IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch newsletter - Shroppie Fly Paper - Summer 2022

Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch Newsletter Summer 2022

SHROPPIE FLY PAPER

Front cover : Jubilee weekend boats at Market Drayton by Peter Brown President

Michael Limbrey

michael.limbrey@waterways.org.uk 01691 654081

Chairman

Michael Haig

michael.haig@waterways.org.uk 07801 415573

Secretary

Philippa Bursey

philippa.bursey@waterways.org.uk

Membership Secretary

Dawn Aylwin

dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer & Welsh Liaison Officer

Alan Platt

alan.platt@waterways.org.uk

Webmaster

Alan Wilding

alan.wilding@waterways.org.uk

Newsletter Editor

Andrew Smith

andrew.smith@waterways.org.uk

Susan Wilding Graham Russell

susan.wilding@waterways.org.uk graham.russell@waterways.org.uk

Phil Pickin

phil.pickin@waterways.org.uk

Sir Robert Atkins

robert.atkins@waterways.org.uk 01995 602225 or 07770 254444

Peter Brown

iwa@peterquita.co.uk

Committee Members Publicity NW Region Chairman Heritage & Planning (non­committee position)

Branch Web pages https://waterways.org.uk/shrewsburynorthwales https://www.facebook.com/shrewsburynorthwales If you would prefer to communicate with the branch in the traditional way, please write to the chairman c/o IWA Chesham address at foot of page Shroppie Fly Paper is the newsletter of the Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch of The Inland Waterways Association (IWA). IWA is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country's 6,500 miles of canals and rivers. For further information contact any committee member.

Copy for Shroppie Fly Paper is very welcome, preferably by email. Photographs may be in any common computer format or as prints. Please supply a stamped addressed envelope if you require photographs to be returned. ‘Letters to the Editor’ intended for publication are invited, as are comments for the Editor’s private guidance. Copy and letters submitted for publication may be edited.

The Inland Waterways Association may not agree with the opinions expressed in this branch newsletter but encourages publicity as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as official policy unless stated otherwise. The Association accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter. Any reproduction must be acknowledged.

The Inland Waterways Association is a non­profit distributing company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783 453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk

THE EDITOR'S CUT...

As this issue goes to press, we are out on an extended cruise and currently moored at Saul Junction near Stroud in Gloucestershire. While here we have been checking out the impressive progress on the work to reconnect the Stroudwater Navigation to the national waterways network.

The benefits of the restoration to the local area are clear to see and we look forward to visiting again in a few years time to see the finished project.

Similar benefits can be realised by the restoration projects in our area. Both the Shropshire and Newport Canal and the Montgomery Canal have seen impressive progress this year and we will keep you informed of future developments.

We started our cruise this year by attending the Norbury Junction Festival at the end of April. It was our first time attending by boat and it was a great experience ­ quite different to attending by car. While working on the IWA stand we even got filmed by a visiting YouTube narrowboat channel. There is a link to the video on page 10.

The next stage of our cruise will involve the fairly recently re­opened Droitwich Canals. Provided we get under the very low M5 culvert, we plan to be back in the branch area for the lock wind in August and the Whitchurch Canal Festival in September.

These events are really good fun and a great way to help the waterways that we all love. After all why else are we members? We always welcome any offers of help with the events by helping staff the stand or by donating goods for sale.

Hope to see some of you on the cut or at one of the events.

Andrew Smith

Next copy date: Friday, October 28, 2022 SHROPPIE FLY PAPER BACK ISSUES ONLINE! Did you know that you can access back issues of this magazine at issuu.com?

The link to find issues back to 2009 is https://issuu.com/waterwaysassoc/stacks/ ff499dbd5f2941bba5e738cf88c600d6 But if that’s too much to type in, try this shortened version! https://bit.ly/2Pn5arf

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IWA SHREWSBURY DISTRICT & NORTH WALES BRANCH DIARY 2022 You can find details of the various events mentioned below in the magazine.

Obviously, with Covid­19 still prevalent, they will be subject to conditions at the time and it will be well worth checking before travelling to any events.

To reduce travelling and cost many of the branch business meetings now take place online. If you would like to join us online, please contact our Chairman at: michael.haig@waterways.org.uk Date(s)

Event

See page

July 15­17, 2022

Gnosall Canal Festival

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Aug 8, 2022

Branch Committee Meeting (online)

Aug 12–13, 2022

Branch Lock Wind

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Sept 3–4, 2022

Whitchurch Canal Festival

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HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR COPY OF SHROPPIE FLY PAPER? This magazine is available in a range of different forms: ◊ Hard copy printed magazine ◊ Downloadable electronic PDF file ◊ Electronic version accessed on­line through issuu.com Distribution of Shroppie Fly Paper in all forms is handled by IWA headquarters staff. So, if you would like to change the way that you receive this magazine, please email membership@waterways.org.uk.

