Sou’Wester
Steve Warwicker Avon & Wilts Branch Member is now Chairman of the IWA National Navigation Committee January - April 2018 / Issue 177 IWA South West and South Wales Region www.waterways.org.uk/southwest
South West and South Wales Region Committees South West & South Wales Region Committee: Chairman: *Roger Holmes Members: Hon. Secretary: *Ray Alexander Sou’Wester Editor: *Joyce Potts Navigation Committee Representative: *Steve Warwicker
*Bob Abbott *Geoff Harman *Peter Kelly Lynda Martin *Tony Pugh
Avon & Wiltshire Branch Committee: Chairman: *Geoff Brown Member: Steve Warwicker 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 West Country Branch Committee: Chairman: *Bob Abbott Hon. Secretary: *Peter Kelly Hon. Treasurer: *Ray Alexander Minutes Secretary: Sally Hillman Volunteers Co-ordinator: *Mike Slade
Members: Gareth Hughes Mike Synan Gill Thomas Phil Hughes
Members: Julian Gibson Chris Jewell Pat Robinson
*Contact details for these appear inside the back cover. 2
Region Chairman First I must again apologise for the late arrival of the last edition. It has been an interesting period since the last issue most of which is covered later. I was pleased to present a national award for branch achievement to the West Country branch at a large gathering in midNovember in Bridgewater - see pages 14 and 15 . We now have a new Chair, Geoff Brown, for the Avon and Wilts branch and I wish him every success. It is also an honour for the region to have the new National Chair of the navigation committee, Steve Warwicker, who is from the Avon and Wilts branch - see photo on front cover. The IWA logo has changed and is very different from previously. It is a part of a rebranding exercise to bring all parts of the association together with one corporate image. Nationally the trustees have been discussing the rebranding and the association’s objectives for the next 5 years, to ensure that IWA will survive far into the future. Les Etheridge having stepped down, we now have a new National Chair, Ivor Caplan, some of you may know him as he has been very active in the past and will lead the association into the future with all challenges faced. I am sure he will do an excellent job. I would like to wish you all a happy new year and remind you that the AGM season is soon upon us and it is the time to consider becoming more involved with your local branch. In my experience being on a branch committee is fun as well as being rewarding. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Roger Holmes
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Notices
FORMAL NOTICE OF BRANCH AGMs Each branch will be holding its AGM in 2018
Details of the exact time, venue, date and any events around the AGM can be found below and on the following page. Agenda (which is common to all branches) 1 Apologies for absence 2 Minutes of 2017 AGM 3 Report of Chair 4 Treasurer’s report and accounts 5 Report of Region Chair 6 Election of Committee 7 Any other business (previously notified to Chair before the meeting). Immediately after the AGM, the new Committee will meet to appoint its Officers.
Avon & Wilts Branch: Saturday, 17th March, 2017
2.30pm
At St Nicholas Church Hall, Mill Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6TU (Opposite The George pub) 11am: A short towpath walk, meeting at the bridge over the canal (bridge 183) on Mill Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6TU , by The George pub. 12.30pm: Informal lunch at The George, Bathampton BA2 6TU (Please let Geoff Harman know if you will be coming so that enough tables can be reserved). Tea and biscuits will be available after the AGM. Enquiries and lunch bookings to Geoff Harman on 0117 9623812 or email geoff.harman@waterways.org.uk 4
Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch: Thursday, 1st March, 2018
7.30pm
At the Warehouse Climbing Centre, Parliament St, Gloucester, GL1 1HY which is just by Gloucester Dock - There is a bar where simple food is served. Free parking nearby.
South Wales Branch: Saturday, 24th February, 2018
2pm
At the National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3RD There will also be a South Wales Waterways Conference and Exhibition put on by the South Wales branch of the IWA.
