Towing Path topics 12 08

Newsletter of the North Lancs & Cumbria Branch of The Inland Waterways Association

August 2012

Contents From the Editor .................................................................................. 3.

From our Branch Chairman ............................................................... 5.

From our Region Chairman ............................................................... 7.

Branch Programme ................................. (insert replacing pages 9-12).

From our Scottish Representative .....................................................13.

New Members ...................................................................................15.

Report of June Canal Clean-up .........................................................16.

We need you! ....................................................................................18.

Cover Illustration: 'Our Bridge' The bridge to which North Lancs & Cumbria Branch contributed spans the Ribble Link at its junction with the Lancaster Canal.

Line drawing by Celia Lockley from a photograph taken by David M. Smith.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Towing Path Topics are not necessarily those of The Inland Waterways Association or of its North West Region or of the North Lancs and Cumbria Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. The Association accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter.

No reproduction is permitted without acknowledgment.

The Editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication.

Editor:-

Janet Dunning, 27 Bridge End, Egremont. Cumbria. CA22 2RE 01946 820875 email: janet.dunning@waterways.org.uk

From the Editor In a month when the weather has been changeable, to say the least, a number of events have been cancelled due to the waterlogged ground. Here in Cumbria we might have been luckier than some.

However, we have been subjected to local flood warnings, if not actual flooding, and we have seen perhaps a little bit more rain than we would like to see in the summer months.

As John Burt mentions, the branch stand had a rather wet outing to Falkirk and the Wheel 10 celebrations. Yes, it was wet and muddy but it wouldn't be the first time that I've spent a day manning an IWA stand in a muddy field! (My IWA waterproof proved its worth and I was glad I'd taken comfortable wellies with me.) Despite the weather, I enjoyed the day and appreciated the opportunity to learn about the waterway scene north of the border.

As we look forward to the programme of winter meetings perhaps I should draw your attention to the fact that after the September meeting in Colne, we will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. The change means that we can have the use of a room on the ground floor of the Peter Birtwistle Centre and people won't be deterred by the flight of stairs that lead to the room we have been using. The September meeting will still be held in the upstairs room on the last Wednesday of the month. Our alternative venue will be St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 1ES. There is a frequent bus service between this venue and Preston bus station if you wish to make use of public transport.

For as long as I can remember, a programme card has been enclosed in the August issue of Towing Path Topics. This year we are

From the Editor (continued)

making a change to that practice too. Like most organisations we are looking at ways of cutting costs. In theory, reducing the amount we spend on communications should mean we have that bit more to contribute towards something of benefit to the waterways. Mindful of the fact that the programme card was something that you could carry around with you or pin on a memo board, I've moved the programme information to the centre of the magazine so that you can remove the pages if you wish.

As heavy rainfall and flash flooding continue to dominate the headlines, I think I will be echoing the thoughts of many when I say that I hope we do see a bit of sun before the clocks go back.

Janet Dunning.

Sunday 19th August 2012 'Last minute Canal Clean-up' Preston There will be something for everyone to do Don't just leave it to the few Come along and join the crew. (details on programme card, in centre of magazine)

The next and following issue of TPT Please could copy for the next issue be with the editor by 30th November 2012 at the latest?

And for the following issue by 15th March 2013. Thank you.

Items for publication may be sent to the editor by post, as either written material or on a computer disk, or by e-mail. Photographs may be sent either as prints or in digital format. Please inform the editor if the material has been published elsewhere or if you wish the material to be returned after use.

m Cu

ia br

North s.

Lanc

At the time of writing this piece we are away on our summer sojourn. We are currently moored just a little outside Oxford waiting for the water in the River Thames to drop a little more, before proceeding to Reading and the Kennet and Avon Canal. We have a lot of rain but some pleasant days between the showers (downpours).

Scotland ria mb rthu No

From our Branch Chairman

Part of the pleasure we all get from the waterways is the peace and the quiet; just to get away from it all.

However, when things are quiet for all the wrong reasons it is not quite so peaceful. Frustration has set in as I have had a few weeks completely out of touch.

When on the boat I usually use a netbook to keep up with emails and basic computing. First of all the screen kept going blank unless it was angled into just a certain position (not the same position all the time) then it packed up together. All the lights were on and it made the right noises but it was impossible to use. A new laptop seemed the only solution in view of the netbook's age.

Laptop duly purchased I set it up best I could as many of my program disks were at home. Connecting to my Internet Service Provider was a nightmare that meant a number of phone calls to them over several days before I could get any emails. When I did download them I had lost everything I had expected in the last ten days. With no address book to list all my contacts it was difficult to email everyone to say send all mail again! Finally, I left my mobile phone out in the rain and now that won't work.

More expense.

The Canal & River Trust (C&RT) has now been officially launched and all the canalside staff we have come across have been wearing the new name and logo on their clothing with

From our Branch Chairman (continued)

pride. We have also come across a fair number of volunteers doing jobs along the towpaths and around locks. All the staff I have talked to seem very optimistic of the future particularly the more certain funding regime rather than waiting each year to see how much they will be granted. Their only concern expressed was about health and safety for the volunteers and the fear that it could cost jobs if it went too far. Let's hope that the right balance is found and all the promise of the new organisation is fulfilled.

One of the things we have noticed as we pass through parts of the country that we are less familiar with is the state of the towpaths. BW (C&RT now) in the North West do a much better job of keeping our towpaths usable than many of the regions we have passed through. I shall be less likely to criticise them for the small areas where we still have problems.

Alan Davies.

We were saddened to learn of the death, in mid-July, of Gill Faulkner a long-standing member of the branch. Her husband, David, was branch secretary for some five years during my term as branch chairman and I know how much he valued her quiet support.

Some long-standing members will remember the campaign events we organised in Blackburn and Burnley during the 1980s where Gill's cake stall was a guaranteed attraction and fundraiser.

A service of thanksgiving took place at Trinity United Reform Church Blackburn.

David Smith.

From our Region Chairman – July 2012 The Canal and River Trust is now up and running as the successor to British Waterways as from the second of July, with formal events planned for July 12th. The structure of the beast might seem a little unwieldy with a Council monitoring the Trustees, who were originally appointed by DEFRA, who in turn will appoint and control the Directors who will run the operation. There are advisory committees on heritage etc who will advise the Council and there are Area Partnerships who will advise the Area Managers. These are now all in place and in a number of these there are IWA members in place on these bodies. I myself am on the N Wales and Border Counties Partnership and we have had two formal meetings, I have attended a briefing seminar and we have had a few useful conversations and email exchanges.

I hope and have good grounds for believing this will be a valuable body and am sure that my colleagues on the other bodies are likewise working towards the best outcome for the waterways, which is what matters, not sectarian interests of any hue. I am sure I am not the only one who is experiencing a slight attack of split personality as I try to decide in any given situation what hat is best suited to the occasion.

What only history will tell is where the balance of power lies between the trustees of the new charity and the directors; obviously the day-to-day management will devolve onto the executives, but the strategic and major policy decisions should vest with the Trustees. The fact that to many onlookers what we have seems to be a revised version of British Waterways is

From our Region Chairman (continued)

inevitable given that the inclusion of the Environment Agency (EA) and other navigation authorities still lies in the future. It is also true that anything different would probably have been impractical given the timescale which has been challenging, to use the current euphemism. In summary the new Charity has the potential to be a productive and effective way forward for the waterways and it needs and deserves our help and support.

The launch of the new Charity has strong competition for publicity in a busy summer, with the Jubilee and the Olympics both competing with the malefactions of bankers for the headlines. The nearest I will ever get to the Games was seeing the Olympic Flame at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which gave me considerable amusement, perhaps not all of it as intended.

Meanwhile the weather is more like March than July, and my boat is out of the water with an increasing list of jobs to be done and paid for. Despite this I am trying to keep cheerful and am looking forward to going up to Falkirk tomorrow for the 10th anniversary of the wheel. Hopefully we can enjoy a good summer on the waterways, and with the assurance that at least there should be enough water in the cut.

Alan Platt.

What do you think?

Which canal engineer maintained arrow-straight routes, utilising massive cuttings and embankments? Was it Brindley or Telford? Or maybe there was one before both of them.

In the Holy Bible, Isaiah 40 verse 4, we read: "Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain."

Do you think it possible that Noah used canals to move his Ark around?

Donald Cook.

North Lancashire & Cumbria Branch PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS

2012 - 2013 This is the 'new style' programme card for you to pull out to keep for reference. Spare copies may be obtained at branch meetings or by email or post from the magazine editor. (If requesting copies by post a stamped addressed envelope would be appreciated.)

i

Inland Waterways Association North Lancashire and Cumbria Branch Programme 2012 - 2013 Enquiries to: 01946 820875 or 07730 113894 lancsandcumbria@waterways.org.uk www.waterways.org.uk

Sunday 19th August 2012 'Last minute Canal Clean-up', Preston Meet in the car park at Haslam Park, Preston at 9.30am Wear sturdy footwear and clothing that won't be harmed if it gets dirty. Any equipment needed will be provided but you might like to bring your own gloves. You should bring a packed lunch or any snacks you might need during the day but hot and cold drinks will be available. There will be someone at the car park while we are working so if you'd like to join us later in the day just come along when you are ready.

Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August 2012 Preston Guild Canal Festival The IWA National Campaign Festival Haslam Park, Preston (PR2 1JD) Free entry to the park. Children's activities, food, trade stands, displays, and a variety of entertainment between 10am and 5pm.

'Picnic in the Park', incorporating a Teddy Bears' Picnic, on Sunday. Please note: Vehicular access to the park will be restricted and the carparks for the event will be off-site.

ii

Wednesday 26th September 2012 at 7.30pm The Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Colne BB8 0JL The Marple Fly-boat and the Marple Locks Tramway - an illustrated talk showing how to recognise where the fly-boat and tramway once worked Kevin Dransfield - Stockport Heritage Trust Tuesday October 9th 2012 at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston The restoration of the wooden canal boat Hazel Chris Leah - Wooden Canal Boat Society

PR2 1ES

Tuesday 13th November 2012 at 7.30pm The Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Colne BB8 0JL Inland waterways - an Under-utilised Freight Resource David Lowe - Commercial Boat Operators Association Tuesday 8th January 2013 at 7.30pm The Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Colne Speaker to be confirmed

BB8 0JL

Tuesday 12th February 2013 at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES Branch Annual General Meeting Followed by an illustrated talk Speaker to be confirmed Tuesday 12th March 2013 at 7.30pm The Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Colne BB8 0JL Waterway Recovery Group - Working on the Montgomery Canal Alan Jervis - Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) Tuesday 9th April at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston Speaker to be confirmed

PR2 1ES

iii

Meetings start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm, are open to everyone and there is no charge for attendance.

A hot drink and biscuits are available in the interval (and often for those arriving early too). We hold a raffle during the evening, the proceeds of which go towards the cost of the room.

Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, 14 Keighley Road, Colne BB8 0JL is on the B6250 about 200 yards east of its junction with the A56 in the centre of Colne. From the end of the M65: follow the A6068 (Vivary Way) heading towards Keighley, Skipton, A56, Earby, Barnoldswick. Continue on the A6068 until you reach the second roundabout then take the 3rd exit onto Skipton Road (A56 towards Colne) at the traffic lights turn left onto the B6250, Keighley Road.

The community centre is on the right before the traffic islands. There is some roadside parking close by and lots of off-street parking in the centre of town.

St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 1ES Tulketh Road is on the south side of Blackpool Road to the east of the B5411 (Woodplumpton Road). There is reasonable off-road parking for up to 20 vehicles.

From M6 Junction 32, turn onto A6 South towards Preston, take next left onto B6241 Eastway, take the first exit from the roundabout, to pass under A6, then turn right at the next roundabout to continue on B6241 Eastway / Lightfoot Lane / Tom Benson Way. At next roundabout take second exit (of five) B5411 Tag Lane / Woodplumpton Road to next mini-roundabout. Take second exit (of two) B5411 Woodplumton Road until traffic lights are reached, then turn right onto A5085 Blackpool Road. At traffic lights turn left onto A5072 Tulketh Road; the Church Hall is the first entrance on the left.

Bus services from Preston Bus Station: Service 68 (Stagecoach) to Tulketh Road, St Andrew's School (drops you opposite); Service 31 or 61 (Preston Bus) to Newton Road will drop you on Blackpool Road before the traffic lights at Tulketh Road (walk on to next road [100 yards] turn left, hall on left) To return to the bus station after the meeting you will need to cross Blackpool Road. iv

From our Scottish Representative A number of members responded to my March letter seeking views on whether they would like a meeting to be arranged so that Scottish members might have their say on how best IWA might represent their views given the establishment of Scottish Canals - the new organisation which will now run the Scottish inland waterway network. The majority of those who responded felt that a meeting was not necessary at this time and that unless there were adequate active members in Scotland, it was probably preferable to work with other bodies rather than to try to set up a Scottish IWA Group.

So in accordance with this response, we are continuing to attend the RYAS sub-committee on inland waters and in this context, we have taken an active role in responding to two Scottish Canals' public consultation documents - a Draft Waterspace Strategy which is principally concerned with residential moorings and the other on how Scottish Canals will consult with their users and partners going forward.

If you would like a copy of our response on these matters, please email or write to me and I will send you a copy.

As regards the second consultation, it is worth mentioning that the Scottish Canals document does not even mention the RYAS sub-committee as one of their partner consultees, which does not bode well for the future. We have our own reservations on the effectiveness of the sub-committee and believe that it needs to be much more representative, to include both canal societies and non-boating groups such as cyclists, walkers and anglers. It seems probable that this may require the establishment of a new organisation but these are early days. However, it makes sense at least to consider the possibility given the separation from England and Wales. Rest assured that I will keep you informed of developments.

From our Scottish Representative (continued)

On a lighter note, I have just returned from the Wheel 10 event (July6/7/8th) at the Falkirk Wheel, which, as the name suggests, was organised to celebrate ten years since the opening of the Wheel. The Princess Royal attended on the Friday to open the celebrations and to launch the Seagull Trust's new classroom boat. Given the miserable summer generally in Scotland, the sun even managed to shine on the celebrations, at least for the royal visit. Saturday was a different matter, particularly as Tony and Janet Dunning and North-West Regional Chairman, Alan Platt had brought the Branch stand over the Border for the event.

Suffice it say that it rained most of the day and our pitch was on the side of a hill, which the wet (and muddy) conditions meant was largely inaccessible, except for mountain goats. Our Chairman fell over in the mud much to the amusement of the troops but for all that, a good time was had by all. We had visits from two or three existing members and made contact with a number of folk who are interested in joining, so it was worthwhile despite the conditions!

If you want more information on anything mentioned above or simply want to discuss issues of concern which are not dealt with here, please call or email on the following:mobile: 07412011791 or (preferably) email: johnburt147@hotmail.co.uk

John Burt.

The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles visited the Weavers' Triangle in Burnley as part of the nationwide Diamond Jubilee Tour.

Six of the Prince of Wales's charities, including the Prince's Trust, have done extensive work in Burnley in a bid to revitalise the former world centre of the cotton industry and the royal visit coincided with the start of the Prince's Charities Regeneration Summit, which is at the centre of the planned regeneration plans for the Weavers' Triangle.

‘Pleased to see you’ We extend a warm welcome to the following branch members who have recently either joined IWA or transferred from other branches:

and

Mr A & Mrs M Beadle of Burnopfield, Newcastle upon Tyne Mr D & Mrs J Bell of Alva, Clackmannanshire Mr G & Mrs J Bretherton of Lancaster Mr B & Mrs L Brookhouse of St Michaels-on-Wyre, Lancs Dr M & Mrs A T Brown of Nunthorpe, Middlesborough Mr A Boyd & Ms S Arrandale of Neilston, Lanarkshire Mr D & Mrs K Carradice of Fulwood, Preston Mr R & Mrs D Creel of Banavie, Inverness-Shire Mr N J & Mrs C G R Edwards of Pilling, Lancs Mr R Foulkes of St Michaels-on-Wyre, Lancs Mr T & Mrs K Hamilton of Glasgow Mr I Hilton & Ms A Read of Adlington, Lancs Mrs J Hollands of Durness, Sutherland Prof P & Mrs J Jowitt of Edinburgh Mr D & Mrs R Lawson of Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire Mr D & Mrs I MacCorquodale of Carluke, Lanarkshire Mrs C McNulty of Adlington, Lancs Mrs J Middlemas of Scrabster, Caithness Mr H Oliver of Hexham, Northumberland Mr B & Mrs A Otway of Edinburgh Mr P Thomson & family of Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire Mr D Salthouse & Ms M Imms of Nateby, Lancs Mr D & Mrs J Stuart of Innerleithen, Peebleshire Dr A J & Mrs R L Wright of Spinningdale, Ardgay, Highlands

If you have joined our branch fairly recently you may find that your name is not on this list. However, your name should appear in the next issue. - Editor

The June 2012 Canal Clean-up A good number of volunteers turned out to support the canal clean-up in Preston on Sunday June 10th. When we compared numbers, we found that the November and June clean-ups had attracted a similar number of volunteers. However, the mix of people was not the same. Whereas in November a large proportion of the volunteers had an obvious interest in the waterways, being members of IWA, the Lancaster Canal Trust and boat clubs, in June we had people from the local community turning up to 'do their bit'. A group of scouts arrived fresh from their church parade and local residents were much in evidence.

As we worked our way along the towpath it did look as if the rubbish situation wasn't quite as bad as it had been in November and we hoped that the undergrowth wasn't hiding very much.

Paul and Cameron opted to see what they could discover beneath the water and, using grappling hooks, they fished out a total of four bicycles. One of the bikes was a fairly new and expensive model and we made sure this reached the capable hands of the police so that it could be reunited with its owner; the others were far too decrepit for us to do more than add them to the growing pile of rubbish. Paul also hooked a tyre which had more tread on it than the spare belonging to his Land Rover - when we realised it was the same size as the tyres on his vehicle, he was ribbed about not using approved disposal routes!

After lunch, Beryl and a group of volunteers made use of the rest of the day by going down to the area beyond the end of the canal and doing what they could to improve the appearance of the small park area between the roadway and the canal.

With several bags of rubbish and sundry items to dispose of, the discovery that the promised skips hadn't materialised meant that we had a problem on our hands. Scout leader, Ian, came to the rescue with a sizeable trailer and the information that his

vehicle and trailer would be accepted at the local recycling centre without us having to apply for a permit. Ian then made a number of trips to the recycling centre with the rubbish we had collected.

Once more, the area looked much better as a result of our attention. We can but hope that the citizens of Preston show their appreciation of our efforts and we won't have quite as much to do on Sunday August 19th, which is our last opportunity to tidy up the area before the Preston Guild Canal Festival.

Janet Dunning.

Local scouts with some of the rubbish collected during the canal clean-up in June

Just one of the bicycles recovered from the canal

Preston Guild Canal Festival Haslam Park, Preston August 25th - 27th 2012 The IWA National Campaign Festival in Lancashire This is your chance to take part in an historic event. There won’t be another Preston Guild for 20 years!

Lots of volunteers are needed for a range of roles from the buildup on Friday 24th to the final clean-up on Tuesday 28th..

Jobs available to suit all skills and fitness. (Or lack of!)

Come for the duration or help out for an hour or two.

A church hall is available for wrg-style accommodation. (Bring your mattress and sleeping bag.)

Contact our Personnel Manager, Sheila Slater on 01772 746914 or via lancsandcumbria@waterways.org.uk Or turn up at the information tent when you arrive.

Look forward to seeing you.

Madeline Dean.

IWA North Lancs & Cumbria Branch Committee 2012 - 2013 email: lancsandcumbria@waterways.org.uk Chairman Mr ALAN DAVIES 14 Linden Road, Colne. BB8 9BA 01282 867469 Vice Chairman Miss MADELINE DEAN Runnymede, Bolton Road, Heath Charnock, Chorley. PR7 4AZ 01257 231861 Secretary Mr TONY DUNNING 27 Bridge End, Egremont. CA22 2RE 01946 820875 or 07730 113894 Treasurer Mrs WENDY HUMPHREYS Nether Greenlowe Farm, Bury Fold Lane, Darwen. BB3 2UA 01254 703553 Membership Secretary Mr LES FRAGLE Brock Cottage, 6 Thistleton Road, Thistleton, Preston. PR4 3XA 01995 672230

Social & Meetings Secretary Mr TONY DUNNING 01946 820875 Scottish Representative Mr JOHN B URT 36 Cuthbert Street, Kirkcudbright. DG6 4HZ 01557 339081 Northern Reaches Representative Mr DAVID SMITH Brewery Wharf, 15 Dark Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley. PR6 8AE 01257 274440 Other Committee Members Mrs SHARON DAVIES 14 Linden Road, Colne. BB8 9BA 01282 867469

Region Chairman Mr ALAN PLATT Argoed, Pen y Cefn Rd, Caerwys, Flintshire CH7 5BH 01352 720649 / 07860 250152 email: alanplatt@hotmail.co.uk

Sales Miss MADELINE DEAN 01257 231861 Publicity Vacant

Head Office: The Inland Waterways Association, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA 01494 783453

Environment & Planning Mr ALAN DAVIES 01282 867469

Registered as a Charity. (No. 212342.) www.waterways.org.uk

Printed by: INPRINT SOLUTIONS, Unit 4, Matrix House, Friday Street, Chorley. PR6 0AA Telephone: 01257 230530