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FROM THE STEERER It has been heartening this summer to welcome the return of canal festivals to our local waterways for the first time since 2019. After two depressing and frustrating years of restrictions and cancellations, it was especially pleasing to attend, over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, the revived Norbury Canal Festival. It’s an event that occupies a special place in the branch calendar; its timing usually heralds the start of a summer of boating and festivals and, of course, it started life in 2004 as a local branch event before our friends at the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust so ably stepped in to take it on.

Festival Fiesta This year they did another fantastic job, and you can read a full festival report on page 8.

We’re planning to take our gazebo and stand to both the Gnosall and Whitchurch festivals over the summer (dates on the diary page), so if you’re within striking distance of either event we would love to see you. Our band of volunteers appreciate the encouragement!

While talking of encouragement, you will see in this issue that we are gearing up for our annual lock wind on 12­13 August, once again at Cholmondeston Lock by Venetian Marina on the Middlewich Branch. We are always very grateful for support from our members for this important fundraiser – whether it’s making or donating homemade produce or saleable bric­a­brac, or if you can spare some time to come and help us at the event itself.

Restoration Wonders In the last issue of Shroppie Fly Paper, I mentioned my learning curve as an SNCT volunteer at the Wappenshall Wharf restoration. I’ve been able to give my aching muscles a bit of a break since May – my granddaughter’s D of E focus has turned to overnight camping and trekking expeditions – but I’m pleased to report that the hardy core team of volunteers are still making great progress and have been able to turn their attention from the bed of the East Basin to the structures themselves. I’m looking forward to revisiting the site at some point and in particular to the ‘grand opening’ of the smaller warehouse as a café and meeting centre perhaps next year.

Before I temporarily hung up my hard hat and high­vis, it was my great pleasure, during a break at a Wappenshall work party, to present SNCT volunteers Jim and Marion Weir with the Tetlow Cup, IWA North West Region’s award to non­IWA individuals or groups for outstanding services to the waterways. Their achievement is reported on page 7.

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Further west, Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers are continuing the fortnightly programme of restoration on the Montgomery Canal, near Crickheath. There are still another 160 metres of the channel to be lined, to complete the section under restoration, but given recent progress, the end of August could still see the completion of the lining process, then all efforts will be directed toward surfacing the 330 metres of accompanying towpath. SUCS expects to see this section filled and water­tested before Christmas, with the official opening taking place next year.

Improving Audlem Moving away from restoration, the condition of the canalscape at Audlem on the Shropshire Union is a great disappointment, both to us and to local community groups. Audlem has long been considered a ‘honeypot’ canal destination, much loved by residents and visitors alike for its attractive lock flight, its photogenic wharf and, of course, its famous crane!

Now its condition seems best epitomised by the shuttered Shroppie Fly pub, flanked by an unkempt services block and an exposed boaters’ waste compound.

The pub itself, reopened in the spring, closed once more in mid­June pending a search for another new licensee Elsewhere in this issue, Graham Russell describes some of the more significant problems that have developed in Audlem over recent months and years, and how the branch is campaigning with the local community to address them.

Needless to say, sustained improvement to restore Audlem to its former glory will need active support from Canal & River Trust, and achieving this is very high on the branch’s list of priorities. We will keep readers informed of progress.

…and Finally to Chester, 250 years on To close, I offer a brief reminder that this year is the 250th anniversary of the Chester Canal Act of 1772 that paved the way for the creation of the Chester Canal, eventually running from Nantwich through to Ellesmere Port. To mark the occasion, our neighbours in IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch are hosting a Canal Celebration on 29­31 July around Tower Wharf in the centre of Chester.

Why not visit this historic and very attractive city and join the fun? See https:// waterways.org.uk/support/ways­to­get­involved/events/chester­boat­ celebration­campaign for more details.

Michael Haig, Branch Chairman

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REGION CHAIRMAN WRITES Since my last report to you, there have been some changes at the top of the IWA (!) The Chief Executive decided that the job was not for him ­ despite a background in waterways ­ and left rather unexpectedly. Although I was not involved in the details of his appointment, his CV seemed good and appropriate. But all did not work out as expected ­ c’est la vie!

And then a week or two later, the National Chairman, Paul Rodgers, resigned and, suddenly, the IWA was technically leaderless.

An urgent meeting of the remaining Trustees was convened by the Deputy Chairmen, chaired by me, to consider all the implications. However, we were in luck for we were able to appoint a former Chairman, Les Etheridge, as an interim Trustee and then for him to take over immediately as the Chairman.

And then we were able to invite Jonathan Smith ­ a former National Treasurer ­ to become the interim Chief Executive. Both these appointments will run until the AGM in September although they may continue afterwards.

We are very fortunate that these two important positions are to be filled by such experienced IWA luminaries, well­known and respected by many in our organisation. And Paul Rogers will still be active in our affairs, bringing his special skills to our counsels.

A debate is being conducted amongst some regional activists about the perennial problems confronting many branches. Declining membership ­ especially within the younger generation ­ lack of active commitment by an increasing number of existing members, doubts about IWA objectives and achievements, shortage of funds and worries about Head Office.

The old argument continues. Should we be just a members’ organisation or a lobby for the needs and management of the waterways? Or can we ­ should we ­ do both? Your views would be welcome.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and, as always, take care.

Sir Robert Atkins—Chairman, North West Region

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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Summer is on the way The Branch stall at Norbury was very successful and as well as selling a lot of the Branch's beautiful 2023 calendar and other goods, we met and talked to a lot of members ­ in fact we even enrolled a new member so a warm welcome to Peter Leech from Stafford; we hope to meet you again soon.

I hope you all enjoyed the event as much as we did. Perhaps we will see you again at the next outing for the Branch stall which will be at C'Fest in Gnosall 15 ­ 17 July. If you plan to visit it would be great if you would volunteer to man the stall while we have a lunch break ­ say from midday. Please get in touch ­ details on inside front cover.

Dawn Aylwin

MONT ­ MONTY ­ MONTIE ­ MONTGOMERY ­ MONTGOMERIE Yes all possible answers to questions in the Brain of Monty 2022 quiz. But of course the Monts have to be contextualised. For example (from the 2020 quiz) Montgomery Clyde was the answer to 'Was Paddington Bear discovered by this explorer?' And Montparnasse (2018) was the answer to 'West bank of the Seine'.

Easy! Especially as all the answers have MONT in them somewhere ­ so hours of fun working out the answers with family and friends. There is a £25 prize but better still the winner will hold the coveted title of 'Brain of Mont 2022'. All questions are taken from previous tie­breakers.

To get your copy please send: SAE (A5 16 x 23cm) plus £1 for a single copy or SAE (as above) plus £5 and sell the other copies to family and friends or SAE plus £1 and a donation to help the canal restoration to Brain of Monty Quiz, Wyndcliff, Pen­y­Garreg Lane, Pant, Oswestry, SY10 8JS From past experience £1 coins travel easily through the post, suitably wrapped.

However notes are even safer; but please no cheques as the bank charges 40p to process every one.

PLEASE HELP if you can by selling 5 copies. All proceeds will go towards the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal.

Dawn Aylwin

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Local volunteers rewarded with this year's Tetlow Cup The 2022 Tetlow Cup, awarded by the NW region of the Inland Waterways Association, has been awarded to Marion and Jim Weir for their outstanding efforts at Wappenshall Wharf despite the repeated lockdowns. Nominated by Bernie Jones, Chairman of the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust [SNCT] and awarded by branch Chairman Michael Haig, the couple were left somewhat speechless by the award.

SNCT members Marion and Jim have worked tirelessly at a number of work parties for nearly eight years.

These include those at Wappenshall, Shrewsbury, Newport and Norbury, as well as at several Waterways Recovery Group Camps.

The couple have not just got their hands dirty at work parties but also helped update SNCT's website and helped improve the Trust's social media presence.

As if this wasn't enough, the couple have also developed the health and safety system used and produced a Work Party Leader's Manual. This document has been a key piece of work that has enabled Trust volunteers to keep working at Wappenshall through most of the pandemic.

Marion and Jim Weir being presented with the Tetlow Memorial Cup by branch Chairman Michael Haig (Photo by Emily Platt)

The couple, who always work together and live close to Wappenshall, Telford, were nominated for a Team Award for the outstanding work they have done for the canal restoration movement.

The Tetlow Memorial Cup, named after a former Commodore of the Lymm Cruising Club, is an IWA regional trophy awarded to recognise the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to ensure work continues to restore the waterways of the UK. Phil Pickin

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Norbury Canal Festival Returns Bright sunshine greeted visitors on the first day of this year's Norbury Canal Festival held over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. The event, held around Norbury Wharf on the Shroppie, once again featured stalls and boat traders along the towpath and around the Junction Inn. Organised by the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust, the event, along with almost every other canal festival, has not been held for the past two years due to the pandemic.

However, this year's event featured Bainton and Berkhampstead(a pair of historic working boats built in 1936 on the Thames at Woolwich by Harland and Wolff which were gifted to the trust and currently undergoing restoration). Boat trips were also on offer, as were displays about the work to restore the Shrewsbury and Newport canals.

A good number of traders attended, offering food and drink as well as traditional arts and crafts products, all of which seemed to be attracting the attention of the visitors.

After the event closed, Bernie Jones, Chairman of the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust said, "After a 2­ year COVID enforced absence, our festival bounced back and was a fantastic success! The weather on Saturday was almost summer­like, with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Sunday brought some light showery rain, and Monday was dry but warmer and mostly overcast.

This did not deter thousands from attending, and everyone had a really good time. A great deal of interest was shown in our two historic narrowboats, Bainton and Berkhampstead, that are undergoing restoration at Norbury Wharf Limited, and many people took a " Taster Trip" on one of their Day Boats, kindly loaned to SNCT by David Ray, Managing Director of the company.”

