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Early Morning River Thames Downstream at the QE2 Bridge By Lloyd Chandler
Disclaimer: The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this Newsletter but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed herein may be construed as policy or official announcement unless stated otherwise. The IWA accepts no liability for any matter in the Newsletter The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distribution company limited by guarantee Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 Registered Office: Island House, Moor House, Chesham HP5 1WA 1
Content From The Editor From The Vice Chairman From The Regional Chairman Cruise OnThe Maggie Leigh Recycle Where It All Started
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London Region Fundraiser London Region Secretary Essex Waterways Update Branch Socials Just For Fun Branch Committee
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From The Editor
We still need you to dig out those photographs, write that article, document those waterway memories as we would still like to increase our contributors to the next Newsletter. Last inputs for Winter Newsletter 21/12/2021. For those on e-mail please send your input to chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk Those without just give me a call. 07837 576464.
From The Vice Chairman I hope that you have all had a good summer and managed to take a break sightseeing or boating or perhaps some walking or fishing etc. As I sit writing this today, with ever more bad news on the TV it has made me think about the unpredictability of human behaviour related to our waterways. In recent times we have seen a very big increase in visitors to the Navigation. This can be a good thing but only if those visitors respect the team looking after the waterway, the wildlife, flora and fauna and take their litter home and pay their licenes. Sadly, many do not and therefore damage the beautiful environment they have come to enjoy. Many of course do show respect, follow the advice guidance and 'highway code' and are prepared to volunteer to help on work parties, crew the boats, litter pick etc. I expect that is often how several of us became members of the IWA in the first place. The good and bad sides of human nature! Could I please ask you all to encourage friends and families to volunteer and become IWA members. Let’s try and make a difference and protect our beautiful and historic waterways. Let’s turn negatives to positives. Our social evenings have now recommenced and it's very nice to see people again after the long closure period. The hall is large, and we can socially distance whilst still enjoying each other’s company and the interesting talks. We are hoping that our Chair Molly Beard and others that we have not seen for a while will be able to join us again soon. Rebecca Loader
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From The Regional Chairman This year we took our boat to the National Festival at Worcester which meant going down and then up the Tardebigge flight of locks. This flight has two claims to fame they are the longest in the country and where, at the top, IWA’s founders, L.T.C. Rolt and Robert Aickman, first met. On the way back up we had the help of some Canal & River Trust Volunteers who did all the hard work. The breadth of the work carried out by the association continues to astound me. Here are a few of the things we have been done in the last few months. •
We have campaigned to support Freight on the Aire & Calder Navigation and are asking for the additional funding required for dredging.
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Organised a meeting of the Waterways All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on “Freight and Sustainability on the Inland Waterways”, with speakers from Strathclyde University, Commercial Boat Operators Association and IWA.
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Working with the National Inland Navigation Forum received legal advice that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill has been drafted in such a way so as to only include vehicles which are expressly intended to be used on the road, and therefore boats or other water craft would not be affected by the Bill.
In September Janine and I joined Chiltern Branch on a trip to look at the waterways and some of the campaigning in the South West Branch area. We had the opportunity to take a trip on the Grand Western Canal, at Tiverton, in one of the few remaining horse drawn trip boats, Tivertonian. We also looked around Bridgewater Docks. Bridgewater Docks have many unique features and the local branch is campaigning for them to be restored and brought back into full use. Hopefully we will be able to give a fuller report in the next magazine. If you are in the area, I highly recommend a visit. To allow your Branch and the London Region to continue to support London’s waterways we do need volunteers to carry out important tasks in our committees. Elsewhere in this edition of the newsletter you will find details of two volunteer positions we need someone to take on. If you think you could help please contact me. Whilst on the subject of volunteering West London Branch are working with Canal & River Trust for the care, conservation and restoration of the Hanwell Flight and Norwood Locks. If you would like to volunteer a few hours in the open at the beautiful setting of the Hanwell flight, one of the gems of London’s canal network, why not consider joining them at one of their future work parties. Work parties at Hanwell are held on the second Thursday of each month between 10 am and 2pm. If you are interested in joining them just email or text me (paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk Mobile: 07785 240291) Last time I wrote to you I expected that the Volunteer Hub, would have come on line by now. Unfortunately, as I write, this has not happened but I’m told it should become live by November.
Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk
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Cruise On The Maggie Leigh
This was our first canal trip since October 2020, mainly because of Lockdown restrictions. I was a bit nervous that the boat would have seriously deteriorated in the Winter six months since we last “put to sea”. The boat had not been entirely neglected during this period, as we had had the engine serviced by the marina, and more recently, we had paid to have someone clean the interior of the boat. The day was mostly mild sunshine. We arrived at Fenny Marina around 1pm on the Friday, having shopped at the Co-op in Fenny Crompton for some food essentials. The paintwork on the boat’s roof had suffered badly, possibly the proximity of a line of trees to our new berth having contributed to the problem. I did a bit of sanding, and put undercoat on the worst areas, but even I, one of the World’s worst painters, was not particularly pleased with the result. We set off from the marina at about 3pm, heading North along the South Oxford Canal. There were very few boats on the move, which was curious for a Bank Holiday weekend after weeks of Lockdown. Perhaps it was because the Wharf pub was closed. We saw lots of sheep with lambs, but only a couple of herons and a few adult mallards. Perhaps the ducks had been social distancing in accordance with government guidelines. We moored for the night just before Bridge 126.
On the Saturday morning, we set off at about 8.30, traversed the two Marston Doles locks, and winded at the junction with the Old Engine Arm at about 10.30. Either I am getting even more decrepit than I thought, or the top gate of the first gate is getting heavier. I had to get Maggie pulling with the boat in reverse as well as my pushing before we could get it moving. We then moored nearby, ready for a route march down to Napton. Halfway down the flight, I spotted two mallard families, but with only six ducklings between them – not quite so much social distancing here, then. I had hoped to be able to replenish ship’s stores at the shop beside the Folly, but it was closed until 17th May. I trudged on therefore to the Post Office in Napton village, which was quite busy, but I was able to buy some emergency supplies (fags, wine and chocolate) before undertaking the long trek back to the boat. The weather was kind, and despite threatening to, it did not rain. After a rest and a sandwich, we set off Southwards at about 1pm, going up the two locks again, with Maggie steering very competently, as usual. By now there were a few other boats about, but not enough to cause delays. There was a single light shower as we cruised, but it did not last long.
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Cruise On The Maggie Leigh (cont)
We passed the residential narrowboat that had been sealed off from the canal, presumably after a dispute with the Canal and River Trust about the boat licence and/or mooring fee. The antithesis of “continuous cruising”. One post-lockdown feature we noticed was the increase of Glamping, with luxurious looking wellspaced yurts. There was also some sort of Point-to-Point horse event going on, with riders and horses visible for a mile or so as we passed.
The huge spoil heaps to the East of the canal near Priors Hardwick had grown since last July, when we last came this way. They are associated with HS2, where it will dive under the Chiltern Hills and then go onto a long embankment before crossing the canal on a viaduct near Bridge 128.
It was apparent that whilst CRT have done a lot of cutting back trees and saplings along the cut, they had done little with numerous brick arch farm crossings, most of which are Listed structures. A particularly bad example is Bridge 128, where the structural arch has badly distorted, hugely reducing its factor of safety against collapse. Bridge 130 is another example.
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Cruise On The Maggie Leigh (cont)
We arrived back at the marina at about 5.30pm, after a wonderful shake-down cruise, beneficial to humans and boat alike. The next morning, after cleaning the cratch cover and correcting ship’s clocks to BST, we left for home tired but refreshed, if that doesn’t sound too contradictory.
Tony & Maggie Weber
Recycle The Branch would like to bring to the attention of our members to recycle used stamps and Aluminium locally and not bring them to socials as the Branch no longer has the outlet Where It All Started
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London Region Volunteer Fundraiser Background Do you want to use your networking skills to help the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) London Region raise vital funds and build our ability to increase our work protecting the waterways and their heritage in London? The London Region consists of six branches Chelmsford, Chiltern, Lea & Stort, North & East London, South London, and West London. Each branch raises funds in its own area by simply asking for donations, organising local fundraising events or running a tombola at local community events. To enable the London Region and its branches to increase the opportunities for developing new and existing projects and campaigns we need to be able to raise funds across branch boundaries. Purpose of Job: Job Summary The post holder will be responsible for raising funds across the London Region from Local and Regional Government, and Lottery funding as well as trusts and foundations and to developing new income streams and donors to support the work of IWA London Region and its branches. Time Commitment This is an ongoing, ad-hoc, role which can be tailored to fit in with your time and availability. You would be invited to join the Region committee which meets approximately 6 times a year. Income Generation We need you to manage, support and develop imaginative fundraising activities across the Region. We would also like you to write grant applications for funding and develop and broaden our corporate member base. Person Specification You are enthusiastic about supporting the work of the IWA in London. To be able to do this job you will require good administration skills IT/computer skills including Word, Excel and Outlook. It would be excellent if you also have experience of charity fundraising and grant applications but this is not essential. Advice & Support You will have access and support from IWA’s Head office experienced fundraising team and access to a range of online support material. Further Training may be available. What’s in it for you? Amongst other skills, the role will help further develop your fundraising and marketing skills and experience, and will look great on your CV! Further Information If you would like to help or want more information on what is involved please contact me. Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk 07885 240291 7
London Region Volunteer Secretary Background Do you want to use your skills to help the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) London Region? The London Region consists of six branches Chelmsford, Chiltern, Lea & Stort, North & East London, South London, and West London. The region furthers IWA’s objectives locally – focussing on the strategic level discussions and networking with waterways stakeholders at forums and through partnerships, for the benefit of the waterways in the region. The region provides a strategic overview, establishes and shares good practice across branches to ensure the voice of the membership is heard. Purpose of Job: Job Summary Working with the Region Chairman produce and distribute the agenda for the region committee meetings. To take notes at the committee meetings and produce and distribute minutes of the meeting to the members of the Committee and Head Office, in electronic form, within twenty-one days of the meeting. You will also provide Head Office with contact details of all members of the committee within five weeks of their appointment. Time Commitment This is an ongoing, ad-hoc, role which can be tailored to fit in with your time and availability. You would be invited to join the Region committee which meets approximately 6 times a year. Person Specification You are enthusiastic about supporting the work of the IWA in London. To be able to do this job you will require good administration skills IT/computer skills including Word, and Outlook. It would be excellent if you also have experience of minute taking but this is not essential. Advice & Support Guidance on taking minutes is available on the IWA Volunteer Hub section of the association’s website. What’s in it for you? Amongst other skills, the role will help further develop your minute taking and experience, and will look great on your CV! Further Information If you would like to help or want more information on what is involved please contact me. Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk 07885 240291
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Essex Waterways Update Since my last report the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation has remained busy with people coming to canoe, paddleboard, take a trip on one of our trip boats or just visiting for a walk or experience. All this is in addition to our boating customers. Income from canoe and paddleboard licences continues to increase with much of this being captured by our River Warden on regular patrol. Trip boats Albert at Paper Mill and Blackwater Dawn at Heybridge Basin have been operating both charter trips and ticket trips on a daily basis. We are fortunate to have several really dedicated volunteer skippers and crew that make this possible. Victoria has also been operating charter trips again. Our trip boat operations have been expanded to operate a new service on the rivers in the centre of Chelmsford. This is a joint venture with One Chelmsford which represents nearly 500 businesses within the City centre to deliver projects and initiatives to ensure that Chelmsford remains the county’s premier destination to live, work and visit. Because of the several low bridges on both rivers a new open boat has been purchased for the venture. This can accommodate 10 -12 passengers and is usually crewed by our volunteer skippers. The aim is to run every day during the school summer holidays and then on weekends while there is a demand. When operating, tickets are sold from an ice cream tricycle in Backnang Square where the trips start. They run down the River Chelmer and then up the River Can through Central Park to the railway viaduct and returning taking about 45 to 50 minutes. The inaugural trip included both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford.
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Essex Waterways Update (cont) The kayak hire at Paper Mill proved popular during the school holidays. On the Navigation it was necessary to close Paper Mill Lock for 5 days to deal with a blown lower gate cill which was making it difficult to operate the lock. Work has continued at Paper Mill with the construction of the new island toilet building which is now weatherproof. An extension to the office is also underway. At Heybridge Basin the picnic tables provided for visiting boaters have been replaced with eight new benches and additional tables and benches have been built and installed for Kiosk customers. These were built by myself as a volunteer with help from my wife. Meanwhile, Colin Edmond, also a Director volunteered to convert our old weed lifter to a ‘lavender boat’. This involved removing the redundant engine and drive system as well as the hi-ab lifter, cleaning down, painting and installing a new concrete floor and holding tank. The boat will be used to remove grey waste water from the Kiosk and possibly eventually as a pump-out facility for boats in the basin. Volunteers from Ford Motor Co. spent a day at Heybridge Basin and constructed two canoe racks which will provide a new canoe storage facility there.
Last year our dredging programme had to be cancelled due to flood conditions. Our attempts this year to get it underway have already been hampered by the unavailability of contractors previously appointed. We are therefore currently investigating the purchase of a long reach excavator so that we have greater control of our dredging work. The weather this summer has seen very rapid growth along the tow path which has kept our lengthsmen busy as has weed removal on the Navigation. The lengthsmens work has been assisted by Dan who has joined our team and by several regular volunteers. Floating pennywort is beginning to appear again especially between Hoe Mill and Heybridge Basin. Chelmer Canal Trust volunteer work parties are concentrating on its removal. In August we managed to have the previously delayed visit from Phil Hornsey, IWA’s new Chief Executive. He visited several of our sites along the waterway meeting some of our staff in the process. He seemed to be impressed with Essex Waterways operation. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the relationship between the two bodies while also planning to move some of the administration work currently carried out at Chesham to our Paper Mill office. Roy Chandler 10
Chelmsford Branch Socials 2021 / 2022 At last, we have been able to resume our social evenings and so far, have had two successful evenings. September 2021 was a little quiet it was the first time back with a face-to-face meeting and many people were on holiday. The talk was not waterways based but was an interesting talk by Maggie Radcliffe titled ‘A Lady and her Spitfire’. It covered the life of Carolyn Grace the world’s only lady owner and pilot of a WW11 Spitfire and work with the Red Arrows display team. October 2021 was much better attended with many regular members returning. We were pleased to welcome Richard Thomas again to the branch for his excellent talk on the Steam working Boat PRESIDENT No 195. This talk gave us a detailed history of Fellows, Morton and Clayton’s most famous Steamer from her build in 1909, her life under steam, until in 1925 she was converted to diesel. Following a major meticulous restoration, she now lives at the Black Country Living Museum and tours the Canal system as a living museum piece. Thursday 11th November 2021 Not the Norfolk Broads – by Tim Whitelock The County of Norfolk is very well known for the Norfolk Broads which many people have enjoyed through boating but there is so much more to be found. It's not a county you pass through to go anywhere else as there are no major ports or airports, it's stuck in a corner and can seem a little old fashioned at times. This talk explores Norfolk's coast, historic buildings, heritage railways, gardens and many more things to see and do. Thursday 9th December 2021 Christmas social QUIZ and bring and share finger buffet Thursday 13th January 2021 NO SOCIAL EVENING – As the January meeting is usually not very well attended and there is a shortage of speakers generally the committee has decided not to hold a January meeting Thursday 10th February 2021 Talk and speaker to be advised All social evenings take place at Galleywood Heritage Centre, J16 off the A12 The Common (Off Margaretting Road) Chelmsford Essex CM2 8TR 7.45pm for 8.00pm start Rebecca Loader – Social Secretary
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Just For Fun SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains the numbers one to nine (1 - 9) 3 7 1
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Branch Committee If you have any topics or subject that you wish to bring to the committees attention please use the contact details below Molly Beard:
Chairman
molly.beard@waterways.org.uk
Rebecca Loader
Vice Chair & Social Secretary
rebecca.loader@waterways.org.uk
Philip Cervini
Treasurer.
philip.cervini@waterways.org.uk.
Paul Strudwick:
London Region Chairman.
paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk
Chris Chandler:
Secretary.
chris.chandler@waterways.org.uk
Roy Chandler:
Planning and Conservation.
roy.chandler@waterways.org.uk
John Carlaw:
Newsletter and Membership.
chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk john.carlaw@waterways.org.uk
Stephanie Mason: Refreshments.
None
Kirsten Smith:
Youth.
None
Adam Wyllie:
Branch Web Editor.
Adam.wyllie@waterways.org.uk
IWA Chelmsford Web Address
http://www.waterways.org.uk/chelmsford
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