Sou'Wester September - December 2017 Issue 176 by The Inland Waterways Association

Sou’Wester

September - December 2017 / Issue 176 IWA South West and South Wales Region

“CAPTURE” Fred Blampied of IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch with the Trowbridge Sea Cadets (Picture courtesy of Wiltshire Times and News)

www.waterways.org.uk/southwest

South West and South Wales Region Committees South West & South Wales Region Committee: Chairman: *Roger Holmes Members: *Bob Abbott Hon. Secretary: *Ray Alexander *Geoff Harman Sou’Wester Editor: *Joyce Potts *Peter Kelly Navigation Committee Lynda Martin Representative: *Steve Warwicker *Tony Pugh Avon & Wiltshire Branch Committee: Chairman: Vacant Hon. Secretary: *Tim Wheeldon Hon. Treasurer: *David Chalmers Joint Events Officers: *Geoff Harman / *Geoff Brown 100 Club Administrator & Publicity: *Vivienne Hook Salisbury Group: *Ron & Myra Glover Jon Van de Geer

Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch Committee: Chairman: *Roger Holmes Members: Maggie Jones Vice Chairman: Vacant David Ramsey Publicity Officer: *Roger Holmes Mike Hynd Secretary: Sue Holmes Treasurer: Vacant

South Wales Branch Committee: Chairman: *Tony Pugh Hon. Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Henry Brown Membership Officer: *Tony Pugh Publicity Officer: Vacant

Members: Gareth Hughes Mike Synan Gill Thomas Phil Hughes

West Country Branch Committee: Chairman: *Bob Abbott Hon. Secretary: *Peter Kelly Hon. Treasurer: *Ray Alexander Minutes Secretary: Sally Hillman Volunteers Co‐ordinator: *Mike Slade 2

Members: Julian Gibson Chris Jewell Pat Robinson

*Contact details for these appear inside the back cover.

step. It is important in the organisation that there is a route from members to the Trustees: Members ‐‐‐‐‐ local branches ‐‐‐‐‐ region ‐‐‐‐‐ trustees This decision has cut the link from the region to the trustees which will make it more difficult for members to influence policy and direction. IWA appears to be going through a period of change, my hope is that it stays being run “in the interests of its members”. The life blood of IWA is its members and the local branches so I hope you will Members will notice that the target date for publishing Sou’Wester has not support them in any way you can. You will enjoy it. been met on this occasion. This was caused by an unintended delay at IWA For those of you who cruise the system you may have noticed a reduction in the Head Office in forwarding Sou’Wester to the printers. I apologise for this. number of boats you see moving on your travels, this is due to boats Roger Holmes congregating in particular in London and to a smaller extent in this region around Bath. The authorities are attempting to solve the problem but more are arriving exceeding the number that are being removed. It is a difficult situation which needs to be solved before the system dies. On a happier note, progress is being made on the three restorations in the region and in particular the Cotswold Canal Trust bid for lottery funds is now well advanced and will be submitted later in the year. I am sure we all hope it will be successful this time. If members ever want to contact me my contact details are elsewhere in this edition and I would be pleased to hear from you Roger Holmes

An apology

Notices IWA Avon and Wilts Branch 100 Club

The winners of the Branch 100 club second draw for 2017 were: Ms. D. Hunter £31.16 1 prize: 2nd prize: Mr. R. Bishop £18.70 Mr. R. Brearley £12.46 3rd prize: Monies raised in 2017 will be given to the Wilts and Berks for their Templars Firs 3 Extension project at Royal Wootton Bassett. For details about the 100 Club, please contact Vivienne Hook on 01179 771373 or vivienne.m.hook@blueyonder.co.uk. st

News

Layout and design courtesy of Peter Kelly 6

Thank you to Peter Kelly for layout and design 7

Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Campaign

Ray Alexander Many thanks to those members and volunteers who attended the public consultation of the Tidal Barrier Scheme hosted by Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) and the Environment Agency (EA) on Monday 10th July. If you completed a feedback form ‐ and in particular commented on the opportunities for additional enhancements ‐ this will have been very helpful. It is particularly important that the authorities continue to get feedback on the strength of feeling for using the tidal barrier for purposes beyond its strict tidal flood prevention remit and the benefits to the local communities that this can bring. IWA has been campaigning for 3 years now for the best use to be made of the proposed Tidal Barrier to be built on the River Parrett at Bridgwater. Our February 2015 Press Release – which was issued following a presentation to SDC and the EA – set out IWA’s suggestions for how the Tidal Barrier should be used and the potential effects that this could have for the community. We suggested that construction of the Tidal Barrier should be used to:  Facilitate sea‐going craft travelling through to Bridgwater and further inland  Impound water on the River Parrett to a fixed level on some occasions during the boating season, thus enabling boating to take place in a relatively safe environment for approximately 20 miles upstream of the barrier, including to Langport and Muchelney  Facilitate the reopening of the link from the River Parrett to the Historic Bridgwater Docks and hence to the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Current position relating to the Tidal Barrier Scheme This can be summarised as follows:  Tidal Barrier location ‐ IWA does not have any significant concerns about the proposed location of the tidal barrier at site 5 (Express Park). ‐ In the absence of a lock being included within the construction of the Tidal Barrier (see below) we have requested that provision is made for a lock to be constructed in part of the Bypass Channel when this is decommissioned. This appears to have been agreed in principle.  Tidal Barrier gates ‐ Whilst IWA would have 8 preferred a Rising Sector Gate, the announcement by SDC/EA in March 2017 makes it clear that the chosen Vertical Lift Gates offer the “Ability to be used to pen water



for potential future amenity uses”. ‐ Our request that the design of the tidal barrier should provide for a lock has been refused on the grounds that it would be uneconomic to do so. Our request that the air draught of the tidal barrier should be sufficient to allow yachts to pass underneath the barrier (when raised) without stepping their masts has also been refused on economic grounds. ‐ IWA has been informed that penstocks will be fitted to the Vertical Lift Gates which should facilitate penning at our preferred water level of 4.45m AOD. However, this has not been confirmed and at the current time the EA has no idea where the penstocks would be fitted. It could be that the penstocks are provided within the central pillar, for example. ‐ We have been informed that the EA will not operate the tidal barrier for penning for enhanced navigation purposes. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ‐ On 2 March, 2017, IWA was informed that the EIA to be undertaken for the Tidal Barrier Scheme will only cover the penning impact of the limited number of occasions that the barrier will be used for Tidal Surge purposes or for maintenance/testing. ‐ We were informed that a separate EIA will be required for the proposed penning for navigation and this was confirmed at a subsequent meeting with SDC/EA on 29 March, 2017. ‐ Subsequent to the above meeting, SDC/EA refused a request to include the separate EIA within the Terms of Reference of the Opportunities and Enhancements sub‐group. Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) ‐ On 2 March, 2017, IWA was informed that the TWAO would only apply to the operation of the Tidal Barrier Scheme for flood prevention and that a separate TWAO would be necessary for the Tidal Barrier to be used for penning for navigation purposes. ‐ At the meeting on 29 March, 2017, IWA presented to SDC/EA copies of the (draft) section 45 of the TWAO for the Boston Tidal Barrier and pointed out the severe operating restrictions imposed by it. SDC suggested that a meeting should be held between IWA and EA’s lawyers to ascertain if it was possible to build in some flexibility and 9 conditionality into the TWAO, for enabling the subsequent steps for penning for enhanced navigation.

‐ The proposed meeting was refused by EA, who reiterated that anything beyond the requirements of the Scheme, including penning for enhanced navigation, would have to be the subject of a separate TWAO. The implications of the above are that a separate project will need to be established to implement penning for enhanced navigation, along with the construction of a lock in the decommissioned bypass channel. The costs of a separate project will clearly be greater than if the Tidal Barrier Scheme were to provide greater flexibility than that proposed. This is regrettable but reflects the intransigent attitude taken by the authorities to taking on board any suggestions that are remotely outside the terms of reference along with their uncompromising approach to considering the wider benefits to the community of enhanced navigation.

IWA at Work - Round-up of IWA branch activity - Oh Buoy!

Ray Alexander A great community effort led by West Country Branch member Pat Robinson culminated in the return of a restored former buoy to Bridgwater Docks in May. Over a two‐year period Pat enrolled the help of local firms and Bridgwater College to transport and rebuild the buoy using European Oak; she then obtained planning permission and cajoled local builders to build a new plinth for the buoy to stand on. On Friday 5 May Kier Construction joined the Mayor of Bridgwater and Pat for a ribbon cutting ceremony which was followed by speeches and a blessing. The refurbished buoy is now once again standing tall at the Docks and is a great tribute to 10 the efforts made by the local

community. Photo courtesy of Mike Slade, West Country Branch

My re-launch: Duchess of Cocklemoor The Duchess

I am delighted to report that after many months hard work on my restoration by my owner, IWA member Ian Macnab, I was re‐launched into the River Parrett at Langport in the early evening on July 5th.

Watched by well over 100 people I was gently lowered by crane into the river to the sound of clapping and cheering accompanied by a lone piper – after nearly two years it was a lovely feeling to be back in the river again. My engine was started, the bilge pumps engaged but oh dear! water was leaking into my hull in several places. Half an hour later it was decided to take me out of the water and the crane carefully positioned me on the side of the bank, whereupon some emergency repairs were undertaken to try and seal the leaks. Later on I was quietly slipped back into the water and I’m pleased to say that all now seems well and that I am now back at my home mooring, although the bilge pumps are still doing their bit. A month later I was pleased to take the IWA West Country Branch Committee on a trip and to show them the river in all its glory. First of all we travelled upstream towards Muchelney, the Somerset village that was cut off for so many weeks during the 2013‐14 floods, leaving its residents stranded. We then turned and headed downstream, passing the 11 confluence of the river Yeo, which is navigable for nearly 1 mile to Pibsbury Weir, then slowing to inspect the damaged slipway at Huish Bridge before passing Cocklemoor, the historic Bow

Bridge and the restored wharf house. We then travelled past the former Langport Lock and tidal gates, Monks Leaze Clyse, where the man‐made Sowy River strikes off across the Somerset Levels, and finally reached Oath Sluice, which is where the non‐tidal section of the river now ends. A most delightful trip which from the comments I heard was hugely enjoyed by all my passengers. My owner and I are happy to indulge in private trips on the river – if of interest please contact us on 07880 528413.

New funds for West Country Branch work party volunteering Mike Slade: Volunteer Co-ordinator Two new grants have been received in the first half of this year to assist with our work party volunteering efforts. These comprise £957 from One Stop and £1,000 from the Leonard Laity Charitable Trust, a Taunton‐based charity. In addition, a donation of £750 has been received from Somerset Navigators Boat Club. These funds will facilitate the purchase of equipment for use by the volunteers and in particular First Aid training and Helmsman training courses. The West Country Branch thanks Sarah Frayne at Head Office for her help and assistance in raising the two grants and the committee of the Somerset Navigators Boat Club for their generous donation. The work party volunteers go from strength to strength; we now have over 150 on our register and many weeks see four work parties undertaken on the Bridgwater & Taunton canal and the River Tone Navigation, supplemented on 12 occasions by work along the River Parrett and on the Grand Western Canal. Photo courtesy of Mike Slade

Farewell? to the Thomas Dadford

Margaret Gwalter, Neath & Tennant Canals Trust Thomas Dadford was designed and built by Alan Withy at his HGV body building works in Maes‐y‐Cwmmer n e a r Pontllanfraith, Monmouthshire and cost the Society £8,000 supplemented by grant aid of £1,000 from the Church in Wales Fund. It was officially launched on 12th July, 1990 by Councillor Sylvia Taylor. The boat operated at Resolven from 1990 to 2000 when it was relocated at Neath Town Centre following dredging work by Neath Canal Company between Neath and Tonna. Over the life of 25 years of the boat, it has had annual maintenance and painting carried out by Trust members. A major refit was carried out 2010/2011 aided by sponsorship from a number of organisations. This included installing a third window in each side. During its lifetime the Thomas Dadford featured in many events becoming a familiar sight on the canal. The Eisteddfod was held in Neath in 1994 on the Old Race Course, Pentre Clwyda, alongside the canal. Boat trips were very popular. In 2004, Iolo Williams used the boat when he was making “The Canals of Wales” 2014 was a bumper year when over 1,200 passengers were carried. A large number for a boat that only took 12 passengers at a time. It is with great regret that the Thomas Dadford has been mothballed while a decision is taken about its future. Its hull is in need of replating. The last year of 14 of depth in the canal. Replating will its operation was difficult due to the lack mean it would be even lower in the water. Inside it is in need of refurbishment. The Trust will shortly be deciding what to do and will report back on its decision.

Our member Geoff Brown had the following letter published in the August issue of Waterways World I have just read the article in July’s Waterways World in which you feature live‐aboard boater Jodie Mitchell. In it you discuss the issue of finding a mooring and the impression given is that it is acceptable for live‐aboards to move every 14 days and basically just swap mooring places within the same geographical area. This, unfortunately, causes problems for genuine visitors to London, and I am worried this will also occur at the western end of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Although the Canal & River Trust has made a token effort to sort the situation out, there is still a large number of residential boats moored in the Bath area. What is more worrying here is that quite a few have moved onto the River Avon and I am concerned that sooner or later there is going to be a serious incident when a sudden flood occurs. It seems the problem is not going to disappear until a radical rethink of licence conditions is addressed and rules are made that can be strictly enforced. This has to be done in tandem with a policy for providing places for live‐aboards to stay without having to move every two weeks and with access to all necessary services. Live‐aboards will have to accept that there will be a limited number of residential moorings and local authorities should have a duty to be involved and not take the attitude that another family living on a boat is one less for which they have to worry about housing.

IWA RESTORATION RAFFLE Sarah Frayne, IWA Fund-raising Officer Tickets for the 2017 Restoration Raffle are now on sale and can be found in this issue. If you don’t wish to purchase them then please dispose of them. All the money raised will go towards IWA’s Restoration Hub which has been established to ensure that everything we do to support restoration is focused and effective and to create a single point of contact for restoration groups. We want it to be a productive resource that can be utilised by all groups, providing tailored resources and advice. Funds raised through the purchase of raffle tickets will go directly into the activities we have planned for the Hub in 2018. Tickets are also available from the IWA shop at: www.waterways.org.uk/raffle. Top Prizes ‐ £1,000 and One‐week boating holiday on a 6‐berth narrowboat, worth £800 ‐ £1,500 Closing date – 15th December 15 For more information about IWA’s Restoration Hub, please visit: www.waterways.org.uk/restorationhub.

Branch Reports IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group

BOULES & BBQ The weather stayed very kind to us on 20th July for our annual boules match. Jeff, landlord of The Green Dragon, served up his usual excellent BBQ enjoyed by all. Sixteen members showed their competitive spirit in the matches that followed. Heats, followed by finals produced a winning team who were then awarded with their prizes. All this was overseen by Jacques our French umpire. A good time was had by all. Ron & Myra Glover

IWA Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch Report

The branch has not been very active since the AGM, not having been involved with the Tall Ships event this time. We are looking to start our social meetings in September and an interesting programme is being developed. The venue might change but rest assured it will be very near the Docks either the current place or in Southgate Street. An email will be sent to all members with full details nearer the time. One of the reasons we have been quiet during the summer is that we are looking for new committee members. The meetings are not stuffy or formal and there are a few ideas which we want to bring forward which will enhance the local waterways. If you are interesting in helping, please contact me. My details are 16 on page 23 of this issue. Roger Holmes, Branch Chairman

Meeting, also the Swansea Bay Meeting and the AGM of the Neath and Tenant Canals Trust. To all, if you know of any canal related issues, please e‐mail me. Don't assume IWA South Wales Branch Report we as a Committee already know. There’s little to report at this time. I have attended the Regional Committee There’s a lot of work being undertaken in each of the valleys, so please check the Meeting, also the Swansea Bay Meeting and the AGM of the Neath and Tenant up to date websites of the South Wales Canal Trusts as follows: Canals Trust. The Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust To all, if you know of any canal related issues, please e‐mail me. Don't assume http://www.mbact.org.uk we as a Committee already know. The Neath & Tennant Canals Trust http://www.neath‐tennant‐canals.org.uk/ There’s a lot of work being undertaken in each of the valleys, so please check the The Swansea Canal Society http://www.swanseacanalsociety.com up to date websites of the South Wales Canal Trusts as follows: The Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust Friends of the Montgomery Canal http://www.mbact.org.uk http://www.montgomerycanal.me.uk/mwrt.html The Neath & Tennant Canals Trust http://www.neath‐tennant‐canals.org.uk/ Tony Pugh, Branch Chairman The Swansea Canal Society http://www.swanseacanalsociety.com Friends of the Montgomery Canal http://www.montgomerycanal.me.uk/mwrt.html Tony Pugh, Branch Chairman

IWA West Country Branch Report Once again lots of activity within the branch not least of all the fact that we now have nudging 150 active Volunteers all of whom at various times and places are doing amazing work in keeping the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal in a clean and tidy for all categories of users. This has been achieved by extending the net to IWA West Country Branch Report include other volunteer groups to join forces with us and seeking new activities Once again lots of activity within the branch not least of all the fact that we now and locations. We regularly receive accolades from not only individuals and user have nudging 150 active Volunteers all of whom at various times and places are groups but also from the adjacent parishes and local authorities who recognise doing amazing work in keeping the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal in a clean and the benefits from this work for their communities. tidy for all categories of users. This has been achieved by extending the net to We are up against great natural odds as we begin to see the annual enemy include other volunteer groups to join forces with us and seeking new activities re‐appear, namely Himalayan Balsam which our teams can physically do and locations. We regularly receive accolades from not only individuals and user something about and even now the dreaded Blue‐Green algae caused by toxins groups but also from the adjacent parishes and local authorities who recognise from land run off, warm weather and slow/shallow waters and which we cannot 17 the benefits from this work for their communities. deal with as it can be nasty to touch (and smell!). We are also being ever We are up against great natural odds as we begin to see the annual enemy watchful for the Giant Hog Weed which must be reported and not touched! re‐appear, namely Himalayan Balsam which our teams can physically do Add to this the constant restrictions causing low boating activity along the canal something about and even now the dreaded Blue‐Green algae caused by toxins due to some locks and paddles not working properly, swing bridges which won’t from land run off, warm weather and slow/shallow waters and which we cannot 17 swing so when coupled to low water then it’s obvious that this will detract from deal with as it can be nasty to touch (and smell!). We are also being ever boat usage, visitors and the enjoyment of all other towpath users. watchful for the Giant Hog Weed which must be reported and not touched! It’s not all bad news from the West Country however, because we can report 17 that Langport River Group have been successful in part by applying for a grant to

due to some locks and paddles not working properly, swing bridges which won’t swing so when coupled to low water then it’s obvious that this will detract from boat usage, visitors and the enjoyment of all other towpath users. Add to this the constant restrictions causing low boating activity along the canal It’s not all bad news from the West Country however, because we can report due to some locks and paddles not working properly, swing bridges which won’t that Langport River Group have been successful in part by applying for a grant to swing so when coupled to low water then it’s obvious that this will detract from encourage more boating activities by adding pontoons and landing stages along boat usage, visitors and the enjoyment of all other towpath users. their sections of the (non‐tidal) River Parrett above Oath sluice. They are also now seeking funds for the all‐important refurbishment of their Slipway. It’s not all bad news from the West Country however, because we can report that Langport River Group have been successful in part by applying for a grant to The Dockside Gala organised by the Friends of the Bridgwater Docks was a encourage more boating activities by adding pontoons and landing stages along resounding success, held in good weather and with several side shows and their sections of the (non‐tidal) River Parrett above Oath sluice. They are also activities. We had our own stand in position with interest shown. Lots of good now seeking funds for the all‐important refurbishment of their Slipway. P.R. and publicity for all concerned and good for Bridgwater! The Dockside Gala organised by the Friends of the Bridgwater Docks was a The Tidal Barrier at Bridgwater, as always, takes up a lot of our time and we are resounding success, held in good weather and with several side shows and continuously lobbying the EA to consider the long game ensuring that the site for activities. We had our own stand in position with interest shown. Lots of good the Vertical lift gate includes visitor/meeting/parking facilities as well as good P.R. and publicity for all concerned and good for Bridgwater! access for all interested parties. It’s still a long haul before completion in 2024 when we also hope that it will allow more River usage by boaters and allow The Tidal Barrier at Bridgwater, as always, takes up a lot of our time and we are access in and out of the Dock via the original Barge Lock at specific times. continuously lobbying the EA to consider the long game ensuring that the site for facilities as well as good the Vertical lift gate includes visitor/meeting/parking Bob Abbott, Branch Chairman access for all interested parties. It’s still a long haul before completion in 2024 when we also hope that it will allow more River usage by boaters and allow access in and out of the Dock via the original Barge Lock at specific times. Bob Abbott, Branch Chairman

