Chester & Merseyside Branch
Summer 2023
Chester Basin – Originally an Inland Port
Chairman’s Report – Summer 2023 Packet Boat
Welcome to this edition of Packet Boat and firstly I must apologise for the lack of correspondence being issued by the branch since the last Packet Boat in Autumn 2022. The main reason for this lack of information is that not a lot has been going on within the branch area due to a very quiet winter period. The main activities were the socials that took place at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, although the last one in March had to be swiftly re-arranged. The Canal & River Trust had forgotten about our booking at the Café and it was locked. Following rapid emergency decisions taken in the car park, we directed people around to the Holiday Inn where we were admirably catered for at very short notice indeed. (30 minutes!).
The programme of the social talks and branch walks for September to December is available in this issue of Packet Boat and I do hope that you will support these events.
One of the main things that has been going on in the background is that the Chester Waterways Strategy has now been included in the Cheshire West and Chester Council “One City Plan”. Members of the Branch “Chester Heritage” subcommittee have attended various meetings and working groups in an attempt to bring the strategy to the forefront of the Council’s agenda. One of the Branch actions was to engage with an appropriate body to conduct a feasibility study into converting the mill race in the Chester Weir into a lock to accommodate small river craft and narrowboats.
In line with this, Andy Yates (IWA structural engineer) and I made a site visit on 11th April to the Dee Branch and the Chester Weir to assess the practicalities of using the mill race for conversion into a lock. The aim of this endeavour would then enable small river craft and narrowboats (as the race is only 12 feet wide), to transit to and from the Dee Branch of the Shropshire Union to above the weir and on towards Farndon (approximately 10 miles further up the river).
One event that the Branch did attend was part of the Chester Heritage Festival where on 19th June, committee member, John Herson took people on a fascinating walk around Chester's historic waterways. John talked about the waterways from their inception - and why Chester became an important Roman port - through the industrial ages until the
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present day. The IWA gazebo was located adjacent to the graving dock at Tower Wharf where a considerable number of people who were passing were interested in the canal heritage presentation that was available to view and discuss.
The next branch event is the Waterways Restoration Showcase that takes place on the 29th & 30th July aboard the Steamship Daniel Adamson which will be moored at Sutton Weaver Wharf. More details of the event are included in this issue, but I would like to ask if any members would be willing to volunteer some of their time to help over that weekend, please could they contact me for further information.
Finally, and most importantly, is the announcement on 10th July by the government of a reduction in the funding of Canal & River Trust between 2027 and 2037 from £52.6m down to £40m per annum. (See page 13). The sum of money awarded represents a steep reduction in funding of more than £300 million in real terms over a ten-year period from 2027. This will inevitably result in a decline in the overall condition of the network. Worryingly, it may mean closing canals which threatens livelihoods, businesses, homes, heritage and irreplaceable natural habitats. Not to mention stopping your cruising enjoyment.
Details of how you can bring pressure to bear on this announcement are available on the IWA website.
PLEASE HELP SAVE OUR CANALS FROM A DERELICT FUTURE.
Best Wishes,
Jim Forkin Branch Chairman
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Editors Musings Spring & Summer 2023
They do say when it comes to Waterways events things don’t always go according to plan. We were preparing to go to the Moira canal festival in May, an easy boating weekend which normally starts our annual boating season. Having started replacing in the boat everything we had taken off to avoid the winter frosts, we received an email from the organisers to advise us that the ground was waterlogged they had to cancel all the plans for this years Festival. I know our Spring was quite wet but I didn’t imagine the ground would be wet enough for the event to be cancelled. Because the old furnace on the site has a hollow used as an arena, the deluge of rain water ran down into it to form a lake The rest of the site was also partly underwater making it unsafe to hold the event. It was all very disappointing; and it was ironic that our wrist bands arrived the next morning in the post. With that plan was out of the window, we were left at a loose end. This also meant we could not have our planned Wilderness AGM, (which was then hastily re-convened as an on line Zoom meeting later in June).
We therefore trailed to the Lancaster Canal and cruised that in the lovely and very hot weather, and as we had no wifi, we also missed that Zoom meeting. It so hot we stopped every day for a siesta in the afternoon. We went as far as Tewitfields, which has changed completely since we were last in that area. There is now a large Marina full of boats and the canal has been widened by cutting back the reeds, it’s no longer the narrow passage which we were used to. I know its some time since we l cruised that area but I don’t recall seeing so many boats from the Carnforth area on the canal before. The last visit we had to Tewitfield there was only the Sanatory station, which fortunately is still there, so we were able to have a shower.
I will write more about our trip on the Lancaster canal in future editions it is an area which is certainly worth a visit. You will find a couple of photos on page four.
Jeanne Smith
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Professor Sarah Niblock – new IWA CEO
Restoration showcase site
Jim Forkin in discussion
Tewitfield Marina
Lancaster Canal
2023 Chester Heritage Festival
Waterways are focus of Chester Heritage
In 2023, having launched at Chester Racecourse, the annual Chester Heritage Festival took place from Saturday 17 to Wednesday 28 June. Events for all ages included walks to explore the city, opportunities to learn more about the people and history of Chester through talks, films and online events, activities at Chester Cathedral, The Castle, and New Chester Market, along the Rows and City Walls, and on the streets. The festival had a special focus on Chester’s waterways and the Rows.
The Inland Waterways Association, Chester & Merseyside Branch took an active part in the festival with committee member, John Herson taking people on a fascinating walk around Chester's historic waterways. John talked the waterways from their inception - and why Chester became an important Roman port - through the industrial ages until the present day.
The canal walk, took them along the Shropshire Union Canal, formerly the Chester Canal. They went past the Northgate Locks, and arrived at the canal basin, Tower Wharf and Taylor's Boatyard. From there the short Dee Branch Canal links the canal system to the tidal River Dee and the old Port of Chester. It is this part of Chester's waterways that formed the core of an application in April 2021 to have the city's waterways designated a 'heritage port' as shown on the map below.
The proposal has been accepted as the first Canal and River System
Heritage Port and is recognised by the Maritime Heritage Trust, National Historic Ships and European Maritime Heritage. The ultimate designation by Historic England is now awaited.
Details of the proposal can be found at: -
www.chesterheritagefestival.co.uk/chester-heritage-port
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9 Johns fascinating walk and lots of facts can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUcvng4La94
Chester's Waterways, Wharf and Weir
CHESTER: A HERITAGE HARBOUR
Since Roman times Chester holds a unique position in waterway history as an ancient port which has been sadly ignored and very much under utilised in a city that prides itself on being a major tourist hotspot.
Sitting on the junction of the Shropshire Union Canal and the navigable tidal waters of the River Dee the locks linking the two systems are inoperable. There aren’t any facilities for boats on the river and consequently there is no boating traffic. The extensive cruising water along the upper Dee above the weir remains unavailable despite the opportunity to build a modern lock to solve the access problem.
The Inland Heritage Harbours and Inland Port status now gives the opportunity to protect what remains of the Port facility, and focus attention on what Chester, which prides itself on being a tourist attraction, can do to further develop its potential in a market where the waterways has little penetration.
National Launch Of Heritage Harbours
Recently a new status of Heritage Harbours has been launched to help safeguard the harbourside, buildings, facilities and businesses that are vital to support our working maritime heritage vessels; and Chester became England’s first.
The Heritage Harbour concept started in northern Europe as a way of providing free or low-cost mooring to historic vessels in exchange for public display. In the UK the idea has evolved to include a wider range of local community links such as encouraging heritage skills e.g., wooden boatbuilding and cultural heritage activities as well as maritime festivals and events which benefit traders and visitors.
However, there is an increasing threat across the UK maritime heritage sector through the loss of waterside buildings, businesses and facility, to unsympathetic new development which removes the water access and can destroy the historic character of a small port. Existing businesses often operate on low margins and are increasingly vulnerable to redevelopment. The aim of Heritage Harbours is to achieve a balance, retaining the key features, improving public access,
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creating wider cultural and arts opportunities linked to maritime heritage and benefitting the local community.
Whilst Heritage Harbours are not a legal designation, the National Working Group of Heritage Harbours, supported by Maritime Heritage Trust, National Historic Ships UK and Historic England, has adopted criteria for schemes that are proposed and it is hoped that other locations will join the network.
Today, there are 10 Heritage Harbour and Heritage Inland Port locations around the country: Bristol, Buckler’s Hard, Chester, Exeter, Faversham and Oare Creeks, Maldon and Heybridge, Sandwich, Shardlow, Stourport and Wells next the Sea.
Hannah Cunliffe, Director, National Historic Ships UK said “Historic vessels are important assets which bring great character and interest to our harbours and inland waterway ports, but they will only survive if the maritime infrastructure needed to service and maintain them is also preserved. NHS-UK supports the development of Heritage Harbours in line with its Shipshape Network initiative, which promotes regeneration of traditional maritime skills and connects projects across the UK.
Ken Hamilton, National Listing Adviser for Historic England said “Historic England is keen to support local communities to help safeguard waterside historic features including working harbour facilities. We want to promote a better appreciation of maritime heritage and to encourage heritage-based regeneration and sustainable growth. We are working to provide practical help for this project by producing a toolkit of resources to help communities make the most of their maritime heritage.”
Hannah Hurford, Trustee, Maritime Heritage Trust said “New waterside development threatens many traditional ports and can easily squeeze out the traditional trades, workshops and slipways that are critical to operation of a historic vessel. This is short sighted –a lively waterfront can attract visitors, bring increased cultural activity with open days, activities and trails and help regenerate an area in a sympathetic, sustainable way. This in turn benefits vessels and can support the skills and volunteering which bring maritime heritage to life.”
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Branch Walk’s for This Autumn
Below is a list of the Branch Waterway Walks until Christmas. Booking lists are now open for all of them. All of the walks are circular and free, held on Sunday mornings and start from a pub car park. There is also the option of a pub lunch at the end of the walk. You can apply to join any one at any time; and perhaps bring a partner too. We will of course be putting adverts on the branch website a month before each walk, and head office has kindly agreed to send out reminder emails ten days before each walk.
To book a place - all you need to do is send an email to derek.smith@waterways.org - and give the number and name of the walk you wish to book for. You’ll be quickly sent a confirmation of your booking. Later you’ll be invited to choose from the menu. Four days before the walk you’ll be sent a reminder of your booking, and full details of when and where you will need to park.
17th September.
This walk will be about 4.8 miles long, and has delightful scenery for almost all of the route. It’s the walk that had to cancelled last December because of iced pavements. Most of the scenery is close to hand; first alongside of the canal then through the Dingle Woods and valleys and other nature reserves. There is only a little road walking and all of the paths are firm and mostly quite wide and well used. There are no stiles and only a few old wooden kissing gates. Only one or two easy slopes to climb and no fields to cross so you won’t see many farm animals and it should be fine for dogs.
Sunday 15th October.
This walk will also be about 4.8 miles long, following good and quite level footpaths for most of the route. Starting with The Countess Country Park through very scenic wetland, the walk then takes us through the old Mollington Grange golf
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1. The Bridgewater Canal and Dingle Woods Walk ~ on Sunday
2. Chester Countess Park & the Shropshire Union Canal Walk ~ On
course and its maze of undulating scenic golf-cart tracks. The return walk is along the excellent Shropshire Union Canal surfaced tow path followed by a short section of the Mercian Greenway trail, then back to the pub. There will be lots of walkers with dogs but no farm animals, no stiles, and one kissing gate. The route is excellent for dogs, and suitable footwear will be anything flat soled but trainers will be best.
This walk will be about 3.5 miles long and along well used footpaths or hard paths all the way. It commences with a long walk along the banks of the Trent & Mersey Canal as far as Marbury Park. The broad path close to Witton Brook takes you some distance before you turn through Carey Park and Anderton Nature Park; finishing along the bank of the River Weaver to the famous Anderton Boat Lift. There are very few roads and all the paths are broad and firm, and although a little bumpy in parts. The walk is suitable for everyone and is also excellent for dogs. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled, and good trainers will be okay.
This Christmas walk will be about 4.5 miles long and follows well used footpaths or hard paths most of the way. Most of the walk is in the Weaver Parkway, which is a long and landscaped river Weaver valley and a delightful picturesque walk on a sunny day. It’s a very popular locality with the numerous local joggers and dog-walkers. There are several deep kissing gates, no roads and a good variety of scenery to enjoy; including over two miles of riverbank pathway. As the route passes close to the west coast main railway and you may also see the Avanti Pendolino high speed train
its way to Glasgow.
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3. The Trent & Mersey Canal and Anderton Nature Park Walk ~ On Sunday 19th November.
4. Winsford Parkway & the River Weaver Walk ~ On Sunday 17th December.
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Fund Britain’s Waterways warns against the government’s latest Canal & River Trust funding offer
After months of waiting for DEFRA to announce its decision on future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust (CRT), and less than a fortnight after the launch of Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), the Secretary of State has now confirmed that the Government plans at least to continue providing grant funding to CRT beyond March 2027 when the current grant comes to an end. Whilst this is welcomed, FBW members including Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs are deeply concerned that the Secretary of State has only gone as far to offer “over £400m” for the ten-year period from April 2027 which marks a further dramatic cut1. According to CRT it will equate to at least a 40% reduction of funding in real terms compared to recent levels2. The current funding, which has been fixed at £52.6m per annum since 2021, is already failing to keep up with inflation and the physical toll that more frequent severe weather is having on the waterways’ infrastructure.
DEFRA’s offer is simply not enough to avert the decline of CRT’s network, particularly given the charity already faces a deficit of £12 -15m. The grant it receives from DEFRA makes up almost a quarter of its income and is critical in helping it lever in other sources of income and fund its essential maintenance programme. As Richard Parry, Chief Executive of CRT, has said3 the proposed funding cuts from 2027/2028 will have a potentially “devastating impact”.
FBW is campaigning to ensure that beyond this Parliament there will be sufficient grant funding to retain the huge environmental, economic and social benefits that Britain’s inland waterways provide. That includes the 2,000 miles of waterways managed by CRT which alone contribute £6.1bn per year in economic and social value4. It is why, as part of FBW’s broader campaign, it will continue to work with CRT and others to encourage the Government to rethink this week’s funding announcement.
Les Etheridge, Chair of FBW, said: “The Government must take heed of CRT’s warnings. Otherwise, these proposed cuts will result in the closure of waterways, harming businesses and placing communities at risk as the condition of CRT’s waterways inevitably deteriorates.”
Sarah Niblock CEO - IWA
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IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch Programme of Meetings 2023-2024
All meetings start at 7.45 pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings are free and will be held at the
The Holiday Inn, Lower Mersey St, Ellesmere Port, CH65 2AL
Our sales and shop is available for Christmas Cards and Publications, and don’t miss out on our fun raffle.
10th October 2023 - Les Green talks on the Shropshire Union Canal its Heritage and History.
14th November 2023 - Jim Forkin our Chairman runs a Social and Quiz night with prizes for the winner.
12th December 2023 - Jim Mole talks on ‘Northwich Heritage Port’, its buildings and its commercial history of Salt and Chemicals.
(Followed by our Christmas party with mince pies, sherry and our bumper raffle).
9th January 2024 - Ian Wilson talks on his canal travels from Preston Brook to the Harecastle tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
13th February 2024 - Another Social and Quiz night with Jim Forkin
12th March 2024 - Branch AGM - followed by a speaker - TBA
(Except for those attending the April and May branch walks, this will be the last meeting of the season).
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OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE
President. Ron Evans
Branch Chairman Jim Forkin jim.forkin@team.waterways.org.uk
H. 01270 650054 M. 07803 928929
Minute Secretary Ann Farrell ann.farrell@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer, Social Sec & Assist Planning Jim Mole jim.mole@waterways.org.uk Officer H. 01606 40955 M. 07580 162355
Publicity Officer Les Green les.green@waterways.org.uk
Editor Packet Boat Jeanne Smith jeanne.smith@waterways.org.uk
H. 01244 382058 M. 07746 955931
Planning & Geoff Gittus geoff.gittus@waterways.org.uk
Navigation Officer H. 0151 605 1094 M. 07808 859751
Membership John Herson john.herson@waterways.org.uk Secretary
Merseyside Liaison Geoff Gittus geoff.gittus@waterways.org.uk
Scars Liaison Colin Greenall colin.greenall@waterways.org.uk
H. 01744 731746 M. 07944 101162
Chester Liaison John Herson john.herson@waterways.org.uk
Bridgewater Canal Ian & Vera Short ian.short@waterways.org.uk Liaison vera.short@waterways.org.uk
Committee Members Vacancies
