Sou’Wester
May - August 2017 / Issue 175 IWA South West and South Wales Region
Roger Holmes presenting Alan Aldous with the Brian Sheppard Award
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: President: Fred Blampied 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 Volunteer Co‐ordinator: *Mike Slade
Members: Pat Robinson Julian Gibson Chris Jewell
*Contact details for these appear inside the back cover. 2
Region Chairman I was glad to attend all the branches AGM’s in March and enjoyed the excellent events that accompanied them. It is not fair to mention just one but the exhibition arranged at Swansea Waterfront Museum was exceptional. I was also pleased to see members coming forward to serve on branch committees. This is a good sign for the health of the region despite some moves to clip the power of the region chairs. They are too successful in representing their members. You might have seen that the region has a name change from South West to South West and South Wales. The reason being to reflect better the area it covers and allow us to explain to AM’s (Assembly Members) and other Welsh politicians that we are truly there to represent South Wales. The notice for the South Wales branch and exhibition was a step forward in that it was bilingual and it maybe that in the future Sou’wester may contain some Welsh. Nationally IWA is still concerned about its membership numbers and are looking at ways to attract more. There will soon be announced a re‐branding exercise which may help to arrest the decline. A small membership base can put pressures on the finances of the association. The restoration hub which replaced the restoration committee although not universally popular is starting to get more involved and I am sure in a short time will be a credit to IWA. I hope that whatever you do in the summer you will enjoy our waterways. Roger Holmes
Notices IWA Avon and Wilts Branch 100 Club
The winners of the Spring Draw for the Branch 100 club were: st 1 prize: Mr L. Gibney £32.50 nd Mr. & Mrs. Angerson £19.50 2 prize: rd Mr. & Mrs. Angerson £13.00 3 prize: £191 was donated to the WRG Van Appeal. Thank you to all who have supported the 100 Club in 2016. Monies raised in 2017 will be given to the Wilts and Berks for their Templars Firs 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. 3
News Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Campaign
Ray Alexander In mid‐March the Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council issued an update on the proposed location and gate‐type for the proposed Tidal Barrier on the River Parrett at Bridgwater. The options for the location of the Tidal Barrier had previously been narrowed down to site 4 (upstream of Dunball Wharf) and site 5 (at Express Park) and it has now been concluded that the best solution is site 5. The reasons for choosing site 5 are as follows: The authorities have the greatest confidence of achieving the permissions for construction at this location and it is the least cost site It leaves the narrowest point in the river upstream of site 5 available for any future road crossing and northern by‐pass Investigations have shown that the channel is less stable at site 4, which makes it more difficult to predict the impact a barrier would have on the river and navigation There are several access points available for construction, to help manage disruption There is less risk of unpredictable siltation issues near Dunball Wharf, which would require costly maintenance dredging The width of the river is narrower at site 5, meaning the structure will be smaller requiring less maintenance costs It fits with aspirations in Sedgemoor District Council’s Green Network Plan for a pedestrian bridge linking Chilton Trinity with Express Park. This aligns with the principles and aims of the Bridgwater Vision. The gate‐type options had previously been reduced to a choice between a rising sector gate and a vertical lift gate. The vertical lift gate has been chosen for the Tidal Barrier as it offers: Proven reliability in a very silty, tidal environment Lower maintenance and operational costs Similar technology to other Somerset sluices which means that there are no requirements for specialist staff Ability to be used to pen water for potential future amenity uses
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Potential to flush silt beneath the gate to assist maintenance Potential to add pedestrian bridge and cycleway. IWA had in its earlier submissions indicated that it would support site 5 if it comprised two gates (rather than the single gate initially proposed) and we are pleased that this is now to be the case. We had, however, promoted a rising sector gate due to its ability to pen water but have been assured that the vertical lifting gate will be modified so as to enable penning to take place, which will meet a key objective of our Campaign.
Photo (sehcommercial.co.uk) of Hull Tidal Barrier The next steps will involve further development of the plans for the Tidal Barrier including its appearance, landscaping issues and the impact during construction and for the longer term. A public consultation on these aspects is planned for later in the year.
Out of the Mouth of the Parrett Pat Robinson, West Country Branch A very successful event “Out of the Mouth of the Parrett” was recently staged at Bridgwater Library for a 3‐week period. Somerset Libraries sponsored Theatre Melange to create a living record of the communities and businesses along the River Parrett, which runs from source to sea through the very heart of Somerset, its moors and levels. The research, interviews and filming undertaken by Theatre Melange culminated in a multi‐media production that was told in a specially built “theatre” in the children’s section of the Library, using film, sound and light. As anticipated the event proved hugely popular with both adults and children and it is hoped that it will become available both as a DVD and on‐line. 5
The West Country Branch was pleased to be able to assist Theatre Melange in their endeavours and in conjunction with the event we were invited to have a display in the Library foyer; this covered both our Volunteer Work Parties and our Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Campaign. All Photos except map by Mike Slade: Left: Taken from the entry doors of the library. Below: Close‐ups of the six display boards featured in the photo along‐ side. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
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The Canal Beneath Our Feet Restoring a Lost Link on the Swansea Canal Martin Davies
The Swansea Canal Society now owns a 120m length of the canal. Buried along with an entire lock since 1973, we and the Canal and River Trust are determined to restore it, now that the Swansea Council have generously given it to us. The first aim is to put back the original line of the towpath. In order to do this, we need to remove council buildings which stand on top of the canal and lock route.
We have now cut away a section of the boundary wall to give us access to the site. We are grateful to St. Benedict’s Church for allowing us to do this.
Gates, wide enough for a lorry, now replace the demolished wall. The next step is to take the two buildings down which lie over the buried lock. Contractors are ready to go once all the utilities have been isolated in the buildings and we hold the certificates to confirm that. Once we have them, the new towpath is only weeks away. We can’t wait! Photos by Martin Davies: Showing the wall being demolished and the gates in place 7
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 Alan Aldous of the Avon and Wiltshire Branch at their recent AGM. Alan first got introduced to IWA working on the early Bath locks restoration and had his name noted by Fred Blampied. A lot of people got caught that way! Whilst he was working, he spent 25 years of cruising mostly in the Midlands and Bristol Avon. Soon after he retired, it was suggested by his wife that he respond to an advert in the paper for applications to join the area flood defence committee. The rest is history and he has devoted a lot of time and energy over the years to try to improve knowledge of flooding nationally and in particular on the Bristol Avon where he has become an acknowledged expert. Whilst he has always resisted joining the Avon and Wilts committee he has always reported to meetings and contributed where he could. Life by the river is never dull and last week he had to 'rescue' yet another narrow boater who got into trouble on the wharf so he hasn't given up. Thank you to Roger Holmes for this report and to Vivienne Hook for the photo on the front cover. 8
Canoeing the Swansea Canal Nearly 70 years ago, Ian Wright navigated the derelict Swansea Canal on behalf of the fledgling IWA. Using his trip log, Martin Davies recounts his journey for Waterways World, September 2016. Ian Wright, who turned 90 in July, is perhaps among the less well‐known pioneers of the early restoration era. Back in 1948, aged 21, he bought a two‐seater canoe and set out to navigate all of South Wales’ waterways on behalf of the newly formed IWA. The Cardiff‐born student was later to submit a record of his explorations to the organisation’s honorary secretary, Tom Rolt. His respect for the author was such that he named his new canoe after the picturesque Cheshire village of Cheswardine on the Shropshire Union Canal, so lovingly recalled by Rolt in his 1944 book Narrow Boat. On 19th April, 1949, he began a two‐day trip along the Swansea Canal, having persuaded his “stout‐hearted friend” and fellow student Penry to join him. The Railway Executive, which owned the waterway, was seeking official powers to abandon it and, as the two canoeists were soon to discover, it was in a very bad way. The first half mile from Swansea Docks was dry and partly filled in, and then, from Maliphant Lock to Morriston, it was described by Wright as passing “through a barren waste of derelict copper works and slag tips, certainly one of the most depressing stretches of landscape one could encounter anywhere by canal”. Today, most of that stretch is a development and conservation site run by the City Council and Swansea University, and World Heritage Status is a realistic aim. What little remains of the copper works are treasured heritage structures with plans to rebuild one of the original canal bridges over a token 100 yards of new water. How times change. Morriston to Clydach Lock: Wright and Penry realised that paddling anything south of Morriston would be folly. It was, Wright says, “dangerously full of submerged metal objects.” Coal dust blackened the water and made spotting obstructions impossible. They decided to set off north from a disused approach at Morriston Station, 3 miles from Swansea Docks, where they “would not attract unwelcome attention”. Wright was aware that he would be on the canal 9
without a permit and that he paid no toll for passage. Just before 9.30am Cheswardine, a pre‐war collapsible canoe with a rubberised lining, was assembled and surreptitiously launched. The two companions “proceeded cautiously”, assisted by a stiff following wind, the black water “turning occasionally a dull yellow (which) detracted somewhat from the enjoyment of the place”. They passed brick kilns, engineering works and three lift‐bridges, “none of which looked capable of being raised.” Just as they were starting to settle into a good rhythm and enjoy the views, Cheswardine sprang a leak. Their camping gear became sodden and they were forced to stop at regular intervals to bale out. After an enforced 20‐minute stop for wet sandwiches below Ynystawe House Bridge, they reached the Cwm Clydach Lock, the first of 22 they were to encounter. They had paddled 2 miles from Morriston in two hours. At the lock, Wright took this very evocative picture which shows John Hutchings (in long trousers) and his younger brother, who both lived nearby. A few years later, John, aged 16, started work on the Swansea Canal, by then nationalised under the British Waterways Board, and he went on to become canal manager, a position he held for many years until his retirement in the 1990’s. He still lives in Clydach. A few minutes after passing the John Player tinplate works, out of which the saddle tank locomotive is seen emerging in the same picture, the two‐man crew reached the beautiful Clydach Aqueduct, the point at which today’s Swansea Canal emerges. Here the scene is much as it would have been nearly 70 years ago. Photo courtesy of www.swanseacanal society.com: Looking towards Clydach Aqueduct, c1960 10
The vast industrial complex of the Vale Inco nickel refining works, 100 yards further on, is still there too, though not surrounded by a “half‐mile area devoid of vegetation due to the vitriol‐laden atmosphere”. These days it is a difficult job for the volunteers of the Swansea Canal Society to keep the rampant vegetation in check as refining techniques have progressed greatly. At Clydach Lock, Wright and Penry manhandled their 17ft boat, full of gear, across the main road, around the lock, up a steep bank and over the arm of the top gate. It was midday and they had been up since 4am when Cheswardine had started its journey by lorry from Cardiff, and it was proving hard work. Once back in the water, they came into “pleasant, thinly wooded country” looking down on the River Tawe close by. I am pleased to say that canoes once more frequent this idyllic section of the Swansea Canal, thanks to a generous grant from Natural Resources Wales. Pontardawe to Godre’r‐Graig: Soon, however, the canal scene reverted to post‐industrial decay. Wright and Penry were hemmed in by “a lengthy ridge of slag” and the William Parsons’ steel and tin plate works. Ahead though, they could see the elegant spire of St. Peters, Pontardawe’s par‐ ish church. A gift by Mr. Parsons to the peo‐ ple of the town, every stone of the structure was transported along the canal during its four‐year construction in the mid‐19th cen‐ tury. Photo ‐ Gareth Mills: St. Peter’s Church and the canal at Pontardawe, c1960 At 2pm in Pontardawe the pair opted for a rest, hauling Cheswardine ashore at a building yard while they took refreshments. Below the church they chanced upon the canal lengthsman next to his hut and raft. He bemoaned the condition of the latter, saying that the railway would not provide him with the wood and materials to effect its repairs. A lengthsman’s hut was, to all intents and purposes, his living quarters, and only one remains on the Swansea Canal today, lovingly restored by the founding members of the Swansea Canal Society. The hut is situated by Ynysmeudwy Lower Lock, where Wright and Penry arrived shortly after leaving Pontardawe. The lower and upper locks were, Wright says, “two of the most prettily situated ones we were to see on our voyage”. They still are, though in need of much TLC. Here the voyagers were helped by some local 11
children who carried their gear while they took the canoe around the locks. Photo by Martin Davies: The repaired Ynysmeudwy lengthsman’s hut today Beyond, the flow of the current downstream became much faster and shallower, eventually forcing the two men to bow‐haul Cheswardine through 5 or 6 inches of water for half a mile. The water level built up as they approached Lock 15, and what Wright describes as, “a veritable crescendo of locks”. The casual visitor would, today, be hard pushed to find the remains of any of these seven structures and the canal is but a trickle here. The road builders of the 1970’s were happy to use not only the line of the canal for the route of the A4067, but much of the lock stonework for its foundations. The Swansea Canal Society is now applying for a grant to make this section a Heritage Trail. To be continued in a future edition of Sou’wester
Free Donations to IWA Every Time you Shop Online It is so easy to do your shopping via easyfundraising. Every time you do, a percentage will be donated to IWA and it will cost you absolutely nothing extra. There are over 3,100 shops and sites for you to browse and buy through on the easyfundraising site. Usually the thing that stops people raising money in this way for their favourite charity is that they simply forget. Since we launched IWA onto easyfundraising we have raised over £1,000 so it is a brilliant way to support IWA. Find out more about easyfundraising. How to remind yourself to raise money for IWA via easyfundraising: Search for Inland Waterways Association as your preferred charity on: www.easyfundraising.org.uk. Use the donation reminder ‐ an easy toolbar that will appear on your favourite shops when you visit them. The reminder toolbar is supported by Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari but can't work on mobile phones or tablets. If you shop on mobile phone or tablet, use the easyfundraising app. It works for iPhone, iPad and Android. By using the app, the reminder toolbar or shopping through the easyfundraising site, you can help IWA raise hundreds and hopefully thousands of pounds. 12
Branch Reports IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Report
The Avon & Wilts branch committee report three appointments of Branch members: Tim Wheeldon has been appointed as IWA national representative on the Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire Canal Partnership. This body is important to driving forward the restoration and is the umbrella group for all those interested in the Wilts & Berks Canal. It has a total of 25 members and includes all the county and other local authorities. Steve Warwicker has become the Region’s representative on the IWA national Navigation Committee (Navcom). This ensures that the national body is aware of local views and we know what is going on nationally. Geoff Brown has become the Branch representative on the River Avon Users Group, renewing our contact with the group after a gap following the resignation of our member Alan Aldous who chaired the group for over 30 years. The group gives a combined voice to all the diverse users of the Bristol Avon. These appointments enable us to keep in touch with what is going on the waterways and also to influence events. We congratulate all three on their new posts.
Photo by Tim Wheeldon: Branch members at Bradford on Avon Lock prior to the AGM on 25th March, 2017. Geoff Harman 13
IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group
CANAL & RIVER TRUST WORK PARTIES: At the January meeting we welcomed Derrick Hunt as the organiser of the volunteer work parties in the Bradford on Avon area of the Kennet & Avon Canal. These volunteer work parties really started by accident when members of the K & A Trust gathered by the canal to clean & tidy. It all grew from there to the well organised group of volunteers who carry out many tasks from the simple to the skilled. Derrick explained that canal restoration does not end with just the re‐opening, if a canal is to remain open there has to be an on‐going maintenance programme for which Canal and River Trust (CRT) do not have all the necessary resources. Many newly opened canals are very basic and require improvements in addition to the normal maintenance to make them attractive to boaters. The number of volunteers in this area number about 40, sometimes there are three work parties out four days a week. We were quite surprised at the variety of tasks carried out by his volunteers, not just weeding, litter picking and cutting back vegetation but major skilled work is also done. Tasks such as hedge laying, designing and building steps, and building walls are also carried out. The volunteers support the CRT engineers and contractors. CRT supply the tools the materials, the boat “The Vale of Pewsey” together with the fuel and all the personal protection that is required for this type of work. Members of this group can be seen in their volunteer uniform, T shirts, sweat shirts & fluorescent jackets at Bradford on Avon Lock assisting boaters through the lock and generally forming a welcome party in this popular area. Derrick is one of these people who uses his common sense, when he sees a job that needs attention they just get on with it. When asked “Why do it?” the answer is “Because it is there. What you do is enjoyed by many others.” We could do with a few more like Derrick who show commitment and enthusiasm to keep up this good work to keep the K&A working for all of us to enjoy. THE CROFTON BEAM ENGINES: At the February meeting we welcomed Peter Turvey, Chair of the Crofton Branch of the Kennet & Avon Trust. Peter started by reminding us about the history of the Kennet & Avon Canal. He explained how Crofton houses the Boulton & Watt engine built in 1812 that is the world’s oldest fully working beam engine still in its original setting carrying out the job that it was designed for. The building also houses the second beam engine which originally came from the Cornish tin mines. The reason for the 14
existence of these two pumps was to raise water 40 foot from the reservoir called Wilton Water and send the water along the one mile leat to just above Crofton top lock. In 1968 Crofton was bought by the K&A Trust who then started its restoration. First steam up was in 1970 and was officially opened in the same year by Sir John Betjeman. Sadly the chimney was considered to be dangerous so the top half had to be removed but fortunately it was rebuilt to its original height in 1997. Today Crofton is a grade 1 listed building 200 years old, but it constantly requires a lot of care and attention. Peter then explained that the K&A Trust now has to look to the future, planning for essential conservation. As Crofton receives no government funding there is always a need for fund raising in order to secure this special place for future generations. Not just preserving the pumps and building but looking at a wider perspective to include all the facilities and activities that is required to attract the visitors of this day and age. It was good to see that so many photographs exist of the old days, especially of the people who were involved in the initial restoration, even better that names could be put to these pioneers of restoration. Some of our members knew quite a lot about the K&A and Crofton, others knew nothing at all, but everyone left the meeting having gained new knowledge about this amazing piece of industrial archaeology. “Crofton is moving on but we will never forget the great debt that we owe to those heroic volunteers and enthusiasts that saved Crofton for present and future generations.” SAFETY ON BOARD BOATS: At the March meeting we welcomed Andrew Phasey, the Technical Officer of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs (AWCC) and a member of the Technical Committee of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS). He also sits on the Canal and River Trust Council as a private boating representative. Andrew explained that the BSS was introduced twenty years ago. The aim is to minimise the risk of fire, explosion, pollution and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. He pointed out the main areas that the examiners check for: ‐ Ventilation – Most important as there are deaths every year from CO poisoning. He particularly emphasised the danger of this –“The Silent Killer”. 15
Fire Precaution – We were introduced to the range of fire extinguishers that should be used on fuel (diesel and petrol), electrics, gas and solid fuel. The audience took part in demonstrations of the correct ways to use a fire extinguisher and fire blankets. Electrics – Andrew talked about the importance of securing batteries and the safe connection and isolation of the battery terminals. Fuel Lines – Ensuring that the correct type of fuel lines has been used, that they are in perfect condition and routed to avoid abrasion and acute bends. Gas Bottle Storage and Gas Pipes – Bottles must be stored in a ventilated position and securely mounted. Flexible and solid pipes must be checked regularly. Solid Fuel Heaters – These must be securely mounted and checked for cracks, missing cover plates, and warped doors which could allow harmful gases to escape. We were shown photographs of some of the appalling examples of highly dangerous installations that examiners have found when carrying out their examinations. In the second half of the meeting Andrew changed the topic to “Tideway Cruising Adventures” where he showed us pictures of cruises on the tidal River Thames where all varieties of boats cruise regularly in convoy with the St Pancras Cruising Club. Here he emphasized the importance of detailed planning, a mandatory safety briefing, buoyancy for all and essential equipment such as anchors and navigation lights. We all left the meeting ready to check all our safety precautions both at home as well as on board our boats. Photo ‐ www.Kennet‐Avon‐Canal.co.uk: boiler at Crofton Pumping Station Ron & Myra Glover
IWA Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch Report
The branch had a successful AGM and attracted one more committee member. I hope that the branch will put behind it the problems of the past year. The branch socials have continued to be successful and preparations are being made for a new season starting in September. The committee are investigating venues as the current one is proving expensive and, unfortunately, it was decided that an admission charge would need to be made in future. Watch out for the details in Sou’wester or on the regular email reminders. 16
Away from the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, IWA is worried about the state of Lydney Harbour which is suffering from lack of maintenance by the Environment Agency, they say due to lack of resources and a possible sale. There is a feeling locally that unless some action is taken there could be a serious accident It has just been announced that CRT will be giving £625,000 to the Cotswold Canal Trust to help in the much awaited project to link with the main system which has been an ambition for some time. This grant will be helpful but some of us remember when their predecessor suddenly withdrew the promised funding which caused problems to the trust. Roger Holmes
IWA South Wales Branch Report We held a successful AGM at the Waterfront Museum in Swansea and had a good turn. We have another member join the Committee and one new member on the day but still need more support. It has been decided to hold two face to face meetings this year with E‐meetings as and when required and to date have already held one. It has been decided to hold another Exhibition and workshop again this coming Autumn. Ideas are required from all Members as to it's format, now is the time to plan it. Our Bank Balance is fairly healthy standing at £1300. We need someone to help keep our IWA web page up to date, from your arm chair, any volunteers. To all if you know of any canal related issues E‐mail me. Don't assume we as a Committee already know. For what's on going in South Wales 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‐tennant‐canals.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 17
IWA West Country Branch Report Chairman’s AGM Report ‐ 11th March ’17. Sampford Peverell. Hello, good morning and welcome to the West Country Branch of the IWA annual AGM. May I firstly introduce myself Bob Abbott as Branch Chairman and also Roger Holmes who for those who don’t know him is not only our Regional Chairman and an IWA Trustee but acting Chairman of the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch, and who will be talking to us later. Our current Branch committee is: Peter Kelly ‐ Hon Sec; Ray Alexander ‐ Treasurer; Mike Slade ‐ Volunteers Co‐ordinator; Pat Robinson ‐ Events promotion; Julian Gibson ‐ Boats and Maintenance; Chris Jewell ‐ Cornwall and Bude representative; and Sally Hillman ‐ our acting Minute Secretary. All these persons have (perhaps foolishly!) indicated they are willing to remain or be elected today but the Branch is always looking to enhance its’ strengths, especially in the areas of Membership promotion, Marketing, Publicity, Funding, I.T. and the Social Media. If anyone is interested in knowing more then please talk to us following the close of this AGM and just before we have our brief traditional new committee huddle and break for lunch. Our activities over the last 3 years in the 4 counties of the West Country continue to expand so we are now involved in increasing amounts of active Committee support and Volunteer work not only along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal but on the River Parrett, River Tone, Bude Canal, Grand Western Canal, Exeter Ship Canal and the Stover. I would like to thank Mike Slade for his hard work and enthusiasm in organising the 134 working parties since last May that have worked tirelessly in all weathers, on various stretches of Waterways now totalling over 3,600 hours. This has involved well over 100 different volunteers at many locations both on and off the water. We also congratulate him as being short‐listed for the annual V.O.T.Y. (Volunteer of the Year) award by Towpath Talk. Please vote for him! He is always seeking more volunteers and suggestions for new tasks so please talk to him later. Additionally, Ray Alexander and I have been heavily involved in advising the Langport River Group for over two years now and I’m pleased to confirm that, after we supplied IWA’s Honorary Engineer Roy Sutton’s reports, it culminated in their River Bank and Slipway now transferred from the EA (Environment Agency) to their Town Council. They are, even as we speak, seeking funding to enhance these facilities to encourage more boating, recreation and tourism of all sorts to 18
utilise this attractive waterway of about 10 miles from Oath towards the disused Westport Canal, Muchleney and the River Isle. In addition to all these activities, the proposed new Tidal barrier on the River Parrett above Dunball wharf at Bridgwater has resulted in much working with and lobbying of the EA again involving Ray, myself and again our Honorary Engineer, to campaign that legal navigation is maintained and enhanced, hopefully beyond current recognition. We are lobbying for controlled River water levels so that during the summer months, boat activities can not only safely take place for about 15 miles upstream from the Barrier but also that those levels will allow access through the Barge Lock which links into the Historic Floating harbour within Bridgwater. We would also like to see a Visitor centre at the barrier and that through navigation is maintained for small sea going craft. However, completion is not anticipated until 2024, and as yet we have no firm commitments from the EA! Ray has been spearheading and monitoring this campaign and I thank him for the unstinting commitment of his time in enabling us to be involved with the EA and many others on the complicated subject. I think that is all just about enough from me and I hope you are staying for this afternoon’s session at 2 o’clock by Guest speaker Robert Hodgson on his intriguing ‘Glide’n’Park’ to Taunton ideas. Bob Abbott, Branch Chairman
Navigation Committee
Steve Warwicker, of the Avon and Wiltshire Branch answered the call to be the IWA South West and South Wales regional representative on the National Navigation Committee (Navcom). The South West and South Wales Region Committee welcome Steve to this role and also onto our committee. 19
Situations Vacant West Country Branch Dear Member, IWA West Country Branch is extremely active, working across the four counties of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, aiming to generate new, and support existing members, whilst working hard to campaign and lobby for the wider benefit of our waterways, towpath and bank‐side users. To help us perform an even better job across our local waterways, we are hoping to find volunteers who might be able to help us out with the following roles on our friendly, committed branch team:
Membership Officer: A new position and, therefore, the volunteer interested in this role can make it their own. You will be able to analyse basic membership reports, respond to monthly statistics of members lost/ gained and make contact with those members to establish their preferences. You will be part of a team but will also need to carry out the role independently, reporting to your fellow committee members and officers.
Assistant Secretary/Minute Secretary: This position has now been filled. Welcome to Sally Hillman, who has now been appointed to this position.
Website Editor/Social Media Co‐ordinator: A new and increasingly important post to support the promotion of the work of West Country branch via our website and email communication. The role could be developed further to include Publicity and Press Liaison. A key aspect is to be seen supporting and advising the Committee as well as our membership and growing volunteer workforce. Website and social media training will be offered by IWA to support you in the delivery of your role.
If you are interested in any of these roles, please do get in contact with me, Bob Abbott via my email address: bob.abbott@waterways.org.uk Bob Abbott, Chairman IWA West Country Branch 20
Forthcoming Events IWA Avon & Wiltshire Branch Salisbury Group Programme Venue: The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, SP5 3AR There will be no meetings in April, May, June, August or September Thursday, 20th July 7.00pm Boules and BBQ at the Green Dragon 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. 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: Saltford Hall, Wedmore Road, Saltford, BS31 3BY Access from the main Bath Road, where there are regular bus services from both Bristol and Bath, is via Norman Road. No events advertised at present. All enquiries 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. Meetings start again in September. 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 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 Stover Canal Tavistock Canal River Tone Torrington (Lord Rolle’s) Canal Westport Canal 22
Contacts Roger Holmes Bob Abbott roger.holmes@waterways.org.uk bob.abbott@waterways.org.uk Ray Alexander Vivienne Hook vivienne.m.hook@blueyonder.co.uk southwest@waterways.org.uk Peter Kelly Geoff Brown westcountry@waterways.org.uk geoff.brown@waterways.org.uk Joyce Potts David Chalmers souwester@waterways.org.uk david.chalmers@waterways.org.uk Myra Glover Tony Pugh tony.pugh@waterways.org.uk 01722 710322 myra.glover@waterways.org.uk Mike Slade mike.slade@waterways.org.uk Ron Glover Steve Warwicker ron.glover@waterways.org.uk steve.warwicker@gmail.com Geoff Harman Tim Wheeldon 01179 623812 geoff.harman@waterways.org.uk 01225 723890 Sally Hillman tim.wheeldon@waterways.org.uk sally.hillman@waterways.org.uk
Next Issue of Sou’Wester The next issue of Sou’Wester is due out in September, 2017. Please send all copy to the Editor at souwester@waterways.org.uk by
Tuesday, 1st August, 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 Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a Charity no 212343. www.waterways.org.uk 23
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