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River Chelmer in Chelmsford By Roy 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 Chairman From The Regional Chairman Litter Picking Day Fifty Years a Volunteer Water, Water Everywhere Essex Waterways Update IWA Festival 2019
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What a Canal Side Find AGM Minutes Social Events Chelmsford Canal River Link Visitor to Heybridge Just For Fun Branch Committee
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From The Editor In this difficult period of self isolation and social distancing, making the use of the navigation is near impossible. Not being able to drive to a location for your daily exercise or keeping 2 meters (6’6�) apart from fellow users on the tow path. I hope that the Newsletter helps to remind you of all the work that has been ongoing on the navigation and once we emerge from the current situation you will be able to help out to bring the Navigation back to the high standard that you have been used to. Take this time 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 Summer Newsletter 21/06/2020. 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 Chairman I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people who attended the AGM, but suspect that it was more for the talk afterwards than for the formal stuff. In view of subsequent events, thank you to those who were there. You will see in the Minutes of the AGM that the committee, being willing to continue, were all reelected. However, John Gale has stood down as Treasurer and Philip Cervini is taking over from him. I'm delighted that John will continue to give us the benefit of his wisdom and experience at committee meetings. Unfortunately, we have had to postpone the remainder of the spring programme because of Coronavirus. I hope we will be able to resume in the autumn but we will have to do as the government ordains. In the meantime, we are advised not to use the waterways, so make the most of an unexpected opportunity but stay healthy and safe. I look forward to seeing you again when this extraordinary time is over. Molly Beard 2
From The Regional Chairman Over the next few months you will be hearing about how we are changing IWA. I thought you might find it interesting. If I gave you my own perspective as to what is going on and why we need to change the way we work. Charities exist to fulfil their charitable purposes; whether it is the Canal & River Trust or, say, the River Roding Trust. The people responsible to guide the charity are trustees and they have two parallel roles; to govern the charity in accordance with current legislation and to ensure management of the charity delivers its charitable objectives effectively. In very large charities, Canal and River Trust, OXFAM etc., there is a clear separation of Governance (Trustees) and Delivery (Management); trustees are unpaid volunteers, whereas management will normally be via professional and salaried staff; final delivery may be via volunteers and or paid staff. In many small charities Governance and Management are delivered by the same people. IWA is a medium size charity, The Trustee Board has been operating like a small charity but with “advisory committees� and paid staff stuck on the side. You may say, this model has been successful for many years; so why change now? The simple answer is that the world is changing. After several high visibility failures, like that of The Kids Club Network and the scandal surrounding Oxfam’s operations in Haiti, government is taking much more interest in the way charities operate. Last year the Charities Commission carried out over 35 in-depth investigations into the running of various charities. Then the nature of volunteering is changing too, so whilst for some it still the chance to give something back to the community, for others it is seen as a way of providing an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. If we are to continue to attract people to help us campaign for the Inland Waterways we need to change how we support and develop our volunteers. The retirement of Neil our Chief Executive Officer has given us the opportunity to rethink the relationship between Trustees, paid staff, active members of the Association and other volunteers. I have argued, for some time, that Trustees need to focus on providing good governance and must create a management structure (Delivery Teams) fit for our time and to delegate the necessary powers to enable the structure to function efficiently. Trustees must also put in place reporting processes to provide feedback on progress, such that they can ensure good governance. It is important to understand that good governance makes certain the charitable objectives of the association are being met. So what do I think will happen? I expect our new CEO will be given a much higher profile in promoting the Association. I expect that we will see changes to the roles of the advisory committees. They will be given more delegated powers to get things done; similar to how WRG operates now. Trustees will be less involved in the day to day running of the association but, hopefully, more aware of where we are heading!. What does this all mean to the regions and branches? At a branch level the changes will be subtle but hopefully you will notice an improvement in communication and support. I expect the Region Committee and the Region Chairman will be spending more time assisting branches to interpret and work towards our common goals; they will be the conduit to ensure there is effective communication between the branches and support groups. Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Person