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Bernie also added, “I must say a huge thank you to our many volunteers and the Air Training Corps youngsters who managed the car park. Without this support, we would not be able to hold the event."

Some of the merchandise available on our stall at the festival including our new calendars (Photo by Andrew Smith)

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The Festival included a number of competitions including the best dressed boat which was won by Adastra and Nebulae ­ owned by Alan Buckle t/a StarCrafts.

The award for retail presentation was won by Delta ­ owned by Nici Griffin ­ t/a The Beanie Boat. Various other boats also received commendations for efforts made including for the most colourful display and clean and polished boat, (Lazy Daze); most interesting display hangings (March Hare), attractive creative flags (Tonka); flags and colourful display (Jenny Wren); quirky (Wandering Snail); top of boat (Dutiful Duck).

Thanks to Phil Pickin for permission to use text and photos previously published in Towpath Talk (https://www.towpathtalk.co.uk/).

Branch member Sue Blake who has been working on the restoration of Bainton and Berkhempstead modelling one of several trational narrowboat costumes that she wore during the festival! (Photo by Andrew Smith)

IWA stand featured on popular narrowboat vlog Fran and Rich from popular narrowboating vlog "Floating Our Boat" visited the Norbury Canal Festival and visited our stand!

You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/8PUTuuyJkwE. We are on between 9:28 ­ 11:04 Andrew Smith

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WHITCHURCH CANAL FESTIVAL 3­4 SEPT 2022 We will have a stall at the 2022 Canal Festival to be held this September in the Whitchurch Arm of the Llangollen Canal (SY13 1BE). The organisers ask that visitors walk to the festival if possible as parking is limited.

Details of the festival can be found on the Whitchurch Waterway Trust website (http://www.whitchurchwaterway.uk/canal­festival).

We would love to see members there. Perhaps you could help staff the stand for a couple of hours?

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Impressive progress by SUCS at Crickheath Since the previous edition of the Shroppie Fly Paper, we have received regular updates from the Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS) on the progress of their volunteers working on the Montgomery Canal.

The current project is to extend the channel from Pryces Bridge to Crickheath Winding Hole. This will join the winding hole at Crickheath, which CRT contractors re­instated in 2019 to the national network, allowing boats to cruise the completely restored northern section of the Montgomery Canal and turn round at Crickheath.

Phase 1 (the first 225 metres) has been shaped, lined and water tested.

Shaping the channel

Phase 2 (the remaining 330 metres) is currently being worked on and will, hopefully, be completed late this year ready for a grand opening in 2023.

SUCS run fortnightly work parties who must first pump out any water which has collected in the restored channel.

The channel sides are then shaped to the correct angle using diggers at the top and bottom of the slope. The slope is checked using a wooden template.

Checking the slope

The slopes are then lined with a "sandwich" of four layers of waterproofing materials. These huge overlapping blankets are some 6 metres wide and 14 metres long to stretch from the towpath down and across the channel to the top of the opposite bank.

The waterproof layers are then covered by a layer of building blocks which weights down and protects the sheets.

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Laying blocks

For example, in a recent weekend's work, around 4,000 blocks were laid.

The waterproofing above the water level is further protected by soil and boulders (so­called riprap) to break up any waves created by boats, to reduce erosion and also promote grass and vegetation growth.

According to the latest update, there are about 160 metres left to complete of Phase 2 meaning that the volunteers are over half­way through the 330 metres.

Laying more blocks

It is hoped that the remaining distance can be completed by the end of the summer (weather permitting) when all efforts will be directed towards surfacing the 330 metres of towpath.

In addition to the work on Phase 2, SUCS volunteers have cleared vegetation for 200 metres beyond Crickheath to facilitate assessment of the next stage of the restoration.

Protecting the banks above the water level

Not surprisingly, SUCS are always looking for new volunteers to work near Crickheath!

Any interested persons should come and introduce themselves along the towpath or look for details on the Shropshire Union Canal Society website at: https://shropshireunion.org.uk/support­us/.

The triumphant team!

Thanks to Fred Barrett, Publicity Officer of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, for the information and photos used in this article.

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Montgomery Canal and Aston Nature Reserve Survey As part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund funding received to restore the Montgomery at Crickheath and extend Aston Nature Reserve, CRT are asking visitors to the Nature Reserve what they think of the new interpretation that has been installed – this includes the new artworks, panels and the Otter Hide.

People’s responses to the quick survey will help shape future projects ensuring the story of the canals is told in the best way possible.

If you have visited the Montgomery Canal near the Queen's Head Oswestry recently, did you see the new panels, bird hide and artwork?

If so please complete the short survey. It should take about 7 minutes.

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You can find the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MontyAstonFeedback

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Our 2023 branch calendars are now on sale!

This year we have given the calendar a complete makeover in design and quality.

We’ve stayed with the A4 landscape format, opening out to an A3 size, but now we’re using: ◊ Better quality paper stock for stiffer, more hard­wearing covers and pages ◊ Wiro (spiral) bound for better hanging ◊ Improved typeface for a clearer display ◊ Preceding and following months’ dates on each monthly calendar page ◊ New, eco­friendly printing process producing very little non­recyclable waste ◊ Recyclable cellophane bag packaging It’s not all changed, though. We still have the same brilliant selection of local images from the Llangollen, Montgomery and Shropshire Union canals, generously donated for use by talented photographers. And the 2023 calendars now make an even better addition to the wall of your choice at home, on your boat, or as a waterways gift for family and friends.

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You can buy the calendar direct from the branch for just £10 including P&P. You can pay electronically by PayPal via our branch chair, Michael Haig on 07801 415573, or by the traditional method of sending a cheque – payable to The Inland Waterways Association – to 7 Barnton Edge, Stone ST15 8ZR. Our charity calendars are also available from our canalside sales outlets, which this year are: ◊ ABC Blackwater Meadow, Ellesmere ◊ ABC Whitchurch ◊ ABC Wrenbury Mill ◊ Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull ◊ Audlem Mill ◊ Norbury Wharf.

Norbury Junction ◊ OverWater Marina, Audlem ◊ Venetian Marina Chandlery, Cholmondeston Thank you as always to our fantastic sponsors, without whom the calendars wouldn’t be possible. Please support them if you can! ◊ ABC Boat Hire ◊ Aqueduct Marina ◊ Cheshire Cat Narrowboat Holidays ◊ Kings Lock Chandlery ◊ Knights Narrowboats ◊ M&L Canal Services – Mobile Marine Engineer ◊ Moors Farm Bed & Breakfast and Holiday Cottages ◊ Morris Lubricants ◊ OverWater Marina ◊ Swanley Bridge Marina ◊ Talbot Wharf ◊ Venetian Marina

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Supporting the Restoration of the Montgomery Canal There is something about the Montgomery Canal we cannot say often enough.

It’s not about the valuable flora and fauna, nor about that prize collection of canal­age structures or even the dozen or so classed ‘at risk’; nor is it about the towpath that can be used throughout or even up to the World Heritage Site.

What’s special is the people who support it, above all the fact that they come from far and wide, not just the local communities along the canal.

The last SFP carried news of the latest Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal for Schoolhouse Bridge and members will have received the appeal leaflet with Waterways. The branch has of course actively supported the Montgomery Canal restoration since its earliest days and is a member of the Restore appeal group.

The appeal leaflet has been enclosed with Waterways and the regular monthlies, and each time one has come out there has been a flurry of donations to the appeal. Over the last couple of months over £20,000 has been given in gifts large and small from supporters across the country – from Southampton to Edinburgh, the Treasurer says. And of course that sum will be doubled by £­for­£ match funding. Our grateful thanks to everyone who has supported the appeal so far – and to you if you are about to do so.

The appeal of course was necessary because of the extraordinary state of the construction industry which is affecting recruitment, costs and delivery schedules. An intensive search last year failed to find a suitable site manager for the bridge so it was decided to engage a paid employee with the right skills, experience and qualifications. We did take someone on, but he left after a few months, lured away I suspect by better opportunities elsewhere. After more advertising and interviews we offered the job again, only to lose again to better opportunities elsewhere. Plan C has involved talking to contractors. A contractor would manage the site and relieve the volunteer engineers who have been managing the project so far. However we do not know how much a contractor could do with the funds we have available. At least one of the contractors we approached turned us down after thinking about the project for some time; others are still thinking …. we hope to hear from them soon.

At this stage we do not know what bringing in a contractor would mean for volunteers. We have received many offers of help from far and wide, again not just the local communities. We are keen to let everyone know as soon as possible what they can do to contribute to the bridge and when that might be. Given the length of time all this has taken we are keen to settle the arrangements as soon as possible; in the meantime we remain most grateful for those offers of help.

Obviously we had hoped that work on the bridge would have started by now.

The advantage of a contractor is that the bridge should be built more quickly.

The advantage of the delayed start was that the bridge site could be used again as the finish for the Montgomery Canal Triathlon on 7 May.

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The Triathlon, organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal, was another of those ways that the canal drew support from near and far, with entries from the local area and spread across England, Wales and Scotland – not to mention the visitor from Down Under.

It was eight months since the last Triathlon which had been delayed by the pandemic. This year saw more entries, though not to the numbers of the last ‘normal’ triathlon in 2019, which did make the event more manageable for the organisers.

Though there is no ‘normal’ many entrants will arrive at Pool Quay at any time after 6 o’clock in the morning. They and their bikes will be transported to the start in Newtown, and bikes will later be taken back from the first section finish at Belan to Pool Quay. At Belan will be a collection of canoes – some owned by the Friends, many borrowed – which have previously been assembled for the changeover.

The canoeists then paddle through Welshpool to Pool Quay where they leave canoes to complete the final 9½ miles on foot. And of course they then have to be transported away from the finish to collect bikes and car at Pool Quay. About a hundred volunteers help with five road crossings on the first section, two locks on the second, and four more roads on the last length, not to mention the logistics.

It all takes much organising.

When they complete the course entrants are asked for feedback, specifically a score out of 5 (where 5 is good and 1 is dismal). One feedback gave a score of 4, most gave 5, and two gave 10! You really cannot do better than that – unless it is to receive comments like “brilliant event – thanks to the volunteers for making it so friendly”, “amazingly beautiful route” and “really well organised”!

Thanks to the helpers sporting IWA logos on the day. I am sure the organisers would be happy to see more next year.

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Other Montgomery Canal news: ◊ After the recent elections we have to make connections with the new administration at Powys County Council. ◊ After another election the new North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan visited the SUCS site in April and, though she did not visit, she was also introduced to the Schoolhouse Bridge project and CRT the Levelling­Up projects in Wales. ◊ CRT have submitted a lottery application for the Vyrnwy Aqueduct. A first­ stage decision is expected in the autumn and if favourable funds will then be provided to work up a bid in detail. Any lottery bid has to have elements such as community engagement or legacy as well as the main works themselves, and will need match­funding. ◊ Aberbechan Aqueduct is also in poor condition and is important to ensure water flow from the Penarth feeder. ◊ CRT has obtained funding for ‘leaky dams’ to control silt running into canal. ◊ There is funding for towpath improvements between Maerdy and Arddleen, to finish upgrading the towpath in Wales. Sadly funds are not available for towpath improvements in Shropshire, though it might be a waste to improve the towpath and then destroy it when restoration takes place. ◊ A benefits report for the canal in Wales, supported by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal, is nearly finished. ◊ Work is still in hand on the costs and benefits of restoration to Llanymynech. ◊ Planning discussions for the Oswestry area include possible links between the canal and the town and improvement of the local Place Plan. The canal in Llanymynech connects to the Limekilns Heritage Area, the quarries and the hilltop nature reserves, Offa’s Dyke path etc: with continuing restrictions on navigation in the canal’s Special Area of Conservation in Wales, what do we think could be done to make Llanymynech an attractive place for canal visitors? (Llanymynech’s other claim to fame is that young Charles Darwin invented Geology after looking at the rocks in Penyfoel Lane!) ◊ New hides and other features at the Aston nature reserves can be visited though there has not been a formal opening yet. ◊ Work at the Penarth Feeder involves an attempt to eradicate Himalayan Balsam by covering it with geotextile and a substantial layer of dredgings from the feeder channel.

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◊ Ecologists will be developing a formal management programme for Aston and the other reserves to ensure their ecological value is brought up to the desired level, and then maintained. ◊ Other important ecological considerations for the canal involve Biodiversity Net Gain, Natural Capital, carbon reduction, water resources, Nature Recovery Network (in UK Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan – a national network of wildlife­rich places to expand, improve and connect across cities, towns, countryside and coast), well­being (a statutory consideration in Wales) and the Habitats Regulations control of the Montgomery’s Special Area of Conservation in Powys.

These and other matters were discussed at the Montgomery Canal Forum in Newtown which took place on 20 June. The event was attended by councillors and representatives of many organisations with an interest in the canal.

Delayed by the pandemic, the Forum marked last year’s bicentenary of the final opening of the canal to trade in Newtown. While most of the engineering works had been completed earlier, it was not until 1821 that the final water supply and other arrangements were in place for the regular narrowboat trade which continued until the canal was suddenly closed in 1936 due to a breach in the bank at the northern end of the canal.

I was pleased to open the Forum with a presentation highlighting the benefits of the Montgomery restoration not just for boaters, or for its valuable collection of canal­age locks, bridges and other structures, nor just for its special habitats, but for all visitors and local communities This message was reinforced by Jason Leach, the Head of External Programme Delivery for the Canal & River Trust (which owns the canal) who spoke about the highly successful restoration of the Droitwich Canal in Worcestershire and the benefits that had brought. He then described the preparation under way for projects under the £15 million UK Government grants for the canal.

Val Hawkins, Chief Executive of Mid Wales Tourism spoke about the canal in the context of tourism which is such an important part of the region's economy.

It had been planned that the Forum would be held in Open Newtown’s new Riverside Venue, the centrepiece of a project by the new Open Newtown community group which is re­energising the town’s green spaces. Unfortunately the building was not finished in time but Stuart Owen from Open Newtown was able to give an enthusiastic presentation of the group’s achievements and ambitions for the town.

Seventy five years ago Tom Rolt struggled to get Cressy to Ellesmere, and failed.

The IWA has campaigned for waterways ever since – look at the Llangollen now! – and the branch involvement with the Montgomery goes back to its earliest days. The Montgomery is a special canal and it would be good to have more help with all that is going on – would you like to be part of its future?

Michael Limbrey

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AUDLEM A quote from Audlem’s entry in CRT’s ‘Places To Visit’ website ­ “Why not start your fantastic family day out in Cheshire at Audlem………...With its canal side pubs and attractive towpath, the walk alongside the locks is one of the finest in lowland England.”

