IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch newsletter – Shroppie Fly Paper – Autumn / Winter 2023

Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch Newsletter Autumn / Winter 2023

SHROPPIE FLY PAPER

Front cover :

"Flower" hauling Saturn on the Montgomery Canal (Photo by Bob Jervis)

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

Position Vacant

N/A

Committee Members

Susan Wilding Graham Russell

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

NW Region Chairman

Sir Robert Atkins

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

Peter Brown

iwa@peterquita.co.uk

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: IWA Head Office, Unit 16B, First Floor, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 2PX Tel: 01494 783 453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk

THE EDITOR'S CUT...

Well...

This is my final issue as Editor of the Shroppie Fly Paper.

After over 6 years and with 20 issues under my belt, it is time for me to step back and let someone else have a go!

I would like to thank all of the regular contributors who have helped fill each issue with news of activities in our branch area.

There is a lot going on with major restoration work on the Montgomery Canal and the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals. It has been inspiring to see the progress on both projects throughout the years.

Other recent maintenance efforts include our own branch's work (led by Graham Russell and Michael Haig) to replace the benches at Nantwich which, I can report first­hand, look very smart. Also looking smart is the towpath at Gnosall thanks to the work throughout the year by the Gnosall Towpath Restoration group. They certainly got it all looking good for the festival earlier this year. We passed through the festival returning from our long summer cruise and the place was packed!

It's a shame to hear that the Norbury Festival can not continue in its present form. We have enjoyed attending by boat over the last couple of years at the start of our summer cruise. There is talk of Norbury Wharf organising some sort of boat gathering next year so we are keeping our eyes on that.

The Whitchurch Canal Festival was a nice end to our summer cruise with a good turnout of volunteers from the branch to staff the stall and run the trip boat.

You will see an advert on the back cover for a new editor (or editorial team) to take over the reins. Please do consider whether you can get involved!

Andrew Smith

Next copy date:TBA 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 2023­24 You can find details of the various events mentioned below in the magazine.

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

Dec 11, 2023

Branch Committee Meeting (online)

January 6, 2024

Branch Winter Walk?

We need an organiser...

February 12, 2024

Branch Committee Meeting (online)

March 9, 2024

Branch Quiz, Narrowboat Inn, Whittington

Page 23

April 13, 2024

Annual Members' Meeting and AGM

Page 8

July 19­21, 2024

Gnosall Canal Festival

Page 20

Page 12

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 With the evenings growing darker earlier, and British Summer Time about to end as I write, this issue of Shroppie Fly Paper is a good opportunity to reflect on the summer we’ve had.

I think we can say it’s been a mixed bag: a glorious June (at least in this part of the country), a very wet July, and an iffy August. But enough about the weather, what about the local canals and our branch’s activities?

There, too, ‘a mixed bag’ is probably a fair description.

We had some successes – the Whitchurch Canal Festival is one that you can read about elsewhere in these pages. A fantastic turnout of 14 volunteers, including several with the all­important RYA Inland Helmsman’s certificates, enabled us to staff our stand and run a trip boat for festival visitors, raising good sums of money both for the branch and for the Whitchurch Waterway Trust.

Similarly, a canal­ and railway­themed exhibition at Shrewsbury’s Abbey Foregate Station attracted good visitor numbers and looks to be a worthwhile event to repeat next year. Alan and Susan Wilding report in this issue.

Our lock wind at Cholmondeston in early August enjoyed an excellent first day, although a truly dismal weather forecast prompted us to take down our gazebo early and cancel Day Two, which turned out to be the correct call!

You will also read in this issue about the completion of our long­running project to upgrade many of the towpath benches at Nantwich, the old ones having definitely served their time.

Unfortunately, we’ve had some disappointments too. We announced in this magazine’s summer issue that we didn’t expect to be able to mount a presence at the Gnosall C­Fest this year. It comes at a slightly difficult time for our enthusiastic but diminishing band of core volunteers, being in the second half of July, usually immediately prior to the school summer holidays.

Next year’s festival is scheduled for the weekend of 20­21 July 2024, and it would be really great if some more volunteers could offer to help us on our stand. It’s a fun event with plenty to enjoy, and we don’t expect volunteers to spend long periods at our stand. Also you don’t need to worry – you won’t be left to cope alone!

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Please consider lending a hand to our team, even if only for a couple of hours or a half­day. Simply speak to or email any of our committee to register an interest or for more information.

Sadly, it looks as though Gnosall in July is going to be our next festival occasion.

As you know, we normally kick off the season promptly on the Early Spring Bank Holiday weekend with the very popular Norbury Canal Festival. But… Nineteen years after the inaugural festival in 2004 – not quite 19 festivals later, as Covid got in the way – it’s very disappointing to report that the 2023 event will have been the last.

I described in the summer issue how the downpours in early May had overwhelmed the festival car parking field. But while we in our towpath gazebos and aboard the trading boats tried our best to keep calm and carry on, it seems that the collapse of the parking arrangements and resulting traffic chaos in turn overwhelmed the narrow country lanes in and around the village.

We’re told that the ensuing gridlock raised significant liability issues for the organisers, particularly in respect of access for emergency vehicles, so they have reluctantly decided that they can no longer stage the event in its current format.

There are hopes that it may be possible to hold some sort of alternative boat rally, but presumably not attempting to attract nearly as many visitors.

As well as the appeal for volunteers to help on our festival stands, you will see two more appeals for help as you enjoy this newsletter. We would love to be able to carry on offering our customary Winter Walks (and, indeed, possibly other social events) to members, supporters and friends of the waterways. But we need one or more well­wishers to come forward and assist with the organisation.