West Country Branch: Saturday, 10th March, 2018
2pm
At The Hayridge (above the Library) Cullompton, 2 Exeter Hill, Cullompton, EX15 1DJ. Doors open from 1.30pm when teas/coffees will be available. The AGM will be followed by a talk given by David & Karen Binney from the hotel boat “Wessex Rose”. The construction and fit out of “Wessex Rose” has been featured on “George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces” Channel 4 TV programme. It was launched on 1st May 2013 and now cruises the Kennet & Avon Canal, Grand Union Canal and the River Thames. Directions: Come off the M5 at junction 28 and follow the signs to the Collumpton town centre. There is a public pay and display long stay car park in Forge Way. Turn left after the Police station and follow the sign posts. It is a ten minute walk along Fore Street to the Library. There is a small public pay and display short stay car park next to the Library but this tends to get busy at the weekend. All members and friends are welcome to attend. There are plenty of pubs and cafes available for lunch prior to the meeting. 5
News Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Campaign Ray Alexander
IWA has submitted its response to the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme (the Scheme), which was issued by the Environment Agency (EA) for comment in mid-August. IWA is a stakeholder in the Scheme and a consultee under Schedule 5, categories 3 and 4 of the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections) Procedure (England and Wales) Rules 2006. IWA has welcomed the intention to provide facilities on the River Parrett both upstream and downstream of the barrier to allow vessels to moor so that they can wait safely at times when the barrier is closed, and has offered to discuss in detail with the EA the facilities that ought to be provided for this purpose. Although there is currently little commercial or recreational navigation on the stretch of the River Parrett where the barrier will be built, IWA has requested that information regarding each expected closure of the barrier, for whatever purpose, and the expected duration of such closure is published on appropriate websites. IWA has welcomed the intention to provide a slipway to allow small boats to be launched for inspecting the barrier from the water and has suggested that the EA Opportunities and Enhancements sub-group should consider the possibility of the slipway (if suitable) being made available for use by Trail Boaters when not otherwise required for use in connection with the barrier. IWA has requested that where the PEIR refers to the removal of the bypass channel temporary diversion, followed by reinstatement of that area, that reference is also made to making passive provision for the construction of a lock and approach channels in the footprint of the bypass channel in the future (as happened, for example, at the Tees Barrage) and for the relevant land to be formally reserved for this purpose. IWA has welcomed EA’s recognition that recreational usage of the river could increase in the future and that due to the anticipated increase in the number of barrier closures in future epochs (due to sea level rises), the impact on navigation between Dunball and Drove Bridge could therefore be greater in the future. This will be the subject of further assessment by the EA. 6
‘Thanks Fred’ – A tribute to Fred Blampied MBE by
Terry Kemp (ex Waterways Manager K & A Canal) It was sad to read of the passing of Fred Blampied in the last issue of Sou’Wester. Alan Aldous’s tribute to him captured so much of Fred’s achievements. In these heady days of the canal and waterways successes it is hard perhaps for us all to remember the political difficulties we faced in the past. When I first became interested in waterways I read with enthusiasm the histories of the each waterway and great personalities within those histories. In that statement though I seem to be talking about the great engineers and agents from the days of the building of our canals. However, that is not the case. I think the true real personalities are the Fred’s of this, our world. They did it not as a job, or for profit but because they cared about what our waterways gave to people. Back in 1989, I became one of the first proud appointees of Waterway Managers within British Waterways looking after the Kennet and Avon Canal. It is because of that I found myself standing shoulder to shoulder with some of these modest but passionate waterway heroes. I say, ‘shoulder to shoulder’. Sometimes it was eyeball to eyeball for always they knew what was needed to be done and pushed me to achieve it! As a new Waterways Manager I met Fred one day in Devizes on the Caen Hill lock Flight when he began to recount the story of his paddle boat, proudly producing a newspaper cutting photo of it. To his surprise he discovered the boat lived on and I owned it. She was still called Kenavon Venture and was now moored at Pewsey. The paddles were removed as this was causing too many structural problems; some of the ballast (Lead sash weights) had been removed to lift some rotten timbers above the water line; an outboard had been attached, and she was in regular use. We, my young family and I, loved the old boat which sadly only lasted another couple of years because of those rotting timbers. Don’t tell anyone but as Waterway Manager I had, along the waterway, a team of mentors and advisors. Fred was my River Avon mentor. He was a mine of information and advice and also patient and friendly. A chat with Fred was a delight as well as informative. Whether about Bristol Docks, river locks, even footpath gates and public rights of way he always had the knowledge. I have often been to canal talks when there a great deal has been made of the conflicts between the authorities and canal volunteers. The reality was that often for very good reasons the groupings we may have differed. However, beneath it all there was true comradeship based on the wish to do the right thing. The opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal and then 7
the terrific grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund were two highlights from my life which were only possible because of so many people and one was called Fred. Thanks Fred for so much that you have given me and all the people that use the Kennet and Avon today and into the future.
