basingstoke canal, which is largely funded by the Surrey and Hampshire County Councils and Local District Councils, are also short of money.
As the only independent national charity campaigning for Britain’s Canals and Rivers, IWA will need to take the lead on a national campaign if we are to Protect Our Waterways for future generations. This will be a long-term campaign probably lasting years and the trustees and our head office will be putting together a campaign designed to lobby government and to bring the issues facing the waterways to the attention of the public. If we are to be successful we will need to provide the evidence of a deteriorating canals and river system and convince Government to invest the funds to protect and maintain the waterways. BUT, this will not succeed without your help and involvement.
A couple of years ago we ran the Gap Tracker campaign where we asked you and other people to look at boaters’ facilities and report back where there were problems with the provision. This was very successful and we were able to get a lot of data that allowed us to prove to CRT and other navigation authorities where there was a need for improvements.
We will need to repeat this type of exercise again but on a much larger scale to enable us to find the evidence of the deterioration of the waterway network. I am working with a small group to look at how this can best be done. In the meantime, if you have any photos or other evidence showing the poor condition of any waterway, especially in the London area, I would love to see them so we can start building a dossier of problems that we can use when talking to CRT and the London politicians. You can also help us by spreading the message to your friends and family of the message of the #ProtectOurWaterways campaign. If they are interested in the future of our waterways why not try and recruit them. Get them to sign up on our website at https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-give/join
Paul Strudwick
London Region Chair Person, The Inland Waterways Association
Battersea Beach Clean is a voluntary River Action Group, funded by Thames21. It aims to clear the Battersea foreshore and slipway of litter, removing plastic pollution from the Thames and improving the river for the wildlife and people that use and treasure it.
Volunteers meet at the slipway by St Mary’s Church, Battersea Church Road, SW11 3NA. Beach Clean events are timed for low water and usually take place on occasional Saturday mornings. The next one is on 24th June from 12.30 to 2.30 pm.
If you are keen to volunteer your time and join us, please email Sam Johnson at batterseabeachclean@gmail.com or send a message to 07939 677907 so she has enough gloves, litter pickers and black bags! Alternatively ask to be included in her contact list so you can be advised of future dates.
Judith Hunter South London Branch
This is what you will be helping to clean up! [Photograph from Battersea Beach Clean]
It was good to see so many Branch members at Canalway Cavalcade, the event which for many of us is the start of our summer cruising. It was the first outing of the year on my boat “Fulbourne’, a deep draughted ex-working boat, and I was pleasantly pleased at the ease of our trip to Little Venice from Aylesbury.
We are in uncertain times as to the future of our canals and rivers with the Canal and River Trust and Environment Agency facing difficult financial constraints. The imminent announcement of CRT’s funding from 2027 is not expected to be favourable. For this reason, the IWA has started its major campaign Protect Our Waterways. The IWA web site details the campaign and contains a number of resources that members can use in their campaigning including the excellent Waterways For Today report and IWA’s vision for the future.
At a branch level your committee continue to represent our members on Navigation and Planning matters. On the planning side we have been involved in the consultations over proposed changes to the lock cottage at Camden. You will be glad to hear that it will continue to contain a Canal Information section but will not be externally painted dark grey as was originally planned! The proposal for a ferris wheel adjacent to the dock at Camden Market continue to cause concern at a local level.
As reported in the last edition the London Canal Museum and the Angel Community Canalboat Trust have jointly purchased a trip boat “Long Tom’ and it is now running regular trips through Islington Tunnel and charter days. The Branch has made 500 pound donation towards the cost of safety equipment. At the museum a major new exhibition Wildlife on the Regents Canal is available to view.
The towpath walks group has continued its walks programme and we were delighted to recently receive a significant donation from them towards the running of the branch. You may have noticed that we have recommenced central London socials at the Canal Museum. It was good to see over 40 at our last meeting. We are always pleased to see more Branch members attending. It is an excellent way to get to meet your fellow members.
After a press announcement from CRT saying that they could not afford to run the Angel Canal Festival this year a team has been organised by Sasha Keir of St Pancras Cruising Club, and a previous organiser, to go ahead with an event on the 3rd September.
The draft winter stoppage programme has been issued which shows no major stoppages in our branch area except for one to carry out repairs to Actons Lock on the Regent’s Canal early next year. This is a good or a bad thing depending on which way you look at it!
The branch was represented at the ‘reopening’ of the bridge over the entrance to Dead Dog Tunnel at Camden. The cost of this was over half a million pounds, fortunately externally funded, which goes to show how much seemingly small projects can cost. At our recent Branch AGM the existing committee agreed to stay on but I would finish with a plea for anyone who might be interested in joining our committee to enquire about its work and what skills you may be able to bring to it. We really are a friendly bunch.
Firstly, it was noticed the preponderance of RMT flags (colours reminiscently suggestive of the Bandeira Rossa of yesteryear) which on reflection may be appropriate given, as I write, the upcoming rail strike. I idly wonder if Jason will also be withdrawing his labour in sympathy (will the Argonauts support them?). However, the toilet block at little Venice is now locked. Yes, I know they were always locked from 6pm to 8am to keep out the London Homeless and the great unwashed. But they now have two locks apiece. BW key (don’t care what you pedants say, my key is clearly stamped BWB) and it will release the top (that’s vertically wise), but not the bottom lock, which is of course the top lock (that’s ranking wise) and it is not even a CaRT before the Horse. Mind you for the local geographers it is after the Horse Bridge heading upstream. If you glare at the door, you can feel the “its more than my job’s worth to let you in ’ere mate” gaze emanating back at you, from the door. It took many attempts to obtain a reason from the BWB spokesman in their pretty new C&RT uniform that you paid for. Blue shirted Henry claims “some public-spirited citizen reprobate squirted quick setting glue into the lock, before 6pm, hence it could not be locked. This allowed vandals to enter at night and demolish the interior rendering it unfit for purpose”. One must query how Henry knew they were public spirited as it would seem public “beered” is more the norm? Hence, we now have nowhere to pen our graffiti away from public gaze. Actually, I do find the explanation rather implausible, but I am actively seeking a limping boater who has shot themselves in the foot by vandalising a valuable watering hole?
From Meridian Cuttings (East Cheam Branch) special correspondent, (aka Banny Banyard)
As many of you will have heard by now, our branch secretary, Allan Scott, sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 16th. At our AGM in March we started by paying tribute to Allan (see below) and elsewhere in the newsletter I have written a fuller tribute, abridged from my talk at his funeral.
At our AGM I am pleased to say all members of the committee are continuing, Lesley and Shea who were due for re-election kindly standing again. We are pleased to welcome Judith Hunter who has offered to take on the role of minutes secretary. My Chairman’s report for that meeting is reproduced below
In April I gave a talk on the Platinum Reflections Flotilla in September 2022 and you will find an article about this exciting evening elsewhere in this newsletter. Our social on 10th May was held late afternoon on the Wey and Arun canal trip boat from Loxwood Canal Centre. Despite the rain we had a good trip and some further social time afterwards in The Onslow Arms next door.
Several branch members were helping at Canalway Cavalcade where we were also running the branch stand with the Waterway Game. Many thanks to all those who helped with this. We are still in urgent need of new people to help fundraise at events.
We continue our link with Thames21 and the river clean-ups. Judith has written elsewhere about ‘Battersea Beach Clean’ which is going from strength to strength.
I attended the PLA 2023 Stakeholder Forum on Thursday, 4 May, at the Museum of London Docklands. The Forum provides stakeholders with an opportunity to hear about the latest developments on the Thames, and in the PLA, from chief executive, Robin Mortimer, chief harbour master, Bob Baker, chief financial officer, Julie Tankard and PLA board chair, Jonson Cox CBE. The following link takes you to the content of the presentations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH9nteVlK5U&t=14s
I’m pleased to be able to report the Angel Canal Festival will be going ahead on Sunday 3rd September and we plan to be there. All offers of help welcome. Have a good summer!