Whilst “attractive” was undoubtably the description some years ago, today’s experience for the boater, visitor and resident alike is something quite different.

In recent years Audlem’s canalscape has become neglected and unloved and, despite regular complaints to CRT from businesses and voluntary groups, the charity does not appear to be either responding to these contacts nor providing a remedy.

As the branch has closer contacts with CRT’s NW Region, local members and businesses have recently approached us to try and help bring Audlem’s canalscape back to its former glory ­ and maintaining the standards thereafter.

By the end of May we had met with representatives from the business and voluntary community who confirmed that, given CRT’s agreement, they were willing to actively engage in restoring and maintaining the canalscape ­ and fund much of the ongoing expenditure.

In early June we wrote to CRT’s N.W. Regional Director, highlighting our concerns about Audlem and confirming that we had engaged with businesses and community groups to explore solutions to reverse the decay. Whilst CRT has yet to respond, we are hopeful that very soon they will agree to a joint meeting with the branch and representatives from the business and voluntary community.

The following are some examples of the long standing neglect along Audlem’s canalscape and the potential solutions that we have identified and/or actioned.

Audlem Village Signage These were erected more than ten years ago by the Audlem business community and directed visitors to the shops and canal ­ at the bridge below lock 15 ­ in the Wharf area ­ and in the public car park. The signs on the towpath have delaminated and the one in the car park was removed when the village hall was extended. In discussions with local businesses they are prepared to fund replacements ­ but first we need CRT’s permission to change the signs by the canal.

Lock 15 Picnic Tables Both tables had been vandalised, each having a seat removed ­ not the best example of a ‘Welcome To Audlem’. With CRT’s permission we have replaced the missing timbers (at their cost) and returned the picnic tables to being an asset to the canalscape.

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Waste Compound The fence around the Wharf’s waste compound was removed in early 2022, exposing the bins to the public’s view ­ including people using the Shroppie Fly’s outdoor seating. The walls around the compound have broken sections with saplings growing through the masonry.

We are now in the holiday season and this area of the Wharf looks very neglected.

CRT has not responded to local enquiries requesting a timescale for the fence’s replacement, therefore we have included this in our above correspondence.

Boaters’ Services The services building has no internal lighting which causes obvious issues when the door is closed. In addition the exterior masonry paint is peeling which adds to the building’s and Wharf’s neglect. We will be discussing these issues with CRT to try and find some solutions.

Flower Beds There are six large beds around the Shroppie Fly, in the Wharf area and along the towpath between the Wharf and the town bridge. For many years, and for even more reasons, these have been left unattended and are now overgrown and in desperate need of attention. If properly maintained and planted they would be a colourful asset to Audlem’s canalscape and an attraction for both residents and visitors.

We have had discussions with Audlem District Amenity Society (ADAS), a self funded charity whose activities in the village include planting and maintaining colourful summer and winter floral displays. They have previously unsuccessfully sought CRT's permission to look after the beds along the canal. Following our discussions with ADAS they have confirmed that, at their expense, they would be prepared to plant and maintain the six beds all year round.

The branch and ADAS are seeking a meeting with CRT to find a way of achieving this cost­free solution and provide Audlem with a year­round attractive canalscape.

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Broken Fencing These are perhaps the most noticeable examples of the decline in the standard of Audlem’s canalscape.

1) At the bottom of the path from the main road bridge to lock 14 the fence has two broken sections.

2) At the entrance to the Wharf road, next to the Bridge Inn, more than 30’ of fencing has been broken since August 2021. Four long sections of coloured plastic barriers have been erected which are very unsightly.

Despite complaints from the local community, CRT have not yet confirmed a date for repairs.

3) On the road bridge, opposite the Bridge Inn, both the gate to lock 24 and the adjacent fencing were broken

by CRT’s contractors in early 2017.

Despite five years of regular complaints from the local community, CRT have still not confirmed a date for these essential repairs. ◊ In 2021 Audlem was awarded 1st place as the Best Large Village by the North West In Bloom’s judges. ◊ The judges warned that if the fence and gate on the bridge (item 3) were not repaired by this year’s judging on August 5 ­ then their condition would jeopardise the village’s scoring. Since then the fence next to the Bridge Inn (item 2) has also been broken. ◊ In our communication in early June with CRT’s NW Regional Director we have stressed the need for urgent repairs prior to this year’s judging on August 5. We will continue to lobby CRT to try and ensure that this year Audlem again wins 1st place.

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BRANCH LOCK WIND 12­13 AUGUST 2022 Planning is well underway for this year’s lock wind which is a key fundraising and social event for the branch.

The lock wind will take place at Cholmondeston Lock on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal near Venetian Marina on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th August 2022. As it is the 2nd busiest lock on the canal system, we should have plenty of boats to help up and down the lock.

All we need to make it a perfect fundraising event is your help; all day help would be great but even just 2 hours will give others a coffee break. Lock winding keys provided.

Homemade jams, chutneys, cakes and biscuits (but please wrap in portions for two people or as a whole cake/loaf), are very popular and surplus garden produce (both fruit and vegetables) disappear from the sales table soon after arrival. So if you are willing to donate any of the above please come and join us for a fun day out on the canals; the more goodies and bodies the better.

If you plan to come by boat or by car (parking at the marina) please contact dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk or phone 01691 830403 or 07483 237105 when we are on site; unfortunately our mobile doesn't work at home!

We hope to see you there!

Dawn Aylwin

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Frankton Locks Opening Times – Have Your Say Readers may recall our campaign in 2019 to encourage more boats to visit the Montgomery Canal by extending the opening times for passage through Frankton Locks. After a 10­month campaign, we achieved an agreement with CRT to extend the previous two­hour long afternoon slot to four hours in the morning, effective from the end of March 2020.

At some point in 2020, without consultation, the closing time was brought forward by an hour so the locks were open from 09.00 to 12.00, which is where they remain at present (as shown on the page opposite). Booking passage through the locks is mandatory, and there is a minimum stay of one night on the Montgomery with a maximum stay of 14 nights.

Over the last 18 months we have been hearing anecdotal reports that, since the change in opening hours, fewer boats are staying overnight near the current limit of navigation at Maesbury.

We need help from our boating members to let us have their views on the Frankton opening hours and see if any changes would be both possible and helpful. We can then take up the issue with CRT from a position of knowledge.

We would particularly like to know: ◊ Have you cruised the Montgomery Canal in the last few years, and if so, when? ◊ How many nights did you stay on each visit? ◊ On each visit, did you stay overnight at Maesbury, Queens Head, Weston Arm, or somewhere else? ◊ Do the present Frankton opening hours of 09.00­12.00 influence your choice of where to stay overnight, and in what way?

Please send your replies and any additional comments and information you may have to shrewsandnwales@waterways.org.uk.

Thank you for your help.

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PLANNING A CRUISE? The information below from CRT may be useful if you are planning a cruise in or near our branch area.

Grindley Brook Locks 1—3 Staircase

CRT aim to have Volunteer Lock Keepers present between March and October to support passage through the staircase locks at peak times. There will be signage present to highlight when a lock keeper is present on duty. If you require their assistance, they will be happy to help. Please note, at busy times, delays are to be expected.

Frankton Locks

Summer 2022 (4 April 2022 — 31 October 2022) Opening Times: 09:00—12:00 daily (including Bank Holidays) Booking is required for passage through the locks. Bookings can be made up to the end of the day before passage. Bookings are not accepted on the day of passage.

Online booking is available on the CRT website. If you have difficulty booking online, please contact 0303 0404040 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday.

Customers are advised that there is a maximum of 12 boats allowed down the locks and 12 boats allowed up the locks per day. Booking well in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. There is a minimum of 1 night and a maximum of 14 nights stay.

Harecastle Tunnel

Summer 2022 (1 March 2022— 31 October 2022) Un­booked (Open) passages are available from 08:00— 12:00 Monday to Sunday. Open passages must arrive at the tunnel portal between 08:00— 12:00.

There is no guarantee of passage for arrivals after 12:00 unless pre booked online.

Bookable passages are available Southbound (Kidsgrove to Tunstall) at 14:00 and 16:00 and Northbound (Tunstall to Kidsgrove) at 15:00.

For direct tunnel enquiries please email eventsnorthstaffs@canalrivertrust.org.uk Passage is only permitted with a working horn and tunnel light; at present CRT is unable to lend such items.

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Anderton Boat Lift

On 22 June CRT announced that use of the west caisson was suspended for the rest of the season. This is due to a recent expert inspection of the boat lift hydraulic rams which identified excessive wear in the seals of the west ram which has damaged the ram coating.

Having only one caisson in use has obvious effects on the capacity of the boat lift and CRT is currently reviewing their operational schedule for the rest of the year to maximise passages for customers.

CRT is advising customers to pre­book passages and may need to contact some about existing bookings.

Vale Royal, Hunts, Saltersford and Dutton Locks, Weaver Navigation

From Friday 8 April 2022 until Sunday 30 October 2022 inclusive, these locks on the Weaver Navigation will be open to navigation 7 days a week.

Lock keepers will be onsite to operate the 4 locks as per the following times. No booking required.

From Saturday 30 April, until Sunday 11 September inclusive, the following times will apply: Monday to Friday: 08:30 — 17:00, last passage at 16:30.

Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 09:30 — 18:00, last passage at 17:30.

Passage through the 4 locks on Tuesday 12 July 2022 is suspended, subject to change. Confirmed notice will be provided nearer the time.

Due to reduced daylight hours, from Monday 12 September until, and inclusive of Sunday 30 October 2022, the following times will apply: Monday to Sunday: 08:30 to 17:00, last passage at 16:30.

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See page 17 for details of where to buy our 2023 branch calendar!