Letter to the Editor In issue 176, you printed an article about the late and much missed Fred Blampied and his efforts to save the canals, in particular the Bristol Floating Harbour, first designed and engineered in the 19th century and a part of our great maritime and industrial heritage. The establishment plan, last century, was to allow this important site to be lost forever because it was thought to be uneconomical to restore and irrelevant. The fate of the Kennet and Avon Canal and many others would have been similar if the establishment had had its way. Campaigning and action by others with more vision and more admiration for the achievements of the past ensured that these waterways sites were saved for the nation and can be enjoyed by us in so many ways. They led the way and the establishment now concedes that they were right. What a treasure these assets are for us all. In the same issue, we read about the lack of vision and enterprise from the Environment Agency faced with the opportunity to do something similarly wonderful at Bridgwater to save and develop the area around the docks and the River Parrett. Their familiar argument is that there is not enough money. Surely the opposite is the case and we cannot afford not to improve this area for locals and visitors alike and to preserve the environment in the hinterland for future generations. A Bridgwater tidal barrier would: A) Alleviate the risk of flooding for a vast area around the Somerset Levels B) Help to make the Parrett a navigable waterway once more C) Reintroduce traffic between the river and the docks, both for leisure and trade purposes D) Reinvigorate further the local economy with more business opportunities A new hydro station would reap ecological benefits; a new road to join the A39 at Dunball would enhance local traffic flow, which is increasingly slow and likely to get worse as Hinkley C comes on line, adding to pollution in the town, not to mention loss of working hours as we spend precious time snarled up in traffic; a new lock between the river and the docks would encourage use of the waterways for various work and relaxation activities. 8
Why can't the EA see this and why aren't they putting their efforts behind achieving a fantastic 'win win' outcome? It seems to me they are missing a golden opportunity to leave a lasting and positive legacy for Somerset and for the nation, having filed the project in the 'too difficult' folder as a result of their 'can't do' attitude. I am also writing to Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, to seek his views and ask him to support the need for more imaginative and positive thinking and action from the EA about this issue. Mike Cooke
Tavistock Canal Book Launch Peter Kelly and Ray Alexander
The Tavistock Museum was the venue for the launch of a new book “The Tavistock Canal – Its History and Archaeology” on Saturday, 11th November. The book has been written to coincide with the Canal’s 200th Anniversary; its author is Robert Waterhouse and it has been sponsored by the Trevithick Society, Devonshire Association, Friends of the Tamar Valley, Dartmoor Tin Mining Research Group and the Tamar Valley AONB. The book covers the canal’s civil engineering, railways, wharfs and ports together with the mines, foundries and other industries which it served. It is lavishly illustrated with surveys, drawings, maps and photographs, including underground and surface details of the 1.5 mile Morwelldown Canal Tunnel. A “heavyweight” at over 500 pages plus Appendices on a CD, the book will undoubtedly become the definitive reference book for the Tavistock Canal. Published by the Trevithick Society, it comes in both hardback and paperback form and copies can be obtained from Book Stop, Tavistock’s popular bookshop. The hardback version is £50 and the paperback version is £30. 9
Herefordshire & Gloucester Canal More Canal Restoration at Malswick Maggie Jones, Trustee of the H&GCT
A new project at Malswick in Gloucestershire represents a great opportunity to restore a significant stretch of the Hereford and Gloucester Canal. Three-quarters of a mile has recently been secured directly south of the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust’s own pub Malswick House. The acquisition represents several years careful negotiations led by the Legal and Project Development Group based at The Wharf House, and is part of the Trust’s objective to secure a five to ten year land bank for a continual restoration flow. The Malswick Project is very diverse. As part of the deal to minimise the purchase cost, we are restoring two brick river bridges and building a new one for the landowner, as well as various other works around the farm. In about a year or so, we will then start on actual canal restoration which will include a new swing bridge, Road Lock and about threequarters mile of Canal highly visible alongside the B4215. Once restored, all of this will be directly accessible from Malswick House as the landholdings adjoin each other, adding to the logic of our focus in this area. After the acquisition, we spent the first month or so planning exactly how we are going to manage the various elements of the project and to put in place operating procedures to ensure we comply with the health and safety regulations. The team at Malswick is growing and within it there are individual project groups taking on different and varied tasks. The first stage of the project will be to carry out extensive repairs to two very attractive brick built farm bridges which cross Ell Brook. Over the years they have become somewhat dilapidated and our task is to restore them to their former glory. We have two teams set up – one for each bridge. The project also involves the construction of a new bridge to carry farm traffic across the brook, the installation of around 650 metres of new boundary fence and hedging and the construction of two new field gateways. The route of the canal will go through two sections of woodland, which will give us the opportunity to create wildlife corridors alongside the route. We have enlisted the help of the Worcestershire Wildlife Consultancy to carry out a detailed survey before any work commences so that we minimise any disruption to wildlife. 10
Please note that the site will not be open to the general public until the canal has been formally completed. H&GCT’s LAND FUND Acquiring land, like this at Malswick, of course, requires money, and as a small charity with big ambitions, we always have to find the means to carry out the Canal restoration and associated activities. Readers of the Sou’wester will know how crucial fundraising is and what it has been able to achieve for the Canal’s restoration by means of the LAND FUND. H&GCT’s Land Fund Appeal is growing, but loans as liquidity are just as important. The current acquisitions at Newent and Malswick have only been able to happen due to the generous support of our members to the Land Fund, and an anonymous donation some time ago of £100,000 helped to fund Malswick House. The relevance of this became very apparent when our very public purchase of the pub made several landowners view us very differently and as a serious player. Without the anonymous donation that we used to purchase Malswick House, H&GCT would not be where we are today. So very many thanks to that individual, and those who have made contributions to the Land Fund, without whom we would not own these sites at Malswick and Newent today. Some of our fundraising focuses on obtaining grants for projects on the land we acquire, but grants are not available for land purchase. For that we need donations and loans. This is why our Land Fund needs to raise something like two million pounds in the next few months. Impossible you may say? The H&GCT have never shied away from a challenge. There are presently over 200 acres in the pipeline if we can reach the figure. Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust is working together in the present to revive the past and secure a better future. As a supporter of the waterways please reflect on the hard work we are doing to bring this beautiful Canal back to water. Are you able to help us with either a loan or donation please? The LAND FUND will provide the means to obtain the crucial sites along the line of the Canal where there is no new development proposed or where we cannot acquire the line of the Canal by other opportunities. It is a vital fund to help us eventually restore the full length from Gloucester to Hereford. To learn more go to www.h-g-canal.org.uk then click ‘About the Trust’ and click on ‘Land Fund’. Thank you.
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IWA RE-BRANDING WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE: It is our spirit, determination and vision that will protect and restore our waterways for future generations to discover and enjoy. We champion Britain’s canals and rivers. WHO WE ARE: The final design for the visual representation of our brand comprises three propeller blades and a central hub. Each blade represents a key aspect of IWA. The core symbolises the volunteers and members that are at the centre of IWA; the heart that drives everything. Our ripple pattern denotes the many activities that take place on and around the water - from the wake behind a boat to the bob of a fishing float. Our brickwork pattern represents the industrial heritage of the waterways and the human effort that goes into maintaining them and restoring them. Our leaf pattern celebrates the green corridor created by canals and rivers, supporting wildlife and enhancing our well being. ONE IWA:
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EDITORIAL EDITORIAL It’s not often that I do an editorial page but It’s not often do an editorial page but EDITORIAL EDITORIAL feedback aboutthat the ISou’wester, and the whole
as I have been receiving as I of have receiving look thebeen magazine has feedback about the Sou’wester, and the whole look of the magazine has changed, I thought that this might be a good time to do so. I received the It’s It’s not not ooften ften that that II do do an an editorial editorial page page but but as as II have have been been receiving receiving changed, I thought that this might be a good time to do so. I received the following feedback the last issue: feedback Sou’wester, and feedback about about the theafter Sou’wester, and the the whole whole look look of of the the magazine magazine has has following feedback after the last issue: changed, changed,IIthought thoughtthat thatthis thismight mightbe beaagood goodtime timeto todo doso. so. IIreceived receivedthe the following followingfeedback feedbackafter afterthe thelast lastissue: issue: Dear Joyce, Dear Joyce, meeting of the Committee of the Avon and Wilts Branch At a recent At a recent meeting thethe Committee of the Avon and of Wilts Branch we were much struckofby quality and presentation "Sou'Wester". Dear Joyce, Dear Joyce, we were much struck the quality presentation of "Sou'Wester". The recent issue commemorating theand death of ourand erstwhile At recent meeting of the Committee of Avon Wilts Branch At aa recent meeting ofby the Committee of the the Avon and Wilts Branch The recent issue commemorating the death of our erstwhile Chairman and struck Life President, Fred Blampied MBE, wasof particularly we by and "Sou'Wester". we were were much much struck by the the quality quality and presentation presentation of "Sou'Wester". Chairman Life President, Fredthe Blampied MBE, particularly appreciated. Accordingly the Committee haveof asked me to write to you The issue commemorating death our erstwhile The recent recentand issue commemorating the death of ourwas erstwhile appreciated. Accordingly the Committee have asked me to writeyou to put you to thank you for your dedication and the undoubted hard work Chairman Chairman and and Life LifePresident, President,Fred FredBlampied BlampiedMBE, MBE,was wasparticularly particularly to thank you for your dedication and the undoubted hard work you put in for the IWA South Westthe andCommittee South Wales Region. appreciated. Accordingly have asked appreciated. Accordingly the Committee have asked me me to to write write to to you you in for the IWA South West and South Wales Region. to to thank thank you you for foryour yourdedication dedicationand andthe theundoubted undoubtedhard hardwork workyou youput put in for the IWA South West and South Wales Region. in for the IWA South West and South Wales Region. With very Best Wishes: Tim Wheeldon, Hon. Secretary, Avon and With Best Wishes: Tim Wheeldon, Secretary, Avon and Wilts very Branch Committee: Geoff Chalmers,Hon. Geoff Brown, Vivienne Hook, Wilts Branch Committee: Geoff Chalmers, Geoff Brown, Vivienne Hook, David Chalmers, Steve Warwicker With Best Tim Withvery very BestWishes: Wishes: TimWheeldon, Wheeldon,Hon. Hon.Secretary, Secretary,Avon Avonand and David Chalmers, Steve Warwicker Wilts WiltsBranch BranchCommittee: Committee:Geoff GeoffChalmers, Chalmers,Geoff GeoffBrown, Brown,Vivienne VivienneHook, Hook, David David Chalmers, Chalmers,Steve SteveWarwicker Warwicker Secondly, you might just have noticed that everything from the logo to the Secondly, you might just have noticed the logo the font and colours have changed. This that is toeverything tie in withfrom the new logoto and font and colours have changed. Thisthe isthat toeverything tie in withfrom the new logo and to promote a corporate image IWA. Secondly, you might just have noticed that the the Secondly, you might just haveacross noticed everything from thelogo logoto to the to promote a corporate image across the IWA. font font and and colours colours have have changed. changed. This This isis to to tie tie in in with with the the new new logo logo and and to to promote promoteaacorporate corporateimage imageacross acrossthe theIWA. IWA.
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INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL AWARDS 2017 PRESENTATION 14TH NOVEMBER, 2017 THE BRANCH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is given annually to the Branch that has made the greatest progress in promoting the Association's aims and objectives during the past year. For 2017, the winner is IWA West Country Branch.
