September 2011
TOWPATH TELEGRAPH
Journal of the IWA’s Milton Keynes Branch
Two of the many colourful boats that drew the crowds at the Linslade Canal Festival on 30 July. The Branch was there, sharing a pitch with the Buckingham Canal Society. Photo: Les Franklin.
The Inland Waterways Association
The IWA (registered charity no. 212342) campaigns for the restoration, conservation and sensitive development of the waterways, and for their fullest commercial and recreational use consistent with safeguarding their historic and natural environment. If you are not a member and would like to find out more: contact any of the Branch Committee members listed on Page 16; contact IWA Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA, telephone 01494 783453; visit the IWAweb site at www.waterways.org.uk
Welcome to September Towpath Telegraph . . . It’s been another busy summer for volunteer effort in these parts. There was once more a Wendover Festival to go to (see Page 7), the Branch Lock Ransom was a great success (see Page 5), locals pulled together to win £60,000 for the Iron Trunk (see Page 4), and the Buckingham Canal Society and Bedf ord-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust continue to make strides (see Pages 6 and 12). These efforts deserve support, but all too often it’s left to the same few to turn out. So lend a hand if you can! We hope you enjoy this edition.
Chairman's column Stamp Bank reminder New members Happy Birthday Iron Trunk Over £600 raised at Lock Ransom Olive Herrick, 1939 - 2011 Triple success for B-MKWT at Renaissance Awards Wendover Arm news WAT raffle Diary Page Meetings at the Pavilion Contacting the Committee Jack Sanderson, 1931 - 2011 An Affair with the Cut Buckingham Canal Society news BW seeks help to map towpaths Parliament reacts to NWC consultation Editor’s Page Sculptor news Getting in touch with MK Branch
2-3 3 3 4-5 5 6 6 7 7 8-9 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16
Chairman’s Column
I am pleased to report that my release papers were signed on 7 July, and I was subsequently discharged as an in-patient from Harefield Hospital and allowed back into the real world. I still have to attend regularly as an out-patient. I managed to pay a visit to Buckingham Canal Society’s fund raising weekend at the end of July at Cosgrove Lock and it was lovely to meet people I had not seen for many months. Stopping to chat with all the folk meant it took me nearly an hour to walk from the lock to nb Reflections where Marie Draper had invited Jane and myself on board for a cuppa. I have made one visit to nb Caspar to see how I could manage on board, and it was promising. During the night (or whenever sleep is envisaged) I have to be connected to a mains-powered controller (for alarm purposes) as opposed to the battery pack for day time. I have met a technical guy from the makers of my assistance device and he has said there should be no problems in powering the controller either from 12 volts or the inverter, so hopefully it will not be too long before I can get out on the cut again. I have not had a chance to visit the Wolverton Mural yet, but did receive via IWA Head Office a complimentary letter from a Mrs Caldicott-Shaw, nb Bacchus, saying how she had been horrified to see it vandalised and defaced earlier this year, and how pleasing it was to see it now restored. It was also good to see the work recognised in IWA Waterways. Thanks to all those who took part in the Lock Ransom Weekend, a splendid effort in raising funds for SAVE THE BRANCH MONEY! Stop receiving Towpath Telegraph by post, and view it in full colour over the telegraph wires on the IWA web site at www.waterways.org.uk/regions_branches/eastern/Milton_Keynes/tt. Email Pete Bickers (see Page 16) with your name, postal address and IWA membership number. You’ll receive reminders when new editions are available, and information such as AGM notices as required by IWA Byelaws. For more details, please contact the Editor.
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Chairman’s Column - continued. waterway causes, and thanks to the Committee for continuing to run our Branch without my presence. I note that our “elders” at IWA Head Office made a very comprehensive response to the consultation on the New Waterways Charity (NWC) and it is far too deep to comment on it all here. However in my January Chairman’s Column I expressed my personal doubts that funding of the new regime (which of course is of prime importance) would be adequate as it stood; this has been endorsed by HO’s response. Unless the government comes up with a better package I fear we shall see waterways closed, which would be tragic after all the voluntary work that has been put into restoring and improving many of them. Indeed since January BW’s Grant-in-Aid has been cut again. I also expressed concern that senior BW management would move over to the ‘NWC’ taking with them their current ethos and I now note that BW’s Chairman takes the role of Chairman of the Transition Board of Trustees, and two other BW board members take positions on it. I also note that there will be no remuneration, but Transition Trustees will be entitled to claim reasonable expenses related to their duties. Let us trust that they will not follow the example of our MPs! It is with regret that I have to report that, for personal reasons, Martin Banks will no longer be continuing as our Secretary, and will be retiring along with Lyn Banks who joined the Committee earlier this year. So if anyone would like to take up the Secretary's role or knows of someone who may, please contact me or speak to any Committee member. I hope to see as many of our Branch members as possible at the opening of our new social season on 26 September - please do come along and support your Branch. Peter Caswell, Branch Chairman.
STAMP BANK R E MI N D E R
The IWA/WRG Stamp Bank continues to raise money for canal restoration. Postage stamps (preferably with paper trimmed to 1/4-inch margin), aluminium foil and cans (not steel), coins and banknotes (current or old), petrol coupons, used printer cartridges, old mobile phones - all can be turned into cash. Send items to IWA/WRG Stamp Bank, 33 Hambleton Grove, Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes, MK4 2JS, or phone 01908 520090.
New members The following members have recently joined MK Branch. We hope to see you at our meetings - please introduce yourselves to a Committee member. Ms J Barnard & family, Leighton Buzzard Mr S & Mrs J Childs, Edlesborough Mr M J & Mrs D J Gunn, Bedford Capt J Dibsdall, Dunstable Mr M J Harper, Simpson Village, Milton Keynes Mr N J Hickton, Pitstone Mr & Mrs S Sumner & family, Pirton, Hitchin Mr I & Mrs D Symonds, Caddington Mr J & Mrs M Waters, Luton Mr N & Mrs S Westcott, Luton
A warm welcome from Gregg, Angela and the team at Grove Lock. Pop in for a drink of one of our outstanding cask conditioned ales or wines from around the world, or perhaps stay a little longer and enjoy some of our excellent home-cooked food.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Grove Lock: Grove, nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0QU Tel: 01525 380940. Email: grovelock@fullers.co.uk Page 3
Happy Birthday Iron Trunk On 27 June, volunteers were at large in Wolverton, asking people to vote for their local project - refurbishment of the Iron Trunk Aqueduct - in the Jubilee Peoples' Millions contest. The aqueduct project had been entered by Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council on behalf of a local partnership, supported by British Waterways and other local organisations. The Council was one of 2,000 applicants nationally, making it through to the final six in the Anglia TV region.
Set for a well-deserved face-lift, the 200-year-old aqueduct, and Up against us for the £60,000 (inset), the gas pipe which will be relocated. on offer was a very worthwhile Photos courtesy of British Waterways. Wellingborough-based project to train disabled youngsters to do gardening jobs for elderly residents. However, the result, declared the following evening on "Anglia Tonight", was a resounding victory for the Iron Trunk, with 4,923 votes, in contrast to the 1,261 votes cast for the Wellingborough project, and more than for any of the other projects within theAnglia TV region. Hilary Saunders, Chair of Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that we have won this award. We want to thank everyone who voted for this project. This is a huge amount of money for us and will go towards restoring and repairing our wonderful 200 year old aqueduct”. British Waterways is busy behind the scenes, working up the detailed proposals and undertaking
Our base at Linslade is within weekend reach of the Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne, or the Chiltern Hills and Aylesbury. Choice of exciting one or two week cruises including the Thames. 28 luxury boats, 2-8 berth. Boat builders. Repairs. Dry dock. Waterside holiday cottage.
Rothschild Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2TF Tel: 01525 372355 Fax: 01525 852308 Web site: www.canalholidays.co.uk
Email: james@canalholidays.co.uk
Members of IWA, Blue Riband, BMF and B&MK Waterway Trust
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Happy Birthday Iron Trunk - continued. discussions with contractors about the work. It is hoped that work can start on site in September / October, with cleaning and painting of the aqueduct and its abutments finished by December. BW will be carrying out grouting trials in November, to see if this will reduce water leakage sufficiently so as to avoid the planned stoppage in January. BW is in discussions with IWA's Waterway Recovery Group regarding removal of bushes to create a vista so that visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the aqueduct from near Holy Trinity Church, Old Wolverton. Volunteers will also be sought to help with work on the car park at Cosgrove Lock, and on the old diesel-driven water pump near the aqueduct. Help will be needed too on historical research towards new interpretation panels for visitors and canal users. BW hopes to install the new panels in January to link with a celebration event. These panels will aid the site's use as a valuable educational resource for schoolchildren. Slated Row Special School, Old Wolverton, is already talking about building a scale model of the aqueduct in its grounds. It is also understood that the gas pipeline and its supporting girder bridge, adjacent to the aqueduct, will be relocated by its owning company at no cost to the project. James Clifton, British Waterways’enterprise manager said: “We are really grateful to everyone who has taken the time to support this unique local project. The local community really has pulled together to help us secure this fantastic award. Now we have this money in place we can get on with starting the restoration. We have had positive preliminary discussions with the various agencies involved, but it won’t be until we receive their formal consents that we can be absolutely certain of the timings". From a Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council press release, June 2011, with additional information from James Clifton (British Waterways) and Vernon Draper.
Over £600 raised at Lock Ransom The Branch held another successful Lock-Ransom weekend at Three Locks, Soulbury, on 3-5 June. David King, who co-ordinated the event, writes: The weekend was mainly fine, if cool. BW had kindly reserved the moorings for us above the Top Lock. The Friday evening saw around fourteen of us enjoy a meal in the pub, where the food was generally good but the service a little slow. On the Saturday evening, around twenty people enjoyed the customary barbecue, with the evening not getting too cold until all had finished their meal. Pete Bickers (pictured with his bucket at a previous Lock Ransom) is deserving of special mention in dispatches. As usual, he made his way from Bletchley to Three Locks on the Friday and Saturday, and did an amazing job extracting money from passers-by including those frequenting the pub. No-one shakes the bucket with the same enthusiasm as Pete! A total of £609.47 was raised for Branch funds. The takings were: Friday: £228.08; Saturday: £291.42; Sunday: £89.97. Oh, and one farthing and one dime (10 cents)! I never cease to be amazed at what a bunch of wrinklies can achieve! It was a shame that, due to poor weather on Sunday, so many of us got wet before we managed to get home. Page 5
Olive Herrick, 1939 - 2011
Many Milton Keynes Branch members attended the funeral, at Milton Keynes Crematorium, of Olive Herrick, who died on 15 May, after losing her battle with cancer.
Having been brought up in a farming community in the Hertfordshire countryside, Olive was first employed in a chemist's shop, then in Lloyds Bank clearing centre in Stevenage, and later with the Ministry of Social Security. On her marriage to John, she brought two children from her previous marriage and acquired two stepsons. Olive and John celebrated their Silver Wedding earlier this year. Olive's extended family, including eleven grandchildren and four great-granchildren, was a great source of pride to her. Her love of the natural world was expressed in many ways: a knowledge of wild flowers, gardening, photography, and painting (including Roses and Castles - she had a stall at the Wendover Festival one year). When John joined the Branch Committee in 2005, Olive supported him by taking part in many Branch events including the Cleanups and Christmas socials.
TRIPLE SUCCESS FOR B-MKWT AT RENAISSANCE AWARDS The proposed Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway made a big splash at the Waterways Renaissance awards, by winning first place for Strategy and Masterplanning. The project was runnerup in the Partnership category, as well as scooping a surprise extra award for Outstanding Achievement. Jane Wolfson, former chair and newly-elected Vice-President, accepted the awards on behalf of the project at a ceremony in Birmingham on 25 May.
Jane Wolfson (centre) receives the "Outstanding Achievement" award from Helen Carey, Chair of the Awards Assessment Panel (left) and Jim Hancock (host). Photo: B-MKWT.
The awards competition, which is run by the Waterways Trust, recognises exceptional projects that are using canals and rivers to enrich people’s lives across the UK.
Meanwhile, the B&MK Trust's appeal for £60,000 towards the cost of building a community boat to enable more local people to enjoy the river in Bedford currently stands at over £33,000. The appeal for sponsorship is aimed at individuals, community groups, schools, colleges and local businesses. It is hoped to launch the boat in summer 2012 in time for the next Bedford River Festival. Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust press release, June 2011.
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WENDOVER ARM NEWS
The Wendover Arm Trust's Festival at Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, on 28-30 May has been judged a great success. Although final figures have not yet been published, the event is thought to have made a healthy profit. The cake and produce stall alone was reported to have raised over £600. The Trust is repeating its successful Christmas Card image competition held in 2009, which attracted an extraordinarily high standard of photos and paintings. The winning image will be used for the Trust's 2011 Christmas card, which is sold to raise funds for the restoration. Entry is not restricted to Trust members, but is open to all. The winner will receive five packs of ten cards, and will have their name and phone number or email address/web site (if wanted) printed on the reverse of each card. Your image, (photograph, painting, drawing, or any other artistic medium that can be turned into a .jpg file) must be on the theme of "The Wendover Canal at Christmas time". It can be one individual image or a montage, and can be suitable for either portrait or landscape presentation.
WAT raffle
WAT's Funding Director, Bob Wheal, has written to thank IWA MK Branch for enclosing raffle tickets with the May edition of TPT, and for the response from members. He writes: "Ticket sales amounted to £2,531, a slight reduction on last year, but many people took up our option to donate as well as, or instead of, buying tickets. Donations totalled £501; most of these were Gift Aided, adding a further 25%. Ticket purchases and donations by IWA MK members were not separately recorded, but cheques from the MK area arrived more or less constantly. Thank you - your support is much appreciated.”
Please submit entries, no later than 15th September, to Jill Pearce, 15 Halton Village, Aylesbury, HP22 5NS, enclosing a suitable stamped Top prize of a one-week addressed envelope if you want your artwork returned. Alternatively, Wyvern Shipping canal holiday was won by someone in send your entry as an email attachment to jill@brutonpearce.co.uk By submitting an entry, you are stating that you own the copyright to the picture and that you are giving the Trust full and unlimited permission to use the picture for the purposes as above and any other promotional efforts in the future. For any other information, please contact Jill via email as above or on 01296 624472. From Wendover Arm News, Summer 2011.
Reading; second prize of a day-boat hire from Grebe Canal Cruises went to an entrant from Berkhamsted. A Linslade entrant won a handbag and £10 voucher from JulesAccessories.
Boat Safety Inspections DAVID TUCKER Authorised Examiner for the Boat Safety Scheme Competitive rates. For more details, please contact David on 01908 670151 or 07788 705969 mobile Email: dt_boats@hotmail.com Page 7
Diary Page
We hope to see you at our new season of meetings at the Pavilion (map and directions opposite), with its ample parking, level access, and bar. Non-members are always welcome. Our own events are in bold type; selected events held by others are in regular type. For more information on our own events, please contact Rodney Evans unless other Committee members are named (contact details on back page). For other events, contact details or other sources of information are given where known. Saturday 10 September 10.30am
Walk the B-MK Waterway Route. Meet at Ridgmont Station, MK43 0XP. View progress on restoring the station, then 5-mile walk from the M1 cattle creep, to Marston Vale Forest Centre (refreshments available). Train travel recommended. Organised by B-MKWT and Bedfordshire Ramblers. Contact: info@b-mkwaterway.co.uk
Sunday 11 September 10.30am-3pm
Canal History Talks at the Old Rectory, London Road, Broughton, MK10 9AA. The Grand Union Canal, the Iron Trunk, and the Bedford-MK Waterway. Barbecue from 12 noon.
Sunday 11 September 1.30pm
Buckingham Canal Society Heritage Walk. A 2-hour 5-mile walk (3 stiles), along the Buckingham Canal, including the BBOWT Nature Reserve. Meet at layby opposite Little Hill Farm, off A422, postcode MK19 6DD. Details: Athina Beckett, 01908 661217.
Saturday 24 September 2pm
IWA National AGM, at Cookley Village Hall, Kidderminster, DY10 3RH Full details and agenda in Autumn Waterways.
Monday 26 September MK Branch meeting: "My life on Working Boats", talk by 7.45pm Beryl McDowell, former Chair, RBOA. MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK 1 -2 October
Stoke Bruerne "Village at War" weekend - a repeat of the popular 1940sthemed event. Details and entry forms at www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk
14 -16 October MK Branch Canal Clean-up, Fenny Lock to Galleon, Wolverton. Fri 12 noon: start Fenny Lock, finish Br 83 Woolstone; Sat 9.30am: start Br 83, finish Br 72 New Bradwell; Sun 9.30am: start Br 72, finish Br 68 Old Wolverton. Evening gatherings: Fri - Barge PH, Woolstone (no pre-booking); Sat - New Inn, New Bradwell - contact Marie Draper (see back page) for menu, then let her know your choices. All other matters: please contact David King (see back page). Monday 24 October MK Branch meeting: "Waterway Photography Secrets", with 7.45pm Robin Smithett, much-published photographer. MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK Monday 28 November MK Branch meeting: "A Thames Lock-keeper's Lot", with 7.45pm Peter Payne, Lock-keeper, St John's Lock, Lechlade. MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK Saturday 10 December 5pm on Page 8
Illuminated boats and Christmas carols at Stoke Bruerne. Sing along with the children of Stoke Bruerne C of E Primary School.
Diary Page - continued.