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Litter Picking Day
It was a cold, frosty but sunny morning in January 2020 when a group of us gathered at Sandford Lock to pick up litter along the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, heading along the towpath towards Barnes Mill Lock in the Chelmsford direction. We all teamed up with bags for rubbish and recycling, and our long handled pick up sticks, there was also a team on the navigation workboat to reach the rubbish that could not be reached from the towpath. We met lots of people on the route and had some lovely comments from walkers, cyclists, and canoeists thanking us for the work we were doing, it is good that our efforts are being appreciated. The morning soon passed and once we arrived at Barnes Mill Lock we loaded our full bags onto the work boat so we did not have to carry them back to Sandford Lock, and made our way back, before heading home. It had been an enjoyable morning, and we were quite amazed at some of the rubbish we retrieved. Thank you to Ron for organising the day and taking the photo. Stephanie Mason & John Grieve
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Fifty Years A Volunteer Part 1 John Gale reflects on his connection with the waterways and, in particular, with the IWA. Now in his late seventies health concerns have forced him to give up most of his voluntary activities. I can’t remember exactly when it all began, but it must have been 1965 or 1966. I received a phone call from an aunt who, unknown to me, had started a hire firm in Warwickshire. She told me that I was helping move a boat at the weekend. I had never been on a small boat before! On the Saturday we arrived at Double Pennant boat yard, collected a small two berth boat and set off. About a mile up the canal we turned right to be confronted by a lock It was, I discovered, the first of twenty one locks up to central Wolverhampton. We negotiated these and set off again on the BCN main line. Three more locks at Tipton, and on through Birmingham joining the Worcester Birmingham Canal at Gas Street Basin and then the Northern Stratford until we reached our destination at Hockley Heath. This journey was enough to hook me. Over the next few years I went to my aunt’s boat yard once or twice a month to help turn round the hire boats. Then in March 1969 she gave me an IWA membership and entered me for the 1969 Birmingham National Rally. As no locks were involved in the journey I went single handed. All went well until I reached Farmer’s Bridge Junction when the outboard cut out and the wind whipped me round so I was facing the opposite direction in front of all those experienced boaters. However the outboard started and I managed to set off in the right direction without hitting any of the other boats. On the Friday I volunteered for the first time. I had to knock down a bit of brick wall so that the public could get from the towpath to the exhibition area. The following year I boated to the Guildford National with my sister and brother in law. Then in 1971 I journeyed from Bletchley to the Northampton National. But I went the long way round - via the Erewash, the Trent and Mersey, the Caldon, the Macclesfield and upper Peak Forest, the Anderton Lift and River Weaver, the Shropshire Union, the BCN old main line, the Birmingham & Fazeley, the Coventry, Ashby and finally the Northampton Arm. In 1972 I boated to the Lymn National. In each of these cases I volunteered, usually ending up on the gate or selling programmes. In 1973 as my aunt had sold her boats and moved to Ghana, I tried to hire a boat to go to the Ely National, but no hire firm was interested so I went by car and ended up running a supplementary sales stand just outside the entrance to catch members of the public who didn’t want to pay to go onto the site. Then also in 1973 “Windlass” (the IWA London Branch magazine) announced that IWA was arranging a boat rally in Chelmsford and was looking for volunteers to organise it. I applied. At my first committee meeting I was given the job of trade show organiser. I managed to achieve my budgeted income. At the rally I ran public trips through the town on the River Can using one of the exhibitor’s demonstrators. At our final committee meeting after holding a post mortem on the event (we made a small loss) we organised ourselves into the Chelmsford Section of London Branch, and I became Treasurer. Shortly after this IWA reorganised its Branch structure and we became Chelmsford Branch. However I didn’t remain Treasurer for long because in November 1973 I joined the staff at IWA General Office. To Be Continued in the next Newsletter
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Water Water Everywhere Part Two Continuing our extended trip, and having cruised the 500 metre tidal River Gt Ouse from Salters Lode and up through Denver Sluice Lock onto the River Gt Ouse on the Saturday. We had a quick stop at the facilities near Denver Sailing Club. Near here is a lock down to a Navigable Relief Channel which heads to Downham Market one way and Kings Lynn the other way. We continued onwards up the wide river for a short while before turning left onto the narrower, 10 mile long River Wissey, and mooring for a late lunch on a GOBA site (Great Ouse Boating Association) and hearing a cuckoo calling. The River Wissey is lined with reeds which makes it confusing which routes to follow at times, some parts were very narrow, others wide, and half way along we cruised across a lake which was interesting finding the route off the lake as there were no signs or markers and the map did not help much either. It was a peaceful, pretty route, especially as the sun had come out. We saw a great number of birds and waterfowl, including a crested grebe which caught a fish and gave it to its youngster. We also saw our first kingfisher of this trip. The water here is so clear and we turned at the limit of navigation at Whittington and moored on another GOBA site at Grange Farm Touring Park, a lovely setting. We heard on the news that evening that the UK had experienced Storm Miguel - that explained the terrible weather during the morning. Sunday morning John did some engine bay maintenance before we left mid morning. I think the cuckoo is following us. We also noticed a funny smell again today and realised it must be the Wissington Sugar Beet Factory we passed. Turning back onto the River Gt Ouse we continued as far as The Ship Inn junction and moored on the EA site, and enjoyed a Roast Beef Dinner in The Ship. On Monday we headed down another tributary at the junction. The 14 mile River Little Ouse also known as Brandon Creek. I watched the route from inside due to the rain until we reached the lock at Brandon. There was a narrowboat moored below the lock on the EA site, but we went up the lock which was full of rubbish, wood, branches and weed. Heading on we ploughed through a lot of growing weed in a short area above the lock. Proceeding to the head of navigation at the EA Brandon moorings, where the cuckoo greeted us. We went for a wander in the town and found a lovely bakery. On our return cruise we spotted a couple of deer in the field near the lock, and more incredibly we saw a bitten take off from the weeds beside us (we had stopped briefly to check the prop). It was my first ever sighting, but John had seen one previously. It was also on the return that we heard some squawking in the reeds and a buzzard came out so close to us it made us jump. We could almost have touched it. We used the same EA mooring at The Ship as the bollards are excellent and needed due to the increasing wind, it was also cold and wet. The boat rocked all night but stayed securely moored. Tuesday we left a bit later once the wind and rain had settled, continuing up the River Gt Ouse. We passed the junction for the River Lark, planning to do this tributary on our return if time allowed. The river had been straight for many miles with a road alongside on the left, and a railway alongside on the right. Arriving at Ely we moored on the Public Quay with a grassy area alongside and good for the dogs, the weather had improved too. In the evening we had a lovely meal in the waterside Cutter Inn. On a dull Wednesday morning we walked up into Ely town centre and bought extra clothing, I had packed for summer rather than winter. On leaving and cruising along Ely's waterside we passed more moorings with a lovely park and gardens, with bandstand, Eel statue, maltings, and a plaque.
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Water Water Everywhere Part Two (cont)
I had read the night before explaining Ely meaning Eel Island which was once surrounded by marsh and sea before being drained. Ely also has a magnificent Cathedral, which I plan to return to view inside one day. Arriving at Pope's Corner junction we took the left turn onto the River Cam to explore. However with high banks, fields, and trees the views were limited, we did see cattle and plenty of birdlife again. At Bottisham Lock (un-manned) we phoned the Conservators of the Cam for a licence which is needed for the river above the lock into Cambridge, but were told they can't do this over the phone any more and now you have to get a licence on line for a minimum of 90 days. We only wanted to visit for a few days and were very disappointed. So we turned and headed back to the junction where we joined the main river again. This part is known as the Old West River, and moored on the EA Hundred Acre site near Stretham. Heading off on Thursday we spotted another kingfisher near Stretham Ferry Marina, then saw a Egret close up before it took off. Continuing on through Chear Fen, Low Fen, Setchel Fen, Holme Fen, Smithy Fen, Ewell Fen, to reach Hermitage Lock. We tied to the landing stage and checked our transit with the lock keeper, who said the water level above the lock is 6ft higher than normal due to the rain. The stretch of river above the lock is tidal and water levels are helped by sluices which let water out into the New Bedford River just above the lock. It was still very windy, but we were ok to asend the lock which is under a road bridge. We had to monitor our roof level. We did fit with only inches to spare. Once out of the lock and continuing on the River Gt Ouse we could feel the wind more as the area was open and the river wide. We passed Earith and came to the landing stage for Brownshill Staunch. This was a new experience for us. On approach it looked like the lock gates were open. But as we neared we could see two metal bars each end of the staunch (lock). Because the water was so high both guillotine gates were underwater and closed, so we had to raise the entry gate, take the boat in, lower gate, then raise exit gate, take the boat out and lower gate again. Having passed through Brownshill Staunch we were off the tidal part, but the water was still rough being blown by the wind. Reaching St Ives lock the weather changed and became much calmer. We moored on St Ives Quay which is a high wall. A bit awkward for me and the dogs getting on and off the boat, but such a lovely setting near St Ives multi arch bridge with a chapel built in the middle of the arches. It looked stunning at night lit up. There were other boats moored here too, and the quayside was busy with people passing, sitting on benches and chatting to us boaters. The day ended with a lovely sunset. On a sunny Friday morning we had a wander around the town which has a good selection of shops and a supermarket. Back at the boat we noticed a young bird on a weed on the quay wall next to our boat, the adult birds kept flying close trying to encourage it to fly, we did get some pictures before heading off. 7
Water Water Everywhere Part Two (cont) Once on the move again following a more curved route, up Hemingford Lock and then passing a lovely village with church, houses, thatch cottages, and good moorings. Onward up Houghton Lock with the National Trust Mill alongside in a lovely setting. We approached Hartford and saw masses of Canada Geese in the water, on the edge, and in the field, they had totally taken over this area. Passing Hartford village with it's pretty waterside church, we continued under the Huntingdon Bridges one being the A14 (we have often driven over the river here). Soon we saw Brampton Mill with the waterwheel turning. To enter the lock you have to loop round the back of an island (and sound your horn), to avoid strong weir currents below the lock. Seeing another kingfisher and hearing another cuckoo. Once up Offord Lock we had a long stretch before St Neots Lock which is huge. Once out we headed to the Priory Centre in St Neots to moor on a floating pontoon for the night.
On Saturday morning with sun, cloud and breeze we had a wander in town before leaving mid morning. Asending Eaton Socon Lock and passing Wyboston Leisure Park we saw waterskiers on the lake through this tree lined area of the river. At Roxton Lock we shared with a cruiser, then alone through Gt Barford Lock, and passing under a very impressive stone, multi arch bridge. Beware the small arches, current and wind. As we found out on our return, ouch. Onwards through Willington Lock, then Castle Mill Lock with very heavy mitred gates A very intimidating large lock with very high walls, I roped to the lock chains as the bollards were too high, the lock was slow to fill and had large weirs alongside. On again to Cardington Lock which you zigzag through, and nearing Bedford we had the very low footbridge which prevents many boats reaching the centre of Bedford. However we approached very slowly and with spectators above we just made it with ONE inch to spare above our ladders/plank, phew. Next into Bedford Lock and out the other side onto a very wide part of the river to moor at Sovereign Quay. We made it to Bedford on a lovely sunny afternoon, and the target of our trip, against all odds, wind, rain, high water, cold, illness, poorly boat at times, and against the current. There was a lot of interest in our boat from passers by who stopped to chat, apparently boats are rare on these moorings. On Sunday morning we heard tap tap tapping on the boat, a Newbie Rower was using the mooring area for rowing practice, the tutor was friendly and apologised for disturbing us. After lunch we started our return trip, managed the low bridge again phew, good job no rain overnight. We found out the River Nene was closed due to high water levels, so we stayed a couple of days in Ely, got some quotes for boat haulage incase. Fortunately the River Nene re-opened but left us with some long days cruising to make it back on time. Luckily the weather had changed and we enjoyed warmer, sunnier days, and lovely sunsets.
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Water Water Everywhere Part 2 (cont)
By Tuesday and finally back on CRT waters onto the Northampton Arm and through lock 17 and 16 we thought all would be well with water levels. Wrong. We soon found ourselves stopped behind narrowboats caught in low water levels with deep draught boats. I called CRT, while a chap on the towpath went back to the lock above to let water down. Meanwhile we were advised to edge passed the stuck boats and help the one facing us trying to get down. After removing two shopping trolley's from the canal we managed to get the downward facing boat moving so it could pass the three of us going up. We then slowly made our way to lock 15. I went in and we filled the lock slowly as the pound above was now very low. John walked up to lock 14. The other two narrowboats moored on the landing stage. CRT and John arrived back and we were advised to stay here together overnight as safety in numbers (boats don't normally overnight on this Arm). We moved from the lock onto the landing stage by which time it was 9pm, a very long day. Wednesday morning we left early, the water levels had recovered and we made an uneventful trip up the remaining 14 locks. Most of the locks had flower beds beside them and on the towpath side were decorative mosaic squares. For example a mosaic letter A and a mosaic acorn, each lock had a different letter and picture. The lock beams, bollards and paddle gear all looked newly painted. Once at the top we met CRT, who said they have problems with someone breaking anti vandal locks and opening paddles. However yesterday was due to someone leaving the paddles up. Back on the Grand Union Main Line we moored at Weedon Bec and returned for another lovely meal at the Crossroads. On Thursday we stopped to explore the Heart of the Shires shopping village, before sharing Buckby locks (7) and mooring near the New Inn for another lovely meal. Friday we headed through Braunston Tunnel and then shared Braunston locks (6) with 2 other narrowboats, Braunston was very busy, full of boats for the Historic Narrowboatt Rally over the weekend, it was lovely to pass through the middle of all this excitement. Down the 3 Hillmorton Locks before mooring in Rugby for another meal out in the Harvester - delicious Ribs. On Saturday we headed through Newbold Tunnel, soon arriving at Brinklow Marina and our new base. What a memorable and eventful June we have had, achieving our cruising plan. Having had the BSS and service before our trip we were disappointed with several boat issues which slowed our trip down considerably. Of course too much water then not enough water just added to the mix. But we still love our boating adventures, and just deal with things as they occur. Happy Boating. Stephanie Mason & John Grieve 9
Essex Waterways Update During the final months of the year boating activity on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is much reduced although there are still new arrivals travelling to their moorings, the Chelmer Cruises trip boats needing to move for their winter maintenance work and workboats moving to work sites. There are still canoes and paddleboards around although not using the locks. This is therefore the time of year for lock gate replacement on the Navigation which can require a lock closure for two to three weeks. However, both boat movements and lock work can be halted by both floods and gales. This winter has seen plenty of both with access to the waterway impossible on several days and water levels remaining too high for navigation for long periods. The replacement of the lower gates at Sandford Lock was programmed for January in the New Year and commencement was slightly late because delivery of the new gates was delayed. Needless to say, flood conditions and gales also interrupted the work on site. However, the project was a notable success with the new gates being installed by Essex Waterways own team of Lengthsmen. This was the first time they have undertaken the complete installation and something that makes us particularly proud! The work at Sandford included replacing the bottom cill capping boards and overhauling the top gates which were the first lock gates that Essex Waterways replaced when we took responsibility for the Navigation in 2005. Replacement bank piling above and below the lock is planned but at the time of writing high water levels are preventing this.
New balance beams for Ricketts Lock were delivered along with the Sandford gates. The refurbishment of the residential mooring pontoon at Springfield Basin has been completed and there are now three residential boats in place together with the original Office barge. Work has also been completed at the Springfield Basin facilities with repainting and the installation of an additional toilet and laundry facilities for the residential boats. An additional electrical pedestal has been fitted at the Cressy Quay moorings. While restricting planned work, the floods and gales bring additional jobs with fallen trees and deposited debris to clear as well as several loose boats to rescue where mooring lines have broken. There was also a water supply leak to find and repair at the Heybridge Basin facilities building.
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Essex Waterways Update (cont) Improvements continue with work commenced at Paper Mill on the provision of electrical services for the Island moorings which will also require the upgrading of the electrical supply to the Island. The store shed to the rear of the Paper Mill Office has been emptied in readiness for repairs which will include jacking this back into a vertical position.
Last winter we were able, with the cooperation of the adjoining land owner, to start dredging the Long Pond at Beeleigh. The next section, continuing downstream to Chapmans Bridge, should be complete by the time you read this. This has also been carried out from the bank with a long reach excavator and cooperation from Maldon District Council to gain access to the site. There are restrictions on how much dredging we are permitted to undertake each year and each section usually involves a different owner where we need to negotiate access to the site. It is, however, hoped that we will be able to continue downstream with further dredging next winter
Another improvement currently underway is the surfacing of the access roadway in front of The Old Ship PH and cottages at Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin. The surface of this has been problematic for many years with potholes and puddles reoccurring. This work has been made possible by the award of grant assistance from the SUEZ Landfill Communities Fund, Rees Jeffreys Road Fund and IWA Chelmsford Branch. We are indebted to IWA’s Fundraising Officer at Chesham for her tremendous work in making this project possible.
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Essex Waterways Update (cont)
I mentioned the movement of Chelmer Cruises trip boats. This has involved moving all three boats. Victoria was moved downstream to Heybridge Basin where a Christmas trip was trialled. This was however en-route to moving to Maldon for an ‘out of water’ MCA inspection and hull survey which was all satisfactory. The last Newsletter pictured Victoria leaving Heybridge Sea Lock and also arriving at Downs Road Boatyard. Victoria has now returned to the Navigation and is being prepared for the new season. Albert also travelled down to Heybridge Basin to be craned out for the fitting of a new gearbox, battery maintenance system and exhaust repairs. This work has all been expertly undertaken by Grant, our Heybridge Lock Keeper, while staff and volunteers have completed the exterior repainting. Blackwater Dawn has moved in the opposite direction up to Paper Mill so that exterior repainting and minor repairs can be carried out there.
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Essex Waterways Update (cont) The road bridge over the Mill Stream at Hoe Mill has been closed for several months while the Highway Authority undertook investigation work and bank repairs. This has now reopened but with traffic lights and a 6’-6” width restriction. This is already creating problems with many ‘family’ cars not being able to pass through and having to reverse when there is a queue of waiting traffic behind them!
We have had two weekend visits from the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG). WRG Forestry, a specialist team, carried out overhanging tree work below Paper Mill Bridge using both the EWL Workboat and Raider to access from the water and cooperation from adjoining owners to access the bank. WRG London undertook hedge planting at Hoe Mill at the camping area and work in the storage area to make this easier to use.
Roy Chandler
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IWA Festival of Water Waltham Abbey 2019 Leaving home early Sunday morning for Waltham Abbey due to the weather forecast predicting temperatures in the 30's, we arrived for the opening time. The dogs were happy to go in the 'jogger dog carrier' laying on the dog chill pads, so keeping them cool and in the shade, especially in their advancing years, our four legged pensioners.
We started off looking around the various stalls and stands while it was quieter, people were very intrigued by our dog carrier and kept stopping us to chat. There was a kids area, WRG had their 'have a go digger experience', we called into the CRT & IWA tents to chat, I stroked one of the two horses 'Bonny & Bilbo' who were present with the Horse Boat Society, and were doing demonstrations of harnessing later in the day, and there was a good selection of refreshments and food.
We then headed down to the water to see all the moored boats, some decorated ready for the illuminated parade in the evening, we walked the towpath length between the two locks, finding a nice path off the towpath for the dogs to have a walk, before heading back into the show area for lunch, and finding an area of shade to enjoy our food and drink. Due to the increasing heat we headed home after lunch, we had enjoyed the day, the towpath was busy with visitors, but while we had our lunch we noticed that although there were visitors around the stalls it was not as busy as we had seen at other shows, possibly due to the heat, which was a shame for those fund raising for their respective charities, and the stall holders who had come to support the show, not to mention all the hard work done by the organisers. We look forward to next years show.
Stephanie Mason & John Grieve
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What a Canal-Side Find At Easter 2019 we had a lovely trip to Market Harborough as we had enjoyed our visit there last year. Some fellow Sea Otter Boaters were also moored there for the weekend, whom we had met at the Sea Otter Rally in Warwick last year. So it was good to catch up. On our trip back we took a detour up the Welford Arm to the basin for lunch at the Wharf Inn, that was when we saw a lovely steam engine and trailer in the pub car park, the owner had also stopped for lunch, and to get water for the engine. It was a very well looked after engine, the owner was very chatty, and passionate about steam engines, also preserving them, he often went out on trips with his engine, going from pub to pub as he could get water easily at them from the hydrants. He even tooted his whistle for us!
It was also here we met Kay of 'Canal Crafty Arts' on her narrowboat with displays of her painted arts and crafts in traditional canal decorations, which were very impressive. Seeing these we commissioned Kay to paint our plaque for our front cratch. This she did over a couple of weeks, and what a wonderful job she did, we were delighted with the name and roses on the front, and also the flowers on the back.
We were glad we had made the detour and seen the steam engine, and the added bonus of meeting the very talented Kay. You never know what you might find by the canal. Stephanie Mason & John Grieve 15
AGM Minutes IWA CHELMSFORD BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 8.00 PM THURSDAY 12th MARCH 2020 The Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common Galleywood CM2 8TR 1. Apologies. Kirsten Smith. Mr. Mrs. J. Martin. 2. Approval of Minutes. Approved. 3. Matters arising from the Minutes. None. 4. Report from the Chairman. Molly thanked everyone for coming to the AGM and Social. Considering the concern about the coronavirus it was pleasing to see so many people. Molly then reported that there had been four Committee Meetings since the last AGM. They were usually held on the trip boat ‘Victoria’ but the winter one at Roy and Chris’s. John Carlaw had reported there were 304 members and 201 memberships. Dennis Padfield had created publicity material and attended Tourism meetings. Rebecca’s programme of social events had attracted increasing numbers to the meetings and the trip to the IWA Cavalcade last summer was a success. Some of the cost for the trip had been refunded and surplus had been put in the funds. When invited speakers declined a fee Rebecca arranged for them to have a bottle of wine. David Hewitt, the manager of Essex Waterways Ltd, has resigned mainly due to personal commitments. Many thanks to David for his hard work. Essex Waterways Ltd now has three trip boats. Roy and Chris continue to work 24/7 as volunteers for EWL. Roy continues to attend CRACL (Chelmsford Rivers and Canal Link) meetings and local initiative meetings. The new snack kiosk at Heybridge Basin has been inspected and given a 5 star rating. ‘Victoria’ catering has also been awarded 5 stars. The Cyril Styring trophy, IWA’s Premier Award, was awarded to John Gale at the IWA AGM in September. John was unable to attend. Molly presented the award to John at an Autumn social. John was thanked for his many years of voluntary work for the Inland Waterways Association. John had informed the committee that he was standing down as Branch Treasurer. So at this point Molly presented John with a food hamper from all the Committee Members of the Chelmsford Branch and he was thanked for his long service as treasurer. He said he would like to stay on the committee and Philip Cervini would take over the treasure’s job. Molly concluded by stating that the Chelmsford Branch of IWA was in a unique situation in that it was a successful branch. She thanked the Committee for their commitment. 5. Report from IWA Trustee. No report. 6. Presentation of Accounts. John explained the income and expenditure in the Financial Statement. 7. Election of Committee. John Gale was re-elected as a committee member and Philip Cervini was elected as the Treasurer. 8. Questions from the floor. No questions. The AGM concluded at 8.12 pm. 16
Social Events Due to the precautions for Coranavirus we will need to cancel our April and May Socials. APRIL 9th 2020 CANCELLED MAY 14th 2020 CANCELLED JUNE, JULY, AUGUST no meetings SEPTEMBER 10th 2020 PAM BATHURST - The Medway Queen OCTOBER 8th 2020 TIM LEWIS - How London's canals have changed in the last 35 years.
Chelmsford Canal and River Link This Branch’s proposal for a New Cut to link Springfield Basin with Chelmsford’s rivers in its 1985 publication ‘Springfield Basin...and Beyond’ has continued to be promoted by the ‘Chelmsford River and Canal Link’ (CRACL) group. This group comprises of Chelmer Canal Trust, Chelmsford Civic Society, Essex Waterways Ltd and this IWA Branch. Progress is now being made following the release of a recent CRACL Feasibility Report on the proposed Link (formerly the New Cut). The change in administration at Chelmsford City Council has resulted in the Council appointing consultants to report on the proposed Link. This report confirmed that there were several unknowns with potential additional cost implications that would occur with the construction. These include the cost of lowering the high pressure gas main which could vary by £1m, the unknown degree of soil contamination due to the former gas works that would require removal or remediation, a potential high water table with contamination and complications relating to crossing the main sewers and services in Wharf Road. In addition the Council believed that the route of the new Link would conflict with their aim to provide a new road bridge over the river Chelmer to access the gas works site. The Council therefore commissioned a further study to look at the CRACL Plan B which is the construction of a new lock alongside the Automatic Weir adjoining the Essex Record Office. IWA’s Consultant Engineer had already produced a report on this which was made available to the Council. The IWA report concluded that it was possible to construct a new lock along the line of the existing boat rollers. The Councils Consultants report has the same conclusion but also looked at the condition of the automatic weir. This Plan B would not provide an additional water supply to Springfield Basin to alleviate the water shortages that occur when Springfield Lock is operated repeatedly. It would not create new public waterfronts or a more direct waterside connection between the city and the basin. It could also encourage boats to bypass Springfield Basin creating dead space therein. Furthermore the river below the automatic weir which is not part of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation is prone to silting and weed growth which makes boating difficult. However, CRACL, is of the view that a new lock is preferable to no link at all.
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Chelmsford Canal and River Link (cont)
It is known that the Environment Agency no longer consider the automatic weir as being necessary for flood defence purposes and they propose to discontinue its maintenance. An important function of the weir is to maintain the water levels in the city centre while opening automatically to release additional water when levels increase. Without the weir the rivers in the city centre would become unsightly muddy ditches with the current canoe and boating uses impossible. Springfield Basin is fed from the rivers and without the current maintained river level, the water would disappear from the basin making navigation and use impossible. The setting and visual outlook from all the recently constructed apartments would also be lost. It is therefore vital that the current levels of the rivers are maintained. It appears that the Council is currently minded to investigate the new lock proposal further together with the possible replacement of the gates in the automatic weir and taking responsibility for the weir. This Branch will continue to support the Council in this respect. The Council are clearly interested in making greater use of the rivers and they have established a ‘Waterways Working Group’ involving their officers and Members to which interested parties have been invited. The initial meeting included presentations on the Canal Link by CRACL and the Councils Consultants and discussion around this. At the most recent Workshop which had a good attendance of interested parties, Essex Waterways provided a presentation about the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and its ‘aspirations’ for the future. There were also presentations from Chelmsford Sea Cadets, Essex Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and consultants for both the Automatic Weir and Sandford Mill. The Group then split into three workshops to discuss: a) River use and Navigation, b) Sandford Mill and wider country park and c) River environment and ecology. All the reports back from the workshops were positive and the new interest in the local waterways is very encouraging. Roy Chandler
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Visitor to Heybridge Basin Heybridge Basin often has interesting visiting boats, the most recent was a former RNLI Lifeboat. After service with the Blyth Volunteer Lifeboat organisation, the former RNLI St Peter Port, Geurnsey Lifeboat – 52′ Arun Class, Sir William Arnold underwent restoration in Amble, Northumberland, before taking up a planned new London based educational role in early 2020. The 1973 built ON1025 served at St. Peter Port from 1973 – 1997 before being sold out of RNLI service in 1998. She won her crews many gallantry medals during her service in the Channel Islands, probably the most famous being the Bonita shout in December 1981.
After being sold out of RNLI service she was renamed respectively; “Our Lady”, “Theocrat” and “Samuel J”, now pleasingly she has reverted to her original RNLI name. She was in effect the second prototype Arun Class Lifeboat following on from the 1971 built 52-01 “Arun”, also featuring a double diagonal mahogany hull and aluminium superstructure but of a design unique to 52-02. Later Arun Class Lifeboats followed the basic superstructure design of 52-03 up until the final 1990 built Arun Class Lifeboat 52-46, ON1160 “Duke of Atholl”, all GRP hulled after the initial three wooden and one Corten steel hulled boats. The new owners plan to use her as an innovative floating education and experience centre based in London’s St Katharine Docks. She will host RYA shore based training courses and team building events, with additional opportunities for visits, tours and talks. New owner Colin Trowles is sailing her down the east coast of England from Amble to London, stopping off at various lifeboat stations on the way. Colin said; “We want to use this opportunity to raise money for the RNLI on the way and we’re looking for potential sponsorship for the many sea miles we’ll be covering. We will be stopping off at numerous lifeboat stations on the way, giving people the chance to come and view her”. The visit to Heybridge Basin in March is expected to be for about two weeks.
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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) 7 2 9
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1 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
John Gale:
Vice Chairman.
24 Longleaf Drive, Braintree CM7 1XS
Phillip Cervini
Treasurer.
Paul Strudwick:
London Region Chairman.
paul.strudwick@team.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
Dennis Padfield:
Publicity.
dennis.padfield@waterways.org.uk
Stephanie Mason: Refreshments.
None
Kirsten Smith:
Youth.
None
Rebecca Loader
Social Secretary
rebecca.loader@waterways.org.uk
Adam Wyllie:
Branch Web Editor.
Adam.wyllie@waterways.org.uk
IWA Chelmsford Web Address
http://www.waterways.org.uk/chelmsford 20