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Northern Navigation News
Newsletter of the North Riding Branch of the Inland Waterways Association
Boaters moored at Foss Basin whilst the River Ouse was in flood during the Rivers Festival in July
Issue 6 - Summer 2012
The Inland Waterways Association Selby Boat Centre & Boroughbridge Marina are pr oud sponsors of Nor thern Na viga tion News Northern Naviga vigation proud
NORTHERN NAVIGATION NEWS SUMMER 2012 A SAFE HAVEN, AT LAST? What I do find worrying is the lack of communication between bodies and groups involved in the waterways. A couple of years ago, a member of the Environment Agency staff visited the IWA gazebo at a Dragon Boat Festival in York. The local IWA Section had been operating Castle Mills Lock for about two years, but nobody had told the staff at the barrier, which is next door. Paul, the man on duty on at the barrier on Friday 6th July, did not know about the Flotilla or the Dragon Boat Race! Surely, the City of York Council should be making a diary of events and activities on the Rivers Ouse and Foss available to all the other stakeholders, such as the Canal and River Trust , the Environment Agency, Emergency Services etc. Also, we will have another go at the contact number for operating Castle Mills Lock being prominently on display on the brick block by the lock pound. The IWA has offered to pay for the signage etc. The boaters stranded in the lock basin by the River Ouse flooding, were a fun loving bunch, and they held a barbeque on the Saturday night. On the Monday 9th July Keith Chapman and Peter Hopwood, two of the Lock Keepers, let four narrow boats up the River Foss. Tony Martin, the Head Lock Keeper, joined them later. The trip up the River Foss was enjoyed by all. So, thank you Steve Jackson, Lesley and Chris Drayton and friends, for your hospitality and patience .Also thanks to Ian Carter, the landlord of the Mason’s Arms, and Chris of Yorkboat for their understanding and help.
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There was a great spirit of camaraderie amongst the boaters who were trapped in Foss Basin on 9th July
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The Flotilla celebrating the 800 Anniversary of York receiving its City Charter from King John had been cancelled at the very last minute, as had the Sunday’s Dragon Boat Festival. These are now going to be held on Sunday 26th August and Saturday 22nd September 2012. There will be a report on both in the next Northern Navigation News (Autumn 2012). Many thanks are due to Liz Topi (City of York Council) and Ian Woodham of York Motor Yacht Club for all their hard work that they and many other people did on the Flotilla.
BOOKING INTO THE FLOTILLA – SUNDAY 26th AUGUST 2012 There is now room for more boats in the new flotilla, which will be on Sunday 26th August 2012, starting at 1.30pm. The mooring for narrowboats will, again be Castle Mills Lock Basin. Please not that the Skippers’ Briefing will be on Saturday 25th August 2012 at 10.00am at Castle Mills Lock, York. If you would like a booking form then, please e-mail Liz Topi on liz.topi@york.gov.uk or telephone Tony Martin on 07588-236-597. Bookings must be by Wednesday 22nd August 2012. If you are interested in cruising the River Foss, please call the above phone number.
CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS There will be no red buoys in the middle of the River Ouse by the Guildhall. Also the cruise company Yorkboat will be operating 5 boats on a full service, as well as the little hourly hire boats. These will be marshalled and instructed to sail down river towards the Millennium Bridge and away from the centre of York.
CLOSURE The River Ouse will be closed from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday 26th August 2012.
THE MERMAID On the afternoon of Thursday 12th July, the new acquisition of the Beverley Barge Trust, the Mermaid, cruised up the River Foss as far as Huntingdon Road. This boat was given to the Trust. It was originally a Trinity House boat, made in South Korea by Hyundai, and has a Perkins diesel engine.
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“Mermaid” turning around on the River Foss, just north of Monk Bridge.
Charles and Diana had reputedly been on board, when boarding the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Mermaid was now in the Trust colours, and looks very smart. On 12th July on one of the trips the RFS had the pleasure of the company of Peter Scott, IWA Regional Chairman, and Elaine Scott, IWA West Riding Branch Chairman. Diana Robinson has written about her experiences on the Mermaid (see page 7).
THE LAUNCH OF THE CRT – Leeds, Thursday 12th July 2012 The launch of the new waterways charity (CRT) in Leeds was well orchestrated, with a DVD presentation by the Canal and River Trust’s first patron, Prince Charles, followed by a poem by Ian Macmillan. John Horsfall, Waterways Manager, North East Region, made us all welcome, followed by two long serving members of staff. After the visual presentations, the new Chair of the Partnership Board, Mark Penny, gave a talk about the CRT’s plans for the future. A cake was then cut, and spritzers drunk.
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Oh, the light breakfast of croissants’ pastries and coffee was most welcome, but it was the venue that I will most remember, which reminded me of a scene from Fellini’s film 8½, which I saw when in my first job in London’s West End in the late Sixties. I leave the analogy to your imaginations. Much more thought could have been given to the venue. Standing room only, a spiral staircase to the first floor and no lift. And if I had not spotted suitably suited gentlemen outside an unmarked plate glass door, and a makeshift reception area inside, I would not have found the venue easily. The boat trip was greatly enjoyed, however, by Elaine and Peter Scott (West Riding Branch and NE and Yorkshire Region Chairs), who then came to York for a journey up the River Foss on the Mermaid (see Diana Robinson’s article below) . A much more illuminating trip!