Again, you won’t be expected to do everything alone – there’s plenty of guidance and support on hand.

You will also find another very important announcement. After six years, our esteemed newsletter editor, Andrew, has decided that his journeys afloat and other personal commitments mean that he must hang up his keyboard.

As a former editor of Shroppie Fly Paper myself, I’d like to express my gratitude to Andrew for taking over from me when I inherited the chairman’s gavel, and urge any of our readers – it could be a team effort! – to consider taking up the opportunity.

I sincerely hope that we can find a solution that will enable us to maintain this excellent newsletter for the benefit of our members.

Thank you for your help.

Michael Haig ­ Branch Chairman

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Branch Lock Wind ­ Rain stopped play Our annual lock wind was due to take place at Cholmondeston Lock over two days on Friday & Saturday 4­5 August.

Unfortunately, the weather forecast for the Saturday was for heavy rain all day.

While lock winding in the rain can attract donations from boaters happy to not have to get out of their boats, it seemed unlikely that many boaters who had read the forecast would actually be moving their boats.

Add in the dubious delights of packing away a sodden gazebo and the decision to cut short the lock wind was not a difficult one to take!

It did leave branch committee members Alan and Susan Wilding with an interesting dilemma ­ what to do with the cakes that Susan had baked for the lock wind stall?

Nevertheless, the Friday went well and we had fun helping quite a few boats through the lock and collecting their donations.

We were also visited by a family of swans who liked the look of the grass outside the hut!

Andrew Smith

Membership Matters A warm welcome to the following members who have either just joined the Association or have transferred from another branch: ◊ Stevie Eitel from Nantwich ◊ Andrew & Linda Mills from Meole Brace, Shrewsbury ◊ Phil & Wendy Rusling from Newtown ◊ Mel & Phil Wood from Overwater Marina We look forward to meeting you all at various events; why not join us for the annual branch general knowledge quiz and lunch early next year.

Dawn Aylwin

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REGION CHAIRMAN WRITES We live in troubled times, both world­wide and in our own country. And, sadly, the IWA is no exception to these troubles, albeit in a much less frightening way.

For those of you who were present at the AGM, either actually or virtually, you will have learnt that our Association is experiencing a number of administrative difficulties. You may also have noticed hints to that effect in the media. To put it all in context, we are not alone. Many organisations like us ­ and especially charities ­ are in a similar position. Indeed our Auditors, in a recent presentation to Trustees, told us that they were dealing with several other clients facing identical problems in almost every particular.

To summarise. We are not in a financial crisis and our accounts will be properly presented to the Charity Commission, as they should be, in the very near future.

However we do need to reflect on the nature of our spending and the allocation of resources in a more specific and targeted manner.

We have lost yet another CEO. Professor Niblock did not feel that the 3­day per week position, to which she had committed herself, would allow her to fulfil her role as she envisaged it and therefore, somewhat surprisingly, gave in her notice almost before she got her feet under the table.

The Chairman, Les Etheridge, to whom the IWA owes a serious debt of gratitude, retired both as a Trustee and, therefore from the Chairmanship, at the AGM ­ and there was no candidate to take over.

This provoked the Trustees, at a meeting just prior to the AGM, to consider the options as a matter of urgency. First and foremost, we need to review and reconsider our objectives, our administration, our membership requirements and a host of other issues. We have set up a Working Group of selected Trustees with the priority of reporting by the end of the year on all and every aspect of our activities. Consequent upon that, we will decide on the new Chairman and Officers as usual.

To do this review properly we need to survey Members, Branch & Regional Officers, Staff and other relevant organisations. This must be done carefully, effectively and quickly. It is in hand.

As always, your contributions are very welcome.

Things are difficult but it is not yet the end of the world so keep smiling and wish us luck. We will keep you informed of progress.

Sir Robert Atkins

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Nantwich towpath benches upgraded The branch has now virtually completed the project to replace the dilapidated towpath benches in Nantwich, originally installed about 20 years ago by the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

Readers will recall that the branch obtained grants of £1,000 each from Acton Edleston & Henhull Parish Council (now Burland & Acton PC) and Nantwich Town Council, match­funded with a further £1,000 from our own sources, to update these community assets.

We commissioned eight recycled plastic benches from Nantwich Town Council’s preferred suppliers, Amberol Limited, which were delivered to, and kindly stored by, Nantwich Canal Centre at the beginning of June.

Over four demanding work party days in the course of the summer, branch volunteer Graham Russell, assisted by members of CRT’s local operations team, successfully installed the eight benches along the towpath between Bridge 93 (Acton) and Bridge 90 (David’s).

All that remains is to source some plaques to acknowledge the financial contributors who made the project possible, and affix them to the benches to complete the job. Many thanks are due to Graham, who steered the project from conception to completion, and his cheerful band of CRT helpers who provided additional energy and specialised equipment.

Michael Haig

Lichfield Branch welcomes visitors from neighbouring branches Our neighbours in Lichfield Branch have asked us to let you know that, should you find yourselves in reach of Lichfield, for instance while cruising, you are very welcome to attend the social events that the branch arranges.

Their social meetings take place on the third Wednesday of the month in Lichfield. Full details can be found on the branch web page at www.waterways.org.uk/lichfield, or on Facebook search for IWA Lichfield.

