N
e
w S
p
s r
i
l n
e g
t 2
0
t 2
e
r
2
Paper Mill Moorings By Roy Chandler
Disclaimer: The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this Newsletter but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed herein may be construed as policy or official announcement unless stated otherwise. The IWA accepts no liability for any matter in the Newsletter The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distribution company limited by guarantee Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 Registered Office: Island House, Moor House, Chesham HP5 1WA 1
Content From The Editor From The Vice Chairman From The Regional Chairman Memorial Bench Spring Break AGM London Region
Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 3 Page 4 Page 7 Page 8
A Day to Winterise Essex Waterways Update There and Back Social Diary Just for Fun Branch Committee
Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 15 Page 16 Page 16
From The Editor As snowdrop and daffodils identify that Spring is underway it has been good to get out and about in the sunshine. Still having to wrap up due to the coldness of the morning, I hope that you have all managed an outing or two or at least are planning future trips. My daughter and I got out on our motor bikes and went down to Heybridge and called into the kiosk for a drink. It was very nice to sit at the benches over looking the waterway in the sunny afternoon. We still need you to dig out those photographs, write that article, document those waterway memories as we would still like to increase our contributors to the next Newsletter. Last inputs for Summer Newsletter 21/06/2022. For those on e-mail please send your input to chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk Those without just give me a call. 07837 576464. From The Vice Chairman During the talk this month, I was thinking about my earliest memories of the Chelmer and Blackwater as a child, and these are associated with Heybridge Basin, and I hated it. The story goes like this. My Mother was brought up in Great Totham and went to the Grammar School (now the Plume School) she would cycle between the two each day and call into Heybridge Basin or Mill Beach for a swim. During that time, she became friendly with Mona Clark and Rene Burrell who ran the Jolly Sailor Public House. At the age of 17 she passed her driving test and with Rene Burrell providing the nursing care the two of them became an Ambulance Team during the remaining war years. They were on duty the night the bomb fell in Heybridge Basin. This forged a strong friendship, and my mother would come to the Basin often. Several years later as a child she took me to Heybridge Basin with her, but Children were not allowed in pubs at the time, so I had to sit outside with a lemonade and a bag of crisps. It was cold and windy, and I was bored. I would have much rather gone to Mill Beach where there was at that time a boating lake and some amusements and perhaps an ice cream. I completely failed to see the beauty in the Navigation, the lock, boats, or the coastal view. Little did I know that much later I would end up living in Heybridge Basin (for the last 32 years) where I feel joy every time I walk round the village which owes its existence to the building of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. This is usually whatever the weather. Rebecca Loader
2
From The Regional Chairman Sometimes there are a lot of things to write about and on other occasions I have difficulty in thinking what to say to you. This newsletter is one of those occasions. Next year I will have been your Region Chair for twelve years and should really be thinking about passing on the baton. So, this time I thought I would devote some of the space your editor so kindly gives me to what the Region Chair does in case you feel it is something that would interest you. The role of the Region Chair is to support all the branches in the Region, (in London that is six branches) in working together and helping each other to protect the waterways in their area. What this means in practice is the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people who have an interest in the waterways inside and outside the association. Region Chairs are invited to attend meetings of IWA’s Board of Trustees to represent the interests of their area, in a non-voting capacity, and are kept informed of the Board’s activities with minutes and agenda papers. They are responsible for communicating Trustee Board decisions to branch committees, and for keeping the Trustee Board, national committees, and the CEO and staff informed on activities within the region. London’s branches get together formally around 5 or 6 times a year. If this is something you might be interested please give me a call. You may have heard by now that Phil Hornsey our CEO and Joanne Mass, our Marketing Manager have resigned. In his time as CEO, Phil has helped define and give impetus to the future strategic direction of the Association, and Joanne has played a key role in website development and building the social media presence. Hopefully we can build on the work they have done. Finally, why not join the fantastic team of volunteers who organise, Canalway Cavalcade, one of the most successful and best attended inland waterways events in the country. This unique festival, now in its 39th year, is held over the three days of the early May Day Bank Holiday in the heart of London at Little Venice. If you would like to help organise the event or just for one day over the weekend contact Christine Smith, (christine.smith@waterways.org.uk) Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk Memorial Bench In 2009 this Branch installed a memorial bench overlooking the lock at Heybridge Basin. This was in memory of Don Hair who had served as the Branch’s Treasurer for many years and it was built by Roy Cox who also served as Branch Chair for many years. The bench is very well used, but it could now do with a refurbishment with the replacement of a seat plank, clean down and re-treatment. If you are able to volunteer to undertake this work to give the bench a life extension please contact Chris Chandler, Branch Secretary. 3
Spring Break With the break in the weather at the end of March, Pam and I went north west to Cheshire for a few days. Part of the trip was for Pam to visit her old home town of Frodsham and to explore a few places that we have not visited for a while and to see new areas. One was to visit the Llangollen canal with the view to have a holiday exploring the site and sounds on the canal. Our first point of call was the Horseshoe Falls.