LibbyI would like to start my report this year by paying tribute to our branch secretary, Allan Scott, who sadly lost his fight against cancer last month. Allan had been struggling with ill-health for several years starting with heart problems for which he had to have a valve replacement in 2017. Over many years he was a London WRGy. He was Waterspace Manager for Canalway Cavalcade from 1998/9 to 2012. In the branch he was most commonly seen on the branch stand persuading people to have a go on the Waterways game. Some years ago when we did ‘Waterways for Youth’ activities near South Norwood Lake I remember watching Allan teaching bricklaying to children whilst telling them about canal restoration. Quite something to watch! More recently, any of you who came on the Basingstoke canal trip in September 2018 may remember we celebrated Allan’s 70th birthday with a cream tea with scones made by Eric’s sister, Julie and birthday cake made by Lesley. Allan’s funeral is on 22nd March and I have been asked to speak – any memories, pictures or stories you have for me would be most welcome (pictures were shown here).
It has been a difficult year for Shea organising our programme of speakers with train strikes and illness especially affecting the autumn but we are all grateful to her for her perseverance. It is good to welcome Jenny Hodson this evening who was originally due to speak in November. She will be giving us a talk about the Waterway Recovery Group after the AGM. Other social events and outings were to include our trip on the Wey & Arun in October but this had to be cancelled due to water shortages. We managed to hold our branch dinner in January, again at the Caprini restaurant near Waterloo.
We took the branch stand with the Waterways Game and sales stand, including 2nd hand books, to Canalway Cavalcade over the weekend 30th April – 2nd May. Thanks to Eric Garland, Bob Hanson, Bob & Mary Metcalf, Ian Sesnan, Lesley and Gerard, Dorothy and Michelle for their help manning the stand, shopping, setting up and clearing away. We did well financially on that weekend. Unfortunately the Angel Canal Festival in September would not let us have alcohol as prizes so for the first year ever we did not attend that event. We will be taking the stand to this year’s Canalway Cavalcade on 29th April – 1st May. Help on this weekend is much needed as many of us have other responsibilities during that weekend.
Our Heritage officer, Derek, has continued researching various topics including historic docks and wharves on the Thames. He has also compiled a ‘Heritage at Risk’ list on London’s Waterways. Simon Dyer continues to keep an eye on planning matters for us and we hope to find out more about developments in Deptford Creek in the near future.
South London Branch’s main waterway is the Tidal River Thames together with rivers flowing into it whether navigable or not. We continue to monitor what is happening on the Thames and the plans to make London greener with a zero-emissions port. Anyone with an interest in the tidal Thames was invited to get involved and help shape Thames Vision 2050, an updated framework for development of the 95 miles of river from Teddington Lock to the North Sea.
Keeping the Thames clean is a huge task with all the plastic and other waste collecting on the foreshore. Thames21 continue to organise river clean-ups which some members have helped with. The next clean-up at Battersea slipway is on Thursday 23rd March, 10.30 – 12.30. Please ask me if interested.
In September Panacea was one of only 15 narrowboats accepted on the Platinum Reflections Cruise on the evening of 24th September. This was the river users tribute to Her Majesty and 150 boats, powered and unpowered took part. The narrowboats were at the end of the powered vessels and so we had Gloriana behind us leading the non-powered craft with her oars lit up. I will be giving a talk at next month’s social on this event.One other event to mention that is coming up is the IWA London Region Social this month which will be a visit to The Museum of London’s Docklands. This is on Tuesday 21st March at 2.30pm. All welcome – ask me in the break for more details if interested. So – we have had a challenging and a sad year but have kept going due to the commitment and hard work or all those who make it happen – my thanks to all who have served on the branch committee – Dorothy, Shea, Lesley, Simon, Derek and Allan, to all who help get these evenings ready including of course Lesley for her lovely cakes. Again thanks to all who I mentioned earlier who have helped on the branch stand and to George and Sandy who kindly store the branch stand and its kit. Chris Bushill from North and East London branch edits our joint newsletter, Meridian Cuttings so we thank him in absentia.
