Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch Newsletter Autumn / Winter 2022
SHROPPIE FLY PAPER
Front cover : Belan Lock Sept 2022 by Michael Haig 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... It is a reflection of how busy the summer was that I have had quite a struggle to fit everything into this issue! As mentioned in the last issue, we had a long canal cruise during the summer making it all the way to Sharpness at the southern end of the Gloucester and Sharpness canal. We went down the Trent and Mersey at the start of our trip so avoiding the later stoppages on the Cheshire Locks (Heartbreak Hill) and the Harecastle Tunnel caused by water shortages. We came back up the Shropshire Union which remained open throughout the summer and made it back in time for our branch lock wind in August. That was something of a challenge due to the extreme heat but successful and good fun! Later we were pleased to take part in the Whitchurch Canal Festival and help drive the very popular trip boat. While we were cruising, the restoration groups in our branch area were making heroic efforts to advance their respective projects. The Montgomery is now lined and in water up to Crickheath with the new stretch due to be officially opened in the spring. At Wappenshall, the volunteers have been working hard and starting to fill the basin. Makes me feel tired just to read the articles! The branch has a range of activities planned for the winter and into the spring including a branch quiz now moved to a lunchtime slot to avoid travelling in the dark , a winter walk to see the new stretch of canal at Crickheath and our AGM which will be held in person for the first time in three years at Audlem. We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events. Andrew Smith
Next copy date: Friday, March 17, 2023 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
Event
Page
Dec 12, 2022
Branch Committee Meeting (online)
Jan 7, 2023
Winter Walk Montgomery Canal
Feb 13, 2023
Branch Committee Meeting (online)
Mar 4, 2023
Branch Quiz, Narrowboat Inn, Whittington
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Mar 25, 2023
Branch Annual General Meeting, Audlem
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April 29 May 1, 2023
Norbury Canal Festival
July 1416, 2023
Gnosall Canal Festival
7 & Back cover
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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 Early autumn found your correspondent on the Anglo Welsh border for a week near Montgomery. As well as some stunning scenery, which I wholeheartedly commend to you if you haven’t visited that area for a while, this is an ideal location to explore the Montgomery Canal’s southern length, the 12orso miles between Newtown and Welshpool.
Dolfor Lock
The former line of the canal is still faintly distinguishable walking north out of Newtown along the Severn Way between the canal and the river, while a little further, at the site of what was Dolfor Lock, the closet WRGie in many IWA members will start to sense the beginnings of a project! The Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust has finally managed to acquire about half a mile of the canal length at Dolfor, so I think we can look forward to some developments there, even if only tidying up for now...
There are about seven miles of potentially restorable canal from Dolfor to the current limit of navigation at Refail, between the villages of Garthmyl and Berriew. The absolute limit is defined by the dropped road bridge (Bridge 129) at the winding hole, though sadly, the navigation is impassable in practice for much of the length from Refail to Belan Locks due to vegetation growth in the channel. It would be a brave navigator who attempted to force a way through! On a positive note, we learned at the end of September that Canal Refail winding hole & River Trust has obtained a Natural Resources Wales licence, valid over this winter, which will enable the Welshpool volunteer group to use a weed cutter craft along the unconnected Welshpool section, so hopefully this will help.
Frankton – An Open Verdict Before we leave the Montgomery, thanks go to those who replied to our mini survey in the summer issue about the opening times at Frankton Locks and whether the current opening hours (09.0012.00) have influenced boaters to change their cruising and mooring patterns on the canal. The short answer is that none of the boaters who responded said that the opening times at Frankton Locks made a difference to their mooring choices, although there was a remark about the Shropshire Councilowned Croft Mill Lift Bridge being very heavy to operate and potentially putting some boaters off going to Maesbury.
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As an aside, we understand that CRT is looking to recruit more volunteers so that the opening times at the locks can be extended to four hours daily. This will be especially useful when the length to Crickheath opens next year.
Sad Losses Elsewhere in this issue we record the sad losses of Denis Farmer and Sue Russell. To add to those reports, we can reflect on Denis's dedicated service to the branch on its committee for almost 25 years from 1991 to 2015, while Sue brought her formidable organising skills to the benefit of our local canals, both as a CRT volunteer and also as one of the prime movers behind SUMBA, the awardwinning adoption group on the Middlewich Branch. We will miss them both.
Blooming Audlem The future looks brighter at Audlem. In the summer issue, committee member Graham Russell reported on the sad state of the oncebeautiful Audlem canalscape and the efforts the branch was making with CRT and concerned community representatives to tackle the situation. Pleasingly, our persistence with CRT has yielded promising initial results. CRT has repaired the gate and fencing either side of Bridge 78 carrying the main road over the canal and replaced the fencing around the boaters’ waste compound to hide the eyesore from the wharf. In addition, plant beds and grass banks have been tidied and community signage directing visitors towards local amenities has been replaced. Happily, this was enough for Audlem to achieve a fourth consecutive Gold and second consecutive Best Large Village award from North West in Bloom – the awards were announced on 20 October, just in time for this issue of Shroppie Fly Paper. We haven’t yet achieved a satisfactory, stable situation – there is more work needed currently and our hope is that we can facilitate a longterm adoption or partnership agreement between CRT and the local community. There’s more encouraging news coming from Audlem. The Bridge Inn, mentioned in October’s Waterways World as having sustained boaters since the canal opened in 1835, continues to provide for boaters, visitors and residents alike. The Lord Combermere pub has reopened after a pause between licensees, and there are reports that the Shroppie Fly will be back in business around the end of November. Three good reasons to visit! Another good reason to visit Audlem is that we too will be there in the spring, with our Annual Member's Meeting and branch AGM. More information and the formal notice are on pages 1011, but at the time of writing we are still working on the final programme, which will be communicated later by email. So do please make sure IWA has your current email details. If you’re in any doubt, please email membership@waterways.org.uk to update us. Enjoy yourselves, and we hope to see as many of you as possible at our meeting in March. Michael Haig, Branch Chairman
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REGION CHAIRMAN WRITES I started my last Report to you by saying that “there have been some changes at the top...”! So it has now proved to be the case in Government and may well be again, given the febrile nature of current politics. The relevance to us in the IWA, however, is who is responsible for the Waterways and what that Minister intends to do on our behalf. As I write to you, no Minister has yet been allocated that task and I am as much in the dark as you. An announcement soon, I hope! Our (new!) Chairman and Chief Executive Les Etheridge & Jonathan Smith have now settled in and are both involved in detailed reviews as to staff, administration, IT, communication with members and, above all, the situation with regard to the Chesham Headquarters. The landlord is not proving conducive to IWA needs and changes, so when the lease expires, we will be on the move. Trustees have asked that, for the benefit of staff, the office should be in the same general location and exploration is presently afoot. I hope that some of you managed to attend the recent AGM, either in person or online. It does appear that the necessity to actually be present at meetings is under challenge, given that more people can attend from a distance and often in the comfort of their own home. Yet there are some who rail against the trend. What’s your view? Enjoy a colourful Autumn and, as always, thank you for your continuing commitment. Sir Robert Atkins Chairman, North West Region
Calendar images wanted You can see on page 21 how to buy your copy of our 2023 branch calendar. However we are already thinking about the 2024 one! If you have any nice sharp images of the waterways in our area i.e. the Shropshire Union up to Barbridge Junction, the Middlewich branch, the Llangollen and the Mongomery canals or the Shrewsbury & Newport canal please think about letting us use them in the next calendar and send possible images to phil.pickin@waterways.org.uk.
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Membership Matters With heating, food and fuel costs escalating it's a difficult time financially for everyone, so the branch is particularly pleased when new members sign up. A special warm welcome to Mr Reeve from Rhyl, Mr Harper & Mrs Price who have moved to Tregaron from the West Country and Mr Pulford from Shrewsbury. We look forward to meeting you all at one of the events advertised in this magazine. Unfortunately it's not all good news as the branch has lost two valued members. We are deeply saddened to report that after a short struggle with cancer Sue Russell died on 24th September at St Luke’s Hospice, Winsford, and Denis Farmer died on Friday 21st October at Willaston Nursing Home having been unwell for quite a long time. Tributes to these valued members appear later in this issue. Dawn Aylwin
Lunch and Pub Quiz Narrowboat Inn, Whittington Saturday 4th March 2023 — 12:00
No, your eyes don't deceive you, we have changed the format of the quiz which precovid had been an evening event. Listening to all the comments and ideas from branch members we have taken note and decided to trial an afternoon lunch with friends and fellow waterways enthusiasts, combined with a quiz. Questions will be set by last year's winners the 'Famous Five' but won't be specialist waterways or canal ones so can be enjoyed by all. Lunch will be available from twelve noon and quiz sheets will be distributed for you to mull over while you chat to friends over food and drinks. We don't charge for joining in but will hold a raffle to raise funds for the branch. So we have an idea how many question sheets to prepare (and Martin knows what staff he needs to employ) please let us know if you are planning to attend with a team (teams of 4 preferred). Contact dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk
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Brain of Monty Quiz 2022 This is your last chance to buy a copy of this quiz as the return date is 1st December. Apart from the prestige of winning the coveted 'Brain of Monty 2022' accolade you could also win the £25 prize for just £1. Why not give it a go to help support the restoration as all proceeds go towards the RESTORE THE MONTOMERY CANAL APPEAL! Please send SAE (C5) plus £1 for a single copy or £5 for more copies to sell to family and friends to Brain of Monty, Wyndcliff, Penygarreg Lane, Pant, SY10 8JS. From experience £1 coins travel through the post but notes are safer. Please do not send cheques which cost 40p to process. The winner will be announced on https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk. Dawn Aylwin
Winter walk January 7, 2023 We will hold our annual Winter Walk on Saturday, 7th January 2023. This year's walk will be along the Montgomery Canal towpath. These annual events are open to all and always prove popular, with walkers keen to spend some time beside the canal. It also helps to blow the cobwebs off after the excesses of the festive period. The walk is also an ideal opportunity to see the restoration work being carried out on the Montgomery Canal. This year walkers are asked to meet at 10.30 at Canal Central, Maesbury Marsh, where there will be a talk by Chris Hesketh, trustee of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, on the restoration work currently taking place. Chris will then lead the walk to Schoolhouse Bridge returning through Crickheath to Bridge 85 to Canal Central for refreshments. The walk, which is free of charge (but donations are always welcome), will be approximately 5 miles (total) and include two stiles. The towpath may be a little wet and muddy, so the walk may not be suitable for some with mobility issues. For more information or to book your place on the walk, please email dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk There is a map of the planned route on the back cover of this magazine.