Monday 12 December MK Branch Christmas Social - pre-booked ticket event. 7.45pm Details to be announced. MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK Monday 23 January MK Branch meeting: "Scottish Puffers and the PS Waverley", 7.45pm with John Toy, authority on working boats. MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK Wednesday 22 February 8pm
Chiltern Branch meeting: Haunted Canals, talk by Allan Scott-Davies, who has had some spooky experiences himself! Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club, Ash Grove, Amersham, HP6 5QU
Monday 27 February MK Branch AGM (agenda in next TPT), plus “MK Confidential”: 7.45pm episodes from the history of MK Branch, with Les Franklin. MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK From H6 Childs Way (M1 or Central MK), turn south at Fox Milne roundabout into V11Tongwell Street. Pass under a bridge, then turn right into Griffith Gate, signed Mi d d l e t o n an d M i l t o n Keynes Village. At the roundabout turn right into Worrelle Avenue. The Pavilion is clearly marked, on the left after about 1/4 mile. Fox Milne Rbt.
Central MK
A4146, M1 (Junc.14) Total Petrol Stn.
Pavilion Community Sports Club MK10 9AD
P
Meetings at the Pavilion As explained in May’s edition of Towpath Telegraph, the Branch Committee wants to try to make our meetings as self-supporting as possible, so that Branch funds can go towards waterway causes. Just a reminder that we will be inviting all those attending Branch meetings to give a voluntary donation of £2 per head. The £2 gives each member or guest automatic entry in the raffle (1 strip of 5 tickets), and you may purchase additional strips at £1 each. You will be asked how many people you are signing in for, so that the donation you offer can be allocated correctly amongst “automatic entry” tickets and purchased tickets. We hope that members will support us in our efforts to ensure that the funds intended for waterway causes are kept for that purpose.
Contacting the Committee
The Committee received with regret the decision by Martin and Lyn Banks to resign from the Committee. We thank them for their efforts.
WO RELLE AVE GR IFFIT H GATE Monkston Rbt.
A4146 Bletchley, (A5)
Mercedes Benz
Going north along V11 Tongwell Street, cross the Monkston Roundabout at H7 Chaffron Way, then take the first left turn into Griffith Gate, and then as above.
As will be seen on Page 16, email addresses for most Committee members are now shown ending as “@waterways.org.uk”. Emails sent to these addresses are automatically forwarded to Committee members, but on the way they pass through the IWA’s servers, which have very effective protection against “spam” and other threats. Most of the addresses that appear in the on-line edition of Towpath Telegraph are now clickable links that automatically open your email application. Some Committee members have retained independent addresses by agreement. Dave Roberts (Treasurer) has asked not to have an online contact point listed until the situation of Branch Secretary is resolved. Page 9
Jack Sanderson, 1931 - 2011
News of the death of Branch member Jack Sanderson came as the May edition of TPT was going to press, and we were only able to include a brief note. Here is a fuller tribute to Jack, compiled with the kind help of Mary Sanderson. Born in Blyth, Northumberland, Jack cherished a childhood ambition to become a sailor. In 1947, he joined Elder Dempster Lines as an apprentice deck officer, and traded mainly between West Africa, the US and Liverpool. He gained his Master's certificate in 1957 and stayed with Elders for another four years.
Apapa – one of Elder Dempster’s ships on which Jack served as Chief Officer.
From 1961, Jack was with the Pilotage service in Blyth, where ships' officers learned to relax when he was in charge. In 1966, Jack left Blyth to be a pilot on the River Thames. In 1976, he met Mary, whose great-grandfather, by amazing coincidence, had also been a pilot at Blyth!
Jack remained a Thames pilot - a job he absolutely loved - for nearly 30 years. While on the Thames, he piloted both the deepest-draughted ship and the biggest ship on the river during his time there. He was also on the Pilotage Commission, where he helped formulate by-laws and was involved in the transfer of the pilotage from Trinity House to the Port of LondonAuthority in 1988. By the time Jack retired in the early 1990s, he and Mary had bought their 49-foot narrow boat Recalde, named after Juan Martinez de Recalde, an Armada squadron commander admired by Jack for his resourcefulness in getting many Spanish sailors home after the Armada’s defeat exactly four hundred years previously. Recalde had wheel steering, bow thruster, and many other gizmos to Jack’s specification. Before she was sold in 2009, Jack and Mary cruised much of the inland system. A hair-raising voyage from Bristol to Sharpness - without a pilot - was described by Mary in the January 2000 TPT. Mary had joined the Branch Committee in 2000, and Jack joined her in February 2002. For the January 2004 TPT, Jack produced an article on Sound Signals which was both informative and extremely funny. You can view this at http://mkiwa.users.btopenworld.com/TPT0401.pdf Jack and Mary retired from the Committee in February 2006. A most moving celebration of Jack's life, attended by many members of his extended family and of IWA Milton Keynes Branch, was held at Milton Keynes Crematorium on 17 May. A reading of Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar" could not have been bettered as Jack's epitaph:
Jack while with Elder Dempster Lines. Page 10
Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea.
Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;
But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home!
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar.
AN AFFAIR WITH THE CUT . . .
. . . is a new book by Tim and Andy Collier. Its title sums up how they felt about their nine years on the waterways in the 1970s, when their boats Elstree and Lyra were used mainly for camping and carrying coal. Andy says: "The time was indeed packed with adventure. The way we got into it all, incidents with engines, and the various trips are honestly described with no exaggeration on what actually happened". Priced at £11.99 + £1.00 postage, the book is packed with black-and-white illustrations. The photo above shows Elstree and Lyra, well loaded with retail coal, at Sutton Stop in September 1975. If you would like a copy, please send a cheque for £12.99, payable to Andy Collier, to Andy at 1 Roxhill Cottages, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0QQ
Willowbridge Marina 01908 643242
office@willowbridgemarina.co.uk
www.willowbridgemarina.co.uk
Willowbridge Marina is a working boatyard specialising in lifting boats in and out of the water, as well as on and off transport. We are a family-run business, working hard to provide services to canal boat owners and users in the Milton Keynes area. We offer the following services: - Well-stocked Chandlery, including stainless steel fastenings and Calor Gas fittings; - Red Diesel; - All boat services, including coal, LPG and pump-out; - All mooring services, including limited linear moorings, wireless internet and power, toilets, showers, laundry and extensive storage ashore. We offer a 10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard to IWA members. Page 11
BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY NEWS
The Buckingham Canal Society is seeking to develop partnerships with landowners, local authorities and other organisations to help it achieve its restoration aims, and is pleased to have obtained a pledge of full support from South Northamptonshire Council. At a meeting of the Council’s Policy Review and Development Committee in July, Members gave their backing to the restoration plans and approved a partnership agreement with the BCS.
The council will now work to: • Keep BCS informed of any consultations on plans and strategies, or other opportunities for the Canal Society to contribute to the development of its plans; • Provide advice on grant funding opportunities and assist BCS in applying for funds; • Consider opportunities to provide the Canal Society with equipment and materials; and • Introduce the Canal Society to other organisations that may assist its restoration plans.
Ascending from the Ouse on a restored Buckingham Canal drawing by Stephen Peart. www.stephenpeart.co.uk
The project is expected to have a positive social, economic and environmental impact on the area. Restoration of the canal would provide new employment, create a range of leisure opportunities, increase the diversity of the natural environment and preserve important structures and artefacts. Terry Cavender of the Buckingham Canal Society said: “Along with our existing partnerships with British Waterways, Buckinghamshire County Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council and Buckingham Town Council, the support of South Northamptonshire Council is viewed by the Society as a major step forward as we move further into the delivery phases of the restoration work.” Councillor John Townsend, Chairman of the Policy Review and Development Committee, said: “The restoration of the canal is an exciting and ambitious project, and one that the council feels is worthy of its long term support. We look forward to working with the Canal Society to help take the project forward.” Early in 2010, BCS commissioned an outline feasibility study regarding the restoration of the entire length of the canal arm. The report concluded that it was a feasible project, although significant funding and commitment will be required. [A key recommendation by Halcrow was to divert the route into the stretch of the River Ouse that passes under the A5 via an existing bridge, pictured above - Ed.] BCS is actively seeking new members and welcomes participation at all levels from the community. For more details, please visit www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk or email info@buckinghamcanal.org.uk Joint press release from Buckingham Canal Society and South Northanptonshire Council, July 2011.
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BW SEEKS HELP TO MAP TOWPATHS
A national project to keep a real-time virtual picture of the condition of towpaths across the country has been introduced by British Waterways. The project will provide valuable information that will allow people with restricted mobility, families with buggies, cyclists, and other towpath users, to enjoy the waterways with confidence.
As a first stage of the project, BW is looking for volunteers to undertake detailed mapping of the towpaths, using smartphones to record data on access points, barriers, facilities and public transport as well as information on the surface type, average width and gradient of the towpath and GPS-linked photographs of the locations. Once the map goes live on www.waterscape.com later in the year, members of the public will be able to add updates, providing an up-to-the-minute picture of the condition of the towpaths. Robin Evans, chief executive of British Waterways, commented: "Inevitably the type and condition of our towpaths varies from place to place, but with the use of mobile technology, we'll be asking the 13 million people who visit the waterways each year to help keep a virtual waterways map up-to-date. This improved information can help people choose the best place to visit." If you are interested in helping map the access along your local waterway, please email volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk for more information. Towpath information would From BW’s online newsletter “Towpath Telegraph”, June 2011. be useful to all canal users.
MILTON KEYNES MARINA
tel: 01908 672672
Modern full-service marina in the heart of Milton Keynes
10 & 15 year
Leasehold moorings available at discounts
Relax
15 miles of lock free cruising
Brokerage New and used boats for sale
Onsite facilities Chandlery and full services Brokerage Workshop, slipway Secure carparking Pub with all day carvery Indian and Chinese takeaway
For Moorings Availability and Prices, visit us at www.mkmarina.co.uk Page 13
PARLIAMENT REACTS TO NWC CONSULTATION Before Parliament shut down for the summer recess, there was much interest in Westminster about the Government’s proposals for the New Waterways Charity (NWC). IWA is regularly in contact with a number of politicians who are known waterways supporters, and much of the activity was stimulated by IWA's direct or indirect lobbying.
The level of interest was undoubtedly heightened by the progress of the Public Bodies Bill, which abolishes British Waterways and provides enabling powers for the new Charity to receive the BW network, the DEFRA "New Era for the Waterways" consultation that After two hearings on NWC closed responses at the end of June, and the resurrection of the All-Party governance and finance, the Parliamentary Waterways Group (see left). All-Party Parliamentary Waterways Group published a Memorandum with conclusions and recommendations on 18 July. The Group’s Chairman, Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, met Richard Benyon, Waterways Minister, to discuss the issues. It is now for Government to reflect on them in the context of the DEFRAconsultation.
A particularly pointed intervention in a debate was by a Conservative MP, Stephen Mosley (City of Chester), when he called for public financial support for the waterways, especially after the inclusion of the Environment Agency navigations that have less commercial opportunities than BW's, and for DEFRA to ensure that this support continues in future.
Commons questions included: how well had DEFRA liaised with the Charity Commission over the Government’s proposals; how will Government ensure delivery on its commitment for the EA navigations to transfer to the Charity in 2015; and what was Government doing to ensure It is understood that there was adequate funding for the Charity. a significant response with close to 400 representations from individuals and organisations. DEFRA's reactions are expected to be published in the autumn, after which the All-Party Parliamentary Waterways Group might reconvene. IWA news release, August 2011.
In the Upper House, Lord Moynihan asked about the prospects for private donations for the NWC, the Charity’s objectives, and which stakeholders would fund it. Although answers were not very illuminating, Parliamentary Questions not only seek information, but serve to put on record the Government’s position on various issues. The need to answer reminds Ministers that issues of importance to waterways stakeholders will not be allowed to quietly fade away. IWA news release, August 2011.
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Authorised Boat Safety Scheme Examiner Visit my website: www.boat-safetyexaminer.co.uk Contact me by phone on 01234 767156 or mobile 07976 900113 Alternatively e-mail me at: alan_breck_stewart@msn.com Page 14
Editor’s Page
The IWA has put its penn'orth into the Government's consultation about the future of BW. As a Branch Committee, we were unable to better what the IWA top brass had already said - that the funding must be right for the long-term future, the governance arrangements must encourage truly local participation, and proper planning must be done now for the transfer of the EnvironmentAgency waterways to the new charity.
I was interested to read that the Government's ear, as well as being bent by the waterway lobby, is also being bent by the railway heritage movement (Heritage Railway No 153, p96). Much as IWAC was disbanded, the railway movement lost the Heritage Railway Committee which did a similar advisory job. Now, in a move echoing the re-convened Parliamentary Waterway Group, MPs have formed an All-Party Parliamentary Committee on Heritage Rail. The issues involved are very different, but the development illustrates how effective non-partisan activity is considered to be within Parliament. BW's recently announced initiative to collate a database of towpath access information (see Page 13) seems a good idea that will benefit everyone. One visitor to the Linslade Canal Festival did ask where he could get this kind of info, so perhaps BW has actually hit on something the general public would really find useful. The ideal would be a really intelligent and integrated system that would allow visitors to plan a day around a towpath walk, with a boat trip (where available), refreshments and public transport worked in. Let's hope that the move will also lead to improvements to the towpaths themselves where needed, but don't let's over-improve them. A degree of down-at-heel-ness lends appeal, I think, and has the added advantage of discouraging speeding cyclists.
Sculptor news
Work continues on preserving Sculptor. Volunteers have almost completed removing the old elm bottoms, and have begun needle-gunning the steelwork and removing years of accumulated muck. Trainees from the Ellesmere Port Heritage Boatyard will hopefully soon start re-bottoming the boat, supervised by The Linslade Festival gets bigger and bigger. One new exhibitor was the experienced boatbuilders.
Leighton Buzzard Art Society, many of whose members found inspiration on our stretch of the Grand Union, and offered pictures for sale. All these canal-related pictures were gathered into one place in the Society's marquee, where they aroused much interest. If you feel inspired to get painting, why not submit an entry to the Wendover Arm Trust's Christmas card competition (see Page 7)? Alternatively, send a photo to TPT and I'll consider publishing it.
The IWA top brass must have been pleased with the BBC programme "The Golden Age of Canals", which has been aired several times over the last few months. The story of the IWA-led revival is well told, and my only criticism was with the somewhat bedroomy lady voice-over, whose efforts at pronouncing Tardebigge ("Tardy-beg") and Pontcysyllte ("Ponty-select") were pathetic. But the programme did remind us how hostile our relations with British Waterways once were, and how far we have come. No room for complacency, though, as we wait to see what sort of animal BW is going to turn into, come nextApril. Les Franklin, Editor.
The Sculptor appeal has received two welcome donations: £1,000 from Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina following this year's Braunston Boat Gathering, and £400 contributed following the death of Blisworth photographer Jim Payler. A canalside bench in his memory is to be made from some of the old elm from Sculptor. Items for sale are also to be made from this timber. Donations are welcome - please send them to Laura Sturrock, 39 Church Street, Nether Heyford, Northants, NN7 3LH. From Museum Matters, August 2011.
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Getting in touch with MK Branch Martin and Lyn Banks have regretfully tendered their resignation from the Branch Committee for personal reasons. We thank them for their efforts and wish them well. By arrangement with IWA Head Office, most Committee members now have an IWA email alias address - see Page 9. The Committee looks forward to welcoming you at our 2011-12 season of meetings. CHAIRMAN: PETER CASWELL Contact via any Committee member for time being. VICE-CHAIRMAN: VACANT SECRETARY: VACANT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: PETE BICKERS Email: pete.bickers@waterways.org.uk TREASURER: DAVE ROBERTS SOCIAL / PUBLICITY, & B-MKWT REPORTER: RODNEY EVANS Email: rodney.evans@waterways.org.uk A DVE RTIS E MENT S are welcomed to assist Branch funds. Suggested donations as below (payable to IWA Milton Keynes Branch) are requested before copy date above. Whole page Half page Qutr page Back page Inserts
Per issue: £32.50 £20.00 £12.50 £45.00 £15.00
3 issues: £65.00 £40.00 £25.00 £90.00 -
BUCKINGHAM C.S. REPRESENTATIVE: ATHINA BECKETT Email: chairman@buckinghamcanal.org.uk TRADE REPRESENTATIVE: JAMES GRIFFIN Email: james@canalholidays.co.uk MARIE DRAPER Email: marie.draper@waterways.org.uk ROY CLEVERLY Email: roy.cleverly@waterways.org.uk DAVID KING Email: david.king@waterways.org.uk EDITOR: LES FRANKLIN Email: les.franklin@waterways.org.uk
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the Milton Keynes Branch. They are however published as being of interest to our members and readers.
Get the latest waterway news at these web sites (addresses change frequently, but these were correct on 8.8.2011):
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PLANNING (non-C’tee): TONY BIRCH Contact via Les Franklin. INSURANCE / RISK ASSESSMENTS (non-C’tee): MICHAEL WEINBERG Contact via David King. WEBMASTER (non-C’tee): VERNON DRAPER Email: vernon.draper@waterways.org.uk
IWA: www.waterways.org.uk MK Branch: http://mkiwa.users.btopenworld.com BW: www.britishwaterways.co.uk (corporate); www.waterscape.com (leisure) The Waterways Trust: www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust: www.b-mkwaterway.co.uk Buckingham Canal Society: www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk WendoverArm Trust www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk Friends of the Canal Museum: www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk