Sou’Wester
Presentation of the Brian Sheppard Award To Geoff Harman by Geoff Brown May - August 2019 / Issue 181 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: Vacant Members: Hon. Secretary: *Ray Alexander Sou’Wester Editor: *Joyce Potts Navigation Committee Representative: *Steve Warwicker
*Geoff Brown *Geoff Harman *Peter Kelly *Steve Peet *Tony Pugh
Avon & Wiltshire Branch Committee: Chairman: *Geoff Brown Member: *Steve Warwicker Hon. Secretary: *Tim Wheeldon Hon. Treasurer: *David Chalmers Event Officer: *Geoff Brown 100 Club Administrator & Publicity: *Vivienne Hook Salisbury Group: *Ron & Myra Glover Jon Van de Geer Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch Committee: Chairman: *Steve Peet Members: Vacant Secretary: Jackie Peet Acting Treasurer: Chris Handscombe South Wales Branch Committee: Chairman: *Tony Pugh Hon. Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Henry Brown Minutes Secretary: Vacant Membership Officer: *Tony Pugh Publicity Officer: Vacant Volunteer Co-ordinator Vacant West Country Branch Committee: Chairman: *Ray Alexander Hon. Secretary: *Sally Hillman Hon. Treasurer & Events: *Pat Robinson Volunteer Co-ordinator: *Mike Slade Membership Secretary: Mark Howden
Members: Mike Synan Chris JL Yewlett
Members: Julian Gibson Chris Jewell *Peter Kelly
*Contact details for these appear inside the back cover. 2
Region Report IWA Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch The Region Committee The Region Committee is delighted to welcome the new committee of the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch who were appointed to their positions on 21st March 2019. Steve Peet is the new Chairman, Jackie Peet is the new Secretary and Chris Handscombe is acting Treasurer of the Branch and they already have plenty of ideas for developing the activities of the Branch, including many that were put forward by branch members at the recent Annual General Meeting. We wish the committee every success in their endeavours. Photo of the Region committee courtesy of Mike Potts
Notices FORMAL NOTICE OF IWA SOUTH WALES BRANCH AGM Details of the exact time, venue, date and any events around the AGM can be found on page 4. Agenda 1 Apologies for absence 2 Minutes of 2018 AGM 3 Report of Chair 4 Treasurer’s report and accounts 5 Election of Committee 6 Any other business (previously notified to Chair before the meeting). Immediately after the AGM, the new Committee will meet to appoint its Officers. 3
South Wales Branch AGM: Saturday, 11th May, 2019 1pm The AGM will be held at the National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3RD 11am - 4pm: There will also be a South Wales Canal and Inland Waterways Exhibition, Conference and Workshops sponsored by the South Wales branch of the IWA with displays, talks and presentations in the Ocean Rooms. If you are a Member of the South Wales Branch, you are invited to put your name forward to join the Committee. The Branch meets formally twice a year and on other occasions we have E-mail meetings. Your input would not be time consuming but rewarding and appreciated by all who strive to restore our canals. The IWA South Wales Branch covers many valleys in South Wales, each with their own unique Canals and support Groups, many are listed on page 22. All will be invited to participate on the 11th May.
News Avon and Wilts 100 Club Draw Vivienne Hook The winners of the Christmas 2018 Draw for the Branch 100 club were: 1st prize: Mr Ware 2nd Prize: Mrs Glover 3rd Prize: Mr. Smallwood The winners of the Spring 2019 Draw were: 1st Prize: Mr R Brearley £26.13 nd Mrs L Martin £15.68 2 Prize: Mr R Bishop £10.45 3rd Prize: Monies raised in 2018, £164, were donated to the Kennet and Avon Trust. Monies raised in 2019 will be given to The Underfall Yard Trust in Bristol Docks. For details about the 100 Club contact Vivienne Hook on 0117 9771373 or vivienne.m.hook@blueyonder.co.uk There is still plenty of room for more to join in. A fee of £6 per annum gets you 1 chance in each of three draws. Multiple applications are welcome. Join at any time and you will be entered in the next three draws. 4
WEST COUNTRY BRANCH New Year’s Day Walk 2019 Ray Alexander, Chairman: IWA West Country Branch Our 4th annual New Year’s Day Walk took place for the second year running on the Grand Western Canal, based on the Globe Inn at Sampford Peverell. On an extremely mild day with clear blue skies and the sun shining, 29 IWA members, volunteers and members of the Friends of Grand Western Canal headed north-east along the towpath through the Devon countryside towards Burlescombe, a small village adjacent to the canal on its way to its current terminus at Lowdwells. The walk was led by Robert Hodgson, who as Chairman of the Friends of the Grand Western Canal is promoting their vision for restoring just over 2 miles of the Somerset section of the c a n a l , including a replica James Green lift and a Park ‘n Glide facility to take commuters and others into the centre of Taunton. An interesting diversion took place in the village of Ayshford in order to view the Grade 1 listed former private chapel, just south of the manor house of Ayshford Court and immediately to the north of the canal. We were able to look inside the chapel, which these days is looked after by the Friends of Friendless Churches and is apparently still used on occasions for weddings. A little short of our target of Burlescombe, the walk turned and retraced its steps to the Globe Inn, which once again served up an excellent selection of pub lunches. Photo: Roger Hodgson, Chairman of the Friends of the Grand Western Canal 5
Navigation Committee Update Steve Warwicker, NavCom Chairman Navcom now meets using Video conferencing and use of email to make it easier for people in different parts of the country to contribute and two in-person meetings in Birmingham, the next one is in April. This different way of communicating has enabled us to connect to our members in Scotland and raise the profile of IWA north of the border. Our Chairman Ivor and others met with the interim CEO of Scottish Canals recently to support the big improvements in relationships and progress on various aspects of the canal network in Scotland. Other issues in Navcom were the recent Gap tracker survey on Boating facilities. This has been reviewed and information sent to the various key navigation authorities and we have further progressed this with CRT (Canal and River Trust) at our recent meeting. One aspect of Navcom is that we have meetings with senior members of various navigation authorities to press issue of concern to our membership. Recently our bi-annual review with CRT Head of Customer Support, Jon Horsfall took place and we raised the issue of the end of lease situation with Bridgwater Docks on behalf of West Country Branch as well as facilities in general. These will be progressed by them and we will be supplying them with more detailed information on the Gap tracker survey In the past few months we have established a contact with Sustrans through Judith Pope (who several of you will know). The main touch points with waterways will be the towpaths and potentially looking to see if there are any sensible ways that we the IWA can work together with Sustrans and others. Overall the key thrust is to establish long term sustainable funding for the inland waterways. The relationship with the RYA (Royal Yacht Association) continues to bear fruit as we have been better engaged in the RED Diesel consultations amongst other matters. Neil Edwards our CEO leads on this relationship. A new Heritage group has been established and this is being led by Ivor Caplan. We are watching the new environmental debates and discussions to be aware of implications on use of boats and their heating systems on the inland waterways. The picture is constantly evolving and any thoughts are welcomed. Issues have been raised with River Trent Hydro electric schemes causing helming issues for boaters. This is being pursued. 6
Navcom now has a fishing representative, Andy Wedgebury, who can strengthen our links to the fishing community A parliamentary reception is being proposed this year instead of a dinner to launch Waterways in Progress (restoration) report and engage a wider range of MP’s and all waterways restoration societies will be invited.
The Brian Sheppard Award Brian Sheppard was born in Pontypridd near the Glamorganshire Canal in which he became interested at an early age. He became an IWA member and had an absorbing interest in canals - in their history and engineering and in cruising widely over our waterways system. An engineer by profession, Brian and his family lived for many years in the Bridgend area and, latterly, after retirement, they moved to Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, with Brian retaining his waterways interests. In January 2001, Brian died suddenly whilst abroad on holiday. A substantial sum of money, donated in lieu of flowers by many people attending the funeral, was given to the IWA South Wales Branch by the family. The Branch Committee decided it would be appropriate to commemorate Brian’s life and his contribution to the waterways cause by making an annual award. After discussion with Brian’s family, it was decided that the award should take the form of an authentic model of a Glamorganshire Canal Boat designed and made by John Burden, who is an acknowledged expert in this field. This year it was awarded to Geoff and Audrey Harman, members of the Avon and Wiltshire Branch at their recent AGM by the Branch Chairman, Geoff Brown. “Geoff and Audrey are long standing IWA members who have travelled widely on UK and continental waterways. They have visited all corners of the system in their narrowboat “Antares” – the log book showing a total mileage travelled of 12,418 ¼ miles and 10,930 locks passed! Geoff has served on both Avon & Wilts Branch and SW Region committees since the 1970`s, in several roles, including Chairman of the Branch, and most recently as Branch events organiser. He has seen many Region Chairmen come and go!” Photo above is of Geoff & Audrey Harman 7
IWA MEMBER BENEFITS DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS Joyce Potts and the IWA website: www.waterways.org.uk One of the many things that we discuss at the region committee meetings is how to attract new members and, more importantly, how to keep them! So presumably, if you are reading this issue of Sou’wester, you are already a member of the IWA but if you know of anyone who might be interested in joining the IWA, please point them in our direction. If you look at page 22, you will see the waterways that the IWA covers in this region alone, let alone all the others around the country. As well as supporting the waterways, there are a number of other benefits for being a member which we tend to forget or miss. Some of them are listed below: Enjoy the Waterways Through Hire Boats and Leisure ABC Boat Hire
15% discount on holidays (Direct Bookings Only)
Blackwater Boats
10% discount on boat trips
CanalCruising.co.uk
10% discount on holidays
Canal Boat Magazine
5 issues for ÂŁ5.00
City Centre Cruises
10% discount for Sunday lunch cruises in Manchester
Frangipani SUP Ltd
10% discount on adult beginner 'Stand Up and Paddle' lessons
Jenny Wren
10% discount off cruises
Wyvern Shipping Co. Ltd 20% discount on published prices Eating Out To take advantage of eating out offers you just need to produce a valid IWA membership card. Kings Lock Tearooms
10% discount on food
The Clifford Arms Pub
10% discount on food
The Three Locks Pub
10% discount on food
Better Value on Boats and Equipment Boatshed Grand Union
10% discount on brokerage
Boat Windows Ltd
5% discount
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Calcutt Boats
5% online discount
Channelglaze Ltd
5% discount on double glazing
Cotswold Outdoor
10% discount
IceGripper
20% discount on ICE Trekkers Diamond Grip
Kings Lock Chandlery
5% discount (exclusions apply)
Marine Mega Store Ltd
15% discount
Midland Chandlers
5% discount
RoadPro
5% discount
Willowbridge Marina
10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard Services
Forge Studio
10% discount
Harbour Clean
10% discount
Lee Sanitation
10% on orders over ÂŁ100
Paper Wizard
15% discount
River Canal Rescue
up to 15% discount
Wavetrain Marine
5% discount on selected 1 day RYA SRC VHF Licence Course
Please note: All discounts and offers are entirely at the organisers' discretion. Many of the offers can be claimed simply by using your IWA membership card. For others, log in or phone the membership team on 01494 783453 for details. Existing Members: If you are an existing member but don't have a website login, please go to registration page. Make sure you tick the 'existing member' box and select your membership type (you will not be asked for payment). Click continue and fill in your details. When your registration is complete it will be submitted to the membership team for approval. Once the registration has been approved (usually within 72 hours) you will receive an email with your login details. You will then be able to log in and view member discounts. If there are any problems please email gemma.bolton@waterways.org.uk 9
Bi-Centenary Celebrations on the Bude Canal Mike Moore, Bude Canal & Harbour Society This year is the bi-centenary of the start of construction of the Bude Canal on 23rd July 1819. To mark this important event, in collaboration with The Bude Canal Trust (BCT), the Bude Canal & Harbour Society (BCHS) has organised various events during 2019 and produced a Commemorative Booklet “Bude Canal Bi-Centenary 1819 – 2019” which is available from the society. A special website has also been created to cover the celebrations which can be found at www.bude-canal-200.co.uk. An exhibition ran from 16th - 28th February at The Castle Heritage Centre, Bude entitled “Bude Harbour and Canal – The Early Days”. It was very well received with visitors making very positive comments. Over the period approximately 500 people attended with many of these spending some time reading all or most of the 16 new panels on display. Some commented that it should be permanently on display at the Heritage Centre, and that it should be converted into a booklet for publication. The Trustees have not decided as yet what could or should be done. On reflection, Chris Jewell, who researched and developed the project, felt that in the section about ‘Interesting people c. 1800 - 1850’ there were two notable persons who are deserving of a panel each. These are Sir Thomas Dyke Acland and Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, both of whom have strong connections to Bude and the Canal in their own right. This would make the total panels up to 18. If you were unable to visit this exhibition, it will be on display again at Bude Stratton Heritage Day on 21st July, 2019 and probably at the celebration buffet on the evening of 23rd July, 2019 at the Falcon Hotel, Bude (see below for details). In collaboration with the BCHS, the Bude Youth Theatre produced a musical play “Hidden Depths” which ran from 27th 30th March. Attendances were very good for each performance with excellent reviews in the local press and online. The play covered the events leading up to the building of the canal and during the 200 years since the start of building the canal in 1819 including events up to the 1960's when there were proposals to drain the canal and concrete over the wharf area in Bude. The amount and accuracy of the historical facts included in the play was amazing and appreciated by many in the audience. This project received financial support from Cornwall Heritage Trust; FEAST; Cornwall Council; Bude Stratton Town Council; and The Blanchminster Trust. Thanks to Richard Wolfenden-Brown who wrote and produced the play and to Thomas Marples who wrote the music. 10
During 2019 two guided walks to interesting sections of the Tub Boat Canal have been organised. One on the Helebridge to Red Post and Red Post to Druxton sections and the other, in collaboration with the BCT, on the Aqueduct Section between Lower Tamar Lake and Burmsdon. The first walk included visits to Helebridge, Hobbacott, Druxton Wharf, Werrington Inclined Plane, Tamarton Aqueduct and Boyton Wharf. The second walk visited Lower Tamar Lake, Virworthy Wharf, Moreton Bridge, the junction of the Holsworthy Branch, Vealand (including the Filter Beds and the Inclined Plane) and Burmsdon (including the Aqueduct over the River Tamar). These took place on 6th and 13th April and will be repeated later in the year on 7th and 14th September. Due to the remote nature of some of these sites a minibus was used to avoid a convoy of vehicles negotiating the narrow roads. There will be no charge but booking is essential for the September walks. To mark the exact anniversary of the start of construction of the Bude Canal, in collaboration with the BCT, the BCHS have organised an evening of celebration with a Buffet and musical entertainment at The Falcon Hotel, Bude. This will be on Tuesday, 23rd July, 2019. There will be presentations of commemorative plaques to Bude-Stratton Town Council and Holsworthy Town Council by the BCHS and the BCT respectively to mark this important anniversary. The evening starts at 7pm with the Buffet being served from 8pm and runs until 11.30pm. Entertainment during the evening will be provided by “Cousin Jack” and “Friggin’ Riggin”. Admission will be by ticket only which will be available from BCHS. Other relevant events during the year are the Bude Stratton Heritage Festival on 21st July and a joint presentation with the BCT at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 11th September in Room 1 at The Parkhouse Centre, Bude. There will be no charge for visitors but donations will be accepted. For further information on any of these events please contact Chris Jewell on 01288 352298 or e-mail info@bude-canal.co.uk. The BCHS are grateful for the support of the IWA through the West Country Branch throughout from its inception as the Bude Canal Society in 1990 to the present day. Photos - Mike Moore, BCHS: Presentation of cheque to Chris Jewell from Richard Wolfenden-Brown after “Hidden Depths; Tub Boat at Barge Workshop at Helebridge; Werrington Incline Plane; and Boyton Wharf 11
Does spending the day cruising the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal appeal to you? If so, why not spend some quality time helping the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Trust (MBCT) run its Community Boats? Their boats are environmentally-friendly, being equipped with quiet, non-polluting electric motors. Their main boat operating base is Goytre Wharf, near Llanover; a tranquil rural location on the Mon & Brecon Canal located within the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is well equipped with a Visitor Centre, café, toilets, car-park and large coach-parking area. The Trust has spent many years re-modelling and updating their new craft. She was built in 1984 by the Monks Ferry Training Partnership at Birkenhead which we believe had strong links with Cammell Laird Shipbuilders. She originally saw service, until de-commissioning and ending up in a scrap yard, on the Neath Canal where she was operated by the Enfys Trust. The MBCT believes that their boat is unique on the UK waterways. She is double-ended, with a rudder and prop at both ends, so no need for winding. The boat is also environmentally-friendly, being electrically-powered by two Lynch Motors, coupled to a large bank of Enersys batteries and a Victron Energy Charger/Inverter. She is disability-friendly having a wheelchair-lift and toilet which can accommodate a wheelchair. The customer base will be families, school-parties, and disadvantaged and disabled groups. Trust volunteers have worked tirelessly over many years to bring her up to modern standards, for which grateful thanks is extended. The Trust has also been supported by a number of companies and organisations which deserve a mention. Our thanks go to SSE and Simec at Uskmouth Power Station Newport; Hempels; Enersys Batteries; Lynch Motors; Promat Marine; Noel Fitzpatrick Ltd.; Rockwool UK; Lee Sanitation; and Forbo Flooring. Thanks also to Brecon Beacons Trust and Brecon Beacons National Park Sustainable Development Fund for their support. The Community Boat is a new enterprise, so the Trust is looking for a full crew. They need Skippers’, who hold a Boatmaster’s Licence; Helms’ with a RYA Helmsman Certificate; and Crew, who do not necessarily need to have any experience as training will be given. If you are able to spare a day on a regular basis the Trust would be very pleased to hear from you. If you are interested in becoming part of their exciting project, please contact 12
Captain Ian Lewis, Community Boat Project Manager, via the MBCT’s main office at Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, Cwm Lane, Newport NP10 9GN, Tel: 01633 892167 or Email: fourteenlocks@mbact.org.uk. Photo: MBACT Community Boat at the Goytre Wharf Mooring courtesy of Wyn Mitchell, Vice-President, MBACT
NEW KID ON THE CUT! Bob Abbott, IWA West Country Branch Member When I first visited the canal side premises of the newly formed 'Somerset Boat Centre' near lock 18 on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, well over a year ago, it was an undeveloped and partially gravelled car park with access to some private moorings near the Higher Maunsell Lock and had no discernable boundary lines and little security. On my last visit, I had gone to talk to the new owner, Ryan Chorley, to establish when his training room/small conference facility might be able to host meetings. I found a large modern wooden-clad building housing the meeting, training, conference room, paved and lawned outside social areas, reception hall, refreshment and full toilet facilities, plenty of surfaced parking areas, separate briefing room and stores plus a tree lined non-slip entrance down to the landing stage where his boats are moored up. He has committed much of his life savings to this long planned project, having taken early retirement from 28 years in the Fire Service and with 15 years of various waterways experiences plus having just sold his own narrow boat to help fund this commendable, (some would say risky!), venture in these changing times. Since my visit he has brought a brand new 38ft/12-seater trip boat which is now already offering various trips. He also hires out Kayaks, Canoes and Day boats for self drive. The plans for phase 2 is to develop and offer fully recognised RYA boat training, assessment and handling courses, plus manual handling, water/fire risks and COSHH safety courses for nationally recognised certifications. Ryan is already a British Marine member, a corporate member of the IWA and member of the local Somerset Navigators Boat Club (SNBC), who are themselves IWA corporate members and held their last general meeting there. This whole project is developing into something, that from personal knowledge, I know existing and potential users of this 14 mile plus gem of a Remainder canal have been wishing for over many years. In the meanwhile if you want to know more, then visit the website: www.somersetboatcentre.co.uk IWA and SNBC members are especially welcome, and mention 'Souwester'! 13
Press Release: Langport River Project Celebrates Six-Figure Funding Win by Ray Alexander Following four years of planning, Langport Town Council has been awarded a grant of £179,000 by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which will go a significant way towards funding a number of infrastructure improvements on the non-tidal River Parrett in Somerset. The total budget for the river project is just in excess of £200,000, with the remainder of the funding being provided by the Town Council and other groups. This award is the direct result of countless hours’ hard work and determination by Langport Town Council, South Somerset District Council, The Inland Waterways Association and many others. Residents and organisations of Langport, as well as existing users of the waterways, have also been active supporters of the project that aims to enhance the use of the river and its corridors. Commenting on the funding success, Ray Alexander, Chairman, IWA West Country Branch says: “Our congratulations go out to everyone involved in this multi-faceted project. It has taken a lot of hard work and determination to get to this point, but once the improvements are made they will open up 7.6 miles of navigable river and bring an increase in leisure, recreation and tourism attractions to the town”. The grant will be used to add four pontoons with access ramps and safety equipment; three fishing platforms for disabled anglers; two sets of steps for canoeists; benches, picnic tables, bins and cycle racks for visitors; interpretation boards and new signage; solar lighting on footbridges; a fitness trail and an outside tap for filling reusable water bottles or washing muddy boots. Improvements to a 550 metre right of way between Langport and Huish Bridge will also be made as part of the wider project. In addition to these infrastructure works, other funding will cover ongoing repairs to the slipway at Huish Bridge, half a mile upstream from Langport, as well as improvements to the adjacent car park, which together will be particularly useful for trail boaters and paddlers. Val Saunders, Chair, Langport Town Council, says: “The purpose of the Langport River Project is to enhance the facilities on the River Parrett both on and off-water. We have a stunning natural asset in the town and expect these improvements to attract more visitors to the area and add some real economic value. We aim to get the work completed by spring 2020”. Editor: A fuller article about this will appear in the Summer 2019 issue of “Waterways” 14
Branch Reports Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group Ron & Myra Glover At our January meeting: To begin the 2019 season, we invited Patrick Moss, Chairman of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society to tell us about this canal. Firstly we were given a detailed history. The purpose of building this canal was to bring the coal from local coalfields to Bath and Bristol. Two branches were constructed, one from Timsbury and Paulton and the other from Radstock to join the Kennet & Avon at Dundas. The canal was designed by John Rennie, chosen as he planned the K&A Canal at this time. Planning took place between 1792 and 1794 and construction completed in 1805. To achieve this, the canal had to rise 135 feet from Dundas to the coalfields. Coal had been dug from this area from 1437 and by 1680 coal production had reached 100,000 tonnes per year. The main problem in construction was the very steep incline up to the coalfields which resulted in a very meandering route which had to follow the contours as much as possible. To overcome this problem the committee had decided rather than build conventional locks, they would build three hydrostatic caisson locks. By 1796 construction of the first caisson had started. It was designed so that the boat would float into a sealable tube which would be submerged in the deep chamber. It was controlled by being wound up or down in the chamber. The caisson worked successfully for 18 months until 25 members of the committee were given a demonstration. Sadly on this occasion it got stuck. In its design no thought had been given to ventilation, fortunately all were saved prior to asphyxiation but this was the end of the caisson lock! Apart from a mound, there are no remains of the caisson today; presumably all the materials would have been used in further construction of the canal. Instead, 22 locks had to be constructed in close succession and they were completed in 1805. Unusually locks 10 and 11 were parallel to each other but facing in opposite directions. This is because the canal had to turn through a hair pin bend between these two locks. Other structures built included aqueducts and tunnels. The canal company went into liquidation in 1893 and the canal was finally abandoned in 1904, this was due to the development of railways enabling bulk transportation of coal to become faster and more efficient. In 1992 the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society was formed to focus an interest on the past, present and future of the canal. In 2008, their constitution was changed to allow restoration of the canal, it is now open from the junction with the K&A to Dundas basin which is now used as boat moorings. Work 15
parties meet regularly and progress in restoration is clearly visible. A book “The Coal Canal Way” has very recently been published. It consists of a series of walks which cover the length of the Northern section of the canal. This talk was most interesting with maps and pictures of the canal both past and present giving us insight into the possible use and restoration in the future. It has encouraged us all to go and explore the area. At our February meeting: We welcomed Dave Maloney, Chair of the Melksham, Chippenham and Calne Branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, to update us with the progress being made on the restoration of this canal. The Wilts & Berks Canal links the Kennet & Avon Canal at Semington to the River Thames at Abingdon. In 1795 the act of parliament was agreed for the building of this canal which opened in 1810 with the aim of carrying coal from the Somerset Coal Canal to London. It was successful for some years but by 1901 the canal was virtually derelict and was abandoned in 1914. This was partly due to the collapse of the Stanley Aqueduct. The land then reverted back to the land owners. After this, much of the canal was filled in and some structures were deliberately damaged by the army, using them as demolition exercises. By the time the Wilts & Berks Amenity Group was formed in 1977 much of the canal had been built over. In 1987 the group, now called the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT), had the impossible dream to restore the canal but, as always, the stumbling blocks were the money and the land owners. The WBCT is committed to restore the full length of this canal creating a blue and green corridor for locals and visitors and eventually boats to enjoy as well as preserving and enhancing wild life. There are already some sections in water. The trip boat Dragonfly takes visitors on trips along the restored section near Swindon. Work is underway in the Pewsham area which includes a spill weir; a rare dry dock; three locks; a lock keeper’s cottage; a lime kiln; saw pit and workshop. The main problem will be to create a new section of canal around Swindon as the original canal is now completely built over in this area. Also the Melksham link will need to be created from Semington. The Trust has acquired an old British Waterways work boat. It was far too long to turn on the canal so it was sawn in half and a bow and stern formed on each half. The resulting tug and butty can now be used for carrying materials and weed control. The Trust has also bought the canal side pub “The Peterborough Arms”, now open and serving customers. There is much work to do on the Wilts & Berks Canal before it will be open throughout but with all the enthusiasm and hard work of the present volunteers and those of the future, hopefully boats will once again be able to cruise from the Kennet & Avon to the Thames on this canal. 16
At our March meeting: We welcomed back John Pomfret, on this occasion he was telling us about the middle River Danube and its connecting waterways. The River Danube runs from the Black Forest to the Black Sea passing through ten countries. It is 2,845km in length of which 2,500km is navigable.
To start, we learnt about the history of this river from the Roman Empire through two world wars including the era of the Iron Curtain. The name of the River Danube varies as it passes through the ten countries. There are many castle and fortresses but very few bridges. The Danube is frequently the border between countries. John displayed a series of maps which highlighted the geography of the river. These slides were of interest as we could clearly see the route of the river along the whole length. We were surprised how winding it is and we could see where canals had been built to bypass the sections that were too difficult to navigate. We were then taken on a picture tour of the middle Danube starting in Vienna and finishing in Belgrade passing through four countries. Firstly in Austria we were taken to Vienna where the Danube doesn’t pass through the city centre, instead the Donaukanal is found in the city. Unusually a waterfront and beach has been created beside the canal with a sandy beach, deck chairs and trip boats. On to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, here we saw canoes bravely being paddled alongside large trip boats and very large commercial barges. The third country we visited was Hungary. The city of Esztergom in the north part of the country is found on the right bank of the Danube which forms the border with Slovakia. Here there is a problem with depth of water due to shifting sands. Still in Hungary, we saw Budapest with the famous parliament building on the banks of the Danube. Surprisingly George Stevenson and James Watt have statues on the façade of the eastern railway station. Leaving Budapest we travelled through some of the back waters with smaller canals, a nature reserve and even examined a turf sided lock. Continuing, we passed through the Iron Gate which is an amazing deep gorge on the Danube which forms part of the border between Serbia and Romania. This talk gave us an insight into how the River Danube has for centuries been the link between so many countries and diverse populations bringing them together to trade and showing the need for cooperation.
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IWA West Country Branch Ray Alexander, Branch Chairman Annual General Meeting 2019 The Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place on 6 March at the Exeter Canoe Club. 15 members and visitors were present and the formal business included the re-election of Julian Gibson, Peter Kelly and myself to the committee plus a report from Jean Hall who represents the branch on the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee. Comments were made regarding the increasing cost of insurance cover for Canal Societies/Trusts and the continuing issues concerning cycling on the towpath. The AGM was followed by a first class presentation on the Stover Canal by Roger Harding and John Ellis of the Stover Canal Trust. This covered the history of the canal and the excellent achievements of the Trust in recent years, including the restoration of Graving Dock Lock and the work carried out at Ventiford basin which has comprised the re-excavation of both the basin and the former granite tram road. Committee I am pleased to report that Mark Howden, one of our work party volunteers, has joined the West Country Branch committee as Membership Secretary. Mark will be formally co-opted onto the committee at our next meeting in May. Funding The Branch has been fortunate in successfully raising further funds to meet the costs of its volunteer work party activities. A further £2,860 has now been raised, which together with the £550 previously raised makes a total of £3,410. The committee wishes to records its grateful thanks to all of its supporters. Upper Parrett Regeneration A Press Release (see page 14) was issued in February regarding the Langport River Project and the award of £179,000 to Langport Town Council towards infrastructure improvements at Langport and elsewhere on the River Parrett. The river project includes repairs to the Huish Bridge car park and slipway and a permit has been granted by the Environment Agency for the repairs needed to the lower part of the slipway; however, these can only go ahead when the river level falls to an acceptable level to enable the work to be put in hand. Exeter Canal Bridges We have recently learned that Devon County Council is developing a proposal for replacing the A379 canal bridges across 18
the Exeter Ship Canal. These comprise the swing bridge that was built in the 1930s, which today carries the westbound dual carriageway and the bascule bridge, opened in 1972, which carries the eastbound dual carriageway. The bridges have a restricted headroom of some 4 – 5 foot and we believe that there is a strong case for increasing the headroom to not only enable more boating to take place without having to open the bridges but, importantly, to enable the cycle path and pedestrian path to pass under the bridges, which will yield worthwhile health and safety gains.
IWA South Wales Branch Report Tony Pugh, Branch Chairman As a Committee we have held several Email Meetings and held a Formal Meeting at the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre with a visit to Cwncarn, the site of the Cwmcarn dam disaster in 1875 where 12 people died, on the Crumlin Arm of the Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canal in the Borough of Caerphilly. On behalf of the Committee and Branch, I have attended the Swansea Bay Inland Waterways Partnership Meeting and MBACT Committee Meetings. The South Wales Branch AGM is to be held at the Swansea Waterfront Museum SA1 3AD at 1pm on Saturday, 11th May, 2019 as part of the South Wales Canal and Inland Waterways Exhibition, Conference and Workshops which the Branch will once again sponsor. Full details can be found on page 2. If you know of any person or organisation who you think should be invited, let us know. For up to date information on the local South Wales Canal Society’s activities: The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre http://fourteenlocks.mbact.org.uk/ 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 The Cardiff Bay Harbour Authority https://cardiffharbour.com The Islwyn Canal Society and others. 19
IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Geoff Brown, Branch Chairman The main item of news from our branch is that after many years of toil, Geoff Harman is standing down from our committee. We thank him for the work he has done, and it is appropriate that that he has been presented with the Brian Sheppard Award, the official presentation taking place at our AGM on 14th March. I shall take over arrangements for social events, our winter programme now being complete. Geoff’s last act will be to complete arrangements for our trip on the River Parrett on 15th June. There continues to be unfortunate incidents on the canal in the Bath area. At least two have been reported in the local press and at least one is subject to police investigation. The River Avon Users Group will hopefully have had a meeting by the time you read this, one was scheduled to take place in February, but was postponed due to illness. Likewise the most recent meeting of the Bristol Harbour Recreational Users Group was also postponed and has not yet been rescheduled.
Forthcoming Events 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. 2 - 4pm Saturday, 15th June Boat trip from Langport on the upper River Parrett aboard the “Duchess of Cocklemoor”. Takes 12 passengers only so book early - strictly first come first served. Full details later. All enquiries to Geoff Harman for this trip - contact details can be found on page 23. All enquiries about future events, please contact Geoff Brown - contact details can also be found on page 23. 20
IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group Programme Venue:
The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, SP5 3AR There is no meeting in May 7pm Thursday, 20th June Boules and BBQ at the Green Dragon. There will be no meetings in July, August or September 7.30pm Thursday, 17th October London’s Lost Route To the Sea. The aim of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is to achieve the restoration of the navigable link between the rivers Wey and Arun and so recreate the direct link between London and the South Coast. A speaker from the Trust will inform us about the history, original function and restoration of this navigation. 7.30pm Thursday, 21st November Exploring the South of France by Boat. Jon Van de Geer takes us on a journey from Sete along the Canal du Rhone a Sete and along the Petit Rhone to Arles on board the hotel boat “Anne-Marie”. He will also take us on an excursion to Carcasonne and a trip along the Canal du Midi. 7.30pm Thursday, 5th December Waterways quiz organised by Southampton Canal Society at Chilworth village hall. 7pm Thursday, 12th December Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury All enquiries to Ron and Myra Glover - contact details can be found on page 23. Or Jon Van de Geer - 01722 412841
IWA Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch Meetings Venue: No events at present 21
Waterways in the IWA South West and South WalesRegion Â
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
Ray Alexander rayalexander01@gmail.com
Geoff Brown geoffl.b263@gmail.com David Chalmers david.chalmers@waterways.org.uk Myra Glover 01722 710322 glover.3@btinternet.com Ron Glover ron.glover@waterways.org.uk Geoff Harman 01179 623812 harman@lampeter99.plus.com Sally Hillman sallyhillman@hotmail.co.uk Vivienne Hook vivienne.m.hook@blueyonder.co.uk
Peter Kelly westcountry@waterways.org.uk Steve Peet scpeet59@icloud.com
Joyce Potts souwester@waterways.org.uk or joyce.potts@waterways.org.uk Tony Pugh tony.pugh@waterways.org.uk Pat Robinson mspatsy.robinson@gmail.com Mike Slade
mdslade8@gmail.com Steve Warwicker steve.warwicker@waterways.org.uk Tim Wheeldon 01225 723890 tim.wheeldon@waterways.org.uk
Next Issue of Sou’Wester The next issue of Sou’Wester is due out in September, 2019. Please send all copy to the Editor at souwester@waterways.org.uk or joyce.potts@waterways.org.uk by
Thursday, 1st August, 2019 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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