This distinctively sharped weir, which is 460 feet (140 m) long, helps creates a pool of water that can enter the Llangollen Canal (via an adjacent valve house and flow meter). Built in 1804 by the Ellesmere Canal Company who had Thomas Telford as the civil engineer responsible for the design and the canal. The final 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from Llangollen to the Falls is not navigable by motorised boats, as it is not wide enough for vessels to turn round but the towpath extends along the bank right up to the Falls. It is not often that you see the start of a canal. We spent lunch time in Llangollen, which on the day looked more like an Alpine village in the spring sunshine.
4
Spring Break (cont) After our lunch we made our way, by car, to Trevor Basin. At this junction the Llangollen Canal meets the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The aqueduct was designed by the civil engineers Thomas Telford and William Jessop. After their westerly high ground route was approved, the original plan was to create a series of locks down both sides of the valley to an embankment that would carry the Ellesmere Canal over the River Dee. Telford was hired and the plan was changed to an aqueduct that would create an uninterrupted waterway straight across the valley. The Pontcysyllte aqueduct officially opened to traffic on 28th November 1805. The bridge is 336 yds (307 m) long, 12 ft (3.7 m) wide and 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) deep. It consists of a cast iron trough supported 126 ft (38 m) above the river on iron ribs carried on eighteen hollow masonry piers (pillars). Each of the spans are 53 ft (16 m) wide.
5
Spring Break (cont) As of 2009 the Pontcysllte Aqueduct and Canal were registered a World Heritage site taking in the 11 miles of stunning canal and countryside spanning two countries along with the aqueduct, tunnels and viaducts. The Trevor Basin is a good starting point to explore the aqueduct and local area and has some excellent stone carvings about the local area.
John G Carlaw
We had a great day visiting this area and was very lucky with the weather. Upon our return home it was not long before we booked a narrow boat, from Bunbury, at the end of September to travel long the canal and across the aqueduct. Cannot wait for the experience.
John G Carlaw
6
AGM
IWA CHELMSFORD BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 8.00 pm THURSDAY 10TH MARCH 2022 The Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood CM2 8TS
Apologies. Molly Beard. John Carlaw. Kirsten Smith. Adam Wyllie. Beryl Dimon 1. Approval of the Minutes. Approved. 2. Matters arising from the minutes. None. 3. Report from Rebecca Loader, Vice Chair. This week I had to return to the notes of the last AGM to refresh my memory on what took place a year ago. I see that we held the meeting on Zoom which obviously afforded us little opportunity to engage with our members. It has been such a strange 2 years with lockdowns, social distancing, and general restrictions plus the worries over health. Our little Branch has remained relatively unchanged. When possible, we have still had some social evenings including a Christmas quiz. We have continued to hold committee meetings on Zoom which is convenient for those of us who are comfortable with it, not so good for those that are not so. We will seek to return to face to face meeting subject to Government guidelines at the time. The Officers of the Branch, Chris as Secretary, Philip as Treasurer and myself as Vice Chair have continued to carry out our normal roles. In addition, John Carlaw continues to put together an excellent newsletter which has been challenging with less material due to fewer boating trips being taken by the members. Paul Strudwick as our Regional Chair keeps us up to date with IWA Head office initiatives, policy and current waterways issues and information from other branches. Roy continues to update us on Essex Waterways plans and planned work as well as CRACL (the proposed cut in Chelmsford). Adam Wylie and Kirsten Smith faithfully attend committee meetings and Adam continues to work with Head office on the web site which has undergone several changes in the last couple of years. Stephanie provides us with refreshments every month and sorts out the cake Rota as well as contributing significantly to the Christmas buffet. The ladies of the committee, Stephanie, Chris, Janine, and myself and in previous years Molly and Kirsten make the cakes. Chris organizes the raffle most months. Roger turns up and does the raffle with Robert as his deputy and quiz master. I would like to say a big thank you to all those people I have mentioned for doing all the things they do so well and just getting on with it without having to be asked it means a lot. There are however several things we are not doing. I am wearing several hats at the moment Acting Chair, Vice Chair, Social Secretary booking the hall and sourcing speakers as well as Publicity. I am only doing the minimum publicity in relation to social events.
7
AGM (cont) We do not have anyone to try and bring in more members, go to events and promote the IWA, talk on the radio, send press releases etc. Could any of you consider being our Publicity Officer? Could anyone take a turn at making the cakes? Could anyone write a regular column for the newsletter or make a regular contribution? I think you will all agree this is a friendly group we enjoy our talks, seeing old friends, eating the cake and generally being part of an organization that is a force for good. We also value our Association with Essex Waterways and the beautiful Chelmer and Blackwater but to continue we must have support from our members. We must all play our part to help it continue. Thank you for playing your part for coming this evening for regularly turning up and giving us your support and your company. If any of you think you could help a little more, please come and talk to me. 4. Presentation of accounts by Philip Cervini. Philip handed out copies of the accounts. He explained that the accounts were up to 31st December 2021 and due to Covid and fewer meetings at the Heritage Centre the Accumulated funds showed a small deficit. The accounts were approved. 5. Election of Committee Members. Rebecca Loader. John Carlaw. Stephanie Mason. Kirsten Smith. Adam Wyllie. These Committee Members were up for re-election. They were proposed, seconded and approved. 6. Questions from the floor. A question was asked about Gift Aid. Philip replied that Head Office arranged this and it had not as yet been received. Paul Strudwick gave an update on the recent IWA Trustee meeting. He explained that he was no longer a Trustee but attended the meetings. He gave a brief report on the London Region and CRT’s involvement. The Meeting ended at 7.55pm. The meeting was followed with a presentation by Anthony Comber titled ‘My first Year as General Manager of Essex Waterways Ltd.” Chris Chandler London Region A quick request that in your communication with local members you mention a couple of boating events in the Lee & Stort area, to which there is a general invitation to attend: •
•
The Ware Boat Festival runs Friday 1 – Sunday 3 July. More details on the IWA events page https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/ware-boat-festival-2022 and a direct link to the online application form https://www.banny.info/wareboatfestival.php The Stortford Carnival Cruise runs Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June. More details on the Bishop’s Stortford Town Council events page https://www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk/carnivalparade-and-fun-day-18-june-2022 and a direct link to the online application form https:// www.banny.info/BS%20Cruise/index.php st
rd
th
8
th
A Day To Winterise On Monday 15th November with an early start for Brinklow Marina, we headed for our pontoon and Bueno Vita, with such a lovely day we planned to have a cruise while preparing to winterise our boat. We were ready to cruise at 10am, and with me at the tiller as John was on the phone (the second time this has happened), I navigated out from our pontoon and out of the marina onto the Oxford Canal turning right for Rugby.
We passed Armada Boats, and then navigated passed an oncoming narrowboat in the two-way Newbold Tunnel, we noticed some tunnel railings had broken away and the area was very blackened. Onwards through Rugby where there were quite a few boats moored on both sides, the colours of the trees, boats and reflections were lovely to see. We continued on enjoying the peaceful cruise, until we found an area wide enough to turn our short boat, which was just before the narrow bit near Clifton Cruisers. Heading back, we moored at Rugby and went to the Bell &Barge Harvester Restaurant, and enjoyed BBQ Ribs and salad. Continuing back to Brinklow we appreciated the lovely autumn day, which was mild and sunny. We only saw a few boats cruising, and we had to occasionally put the boat into reverse to remove a build-up of leaves from the prop. It was good to be cruising again even if only for a few hours as we haven't managed many trips this year. Returning to the marina, which was calm as a mill pond, and a rarity as Brinklow is so open and windy. We moored on the pontoon to finish the winterisation, before heading home. It has been another unusual year, Covid-19 still having an effect worldwide. Hopefully next year will be easier, and we can all look forward to better times in 2022. Stephanie Mason & John Grieve
9
Essex Waterways Update Although we have had days of high water levels on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, we have not, so far, had the flood conditions of previous years. This has allowed the re-piling of Paper Mill Island to continue and this is now complete. The island moorings have been dredged and it now remains for the final tidying of the site to finish. This was a major project for our in-house team and our thanks must be expressed for their commitment to this work. Also on the Paper Mill Island the finishing touches are being made to the new toilets and the revamped Office reception area is now in use. The Paper Mill car park has been resurfaced, new fencing installed and tree surgery work undertaken. Additional surfacing has also been carried out at Hoe Mill and a reorganisation of the works storage areas is planned. This continuing improvement work is being greatly assisted by an expanding band of regular volunteers who are coordinated by Louise our Volunteer Coordinator.
We have benefitted from two weekend visits from the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) Forestry Team. The first of these coincided with storm Eunice and meant that instead of carrying out the weekends planned tree work they were able to respond to the emergency of clearing storm felled trees. At Paper Mill a large tree from a neighbour’s field had fallen across the tow path and Navigation and unfortunately another on the North Bank moorings had fallen on a moored boat causing considerable damage. This required the use of the hi-ab on Dredger for its careful removal. The Forestry Team returned for their second weekend to complete their planned work which was the felling and removal of four large dead willow trees adjoining the Paper Mill weir at Treasure Island.
10
Essex Waterways Update (cont)
Chelmer Canal Trust has reported a current lack of floating pennywort and was able to transfer a work party to assist with the restoration of the historic lighter Susan. As the weather warms it is expected that this invasive weed will reappear and their regular weed removal work parties will continue. At Heybridge Basin it was decided that an elderly wooden vessel which had been in the boatyard for many years was finally beyond repair and was becoming a safety issue. It has therefore been completely broken up by two of our volunteers one of whom is a Director of Essex Waterways. Items of potential value have been salvaged and will be sold. The Kiosk at Heybridge Basin has remained open all winter and proved popular with Victoria moored alongside to provide covered accommodation as an alternative to sitting outside. Our three trip boats are now being prepared for the season and our volunteer skippers and crew readied for an early April commencement of trips. In addition we are also planning to operate the City Boat in Chelmsford again this year. If you fancy volunteering for our trip boat operation please contact: louise.mcconnell@waterways.org.uk The hire of kayaks and canoes at Paper Mill was very successful last summer and we will be expanding our fleet of craft there this summer as well as introducing kayaks and canoes for hire at Heybridge Basin. Another busy year is anticipated along the Navigation. Roy Chandler
11
There and Back - Brinklow - Shardlow - Stone At last, our long-awaited holiday, leaving home early Friday 10th September, 2021, we arrived at Brinklow Marina, unpacked, and were off cruising on Bueno Vita by 11:50. Heading towards Hawkesbury junction on the Oxford Canal. We noticed the bat boxes on bridge 34, didn't see any bats though, wrong time of day. We also saw low flying Buzzards, while taking in the abundant hedgerows, full of haw, elder, sloes, rosehips, bramble, crab-apple, and many more. We were feeling happy and relaxed, the dogs enjoy being on the boat too. On Saturday, a dry and mild day, with sun and cloudy spells, we left Hawkesbury now cruising on the Coventry Canal, we passed Marston junction and briefly stopped at Springwood Haven (now run by the ABC Group) for a new Four Counties Pearson's Guide. Onwards passing the Hartshill Yard a base for CRT, arriving at the top of the Atherstone flight of eleven locks by 1pm, heading downwards we navigated some very low pounds between locks 7-8 and 8-9, we saw a grass snake swimming in one lock pound, reaching the bottom at 3:30pm we moored at Bradley Green, a lovely setting, and were soon joined by other boats.
Leaving on Sunday, we noticed water levels were lower than usual, we passed the Samuel Barlow site, pretty Amington, down the two Glascote locks, and turned right at Fazeley junction, still on the Coventry Canal, passing Hopwas, Whittington, and Huddlesford, to moor in a lovely rural area near Kings Orchard Marina. Monday was a bit cooler and dull, we headed off and soon navigated the swing bridge at Fradley junction, before turning right onto the Trent & Mersey Canal. Descending four locks, seeing a new marina under construction, then onwards and down Bagnall lock to moor in Alrewas, where we walked into the village for provisions with our elderly dogs, happy in their dog trolley (they only manage short walks now). Heading off again we descended Alrewas lock which took us onto a short river section as far as Wychnor lock. Continuing to Barton Marina for Chandlery and lunch, then down Barton Turn lock, Tatenhill lock, Branston lock, Dallow Lane lock, and passing a derelict looking Horninglow Wharf and services, which was all fenced off, to moor at Clay Mills near Egginton Wharf, another lovely rural area. On a very wet Tuesday, we cruised a couple of miles and stopped at Willington for the services, due to the rain we gave up for the day, and reversed our boat onto an empty mooring opposite, it is a lovely area and very popular. Spending a relaxing day snug, warm and dry in the boat. The evening was dry, and we enjoyed a tasty meal in The Dragon across the towpath.
12
There and Back - Brinklow - Shardlow - Stone (cont) On Wednesday, a warm, sunny day, we cruised to Mercia Marina for Midland Chandlery, where we saw a Black Swan on the lake there. Cruising again we saw lovely reflections as we approached Stenson Marina and double lock. We saw a lot of dragonflies and swallows today. Continuing down Swarkestone lock, Weston lock, Aston lock and Shardlow lock (all double), and seeing the Clock Warehouse Pub and Heritage Centre below the lock. Being a short boat, we were able to turn in Shardlow and moor, where we had an excellent meal that evening in the New Inn.
Thursday, and another lovely day, we headed back and moored in Willington again, but the other side of the bridge as the bollard moorings were full. On Friday the water had a layer of mist covering it, very spooky, but later we saw some lovely reflections. At Horninglow Wharf some police asked us if we had seen anything floating in the canal - like a body, they were following up a report! We hadn't seen anything. We moored at Alrewas, for the night this time, which is one of my favourite places, and had a meal in The George & Dragon. On Saturday, we headed back up through Fradley junction where there were volunteers at the locks, on through Armitage passing the sanitary ware works, to moor in Rugeley for Tesco and lunch. It was very popular here and the moorings made the channel very narrow, it was interesting and fun watching as narrowboats tried to pass each other and miss the moored boats, as some ended up in the bushes. We were glad to be moored at the end where it was wider. Heading off again, we saw a kingfisher below Colwich lock and another further on, then, unbelievably we saw a heron catch a fish. We moored for the night at Little Haywood, where we heard an owl hooting in the evening. Leaving on Sunday, we shared Haywood lock with another short narrowboat, before passing Great Haywood junction to ascend Hoo Mill lock with a split bridge where horse boat ropes passed through in days gone by. Onwards up Weston lock, then passing a field full of Canada Geese, and soon passing the stunning Salt bridge (82), then up Sandon lock, Aston lock, finally Star lock to moor early below Yard lock in Stone. It is lovely here and brings back many happy memories of previous trips. On Monday, with a misty start, which made the wooden statue of Christina Collins below the lock look eerie, we headed up to pass the Canal Cruising Company, where we had hired boats numberous times, also passing the new Joules Pub recently redeveloped on Crown Wharf. Opposite is the former hospital and workhouse, now prestige accomodation, which has retained its very impressive chimneys. Below lock 29 with it's horse tunnel, now a pedestrian way, we were able to turn and moor for services, before making our return journey to Brinklow. 13
There and Back - Brinklow - Shardlow - Stone (cont)
On the way back we stopped at Great Haywood farm shop which has expanded and is great for provisions. At Atherstone flight of eleven locks we shared with another short narrowboat, which worked well with me at the back on Bueno Vita. Travelling through Ansty we phoned CRT to let them know one of their work boats had been adrift across the canal (a narrow part), and that we had been able to pull it back in and moor it as the mooring pins were still attached to the ropes! Back at Brinklow, and on our pontoon we watched a fabulous sunset that evening. Reflecting on the lovely time we had spent cruising our lovely inland waterways, seeing the wildlife, birds, scenery, people and places,while still being aware we are living with Covid-19 and the precautions we are all taking.
Looking forward to many more trips in 2022. Stephanie Mason & John Grieve
14
Social Diary January and February - We unfortunately had to cancel January and February social meetings due to concerns about the Covid levels plus the difficulty of getting speakers. March In March we were able to resume our meetings with our Annual General Meeting followed by a talk by Anthony Comber the Manager of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Anthony brought with him some members of his team – Louise who is the volunteer coordinator, Lisa who works on the admin team and Paul who is the Lockkeeper at Heybridge Basin. Anthony told us about his first year as Manager, about the roles of other team members such as the River Warden who collects licence money from all craft users including paddle boarders and canoeists. Anthony told us about all the work that has been achieved in the last year and gave us an insight into plans for the future. I wish I could remember a tenth of the ideas and initiatives that he told us about, there is a lot going on! The members who were present were left with a feeling that the Navigation is in good hands, that’s its future is secure, and that ecological issues and solutions are being addressed. This is especially apparent in respect of the objectives for financial sustainability, managing the increased user numbers and the plans to make the Navigation as ecologically friendly as possible. Thank you to Antony it was an inspirational talk and for your kind words paying tribute to the Chelmsford Branch. This was to acknowledge all the hard work that members and WRG Groups had put in to secure the Navigation over many years and make it the success that it is today. Future Social Meetings Our next Social Meeting will be onThursday May 12th Talk by Roger Mannion - Brunel - An Exceptional Engineer. All Social Meetings Start time : 7.45pm for 8.00pm Refreshments including homemade cake Raffle
Donation for entry and refreshments VENUE
Galleywood Heritage Centre, J16 off the A12 The Common (Off Margaretting Road) Chelmsford Essex CM2 8TR Rebecca Loader
15
Just For Fun SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains the numbers one to nine (1 - 9) 2
7 4
5 3
6
8
1
1 7
3
4 3
8
5
1 7
4
6
3
9
1
7
5 7
5
3
8
5
7
Branch Committee If you have any topics or subject that you wish to bring to the committees attention please use the contact details below Molly Beard:
Chairman
molly.beard@waterways.org.uk
Rebecca Loader
Vice Chair & Social Secretary
rebecca.loader@waterways.org.uk
Philip Cervini
Treasurer.
philip.cervini@waterways.org.uk.
Paul Strudwick:
London Region Chairman.
paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk
Chris Chandler:
Secretary.
chris.chandler@waterways.org.uk
Roy Chandler:
Planning and Conservation.
roy.chandler@waterways.org.uk
John Carlaw:
Newsletter and Membership.
chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk john.carlaw@waterways.org.uk
Stephanie Mason: Refreshments.
None
Kirsten Smith:
Youth.
None
Adam Wyllie:
Branch Web Editor.
Adam.wyllie@waterways.org.uk
IWA Chelmsford Web Address
http://www.waterways.org.uk/chelmsford
16