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2024 Annual Members’ Meeting (and Branch AGM) Saturday, 13 April 2024, 10.30am (for 11.00 start) Wappenshall Wharf, Wappenshall, Telford TF6 6DE Great news! Five years after we last held our annual meeting and AGM at Wappenshall, in the rather draughty Romney Building, we can now revisit the restoration to admire and pay tribute to the fantastic work of all the volunteers from Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust and their helpers.

Early next year should see the opening of the completely restored ‘small’ warehouse, resplendent with meeting facilities and its own café and, barring unforeseen developments, this will be the venue for our 2024 Members’ Meeting.

We will start with the formalities of our AGM (see below), then move on to some interesting presentations, a chance to inspect the incredible progress at Wappenshall and hear what further plans SNCT has for the historic site. We also have an offer of a guided walk from the wharf along the tub boat canal, so we hope to include that as an added attraction after lunch.

We’re working hard with our hosts to finalise the programme for the event, including the lunchtime catering arrangements, so keep an eye on your email inbox for further news closer to the date.

This promises to be a super opportunity to view the restoration and we hope that many of you will be able to join us.

IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch Notice is hereby given for the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch of The Inland Waterways Association to be held on Saturday, 13 April 2024 at 11.00am at Wappenshall Wharf, Wappenshall, Telford, TF6 6DE.

AGENDA

Any resolutions requested by ◊ Apologies for absence members of the branch should be notified to the branch ◊ Minutes of the 2023 AGM were approved by those present by email on 10 April 2023 chairman at least six weeks prior to the AGM. ◊ Matters arising from the minutes More details, including ◊ Treasurer’s report committee members offering ◊ Chairman’s report themselves for re­election, will ◊ Election of committee members be circulated by email closer to ◊ Any Other Business the date.

We warmly welcome other members willing and able to help out on our team, whether as regular or occasional volunteers. Please contact branch chairman Michael Haig or any other member of the committee if you are able to help us.

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SNCT Update We are grateful to Bernie Jones for this update on the continuing excellent work by the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust. We look forward to seeing the site in April at our AGM! The Wappenshall Wharf Team of volunteers has done a great job recently, with up to 14 turning out every Friday and Saturday.

The floor screed in the smaller warehouse has now cured and has been sanded ready for tiling.

Underfloor heating being fixed in place priot to screed being poured

All timber windows have now been installed and finish painted and the cast iron windows that needed to be replaced have been cast by St Gobain PAM, Ketley free of charge. These have been installed and glazed.

One of the 5 new cast iron windows having been glazed ready for painting.

Richard having built the stud wall framework for the under stairs cupboard.

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The toilet block roof is finally on and weatherproof.

First fix plumbing and electrics commenced and the internal fit out has begun. The new toilet block roof has been installed to make the whole building water­tight and all groundworks for drainage have been completed.

The stable block walls under construction in the Romney Building.

The stable block walls have been part built inside the Romney Building (the big green metal structure) (see photo). This building will shortly be sold off, so we have acquired a 40’ shipping container to temporarily house our tools and equipment. Once the stable block has been built we will then move these into it and sell off the shipping container.

Former lift bridge at Rodington

One of our newer sections that has been worked on over the past few months is at Rodington. Here is a shot of the recently exposed site of the lift bridge that was once here. Sensitive negotiations are ongoing with the landowner, but we are confident that the bridge can be re­built. This will be a thing of beauty to behold as you drive into the village from the east and will make a clear statement of the intentions of our Trust to restore the canal.

Bernie Jones

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Fund Britain’s Waterways – an Autumn Update Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), the campaign group co­founded by IWA during the summer to secure sustainable future funding for the country’s canal and river navigations, continues to expand its membership, attract growing public support, and develop its campaign activities.

Membership now comprises almost 100 organisations and continues to grow.

With national bodies such as British Marine, the Royal Yachting Association, British Canoeing and the Angling Trust lending their support, as well as a host of other waterway­related bodies and businesses of all sizes, FBW is busy finalising plans for its next Campaign Cruise.

FBW Birmingham Rally Photo courtesy of Sue O'Hare

In November, Fund Britain’s Waterways will be building on the recent success of campaign cruises in Birmingham and Gloucester with a Westminster Campaign Cruise, in which boats, including narrowboats and working boats, will bring the campaign to the doorstep of Parliament.

Gloucester FBW procession passing light vessel Sula Photo courtesy of Paul Nichols

The flotilla will make its way up the Thames from West India Dock to Westminster Bridge for around midday on Tuesday 14th November, subject to weather conditions.

The boats are expected to hold position for a short time off the Palace of Westminster before returning to West India Dock.

FBW Birmingham Rally Photo courtesy of Sue O'Hare

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In a message to parliamentarians and other decision makers ahead of the Westminster Campaign Cruise, FBW is emphasising that Britain’s inland waterways are a highly valued national asset for boaters and non­boaters and must be safeguarded for future generations to come. Consequently, there needs to be not only an increase in future funding of the waterways managed by Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency, but also assurances that there will be adequate investment to safely maintain the network, including those waterways managed by smaller navigation authorities.

Britain’s waterways are enjoyed by millions of people each year and their associated businesses provide crucial employment for communities up and down the land. However, without sustainable funding for the future, all this is being put at risk.

Maintaining FBW’s momentum in the run up to the next General Election is essential and the group will continue to plan further events for the Spring following November’s Westminster Campaign Cruise.

Readers can play their part as individuals in the campaign by signing FBW’s public petition, which is set to soon exceed 50,000 signatures, and writing to their MPs. Les Etheridge Thank you all for your support.

Chair Fund Britain’s Waterways

Could you help put spring into our New Year?

Are you the type who enjoys exploring our beautiful local canal towpaths in the company of like­minded people?

If so, you could be just the person we’re hoping to meet – someone who could help our branch team to organise occasional canal­themed walks for our members, supporters and friends.

Traditionally, the branch has held a Winter Walk on the first Saturday of the New Year. Over the years our walking groups have enjoyed visits to the Montgomery Canal at Maesbury and at Queens Head, the Llangollen at Frankton and around Chirk, and the Shropshire Union Main Line from Nantwich, past Hurleston Junction and on to Barbridge.

From time to time we’ve also had well­attended walks during other seasons, but our first hope is that a volunteer (or two!) will step forward from amongst our readers to help organise a Winter Walk in January next year.

If you’d be willing to get involved, please email or call me and we can have a chat to see if this could work for you (my contact details are at the start of the newsletter, as usual).

Top tip: maximum appreciation is earned when the walk begins, and ends for lunch, at a congenial pub!

Michael Haig

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Horse Boating Again on the Monty!

Shropshire Union Fly­Boat Saturn is horse boating again this year, in a new partnership with ‘Flower’, an eight­year­old mare. ‘Flower’ is a lovely, willing, strong and good tempered little horse, belonging to Elizabeth Ray, daughter of David Ray of Norbury Wharf Ltd. Until this year ‘Flower’ had never pulled a boat, but with David’s patient and gentle tutelage she picked it up straightaway on training trips with Saturn up the SU main line from Norbury.

Then in August we decided this new partnership should try some locks, so where could be better than the Montgomery Canal? It’s not too full of boats even in summer.

Photo courtesy of Bob Jervis

Horse haulage started at Queen’s Head, then set off down Aston Locks, through all the way to the new limit of navigation at Crickheath, then back to Aston locks and up to Queen’s Head again.

There was much experimenting with the traditional ways of working a horse boat through locks with a pulley block to get a better start for the horse, all guided by Tony Lewery and Roger Fuller, and the boat certainly shot out of the lock at a remarkable pace!

Indeed one of the great surprises of horse boating on a small canal is just how quick it is by comparison with motor boating. And oh, how quiet!

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As this was a training exercise, we deliberately had very little advance publicity.

However we had invited the waterways press, and we are glad to see that they have subsequently given us full coverage.

Horse boating is really the biggest story that Saturn has to tell, and it’s wonderful that she is out there telling that story, thanks to our new partners, and to the the very helpful cooperation of local CRT. We are already planning our next horse boating trips on the SU system, so expect to hear more…..

John Yates Saturn Fly­Boat Chair

Photo courtesy of Liz Grundy

HS2 Reprieve for Middlewich Branch The recently­announced intention to terminate the high­speed rail line at Birmingham and not to continue to Manchester appears to offer the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal a reprieve from years of disruption during the construction phase and a permanent alteration to the canalscape thereafter.

Phase 2b of the project – the Crewe to Manchester section – had incorporated a massive new rail depot beside the canal at Wimboldsley in Cheshire covering approximately 65 hectares (that’s over 160 acres for those who find traditional measurements easier to envisage).

It was hard to estimate the visual impact of this Crewe North Rolling Stock Depot (RSD). Until the end of 2020, when IWA responded to the consultation on HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg Design Refinement, there were still no elevation sections or plans to indicate the height or appearance of the RSD buildings, despite promises to the local MP to do so in 2018.

However they were likely to be visible over long distances in the relatively flat rural landscape, including from the Middlewich Branch of the canal.

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In addition, this design ‘refinement’ increased the previously proposed two crossings of the canal to three (to provide for the Crewe Northern Connection), which would have further increased their impact on the canal.

Hughes Bridge 25

They were also changed from underbridges to viaducts, and the one for the southbound HS2 tracks would have been up to 7.8m high.

The viaducts would also have affected the setting of the historic canal bridge, Hughes Bridge 25, which is Grade II Listed, while many of the offside moorings at Park Farm at Stanthorne would have been lost.

Phase 2b West (Crewe­Manchester) is currently before Parliament.

Its cancellation and removal of its safeguarding “by summer next year” would remove the threats of disruption and noise at the Middlewich Branch Canal crossings and to the on­line moorings at Park Farm, and also, in the neighbouring Chester & Merseyside Branch, at the three proposed Trent & Mersey Canal viaduct crossings and to residential boats at Oakwood Marina, along with the threat of possible subsidence of the canal around Billinge Flash.

Park Farm moorings

It is not yet clear if the current Crewe–Manchester Bill and its Select Committee hearings will be dropped or if the Manchester section which doubles up as part of the ‘Northern Powerhouse Rail’ route may be retained pending a decision on a modified Network North scheme.

Either way, IWA is unlikely now to be called to put our case for better noise protection for canals to the Select Committee, or to receive the promised response to our questions about ground stability in Cheshire.

Michael Haig

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John Dodwell awarded the Christopher Power Prize Congratulations to John Dodwell, Chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership (MCP) on being awarded the IWA's Christopher Power Prize at the Association’s AGM on 23 September 2023.

The Prize is awarded each year to a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.

John Dodwell is Chair of the MCP which brings together 14 diverse groups (including the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust (MWRT) and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) which all share the common interest of completing the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

John has nominated the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal to receive the £1000 cash prize which accompanies the Christopher Power Prize.

Part of the award citation reads: “The Trust’s record for accessing substantial new sources of funding is outstanding, largely thanks to John's in­depth knowledge of funders coupled with his skill in preparing bids. The funding of the restoration of a canal that runs through two different countries – each with its own unique legislation and grant regimes – is a unique challenge.”

As one of the founding trustees of the Canal & River Trust (CRT) in 2012, John was guest speaker at our IWA branch AGM in 2013. At the meeting he told of his love of the waterways which started in his youth when he spent time ‘messing about on the River Thames.’

His early volunteering activities included taking part in canoe ‘protest’ trips, involvement with many navigation restorations including the Stourbridge Canal and the Upper Avon, a leading role in the campaign around the 1968 Transport Act and taking part in the Big Dig Weekend at Welshpool in 1969.

John had joined the IWA in 1961 and later, as a chartered accountant, he was appointed General Secretary (equivalent nowadays to CEO). He was in post from 1971 to 1974, during which time IWA prevented the breakup of the waterways into regional water authorities.

He then returned to industry (which included property companies) and brought up a family, interspersed with hire boat holidays. Since 2001, John has owned historic tugs (some with 3’ drafts!) and he was chair of the Commercial Boat Operators Association (2006­11). In 2012 he became a founding trustee of the CRT and subsequently received an Outstanding Achievement Award from them on retirement from that post in 2017.

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His interest in restoration of the Montgomery Canal was re­ignited in 2009 by the 40th anniversary of the Big Dig and he says he regards the restoration as ‘unfinished business’. John became chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership in 2014 and when asked why he took on the role, he said: “The Montgomery attracted me because of my previous involvement; the earlier work done by Graham Palmer of WRG (a great friend from the Stourbridge days); and because (a) it is in single ownership without parts having been sold off; (b) there are known water supplies; and (c) there are – comparatively ­ no enormous engineering challenges and the engineering solutions are all known.”

With a laugh, John added: “Thus, it is easy! But one of the many funding problems is that it is a rural canal and so doesn’t attract the support which urban restorations can gain.”

The citation for the Christopher Power Prize concludes with mention that: “other major restoration groups have praised John’s willingness to share his deep knowledge of SSSIs and to offer his support in a discreet way.

“John is a highly effective ambassador for the wider inland waterways restoration movement.”

And we record the congratulations of our Shrewsbury District and North Wales IWA Branch to John on his award which, unfortunately, he was unable to receive in person at the AGM. Alan Wilding

Whitchurch Canal Festival 2­3 Sept 2023 We had a very good turnout of volunteers at the 2023 Whitchurch Canal Festival.

As well as our usual stall, we also ran the trip boat as we did last year. These popular, free trips raise a substantial amount from donations.

We had substantial queues for the trips which we managed using a cunning system suggested by branch member Alison Smith involving a set of playing cards handed to the queuing visitors and collected as they boarded the boat. Worked well!

The trip boat this year was kindly lent to the festival by ABC Leisure Group.

The boat was from their Ellesmere base so had to be fetched before the festival. Andrew & Alison Smith therefore had a pleasant 4 hour boat trip on the day before the festival.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped staff the stand and run the trip boat. Hope to see you next year!

A short video is available at: https://youtu.be/­5svkcP3os4

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Schoolhouse Bridge and other things It’s been raining... a lot. It is hard to believe that earlier in the year CRT were considering water saving measures!

The rain has affected work at Schoolhouse Bridge delaying completion of the project. In August, at short notice, some of us were able to watch the installation of the arches and spandrels. Since then the contractors have been busy with structures to support the road as it rises to cross the bridge. Large gabion baskets have been installed and reinforced earth banks have been built, up to 20 feet in height from their bases to the road level over the bridge. The tarmac may have been laid by the time you read this report.

Photos courtesy of Michael Limbrey and Beaver Bridges respectively

If there has been too much rain at the bridge, half a mile away there has been water where there has been none for many decades. SUCS volunteers have trialled sections of canal to see if they can hold water and how that might affect the next stages of restoration. The more these sections hold water the easier, quicker, cheaper restoration could be. I am told the results have been mixed!

Someone is now sitting in that darkened corner where engineers go to ponder.

Easy, quick and cheap or not, the next stages of restoration need funds for equipment and material. I am delighted to say that there has been great support for the latest Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal following its launch in June – so much so that the fund is already over £117,000. The appeal target is of course £250,000 so there is some way to go. Recently, a supporter raised several hundred pounds for the appeal by asking for donations instead of birthday presents. Could you do something similar? Or could you add to those who are making modest monthly donations? You can donate online at: https://localgiving.org/appeal/MontgomeryCanal/ A family company was so impressed with the restoration and the volunteers’ achievements that it sent the appeal a donation of £25,000 in the hope that other companies or donors would recognise the benefits of restoration for visitors and communities along the canal and might support the appeal in the same way. Do you know anyone who might follow that example?

The appeal won’t get us to Llanymynech. That will require more funding and more engineering. But it is absolutely essential that work continues and that funds keep coming in to support that work. We are pursuing grants and any needing match funding could be supported by the appeal which would substantially increase the value of donations. Funding is very competitive and

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the volunteer contribution, on the ground and with donations, is hugely influential in showing the level of support for the restoration and justifying the support of councils and parliamentarians.

That support brought us the Levelling­Up project in Powys which was promoted by local MP Craig Williams. Now the County Council and CRT continue to work on the Arddleen to Llanymynech section. Plans for a new bridge at Carreghofa are well advanced but those for Williams Bridge are at an earlier stage. At the same time landowner negotiations and planning continue for new nature reserves. Next year should see much more happening, making the volunteer focus on Shropshire’s dry section all the more important.

There is a possible new source of funding. Press reports suggest that there could be community benefits linked to new wind­farm connections to the National Grid – that’s Pylons to you and me. Will there be such sweeteners for the new line recently proposed from mid­Wales to Lower Frankton? It is suggested that the new line may be of a lower voltage than proposed ten years ago, with smaller pylons but possibly more of them. Plans show a corridor within which the line will be located crossing the canal between Williams Bridge and Carreghofa Locks, passing east of Crickheath, crossing the canal near Park Mill Bridge, Maesbury, and ending at a sub­station in the Lower Frankton area. This route might take more care of the canal setting than the last proposal. You can see it at https://greengenvyrnwyfrankton.com/en/the­project/our­preferred­route/ As well as pylons, the branch committee recently considered a planning application for a solar panel array beside the canal. This led to strongly held views for and against, as the wind­farm connection may too. IWA should surely seek to protect the canal without necessarily taking part in wider public policy discussions. (The former HS2 connection through Crewe would be another such case.) We believe too that the Pant and Llanymynech Bypass – which definitely may or may not be going ahead! – could likewise offer some compensation for a canal crossing in the Waen Wen area (where again our priority should be to protect one of the most attractive parts of the canal).

More positive developments on the Montgomery will be coming through the Levelling­Up project in Powys. There is not a lot to see just yet but dredging will resume in the project section in coming months and we could see planning applications for ... ◊ a new fixed bridge at Carreghofa Lane (replacing Walls Bridge) ◊ Williams Bridge where the debate continues over whether the crossing should be moveable (cheaper but with ongoing maintenance cost) or fixed (more expensive but little continuing maintenance) ◊ new off­line nature reserves (as part of our commitment to safeguard wildlife and habitats).

We were reminded at the recent meeting of the Northern Canals Association that reopening a canal brings economic benefits, protects the natural and built environment, benefits local communities and improves people’s lives – you will recognise all this from the IWA report Waterways for Today. It’s not just boating – ‘just boating’ will not justify the funds we want.

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Waterways for Today alone will not bring those funds. There have to be advocates to tell what canals can mean – and how they need to be properly funded. As the IWA website says, we are passionate about protecting and restoring the network of canals and navigable rivers for everyone to enjoy because their unique landscape, heritage and habitats are under threat from many pressures, not least inadequate Government support. Modestly we claim our branch area has the country’s finest canals: I hope theirs is a story you share with your friends.

The local paper has recently reported that more than 100 tons of water are now flowing down the River Severn every second. Enjoy the rain!

Michael Limbrey

Gnosall Canal Festival (C­Fest) 14­16 July 2023 C­Fest 2022 was our first festival post pandemic and we had very hot calm weather ­ so hot that it brought a few unexpected issues. For 2023, we hoped the 35c temperatures would not be repeated. Be careful what you wish for...

This year, Friday was dawn­til­ dusk precipitation. Fortunately, the festival garden was not scheduled to be in use but most of the trade boats had a wipeout.

Fortunately the pubs had indoor space for the evening entertainment.

Saturday was dry, but wind was our new problem. The towpath is sheltered but it became clear that several gazebos would go into orbit, even with people holding onto them.

We gave space in the entertainment marquee to displaced stall holders and fetched more weights, ropes and bricks to hold down everything else.

Photo courtesy of Shaun Jones

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As for the festival itself, it was a great success. The Festival Garden (at the Navigation Inn) was full of local and waterway good causes, including old favourites like SNCT and RNLI but also new visitors such as the Burslem Port Restoration.

The trip boats were popular and the added bonus of a history commentary was very well received.

Photo courtesy of Shaun Jones

The variety of music through the afternoons and evenings in the Festival Garden, the Boat Inn and the Royal Oak went down well. The trade boats reported good takings and the Macmillan Cancer team reported record takings from their tea and delicious cakes.

Photo courtesy of Shaun Jones

Many thanks to all the volunteers who make it possible and to Norbury Wharf and the Navigation Inn for providing facilities. Some lessons to learn for next year are more activities for children, more demonstrations for all, better signposting of key activity boats, (e.g.

Saturn, Berkhampstead, woodworking boat) and a clearer schedule for events at our various venues.

C­Fest 2024 is planned for 19­21 July. Please pass the word..

Photo courtesy of Shaun Jones

Barry Witts

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Get your 2024 IWA Branch Calendars Now! Our 2024 calendars are on sale by mail order and at various canalside outlets in our area. They are also available until Dec 9 at the pop­up charity card shops at: ◊ St Mary's Church Shrewsbury ◊ St Oswald's Church Oswestry Mail order We have three easy ways for you to get your copies of our 2024 calendar by mail order at just £10 per calendar, including p&p... (prices held at last year's level despite postage cost increases)

Pay by credit/debit card Pay securely via SumUp. Email your order details to michael.haig@waterways.org.uk. We will reply with a payment link, unique to you. After opening the link to the SumUp payment site, you simply need to enter your card details and click "Pay" to complete the payment.

Pay by PayPal If you have a PayPal account you can pay direct to our branch chair on 07801 415573 or open this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/mikeh7be, sign in to your PayPal account and complete the secure payment form.

Pay by cheque Send your cheque made payable to The Inland Waterways Association to SDNW Calendars, 7 Barnton Edge, Stone ST15 8ZR.

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In all cases, please remember to include the postal address for despatch of the calendars.

We will send them by 2nd class post.