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Denis Farmer 19302022 The branch and our waterways recently lost a good friend with the passing of Denis Farmer. Denis and Janet were longstanding members of the branch committee and it was my pleasure at the 2015 branch AGM to make a presentation to them to record their contribution to our waterways over twenty five years. Branch sales, social events, Shroppie Fly Paper … the Farmers made a huge contribution to the branch over those years. In 1997 Denis started a threeyear stint as branch Chairman after which he was branch Treasurer until Denis and Janet retired from the committee at that 2015 AGM. All this was recognised by the Region with the award of the Victoria Cup in 2008 and then the Association’s national Richard Bird Medal in 2010. Denis and Janet were keen supporters of the Montgomery especially at successive Head of Navigation Rallies as openings progressed southward. Denis joined the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust in 1999 and remained a trustee until recently. I always valued his advice on Trust issues.
Receiving Victoria Cup 2008
We support the IWA because we care for our waterways, for boating, for their unique built and natural heritage, for their story as part of our local communities – perhaps for all these. Committee members volunteer their time for the good of the waterways and will have heard me say that ‘we do this for fun’. There is serious business ( – keeping the accounts may not be onerous, but ‘fun’? … but then I am not an accountant!) but it is so rewarding to Receiving Richard Bird medal 2010 be involved in an event which promotes the IWA campaign for our waterways – those special places, sometimes tranquil and sometimes bustling, whose unique landscape, heritage and habitats are under threat from many pressures – or a local waterway project or celebrates another stage in a restoration. Denis and Janet were regulars at the branch stand at Shrewsbury Flower Show and at open days, rallies and celebrations – events supporting what the IWA seeks to achieve for waterways at large. I am sure they thought it rewarding, I hope they found it ‘fun’. We send our sympathies to Janet and to her family, and our thanks to Denis for all he did for our waterways. Michael Limbrey
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At the branch AGM in March 2015, Denis and Janet Farmer received a special presentation to mark their 25 years of service on the branch committee. A short video of the event is available at: https://youtu.be/1XPlMDDXpEU
Susan Russell 1946 2022 Sue was one of a small group of members who responded to requests for help published in this magazine. She first contacted the branch in 2011 while still living in Scotland. Unable to help at events she suggested the branch produce a calendar to raise much needed funds; something she could contribute to from afar by organising the printer and finding a couple of sponsors to help pay for the costs. The example she sent to show the printing quality, was a cat calendar and we have since learnt that Sue loved her cats. Although Sue adored walking in the hills of the Scottish Borders and had fond memories of walking in the Peeblesshire hills, when she retired she moved to Cheshire with her husband Graham, lured by the canals, cruising the waterways in their narrowboat and walking along the Shropshire Union Canal close to her home. She also supported the branch whenever she could. In particular Sue provided jam and cakes for the stall at lock winds. Her baking skills were legendary within her family circle especially lemon drizzle cake, but unfortunately they flew off the stall bought by passing boaters before the volunteer lockwinders could sample any. Apart from all her help and encouragement Sue will be remembered as 'The Brain of Monty 2014'. Our heartfelt condolences go to her husband Graham, children Fiona, Nina and Giles and her grandchildren Havana and Aidan. Dawn Aylwin
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2023 Annual Members’ Meeting (and Branch AGM) Saturday, 25 March 2023, 10.30am (for 11.00 start) Audlem Public Hall, 12 Cheshire Street, Audlem CW3 0AH Members may recall that we scheduled our 2020 gathering in Audlem, feeling that quite possibly the branch was overdue to visit this quintessential Shropshire Union Canal village. Unfortunately, that plan was overtaken by events and subsequent AGMs have been held online. However, undaunted, we will try again for our Spring 2023 meeting. As before, we have booked the Small Hall in the annexe to the larger Main Hall, right by the free (and very popular) main car park in the centre of the village. Our volunteers will provide a finger buffet lunch at a cost of £8 per head, payable on the day by cash, card or mobile. To arrange the venue and catering, we would ask members to let us know in advance if they plan to attend and if they have any dietary needs, by email to shrewsandnwales@waterways.org.uk. To complement the formal business of the branch AGM, we have arranged an opportunity to meet and discuss with IWA deputy chair and member of the senior management group, Nick Dybeck, who will explain the renewed determination to focus IWA on its unique role as the only independent, national charity dedicated to supporting and regenerating Britain’s navigable rivers and canals as places for leisure, living and business. We, and the wider waterways ecosystem, live in challenging times. Among those challenges is the need for the waterways, and in particular Canal & River Trust, to obtain adequate public funding from government. All members are warmly invited to join us in Audlem next spring to discuss this and other issues, and how IWA and its committed and knowledgeable membership can help. After lunch there are lots of options for canal, village and country walks in and around Audlem, and we plan to announce other programme enhancements by email closer to the time. Please mark the date in your diaries and join us for a (hopefully sunny) spring day in Audlem. When planning your travel, please note that there will be no access to the hall before 10am.
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IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch Notice is hereby given for the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch of The Inland Waterways Association to be held on Saturday 25 March 2023 at 11.00am at Audlem Public Hall, 12 Cheshire Street, Audlem CW3 0AH
AGENDA ◊ Apologies for absence ◊ Approval of the minutes of the 2022 AGM ◊ Matters arising from the minutes ◊ Treasurer’s report ◊ Chairman’s report ◊ Any Other Business Any resolutions requested by members of the branch should be notified to the branch chairman at least six weeks prior to the AGM. None of the existing committee is seeking reelection at this meeting. If you are able and would like to help our branch steering team, please contact the branch as soon as possible at shrewsandnwales@waterways.org.uk.