Situations Vacant West Country Branch

Situations Vacant

The West Country Branch of the Inland Waterways Association is seeking Volunteers to support its growing membership and community based activities. They would be mainly operating in Mid‐Somerset but also be active in West Country Branch neighbouring counties on and around various Waterways and their environs. The West Country Branch of the Inland Waterways Association is seeking 18 The areas we seek expertise in are flexible to suit individuals and are unpaid, but Volunteers to support its growing membership and community based activities. support and training can be supplied as necessary, and they are as follows: They would be mainly operating in Mid‐Somerset but also be active in neighbouring counties on and around various Waterways and their environs. 18 The areas we seek expertise in are flexible to suit individuals and are unpaid, but support and training can be supplied as necessary, and they are as follows:



Membership Promotion, Support and Marketing



Website, News letters and Social Media Contributor



Volunteers’ Administration Supporter



Work party Team Leaders

These roles are flexible to suit individuals and, whilst being part of an enthusiastic team, will require a degree of autonomy and independent feedback. Please apply by email in the first instance, giving brief information with your name, contact phone number/s, geographical locations and the role you have interest in, to Bob Abbott, Branch Chairman whose contact details can be found on page 23.

Forthcoming Events Stover Canal Open Weekend Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th September at the usual location near the canal bridge on the ‘Old’ Exeter Road just outside Kingsteignton. The nearest postcode is TQ12 3QJ As well as our marquee with display and refreshments there will be various displays by related heritage groups. We are also having a ceremony to mark the completion of the Graving Dock restoration (pictured) now that the steambox has been finished. There is also a new bench with extended hard standing to accommodate a wheelchair. 19 We have invited funders, volunteers and local dignitaries to attend at 11.30 am on the Saturday.

Special Meeting Event in Dorset!

Members meeting on Thursday, 26th October, 2017 in Dorchester

This is to be held in the 'Roger Thomas' meeting room at the Age UK Rowan Cottage offices which are situated at: 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Post code DT1 1PW (This is the parallel road behind the Hospital on the Main Road). Free on site car parking, which is very close to the high boiler room chimney. The evening will commence with a West Country Branch Committee welcome at 7pm for a 7.15pm start.

Presented by our Salisbury Members, Ron & Myra Glover, it describes their personal experiences whilst visiting “Trail Boat Festivals on Isolated Waterways around Britain”. Free entry to current members with a small charge for guests of £3 towards room hire. Light refreshments available.

IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group Programme Venue: The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, SP5 3AR Thursday, 20th October 7.30pm “Heroes and Villains of the Basingstoke Canal” by Roger Cansdale. Thursday, 16th November 7.30pm “The Thames Sailing Barge” by Gareth Jones, member of the Thames Sailing Boat Trust. Thursday, 7th December 7.30pm Waterways Quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society. Questions will be set by the 2016 winners ‐ Salisbury IWA. Thursday, 14th December 7.30pm Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon. Thursday, 18th January, 2018 7.30pm Speaker to be organised 20 All enquiries to Ron & Myra Glover ‐ contact details can be found on page 23. Or Jon Van de Geer ‐ 01722 412841

IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Programme Venue (unless otherwise stated): The Community Room, Wickhouse Close, Saltford, BS31 3BZ Access from the main Bath Road, where there are regular bus services from both Bristol and Bath, is via Norman Road. The Room is close to the Saltford Hall, where we have met before; turn left in front of the Hall. Thursday, 12th October 7.30pm “The Waterway Recovery Group” ‐ a talk by George Eycott Thursday, 9th November 7.30pm “Pleasure Boating in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s” ‐ a talk by Nick Grundy using photos and other material from his parents and grandparents’ cruising logs. Thursday, 14th December 7.30pm Canal and Railway films from the collection of our member David Mitchell Sunday, 21st January, 2018 12.30 for 1pm A revival of the Branch Annual Informal Sunday Lunch at The Bristol Golf Club, Blackhorse Lane, Almondsbury, BS10 7TP (off the B4055 close to J17 of the M5). Three course lunch with coffee or tea ‐ £25pp. MEMBERS AND GUESTS FROM OTHER BRANCHES WILL BE VERY WELCOME. Thursday, 8th February 7.30pm “Australia’s” Murray River” ‐ a talk by Rob Dean who has cruised this massive river (1,240 miles longs!) with his wife. All enquiries including menus and bookings for the Lunch to Geoff Harman ‐ contact details can be found on page 23.

Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch Meetings Venue: The Warehouse Climbing Centre, Parliament Street, Gloucester, GL1 1HB which is just by Gloucester Dock ‐ There is a bar where simple food is served. Free parking nearby. 21 Meetings start again in September. No details at present but members will be notified by email once the programme of events have been finalised.

Waterways in the IWA South West and South WalesRegion

Avon & Wilts Branch Rivers Avon & Severn: Tidal navigation that is the responsibility of the Bristol Haven Conservancy, downstream of the second Severn crossing Avon Navigation: Hanham to Avonmouth, including River Avon & Bristol Docks Kennet & Avon Canal: Hanham Lock to Froxfield Bridge North Wilts Canal Somersetshire Coal Canal Wilts & Berks Canal: Kennet & Avon Canal to County Boundary 1m West of Shrivenham Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch Coombe Hill Canal Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Leominster Canal Lydney Canal River Severn: from Mythe Bridge, Tewkesbury to a point on the tidal navigation which is the seaward extent of responsibility of the Gloucester Harbour Trustees, downstream of the Second Severn Crossing Stroudwater Navigation Thames & Severn Canal River Wye: Hay‐on‐Wye to Severn Estuary South Wales Branch Brecon & Abergavenny Canal Glamorganshire and Aberdare Canals Monmouthshire Canal Neath & Tennant Canals Swansea Canal River Usk River Wye ‐ Hay‐on‐Wye to source West Country Branch Bridgwater & Taunton Canal Bude Canal Cann Quarry Canal Chard Canal Dorset & Somerset Canal Exeter Ship Canal Grand Western Canal Liskeard & Looe Canal Par Canal River Parrett Somerset Navigations 22 Stover Canal Tavistock Canal River Tone Torrington (Lord Rolle’s) Canal Westport Canal

Contacts Bob Abbott Roger Holmes bob.abbott@waterways.org.uk 01594 840316 Ray Alexander roger.holmes@waterways.org.uk Vivienne Hook southwest@waterways.org.uk vivienne.m.hook@blueyonder.co.uk Geoff Brown Peter Kelly geoff.brown@waterways.org.uk westcountry@waterways.org.uk David Chalmers Joyce Potts david.chalmers@waterways.org.uk souwester@waterways.org.uk Myra Glover Tony Pugh 01722 710322 myra.glover@waterways.org.uk tony.pugh@waterways.org.uk Mike Slade Ron Glover mike.slade@waterways.org.uk ron.glover@waterways.org.uk Steve Warwicker Geoff Harman steve.warwicker@gmail.com 01179 623812 geoff.harman@waterways.org.uk Tim Wheeldon Sally Hillman 01225 723890 sally.hillman@waterways.org.uk tim.wheeldon@waterways.org.uk

Next Issue of Sou’Wester The next issue of Sou’Wester is due out in January, 2018. Please send all copy to the Editor at souwester@waterways.org.uk by

Friday, 1st December, 2017 The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of IWA. The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is a non-profit distribution company limited by guarantee. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1WA. Tel. 01494 783453 23 Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a Charity no 212343. www.waterways.org.uk