As you will appreciate, we would all be grateful for additional help from branch members so please consider if you could join the committee or take on a specific task – it’s not too late!
Libby Bradshaw, Branch Chairman. libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956Date Route Start (Tube Stn.)
21st May Sun Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square –Camden
King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue by Pret a Manger)
28th May Sun Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn – Little Venice Baker St (Baker St
4th Jun Sun Royal Victoria Dock - East India Dock
18th Jun Sun Limehouse – Thames – Docklands
2 Jul Sun Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square –St Pancras
16-Jul Sun Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Haggerston
North/Lords exit)
Royal Victoria DLR (IFS Cloud/ Seagull Lane exit)
Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point)
King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue by Pret a Manger)
Mile End
29 July Sat Grand Union Canal: Kensal Green – Little Venice Kensal Green
6 Aug Sun Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn – Little Venice Baker St (Baker St
20 Aug Sun Limehouse – Thames – Docklands
North/Lords exit)
Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point)
27 Aug Sun Regent’s Canal: Islington – Kingsland Road Angel
03 Sep Sun Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square –Camden
17 Sep Sun Regent’s Canal : King’s Cross – Hitchcock’s Hackney
King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue by Pret a Manger)
King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue next to Pret a Manger)
01 Oct Sun Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse Mile End
15 Oct Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square –Camden King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue by Pret a Manger)
5 Nov Sun Royal Victoria Dock – East India Dock Royal Victoria DLR (IFS Cloud/Seagull Lane exit)
19-Nov Regent’s Canal : River Tyburn – Little Venice Baker St (Baker St
North/Lords exit)
Start time for all Walks is 2.30 p.m.
Normal charge: £15
Concessionary and Student rate: £10
Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £10
Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5
(Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free)
Prior booking is strongly recommended: Please contact London Walks: 020 7624 3978
Or email them at: london@walks.com
It is a good idea to watch the IWA website (waterways.org.uk) or the London Walks website (walks.com) to see if any late changes to the walk have had to be made.
We have now restarted our Region Socials on the 3rd Tuesday of the month which we are currently holding at the London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT On Monday 20th March North & East London Branch held their AGM followed by a talk by Chris Bushill: 'London Bridge - the Dartmoor Connection' which was open to all Region members and friends. A really interesting presentation enjoyed by all. On Tuesday 21st March, rather than having an evening meeting, we had an afternoon visit to the Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, Several people visited the general galleries whilst others booked on the special exhibition on ‘Executions’. Rather them than me! This was followed by a drink/meal in the nearby Wetherspoons, The Ledger Building.
Tuesday 18th April – This was a presentation by me on the Platinum Reflections Flotilla last September, which paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen by the river users. 150 craft, both powered and manpowered made the downriver transit from Chelsea Bridge to Tower Bridge on the night of Saturday September 24th 2022 – an article on the trip may be found elsewhere in this newsletter.
Tuesday 16th May – Narrowboats to Hull and back – we had record numbers for this talk by Heather Boyce and Simon Judge. Starting from Newark-onTrent, Heather travelled on her 40 foot narrowboat Bleasdale to the Humber and on to the River Hull, almost all on tidal waters. Accompanied by Simon Judge on Chris Howes boat, Lily May, they travelled almost as far as you can get and then explored beyond on land. An exciting and memorable presentation.
FUTURE MEETINGS
Tuesday 20th June – “The Pirate Castle – Overcoming Modern Challenges and Building for the Future” – Tim Molloy, General Manager The Pirate Castle has been a Camden institution and an integral part of our community since 1966. Covid, the cost of living crisis and huge societal change have thrown numerous unexpected challenges in our way but we continue to grow and survive. How have we succeeded in such difficult times?
Summer Break – no meeting in July or August
Autumn dates for your diaries – full programme will be on IWA website and will be circulated to all members of IWA London Region.
Tuesday 19th September – a talk from the Port of London Authority
Tuesday 17th October – TBA
Tuesday 21st November – TBA
Tuesday 19th December – a revival of the Christmas Quiz and Auction. Contributions to the auction gratefully received.
If you would like to be added to my circulation and are not on the IWA London Region circulation please email me as below:
Libby Bradshaw - libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk
May Day bank holiday weekend saw the welcome return, and 40th anniversary celebration, of the annual Canalway Cavalcade festival taking place in Little Venice, London. Glorious weather on the opening day saw over 8,000 visitors to the event with 120 boats shimmering in the Pool and along the Grand Union Canal. People from all walks of life came together to share their passion for waterways with narrowboats, both modern and historic, moored alongside widebeam boats in the Pool. Continuous cruisers, liveaboards, and leisure boaters, locals and those from further afield gathered to highlight the importance of protecting our waterways at this time of urgent need.
The long weekend included a packed schedule as always with a unique selection of events and activities. Stallholders and food stands brought a variety of crafts and interest to the event this year, most being based locally to Little Venice. Particular highlights included many regular attendees such as hand-woven baskets made by WoodWoolWillow, Peruvian delights by Inkas Craft, Handmade by Janet, and our regular Candle Powered Victorian Steamboats. Visitors were treated to many delicious treats too, including the vibrant Caribbean Hut, mouth-watering Mr Bombay and the delectable Greek Souvlaki. As with each year we also welcomed the ever-professional Jervis team and their real ale bar, the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon in the sunshine.
At 1.30 on our first day Libby Bradshaw, Ceremonial and Children’s Activities Manager, introduced the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, who welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) for putting on the event. Richard Parry, Chief Executive of Canal and River Trust followed with his thanks. Les Etheridge, National Chairman for IWA welcomed everyone to the event, paying special attention to the dedication of volunteers for organising the event. And finally Tom Claydon, Chair of the Organising Committee, thanked the volunteers, Committee members and supporters whilst also encouraging attendees to volunteer for our 2024 event. Wrapping up the presentation, Libby asked Councillor Hamza Taouzzale to ring the bell to formally open the festival. This was echoed by cheers around the Pool, the ringing of bells and horns, and the start of the Pageant.
In Rembrandt Gardens children and adults alike were entertained by Punch and Judy, a circus workshop, and the legendary Alarum Theatre with pieces such as “A Century of Boatwomen”. Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend. Sunday saw the wonderful Teddy Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the garden and the sun warmed the crowds almost the whole weekend. Other children and young people’s activities were led by the Pirate Castle from Camden, with Paddlesports taking place across the weekend.
This year the evenings brought a vibrant celebration of boating too. Friday night was the regular quiz, a packed tent for our annual Martin Ludgate extravaganza – raising nearly £100 from the raffle for the IWA. Saturday night saw the first variety night led by Mark Saxon our Commercial Manager, welcoming 25 brilliant artists performing spoken word and live music. On Sunday evening Craig Haslam once again excelled as Master of Ceremonies for the Procession of Illuminated Boats, where the boaters covered their craft with as many lights as would fit to the delight of hundreds of spectators standing on the Horse Bridge and around the Pool. A particular highlight included the Canal Dream Company and Slash Arts aboard the Boat Fit Co widebeam 2 Crew and A Cockapoo whose awe-inspiring laser, light and interpretive movement display blew the spectators away. We were delighted to welcome the Canal Dream Company for the second year, their programme throughout the weekend thrilled everyone who saw their performances and we thank them so much for their participation.
On Monday afternoon, the awards were presented by John Edmonds, Vice President of IWA London Region.
Marcus Boudier Trophy - For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed Pageant, was awarded to Chedoona owned by Bob and Mary Metcalf
Runner up: Thyme, owned by Elizabeth Jones
The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy - For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group: Sola Gratia, steerer Tim Clarke
The Cruise Electric Trophy - For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s Procession: Tros Yr Afon, steerer Phil Gaskell, Runners up: The Canal Dream Company and the Slash Arts Team aboard 2 Crew and a Cockapoo, owned by Calum Henderson
The Graham Capelin Award - For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday Pageant or Illuminated Boats:Badger, owned by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon, Runner up: Lucky Chance, owned by Chris Pratt
The Westminster Trophy - Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition: Middlesex, steerer Robin Hendley, Runner up: Emu, steerer Ben Partridge
The Roger Squires Trophy - Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s 10 years as their Commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition: Moonraker, steerer Daniel McKnight, Runner up: Badger, steered by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon
The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy - Goes to the “Best Boat” at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, it is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime: Tugby, owned by George Cutting
The Idle Women Shield - Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield was awarded to Freebird, steered by Cath Jennings
Runner up: Uplander II, steered by Sarah Honeysett
The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy for the best Boaters’ Sunday Best costumer - Awarded to the Moore family
Tom Claydon, Chairman of the IWA Canalway Cavalcade Organising Committee said: “It’s wonderful to welcome everyone to the 40th Anniversary of IWA Canalway Cavalcade, an incredible milestone for this unique spectacle in the heart of London’s waterways. This event would not be possible without the 10,000 hours of dedicated volunteer time, and I thank each and every person for making this such a great success. Soon we start planning for 2024 and we need you to join us to make it happen!”.
Next year’s event is planned for the 4th, 5th & 6th of May, find out how you can help support the event through our website: www.waterways.org.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION
please contact: canalway.cavalcade@waterways.org.uk Tel: 07774 890750
We are grateful to Joe Dixey for the photographs accompanying this article
IWA South London Branch, United Reformed Church, Croydon
Role North & East London South London
Chairman
Tim Lewis Tel: 02085300425 / 07802518094 tim.lewis@waterways.org.uk
Libby Bradshaw Tel: 07956 655037 libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk
Secretary Tim Lewis Vacancy
Treasurer
Ian Israel Tel: 020 84461823 ian.israel@waterways.org.uk
Social Secretary Vacancy
Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk
Shea Richardson, Tel: 02086770196 / 07803904803 shea.richardson@homecall.co.uk
Minutes Secretary Chris Bushill Judith Hunter Tel: 07773532384 judith.a.hunter@btinternet.com
Newsletter Editor
Chris Bushill Tel: 02082457063 chris.bushill@hotmail.com
Membership Secretary Liz Rayner lizrayner48@gmail.com
Publicity Officer
Vacancy
Planning Officer Rod Gray rodgray125@aol.com
Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk
Lesley Pryde-Coales
Tel: 07787 372408 lesley.pryde@waterways.org.uk
Simon Dyer Tel: 07857 978111 simondyer@outlook.com
London Walks Representative Roger Wilkinson –Tel: 02036129624 roger.wilkinson@waterways.org.uk
Corresponding Member
Derek Humphries derek.humphries@waterways.org.uk
Ex-Officio as Region Chairman Paul Strudwick Tel: 01248535342 / 07885240291 paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk
South London Representatives Planning & Conservation Committee: Wandle Valley developments
Lee and Stort Chairman
Eric Garland, Simon Dyer, Shea Richardson
Mike Newman Tel. 07887 540398 mike.newman@waterways.org.uk
Note Full details of Lee & Stort Branch will be in our future issues
If you feel you could help with any of the vacancies or would be interested in joining us as an ordinary member we would love to hear from you