You can also find our calendars at the following outlets: ABC Whitchurch

ABC Wrenbury Mill

Aqueduct Marina

Audlem Mill

OverWater Marina

Swanley Bridge Marina

Norbury Wharf

Lunch and Pub Quiz Narrowboat In, Whittington : Saturday 9th March 2024 ­ 12:00 Following an enjoyable event last year, we are sticking with the Saturday lunchtime format for the branch quiz with questions set by last year's winning team.

Lunch will be available from 12:00 and quiz sheets will be distrinuted 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 questions sheets to prepare (an the pub knows how many staff they need) please let us know if you are planning to attend with a team (teams of 4 preferred).

Contact: dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk

More on the Monty Here are a few photos of other Monty related activity over recent months...

Shropshire Paddlesport Open Day 17 June 2023 at Queens Head

Cheque presentation 4 Sept 2023 to MWRT from the sale of the canal and railway collection of the late Hugh Appleton

Coracle Fun Day at Welshpool 8 July 2023 organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal

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Council leader delighted to be at Local Canals Exhibition Shropshire Council leader Lezley Picton joined crowds of visitors at the Local Canals Exhibition on Saturday, 23 September, in the Abbey Station, Shrewsbury.

She said she was “delighted to have been invited along and really pleased to see how busy it was.”

Arranged and hosted by our branch of the IWA, the exhibition also featured displays by three other local canal groups, the Shropshire Union Canal Society, the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust and the Friends of the Montgomery Canal.

One of the organisers Alan Wilding said: “We were all very pleased that Lezley joined us and engaged with all the exhibitors before posing for a group photograph with some of the IWA team."

Cllr. Picton, who recently spoke at the official opening of the reconstructed section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath said, “Our canals provide so many opportunities for us to get out into our lovely countryside whether it be on the water or walking the towpaths. I will continue to support the restoration of our canals and look forward to further visits in the future.”

Cllr Lezley Picton (2nd right) with IWA branch members Susan Wilding, Philippa Bursey, Michael Limbrey and Mike Haig

Michael Limbrey, President of the Branch and also chair of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, commented that Cllr Picton, together with Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire, had helped establish the new cross­border grouping, the Marches Forward Partnership. The partnership, between Shropshire, Powys and other neighbouring authorities, aims to encourage cross border economic activities of mutual benefit.

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Another exhibitor David Carter, of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, said he was pleased to hear Lezley tell him, during her visit to the exhibition, that the Montgomery restoration is Shropshire’s number one project in this respect.

And Michael highlighted the fact that the Government’s recent Levelling Up investment in Powys has not been matched in Shropshire despite there being only two miles left to restore in England.

Co­organiser of the exhibition, Susan Wilding, said she was pleased that the IWA and the other three groups had been able to co­ordinate such a comprehensive presentation of local waterways and added: “It was good to hear so many positive comments about our canals from visitors and also to receive direct support in the form of donations and purchases of our 2024 waterways calendar which will also be on sale at the forthcoming Shrewsbury Charity Christmas Card Shop.”

Alan Wilding said: “The exhibition day also allowed us to discuss the Inland Waterways Association’s vital campaigning work including its current national campaign, Fund Britain’s Waterways, which seeks to persuade the government to increase its recently announced, inadequate future funding package for Britain’s waterways network.”

Susan added: “The Abbey Station has been a wonderful venue for this event and we are extremely grateful to Philip Davies and Frank Sarre of the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust for facilitating use of their premises. Our thanks are also due to our three canal groups whose plethora of exhibits overflowed into the station yard”.

There is a short video of the event on our branch Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shrewsburynorthwales

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Library users’ chance to look up the IWA The main public library in Shrewsbury kindly hosted an Inland Waterways Association display for the six weeks prior to the Local Canals Exhibition at the Abbey Station on 23 September 2023.

We were able to brighten up a prominent corner of the entrance with two of our informative pull­up banners and a tableful of our leaflets. As expected, the free map fold­out proved very popular and the librarian was soon in touch asking us to take in some more. A lot of the ‘Protect our Waterways’ and the ‘Join us’ ones self­dispensed giving hope that they might achieve at least a new member or two and some donations. And we were able to advertise the forthcoming Local Canals Exhibition. Those posters may have prompted some of our many visitors to call at that event.

All in all, a potentially worthwhile exercise for not too much effort.

A static display for a few weeks in a library type environment is a relatively easy way of achieving more awareness of our Association and there are many such venues across our vast geographical area. It doesn’t have to be un­staffed either.

When we were there, topping up the leaflets, we were often able to engage with people and sort a few queries for them.

Having recently been surprised to spot a Canal & River Trust banner in the foyer of a local garden centre we found out that it is a type of publicity exercise which they are routinely doing with a member of their staff. We talked to Andy who said he travels all over the Midlands, with his pull­up map of their 2000 miles of navigations, a table full of leaflets (there are some good regional ones) and a large picture of the Ponty. By arrangement, he sets up in all sorts of places where there is regular footfall and tries to recruit ‘Friends of the CRT’ and answers loads of canal questions.

Is you think you might be able to help IWA in a similar way, please contact any committee member listed in the front of this magazine.

Alan and Susan Wilding

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Gnosall Gnews Although the formal adoption of our canal is by the parish council, the hands­on work is done by a small group of volunteers on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Given that we're mostly pensioners, the addition of some Duke of Edinburgh muscle on Saturdays is more than welcome.

We started our year laying (by hand) about 20 tons of stone and gravel. It has to be done once the leaf­fall has been cleared away and while the ground is soft enough to scrape mud.

Thanks to our friends at SNCT and Norbury Wharf who helped with the movement of the stone.

Generally, the results have been very good. It's not a billiard table flatness that can be achieved with a £200,000 professional job. It is however more suited to slow cycling than fast.

We cleared and painted the concrete surrounds on the metal mooring rings.

In time we'd like to add some new rings where they are missing.

In the lead­up to C­Fest, we cut back nettles and stray bits of Hawthorn on the towpath and then went into rest mode for August.

This September we have been clearing banks ready for more daffodils, spreading our leaf mould on the recently planted trees along with the odd litter pick.

The big job about to occupy us into December is raking up leaves; to avoid mud on the path and give us next year's leaf mould.

If anyone would like to join us, just let me know. We a friendly bunch: we do what we can when we can, if we're able.

Barry Witts

Gnosall C­Fest 2024: 19­21 July ­ Save the date After a very successful event this year (see page 20 for the full report), planning is underway for the 2024 event.

Further details will be posted on their website (www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk) once they are available.

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PLANNING A CRUISE? Frankton Locks

Winter Opening 2023 (6 November ­ 15 March 2024) Booking is required for passage through the locks and must be made no later than 48 hours before passage ­ bookings are not accepted on the day.

Opening Times: 09:00 ­ 13:00 daily.

Due to stoppages, availability of the locks is as follows: ◊ Monday, 6 November ­ Sunday 3 December CLOSED for STOPPAGES ◊ Monday, 4 December ­ Friday 22 December OPEN ◊ Saturday, 23 December ­ Tuesday 26 December CLOSED ◊ Wednesday, 27 December ­ Sunday 31 December OPEN ◊ Monday, 1 January 2024 ­ Friday 15 March CLOSED for STOPPAGES Only boats with a booking will be allowed passage through the locks. A maximum of 12 boats are allowed in each direction through the locks in any one day and 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

Winter Opening Times (1 November 2023— 29 February 2024) During the winter season 2023/24, booking will be required for all passages through the Harecastle Tunnel.

Booking slots are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only as follows: ­ ◊ North to South (Kidsgrove to Tunstall) – 09:00 & 11:00 ◊ South to North (Tunstall to Kidsgrove) – 10:00 & 12:00 Booking is required 48 hours prior to passage. Late arrivals can not be accommodated.

The tunnel will be closed from Sunday 24 December to Tuesday 26 December reopening on Wednesday 27 December, Friday 29 & Saturday 30.

The tunnel will close again from 31 December and reopen for passage on Wednesday 3 January 2024.

Customers must book before 15:00 on Wednesday 20 December to guarantee a passage during the Christmas and New Year period. Un­booked passages will not be permitted.

Bookings can be made online at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy­the­ waterways/boating/go­boating/planning­your­boat­route/booking­your­ passage­online. Alternatively, you can call CRT on 0303 040 4040.

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 6 November ­ 17 December 2023 The lift will be closed for planned winter works.

18 December 2023 ­ March 2024 During this period the lift will only operate on Mondays and Fridays. Passage will be available 09:30 ­ 12:45 both days.

During the festive period, passage will not be available on the following dates: ◊ Monday, 25 December 2023 ◊ Friday, 29 December 2023 ◊ Monday, 1 January 2024 However, alternative passages will be available on Thursday 28 December 2023 and Wednesday 3 January 2024 only, with scheduled passage resuming from Friday 5 January 2024.

All bookings must be made in advance. Bookings can not be taken onsite.

Bookings can be made online or by calling CRT on 0303 040 4040.

Next available slot on the day is free of charge, however this passage is subject to availability, otherwise, charges for passage do apply. You will be charged the full amount should you fail to turn up for your booked passage.

It is important that all boats travelling through the lift have the correct license, a valid Boat Safety Certificate and insurance. Please make sure your details are up to date prior to booking as these will be checked during the booking sequence.

Please ensure that you arrive at the holding area 30 minutes before the scheduled passage for visual boat check and safety briefing.

Weaver Navigation Locks During the winter period (1 November 2023 ­ 31 March 2024) the five main locks on the Weaver Navigation: Marsh, Dutton, Saltersford, Hunts & Vale Royal Locks are available to book for passage by prior arrangement.

As we finalise this issue of the magazine, there is an ongoing issue with the lock bridge at Vale Royal Lock. Prearranged passages are available to boats within both of the following measurements: ◊ Boats must have a max length of 10.3m or less ◊ Boats must have an air draft of 3.6m or less However the lock will be closed between 13 ­ 17 November for repair of the lock bridge.

Bookings for locks passages will need to be made 48hours in advance. To book passages, please call the North West Customer Service Team on 0303 040 4040.

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EDITOR WANTED As you will have read elsewhere in the newsletter, the current editor is hanging up his keyboard so we need a new one. Or a team!

The newsletter currently contains 32 pages and is published three times per year, in Spring, Summer and Autumn/Winter.

However, the format and the publication schedule are open for discussion with interested volunteers.

While there is currently a single editor, the role could be shared among a team.

For example, one or more people gathering material and another doing the formatting & publishing.

If you're interested to find out what's involved, please contact our Branch Chairman, Michael Haig on 07801 415573 or email: michael.haig@waterways.org.uk

For Sale Having sold their boat, branch members Dawn & David Aylwin have some boat­related items for sale.

They are kindly only asking for donations to our branch funds.

The items are: ◊ 1 x anchor (weight approx 20kg including chain) ◊ 2 x Plastimo adult life jackets (as new in original packaging but out of guarantee) If you are interested, please contact them at: dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk