IWA Chelmsford Branch Newsletter July 2012 by The Inland Waterways Association

CHELMSFORD B RA N C H N

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Springfield Lock by John G Carlaw

Campaigning for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the Inland Waterways 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

Content From the Editor Page 2 From Your Regional Chairman Page 3 Stop The Press Page 3 The Chelmer and Blackwater Jubilee Flotilla Page 4 Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Page 4 Food for Thought Page 5

Essex WRG Essex Waterways Update Social Scene Just For Fun Essex Wildlife Trust Essex Waterways Recruit Committee Update

Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10

From The Editor The news at the end of March was that the Essex region was to face ‘severe’ water shortage for 20 years and that the problems stem from significant changes to rainfall patterns, a steadily increasing population and the growing impact of climate change. We then have heavy rain that continues for yet another month as the wettest April ever recorded is followed by an an equally miserable May, and June! The Met office then tell us that temperatures will be lower that average with ‘unsettled’ weather predicted at least in to the middle of the month. The long range weather forecast telling us that as we head into July, we are likely to experience a continuation of very unsettled weather types across many parts of the country. July will also replicate June in many ways, as it will once again be dominated by periods of cool and very wet weather across many parts, with a noticeable reduction in normal temperatures in many places for the time of the year. A study has found that for more than half of us, conversation turns to our climate at least once every six hours. A quarter of us deem the topic of such interest that we use it as an icebreaker. Our obsession with the weather runs so deep that almost 70 per cent of British people check the weather forecast at least once a day. And the fascination appears to increase with age, as more than 80 per cent of over-55s seek out a daily forecast, compared to 42 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds. So here is yet another chance to get out on the Navigation, meet up, have a chat about the weather, enjoy the your local area. The next issue will be in September, make time to look out your photos, articles and ideas and send them in. For those on e-mail please send your input to chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk. Those without just give me a call to arrange for collection. 07837 576464. John G Carlaw

From Your Regional Chairman I have been your Region Chairman for nearly a year now. A lot has happened in that time and I have enjoyed getting round to meet you at branch meetings. We are nearly at the launch of the Canal & River Trust which, at the time of writing, is expected at the end of July or early in August. We have run a successful Campaign to keep Commercial Road Lock and hence a safe passage for boats going to and from the Lee during the Olympics. We have also made a number of donations including two of £500, one to the Wendover Arm Trust and the other to the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Some people have said to me “ isn’t IWA redundant now that the C&RT has been formed and are going to run the waterways”. They have even suggested that IWA has become BW and hence C&RT’s lapdog. My answer is always NO. We are hopefully looking at the end of the beginning of our long campaign for a national waterways trust but there is a long way to go. The presence of boats makes navigable waterways distinctive and attractive to a wide range of users. We believe that effective maintenance of our waterways for navigation is fundamental to encouraging leisure use by the widest range of people, including users of both the waterspace and the bankside. Navigation requires the maintenance of navigable depth to set standards, both for safe passage of boats and to promote the establishment and conservation of aquatic life, together with the maintenance of a stable bank and towpath so that all users can benefit from safe access to the waterways. We will continue to campaign to maintain and improve access to all waterways. London Region is a large area and we have a number of campaigns going on. A few examples might give you an idea of what we are doing. To the West of London we have a continuous campaign to ensure the Slough arm is dredged to allow broad beam boats to get to Slough. In the North we continue to support the Wendover Trust raise money to continue the restoration of the Arm. Particularly important this year as they have had to cancel their main fundraising event due to the Diamond Jubilee. Out in the East we continue to maintain and run IWA’s only waterway the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. This is a continuing demand on volunteers’ time but this allows us to show how a charity can run a waterway. Finally in Central London we are supporting BW (C&RT) in manning Commercial Road Lock during the Olympic Period. We need more help for this, and all our campaigns, so if you can spare a few hours a month please get in touch with your Branch Chairman or with me. Finally I understand that LOCOG has suddenly realised that they have spent loads of money making the waterways in and around the Olympic Park smart but there will be no boats on them. As we all know you need boats to make waterways attractive and interesting. So someone has come up with the idea of allowing a few boats to moor in the area. Security means the owners can not stay on their boat they are just for show. But at least you can get into the Olympic Park for free. Paul Strudwick

Stop the Press Walk for Life The annual Farleigh Hospice Walk for Life along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation was in doubt until a few days before the event due to the flooding that occurred along the River Chelmer. Fortunately a few days of dry weather and sunshine helped lower water levels and dry some of the mud from the towpath so that the event could take place as planned on Sunday May 13th. The Hospice is delighted to report that 1200 walkers took part and they are hoping to raise the magnificent sum of £105,000. This money will play a huge part in funding the care they provide free of charge to local people affected by life limiting illnesses.

THAMES 1952 DIAMOND JUBILEE 2012 PAGEANT

The Chelmer and Blackwater Jubilee Flotilla 4th June A Spectator’s Perspective

We waited for our coach on the Sunday morning of the Pageant in the cold and pouring rain. Traveling to London we hoped the clouds would clear and we could watch the event in bright sunshine. But it was not to be! Walking towards Blackfriars Bridge we realised the crowds were gathering fast and we chose our space which would remain our viewing spot for over five hours. It continued to rain or drizzle as we stamped our feet and walked on the spot to try and keep warm. The tide remained stationary and the only movement on the river was a few patrolling police boats.

I first noticed details of the flotilla when I read about it on a poster on the notice board at Hoe Mill moorings, where we have a berth for our narrowboat. I told Edd (husband and skipper) all about it and he agreed that it sounded as if it would be a great deal of fun and a brilliant way of joining in with the nationwide celebrations. However, in the end we found we would not be able to take part as the Crick Boat Show was taking place at the same time and we were anxious to spend some time at the show, which meant that we would not be able to get the boat ready in time. As it happens, we later wished that we had made more effort as all the boat handlers and their crews seemed to be having such a good time.

With two rows of the waiting crowd in front and at least ten behind we finally heard the bells ringing out from the floating belfry as it lead the smallest vessels in the pageant. What a wonderful sight! Sharing our binoculars we could focus on Gloriana and so many small, man powered boats, an amazing sight!

I know this because we did manage to get to the road bridge at Little Baddow in time to witness the flotilla passing by in its full splendour. We took our horns and trumpets with us and coaxed a few passers-by to await the procession, which they all did with mounting excitement. Then between the trees in the distance, we saw the first boat approaching followed by another and then still more. I did not think to count the number but there were many, and still they kept coming.

The Commonwealth Vessels appeared next, another colourful spectacle. The crowd cheered and waved flags and the rowers waved back when they could. The royal barge Spirit of Chartwell appeared next and, for my first time, I saw the Queen and other members of the royal family. At this point the crowds cheered with all their might. This spectacle was the highlight of the pageant for me!

We showed them our appreciation with loud trumpet blasts and lots of waving and shouting. The boats were all wonderfully decorated with flags and bunting and the ‘Union Jack’ was fluttering joyfully on every boat. Skippers had on their red, white and blue bowler hats and their crews and passengers were dressed up in colourful outfits to match. I saw several glittering tiaras and we also spotted royal family lookalikes graciously enjoying the afternoon sunshine and the gaiety of it all. There was loud, happy music playing from several craft and this all added to the atmosphere.

By now the rain was relentless, the Dunkirk Little Ships passed, then the steam boats. As the crowds began to move away, soaked to the skin, we stayed on and cheered and waved to the narrow boats, barges and passenger boats. We spotted our National Chairman on his narrow boat and our Waterway Recovery Group friends on ‘Fulbourne’.

The bridge at Little Baddow is very low and there was much scrambling to take down chimneys and windscreens but I think they all made it without mishap, although we did notice one slightly bent chimney emerging. Thankfully, everyone ducked their heads in time.

On our return home we changed our dripping wet clothes, had a hot bath and watched the repeat show on TV. What a wonderful day!

The flotilla gradually passed under the bridge to continue the short distance to the mill pond where they made their turns before heading back to Paper Mill. There was a slight hiccup at this point when an engine failed and a tow was necessary, but once sorted out the boats then made their majestic way ahead.

Chris Chandler.

A great show indeed and full marks to the organisers for such a great idea - a pageant to rival the previous day on the River Thames! And well done to all those who took part and made the event so special. This skipper and crew feel a little ashamed not to have joined in more positively but we hope our contribution with horns and hooter added to the jollity. Edd and Gill Mitcham N/b ‘Smokey’

Food For Thought WIth the inclement weather that we have experienced lately, there are those days after a good walk along the Navigation when it seems time to put another log on the fire and stay indoors. An interesting walk is via a footpath on the right hand bank just below Beeleigh Lock. It passes the old mill house and aptly named Beeleigh Falls House. A little further on is the beautiful and famous Essex landmark Beeleigh Abbey. This dates back to the thirteenth century and once belonged among others to the Foyle family (of bookshop fame). Below is something to take with you in your Thermos flask to refresh yourself before a wander around the Abbey and the walk back. This would also be a good lunch time snack to take whilst taking part in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Go Anywhere Volunteers on the Chelmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; If you have tried and tested dishes that you would like to share then please send on to chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk . So with minimal use of all those kitchen gadgets here is some food for thought. Open the wine and get cooking. John G Carlaw

THICK FARMERS SOUP 3oz chicken fat or butter 4 tbsp plain flour 3 - 4 tsp mild curry power 3 pts chicken stock 3 chicken pieces 2 sticks of celery & leaves 2 leeks

6 tbsp dried peas 8 - 10 oz rice 6 oz frozen prawns (thawed) 1 can sweetcorn 1/4 pt cream seasoning tabasco

Boil the chicken until cooked, and add the liquid to your stock. Cook the peas and the rice and set aside. Make a roux with the chicken fat (or butter), flour and curry powder, stirring for about 1 minute. gradually add all the chicken stock and when it is nearly boiling, chop in the leeks and celery and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. Then chop in the chicken pieces and add the cooked peas and rice, prawns and sweetcorn. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes and then season. A couple of drops of tabasco will often help to improve the flavor. Stir in the cream and continue to simmer until served. Check seasoning again.

Enjoy

Essex WRG Volunteers on the Chelmer. The mid-week, go anywhere volunteers consist - in the main - of five people, supplemented from time to time by various others. Our regular jobs are mowing, painting, litter clearance and similar activities, but occasionally something different comes along. That happened the other week. Between Paper Mill Lock and Little Baddow Lock heavy rain had caused a drainage channel across the towpath. We had to bridge this channel. Iain and I met Michael (the Essex Waterways Lengthsman) who arrived with a trailer full of sleepers, and we loaded four of these into the Raider (the Paper Mill workboat) together with assorted tools and set off the half mile of so to the site. We arrived at the worksite and unloaded the sleepers – not easy from a boat and up a steep and muddy bank. The first sleeper had to be sawn and the two halves put at right angles to the river to act as a base for the others. Then we had to go back to Paper Mill for two more sleepers. We ended up by lunchtime with a bridge five sleepers wide spanning the ditch.

Our job in the afternoon was to raise a sunken boat. The boat was a fourteen foot day cruiser with a small cabin and two very large outboard motors on the back. And it was well sunk. Both outboards were totally submerged and it had tilted as well – mainly due to having the second outboard on one side. This was secured by a chain that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a battleship! The winch on the EWL Land Rover was brought into play. Eventually after many tries we got the bow half way up the bank and were busy winching the stern up, when the cleat to which the winch hawser was fixed, pulled right off the boat which went down again and we were back to square one. At this point we gave up for the day. On the Wednesday we were joined by Dave and by Sam (a Paper Mill caretaker). I brought the two Essex WRG “Tirfor” winches and some strops, Iain brought several substantial lengths or rope, and Michael brought a pump. We anchored the Tirfors to nearby trees and arranged the ropes under the boat and in such way that not only raised it but brought it upright. Once we’d got it nearly up we started the pump. Putting the pump’s outlet hose so that it drained into a stream we inadvertently disturbed a mallard sitting on four eggs. Although the boat’s stern was still partially under water, the pump was slowly winning. Eventually the boat bobbed up and with no more water coming in, the pump made short work of the rest. We then had to tow it round to the slipway, and get it on its trailer and tow this into the boater’s car park ready for the owner to collect. He might have an unpleasant surprise when the invoice for the work arrives. The mallard returned to its nest once all the fuss had died down. John Gale

Essex Waterways update

regularly arranged Work Parties for various projects along the Navigation. In recent years, whilst Essex Waterway Recovery Group has annually held several weekend Work Parties on the Chelmer & Blackwater, most of their regular monthly visits are to other waterways. Both Essex Waterways and Chelmsford Branch IWA would like to see the Branch more involved with assisting on our own waterway, but we have been lacking help in arranging this. We have now been offered assistance with this by the IWA Branch Campaign Officer, Alison Smedley, and I am sure that we will be hearing more from her very soon. I do hope we will be able to find plenty of local support for her. There are several invasive species growing along the Navigation and amongst these is Himalayan Balsam (see photo, which whilst very pretty in flower, spreads very rapidly once the seed pods burst. It out-competes native species and grows in dense stands along river banks. It can impede flow at times of high rainfall, but more worrying is the die back of extensive stands over winter which leaves river banks bare and exposed to erosion and failure. Removal of this is an ideal project for volunteers and the summer months are the time for this action, so this may be a task that Alison will pursue for the Branch.

The unseasonable weather has created a few challenges along The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. At the North Quay, Heybridge Basin (see Chelmsford Branch Newsletter January 2012) work to install the quayside edge treatment and surfacing on both phases 1 and 2 has continued, but has been slower than planned. This has been due to the wet weather and the regular volunteers being busy elsewhere. The phase 2 timber edge and mooring bollards are now in place and two Work Parties are planned to carry out further work on the edge and surfacing in early July. These involve the Ford Motor Company and Essex Waterway Recovery Group.

The wet summer weather has not only prevented grass cutting from taking place, it has also encouraged very rapid growth along the whole length of the Navigation and our volunteers are finding it difficult to keep on top of this. There is therefore plenty of scope for help from any new volunteers who may wish to assist.

Hoe Mill Lock on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is now a Camping and Caravanning Club Certified Site and is able to accept up to five caravans, motor homes or trailer tents (membership of the Club is required), as well as tents (membership not required for tents). Hoe Mill is a very interesting but surprisingly quiet rural area for the South East, with plenty of footpaths including the towpath. It is also very popular with canoeists (licence required). The site has already attracted much interest, but the wet weather has resulted in most bookings being cancelled.

In the days prior to Essex Waterways taking responsibility for the Navigation and in the early years of Essex Waterways, Chelmsford Branch IWA

Roy Chandler 7

Social Scene

London Region donation

Essex Waterways was surprised and delighted to have received an unexpected donation of £500 from London Chelmsford Raft Race 20112 Region IWA towards the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The money is likely to be put towards grass It is now over twenty years since Chelmsford Branch cutting equipment or the replacement of an outboard IWA held its’ first raft race in Chelmsford. It all started at motor on one of the workboats which is used by both a rally held to promote the towns’ waterways and we Essex Waterways and its volunteers in maintaining the needed to provide entertainment, in particular for the Navigation. visiting boaters. The raft race was great fun and all involved said it should reoccur. Chelmsford Branch donation 15 July 2012

The Chelmsford Raft Race is now organised by the Branch in conjunction with The Lions Club of Chelmsford and involves the Chelmsford Canoe Club who allow us to use their town centre river frontage and the Chelmsford Sea Cadets who provide safety boats and crew for the event. The aim is still to promote the potential of the town’s waterways, and in recent years a Dragon Boat Race has been arranged by others on a separate weekend. The Chelmsford Raft Race 2012 will be held at 3.00pm Sunday 15th July at Backnang Square, Chelmsford. It is an afternoon of fun for Clubs, Pubs, Offices and Businesses or anyone who can put together a team of four and build a raft to comply with the Raft Race Rules. Buoyancy aids and paddles are provided and there are usually two classes for barrel based or other rafts with prizes of £100 and £50 for each class. There is also a prize for the best raft. This years’ event is once again sponsored by Chandler Material Supplies. It is some years since Chelmsford Branch IWA entered a raft, so if anyone can raise a team of four, or if your club or place of work can be persuaded to enter, we will be very pleased to hear from you.

Chelmsford Branch IWA has for many years supported the Sea Cadets in Chelmsford, seeing this as a very useful organisation for encouraging and training youngsters to respect and enjoy our waterways and the sea. The Sea Cadets Chelmsford base is on the River Chelmer in the town centre and over the years the Branch has helped improve their facilities with the construction of a slipway, landing stages and toilet upgrades. The Sea Cadets have a small fleet of boats on the Chelmer which are used for training and regular litter clearance of the waterways through the town. These boats are also used as safety boats for the IWA annual Chelmsford Raft Race in the town centre. The Chelmsford Branch Committee was therefore saddened to learn that the Sea Cadets had their outboard motors stolen and that their insurance claim for the loss would not fully cover the replacement costs. The Chelmsford Branch Committee therefore agreed to donate £1000 to the Chelmsford Sea Cadets towards the outboard replacements.

Further details and entry forms can be obtained from David on 01245 354755 or Roy on 01245 223732. Cut out the flyer on the following page, copy and put on your notice boards.

PLACE COFFEE CUP HERE

Just For Fun

Weather In Idiom

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2 3

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9 3

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To be ill in bed you could be under the weather, but when you do not feel well you will soon be right as rain. Make sure when you are out it is not raining cats and dogs and take cover as it never rains but it pours. Try hard not to get snowed under and remember sometimes it can be hard to break the ice when you meet someone new. Just make sure it is not a fair weather friend. There is always a ray of hope when the sun shines, but never hide under a cloud or have one’s head in the clouds. Every cloud has a silver lining so you can be on cloud nine. Not having the foggiest, you may sail close to the wind and hope for a wind fall. Try not to be long winded as there is always the calm before the storm come rain or shine. Take a rain check and save for a rainy day as long as there is not a storm in the tea cup and hope for an Indian Summer.

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