Award Ceremony at Admirals Landing, Bridgwater Docks
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“Many congratulations on winning this prestigious Award, which is richly deserved.” Anne Fraser, Sedgemoor District Councillor “It is a great honour for the West Country Branch to win the Branch Achievement Award.” John Monks, Chair, Friends of Exeter Ship Canal “Congratulations indeed and well deserved by all of the local teams.” Wes Hinckes, Bridgwater Town Councillor “West Monkton Parish Council is very appreciative of the efforts made by IWA in maintaining the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, which is a marvellous asset to the area.” Tricia Cavill, Clerk, West Monkton Parish Council
CITATION Proactive, dedicated, professional and enthusiastic are the words that best describe this branch’s Work Party Volunteers, who participate in up to four work parties a week and often work with other local organisations. The difference they make to their local waterways is significant due to good coordination and excellent motivation provided by their work party coordinator. The Branch also runs the Association’s Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Campaign, the long term aim of which is to enhance navigation on the River Parrett and to regenerate the former Bridgwater Docks. Progress is being made on a number of fronts including plans for the Upper Parrett navigation which are being developed in association with the Local Authority. Photo of the David Stevenson award courtesy of IWA Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch member Mike Potts Main Photo courtesy of Bridgwater Mercury 15
Branch Reports IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch “The committee is very pleased to report that Geoff Brown has stepped forward and we now have a chairman for the first time since the sad death of John Gornall! We are very grateful to Geoff for picking up the reins and also to Steve Warwicker who has now joined the committee. We hope that these additions will enable us to become more active but there is still plenty of room for more volunteers!” Geoff Harman
IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group “Heroes & Villains of the Basingstoke Canal” According to the history of the Basingstoke Canal over the years it should have been abandoned several times but fortunately it was down to just a few people in history that without their efforts the canal wouldn’t have been saved. The act of parliament to build the Basingstoke Canal was passed in 1778; work began in 1788 and was opened in 1794, 27 miles long with 29 locks. During its history there were landslips, near bankruptcy, lack of traffic on the canal and plans to link it with nearby canals that never materialised. In the mid 1850s the canal did make money as materials to build the military establishment at Aldershot were transported along the canal. 1869 saw the canal up for sale which was followed by several owners over the years. The last boat to Basingstoke was in 1910 and eventually the canal was finally shut in 1913. Moving to more modern times a letter in a newspaper in 1966 motivated people to realise that there was a future for the canal which resulted in the formation of the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society. This saw the emergence of volunteer workers and the canal began to come back to life. These volunteers have carried out major restoration over the years, rebuilding locks and bridges, dredging the canal and maintaining banks. Here, our speaker Roger Cansdale, showed us an amazing film of the steam dredger “Perseverance” which the canal society had purchased to dredge the canal. One good money raiser is the trip boat “John Pinkerton” which is named after the original contractor when the building of the canal started in 1788. 16
Even though the canal is now open it still has the usual problems – lack of money, shortage of water, more boats needed to explore the canal and of course constant maintenance. All this work however is worthwhile as July 2016 saw the 50th anniversary of the Basingstoke Canal Society. To celebrate the event a rally was held at Woking where boats came from far afield and included craft from the “Historic Narrow Boat Club”. Probably the largest number of traditional boats ever assembled on the Basingstoke Canal in its entire history. What made Roger’s talk so fascinating is that he was able to show pictures taken in the late 1800s which we could then compare with photos taken of the early volunteers in the 1960s and 70s. At the November meeting we welcomed Gareth Jones, a member of the “Thames Sailing Barge Trust” to tell us about these historic and fascinating vessels. Maldon in Essex is the home of these barges and the two vessels owned by the society are moored there, “Pudge” (1922) and “Centaur” (1895). The original use of the barges was, of course, to transport goods. Each one usually was manned by two people, the skipper and a lad. The barges traded around the Thames Estuary and east coast of Britain and because of their flat bottoms they were able to venture into shallow waters although they had to be aware of the tides and constant shifting sandbars. Barges could carry 120 tons, often brick and cement from Kent into London for building materials. There was also the “Hay & Dung trade”. Hay & straw was carried to London as at that time all transport was pulled by horses, so the dung was the returning cargo. Gareth told us about the darker days when 32 barges sailed to Dunkerque in 1940 to assist in the rescue of troops from the beaches. The advantage was that because of their flat bottoms they were able to go right onto the beach, but this did make them sitting ducks for attack by the Germans. Then in 2012 “Pudge” was present at the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames. “The Thames Sailing Barge Trust” is run by volunteers. There is always so much restoration that is needed for the upkeep of these old vessels. Amongst other tasks these enthusiasts can be seen repairing the woodwork, painting the sails with red ochre or tarring the bottoms at low tide. It would appear that it is the nails that rust away rather than the wood that goes rotten. It is so important that these vessels are maintained in working condition. They can still be seen in regular use although now their purpose is not for trading but for chartered trips. They are our “Heritage for the Future.” Ron & Myra Glover 17
IWA Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch Report Apart from the social meetings the branch has had a quiet period which I expect will change when the new committee is elected at the AGM. The social meetings have ranged so far from a talk on a war time disaster in Devon which has recently come to light, tall ships in Gloucester and a showing of the 1946 film Painted Boats part documentary and part romance. We hope you can attend the 2018 program details of which are emailed to you nearer the event. Please remember the meetings are on the first Thursday in the month in the centre of Gloucester near the docks, so put them in your new diaries now. Roger Holmes, Branch Chairman
IWA South Wales Branch Report
There’s little to report at this time. There’s a lot of work being undertaken in each of the valleys, so please check the up to date websites of the South Wales Canal Trusts as follows: The Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust http://www.mbact.org.uk The Neath & Tennant Canals Trust http://www.neath-tennantcanals.org.uk/ 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
The highlight of our year just must be the fact that we have received the IWA “Branch Achievement Award” as Branch of the Year! This is an elegant engraved silver salver which all Committee Members and Work Party Volunteers have worked so hard for and we were very proud to have received this accolade. It was formally presented to the Branch by our busy Regional Chairman, Roger Holmes on 14th November and the ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, colleagues, and the press. Please see pages 14 and 15 for further information on this. Our Bridgwater Tidal Barrier campaigning has slowed up somewhat as the EA and other interested parties are resisting aspirations from several directions that would like to see to regular ‘penning’ of the River Parrett. This would be for the benefit of River recreational usage as part of its build, not due until 2024, but being resisted mainly on the grounds of 18
finance - all sadly a sign of our times. However, we shall keep on trying our best and seeking the support of others with similar ideas. The work parties we are so proud of continue to carry out maintaining the waterways in Somerset and are in great demand for their endeavours in supporting the Canal & River Trust’s work, especially along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal and the River Tone. Their work attracts wider public recognition as well as from other very welcome voluntary groups, authorities and individuals. Understandably we continue to seek grants and donations to support the tools, equipment, boat fuel and various other consumables which are needed to continue in what seems to be never ending and repetitive tasks. There has recently been an initiative from a Canal entrepreneur seeking wide support to set up a ‘Somerset Boat Centre’ with the aims of offering boat, canoe, and paddle boat hire as well as associated training and assessment for budding helmsmen on the B&T canal. This would be brilliant if successful as it will provide much needed activity along this underused asset and promote it as a destination instead of just an underused length of remainder canal. If anyone wants more information, please email me with your name and phone number. I organised a very successful members and guests open meeting in Dorchester on the evening of the 26th October aimed specifically at our far-flung Dorset membership who sadly do not live close enough to have attended other meetings held in Somerset, Devon or Cornwall over the last few years. There were 17 people in attendance and I was supported by my wife who also served and provided the refreshments and raffle prizes. The excellent illustrated presentation given by IWA’s own Ron & Myra Glover on their escapades in remote waterways and visits to festivals was riveting. On a show of hands those present want us to go back with more of the same, so our committee will need to get their thinking caps on for next year! We were also handed various canal/waterway/boat reading matter and reference books for us to raise funds against and our donor is sincerely thanked for this. At this time of the year ending, it is traditional to look back and thank those various Individuals, Businesses, Donators and Funding agencies, not to mention our helpful Head Office staff for their support and which collectively has resulted in such a busy and successful year down here in the West Country. May I wish all Members and Volunteers a Very Healthy and Happy Christmas and New Year. Bob Abbott, Branch Chairman 19
Forthcoming Events IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group Programme Venue: The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, SP5 3AR 7.30pm Thursday, 18th January, 2018 Chris Marshall is a Coastal Ranger working in areas and with communities along Southampton Water and the Solent. Her main remit is events education and community engagement and also giving support to colleagues and volunteers with projects across the National Park. 7.30pm Thursday, 15th February Tim Wheeldon will be giving an illustrated talk in two parts. Firstly a look at the well-known ancient monument, Dundas Aqueduct on the Kennet & Avon Canal and secondly, in the same location, the story of the excavation, restoration and development of the first quarter mile of the long derelict Somerset Coal Canal. 7.30pm Thurs 15th March “Braunston & Stoke Bruerne – from Waterway Transport to Leisure use Today” by John Pomfret. This talk looks at the history of these canals in the context of the early history of transport and the subsequent changes from the rise and fall of freight traffic on the canals to the development of recreational use in present times. There will be no meetings in April or May. All enquiries to Ron & Myra Glover - contact details can be found on page 23. Or Jon Van de Geer - 01722 412841
Venue:
IWA Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch Meetings
The Warehouse Climbing Centre, Parliament Street, Gloucester, GL1 1HB which is just by Gloucester Dock - There is a bar where simple food is served. Parking is available in the Dock or Brunswick Square nearby. The branch social meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month 7.30pm start. 1st March 5th April 4th January, 2018 1st February Emails are sent one week before with full details and added to the IWA website. 20
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. 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. TIME IS GETTING SHORT - YOU MUST BOOK SOON! 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. 2.30pm Saturday, 17th March Branch AGM See details on page 4 All enquiries including menus and bookings for the Lunch to Geoff Harman - contact details can be found on page 23.
IWA WEST COUNTRY BRANCH - New Year’s Day Walk Starts 11am at The Globe Inn The West Country Branch will meet for a New Year’s Day Walk along a stretch of the Grand Western Canal at Sampford Peverell which is not far from the M5 at junction 27 and just a mile from Tiverton Parkway station. We will start at The Globe Inn at 11am and walk to Halberton, the site of a breach which Devon County Council paid to have repaired. We will then walk in the other direction to the slipway which was built by the Waterway Recovery Group and is adjacent to Boehill Bridge. The towpath is wide and in reasonable condition but walkers should wear suitable footwear and clothing for the occasion. The total length of the walk is under 4 miles. If you drive to Sampford Peverell please note that the entrance to the car park at the Globe Inn is quite narrow. Please park at the far end of the car park, where there are steps up to the towpath. 21
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 Cann Quarry Canal Dorset & Somerset Canal Grand Western Canal Par Canal Somerset Navigations Tavistock Canal Torrington (Lord Rolle’s) Canal
Bude Canal Chard Canal Exeter Ship Canal Liskeard & Looe Canal River Parrett Stover Canal River Tone Westport Canal 22
Contacts
Bob Abbott bob.abbott@waterways.org.uk Ray Alexander southwest@waterways.org.uk Geoff Brown geoff.brown@waterways.org.uk David Chalmers david.chalmers@waterways.org.uk Myra Glover 01722 710322
Roger Holmes 01594 840316 roger.holmes@waterways.org.uk Vivienne Hook vivienne.m.hook@blueyonder.co.uk Peter Kelly westcountry@waterways.org.uk Joyce Potts souwester@waterways.org.uk Tony Pugh tony.pugh@waterways.org.uk Mike Slade mike.slade@waterways.org.uk Steve Warwicker steve.warwicker@gmail.com Tim Wheeldon 01225 723890 tim.wheeldon@waterways.org.uk
myra.glover@waterways.org.uk Ron Glover ron.glover@waterways.org.uk Geoff Harman 01179 623812 geoff.harman@waterways.org.uk Sally Hillman sally.hillman@waterways.org.uk
Next Issue of Sou’Wester
The next issue of Sou’Wester is due out in May, 2018. Please send all copy to the Editor at souwester@waterways.org.uk by
Monday, 2nd April, 2018 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 Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a Charity no 212343. www.waterways.org.uk 23
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