THE PROPOSED NEW MEMBERSHIP FEE FOR THE IWA? Talking about being ‘illuminating’, we would like to start a debate about what is the most effective way of representing boaters’ interests, and the interests of other stakeholders? What has sparked off this debate? The proposal is that the membership fee for IWA membership is set to be £31.50 (£25.20 concessions) The future membership of the CRT is going to be decided in three years’ time (there is none at present); it may be included with annual boat fees, and then a further £31.50 plus membership of one’s local canal trust, or navigation, is pushing matters too far. So do we now need more than one charity nationally? Local societies are not in question, here. Alright, so the CRT manages the system and protects the heritage, and the IWA campaigns around issues, and makes sure that bodies, such as the CRT, carry out their duties. However, let’s start a real debate about the most cost effective way (to the paying member) of protecting our interests. E-mail: tonymartin451@yahoo.co.uk with your thoughts. Thank you.
MEANDERING WITH A MERMAID When I heard about the barge trips on the River Foss I decided to book for one on Syntan as well as one on Mermaid. Unfortunately, the heavy rain in the previous week affected river levels to the extent that Syntan was unable to navigate under the bridges so I had to be content with the smaller vessel, Mermaid.
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The “Mermaid� approaches Monk Bridge on its way up the River Foss
However, it was still possible to look around Syntan, moored at King's Staith, and appreciate the amount of work that had gone into its restoration. Originally connected with the tanning industry it had carried a variety of cargo to and from Beverley and there was a fascinating photographic display to illustrate its history. I joined Mermaid at a small mooring point behind the old BT building in York. The sun was shining and it was a perfect afternoon to be on the river, reminiscent of scenes from "Wind in the Willows". Indeed, as we glided along the Foss, expertly guided by the crew, we passed under many willow bowers. Everywhere we went people smiled and waved at us as we perched on deck to make the most of the views. So we were greeted by tourists on the buses and passers-by on the footpath as we made our way upstream to Monk Bridge. En route we sailed under a number of bridges and passed a variety of townscape, from car showrooms (which certainly attracted the attention of the men on board) to modern office blocks and supermarkets to
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apartments overlooking the river, where we also were granted a friendly wave as the vessel turned to return to Kings Staith. That route meant we gained a glimpse of The Merchant Adventurers' Hall before navigating the lock by Castle Mills and watching how expertly this was handled. "After all, the best part… is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working" as Kenneth Graham so eloquently expressed it. The final stretch was up the wider Ouse before disembarking alongside Syntan. One of the highlights of the trip for me was seeing the ducks rise en masse from the water, creating a symphony of splashes which reflected the sunshine as they flew. I also enjoyed seeing the water-lilies, an unexpected pleasure as we sailed along. I gained a different perspective on my adopted city and thank all concerned for that. Diana Robinson, July 2012
DIARY Saturday 25th August – 10.00am York Motor Yacht Club, Fulford, York – Fun Day Sunday 26th August – 1.30pm The York 800 Flotilla – see details above. Saturday 22nd September – York Rotary Club Dragon Boat Races. The River Foss Society will have a gazebo on Marygate Landing, York from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The North Riding Branch (IWA) will be on site as well. Saturday 29th September – Open Day – Castle Mills Lock, York. The North Riding Branch (IWA) will be holding an Open Day at Castle Mills Lock, York from 10.00am. The River Foss Society will be on site with a gazebo on the island, and a boat will be cruising along the River Foss from 10.00am to 4.00pm. John Oxley (the City of York Archaeologist) will be conducting his popular history walk along the banks of the historic River Foss from Monk Bridge (end of Foss Island Road and Huntingdon Road) to the Castle. The walk commences at 2.00pm and lasts for approximately two hours. The event is organised in co-operation with York Fifty Plus Festival.
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Saturday 6th October – The Scarborough Talk – this event is organised in co-operation with East Yorkshire Branch (IWA). An afternoon of
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fascinating talks with Malcolm Slater giving a new illustrated talk on commercial shipping on Yorkshire’s busy waterways and Michael Barton, the grandson of a Castle Mills Lock Keeper, giving a presentation with models and photos. Refreshment Interval followed by a presentation on the Market Weighton Canal restoration proposals. A small fee to cover he costs will be charged. The venue is: The Unitarian Chapel, Victoria Parade, off Falsgrave Road, Scarborough, YO11 1TY. Parking in Sainsbury’s car park Scarborough Unitarian Chapel opposite or in the side streets. A Park and Ride facility is available and Scarborough Station is a short distance away. The event starts at 2.00pm. For more details e-mail tonymartin451@yahoo.co.uk or telephone on: 07588-236-597.
MESSAGE FROM THE NEW BRANCH CHAIR At the AGM, Tony Martin stood down as Branch chair. Tony was the moving spirit behind the establishment of a separate branch, and knows everyone connected with the Branch's waterways. Luckily he has agreed to stay on as secretary, especially as I've been in hospital and have operations in prospect. Thanks to Tony for keeping the show on the road. I've been asked why, with the transition of BW to CaRT, we need two waterways charities. One answer is that out of the new body's board of 35, only 6 represent boaters' interests (though one is the IWA's formidable national chair Clive Henderson). While obviously everyone should have a say, pressure on resources may mean that boaters will need backing over navigation priorities as distinct from wildlife, industrial history etc. Another answer is to say go to www.waterways.org.uk and have a look at what the IWA has achieved and is currently engaged in! Mike Cadoux
LINTON LOCK HYDRO The Environment Agency has finally approved the Lock Island scheme, despite opposing it in court in 2009 - probably couldn't justify risking taxpayer's money again on a case it was likely to lose. This means the Small Hydro/CaRT scheme can go ahead provided it's done before
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River Foss Society formed nearly 40 years ago to protect and promote enjoyment of the river, also pleased to co-operate with the Inland Waterways Association, North Riding Branch. In spite of the early summer weather, 2012 events have been well supported with usually one walk and at least one other event each month. For details of events for the rest of the year, for a copy of the latest Newsletter or for details of Membership please contact:-
Secretary – Tel no 01904 760871, E mail: m.burton599@btinternet.com Membership – Tel no 01904 768071, E mail: chrisandpete@haxby147.fsnet.co.uk
www.riverfosssociety.co.uk 2017, and that the recently-completed smaller scheme on the south (Nun Monkton) bank has priority for water usage. But coupled with the requirement to maintain a flow of 47 cubic metres/second over the weir, which will have to be raised by 50cm, one wonders how much water will be left for the prospective scheme; and as well as too little water, it can't
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operate in flood either. Also, several moorings will be lost, and Lock Island, which is an currently undisturbed but unofficial nature reserve with otters living where the turbines are going, will have a road across it to the turbine site. Mike Cadoux
WHY THE IWA NEEDS YOUR MONEY Every charity needs their supporters and IWA trustees are grateful for every charitable donation that we receive - and that includes subscriptions. We campaign for all the country's waterways - including all the miles that aren't run by the Canal and River Trust. We continue to uprate subscriptions each year with inflation, and there's a resolution at the Chelmsford AGM on 29th September at which members can debate the new rates for 2013: it's well worth attending as a weekend away, with a boat trip arranged on the navigation that IWA runs, the Chelmer and Blackwater (details are in "Waterways" magazine). I think of my IWA subscription as something that costs me less than buying a monthly waterways magazine from the newsagents. Because IWA is a charity, it qualifies for Gift Aid, and the extra twenty-odd percent from the Government: it's our members' gift to help the waterways, and we hope to give value for it by our campaigning. Thank you. Peter Scott, Regional Chair
WE WENT TO LONDON TO SEE THE QUEEN ... AND GOT A BIT WET – a story of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant At the end of the October meeting, before the last pint, ‘Are we applying for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant?’ . ‘We might as well, we’ve no other boating in early June, secretary to fill in form on line. Who wants another drink?’ As secretary of the group which owns the Town Class Large Woolwich narrow boat Fulbourne, I filled in the form and we thought no more about it until January when an email said we had a place. This was the first of many, many megabytes of electronic communication with details of the Pageant and its arrangements.
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Safety. With 1100 boats, it was to be the largest river pageant ever – and became a Guinness World Record. To achieve it, boat skippers would be unusually close to other boats, with danger of colliding; the related danger of someone falling into the river would cause chaos. Every boater needed a lifejacket, every boat had to have a sufficient anchor, firefighting equipment, and be able to bale out if needed. Security. Everyone on the boats had to be registered two months in advance, and have their identity checked before being sent our 'Boarding Passes'. It all led to a slow build-up of ... Enthusiasm. There were lots of boating applications rejected by January 2012, and we on Fulbourne realised how keen other boats would be to have our space in the forty-narrowboat convoy. For us the build-up included an Aprilweekend escape from our closed-for-drought winter-moorings in Aylesbury, then a weekend rehearsal followed by the real event a week later. The threehour pageant needed two-and-a-half additional days beforehand a day-and-ahalf afterwards to put the boat in the correct starting position and then to disperse afterwards. Our two leisure activities – narrowboating and Change Ringing - somehow merged together with the idea that a new set of towerbells destined for the church of St James, Garlickhythe, London, should be temporarily mounted on a barge leading the Pageant, and rung while moving by an expert band from the Ancient Society of College Youths. Was if worth it? The answer has to be a resounding YES. It was great to be part of such an historic event and I will never be able to wave to so many people again. The cold and the rain were badly timed, but overall it was a good boating experience. Wonderful. Elaine Scott, NB Fulbourne
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The Fulbourne
Please note that all views expressed in “Northern Navigation News” are those of the authors and may not represent those of the Inland Waterways Association.
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