BRANCH LOCK WIND 1213 AUGUST 2022 Our annual lock wind took place in August during two of the hottest days of the summer. Boat traffic was a little quieter than normal as boaters sheltered from the blistering heat. However we still had a good turnout of volunteers who worked 33 boats up and 41 boats down and raised over £350. We also signed up a new member! A fantastic effort in trying conditions thanks to all who helped on the day or by contributing goods for sale on the stall.
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“Gold in the ‘Monty’ Canal” After seven years battling to restore another 600 metres of the Montgomery Canal the volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society were finally able to see all of their hard work meet a fitting conclusion, with a brief ceremony in the restored channel at Crickheath Basin. A “ Golden Block ” was the last piece of the lining jigsaw to be fitted into place . Interested spectators had gathered on the newly restored towpath to hear Project Manager David Carter, praise his team of volunteers, for their stoic efforts, dealing with adverse weather and incredibly difficult sections of subsidence, over the duration of the project. He also thanked Canal & River Trust for their total package of support, the National Lottery for their award of £ 2.59 million pounds, which funded operations, Arcadis Jubilant volunteers gather to fit the final block the firm of Consultants that produced the designs for the reconstruction, and Lloyds Animal Feeds, who have provided accommodation for the working compound since the start. Following the completion of the channel, two of the stop boards at Prices Bridge that have been retaining water in the channel leading down from Frankton Locks were opened slightly, to allow water to begin to flood this new section in readiness for the introduction of a small dredger at the next Work Party in November, which will be used to carefully remove any remnants of the clay dams that have been in place at opposite ends of the 600 metres since 2015. When this stretch is officially opened in The golden block is pressed home April next year it will link the winding hole at Crickheath Basin that was restored by CRT in 2018, to the national network, enabling boats to turn round here and bring visitors to the local community. Advanced planning is taking place, for our next project beyond Crickheath Bridge. The preliminary work of constructing a compound site and fencing, was completed at the end of September. Main channel work will begin in January 2023, to link with the new Schoolhouse Bridge, which hopefully, will be reinstated by the Restore the Montgomery Group by next year. The Shropshire Union Canal Society is always looking to encourage new volunteers, and also new members, to join them. Interested persons should access their website, https://shropshireunion.org.uk for details of dates and contacts, also for news and information.
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More from the Monty Progress on rebuilding Schoolhouse Bridge After much time with Shropshire Council Highways department and their lawyers (and much credit to Michael Limbrey, retired solicitor, and to Roger Bravey, retired bridges civil engineer, for all their work for Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, the instigators of the rebuilding project), all the legal paperwork was signed off earlier in 2022. Having considered options and taking into account Aerial view of the Schoolhouse Bridge site with track bult by volunteers the changing scene in the construction temporary diversion Photo by Chris Smith industry, Beaver Bridges (a Shrewsbury based firm) have been appointed to rebuild Schoolhouse Bridge. The current programme means an early 2023 start with completion by midsummer 2023.
Other Progress in Shropshire Not resting on any laurels after their mammoth channel relining works to reach Crickheath Bridge, SUCS with CRT are now planning the works needed for the next half mile of dried out canal between Schoolhouse Bridge and Crickheath Bridge. Excluding a new farm accommodation bridge, the cost is estimated at £700,000 and funding approaches are in progress with work planned to start in earnest in 2023. Thanks are due to local farmer David Ward and his family for providing (without charge) land for the works compound. Thanks too to regional builders’ merchants Tudor Griffiths for supplying at cost some of the materials needed for the compound. The work needed for the remaining 1.5 miles of dry canal (to reach the border at Llanymynech) has been reassessed. Fresh cost estimates have been prepared and the economic and other restoration benefits are being reviewed. Discussions have commenced with Severn Trent Water about relocation of the sewer pipe at Pant which in the 1950/60s was placed along the bed of the canal.
Dolfor section of the canal purchased! Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust (via a subsidiary) has – after years of negotiation purchased half a mile of dry canal at the Newtown end.
View of Dolfor Lock and Lock Hut in 2017. The lock chamber is in surprisingly good condition
This section was included in the sale of the last two miles at Newtown in the early 1970s to be used as the route of a new main sewer running north from Newtown to the sewage treatment works at Dolfor. CRT’s ownership now stops at (and includes) the derelict Freestone Lock. As only 1.5m miles was needed for the sewer, the northernmost half mile has lain fallow for many years.
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As part of tidying up land ownership, Severn Trent Water offered the land for sale …. and a price of the princely sum of £1 was agreed! Although it will be some years before main restoration works start here as part of phase 4 of the overall Restoration Strategy, the purchase prevented a sale into unfriendly hands. The section bought includes Dolfor Lock, the lock hut and the tail bridge and MWRT are already looking at some remedial works. Powys County Council wish to divert a public right of way over the tail bridge. So we can expect to see an ecological survey in 2023, followed by repair works in 2024, all funded under the Active Travel programme. In the meantime, local volunteers have repaired some safety fencing and are devising a programme of protective works for the lock hut.
Levelling Up grant and other funded works in Powys The main news in Powys is that dredging works have started on the long feeder from the River Tanat to the main canal at Carreghofa, a little south of Llanymynech. This feeder has been seriously clogged up for too many years and the dredging will enable a better flow of water into the canal. The feeder is one of the main sources of water for the Canal in Powys, the other being the Penarth Feeder from the River Severn, a little north of Newtown. This was cleared out earlier this year. It is expected that in early 2023 dredging will be carried out on the mile long length from Llanymynech to Carreghofa Locks – one of the most iconic sites of the Canal. As part of the £15m restoration works largely funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Dredging Tanat Feeder Oct 2022 Grant, plans are also afoot to rebuild the by Mark Weatherall CRT lowered Bridges at Walls and Williams Bridges – between the Vyrnwy Aqueduct and Llanymynech. Other works include dredging of a further 3.4 miles from Carreghofa south to Maerdy and the creation of three new nature reserves. As part of the dredging preparation works, readers can expect to see prior tree clearance work. Funding has also been obtained from the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Fund for weed clearance and other works. A £330,000 grant from the UK Government’s Communities Renewal Fund is enabling technical design and cost estimation work to be carried out for the works needed at Arddleen and Maerdy where the A 483 main road crosses the canal at a low level. The cost of those two main road works and repairs to the Grade II* Listed Vyrnwy Aqueduct are not covered by the Levelling Up works and are the subject of separate applications to the UK Government/Welsh Government’s funded Mid Wales Growth Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund respectively. After so many years of “behind the scenes” work, it is gratifying to see actual works on the ground! John Dodwell
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Water in Wappenshall Basin Elsewhere in our branch area, work continues on the Shrewsbury and Newport Canal. Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust (SNCT) volunteers recently completed the lime mortar pointing to Widow’s Bridge, near to the Berwick Tunnel. Since this picture was taken, the coping stones have also all been mortared back into place. At Wappenshall Wharf, volunteers have progressed the project to rewater the East Basin and to complete the external brickwork to the smaller warehouse that will become a café by the end of 2023.
This has involved the installation of escape ladders and handrails to the basin, re building part of its original stone wall, anchoring the fender rails and rebuilding the towpath. The building work included much brickwork replacement and lime mortar pointing. If you would like to see more of the work that has been taking place, many photos right back to before major restoration work started have recently been posted on the SNCT Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ ShrewsburyAndNewportCanalTrust
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Boating in July To and from Gnosall C'Fest We don't usually go boating during the Summer months because the canals tend to be busy with queues at locks, and convoys of slow moving boats which apart from being frustrating can be hazardous at bridge holes. But more importantly the garden is in full flow with fruit and vegetables to pick, jam, freeze, pickle and chutney to make. However this year we decided to make an exception and attend the festival at Gnosall. En route we received a message that Chris, the harbour master, had tested positive so was unable to mark out the mooring slots. However his plans were so detailed that everyone managed to moor successfully with plenty of space. We had two working boats Ipswich and Pearl Barley in front moored abreast, the crew of which played and sung on the towpath as well as providing the sound system for the event. On arrival, having obeyed the instruction to slow down at the winding hole, we were greeted from a distance by Chris who was aboard his boat on the far side of the canal and welcomed by other members of the Gnosall team. The towpath was alive all weekend with most of the old working boats south of Cowley Tunnel, while between Bridges 34 and 35 the trading boats including Forget Me Not selling wood fired pizzas made a colourful display. The stalls, including the branch gazebo were in the Navigation garden which also housed a music tent. Lee Halls brass band created a great atmosphere and encouraged visitors away from the towpath, as did Simple Folk and the Newport Ukes who arrived with a large contingent of family and friends. The evening entertainment Massive Surfboard on Friday and Earl Grey & the Charwallahs was great and rounded off the day brilliantly. Would we go again next year? Absolutely! But not by boat during the hottest two weeks of the year. Yes we took note of the advice given but closing windows and drawing curtains does not work on a 50 foot metal tube. Instead we got up at 5am when it was blissfully cool, calm and surprisingly traffic free and then moored up under trees during the hottest part of the day. Unfortunately we were not always able to find a shady spot especially in Audlem but the Lord Combermere was still open in July and we were able to have a long lazy lunch under the air conditioning unit.
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We were not the only early risers; the hot air balloons were up and about; one drifted over our boat like a fire breathing dragon; another could be seen positioned perfectly between the struts of the Wrenbuy lift bridge a perfect shot. But by the time I had taken my finger off the button and the bridge lowered, it had drifted away! Do you live within walking or driving distance (whether by boat or car) of Gnosall and would be willing to help on the branch stall next year? Please get in touch. You won't be disappointed; it's a great day out. Dawn Aylwin
Gnosall Gnews For those of you who missed it, this year's canal festival was a great success. We are already planning next year's (July 1416 2023). Keep up to date with progress on our website. www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk
Our group of volunteers (Gnosall Towpath Restoration known as GTR) have continued improving our canal environment doing jobs large and small. New members are always welcome.
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A couple of issues that readers may like more information on. A planning application (22/36110/FUL) was submitted to Stafford borough for houses on the land behind the bank just south of bridge 35, adjacent to our conservation area. Superficially, this looked OK and out of sight. Dig below the surface and there are many issues; Tree loss, unsuitable drainage, canal damage by vibration of massive piles on made up ground. Possibly the worst would be replacement of the existing bank by stone filled steel gabions. There are now many expert reports lodged and we await a decision. North of bridge 35a, there are steps connecting the canal to the (Sustrans 55) railway. Over the last few years the (30 year old) timbers have gradually been failing. This has made the steps rather hazardous. Neither Staffordshire County Council (who own the railway) nor CRT accept ownership/ responsibility for the steps. They require a complete rebuild, preferably incorporating a wheelchair/pushchair/ cycle ramp. Without funding and engineering guidance, this is out of our league. In the meantime we have made a temporary fix but the steps remain a hazard.
Barry Witts
Christmas Card shops now open Our branch will be participating in both the Shrewsbury and Oswestry Christmas card popup shops with a range of waterways cards. Our 2023 branch calendar will also be on offer.
Dates and venues: Shrewsbury Charity Christmas Card Shop, St Mary's Church (in the centre of town), opens Fri 21 Oct until Sat 10 Dec, Mondays to Saturdays, 10.15 16:00. Oswestry Charity Christmas Cards Popup Shop, St Oswald's Parish Church, (centre of town), opens Sat 29 Oct until Sat 10 Dec, Mondays to Saturdays, 10.00 16:00. If you can't make it to one of the shops, see page 21 for details of other ways to buy our branch calendar.
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WHITCHURCH CANAL FESTIVAL 34 SEPT 2022 Our branch had a stand at the Whitchurch Canal Festival in September. The festival was very successful with an estimated 3,500 local residents and visitors taking advantage of the good weather which arrived despite some rather gloomy forecasts. Our stand was directly opposite the working boat Saturn with "Cracker the flat pack horse" a distinctive lifesize model of the type of horse that would have pulled working boats back in the day complete with its harness and brasses. It was fascinating to explore the authentic back cabin a far cry from modern narrow boats!
Cracker the flat pack horse guarding Saturn
On the Saturday evening, we attended the Boatman's Supper at Hadley Park. The Shropshire Boatmen shanty group provided excellent entertainment before and after the meal. During the evening, there was a fiendish quiz mixing general and canalrelated questions. We are pleased to report that we won the quiz by a fair margin winning a big box of chocolates that we sportingly offered around to the other teams and to visitors the following day! As well as our stand offering the usual selection of calendars, christmas cards, books etc we also drove the free trip boat. Thanks to branch member David Aylwin for organising this and to those who helped drive or crew the boat. The trips were very popular with queues forming to get on board. The trips were free but donations raised a considerable amount for the Whitchurch Waterway Trust whose chair, Mark Lacey, said “I would like to thank everyone associated with the Trust and other groups who have helped us to relaunch the festival, especially Whitchurch Town Council, Whitchurch Business Group and We Are Whitchurch. A big thank you to everyone who came out to support the event. Since moving to Whitchurch less than 12 months ago, we have noticed that people here do like a festival. Not only can you have fun without spending a fortune, you are also helping to maintain a way of life and enrich our wonderful community. See you all again next year!”. Andrew Smith Branch member Alison Smith driving the trip boat
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Developments at Trevor While the UNESCO World Heritage Site covers a lot more that the immediate area of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, it’s true to say that its heart is Trevor Basin at the Northern end of the aqueduct, and also true to say that the visitor experience could be improved. At the heart of any improvement will be the relocation of the Anglo Welsh hire base. There are those who favour the restoration of the Plas Kynaston canal in the former Monsanto site to the northeast of the existing arm and the inclusion there of a marina to include the hire base, but instead an alternative is proposed to utilise the arm north of the road bridge familiar to many as the former site of the ‘Jones the Boat’ trip boat operation. The arm north of the bridge currently houses moorings for visiting boaters and is known as the ‘tuning fork’ as the canal splits into two stubby arms. The area needs some serious scrub bashing and a wash wall has collapsed, but it can accommodate the hire fleet with some elbow room, and the adjacent overflow carpark has hard standing and lots of room to accommodate hirers’ cars. CRT is carrying out the necessary work over the winter, during which period the only local visitor moorings will be at Froncysyllte on the southern end of the aqueduct, or up the feeder arm at the Sun Trevor. The branch has been engaged in consultation with CRT, given that our definition of ‘consultation’ is not quite in line with theirs, to ensure that proper accommodation for visitor moorings is included in the final scenario. Our view is that visitor moorings in the main basin will enhance the canalscape which cannot really be said of hire boats moored three abreast on changeover day. The matter is complicated by Anglo Welsh’s three day boats and their trip boat together with a charity run trip boat, which probably do need to remain in the main basin.
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The resultant visitor moorings will probably be 48 hour limited which, if enforced, should discourage squatting and also prevent the moorings being filled by water borne traders, who seem to be proliferating these days. The point has been made that boats drawing more than about 2 feet cannot make it over the shallow narrows to the east of Llangollen and so some boaters need to moor at Trevor and catch a bus to Llangollen. The issue of services is also relevant and is being pursued as a separate matter. As and when we are informed of progress we will keep you posted – Watch this space. Alan Platt
2023 branch calendars still available Our 2023 branch calendar can been purchased at the Christmas Card Shops in Shrewsbury and Oswestry as mentioned on page 18. Alternatively you can buy it 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 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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Nantwich News The Shropshire Union canal between bridges 90 and 93 includes the 3/4 mile long Nantwich Embankment. The embankment is one of CRT’s prized ‘Hot Spot’ locations due to its visual attraction and extensive ‘two day only’ moorings which are close to the historic town centre’s attractive shops. Unfortunately due to an element of vandalism and an increasing lack of ongoing maintenance this length of canalscape is declining from its previous high standards.
Picnic Tables In April a picnic table opposite the entrance to Nantwich Canal Centre was vandalised with one of its seats being wrenched off leaving several retaining nails sticking up. We obtained permission from CRT to replace the missing timbers (at their cost) and the table is again now safe for visitors.
Broken Fence Posts The path leading down from the towpath to the road below the Aqueduct is fenced on one side to protect users from the change in ground levels. Unfortunately many of the fence posts are now rotten and have broken at their base, with a potential danger to anyone leaning on the timbers. For the public’s safety, CRT have fixed hazard tape and yellow ‘Aware’ signs along 80’ of the fence. Unfortunately this is very unsightly and simply highlights the lack of maintenance. We have been unable to obtain a timescale for the installation of new posts, but will continue to press CRT for action.
Water Leakage On Embankment A year ago we notified CRT with photos that there was a small stream of water running down the path that leads from the towpath to the road below the Aqueduct obviously coming from the adjacent canal. Last May we again notified CRT that water was still running down the path albeit that it doesn’t seem any worse than a year ago. Obviously the general public, and especially nearby residents, will be concerned about any amount of water leaking from the canal, no matter how small the stream down the path. CRT have assured us that their engineers know the cause of the small leak, are regularly monitoring the issue, and are working on implementing a future solution but no timescale has been announced.
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Towpath Cracks 2019 In November CRT urged concerned Nantwich residents not to worry about the lengthy cracks and surface undulations that had appeared in the tarmac towpath near the Aqueduct, especially at the top of the path leading down to the road saying “The cracks, which have been examined by our engineers are nothing at this stage to be concerned about. Monitoring pins have been installed into the affected areas, which will aid the monthly inspection of the embankment”. 2020 By the end of the year the cracks in the tarmac had considerably lengthened and widened at the top of the path, and the surface undulations had extended further along the towpath towards bridge 92.
2021 In January CRT’s Area Operations Manager confirmed that by the end of April, in advance of major works to improve the towpath’s surface, his local team would ‘level’ the cracks and undulations at the top of the path to improve access and safety. For internal operations reasons this work was never actioned. In December, at an online CRT Regional meeting, it was stated that neither the cracks, which had by then further widened and lengthened, nor the undulations, were a danger to the public or affecting disability access and no remedial works were planned. 2022 On May 12, responding to a Branch member’s complaint, CRT’s North West Region’s Customer Services at last admitted that there is an issue with the embankment
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‘We are aware of the crack within the towpath adjacent to the crest of access ramp. After consulting with our Engineers, we can confirm that this is not an easy fix. Our Engineers have advised that to cut out and relay this section could lead to further settlement of the embankment, as could levelling up either side of the crack with more material. Our engineers consider the crack to be caused by movement of the embankment which they are monitoring via a specialist external contractor. In addition to monitoring of the embankment the team has also commenced on working up the longterm solution for the embankment and subsequently the towpath. As these works progress you may see further specialist ground investigations being undertaken. However, please be assured this is normal when dealing with embankments. Until such time that the permanent repair works are undertaken, we are sourcing robust temporary signage to warn towpath users of the uneven surface there. It is unsightly but there is good visibility on approach. We are mindful of the inconvenience it causes to towpath users particularly those with impaired mobility and want to assure customers that we are working to remedy the situation”. [This signage is now in place see photo page 23] In June we wrote to CRT’s North West Region director, complaining about the danger to towpath users, especially those with impaired mobility, and once again requesting a short term fix to the cracks etc. at the top of the path. In addition we helped ensure that Nantwich Town Council discussed the towpath condition at its July meeting and it has subsequently requested a report from CRT.
Benches In the late 1990s with grant aid Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS) installed ten benches along the towpath between Davids bridge 90 and Acton bridge 93. Due to their age several of the benches now have rotten or damaged timbers. Besides being unsightly this gives the impression of neglect and detracts from visitors’ enjoyment of the embankment’s facilities. Whilst we have repaired some of the timbers, we have decided that it is now time for a planned replacement of the benches during the next three to five years. In early May we contacted CRT’s Regional Community Engagement Manger, Nantwich Town Council and Acton, Edleston & Henhull Parish Council (the benches are in their area) inviting them to join a Partnership with IWA to source permission and funding for the gradual replacements. Both Councils have responded favourably to our proposals and we are hopeful that through them and other sources third party funding can be obtained. To move forward we need CRT to agree to the benches being replaced and will continue to press for a response to our requests. Graham Russell
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AUDLEM UPDATE In the summer issue of Shroppie Fly Paper, we raised serious concerns about the poor maintenance of Audlem's canalscape. The scale of the neglect was such that it was in danger of jeopardising Audlem's place in the North West in Bloom competition. While Audlem won Gold and Best Large Village in 2021, the judges had warned that broken fences would affect the village's scoring in 2022 if not addressed. So, we are delighted to be able to report that some significant improvements were made in time for the judging in early August. These before and after pictures show some of the improvements.
We must especially thank our branch committee member Graham Russell and branch Chairman Mike Haig for their lobbying efforts to achieve these improvements. The efforts bore fruit when, in October, Audlem was awarded Gold and Best Large Village for the 2nd year by the North West in Bloom judges. We will continue to push for a meeting to establish a sustainable partnership between CRT and the Audlem & District Amenities Society (ADAS) for the ongoing maintenance of the flower beds around the Shroppie Fly, in the Wharf area and along the towpath between the Wharf and the town bridge
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Waterways for Today In October, the Inland Waterways Association published Waterways for Today, a major report demonstrating how inland waterways can contribute to the country’s economic recovery. The report, available on the IWA’s website, outlines the 12 most significant benefits provided by the 5000 miles of navigable waterways that crisscross the UK. Waterways that, in a number of cases, require work to bring them back into use. Each of these benefits fall into one of four main categories, economic where the waterways contribute to economic recovery; natural and built environment to protect heritage for future generations, local communities to create jobs and apprenticeships together with connecting communities and improving people’s lives improving mental and physical health while creating a better place to live.
Our branch is closely involved with several projects that provide many of the benefits highlighted in the report. Probably the highest profile of these is the restoration of the Montgomery Canal. Regular readers will recall that, in 2021, this project was awarded £13.9m from the UK Levelling Up Fund as part of a wider £15.4m bid by Powys County Council. This will support the restoration of four miles of the canal between Llanymynech and Arddleen. Combined with additional restoration work taking place in Shropshire, the funding is a major contribution to the objective of fully connecting the Montgomery Canal to the national canal network, unlocking a range of economic and community benefits.
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Another significant project is being undertaken at Wappenshall in Telford, on the Newport branch of Thomas Telford’s canal, where it meets the Shrewsbury Canal. The two warehouses on the site have been extensively restored in a multi year programme that has included the clearance and reconstruction of the canal basin, a major undertaking for any voluntary group and a credit to the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, which our branch has supported with donations and volunteers.
When completed, the restoration of the Wappenshall site will provide a meeting place for the local community, together with displays detailing the history of the site and the local area. This is in addition to the considerable amount of work undertaken to conserve and encourage local wildlife to remain in the areas around the site. The Waterways for Today report proves why the ongoing maintenance and regeneration of Britain’s navigable waterways is essential and also calls for another 500 miles of currently derelict waterways to be brought back into use. The benefits outlined in the report make a compelling case for further funding of waterways regeneration and restoration, to ensure that waterways can continue to make a significant contribution both locally and nationally to our economy, environment and future. To read the report, visit https://waterways.org.uk/campaigns/waterwaysfortoday. Phil Pickin
Can you help? You have seen earlier in the magazine about the Christmas Card shops in Shrewsbury and Oswestry. These are run by volunteers and they would be delighted to welcome more helpers. If you would like to know more, you could drop into one of the shops and speak to one of the volunteers. Alternatively contact us using the details on the inside front cover and we will put you in contact.
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PLANNING A CRUISE? Winter stoppages Now that we are into November, CRT's programme of winter stoppages for repairs and maintenance is beginning. The list has changed several times so worth checking the current full list of the stoppages whichcan be found at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/report/winternotices.pdf
Frankton Locks
Winter opening (1 November 2022 — 4 April 2023) Opening Times: 09:00—12:00 daily Booking is required for passage through the locks. Booking is required 48hrs before the day of passage through the locks. Please note that a return passage must be booked. Notes on Winter period 7th November to 23rd December 2022 Restricted cruising due to stoppages at Maesbury. Winding Holes Queens Head Winding Hole or Maesbury Winding Hole (next to Park Mill Bridge 78) 24th 27th December 2022 Locks closed 31st December 2022 2nd January 2023 Locks closed 13th February 2023 17th March Locks closed for planned stoppage.
Harecastle Tunnel
Winter passage (1 November 2022— 28 February 2023) During the winter season 2022/23, booking will be required for all passages through the Harecastle Tunnel. Booking slots are available between 9am to 12noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only: ◊ North to South – 09:00 & 11:00 ◊ South to North – 10:00 & 12:00 Booking is required 48 hours prior to passage as CRT will be unable to accommodate late arrivals. Christmas and New Year Period The tunnel will be closed from Sunday 25th December to Tuesday 27 December and open for passages on Wednesday 28 December, Friday 30 December and Saturday 31 December. The tunnel will close again from 1 January and reopen for passage on Wednesday 4 January.
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Customers must book before 15:00 on Wednesday 21 December to guarantee a passage booking during the Christmas and New Year period. Bookings can be made online at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoythe waterways/boating/goboating/planningyourboatroute/bookingyour passageonline. Alternatively, you can call CRT on 0303 0404040. Passage is only permitted with a working horn and tunnel light; at present CRT is unable to lend such items.
Anderton Boat Lift
The Anderton Boat Lift is currently closed. CRT has confirmed that emergency repair works will begin in midNovember with the aim of reopening the lift by the end of March 2023. The lift, which each year carries around 3,000 boats between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver, has not been able to operate since early August, when the safety mechanism in one of the lift’s gates failed, due to a broken ‘shoot bolt bracket’. Over winter, CRT will be delivering two key repair projects. Two giant hydraulic ram cylinders, which each propel a caisson transporting boats up and down, are being given a muchneeded overhaul. The large metal tank caissons will be detached from the rams and propped up about two metres above ground level to allow the 20yearold cylinder seals to be replaced, the ceramic rams repolished and reset, and 12,000 litres of hydraulic oil to be changed. Each of the lift’s ten sets of gates will also have two new ‘fall and arrest’ safety systems installed, which act like a giant seat belt in an emergency. Following identification of the safety issue in the summer, new designs have been engineered, approved by Historic England and manufactured. Once the repairs have been carried out, the lift will have a short recommissioning period of about two to four weeks before it is once again available to carry boats. The Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre will be open at weekends throughout the winter Saturdays and Sundays 09:30 16:30.
Do you remember Hypozomatic boats? At an event the summer, we were approached by a gentleman trying to find out information about this boat called the Hypozomatic Charente which was apparently made as a prototype for an IWA member in our region in the early 1990s. It would appear that they did not catch on as very little information is available on the web. Though apparently the Hypozomatic name is a reference to ancient Greek triremes which were held together by cables called "hypozomata". If you can provide any information, please let us know and we will pass the information on.
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Winter Montgomery Canal Walk Saturday January 7, 2023
To ensure safety on the restoration site we need to know approximate numbers attending. To let us know please email:
dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk