Navvies 297

navvies volunteers restoring waterways

Camp reports: Derby Chelmer Swansea Cotswold ...and what’s happening with the

North Western restorations

issue 297 october-november GROUP

2 0 1 9

See page 32 for a feature on what’s happening on these and other waterways in the ‘top left corner’ of England and Wales

Martin Ludgate

Intro NW waterways

Runcorn Locks

LCT

Hollinwood

Lancaster

John Hawkins

James Weir

Shrewsbury & Newport

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In this issue Contents For latest news on our activities visit our website wrg.org.uk See facebook group: WRG Follow us on Twitter: @wrg_navvies Production Editor: Martin Ludgate, 35 Silvester Road, East Dulwich London SE22 9PB 020-8693 3266 martin.ludgate@wrg.org.uk Subscriptions: Sue Watts, 15 Eleanor Rd., Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9FZ Printing and assembly: John Hawkins, 4 Links Way, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 3RQ 01923 448559 john.hawkins@wrg.org.uk Navvies is published by Waterway Recovery Group, Island House, Moor Rd., Chesham HP5 1WA and is available to all interested in promoting the restoration and conservation of inland waterways by voluntary effort in Great Britain. Articles may be reproduced in allied magazines provided that the source is acknowledged. WRG may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated - otherwise WRG and IWA accept no liability for any matter in this magazine.

Waterway Recovery Group is part of The Inland Waterways Association, (registered office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA), a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee, registered in England no 612245, and registered as a charity no 212342. VAT registration no 342 0715 89.

PLEASE NOTE: Navvies subs renewal cheques MUST be made payable to The Inland Waterways Association

Contents Editorial 4 Coming soon Christmas camps, Clean Up 5 Camp reports Derby, Swansea, Chelmer & Blackwater, Cotswold 6-20 Severn Trow supporters wanted 21 Dig report last time at Inglesham? 22-23 Diary WRG, IWA, CRT, canal societies 24-29 Safeguarding working with under-18s30-31 Letters to the editor 32 Progress around the system 33-41 North West canals a ‘progress special’ 34-39 International volunteering report 42-43 News the Chesterfield wants you!

44-45 Infill the phantom milepost painter!

46 Outro international restoration 47

Contributions... ...are welcome, whether by email or post.

Photos welcome: digital (as email attachments, or if you have a lot of large files please send them on CD / DVD or contact the editor first), or old-school slides / prints.

Contributions by post to the editor Martin Ludgate, 35, Silvester Road, London SE22 9PB, or by email to martin.ludgate@wrg.org.uk.

Press date for issue 298: 1 November.

Subscriptions Directors of WRG: Rick Barnes, John Baylis, George Eycott, Helen Gardner, Emma Greenall, John Hawkins, Dave Hearnden, Nigel Lee, Mike Palmer, George Rogers, Jonathan Smith, Harry Watts.

ISSN: 0953-6655

© 2019 WRG

A year's subscription (6 issues) is available for a minimum of £3.00 (cheques payable to The Inland Waterways Association) to Sue Watts, 15 Eleanor Road, Chorlton-cumHardy, Manchester M21 9FZ. This is a minimum. Please add a donation if you can.

Front cover: Woolsthorpe Lock 15 on the Grantham Canal, our regular work site up to last year. was officially opened in September (picture by Martin Ludgate) Back cover: London WRG had a very successful scrub-clearance weekend on a new worksite at Berwick Wharf on the Shrewsbury & Newport as these ‘before’ (by David Miller) and ‘after’ (Martin Ludgate) pictures show

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editorial ramblings...

In which Martin rambles from camp reports to what Milan and Swindon have in common, to where his next Restoration Feature will come from... ers pointed out, there were some areas away from the worksite - the ‘cultural’ stuff for example - where they seem to be way ahead Firstly my thanks to those readers who took of us. Clearly both we and they can learn the time to reply to my previous editorials from each other. And I really hope we all do. asking what people would like to read in Still on European stuff, on the inside Navvies (while at the same time not promisback page you’ll see pictures of folks in Milan ing to ditch the canal camp reports for the benefit of people who found them tiresome). and The Hague spending (or rather planning to spend) a fortune reinstating city centre The consensus (in as much as such a thing canals filled in the best part of a century ago. can ever exist among such a diverse bunch as the Navvies readership) appears to be that And if you think “I’ll believe it when I see it”, over in Utrecht they’ve already re-excavated a whatever people think about the camp recanal that they filled in to build the city’s inner ports, the ‘Fact File’ information boxes to go with them are near enough universally popu- ring road (now closed) some decades back.

I remember when something similar lar - so they’re definitely here to stay. was suggested for the Wilts & Berks in SwinAt the same time, folks also seem to don a few years ago, to be met with widelike ‘restoration feature’ type articles, so we’ve put together one this time about all the spread derision from some of the locals, and a certain amount of scepticism in the restorawaterway restoration schemes in the north tion movement. Not so far-fetched, now? western quarter of England and Wales. And Speaking of far-fetched, I was rather an interesting assortment of projects they taken aback to find that the plans to reinstate are, too. And the technical features seem to the potentially useful Runcorn Locks missing go down well, so we’ll have more of those. link (see the North West feature, p34-39) Please do keep telling us what you think of Navvies and what you’d like to see in now include a boat lift and an inclined plane, it, either by emailing the editor or just collar- rather than just restoring the locks. A few years ago I remember writing an editorial ing me sometime, or even (please!) by writbemoaning the fact that everybody seemed ing me something and sending it in! Rest to be trying to jump on the Falkirk Wheel assured, we do listen! bandwagon by adding a suitably unlikelyAnd meanwhile we’ve got another looking boat lift to their plans, in the hope of selection of camp reports in this issue, varycatching the eye of the funders, when often a ing from fairly factual accounts of work on simple flight of locks might have made more site, telling it like it is (including when stuff didn’t go to plan), to one which concentrated sense. But now I see the Chesterfield Canal almost exclusively on the social side of canal Trust are talking about boat lifts instead of some of the new locks they need for their camp life, and left the Fact File to tell folks what they were actually doing. I daresay that diversions around obstructions. Was I wrong? Or have things changed? might generate the odd response...

Oh yes, and on the subject of things But on the subject of canal camps and having changed, rather than the traditional telling it like it is, there’s also a report from mantra of “don’t make any predictions of the international camp that we advertised places on a few issues back. And disappoint- when your canal will reopen - then you won’t be embarrassed when it doesn’t”, CCT are ingly, our volunteers didn’t feel that it had now saying “We’re going for 2027”! gone brilliantly. I make no apologies for So how are they going to do it? Perincluding it, ‘warts and all’ - but neither am I haps that could be my next Restoration doing so from a stuck-up, superior “WRG is Feature. I’ll ask that nice Mr George Rogers... much better than them” sort of attitude.

Martin Ludgate Not at all. On the contrary, as the writ-

From the editor

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Coming soon Christmas Final call for the Uttoxeter Canal WRG Reunion, book now for the Christmas canal camp, and note the date in your diary for the 2020 BCN Clean Up Final call: WRG Reunion 2019 on the Uttoxeter Canal: 2-3 November By the time you read this, the WRG Reunion will be only a few days away - and as we go to press, it’s booking up quickly. So if you haven’t already booked in you might already have missed your chance - but by all means contact head office on 01494 783453 or enquiries@wrg.org.uk to see if there’s any space left.

We’re working on the Uttoxeter Canal in the Crumpwood - Alton area again, plus a new site at California Lock, and overnight accommodation has been booked at Great Wood Hall in Upper Tean, the same as the last two times we’ve been there for the Reunion.

Christmas Camp on the Cotswold Canals, 26 December - 1 January Once again we’ll be providing the usual opportunity to escape from your relatives and spend a week scrub-bashing on the Cotswold Canals - this time at the west end of the route, in the Whitminster area west of the A38. Our regular camp leader of the last few years, Dave ‘Moose’ Hearnden, is in charge again, but he’s on the look-out for a new assistant this time.

In particular, he’d like to work with somebody who hasn’t been a camp leader or assistant before, but would like to give it a try. Does that sound like you? Meanwhile in the kitchen, chief cook Maria Hearnden will be assisted by Paul ‘Arry’ Smith.

The work will be tree and scrub clearance: we’ve got some of WRG Forestry’s chainsaw experts to deal with the big stuff, but there will be plenty of smaller stuff to provide work for everyone else, and we’ll no doubt get some good bonfires going to keep us all warm.

And the accommodation will be at the spacious Brimscombe Port - quite possibly for the last time before it’s demolished (yes, I know, you’ve heard that before) so lots of room for plenty of voluteers, and for some last night fun to see in the year 2020.

Book via the WRG website or head office on 01494 783453 or enquiries@wrg.org.uk.

London WRG / KESCRG Christmas dig, Cotswold Canals, 7-8 December Also on the Cotswold, also scrub-bashing, and also staying at Brimscombe Port - the festive season kicks off with this joint weekend working party by London WRG and KESCRG - but with everyone welcome, not just regulars from these groups. And we’re having a Christmas party on the Saturday night with a “School Nativity Plays” theme! See the diary for details of who to contact to book in for the weekend.

First call: BCN Clean Up, 14-15 March The Clean Up is an annual volunteer weekend spent throwing grappling hooks into the less well-frequented lengths of the Birmingham Canal Navigations network, and pulling out old bikes, prams, shopping trolleys and whatever other assorted junk we find (we’ve found a coffin, a sword, and a set of goal posts in the past!) It’s a fun weekend, with a serious purpose. In the past, some of these navigable but underused canals have got so full of junk that boaters were put off even trying to navigate them, which in turn meant they got into even worse condition - and were heading towards being completely impassible. Our work (along with that of the local canal groups) has helped to stop this vicious circle, and keep them open.

We’ll have more about it and a booking form next time, but for now we can say that the work site is on the BCN Old Main Line from Oldbury to Tipton, we’ll be staying at our usual accommodation at Tipton Malthouse, and the date for your diaries is 14-15 March 2020.

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camp report Derby Canal Our volunteers were back at Borrowash, putting the finishing touches on a lock chamber rebuild, getting through lots of mortar... and ice cream...

Sunday - Mr December! We arrived on site in Borrowash bright and early (8 something).

Jess helped us kickstart the day with a mornSaturday - The A Team: A crack team of ing warm up routine - something about elephants and rainbows … and a bacon volunteers from far and wide descended upon West Hallam (our home for the week) sandwich. where we stumbled across an unexpected Vans were unpacked, welfare area setup and tasks allocated. Scaffolding in the lock discovery in the ‘facilities’ … last year’s camp report! (sorry Martin) chamber was checked, areas to be worked The flags and bunting were out, flying on were cleared and prepped ready to lay high for us once again, along with a plethora many, many blocks, bricks and coping of scarecrows - a couple were based upon stones.

Greg… or was it Ross? checked levels the moon landing.

As per the norm (as normal as WRGies across site with assistance from Doris (the can be) kit was checked and prepped for the dumpy level), showing that the current week ahead, after which we made our way to height of the wash walls had to be raised considerably. Mixers (just the two today) the dining room for introductions, health & were set up in eager anticipation of the safety briefings, and most importantly; the never-ending demand for lime mortar, contoaster toolbox talk. We visited the worksite to get the lay of the land and to see if the crete and facing mix for cast coping stones. elusive digger had arrived - alas, it had not.

Much to everyones’ delight, Mr December We made a swift return to the accommodamade a surprise appearance to site. tion in time for a superb meal, and an At the top of the lock, one of the bigevening of social activities… pub? gest tasks of the day was laying a ma-

Derby Canal Camp 2019… or is it 2018? Who knows!

fact file Derby & Sandiacre Canal Length: 14 miles Locks: 9 (on main line Swarkestone-Sandiacre) DERBY

Proposed new route into Derby using River Derwent Proposed new aqueduct and boat lift

Swarkestone Trent & Mersey Canal to Burton

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Original route obliterated

Canal Camp site: Borrowash

Date closed: 1964

Erewash Canal to Langley Mill Sandiacre

Erewash Canal to the Trent

The Canal Camp project: Lock chamber work at Borrowash including completing the brickwork walls, reinstating coping stones and landscaping.

Why? Borrowash Lower Lock was part-restored years ago, and there’s hope of possible rewatering in that area so it made sense to finish it.

The wider picture: The Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society aim to eventually reopen the through route from Sandiacre (where they’ve recently begun another lock restoration project) to Swarkestone plus a link to Derby on a new route via a boat lift and the River Derwent. And as an indication of what might one day happen, they plan to run a trip-boat on the river soon.

hoosive stone with a hole in it for the ground paddle mechanism, lead by Pete and Evvo.

We were also tasked with trialling “iTip” wheelbarrow handles … they’re possibly the best thing since penicillin!

After a long, hard and hot (behave!) day’s graft we ambled over to the showers (a whole 1 minute walk from site) to clean up and cool down.

The evening was spent playing crazy golf, and replenishing one’s fluids - you’ll never guess where!

Dave ‘Evvo’ Evans

Monday: Once again, we arrived on site bright and early… I’ve learnt it’s best not to question what time it is. The day started much the same as Sunday, although somewhat hotter.

The magical mixing team were momentarily blessed with a third mixer … until someone ripped the pullcord out (Sorry Keith!)

Thankfully, this was soon repaired and back in action in no time.

Further progress was made on Tina’s wall, and more coping stones were laid. Dave lead the charge in casting another coping stone and dressing yesterday’s coper to match the existing and look like they were always there.

The brand new excavator finally arrived, meaning we were able relocate materials (sharp sand, yellow soft sand & ballast) closer to the work area, and also move some of the larger stones which were just too big and heavy to move by hand.

After a successful and productive day, we decamped to the pub for a quiz. Not that we’re bitter about losing, but the team that won wrote the questions! We drowned our sorrows and eventually crawled home to bed.

Tuesday - “He caught a nail” The day was set to be hotter than yesterday… and my god, was it hot! All three mixers were set to

Barrowing soil for landscaping work for another day of non-stop mixing.

Further coping stones were laid, whilst the remainder of stones scattered across site were measured to create an inventory for ease of finding the right stone for the right hole. Some stones were made to measure and had to be cut to size by Jess and ‘Ben Stihl-saw’ throughout the week.

Work commenced on clearing and repointing the upper wing walls of the lock chamber.

Pete entertained us with a few of his jokes… we still don’t get it!

Joyce from the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust treated us to ice creams, ice lollies and ice cold drinks to keep us cool, hydrated and motivated - they were greatly appreciated! For tonight’s entertainment, we were invited to try our hand at bell ringing in

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Jess Leighton

Reinstating coping stones on the lower wing walls... the church located atop a hill behind the accommodation… needless to say, we were naturals! Before we got slapped with an ASBO for noise pollution, we left the bell ringing to the professionals and made our way back down the hill to relax… pub?

Wednesday - Scorchio! The weather truly was “Scorchio!” with the temperature continuing to climb toward the hottest day.

The trio of mixers were once again kept busy with high demand from the brick and stone layers - Can we have a fourth mixer?

Bricks and coping stones were laid on the offside wing-wall to the lock, whilst some oversized crazy paving was laid next to the offside paddle culvert. Vast progress continued on the great wall of Tina, bringing it ever closer to completion. a further two coping stones were cast. Joyce treated us to ice lollies and ice creams … twice! We had ourselves a slightly earlier finish on site, and went on a rather picturesque drive through the Derbyshire countryside to Miller’s Dale, where Colin had organised a very special evening activity… Abseiling from a bridge over the river Wye! It was a first for many, nerve-racking for some, but thoroughly enjoyed by all. With special thanks to Chris,

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our absolutely brilliant instructor. We then went on a short drive to Darley Dale for Fish & Chips in the park.

Thursday - Welcome to Borrowash Barrowash! It was the hottest day of the year… “too hot (hot damn!)” but that wasn’t going to stop us. We were to become a human conveyor belt with wheelbarrows with our two barrows and a further eight provided by the local canal trust we were an unstoppable machine… Just call us “The Barrowers”.

The wheelbarrows were filled with soil by the excavator, then conveyed up hill to be deposited along the lock wall to raise the ground level to that of the coping stones and towpath. Throughout the day we were kept going by frequent visits from Joyce for numerous, much needed ice cream breaks. The iTip handles were put to good use, thoroughly tested by all, and deemed to be an outstanding success.

“It’s all in the wrist action - just make sure you keep it clean and use plenty of lube!”

The evening was spent watching and singing along to Bohemian Rhapsody in the

WRG outdoor cinema, followed by cheese & biscuits… not forgetting the port.

Dave Burdett

Friday - WRGlastonbury One big last push once again saw the mixers working flat out to meet demand from our pro brick and stone laying teams.

The great wall of Tina was completed, along with the upper wing walls and crazy paving on the topside of the lock. “Dressage” was performed on the two coping stones cast on Wednesday.

The afternoon was spent adding those finishing touches with finesse the whole offside of the lock was landscaped to bring the levels up, and make it ready to be seeded. The excavator made light work of digging down to the canal bed at the bottom end of the lock, showing how it will look in the not too distant future.

Kit was cleaned down and checked back in ready for the next camp.

After a well deserved shower we headed back to West Hallam for our last meal together and a night of celebrations - so as not to disturb those in need of a well deserved rest, we relocated to the local park armed with guitars and our best singing voices, which might explain why it rained ...and casting a concrete ‘stone’ in situ so much - we sought refuge under the climbing frame, whilst Evvo hijacked a train. We made our way back to the pub to entertain the locals, then returned to the accom for a toast frenzy.

Although words could never do justice to how much we truly appreciate the amount of dedication and effort that goes into planning and running a camp, we’d like to say a massive thank you to our outstanding camp leader & assistant; Colin & David, and of course to our cook Ann-Marie for keeping us well fed throughout the week.

Not forgetting our crack team of volunteers; Tina, Jess, Jordan, El, Greg, X, Rex, Pete, Evvo, Steve, Dorothy, Stephen, Colin S. With special thanks to the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust, West Hallam and The Punchbowl!

9 Andy page Pritchett

camp report Swansea Darren brings us “all the exciting fun stuff” from a week with a youngish bunch of volunteers at Ynysmeudwy Locks on the Swansea Canal Swansea Canal Camp 24-31 August 2019 Following the editor’s comments in the previous edition of Navvies I’m going with a different approach to this camp report and instead of focusing on all the ‘boring’ worksite stuff such as lock restoration I’m instead going to mention all the ‘exciting fun stuff’ that happens of an evening.

This was to be a young camp with 10 volunteers aged 21 or under, eight of whom were doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, so there was plenty of fun to be had!! I’d heard that the local canal society were a very hospitable bunch so how better to find out than to go as leader. This was also my first WRG visit to the Welsh Valleys.

Having spent Friday evening in Hereford sharing a few beers with assistant leader Martin Danks and finalising details on the project plan we both headed off early Saturday bound for Abergavenny and the collection of two vans and a trailer, left there the week before by MKP & Co, aiming to be at the accommodation for midday where our

cook (Bev), and trainee assistant (Will) were hopefully preparing the gaff for the arrival of the volunteers.

(Hang on, this is supposed to be about entertainment and fun!)

The first person to arrive was not a volunteer but a member of Swansea Canal Society (SCS) bringing several cases of local beer and cider. Things were already looking good!!

The ranks assembled, bonded over the kit check, watched the Health & Safety DVD, collected PPE, had a site visit, enjoyed their first lovely evening meal of the week and settled in for a quiet evening. Haha, If only!

Playing cards were taken up and there was soon a rather competitive game of Pontoon and Poker (though not for money) underway followed by what looked to be quite a physical game of Spoons. Finally coaxed to bed with a reminder they all had to be up early on Sunday morning, and this was the first of seven nights and perhaps they’d better pace themselves, calm returned to scout hut.

Sunday Evening: Cricket and Football on the field behind the hut preceded lunch

Length: 16 miles originally Locks: 36 originally Date closed: 1928-1960 The Canal Camp project: Vegetation clearance, lock chamber wall re-pointing and paddle chamber rebuilding at Ynysmeudwy Upper Lock.

Abercraf

fact file Swansea Canal

Sw an se a

Ca na l

Upper lengths lost under new road Glyn-Neath Godre’r-Graig The wider picture: With the top five miles from Godre’r-Graig al an C to Abercraf largely lost to 1970s road improveCanal Camp site: th Pontardawe ments, and the bottom five miles from Swansea ea N Ynysmeudwy Trebanos Docks to Clydach mostly buried under urban Resolven Clydach development, Swansea Canal Society is concenOriginal route trating on the middle six miles from Clydach to obstructed Aberdulais Godre’r-Graig - including Ynysmeudwy and Proposed Trebanos locks plus the buried lock at diversion Neath

Why? Ynysmeudwy Locks are at the top of a restorable length of canal which is in water to Pontardawe and could be reopened to navigation.

Pontardawe. But in the longer term a diversionary route could be created, avoiding the missing lower length, and ultimately reinstating Swansea the link to the Tennant and Neath canals.

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t nan Ten al Can

Pictures by Darren Shepherd

then a van full of the youngsters went to the cinema in Swansea to watch Fallen Angel. The other nine volunteers enjoyed some peace and quiet. Whoever left those CDs in minibus BOB, genius, they really added to the party atmosphere.

Monday Evening: A trip to the local pub where we outnumbered the locals by about three to one. We said we were helping restore the local canal, we might as well have said “we’ve just arrived from Mars” given their reaction.

All IDs were checked which meant The walls before and after vegetation clearance buying a round of drinks took about half an hour. Back at the accommodation there was just enough time for a quick game of ‘cereal killer’ (it’s like competitive yoga) before bed.

Tuesday: Just a half day on site as SCS were treating us to a buffet lunch with history talk on the origins or the canal and restoration aims, followed by canoe and kayaking. There was lots of laughter and quite a few wet people by the end. A more subdued evening in the hut following the previous night, Bev had to leave unexpectedly so Martin, Rachel Petrie and Sue Jones stepped into the kitchen to sort the evening meal. Thank you to them!!

Wednesday Evening: 10 pin bowling. MD wanted a night off so Patrick Mach was promoted to second driver of minibus RFB. Having had a little practice driving to site and back, only about 10 minutes each way, it was a real baptism of fire for the trip into Swansea. Sue won the first game showing the youngsters how it’s done with a strike on her first ball bowled. Patrick spent time calculating angles and ball trajec- enough funds to obtain fish and chips (it tories which payed dividends when he won being Fryday after all) to ease the load in the the second game and also claimed the high kitchen. Entertainment then turned to a score of the evening. At Two nil to the more physical bent again with the field repWRGies it was decided to give Euan the Tresenting something of a grownups sports shirt as highest scoring other volunteer. day. Cricket, football and slacklining for the Thursday Evening: SCS treated the energetic, and a walk through the woods for camp to a pint and curry in their local pub those who wanted something a little more and curry house followed by customary sedate. We couldn’t properly finish the week singing. I’m told this is a very typical form of without another trip to the pub as a final entertainment for the Welsh as they all learn farewell before heading our separate ways in to sing anthems from a young age. Patrick the morning. One final flurry of activity on no longer wanted to drive the van so it was the way back to the accommodation was a MD and me again abstaining from alcohol. flat out sprint to see who could get there Friday Evening: With camp over and first. Sadly most expired after about 10 cleaning and kit check in process there were seconds and all instead panted their way up

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the hill together barely able to speak.

And that was that, what a fantastic week!!!

For those interested in the work it was initial vegetation clearance of half of Ynysmeudwy lock, working from scaffold platforms on two heights to achieve a full bottom to top result on both the offside and towpath lock walls, followed by repointing with lime mortar and grit in keeping with the original method of manufacture.

There was also rebuilding of the offside paddle arch once a former had been installed by Gordon (CRT, SCS, local councillor). Each member of the team placed an individual stone around the form which was then finished off with the setting in place of the keystone by Josie Parry.

The full team consisted of: Darren, Martin, Bev, Will, Mikk, Patrick, Sue, Rachel, Joshua (x2), Josie, Hussain, Euan, Iwan, Catherine, Lloyd and Rhys and Andy. (one set of twins, two Joshuas, two Ewans (although spelt differently) and the young lovers all made for an interesting week).

Darren Shepherd

Work in progress on the chamber walls

The team

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camp report Chelmer A camp with a difference: helping Essex Waterways (a subsidiary of WRG’s parent body IWA) to maintain and improve a working waterway Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation (1) Rebuild a new storage shed in line with the conservation area guidelines 24 - 31 August 2019 (2)

The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is managed and run by a small team of employed staff and volunteers, who dedicate their time to the ongoing maintenance of the 14 mile waterway running between Chelmsford to Heybridge Basin.

As with most not-for-profit companies the time to complete many essential jobs often runs short and some can often end by the wayside. This is where our merry band of volunteers come in. Focused at Papermill Lock, a very public and well used site by the wider community, many of the facilities were coming under the stresses of time and a continually sinking island!

Our job for the week was to support Essex Waterways Ltd to undertake repairs and put in new structures to support their ongoing endeavours on the Navigation. This included:

(3) (4) (5) (6)

Build two new canoe racks – which provide added income to the navigation and a storage facility for the many canoeists frequenting the river Move the existing fence to make room for the canoe racks Repair landing stages Improve the canoe landing stage Many other various jobs that appear.

Saturday:This is the first time since I started coming down to the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation that we are not staying on the Haybay boat, but the new accommodation is an excellent Scout hut.

We arrived early to set up and did a couple of train station pickups and we all settled in. We made the introduction and gave the safety talk from YouTube with the sound coming from Alex’s mobile.

The plan was to have two ‘ice breakers’

fact file Chelmer & Blackwater Length: 14 miles

Locks: 13

Date closed: never - but it came close! (see below)

The Canal Camp project: Various tasks around the Paper Mill Lock area including building a storage shed, repairing landing stages, creating canoe racks and moving a fence.

Why? This is not a derelict waterway under restoration, it is a navigable waterway undergoing a long process of gradual improvement by its owners Essex Waterways Ltd (a subsidiary of WRG’s parent body The Inland Waterways Association) who took over to save it from closing down when the original company went bankrupt 15 years ago, having let it get badly run down. But as a body with no regular public funding, EWL needs to rely on volunteer support otherwise it would struggle to keep the navigation open - let alone to improve it.

The wider picture: EWL needs to not only keep the navigation in Beeleigh good condition for boaters, it Hoe Mill R C has to encourage he lm Canal Camp site: use and super Paper Mill Lock Chelmsford Maldon port of the waterway to bring in income and attract funding grants from external bodies.

Keeping the landing stages in good repair, providing facilities for visiting canoeists and the various other jobs carried out are all part of this.

Heybridge Basin Blackwater estuary The Haybay barge

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Sunday: Everyone chose their PPE (safety equipment) and then it was off to site at Paper Mill in a minibus and Diane’s car.

What a luxury! No need for a gazebo as we were installed on the barge Victoria with fridge, kettle, water and shade. Our kit could be left in a lock-up so no heavy lifting to and fro, absolute bliss!

We were shown around site and given a briefing on the planned maintenance for the week. The leader explained that it was to be a relaxed week and no pressure (ha ha!) and everyone got stuck in making excellent progress for first day It was so hot we bought ice lollies, which became a theme for the week.

We had to shower at the leisure centre but they were a tad too powerful with no adjustment on shower head... but who’s complaining?

Pictures by Alex Melson

to get to know each other a little better: “Two truths and a lie” and the marshmallow tower game. But we gave the latter a miss and after we met to our cook, Claire, who provided a vegetarian chilli which was served with our leader Alex’s ‘rice’, some walked into Coggeshall to the pub.

Monday: Picked up Magnums from Co-op for the day.

Much the same on site but also took a canoe downstream and removed masses of invasive floating pennywort, a job for life I think.

We were given an opportunity to assist on the trip boat and spent a pleasant hour going down to the next lock and back.

As it was bank holiday Monday with masses of public about, the work on the Canoe launch steps was put on hold for a couple of days.

The parts for canoe racks were coming on, and shed was beginning to have walls again.

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The shed, before and after

The landing stages were scrubbed and inspected to see which needed repairs.

At the end of the day the occupants of the minibus walked part of the navigation to Haybridge basin for showers whilst the car went directly, so a nice leisurely shower and a walk to see the old accommodation the Haybay barge.

Back to base for fish and chips, but as a Yorkshire coast resident I wasn’t impressed, I’m afraid.

Tuesday: Magnums cheaper in Asda! So new supplier.

As we set off to site but punched wrong postcode so the car was almost at Haybridge before I noticed... (Alex adds: ‘Not Alex’s minibus – which did arrive on site in time!’)

Work progressing well, with fence down, mooring platforms cleaned and inspected, bases for canoe racks in place, the cladding on the shed starting to go up and work started on the launch steps.

Showers, dinner (or ‘tea’ to me) then out to a pub quiz. We had two teams but could only manage fourth, although we did win a bag of sweets in the raffle.

Hectic day trying to finish off all we had started with barrowload after barrowload of hard core wheeled from the car park over a tiny bridge and onto the site.

Two canoe racks finished, shed finished, (on the exterior) fence moved, huge amount of floating pennywort cleaned out and the weir repaired.

From what started as a leisurely week ended with everyone giving their all to complete before we left.

A fantastic group of people coming together to achieve what we did. Thank you all very much, and thanks to Claire for providing much needed sustenance.

Arry Smith

Wednesday: More Magnums.

Work started on the damaged weir with concrete mixing and pouring for nearly three days.

The launch steps were taking shape, with some heavy digging and lifting.

After showers and dinner the majority went bowling whilst two more refined group members went to the cinema to see The Lion King, which was excellent.

Thursday: Forgot to put magnums in brew kit, doh! (although still enough on site for everyone) One canoe rack and the parts for the second completed and the shed nearing compilation. Attention was given over to some cleaning and more trips down the navigation.

After dinner most people went off to a beer festival but were good when they came back and didn’t wake me.

The canoe racks and (below) the landing stage and access steps

Friday: Took double Magnums today and decided to give some to a group of young people and their leader, who were on a canoe trip.

page 15

camp report Cotswold A frustrating first of two weeks on the Cotswold Canals, attempting some repairs at Dudbridge Locks as part of the completion of the Phase 1a length Devon, Essex, Kent, Hampshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Yorkshire, with an age range of 18 to 75. Patrick, Clément and An eventful start to the camp, as we were Vincent came to us from the previous camp at Grantham and we were joined for the supposed to be at Grantham for the week!

The previous Grantham camps, together with weekend by Alan, David and Phill (the latter the local volunteers, had made such good staying with us to complete their work on Weymoor Bridge). progress (see previous Navvies) that our camp had been moved to Stroud. This had Cotswolds Canal Trust (CCT) had idennecessitated some considerable planning by tified that the offside wall of Dudbridge Head Office and the advance party arrived at Lower Lock was leaking and had suspected Brimscombe Port on the Friday to set up the voids behind the lock wall. Our aim was to identify the sites of possible voids, demolish accommodation. The rest of us arrived on the lock chamber wall where necessary and the Saturday afternoon. There were thirteen rebuild it. of us booked in for the whole week and, as So on Sunday we started by fencing off usual, there was a good mix of regulars and the compound in the disused car park adjanewbies. Welcome to Anne, Clément, Ian, cent to the lock, setting up the Heras fencing Janice, Malcolm, Martin, Mick, Patrick, Pete, Rob, Victor (known as Vincent), Victoria and on the towpath side which was a public William. Clément and Vincent came to us footpath and installing edge protection on from France as part of REMPART, the rest the offside of the lock. We also cleared from various parts of England: Bedfordshire, vegetation from the carpark to give an im-

Cotswold Canals Camp Dudbridge, Stroud 17-24 August

fact file Cotswold Canals The Canal Camp project: Lock wall repairs at Dudbridge Locks, Stroud.

Length: 36 miles Locks: 56 Date closed: 1927-46

Why? The lock, which had already received some restoration work by contractors, had proved to be leaking - and the suspicion was that there were voids behind one of the chamber walls. So these needed to be investigated, the extent of any damage discovered, and the unsatisfactory brickwork taken down and rebuilt as necessary.

The wider picture: Work in recent years has concentrated on the Lottery-supported project to complete Phase 1a of the canal from Stonehouse to below Brimscombe Port. Already a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for around £10m towards a package to reopen Phase 1b - the ‘missing link’ connecting this to Saul Junction (and the national canal network) - has provisional approval. We won’t know until next year whether it’s got the final go-ahead.

Canal Camp site: But in the meantime, to improve its chances and to Dudbridge Locks make sure everything’s ready to go if it does get agreed, it’s a good idea to iron-out any final wrinkles with the Phase 1a length - such as this iffy lock wall.

Phase 1b: Saul to Stonehouse

Phase 1a: Stonehouse to Brimscombe

page 16

Phase 3: Brimscombe to Water Park

Cotswold Water Park

Phase 2: Inglesham to Water Park

Pictures by Ian Gaston

proved appearance to the welfare and working area.

Alan did a sterling job clearing a footpath on the offside using his brushcutter. While this was going on, Rob and Clément went to Weymoor Bridge to help with finishing off there. You will see from the WRG Facebook page that this is now completely finished, with final kerbstones and tarmac laid.

As we were going to need to drain the lock at Dudbridge to do the necessary work we brought the stop planks to the site from further up the canal, using a ‘trolley’ specially designed for the process.

Once we had worked out Deploying the submersible pump the best way of balancing the load, this task became progressively easier. We soon had the top The lack of progress in reducing the stop planks installed and covered with a water level meant that we needed a second, tarpaulin. submersible, pump for use at the lower end Smallish leaks were reduced further of the lock and which was kept on a CCT using sandbags. CCT brought the pump tug. These arrived on Wednesday. Getting onto the towpath at the top of the lock ready the pump off the tug and into position in the for us to use. water proved to be a herculean task requirThe plan was then to drain the lock, clear ing the use of the dredger bucket arm and the chamber of silt, install three bays of scafmuch sweat. folding on the offside of the lock supported by As the locals had never actually used another scaffolding bay on the towpath side this pump we then had to work out how to of the lock, remove the coping stones and connect and operate it. Once going, it shifted the lock ladder on the offside and take down a lot of water. Despite this, the water level in the facing brickwork where necessary. the lock was not reducing noticeably and we On Monday we were able to give jackwere starting to feel very much like the little hammer training to several people when we Dutch boy in the story trying to plug the hole broke out a concrete platform on the offside in the dyke with his finger. More sandbags of the lock. The pump was started and we were filled and positioned but without any all took the opportunity to practise building real success in reducing the flow of water cuplock scaffolding in the compound, with a back into the lock. We also noticed that the view to erecting it in the lock the following top stop planks were starting to ‘bow’ so day. The lower stop planks had been inserted a Kingpost behind them to trolleyed down from storage earlier and the strengthen them. After a tiring and frustratCCT dredger came to assist with the installa- ing day we finished slightly earlier than usual tion of these. This was a frustrating and and enjoyed a trip to see the Coates (easttime-consuming task and the willing support ern) end of the Sapperton Tunnel. of the locals was greatly appreciated. HowOn returning to the site on Thursday ever, it soon became clear that the pump was we were disappointed but not surprised to not reducing the water level in the lock, see that despite all our efforts no progress despite stop planks and tarpaulins at top and was being made in emptying the lock. We bottom of the lock. Work continued on had a team varying from four to six people Tuesday. filling sandbags and lowering them from the

page 17

towpath to the site of the bottom stop planks etation from the car park and offside of the where another team placed them into posilock chamber.) tion. This took all day.

We had transported and fitted 14 stop Additionally on Thursday we reinforced planks and three tarpaulins, worked out how the top stop planks with Acrow props, filled to rig the underwater pump, filled 250 sandand placed yet more sandbags and ascerbags with 4.125 tonnes of sand and placed tained that there was what looked like a them at the bottom of the stop planks and rebar (thin metal rod) under the bottom poured 206 litres of diesel (11 x 20 litre plank. Despite our best efforts we were jerrycans) into the pumps. We had sent a unable to remove this. A party of three group to complete work at Weymoor Bridge people went to work at Inglesham for most and another group to Inglesham. of the day. In preparation for eventual workOur thanks go to Anne who cooked ing down in the lock we used a Crowcon excellent meals all week, to Janice and VictoTetra 3 Gas Alarm to test for carbon monox- ria who took all the photos that will be apide, methane, oxygen and hydrogen sulphide pearing in various places, to those more in accordance with the method statement. experienced WRGies who shared their exper(There is a useful video on You Tube: https:/ tise and to all the new WRGies who worked /www.youtube.com/watch?v=odEPQlv_YEM so well right from the start. showing how to use this.) We took the opOur thanks also go to members of portunity to test the depth of water in the Cotswold Canal Trust for their expertise with lock and estimated that the silt was just over the dredger / workboats and to Jon and Ian 1m deep. We tried to move some of this from CCT for their on-site support and entowards the underwater pump using water couragement during the week. pressure from the hose on the top pump in Malcolm Parker and Ian Gaston ‘blow’ rather than ‘suck’ mode.

With little prospect of making any meaningful progress on Friday (the team being extremely fatigued and frustrated by lack of progress), our leader sent eight of us away for the day where we enjoyed a trip to the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks. Ian & Pete remaining made a final attempt to plug the holes and remove additional silt from the chamber in preparation for the next camp arriving. A kingpost was found and delivered but there were not enough people available to fit it and therefore left to the next camp.

Summary: Of the ten work tasks identified, we did manage to complete tasks 1 (set up the site), 2 (install the stop planks – albeit with not complete success) and part of task 3 (dewater the lock chamber – but only partially). We also comDelivering the stop-planks to site pleted Task 10 (clear veg-

page 18

camp report Cotswold The second week team carry on with the work at Dudbridge, with a remit to “make as big a mess as possible” - plus some jobs at Goughs Orchard Dudbridge was restored by contractors about five years ago. Like many locks there are different stories as to what was done, Great progress with Lock 14 on the how it was originally built and what is now Grantham Canal meant the work planned for wrong with it. Beside the lock there is a this and the previous week’s camp disapsmall hydro power station and at the lock tail peared at short notice. Suitable work had to there is a low bridge, so access is limited. be found elsewhere – hence the move south The reported problem was a leak behind the to the Cotswold Canals. off-side ladder recess, possibly related to Some folks didn’t want to move, one when the hydro station was put in. Suffice to fell sick on his way to the camp and another say none of the locals wanted to start the wasn’t responding and just did not arrive at work so we were drafted in. The remit from the new location. This meant that planning Ian the Stroud Council canal manager was to was a bit difficult – but at least we had plenty “make as big a mess as possible”. Now that’s of food for the camp. what you call a good challenge!

Anne had been Cook for the previous The previous week had made a great week but could only stay on for a couple start, setting up the site, installing the stop more days. She made more meals in readiplanks and draining the lock down. Unfortuness for us, so we were well looked after. nately they found the lower stop plank arAdded to this Harri also delivered some rangement was badly designed and therefore dinners and plenty of cakes so we were really leaked. They also found the lock was full of sorted. tons of debris, mostly sticks and logs, but Saturday followed the usual format with also a zombie teddy bear that was a chilling Nick, who was the Camp Leader with Martin find. as his Assistant for the first time, introducing With the pump holding back the tide folks to the work planned. We then viewed the Health & Safety DVD and retired to the Ship Inn for the evening.

The work was on three different sites. The nearest was a short walk to Goughs Orchard Lock. Here Alice, Dan, John H, Martin, Stephen and John R constructed some shuttering and laid some concrete to form a seat for the top stop planks and the king post. This nice little job helped train the new hands in mixing and laying, and we returned a few days later to strike the shuttering and admire our handiwork. Meanwhile Nick, Mick, Pete, Alan and Harry made the short drive to Dudbridge Lock to pick up from where the previous week had left things Gough’s Orchard Lock: casting the stop plank base (see previous pages).

Pictures by John Hawkins

Grantham Canal Camp 201919... ...but on the Cotswold Canals!

page 19

and two new pairs of steel toe cap waders bricks remaining to be laid to gain the full delivered by Amazon the younger members height. of the team set out into the mud to get the One evening we drove out to the scaffolding built. This was a slow and labori- Daneway end of Sapperton Tunnel. A short ous task, but eventually we got the steelwork walk to the tunnel portal and then returned out of the abyss and created a safe platform to the Pub, only to find that they were just from which to tackle the wall. After stripping about to close, after a quick chat they off the coping stones we found the brick face opened-up for us. It turned out that had of the lock wall hardly attached to the origionly five customers during the evening. nal stonework and were able to rapidly pick On the Thursday evening we did a boat the bricks off. By the end of the week we trip from Ebley Flood Lock down to had removed around 8 square metres of Dudbridge Lock so that the lock could be wall, the ladder recess and some of the rocks viewed from the canal. The return trip was behind it, making a big hole. We fulfilled the via Ryeford Double Lock, where we stopped specification we were set! above the lock for a short while for a group The third job was a little further down photo – a relaxing evening after a week of the Stroud valley at Ryeford Double Locks. work.

The task was to construct a weir chamber at Thanks as ever to all who helped durthe head of the lock so that water flow to the ing the week and to Anne, Harri, Nick and upper lock chamber could be better controlMartin, and hope to see some of you folks on led. This required bricks (not blocks), conanother Camp - - - and finally don’t forget crete and mortar, but there is no road to the ‘Bonfire Bash’ in November, booking is Ryeford, so access is a real challenge. How- essential. ever there is a canal! A few phone calls John Hawkins secured a boat and a crew and the next day (additional material from Nick Swift) we delivered the materials by van to the dock side and then by barge via the WRG No1 freight service.

We dug out a pit nearly two metres deep behind a retaining wall which had a large bore plastic pipe running through it at an angle of about 30o . Having laid the concrete base at a suitable depth the chamber was constructed around the pipe, and the pipe then removed. The concrete that held this pipe in place was very hard and it resisted even the brick saw and chisels. We cut into the top of the pipe in order to ascertain if it contained water, luckily it was dry. With team effort the remaining pipe and concrete was dislodged and removed from the chamber. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and after generally clearing the site the chamber was left with three more courses of Ryeford: cutting the pipe where it passes through the weir chamber

page 20

help wanted Severn Trow No working Severn trows (sailing barges) survive in usable condition but there’s a replica one that’s looking for people to help operate it ‘A Trow for Stourport’ Project A replica trow (Severn sailing barge) is seeking supporters to look after it and operate it in its proposed new home at the historic canal / river transhipent port of Stourport.

The Hereford Bull was built in time to take part in the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations on the Thames in 2012 and has been used on the Wye by naval officers, rowers, Sea Cadets and others. Built at Tommi Nielson’s shipyard in Gloucester docks, it is now there again awaiting it’s fate, as the Hereford group that operate it have decided that limitations on range and use suggest that a different home base should be sought.

Trows and Stourport: trows are the traditional barges of the Severn and Wye rivers and their tributaries, built at Chepstow, Bridgwater, Gloucester, Worcester, Bewdley and other places up-river. On the arrival of the Staffs & Worcs canal in the 1770s they transhipped their cargo with narrow boats to take goods and coal to and from Stourbridge, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and further - and the two basins at Stourport would have seen much of this work for 130 years, before the last trows ceased trading before the First World War. The case for a useful trow for Stourport: A vessel of this size can be rowed, paddled, sailed, motored, towed, hauled and otherwise used as a boat, by a wide range of people boating/sailing/practical adults, youth organisations such as scouts, cadets etc, and particularly for courses including training for both maintenance and use on the river, and RYA type boating skills. Also limited outings can be arranged for the less able, as well as taking part in the occasional carnival or festival. The town has a

narrow boat for heritage purposes, the Bramble, but a trow would be even more appropriate as they pre-date the narrow boat, and no trows are left now that can actually be used. Stourport Yacht Club, based in Brindley’s clock warehouse in the upper basin have offered to find mooring space and offers facilities for the vessel and its potential users, which makes the whole project viable. Local Authorities and organisations also support the idea of having such a vessel based at the town.

‘Stourport Trow Sailing Trust’ - the group’s proposed working title, was due to appoint trustees and enrol volunteers and officers at a meeting on 24 September, with the aim of concluding discussions with the Hereford group on conditions and details of transfer. It will also commence fund-raising from various sources including subscriptions from members, plus donations from anyone interested in seeing a trow on the Severn again. Please help by getting in touch!

Contact: Anyone interested to learn more is invited to contact David Struckett, a member of IWA’s Navigation Committee and a member of Stourport Yacht Club, on email: david.struckett@waterways.org.uk or Tel: 07976 746225

The replica trow under sail

page 21

Dig report Inglesham Lock Last dig at Inglesham, eastern gateway to the Cotswold Canals. Appropriately KESCRG, involved right through the project, were there - with London WRG then Digger gave us the final morning jobs The Last Inglesham Dig LWRG + KESCRG September 2019 briefing on site.

Main Tasks: lock clearance, sand consolidation and disposal, fencing, drainage ditch, quoin stone completion, and general tidy up of site.

Steve D and Paul R were tasked with the quoin stone task and proceeded to construct them. Meanwhile brave Rhianna (only female on site) joined Barry and David B to start sorting out the sand and put it into bags.

But before this could be safely done they were joined by the two members of the lock clearance team Dave M and Paul I to move all the spare bricks or blocks into neat piles. When the lock was sufficiently empty Dave & Paul joined RAF Martin and David S down in the lock chamber. Gary and Sam were tasked to finish off the duct and with help from Ed in the mini digger a trench was dug to lay the remaining pipework.

This left Roy and Tim with the task of operating the barrow hoist and the disposal of the contents. Digger and Pete were joined

by Nigel and Alan to dig the holes for the

Pictures by Tim Lewis

So the time had come that the Inglesham lock project would be completed and the final band of volunteers descended on the site over the long weekend of 12- 14 September.

The early arrivals on Friday were tasked by the site leader Adam ‘Digger’ Morris to start the final clearance of the lock as well as pointing up the brickwork that had been submerged by both water and silt. Therefore the first task was to run the pump to empty the chamber, to allow the sludge clearance team which included ‘RAF Martin’ Thompson to start on the task and fill the barrow hoist bucket, which Sam was detailed to empty and dispose of in the spill weir. Nigel and Alan were tasked with the pointing job, for which Alan allowed Nigel to descend into the chamber while he mixed up the mortar.

Digger and Pete F started on the job of installing the four gate posts which would control access to the site. They soon found that solid soil slowed down the task along with some concrete remains just where they wanted to put the posts.

The Friday crew retired to the pub where they were joined by all the other volunteers for the weekend so that by last bell 18 of us were in the pub and some of us did not leave until after midnight.

After an early breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches made, we departed to the site where Digger and Pete had started the pump. On arrival on site the van drivers were warned not to knock down the four new gate posts and we unloaded the vans and

page 22

Digging the drainage ditch

fence and then construct it.

By tea break everyone had progressed into their tasks and despite Paul R/Steve managing to drop the quoin former into the bottom of the lock chamber, it was quickly retrieved by Paul I. Steve returned the favour by providing Paul I with his cup of tea and cake as he was unprepared to climb back up the ladder until required. The planned movement of the sand bags by Nick was abandoned due mechanical issues and the bag were now being grouped into one big collection. By lunchtime the quoin stone had been cast and was being annoyed. Meanwhile the bottom of the lock was three quarters cleared but Paul I decided that fatigue and the need to climb the ladder meant that he allowed Rhianna to replace him in the afternoon (Editor note: he is such a gentleman J). The duct team had no finished laying out the pipe and started to infill the trench where Gary’s expert carpet fitting prowess came to light as he used up all the nicely removed turfs to lay back on the dug trench. The Fencing team had now reached the stage where the old container was required to be moved to allow them to finish off the fence. This meant a delicate movement of the container by use of the mini Digger by Ed. The sand bagging team of Dave B and Barry continued their seemingly never ending task as they continued to locate more sand to fill the bags. A visit from Jenny and Archie provided the troops with Ice lollies and after an overall site clearance a group photo was taken for the final record.

A return to Brimscombe for a wonderful meal from Jude and Harri was followed

by a speech from Rick and then drinking of the beer brought by Jenny and also port and cheese to follow.

On Sunday, as the weather forecast had stated that it would be bad (hence the effort to finish on site on the Saturday) meant that the teams could concentrate on the clearing up of all the equipment brought back from Inglesham as well in the other storage spaces at Brimscombe. Some members attended the WRG meeting so the rest set about the various tasks. The rubbish was put into the skip while the batch of bricks and fencing panels and blocks were stored around the various units on site. The barrow hoist was checked over and the frame was reconstructed within one unit while all the scaffolding neatly piled into another unit.

There was an inspection of all of the WRG van fleet which had not been in the same space since the last IWA national festival over five years ago. This gave the chance to move one camp kit into another van and also assess which vans were required to visit the body shop for repair of the odd scrape from the summer, and which could receive some TLC on site.

So by the lunchtime which was noisily announced by young Archie using the empty mini beer barrels as drums, all the tasks had been completed and while the London WRG van group waited for Martin L to finish in the WRG meeting everyone else departed.

A big thank you to everyone who have been connected to the Inglesham Lock project for the time they have spent on the task and the satisfaction of its completion.

Paul Ireson

Job done: the end-of-work team photo

page 23

navvies

diary

Canal Camps cost £70 per week or as stated. Bookings for WRG Camps with Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453, enquiries@wrg.org.uk. Di

Nov 1-8 WAT Wendover Arm Nov 2/3 BB2019 Uttoxeter Canal: Bonfire Bash, WRG Reunion Nov 2/3 KESCRG Uttoxeter Canal: Bonfire Bash, WRG Reunion Nov 2/3 London WRG Uttoxeter Canal: Bonfire Bash, WRG Reunion Nov 2/3 wrgFT Uttoxeter Canal: Bonfire Bash, WRG Reunion Nov 2 Sat WRG Committee & Board Meetings: at WRG Reunion Nov 16/17 London WRG To be arranged Nov 16/17 wrgBITM Wey & Arun Canal: Concreting at Thriscutt Slipway Nov 16 Sat wrgNW Manchester & Stockport Canal Nov 23/24 NWPG Cotswold Canals: Dudbridge Lock Nov 30/Dec 1wrgFT Lichfield Canal Dec 6-13 WAT Wendover Arm Dec 7/8 KESCRG Cotswold Canals: Joint Xmas dig with London WRG at Brimscombe Dec 7/8 London WRG Cotswold Canals: Xmas party dig with KESCRG at Brimscombe Dec 7/8 wrgBITM Wilts & Berks Canal: Christmas Work Party Dec 7/8 wrgNW Chesterfield Canal Dec 12 Thu TMCA Thames & Medway Canal: Work party Dec 26-Jan 1 CC201923 Christmas canal camp on the Cotswold Canals Jan 3-10 WAT Wendover Arm Jan 11/12 wrgFT Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Jan 18/19 wrgBITM To be arranged Jan 18/19 London WRG To be arranged Feb 7-14 WAT Wendover Arm Feb 8/9 London WRG To be arranged Feb 14-16 wrgFT Shrewsbury & Newport Canals: (Fri, Sat, Sun) Feb 15/16 wrgBITM T.B.A. Feb 29/Mar 1 London WRG To be arranged Mar 6-13 WAT Wendover Arm Mar 7/8 wrgFT Cotswold Canals: Joint weekend with KESCRG Mar 14/15 WRG/IWA/BCNS BCN Clean Up on the Old Main Line. More details and booking form ne Mar 14/15 London WRG BCN Clean Up Mar 28/29 wrgFT River Parrett: Langport (for IWA West Country branch) Apr 3-10 WAT Wendover Arm May 1-8 WAT Wendover Arm May 2-3 IWA Canalway Cavalcade festival, Little Venice, London. For details of site se May 23-25 WACT Nationasl Trailboat Festival: Wey & Arun Canal, Thriscutt Slipway Jun 5-12 WAT Wendover Arm Jul 3-10 WAT Wendover Arm

For details of diary dates beyond the end of this list ple

page 24

WRG and mobile groups

h number e.g. 'Camp 201901' should go to WRG Canal Camps, Island House, iary compiled by Dave Wedd. Tel: 07816-175454, dave.wedd@wrgbitm.org.uk Tony Bardwell Bobby Silverwood Tim Lewis Nigel Lee Mike Palmer Tim Lewis Dave Wedd Ju Davenport Bill Nicholson Nigel Lee Tony Bardwell Bobby Silverwood Tim Lewis Dave Wedd Ju Davenport Les Schwieso Tony Bardwell Nigel Lee Dave Wedd Tim Lewis Tony Bardwell Tim Lewis Nigel Lee Dave Wedd Tim Lewis Tony Bardwell Nigel Lee

ext time

Tim Lewis Nigel Lee Tony Bardwell Tony Bardwell ervices camp, see future issues Tony Bardwell Tony Bardwell

01296-634973 01494-783453 07971-814986 07802-518094 07802-854694 01564-785293 07802-518094 07816-175454 07808-182004 01844-343369 07802-854694 01296-634973 07971-814986 07802-518094 07816-175454 07808-182004 01634-847118 01494-783453 01296-634973 07802-854694 07816-175454 07802-518094 01296-634973 07802-518094 07802-854694 07816-175454 07802-518094 01296-634973 07802-854694 01494-783453 07802-518094 07802-854694 01296-634973 01296-634973

operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk enquiries@wrg.org.uk bobby@kescrg.org.uk london@wrg.org.uk nigel.lee@wrg.org.uk mike.palmer@wrg.org.uk london@wrg.org.uk bookings@wrgbitm.org.uk nw@wrg.org.uk bill@nwpg.org.uk nigel.lee@wrg.org.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk bobby@kescrg.org.uk london@wrg.org.uk bookings@wrgbitm.org.uk nw@wrg.org.uk wpo@thamesmedway.co.uk enquiries@wrg.org.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk nigel.lee@wrg.org.uk bookings@wrgbitm.org.uk london@wrg.org.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk london@wrg.org.uk nigel.lee@wrg.org.uk bookings@wrgbitm.org.uk london@wrg.org.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk nigel.lee@wrg.org.uk enquiries@wrg.org.uk london@wrg.org.uk nigel.lee@wrg.org.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk

01296-634973 01296-634973

operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk

ease contact diary compiler Dave Wedd: see top of page

page 25

navvies

diary

Canal societies’ regular working parties 3rd Sunday of month Every Sunday if required Every Tuesday Once per month: pls check 2nd & 4th w/e of month Thursdays Sep-Apr 2nd Sun & alternate Thu Every Mon and Wed Every Mon am Thu pm Various dates Every Sunday Every Tue and Thu Every Tue & Wed Every Friday Most Wed and Sun Second Sun of month Every Mon to Fri Every Fri and Sat Tuesdays 3rd Wed and last Sat 2nd Sunday of month Every Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun 3rd Sunday of month 2nd full weekend of month 2nd Saturday of month Alternate Saturdays Two Sundays per month Weekly Every Wed and 1st Sat 2nd Sunday of month 1st Sunday of month Last weekend of month 2nd Sunday of month Every Thu and Sat various dates 1st weekend of month Every Tuesday morning Most days, please contact 1st w/e of month (Fri-Thu) Every Sun Every Wed 2nd and last Sun of month

ACA BBHT BCA BCNS BCS BCT BuCS CCT CCT CCT ChCT CSCT C&BN ECPDA DSCT FIPT GCS GCS H&GCT K&ACT LCT LHCRT LHCRT MBBCS MSCS MWRT NWDCT PCAS RGT SCARS SCCS SCS SNT SORT SRL SUCS TMCA WACT WAT WBCT WBCT WBCT

Snarestone Peter Oakden Bugsworth Basin Ian Edgar Basingstoke Canal Chris Healy BCN waterways Mike Rolfe Basingstoke Canal Duncan Paine Aqueduct section Tim Dingle Buckingham area Athina Beckett Cotswold (W depot) Reg Gregory Cotswold (E end) John Maxted Cotswold Phase 1a Jon Pontefract Chesterfield Canal Mick Hodgetts Chichester Canal Malcolm Maddison Chelmer & Blackwater John Gale Langley Mill John Baylis Derby Canal Keith Johnson Foxton Inclined Plane Mike Beech Grantham Lock 14 Ian Wakefield Woolsthorpe depot Ian Wakefield Oxenhall Brian Fox East Kennet & Avon Mike Bennett Lancaster N. Reaches Robin Yates Lichfield Hugh Millington Hatherton Denis Cooper Nob End Ian Astbury Stockport Branch Roger Bravey Maidenhead w/ways Ian Caird N Walsham Canal David Revill Pocklington Canal Richard Harker Stowmarket Navigtn. Martin Bird Sankey Canal John Hughes Combe Hay Locks Mark Sherrey Stover Canal George Whitehead Sleaford Navigation Mel Sowerby Sussex Ouse Ted Lintott Baswich, Stafford John Potter Montgomery Canal David Carter Thames & Medway Les Schwieso Wey & Arun Canal Northern office Little Tring Tony Bardwell Swindon Oliver Gardiner Wootton Bassett John Bower Pewsham Ray Canter

01827-880667 0161-427 7402 01252-370073 07763-171735 01252-614125 01288-361356 01908-661217 01452-614362 01285-861011 07986-351412 01246-620695 01243-775201 01376-334896 01623-621208 07845-466721 0116-279-2657 0115-989-2128 0115-989-2128 01432-358628 0118-969-9861 01539-733252 01543-251747 01543-374370 07855-471117 0161-442-9087 07581-092001 01603-738648 07702-741211 01394-380765 01744-600656 07973-918467 01626-775498 01522-856810 01444-414413 01785-226662 01244-661440 01634-847118 01483-505566 01296-634973 07785-775993 01793 636297 01249 659111

Please send updates to Navvies diary compiler Dave Wedd (see previous page)

page 26

Canal societies and CRT Canal & River Trust ‘Towpath Taskforce’ regular working parties 2nd Saturday of month Audlem Shropshire Union Jason Watts 07824 356556 Every Thursday Bath Kennet & Avon Steve Manzi 07710175278 07917 585838 1st Wednesday of month Birmingham B’ham & Fazeley/BCN Sue Blocksidge Alternate Thursdays Blackburn Leeds & Liverpool Alice Kay 07825 196 365 Burnley Leeds & Liverpool Alice Kay 07825 196 365 1st Sunday of month 2nd Wednesday of month Chadderton Rochdale Jason Watts 07824 356556 Last Saturday of month Chester Shropshire Union Jason Watts 07824 356556 Colne/Nelson Leeds & Liverpool Alice Kay 07825 196 365 1st Saturday of month Alternate Thursdays Coventry Coventry Sue Blocksidge 07917 585838 Devizes Kennet & Avon Steve Manzi 07710175278 3rd Thursday of month Drakeholes Chesterfield Becca Dent 0113 2816811 2nd Friday of month 1st Saturday & next Tue Fradley Coventry/ T&M Sue Blocksidge 07917 585838 Gailey Staffs & Worcs Sue Blocksidge 07917 585838 4th Thursday of month Every Wednesday Gloucester Glos & Sharpness Caroline Kendall 01452 318028 Last Sunday of month Hawkesbury Coventry/Oxford Sue Blocksidge 07917 585838 Huddersfield Huddersfield Broad Becca Dent 0113 2816811 2nd Friday of month Knottingley Aire & Calder Becca Dent 0113 2816811 1st Thursday of month Alternate Thursdays Lancaster Lancaster Canal Alice Kay 07825 196 365 Alternate Tuesdays Leicester Soar/Grand Union Wayne Ball 01636 675704 Jason Watts 07824 356556 1st Wednesday of month Littleborough Rochdale Llangollen Andy Whitehouse 07789 982392 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Llangollen 2nd Saturday of month London Cent. Regents/Docklands Linzi-Joy MacDonald 07484 912884 Linzi-Joy MacDonald 07484 912884 1st Wed & 3rd Sat of month London East Lee & Stort 1st Sat 3rd & 4th Wed London West Paddington/ GU Linzi-Joy MacDonald 07484 912884 Alternate Wednesdays LoughboroughSoar Wayne Ball 01636 675704 Mexborough Sheffield & S Yorks Becca Dent 0113 2816811 3rd Thursday of month Last Tuesday of month Mirfield Calder & Hebble Becca Dent 0113 2816811 Every Tuesday Mon & Brec Monmouth & Brecon Caroline Kendall 01452 318028 Newbury Kennet & Avon Steve Manzi 07710175278 2nd Thursday of month Alternate Thursdays North Warks Coventry/Ashby Sue Blocksidge 07917 585838 Oxford Oxford Sonny King 07876 217059 1st Friday of month 2nd Wednesday of month Preston Lancaster Canal Alice Kay 07825 196 365 Retford Chesterfield Becca Dent 0113 2816811 2nd Sunday of month 4th Friday of month Rotherham Sheffield & S Yorks Becca Dent 0113 2816811 Every Friday Sefton Leeds & Liverpool Alice Kay 07825 196 365 Selby Selby Canal Becca Dent 0113 2816811 3rd Saturday of month Sheffield & S Yorks Becca Dent 0113 2816811 2nd Friday & 4th Tuesday Sheffield Alternate Wednesdays Tamworth Coventry/ Fazeley Sue Blocksidge 07917 585838 Last Thursfay of month Tees Barrage Tees Becca Dent 0113 2816811 Every Tuesday Wigan Leeds & Liverpool Alice Kay 07825 196 365 Every Thursday Worcester Worcester & B’ham Caroline Kendall 01452 318028 Alternate Wednesdays Worksop Chesterfield Wayne Ball 01636 675704

Abbreviations used in Diary: ACA BBHT BCNS BuCS BCS BCT ChCT CBN CCT ECPDA FIPT GCS H&GCT KACT KESCRG LCT LHCRT

Ashby Canal Association Bugsworth Basin Heritage Trust Birmingham Canal Navigations Soc. Buckingham Canal Society Basingstoke Canal Society Bude Canal Trust Chesterfield Canal Trust Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Cotswolds Canals Trust Erewash Canal Pres. & Devt. Assoc.

Foxton Inclined Plane Trust Grantham Canal Society Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Kent & E Sussex Canal Rest. Group Lancaster Canal Trust Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Rest'n Trust

MBBCS MSCS MWRS NWPG NWDCT PCAS RGT SCARS SCCS SCS SNT SRL SORT SUCS TMCA WACT WAT WBCT

Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society Manchester & Stockport Canal Society Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Society Newbury Working Party Group North Walsham & Dilham Canal Trust Pocklington Canal Amenity Society River Gipping Trust Sankey Canal Restoration Society Somersetshire Coal Canal Society Stover Canal Society Sleaford Navigation Trust Stafford Riverway Link Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Shropshire Union Canal Society Thames & Medway Canal Association Wey & Arun Canal Trust Wendover Arm Trust Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

page 27

navvies

diary

Inland Waterways Association and other one-day working parties Every Fri IWA Lichfield Coventry Canal: Offside Veg with boat & chipper 9:30-3:30 Every Sat IWA W. Country Bridgwater & Taunton Canal: Taunton area 10am-1:30pm Every Tue/SatIWA W. Country Bridgwater & Taunton Canal: Bridgwater area 10am-1:30pm Nov 3 Sun IWA Northants Northampton Arm: 10am-2pm. Painting, vegetation & litter Nov 10 Sun IWA Lincs/SNT Sleaford Navigation: Various work on navigable section Nov 14 Thu IWA NSSC/CUCT Uttoxeter Canal: Work party at Bridge 70, Crumpwood. 10am-3pm Nov 16 Sat IWA Manchester Venue T.B.C.: Greater Manchester area. Veg clearance, etc. 10amNov 19 Tue BCP/IWA Oxford Oxford Canal: Banbury Canal Partnership, 9am-1pm Nov 19 Tue IWA Northants Northampton Arm: 10am-2pm. Painting, vegetation & litter Nov 21 Thu IWA NSSC/TMCS Trent & Mersey Canal: Cheshire Locks. 10am-3pm. Refurbish Lock 49 Oct 19 Sat IWA IWA Volunteer & Member Networking Day: Stoke on Trent Nov 26 Tue BCP/IWA Oxford Oxford Canal: Banbury Canal Partnership, 9am-1pm Nov 26 Tue IWA NSSC/BPT Burslem Arm: Luke St, Middleport, Stoke on Trent. 10am-3pm Nov 30 Sat IWA Chester Shropshire Union Canal: Chester area, painting & veg clearance. 10amDec 1 Sun IWA Northants Northampton Arm: 10am-2pm. Painting, vegetation & litter Dec 8 Sun IWA Lincs/SNT Sleaford Navigation: Various work on navigable section Dec 12 Thu IWA NSSC/CUCT Uttoxeter Canal: Work party at Bridge 70, Crumpwood. 10am-3pm Dec 17 Tue BCP/IWA Oxford Oxford Canal: Banbury Canal Partnership, 9am-1pm Dec 17 Tue IWA Northants Northampton Arm: 10am-2pm. Painting, vegetation & litter Dec 21 Sat IWA Manchester Venue T.B.C.: Greater Manchester area. Veg clearance, etc. 10amDec 24 Tue BCP/IWA Oxford Oxford Canal: Banbury Canal Partnership, 9am-1pm Dec 28 Sat IWA Chester Shropshire Union Canal: Chester area, painting & veg clearance. 10amDec 31 Tue IWA NSSC/BPT Burslem Arm: Luke St, Middleport, Stoke on Trent. 10am-3pm Jan 5 Sun IWA Northants Northampton Arm: 10am-2pm. Painting, vegetation & litter Jan 9 Thu IWA NSSC/CUCT Uttoxeter Canal: Work party at Bridge 70, Crumpwood. 10am-3pm Jan 12 Sun IWA Lincs/SNT Sleaford Navigation: Various work on navigable section Jan 16 Thu IWA NSSC/TMCS Trent & Mersey Canal: Cheshire Locks. 10am-3pm. Refurbish Locks Jan 18 Sat IWA Chester Shropshire Union Canal: Chester area, painting & veg clearance. 10amJan 18 Sat IWA Manchester Venue T.B.C.: Greater Manchester area. Veg clearance, etc. 10amJan 21 Tue BCP/IWA Oxford Oxford Canal: Banbury Canal Partnership, 9am-1pm Jan 21 Tue IWA Northants Northampton Arm: 10am-2pm. Painting, vegetation & litter IWA branch abbreviations BBCW = Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire; Other abbreviations: BCN = Banbury Canal Partnership BPT = Burslem Port trust; CUCT = Caldon TMCS = Trent & Mersey Canal Society; CRT = Canal & River Trust

Mobile groups' socials:

The following groups hold regular social gatherings

London WRG: 7:30pm on Wed 10 days before dig at the 'Rose & Crown' Colombo Street, London NWPG: 7:30pm on 3rd Tue of month at the 'Hope Tap', West end of Friar St. Reading.

page 28

IWA and partners For WRG, canal societies and CRT working parties see previous pages

4pm

4pm

4pm 4pm

66 & 65 4pm 4pm

Neil Barnett Steve Bulgin Mike Slade Geoff Wood Mel Sowerby Steve Wood Barry McGuinness Colin Garnham-Edge Geoff Wood John Lawson Nicola Kiely Colin Garnham-Edge Steve Wood Jason Watts Geoff Wood Mel Sowerby Steve Wood Colin Garnham-Edge Geoff Wood Barry McGuinness Colin Garnham-Edge Jason Watts Steve Wood Geoff Wood Steve Wood Mel Sowerby John Lawson Jason Watts Barry McGuinness Colin Garnham-Edge Geoff Wood

07808-846434 07855-794256 07977-263840 01522-856810 07976-805858 07875-999825

07940-878923

07976-805858

01522-856810 07976-805858

07875-999825

07976-805858 07976-805858 01522-856810 07940-878923 07875-999825

neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk stevebulgin@icloud.com mike.slade@waterways.org.uk geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk workparty@sleafordnavigation.co.uk steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk barry_m@manchester-iwa.co.uk bcpontheoxford@gmail.com geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk john.lawson@waterways.org.uk nicola.kiely@waterways.org.uk bcpontheoxford@gmail.com steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk jason.watts@canalrivertrust.org.uk geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk workparty@sleafordnavigation.co.uk steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk bcpontheoxford@gmail.com geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk barry_m@manchester-iwa.co.uk bcpontheoxford@gmail.com jason.watts@canalrivertrust.org.uk steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk workparty@sleafordnavigation.co.uk john.lawson@waterways.org.uk jason.watts@canalrivertrust.org.uk barry_m@manchester-iwa.co.uk bcpontheoxford@gmail.com geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

MK = Milton Keynes; Mcr= Manchester; NSSC = North Staffs & South Cheshire & Uttoxeter Canal Society;

RGT= River Gipping Trust; SNT = Sleaford Navigation Trust;

in pubs.

Please phone to confirm dates and times

SE1 8DP.

Contact Tim Lewis 07802-518094 Contact Phil Dray 07956-185305

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safeguarding young people Most WRG activities aren’t for under 18s. But if you want to get involved in any that are (such as ‘drive a digger’ or family camps) please read this WRG / IWA and safeguarding young people: revised handbook / policy WRG’s parent body the Inland Waterways Association’s Trustees recently reviewed the Association’s Safeguarding Young People Policy and Handbook. Whilst the Association is experienced in carrying out a range of activities, we do not offer volunteering opportunities for unaccompanied children unless it has been authorised in advance by the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). IWA feels that it cannot provide care and supervision to children under 18 who turn up unplanned on activities without a parent, guardian or external supervisor present.

On the whole, as WRG does not run activities for under 18s, this new policy will not be relevant but it may affect certain WRG events - requiring volunteers and staff to complete a youth engagement recruitment form; undertake specific young people risk assessments; DBS checks and additional training. These might be:

· · ·

Volunteers supporting Family Camps Volunteers helping the Drive a Digger stand (or bricklaying activity) e.g. at festivals.

Regional group / Centrally booked weekends that volunteers aged under 18 may attend with their parents

See the table opposite which summarises youth volunteering and training requirements. To read the policy in full go to www.waterways.org.uk/safeguarding If you have any queries please contact Jenny Morris and Alex Melson – the Association‘s Designated Safeguarding Officers.

Jenny Morris

Young volunteers on one of this summer’s WRG family camps

page 30

Safeguarding young people: Youth volunteering recruitment and training requirements

page 31

letters

to the editor

What do people want to see in Navvies? A couple of readers give their response to our question last time. Any more thoughts? Send them in!

Dear Editor Thank you Martin, for Navvies Issue 296 August- September.

It’s another good read, keeping me in touch as I have been unable to participate this year. The reports about canals I have helped with restoration are, perhaps, the most interesting. I just wish I had discovered WRG earlier in my life. I so envy the young fit volunteers (and the not so young) – long may they all continue!

Page 46 about making Himalayan Balsam wine brought to mind a tale my mother used to tell about a neighbour of ours. Apparently the neighbour asked if she could have the flowers from the Elder in our garden to make Elderflower wine, but then went on to ask if she could go back later in the year for the berries to make Elderberry wine. Duurrr!!

Your comment about ‘editor’ being an anagram of rioted didn’t bother me as I often get my anagrams mixed up. Boom Boom!!

Best wishes Richard Tyler

Pictures by Waterway Images

Dear Editor Thanks for the Editorial in the latest Navvies (issue 296).

My comments are: Leave the camp reports as they are in all their variety and length - this is what makes them interesting.

I think I have said before but the ‘Fact Files’ (maps and brief history of each restoration) are great - please leave them in.

Some technical features would be good and also some H&S features from time to time. I liked the ‘good and bad plants’ feature in issue 296.

Some Restoration Features would be good, again on an occasional basis.

I would be less interested in ‘Waterways History’ pieces but others might well be happy with them.

However, I think that none of these should be at the expense of the (varied) Camp Reports first and foremost.

Hope this is of some help to you.

Malcolm Parker

As mentioned last time, we have at long last managed to get a suitable zinc-etched plaque to be fixed over the damaged stone memorial to WRG’s founder Graham Palmer at the Montgomery Canal lock that bears his name. Here are before and after shots of the installation

page 32

progress Wendover Arm Our regular roundup of progress begins on the Grand Union Wendover Arm, where they’re finishing off one section and starting on another...

Wendover Arm Trust

Pictures by WAT

The August work party was set out to be a two-week effort and we had good volunteer Team Leader and Volunteer cover. The primary task was to import 680 tonnes of topsoil and spread it evenly on the area known as the Whitehouses spoil tip. At the end of the exercise we had received 36 eight wheeled truck topsoil loads each of which was just over 18 tonnes. The topsoil was moved by using excavators and dumpers to get an even coverage over the whole of the area. Other jobs also tackled were: Mooring Wall concrete block reinforcing: working on the blocks laid on the canal bed at the mooring wall in July. The first task was to fill the hollow concrete blocks with more concrete and then to lift two rows of solid blocks and install reinforced concrete in their place. The reinforcing will add stability to the blocks when the additional “concrete sleeping policemen” are laid on the bed Whitehouses fences, hut and toilet moves: The time had come to clear the Whitehouses compound and the first stage was to remove the Heras fencing from the whole area. The storage hut was cleared out, and moved to its new home the other side of Bridge 4. The toilet was also moved.

Bulk excavation on the Tring Moving on: reinforcing the block work at the moorside of Bridge 4: excavation is under ing wall, and then moving the toilet to a new site way ready for the next length of channel to be rebuilt.

Pipeline depth examination: When the canal was abandoned, a metal pipe was laid in its bed to continue the canal’s water supply function.

Up to now we have been excavating down to the pipe, capping it in protective concrete and then constructing a waterproof channel above it. In order to decide what should be done with the pipeline between Bridge 4 and Little Tring, it was necessary to establish the depth of the pipe below eventual bed level. We found the pipe which was in good condition and at 1.75m below final bed level.

All in all, a busy month!

Tony Bardwell

page 33

Progress

special

In which the editor visits an IWA restoration showcase event held on a steamboat, and brings you news from the ‘top left corner’ of England & Wales provides the water supply from a feeder from Killington Reservoir (which enters just a A recent Restoration Showcase weekend couple of miles south of Stainton) to the event held on board historic Manchester Ship navigable length. Beyond Stainton, the canal Canal steam tug-tender Daniel Adamson in is dry and largely infilled (but unobstructed Liverpool Docks served to demonstrate that for most of the way) to the original terminus there’s actually quite a lot happening restora- in Kendal. tion-wise up there - if not just in what we Hopes of a local authority supported might call ‘the north west’, then at least in the funding package to reinstate and re-water a ‘top left quarter’ of England and Wales. So section at the Kendal end have so far come we’ve put together a roundup of things that to nothing; extending the navigable length have been happening on the six (or seven) north from Tewitfield would be beyond the projects represented on the ‘Danny’ on that sort of funding that can be raised at the successful weekend in September – plus one or moment as it involves the first M6 motorway two more from that general part of Britain… crossing. But around Stainton there is a decent length of unobstructed watered canal where LCT already operates a trip-boat, and Lancaster Canal which has hosted trailboat events including Regular readers may be aware Manchester Bolton of something called the ‘First Lancaster & Bury Canal Furlong’ on the Lancaster CaCanal nal, a furlong being a unit of Hollinwood measurement which these days Branch is largely confined to horseracing and pub quizzes, but was equal to 200 yards. Call it 200 metres. Anyway it might not sound like a great distance in the context of a canal restoSankey ration scheme that hopes to Canal reopen the 14 miles of canal from the current terminus of the navigable section at the Stockport bottom of Tewitfield Locks to Branch Kendal. Especially as this length Runcorn River Locks includes five miles of dry chanWeaver nel, three culverted crossings River of the M6 motorway and sevDee eral other significant road Montgomery blockages. But for Lancaster Canal Canal Trust it’s an important 200 metres…

The first nine miles north from Tewitfield Locks as far as Stainton are still in water (alShrewsbury beit at a somewhat reduced & Newport level). Most of this length Canals needs to be in water, because it

Progress: north west special

page 34

LCT

North Western waterways

Lancaster: putting the finishing touches on the First Furlong this year’s IWA festival. So the Trust hit on the idea of restoring the first furlong northwards from where the water runs out at Bridge 172 Stainton Crossing Bridge to the next bridge, Sellet Hall Bridge No 173 – as a way of making some actual physical progress on the ground, and extending the range of the trip-boat and trailboats. It would need relining with a waterproof membrane protected with a layer of concrete blocks – and that’s what our camps last year were working on.

They hoped to have it rewatered in time for the trailboat festival – but the weather had other ideas, the wet conditions hampering work on site, and unstable banks requiring one section to be lined with gabions. And in addition the floods of a couple of years ago caused major damage to Stainton Aqueduct, between the festival site and the First Furlong. But this has now been repaired thanks to Heritage funding grants, and the Furlong is finally more-or-less complete (20,000 blocks out of 23,000 had been laid by September), and the plan was to rewater it slowly, testing after every few inches (in fact it got a re-watering trial slightly earlier than planned, thanks to some more wet weather).

So what next? There are another 400 metres (or two furlongs) of restorable canal (and possible future volunteer work) leading

towards Hincaster Tunnel, which is historically a very important structure (one of the first major brick-built structures in the north of England) and in good condition. But just before the tunnel, the A590 dual carriageway cuts the canal – although there is an existing bridge which might be pressed into service for the canal. Beyond the tunnel, another A590 crossing makes things difficult, but just to get there would be a significant extension of the trip-boat section and a step on the way to full reopening.

Runcorn Locks (Bridgewater Canal) What’s now regarded as a five-mile arm of the Bridgewater Canal from the junction with the Trent & Mersey at Preston Brook to a dead end in Runcorn was once the main through route to the Mersey (and later to the Manchester Ship Canal, with a link to the River Weaver too) at Runcorn Docks. Unfortunately the last half mile or so, where it descended through two (roughly) parallel flights of locks to the level of the Ship Canal, was closed as recently as the 1960s and obstructed by the slip-roads built to provide links to the recently opened Runcorn to Widnes road bridge.

But with the construction of the new Mersey Gateway bridge in recent years, the decision was made to return the 1960s bridge to a local transport function, which meant the slip-roads would no longer be needed – and that provides an opportunity to put the canal link back. Actually not on the route that was open until the 1960s, but on the older of the two flights which closed rather longer ago, but has survived in better condition while the newer flight has been built on.

Runcorn Locks Restoration Society has been campaigning for the reopening of this for some years – some of you will remember

page 35

Sankey Canal If the opening of the Mersey Gateway bridge has been good news for the Runcorn Locks project, it’s been less of a boost for another scheme on the other side of the river – the Sankey Canal Restoration Society’s plan to restore the canal from Spike Island at Widnes via Fidlers Ferry and Warrington to St Helen’s. In fact the bridge builders have only recently finally gone away and left the canal alone, after quite a long period of it being in the middle of a building site.

And to make matters worse, just when SCARS were looking to develop their plans to extend the existing restored lengths at Spike Island and Fidlers Ferry (both of which function as non-tidal mooring basins off the Mersey) and work towards linking them together, the closure of the nearby power

Martin Ludgate

the IWA Preston Brook festival, held there soon after the plan was launched. But it’s only now, with the road works, that it’s started to look like going ahead.

So we’ll be getting in there and restoring the locks with them, will we? Well, not necessarily. RLRS has come up with a rather more exciting plan than that, combining restoration of some of the locks with creation of one or more boat lifts to replace missing locks, plus a new marina… and is hopeful of getting major regeneration funding from the Mersey Region to make it happen. And they’ve put in for an initial development grant which they’re hopeful of securing.

Exciting times!

Runcorn: view down the infilled lock flight station (whose cooling water supplied the canal) has left them wondering where their water will come from.

But it isn’t all bad news: the length at Spike Island is about to be extended by construction of a new swingbridge, opening up another mile and a half of canal, including another bridge already restored. The £750,000 cost is being paid by Halton Council, and work on the bridge (made of plastic) is due to begin in March 2020.

Montgomery Canal

Martin Ludgate

You may have seen the pictures in Navvies of the start of rewatering at Crickheath Wharf, where a new winding hole (turning point) will mark the terminus of the next section to due be reopened to boats from the English end of the canal (and the first reopening since Aston Locks in 2003) – this being part of the current National Lottery Heritage Fund supported work. There’s still some lining work to be done on the section leading up to there, but following relocation of great crested newts recently by environmental experts, Shropshire Union Canal Society will be working on this. And there could be a reopening around 2021.

Sankey: a new swingbridge will replace this fixed span At the same time, de-

page 36

CRT

ings, but also locks already restored by SUCS in the hope of extending navigation to where the water finally runs out at the tail of Freestone Lock, beyond Aberbechan. The last three miles and three locks (which needed to be supplied by a pump) are dry, a water pipe has been laid in the canal bed, and the final section is filled in – but just Montgomery: Crickheath winding hole. It is now complete and in water recently, the Mayor of sign and planning work is continuing on the Newtown has put his backing behind the idea next major volunteer project beyond Crickof opening the canal right back into the heath: the missing Schoolhouse Bridge, town. which (since WRG North West took out the old railway embankment near Pant a couple Shrewsbury & Newport Canals of years ago) is now the only remaining blockage on the English length of the canal.

You’ll probably have seen plenty already in The plan is for contractors to install the basic Navvies about Shrewsbury & Newport Canal concrete road bridge structure, but for volun- Trust’s current work sites towards the teers to do everything else – facings, towShrewsbury end of the canal, but to recap: path, earthworks and so on. And the Montsome heavy vegetation clearance involving gomery Waterway Restoration Trust has been canal camps and visiting regional WRG appealing for volunteers with various skills to groups (see pic of WRG NW on page 2) has offer their services. been taking place at either end of Berwick Completion of School House Bridge Tunnel, along with work to reinstate the would mean that it would then be a case of towpath. At the north west end of the tunnel, continuing the channel lining work for as far there are plans to create a circular walking as is necessary (and it’s not clear exactly how route with a path each side of the canal. far this would be, as there is a change in the Meanthile at the south east end, volunteers ground conditions at some point) so that re- have just moved on from the tunnel apwatering can extend through to the short proach to a new section at Berwick Wharf navigable length on the Welsh border at (see back cover pictures). Here it’s hoped to Llanymynech. link up with a section in the grounds of It then gets more difficult, because Attingham Park, a National Trust Property there are four serious road blockages sepaand (surprisingly – well, I was surprised!) rating Llanymynech from the 12-mile reone of the most-visited in the country. stored navigable length running from To really make the most of this, two Ardleen through Welshpool to Refail. But it’s small road bridges will have to be reinstated hoped that with the arrival of the canal (and at some point, but the result would be a very visiting boats) at the border, the Welsh local attractive trip-boat length leading from the authorities may step up their support for the Park to the Tunnel. restoration.

Meanwhile towards the other end of the And finally, there’s the length beyond canal at Newport, work is just starting on Refail. There are more culverted road crossdredging a watered but badly-silted length

page 37

Martin Ludgate Martin Ludgate

through the town.

This is being done for nature conservation reasons, but with the support of the canal trust as well as the local wildlife trust, and it will help the restoration in the long term.

Finally, work continues at Wappenshall, where the Thomas Telford warehouses will be restored as a community centre and canal centre, and the Trust has just had an Shrewsbury & Newport: the length planned for dredging in Newport offer of the use of a historic working narrow boat which could be returned to working order (requiring work on stationed there as part of the display. the bottom lock and approach from the river) but ultimately the creation of an easier route onto the non-tidal river, which is navigable for River Weaver some 10 miles above the city to Farndon.

The River Weaver isn’t actually a restoration This is currently a choice of either project – it’s fully navigable – but the River waiting for a high spring tide that provides Weaver Navigation Society were represented enough water for navigation over the historic at the Restoration Showcase. As well as their Chester Weir, or the use of a curious (and role as a ‘watchdog’ body for navigation on awkwardly sited) single ‘water gate’ set in the the river, they were giving their support to a weir, which can only be opened once the tide long-term proposal for a new link from the makes a level (which effectively means a upper end of the Weaver above Winsford to spring tide or nearly so). But passage could the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire be made much easier be constructing a new Union Canal, via yet another boat lift – an lock in a former mill channel on the west inclined plane this time. side of the river.

Open that, plus the ones proposed for the Runcorn link mentioned above, and together with the existing Anderton Lift I reckon you’d have the biggest concentration of working boat lifts this side of Poland!

…and IWA makes seven

Martin Ludgate

I said ‘six (or seven)’ restoration projects were represented at the event on the ‘Danny’: that’s because the seventh group wasn’t a restoration society, it was the Chester & Merseyside branch of the Inland Waterways Association (WRG’s parent body) who coordinated the event. But among their other activities, we should mention their longstanding support for reopening the ‘out of use’ for quite some years (but not officially abandoned) link from the Shropshire Union Canal via the Dee Branch in Chester to the tidal River Dee. They would like to see this not only River Dee: mill race could be used for a lock

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Actually another restoration project was the Daniel Adamson itself, the unique vessel having been rescued by the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society from being in poor condition and under threat of scrapping some 15 years ago, returned to today’s splendidly restored condition. The vessel operates public cruises, private charters, and in between is open to the public for guided tours at various locations in the north west.

See thedanny.co.uk.

HCS

…or eight?

Those are just the projects that were represented at the event on the ‘Danny’. But we’ll end with a couple of pictures on another two projects in the north west, where WRG North West have been carrying out vegetation clearance with Hollinwood Canal Society on the Hollinwood Branch of the Ashton Canal, and supporting the Manchester & Stockport Canal Society on the same canals Stockport Branch – and will be supporting them again on a one-day clearance on Saturday 16 November (Note the date – we got it wrong in the last Navvies!) and will welcome any volunteers.

HCS

…or nine or ten…

Hollinwood: before and after at Daisy Nook (above and top) Stockport: litter clearance by the Ashton junction (below)

Let’s not forget the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society. And then there’s the Plas Kynaston Canal, I heard something about a group proposing to restore the Rochdale Canal’s Heywood Branch, and please somebody write me something sometime about Manchester’s mysterious underground canal!

Martin Ludgate

MSCS

…or more?

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progress

Round-up

Restoration progress on the Wilts & Berks, East Anglia’s River Gipping, and the Stafford Riverway Link’s plans for a branch of the Staffs & Worcs River Gipping Trust The Trust’s volunteers continue to meet up along the river every Wednesday. We have around 20 volunteers, with each work party averaging out at around ten volunteers a time.

We continue to work on the lock and bywash at Pipps Ford, including creating a ford across the bywash suitable for heavy equipment to cross, to get access to the lock. The installation of stop planks into the lock has proved very challenging. Despite various attempts we have been unsuccessful in damming off the lock sufficient to pump out the water in between.

We are now looking at alternative solutions and hopefully will try again next year.

Just upstream of Baylham lock we are planning to build a new bridge on top of existing 230-year-old bridge abutments which are in generally good / repairable condition. The towpath bridge itself disappeared some 50 years ago, which resulted in the footpath being diverted away from the river some half a mile away, alongside the railway line. The bridge abutments are on private land, with different owners each side, but the Trust have the permission of both of the landowners for the new bridge and for a permissive path connecting the bridge to the existing riverside towpath. We are currently working on creating the permissive path to and from the bridge and restoring the brick abutments in readiness for the bridge. We are also working on the bridge plans in readiness for submission to the local council and simultaneously seeking funds to support the estimated cost of £25,000.

When not working on the bywash and the new bridge we continue to carry out maintenance work along the towpath between Needham Market and Baylham, clearing overgrown blackthorn scrub and overgrown nettles and Himalayan Balsam between the river and the towpath. More recently a couple of significant trees have fallen from the bank into the river, and these have had to be removed.

We meet at Pipps Ford or Baylham every Wednesday (weather permitting), any new volunteers are very welcome to come along!

Ian Petchey, Restoration Manager, River Gipping Trust

Stafford Riverway Link Pictured (right) is the Stafford Riverway Link’s worksite at Basford, on the edge of Stafford, during a recent open day.

The group aims to reopen a mile-long canalisation of the River Sow, branching off the Staffs & Worcs Canal and leading into Stafford. Originally it bridged the Sow’s tributary the River Penk on a small aqueduct before joining the Sow; the plan now is to lock down into the Penk and dog-leg via the junction of the two streams. Hence the aqueduct approach (centre) is now bricked up, and a new lock will be built to the right of the picture.

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Site for new lock into river

Original canal wall rebuilt

Aqueduct approach bricked up

Wilts & Berks Canal

WBCT

WBCT

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has launched a plan to develop the existing Shrivenham Canal Park, and is appealing for volunteer and fundraising support.

While the immediate plans are mostly concerned with the park - including adding a woodland sanctuary, meadows, hedging and an information zone, in the medium term the aim is to rewater 600 metres of the old canal line alongside the park.

WBCT West Vale Branch Chair Graham Banks is pictured (right) alongside the length of canal bed. He said “Over the last few years our volunteers have cleared and dredged several lengths and rebuilt the bridge which carries Steppingstone Lane bridleway over the canal, as well as opening up hundreds of metres of towpath, but we’re ready to do more. We want to establish a community and environmental asset for people of all ages while we continue working towards full restoration.”

Meanwhile in Swindon, WBCT has benefited from the proceeds of the first Wichelstowe Games (held alongside the canal banks) which will go towards building a slipway.

Wichelstowe is the name of the ongoing major residential expansion on the south side of Swindon, which has already seen sections of canal restored and the construction of a new length of the future canal bypass around the east side of Swindon as part of the housing development work.

Currently £26m is being spent on a new road bridge under the M4 motorway to provide access to Wichelstowe. Unfortunately it was not possible to negotiate for a canal channel to be included alongside the road; however WBCT is in contact with Highways England with the aim of securing funding for a motorway crossing for the canal from the same pot of money (specifically for environmental projects rectifying damage caused by major road construction works) which is paying for the A38 dual carriageway crossings on the Cotswold “We’d like an M4 culvert for Christmas” - WBCT’s festive trips start Canals.

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international volunteers A group of WRG volunteers went on an international volunteer camp on an old mill in France - and came back with mixed impressions...

International camp at the Moulin de Villognon We often have volunteers on WRG Canal Camps from overseas, many from France via the REMPART herigate restoration volunteering organisation. But this year we were invited to do the reverse and send some young volunteers to France for a fortnight as one of many volunteering groups across Europe taking part in the REMPART Erasmus+ volunteer programme. The aim was to generate European participation within the heritage network; develop and share ideas across groups; develop future partnerships; and train our future leaders.

And to help restore the Moulin de Villognon mill in Nanteuil-en-Vallée. This is how they got on...

We arrived at our watermill ruin and campsite after a disorientating drive through the French countryside. After being shown our

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tents which would be our accommodation for the coming two weeks, we were introduced to the composting toilets. Unconvinced with the stream or solar shower washing facilities, we were relieved to be shown the bikes being repaired for transport to the showers a mile away.

As there were around 30 participants to quickly get to know, introductions and team bonding activities followed. Over a couple of days we communally came up with the camp rules, and the activities for the fortnight were set out. The main focus was on ‘Youth Exchange’ - learning about each others’ countries and cultures. Mornings were set aside for work, with afternoons and evenings for socialising and activities. Punctuating each day there were to be warm-up ‘energizer’ games, such as hot potato, to mixed reviews.

It was beginning to feel like a pack holiday.

Teams took it in turns to cook (we split them by country so that each day we could sample a particular nationality’s cuisine).

Breakfast was an informal affair, with bread and bowls of fresh coffee. Lunch and dinner were cooked to perfection. Alice guided us with what was ‘not in a full English breakfast’.

Teams took it in turn to hold a national cultural night. The Maltese taught us some sayings and provided liqueurs to drink. For our British night we put together a quiz and served scones, tea and one giant mince pie.

No-one seemed to mind that somehow the scones were yeasted. The French got us to guess the meaning of some idioms and gave us an evening of wine and cheese. The Algerians outdid us all with a feast, music and

dancing. A favourite dish was the simple Garantita, a beautifully smooth dish using chickpea flour and eggs.

The best times were the cultural activities. We explored the local towns of Nanteuilen-Vallée, Tusson and Verteuil. We took a boat trip in Brantome and went to a folk festival in Confolens. We were also treated to a guided tour of Angouleme by our camp leader. On one blisteringly hot day we came across a petting zoo near Echoisy, which cooled us all down just a little.

Another cooling day was spent kayaking down the Charente river. Tanvi braved the front of the kayak with its oncoming trees, and Inka did the hard work paddling at the back. We only went down one weir backwards. On other days we had a relaxing time swimming in the river. Evenings were spent under the stars and stoking the campfire with some indulging in Xaver’s Bavarian snuff.

Unfortunately I can’t elaborate much on the work site. The promise of learning new masonry skills whilst restoring a traditional watermill didn’t come to fruition. It was not like on a WRG camp where work is meticu-

lously planned, and skilled people and resources are put in place ahead of time. On some days a technical expert was pulled in from another site, on other days we were left to ourselves. There was a lot of time with nothing productive to do. Progress was glacial, and with little to no safety equipment or guidance, could be dangerous. Health and safety was wilfully non-existent. Many of us were bitterly disappointed with the lack of care given to the restoration work aspect of the camp. It should be noted that the problems were specific to our camp and host organisation, not Rempart as a whole.

Instead of new skills I’ve learnt to appreciate the skilled and enthusiastic volunteers that make WRG what it is.

WRG leaders plan a safely run site, bring in expertise, get an astonishing amount of work accomplished, and make sure everyone has a great time.

This leadership was greatly missed in France.

On the other hand, the cultural outings, camping and amazing food did make it into a special holiday and is something WRG could learn from.

Thank you WRG, Rempart and Erasmus for the opportunity to meet other young volunteers from around the world and experience something a bit different.

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News

navvies

The Chesterfield Canal Trust needs some expert volunteers, there’s a new restoration group in the Midlands, and CRT’s reorganised itself Bradley Locks... ...is a relatively recent restoration project on the Birmingham Canal Navigations in the West Midlands. A group aims to reinstate the missing link from the dead end by the lock gate workshops that’s currently the limit of navigation on the Wednesbury Oak Loop via Bradley Locks to the junction with the Walsall Canal. The news is that it is now a canal society, the Bradley Canal Restoration Society, and it’s just got a website where you can find a copy of the feasibility study into restoring the canal. See bradleycanal.co.uk.

West Midlands – Ian Darby – ian.darby@canalrivertrust.org.uk Yorkshire & North East – Becca Dent – becca.dent@canalrivertrust.org,uk North West – Lucy Rogers – lucy.rogers@canalrivertrust.org.uk Wales & South West – David Morgan – david.morgan@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Job vacancies...

...on the Chesterfield Canal for key volunteer roles. As Chesterfield Canal Trust says: CRT changes...

To help progress the restoration, we There have been some changes in the way would really benefit from some professional the Canal & River Trust works with canal assistance (preferably on a pro bono basis) restoration groups. We’ll bring you more in the following areas. If you are interested information on this in the future, but for now: in any of these, please contact the DevelopBasically CRT has recently gone ment Manager for an informal discussion. through a period of change. As part of this 07907 417604, 01246 389820, change they have repositioned the Trust as a development@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk charity for both waterways and wellbeing, Please note, there are no minimum with a new structure that has moved away time requirements or fixed schedules for any from ten regional waterways management of these work elements to be delivered. bodies to six larger regions. Some activities However, due to the nature of the work which were previously managed centrally are being undertaken, it will be important that now devolved to those regional teams. The any work to which you commit is completed purpose of this is to move resources from within a reasonable time frame or advised as centrally based roles to six customer-facing soon as it is evident that this will not be regional teams, and operational management possible. As such, we’d encourage anyone roles have been adapted to meet the require- with an interest to get involved, but please ment of the six new regions. And one of be realistic about how much time you can those functions that have been moved out to and will want to give, and don’t agree to take the regions is restoration. on more than you are able to do! It also So instead of a central point of contact means that there is the potential for multiple there are now six Strategic Programme people to fulfil each role.

Delivery Managers, one for each region, who Solicitor: The Trust needs to acquire are responsible for the region’s day to day the rights to restore the canal over third relationships with the restoration fraternity party land, either through purchase, long (as well as many other responsibilities!). leasehold or wayleave agreements. As such, we are looking for the services of an experiLondon & South East – To be confirmed enced conveyancing solicitor to assist in our endeavours. You would: Review existing land registry records East Midlands – Richard Erwin-Jones Richard.erwin-jones@canalrivertrust.org.uk and advise on the options for each situation;

.

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.

With regard to any legal restrictions, existing rights over the land and any ongoing liabilities, advise on the preferred option Following this advice, other parties in the Trust will carry out any negotiations with the relevant third parties. You may be asked to be involved in these where necessary, but you would not be expected to lead negotiations.

Following a provisional agreement, you would prepare, review and execute the legal documents to effect the agreement.

Construction Estimator: As the Trust finalises the designs and prepares to apply for funding, it is essential that we build up an accurate cost of the works. As such, we are looking for the services of an experienced construction estimator. You would: Work with the Development Manager to review existing cost estimates and determine where updates are necessary.

Update cost estimates using current industry data and quotations for specific items where appropriate.

Update the risk register to assess areas where there is uncertainty in the estimates.

Work with the Development Manager and the Work Party to understand and assess where volunteer efforts can usefully reduce the cost.

Assess the impact of optimism bias and construction inflation on the likely cost at the point of delivery.

Where the Trust is seeking funding for specific projects, you would also: Work with the Development Manager to understand the limits of the projects.

Further refine the costs where necessary in light of any scope changes to the project.

Present the construction costs and risks for inclusion in the funding bids.

Construction Planner: The Trust has set an ambitious target of completing the restoration by 2027. As we finalise the designs and prepare to apply for funding, it is essential that we start to build up a programme of works that delivers on that goal.

As such, we are looking for the services of an experienced construction planner to assist in our endeavours. You would: Prepare outline programmes for individual project elements, assuming a mixture of professional contractors and volunteer work parties as appropriate to the scheme.

Work with the Development Manager to develop these into a master programme for the scheme as a whole and identify the criti-

. .

. . . . . . . .

. .

cal path and long lead items.

Assess the impact of optimism bias on any likely project, include appropriate float and assess likely completion dates.

Where the Trust is seeking funding for specific projects, you would also: Work with the Development Manager to understand the limits of the projects.

Further refine the programme where necessary in light of any scope changes to the project.

Present the construction programme and risks for inclusion in the funding bids.

. . . .

Derek Gowling R.I.P. We are sorry to bring you the news that Derek Gowling has died.

His name may not be one that many Navvies readers will be familiar with, but he was one of the ‘behind the scenes’ people that the restoration movement needs alongside practical volunteers and campaigners.

His contribution was in connection with the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Committee, IWAAC, a body which before it was scrapped in the 2012 bonfire of the Quangos had a role of advising the Government on waterways. It produced several influential reports connected with waterway restoration - and as its policy advisor Derek made a great contribution to most of them.

These started with Britain’s inland waterways, an undervalued asset in 1997, followed a year later by Waterway Restoration Priorities (a topic which kicked off quite a debate in Navvies), then the 2001 A Second Waterways Age reflecting the glory years around the Millennium.

This led to the Government’s milestone new policy document in 2001 Waterways for Tomorrow, followed by the IWAAC report The Benefit of Sustainable Waterways.

Derek’s professional work and knowledge contributed significantly to waterway restoration progress, unlocking Lottery and EU funding. And his ability to communicate and dry sense of humour will be missed.

[My thanks to Paul Wagstaffe for contributing the information for this piece]

Congratulations... ...to Sophie Smith and Stephen Butterworth on the arrival of Violet Rose Butterworth on 17 October.

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infill All I want for Xmas is...

Can you write a letter to Santa from a WRGie? Who is renumbering the Ashby Canal mileposts and why? And is Greenland the next Panama Canal?

Dear Father Christmas...

The Ashby phantom painter

Our agony aunt Deirdre is otherwise occupied right now. She will be back soon...

Apologies for mentioning the C-word in something published before November has even started. But I wonder if you can help...

We thought we’d brighten up the Infill page of the next Navvies - the one just before Christmas - with some letters to Santa from well-known WRGies, canal folk or whatever.

But we’d like you, the Navvies readers, to send them in. Here are some ideas to start you off...

Like most canals, the Ashby has always had mileposts, originally carved stone, then wooden Midland Railway ones based on a diagonally sawn sleeper, and for the last nearly 30 years similar design in cast metal.

Geoff Pursglove was the Ashby Canal Project Officer in 1991, and he remembers British Waterways installing the posts from Bedworth to Snarestone, the current terminus at the 22 mile point - beyond which the Dear Father Christmas last eight miles to Moira had been abanPlease don’t bring any bits of a Burco broken or doned (that’s the length being restored). otherwise. Or bits of plant. Or whole items of A few extra mileposts were made, paid plant. Or bits of vans. Or whole vans dented or for by Ashby Canal Association, to be inotherwise. Maybe just some coffee. stalled at Snarestone and the Moira end as With love from Mrs Bungle the canal was restored.

They have been repainted regularly Dear Father Christmas, over the years, but now it seems someone More diggers. has decided to deface a number of them by Love Digger, mini Digger and Bungle. altering the mileages, and they look a mess Dear Father Christmas as well as being confusing. He or she has I’ve been very good this year and I would like struck twice, as shortly after Ashby Canal some beer and some articles for Navvies. If it’s not Association volunteers repainted the defaced too much to ask a nicely rounded selection of camp ones, several have been defaced again, reports and other interesting restoration related within only a few weeks. articles. With just a small amount of swearing to be Geoff Pursglove points out that the edgy but not too much to be offensive. Actually Ashby Canal was built 30 miles long, and is that’d be fine. And a bit of humour. And some being progressively restored to just short of letters but not moaning ones. And the chairman its original terminus. “If we adopt the phantom to send his comment for every edition on time. painter’s view of the canal as 22 miles long”, he And a stripy unicorn. And some beer. said, “what do we do with the restored lengths Yours optimistically, Martian Floodgates.

– use minus numbers? –and the mileposts Dear Father Christmas are part of the history of the canal!”

Could you bring Mike Palmer some new shorts.

The matter has been reported to Canal Yours gratefully, Head Office and River Trust, and if anyone is seen defacing the mileposts, do let the Ashby Canal OK over to the rest of you. We will publish a Association or CRT know. selection of the best (i.e. any that we actually Meanwhile, volunteers will be repaintreceive at all) in the next issue. Thanks. ing them...again!

And finally... just in case you were at all worried about all this climate change stuff, let this Washington Post columnist put your mind at rest with his interesting pro-waterways angle on the story that the USA might make an offer to buy Greenland. “It has incredible natural resources. And actually what makes it even more valuable is global warming. Because the sea ice is melting, you can create a trade route, a shipping lane through the Arctic that could cut 20 days off of the shipping from Asia to the west. So it could be the next Panama Canal.”

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outro Further afield...

The editor was in Milan, Italy recently and came across this restored lock (plus lengths of two canals, basin, and tripboat operation) that’s part of a revival of a small part of the historic Navigli canal system. And they’ve got plans to spend •150m on the first stage of reinstating a city centre canal ring buried in 1930... ...and meanwhile the Dutch have something similar planned for The Hague, which filled in most of its city centre canals in the 20th century.

Here’s what one street looks like now, and an impression (below) of what it will be like once the canal’s reinstated.

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