Towpath Telegraph May 2014

May 2014

TOWPATH TELEGRAPH

Journal of the IWA’s Milton Keynes Branch

 The Acheman  Spring  BCS,

Challenge

Clean-up report

B-MKWT and WAT news

Looking as fresh as if they had just paddled from round the last bend, the “Acheman Challenge” team (Stephanie Pay, Jenny Black, Toby Gomm, Gemma Bolton) arrives at Galleon Bridge, Old Wolverton on 5 April, after their 50-mile cycle-cruise-run-canoe quadrathlon along the Grand Union from Harefield, raising funds for Waterway Recovery Group’s new excavator. See report on Pages 4 and 5. Photo: Les Franklin.

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 listed on Page 16; * contact IWA Head Office on 01494 783453, or visit the web site: https://www.waterways.org.uk

Welcome to May 2014 Towpath Telegraph In the spring, a young man’s fancy turns to love, but those of us of a certain age turn our fancy to getting out on the water, and enjoying this beautiful time of year.

The Diary (Pages 8-9) is packed with ideas for days out—both with MK Branch and elsewhere—from now until the early autumn.

Our local restoration groups will be doing their utmost to take maximum advantage of fine weather too, as the wet winter hindered their efforts to give us yet more miles of waterway to enjoy (see Pages 14-15).

Have a great summer out on the waterways, and we hope you enjoy this edition.

Chairman’s Column New members Ooh, I ache, man!

MK GU gets another spring clean Jeff moves on Treasurer Hunt Diary Pages Mikron Theatre Company 2014 A day on the water Branch AGM, 24 February 2014 Help out at Three Locks The Editor’s Page Pedal Power?

Let’s freshen up the Wolverton Train Mural Fund-raising Dinner with B-MKWT Branch Photography Competition Good Branch work at Fenny Lock Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway news: BCS to re-water at Cosgrove in May? Wendover Arm Trust news WAT Grand Draw 2014 Getting in touch with MK Branch

2-3 3 4-5 6-7 7 7 8-9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 14 15 15 16

Chairman’s Column I am saddened to learn of the poor health of some of our members, but I am reminded of an ex-work colleague of some years back who said to me "Old age does not come alone".

As the average age of our members creeps steadily upwards I guess this can only be expected, harsh at it may seem.

Some years back, Tony Collins (former Branch Chairman) and I were fortunate to secure a grant to purchase our current PA system to enable attendees at social evenings to hear what was being said wherever they sat in the Pavilion, particularly those who had impaired hearing. At the time my hearing was reasonable. However, without the benefit of hearing aids I would now find conversation very difficult; in fact without them I can hear virtually nothing.

Anyone who has spent time at the helm on a semi-trad narrowboat will know that the “engine ’ole” tends to act like a drum and amplify the engine noise. I had been contemplating sound-proofing said ”engine ’ole” to make conversation easier while at the helm. The materials do not come cheap, so the engineer in me says "Time for some calculations" - not for cost of the materials but for the percentage of visits to the helm by the crew! Now when it's raining the percentage is zero, as it is when it is very windy. When it's cold – yes, the percentage is zero. When it's hot and sunny, the preferred place for the crew is in the bow in the shade of the cratch cover (no engine noise there).

Again the percentage is zero. So having completed my calculations I have decided to save myself a few hundred pounds and just switch my hearing aids off! This method works equally well with noise from below deck: "You're going too slow . . . too fast . . . stop here . . . don't stop here . . . ".

Thanks to all who attended our AGM in February. I was disappointed at the low attendance, particularly as the evening is not just about the AGM. There was the chance to express your views on Branch matters, and David King held an excellent waterway quiz for the second half of the evening.

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Chairman’s Column—continued.

As reported at the AGM—I make no excuses for repeating it here—our Treasurer will not be continuing in the post beyond next year's AGM and a replacement has to be found (see Page 7). The vacancy for an Education Officer remains unfilled; the Branch first made it known that we wished to create this post almost two years ago. Your Committee also wants to develop a Welfare Officer role. We do have someone who has taken this position on in a basic capacity only until someone can be found to take it on permanently and develop it (see Page 10, bottom).

I was at Wolverton with other Branch members who provided a welcome for the "Acheman Challenge" team (see Pages 4-5), so I know who was there. But did you visit the towpath along the route on Saturday 5 April to cheer the team on their way? If you did, please send me an email to let me know, and whereabouts you went out to support them.

The proposed trial scheme for ‘Roving Permits’ has been dropped. The proposal was that a boat without a home mooring (continuous cruiser) that had been sighted in the area over a previous specified period prior to the start of the scheme would purchase a non-transferrable permit allowing it, rather than have to be on a ‘continuous journey’, to just move between moorings over a defined short distance in the locality. This would have allowed its owner(s) to take up employment in the area or send children to attend local schools. The original thought was that, over time, people would move on and the scheme would naturally expire. Enforcement was to be applied to any new boats in the area trying to overstay and not complying with the need to be on a ‘continuous journey’. C&RT has decided that this was not going to be the solution to the problem. Their press release stated: “The Canal & River Trust has reluctantly concluded that roving mooring permits, which it was proposing to introduce in two local areas from April 2014, cannot be used to deal with localised issues of mooring congestion on the waterways. This follows further consideration of legal issues which raised doubts about the practical implications of implementing the scheme”.

Red Signal Crayfish, we all know by now, are a great threat to our native crayfish. They were brought into this country to supply the restaurant trade over forty years ago, but by various means found their way into our waterways. They carry a plague from which they are immune, but it kills our native species. If any are removed from the waterway they should never be returned - they should be despatched. But don’t waste them, they make good eating. If you are considering trapping them to get a good potful (they are now coming into their best for eating) there are many conditions you have to meet to avoid breaking the law. All the information you need can be found by searching for ‘Crayfish’ at www.gov.uk/defra Look for "Using the right trap". For We welcome the members example, traps must carry the credit card sized ID tags issued by Defra, below who have recently must be of a certain design to avoid harming other wildlife, and you joined the Branch. We hope must have the permission of the waterway owners where you intend to to see you at our meetings carry out trapping. How many crayfish traps on top of boats have you or outdoor events—please introduce yourselves to a seen with ID tags attached?

New Members

Committee member.

I’ll leave you to find your own recipes; they take very little cooking.

Some suggest purging them first by keeping them in clean water for a couple of days, but this has to be changed very frequently to ensure they have enough oxygen to keep them alive.

Wishing you all the best for the summer, whether you are cruising on our beautiful waterways, soaking up the sun in foreign parts, or just doing your own thing. I look forward to seeing you at September’s social evening.

Peter Caswell, Branch Chairman.

Mr M Bowles, Browns Wood, MK Mr N & Mrs J Buckle, Broughton, MK Mr D Chapman, Dunstable Mrs J A Clipson & family, Chackmore Mr G & Mrs M Cook, Salford Mr H & Mrs S Faulkner, Stewkley Ms K Francis, Leighton Buzzard Mr A & Miss R Jacobs, Pitstone Mrs L Linford & Mr Bennett, Thornborough Mr M Skeet, Furzton, MK Mr A Walker & family, Swanbourne

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OOH! - I ACHE, MAN! On 5 April, four members of staff from IWA Head Office left their desks and undertook a 50-mile quadrathlon along the Grand Union Canal from Harefield to Wolverton, to raise funds for a new excavator for IWA's Waterway Recovery Group, whose old JCB 803 excavator "Blue" was recently donated to the Buckingham Canal Society.

The event was christened the "Acheman Challenge", a quite awful adaptation of the name of Robert Aickman, one of IWA's founders, whose birth centenary falls in 2014. The physical nature of the challenge was expected to leave the participants - Toby Gomm, Stephanie Pay, Gemma Bolton and Jenny Black - with quite a few “aches�!

At 07:00 hours, the team set off from the The Coy Carp, Harefield, on the first leg of their Toby Gomm soothes aching muscles as he talks to challenge, cycling 22 miles to Bulbourne.

MK Branch members after he and his coquadrathletes completed the Acheman Challenge. At The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, they Photo: Les Franklin. began working a boat (provided for the occa-

sion by Chiltern Branch members Chris and Judy Clegg, who also laid on refreshments) through the seven-lock Marsworth flight. At the bottom of the flight (Startopsend), they got back on their bikes and cycled another 17.5 miles to their mid-afternoon staging point at Tinkers Bridge, MK, where our own David King was at home to offer further refreshments.

The next leg of the Challenge was a six-mile run to the Black Horse, Great Linford, followed by the final leg, three miles' canoeing (canoes lent by Paddlesport Racers Association) to the finish line at Galleon Bridge, Wolverton.

A goodly number of Milton Keynes Branch members, relatives of the participants and helpers, gathered at Galleon Bridge to welcome them. There was a false alarm when a couple in a two-man canoe arrived; they were surely puzzled at the attention they received as they passed!

Shortly before 18.00 hours (just under 11 hours after the start), the support vehicle arrived, in the form of David Padfield (former IWA Policy and Communications Officer) on his bike! He reported that the team was just a few minutes away. They soon hove into sight, singing lustily, and The team on the boating leg of their Challenge, at wearing head-dresses in the form of ducks' Marsworth. Photo: Acheman Challenge team.

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OOH! - I ACHE, MAN! - continued. heads, with beaks protruding at unlikely angles. They looked as fresh as daisies, as if they had just started canoeing beyond the last bend! (See front cover.)

Once disembarked, Gemma, Jenny, Stephanie and Toby joined the welcoming party in the Galleon for a meal.

Branch Chairman Peter Caswell presented the team with a decorated cake, featuring a runner, cyclist, canoeist, narrow boat and toy digger. The runner and cyclist were Naughty Norman figures, strictly on loan from Peter's grandson, as was the digger!

Our own Wendy Evans said, “Congratulations for all your exertions today. It is a great pleasure to see young people doing something for our waterways”.

The cake presented by Peter Caswell.

Photo: Acheman Challenge team.

The Acheman Challenge team members are grateful to all their helpers, and to the several pubs along the route that allowed them to use their facilities.

So far they have raised £13,567 (as at 18 April). The total includes a generous donation of £1,000 from IWA Ipswich Branch, £250 from Tim Lewis on behalf of Chelmsford Branch and £200 each from Lichfield and Middlesex Branches. Additionally, Chiltern Branch donated £1,000 and Lancashire & Cumbria Branch donated £500 directly to the excavator appeal.

If you would like to donate towards WRG's new excavator, the appeal remains open until the end of May, and the following options are available: Online - via Virgin Money Giving:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=achemanchallenge

Text - text "ROLT46" followed by the amount in pounds e.g. “ROLT46 £10” to 70070 Phone - call Toby Gomm at IWA’s Head Office on 01494 783 453, ext. 611 Cheque - payable to The Inland Waterways Association, and sent to: Acheman Challenge, IWA Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA

Information from IWA press releases and from the team themselves, April 2014.

Excellent Boats on a Beautiful Canal 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. 35 luxury boats, 2 to 8 berth.

Boat Builders - Repairs - Dry dock - Blacking - Repaints Waterside holiday cottage

The WYVERN SHIPPING Co Ltd

Rothschild Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2TF Tel: 01525 372355 Fax: 01525 852308 http://www.canalholidays.co.uk james@canalholidays.co.uk Members of IWA, APCO, BMF, B&MK Waterway Trust, Wendover Arm Trust, Buckingham Canal Society, Aylesbury Canal Society

d s an e k a re ir rt b eekly h o h S w Page 5

MK GU gets another spring clean A total of 47 IWA volunteers, plus 14 members of the 1st Linslade Scouts and volunteers from MK Parks Trust, took part in the two day Clean-up on the Grand Union Canal from Fenny Stratford to Wolverton on 11-12 April. Volunteer time amounted to 615 man-hours. The event was once again sponsored by the Wyvern Shipping Company, and authorised and supported by the Canal & River Trust.

John Highmore and Miriam Tedder of C&RT attended on the Friday, and a Trust volunteer, Graham Newman, attended on the Saturday.

Paul Swaby and Ian Tyler operated a C&RT dredger in support of the Photo: Richard Lewis. volunteers on the Friday. Unfortunately, the dredger broke down and was unable to assist on the SaturThe C&RT dredger hauls up a large motor scooter. day. The two C&RT workboats Photo: David King. were once again towed by Jappa (David and Jan King) and Brown Trout (Jonathan Brown and Athina Beckett).

Some 140 distinct items were grappled from the canal: wheelbarrows, vacuum cleaners, mattresses, an armchair, a lawnmower, an overhead projector, a carpet, and a replica hand grenade (Are you sure it was a replica? - Ed.). Many cut and broken branches were also collected, not to mention the usual trolleys and traffic cones. The dredger was used several times on the Friday, and without it there were items that we would not have recovered: a motorbike adjacent to Bridge 90B at Woughton, a metal drum near Campbell Park, and a large motor scooter near Lionhearts Cruising Club.

A security cash box, a motorbike chassis, and a bag and purse containing coins, driving licence and credit cards were handed to the Police. Forty bags of assorted small rubbish were collected from the banks and towpaths.

A huge thank you to everyone who gave of their time to support the event. Particular thanks are due to the refreshment providers, Vernon and Marie Draper on The hopper arrives at Wolverton. Photo: Peter Caswell.

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MK GU spring clean—continued.

Jeff moves on

Reflections, and Jan King on Jappa, who helped to makr a dirty couple Jeff Whyatt has been apof days more bearable. Most of the IWA volunteers had an evening pointed Managing Director of BWML (formerly British meal, arranged by Athina Beckett, at The Giffard public house.

Waterways Marinas Ltd).

Jeff was to have finished his time as C&RT South East Region General Manager at the end of April. Neil Owen (South East Principal From reports by Rodney Evans and David King.

Engineer) has taken over LATEST: The armed dye security box handed to Police turns until a permanent successor out to have figured in a robbery in 2009. The security com- is appointed.

The entire operation took place in dry weather. The canal is now in a clean and pleasing state for the enjoyment of walkers, boaters, fishermen and cyclists for the summer ahead. It is sad that a minority of people continue to use it as a waste dump.

pany is rewarding MK Branch ÂŁ100 for its recovery.

Treasurer Hunt

Confirmed by C&RT Press Office.

Dave Roberts has served as Branch Treasurer since 2001 (jointly with his wife Annie for a while), but he has given notice that he wishes to relinquish the post at the 2015 Branch AGM. Our thanks go to Dave for steering the Branch's financial affairs through many changes over the past thirteen years.

It is important that we find someone for this voluntary post as soon as possible, so that he/she can work with Dave over the coming months to ensure a smooth changeover. A knowledge of the waterways is not essential, but membership of the IWA is a prerequisite. References will be required for anyone not currently known to the Branch.

The sums involved are not large, but IWA Head Office guidelines have to be followed in order that the Branch and the Association comply with tax and charity legislation. The post-holder will be required to present monthly financial reports and attend Committee meetings (eight each year).

The vacancy is posted on the IWA web site at https://www.waterways.org.uk/support_us/volunteer/vacancies/milton_keynes_branch_treasurer Further information on the role can be found in the Officers' Handbook, which can be downloaded at https://www.waterways.org.uk/pdf/officers_handbook The Branch simply cannot function without a Treasurer. If you are able to consider taking on this role, or would like to find out more, we would like to hear from you soon. Please contact Peter Caswell or Philip Strangeway in the first instance.

Boat Safety Certification Alan Stewart

Lloyds Academy Diploma in Small Craft Surveying Ex-Merchant Marine Engineer

Authorised Boat Safety Scheme Examiner Visit my website: http://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 7

Diary Pages We look forward to seeing you on the cut or at our events throughout the summer. Our own events are in bold type; those 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). Our social/education meetings re-commence on Monday 22 September at the Pavilion. Have a great summer between now and then!

2 - 5 May Northampton Branch Boat Gathering, Nurser’s Dock, Braunston https://www.waterways.org.uk/northampton/braunston_boat_gathering or 01604 858294 3 -5 May Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, London https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa/calendar/event/view?id=878 Thursday 15 May Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust AGM and Information Even7.30pm ing. United Reform Church, Newport Pagnell MK16 8AB http://www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk/events/ 17 - 18 May Rickmansworth Festival, GU Canal, between Stockers Lock and Batchworth. Music, performing arts, displays and presentations, traders, boats and catering http://www.rwt.org.uk/festival/ 17 - 18 May Learn the traditional craft of Roses & Castles painting at The Canal 11am - 4pm Museum. For information, prices and availability please contact Louise.Stockwin@canalrivertrust.org.uk

23 - 25 May, MK Branch “Lock Help” Weekend, Soulbury Three Locks. (also 26 May if Sat eve (weather permitting): Bring-your-own barbecue. enough volunteers) Our major fundraising event for waterway causes. If you can help over this weekend, please contact Peter Caswell.

Sunday 8 June

Wendover Arm Trust Restoration Open Day, Drayton Beauchamp.

See volunteers at work. Teas and cakes. Parking at St Mary’s Church, HP22 5LS http://www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk/events.html

14 - 15 June

Stoke Bruerne Family Festival, organised by Friends of the Canal Museum. http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk/

20 - 22 June

Great Linford Waterside Festival, Manor Park, Great Linford, MK. Music, dance, sport, food and drink. http://www.watersidefestival.co.uk/

19 - 20 July Buckingham Canal Society Festival, Cosgrove, Grand Union Canal Join in the Society’s annual friendly gathering. http://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk/events-and-news/calendar/

Saturday 26 July Branch presence at Linslade Canal Festival 2014 Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard.

Help us fly the flag at this busy event. If you can help, please contact Les Franklin. http://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/events/linslade-canal-festival/

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Diary Pages—continued.

9 - 10 August Blisworth Canal Festival, Blisworth, Northants.

11am - 5pm Trade and work boats, boat trips, bar, live music, vintage caravans, children's fairground, WW2 re-enactors. http://www.blisworthcanalfestival.co.uk/ Sunday 7 September

Wendover Arm Trust Restoration Open Day, hopefully to coincide with re-watering of next section. Details to be announced—see http://www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk/events.html

13 - 14 September Stoke Bruerne Village at War Weekend, organised by Friends of the Canal Museum. Step back in time at this popular event. http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk/

Monday 22 September MK Branch meeting: Restoration of a 1934 BCN Tug, 7.45 for 8pm with John Pattle, P & S Marine.

MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK

MIKRON THEATRE COMPANY 2014 The players of the Mikron Theatre Company are still touring the waterways in their narrow boat Tyseley, bringing drama to out-of-the-way places as they have done since the 1970s. This year, they feature two new performances: Till the Cows Come Home: Follow Harvey Granelli as he quits his unrewarding local government job, and embarks on a quest to make the finest ice-cream in the world.

Troupers: A little-told story of the Great War brings to life the amazingly audacious Concerts At The Front – a hitherto unsung war effort that’s full of guts, gusto and greasepaint.

Here’s a list of their local performances: Sunday 22 June, 2pm, Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SE Troupers Thursday 26 June, 7.30pm, Black Horse, Great Linford, MK14 5AJ Till the Cows Come Home Friday 27 June, 7.30pm, The Well at Willen, MK15 9AA Troupers Monday 30 June, 7.30pm, Anglers Retreat, Startopsend, HP23 4LJ Till the Cows Come Home Tuesday 1 July, 7.30 pm, Grand Junction Arms, Bulborne, HP23 5QE Troupers

A DAY ON THE WATER

If you’re not a boat-owner and fancy a day out on the water this summer, here’s a reminder of local public trips and day-boat hire (this is not necessarily an exhaustive list): Grebe Canal Cruises, Pitstone Wharf - day boats and public trips Tel: 01296 661920; email: enquiries@grebecanalcruises.co.uk Cosgrove Narrowboat Company, Cosgrove Wharf - day boats and public trips Tel: 01525 372853 or 07973 915652; email: info@cosgrovenarrowboats.co.uk MK Afloat, Milton Keynes Marina - day boat Tel: 01908 672672; Web: http://www.mkmarina.co.uk/Boat-Hire.aspx John Bunyan, Bedford - public trips and charter cruises Tel: 0800 3282 803; Web: http://www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk/the-trips/ Page 9

Branch AGM, 24 February 2014

About 28 Branch members attended the Branch AGM on 24 February, and we were also pleased to welcome the new Chairman for Eastern Region, Richard Collet-Fenson. In his Chairman's report, Peter Caswell highlighted Branch activities over the year, including the renewed adoption agreement for Fenny Lock, the Lock Ransom weekend that produced record funds, two Clean-ups, a commendation for the Clean-ups from the Waterways Renaissance Awards, attendance at Linslade Canal Festival, and participation in the Milton Keynes Mayor's fund raising evening with Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust.

Peter thanked all – Committee members, active non-Committee members, and Branch members alike – who had organized and participated in these events and carried on the Branch’s routine work, as well as their partners who support them in numerous ways. He also thanked the staff at the Pavilion for providing a warm and friendly meeting-place. He invited members to consider joining the Committee.

Philip Strangeway, Branch Secretary, thanked those who had lent support, advice and assistance during his first six months in the post.

Help out at Three Locks

As we do every year, we will be rattling the bucket at Three Locks over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, working the locks and collecting donations in aid of waterway restoration from boaters and pub visitors.

There's just one difference this time. Under advice from Head Office we've changed the name. "Lock Ransom" was thought to be "too negative", so it's now "Lock Help Weekend".

Banners have been designed and made, which will inform both boaters and public what's going on.

We plan to be at Three Locks from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 May, and we may decide to extend the event to the Monday if we have sufficient volunteers, good boat traffic and favourable weather.

Please contact Peter Caswell if you can offer help with this, our major fundraising event.

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Dave Roberts presented the Branch accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013, and proposed donations of £250 each to Buckingham Canal Society, WRG BITM, Bedford - Milton Keynes Waterway Trust and Wendover Arm Trust. These were approved unanimously, and cheques were passed to representatives after the formal business.

Peter Caswell, Rodney Evans and Marie Draper retired by rotation and sought re-election, and one new candidate, Dave Porter, sought election. All were elected en bloc by a show of hands.

After the formal business, Peter Caswell invited questions. Jonathan Brown raised the maintenance of the Wolverton Mural which he currently undertakes. Peter thanked him for this work, and encouraged other members to help.

Rodney Evans thanked Peter for his continuing leadership as Chairman of the Branch, which the meeting applauded Sheila Franklin asked about the reduced speaker fees compared with 2012, and whether more could be spent on speakers. The Treasurer explained that this resulted from some speakers declining fees or expenses, but meetings still represent a net cost to the Branch, even with the lower expenses last year. Members with ideas for speakers were invited to pass them on to Rodney Evans.

Wendy Evans asked if the Branch makes any acknowledgement when members are ill, for example by sending a card. It was thought that some members might prefer privacy about their health, but it was agreed to discuss this at Branch Committee.

At a subsequent Committee meeting, it was agreed that we should seek a Branch member to help us develop and define the role of “Branch Welfare Officer”, preferably as a Committee member. If you would like to consider this, please contact Peter Caswell.

The Editor’s Page

I have been able to fill this edition entirely with Branch and other local news. Thanks to all my contributors. This abundance is a symptom of how busy the Branch is, or perhaps more correctly, how busy the Branch would like to be.

Most Committee members are retired, but many of us have as much Branch work as we can handle, what with other commitments and advancing age. These factors set a limit on how much the Branch can achieve, both in organising things and in physical work.

If you are not an active member, your membership itself is of great value, not only for your subscription money, but for the increased clout that healthy membership numbers give the IWA in its negotiations at high level. But having caught the canal bug, many people join the IWA out of a desire to “put something back” into the waterways. The fact that 47 members turned up to the Clean-up (to “put something back” by taking something out!) is a very pleasing and encouraging indication that they are prepared to be more than armchair members.

But we also need more strength on the Committee, so that we can continue to organise not only the Clean-ups, but do better at fund-raising, educating the public (especially young people), talking to C&RT, and much more. While you enjoy summer on the waterways, would you consider joining the Committee and helping us achieve more?

Les Franklin, Editor.

Willowbridge Marina http://www.willowbridgemarina.co.uk

Pedal Power?

What are your views on cycling on towing paths?

Do you do so yourself?

C&RT (and their predecessor) accepted funds from Sustrans and local authorities to improve towing paths in certain areas. This has made them much easier for all to use, including those in wheel chairs or pushing children in buggies. Unfortunately, in some areas cyclists have taken over, and there is now conflict between them and other users. By the time you read this, the C&RT consultation on ‘Sharing Towpaths’ will have closed (2nd May), but please email me your views so that when your Committee speaks with C&RT on this subject we are sure we are representing the majority view of our members.

Peter Caswell.

01908 643242

office@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

Let’s freshen up the Wolverton Train Mural The Wolverton Train Mural underwent a major refurbishment three years ago. Since then, Jonathan Brown has carried out periodic maintenance, but the Mural could do with a more concentrated freshening-up.

Fund-raising Dinner with B-MKWT Last autumn, a fund-raising dinner was held under the joint auspices of BedfordMilton Keynes Waterway Trust and IWA Milton Keynes Branch.

We hope to repeat this in autumn 2014 as a worthwhile way of raising funds for our two organisations.

Watch out for details in September's TPT.

Jonathan has offered to lead a one-day work party to deal with flaking paintwork, encroaching vegetation, and a few spray-painted "tags". If you would like to help, please contact Jonathan via Athina Beckett.

Branch photography competition

Summer is a-coming in, and we are sure that you will be using your camera on the cut. Peter Caswell has mooted the idea of a Branch photographic competition. We hope to award prizes for the best pictures submitted by an adult and by an under-18.

First thoughts are that pictures should be taken within the UK, entries could be exhibited on a Gallery web page, and we might use the best ones for Branch purposes, e.g TPT front cover or Branch publicity material. We will be working this up over the coming weeks, so look out for details on the Branch pages of the IWA web site. Meanwhile, keep the camera handy and get snapping!

Good Branch work at Fenny Lock The fifteenth Working Party was held on 17 March. The removal of the 10 metres of hedge topping by Fountains (Canal & River Trust's contractors) on the bund side of the Broadwalk was completed. The bottom of the hedge has been cleaned out ahead of planting whips (saplings) to close gaps in the hedge. Fifty whips were planted, protected and watered.

More whips are required to complete gap filling to the first access point, but we have agreed to postpone this until next Spring, by which time hopefully Fountains will have completed the Whips planted to fill hedge gaps at Fenny Lock. hedge topping next winter to match with our brash clearance behind the hedge. Miriam TedPhoto: Rodney Evans. der (C&RT) has asked Tesco to clear all the piles of brash down the Broadwalk, and I have added my request to hers. Tesco states that all its budget has been spent on clearing the fishermen’s car park where there is so much fly tipping.

Further exposed litter was collected for removal by Miriam Tedder. Lock beam ends, other woodwork and step edges have been rubbed down and repainted with white Sadolin.

The next working party on 14 April will return to the Lock area for cleaning and re-painting as necessary, to bring the site up to standard for the summer boating season.

Rodney Evans, Adoption Scheme Co-ordinator.

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BEDFORD-MK WATERWAY TRUST NEWS

Graham Mabbutt, Trust Chairman, has received an award for services to the local community from the Bedford High Sheriff, Deborah Inskip, with particular reference to his work with the B-MK Waterway and the John Bunyan boat project.

After a review led by Jane Wolfson, Vice President and former Chair of the Trust, a new Board has been established to manage the John Bunyan trip boat. Jane Wolfson is Chair, leading a team of nine others with specific operational responsibilities, including David Tucker in charge of Maintenance and Improvement. Don Allison and Roger Crews, who were instrumental in bringing the project from a crazy idea to fruition, have retired.

The Waterway route is broken down into sections named alphabetically, of which sections A-G comprise the MK Waterway Park. Within this length various options have been under consideration, especially for the route leaving the Grand Union. The Trust has now reverted to the original plan for this section (called B1), which will link the GU with Willen Lake. This section already has Planning consent, and Milton Keynes Development Partnership (an MK Council owned company) owns the land, and are planning to include a marina at Newlands in the Development Framework for this land. Work is in hand with the Planning section of MK Council to secure the rest of the route through the MK Waterway Park.

The Trust is in need of additional directors as David Fowler and Hilary Goldsmith are stepping down after many years' service to the cause. Personnel are also still needed for several roles running the John Bunyan.

The Trust holds its AGM and Information Evening in Newport Pagnell on 15 May, when Paul Vann of Bedford Borough Council and the B-MK Waterway Consortium will give an update on the Waterway project (see Diary Page).

Text by Rodney Evans, augmented from B-MK Waterway Trust newsletter, April 2014.

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For Moorings Availability and Prices, visit http://www.mkmarina.co.uk Page 13

BCS TO RE-WATER AT COSGROVE IN MAY? This year the children of Furze Down School chose the BCS as the charity to benefit from the sale of Christmas wreaths made at the school, and I received a cheque for ÂŁ100 which will be put to very good use by the Society.

Pupils from the school who are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme have been assisting our volunteers at our Hyde Lane Nature Hyde Lane Lock, looking every bit like a navigable waterway! Photo: Richard Alan Lewis.

Reserve site.

Work has included clearing the drainage ditch between the canal and the adjoining land and improving the area around the lock. Those of you who have visited the site will have seen the lock gates from the Northampton Arm (pictured), donated by Canal & River Trust. When these gates were being installed, a pair of the original gates was found in the lock chamber. These were removed, and over the past few weeks volunteers have been turning them into seats. At a recent work party, these were installed next to the lock and painted black and white.

Our work parties have now moved back to Cosgrove, where the plans are to continue towards getting this section of the canal in water by building more bunds and re-watering it in stages. One bund has already been completed, and work will continue to build further bunds. If everything goes to plan we may have the first section in water by the middle of May! A lot of work has already been carried out to improve the towpath and walkers have already noted the improvements.

The work parties continue throughout the year on alternate Thursdays and on the second Sunday of each month. Volunteers now have the opportunity of working with "Blue", the excavator donated by the IWA. One of our aims this year is to increase the number of team building days carried out by visiting companies. So far we have had one very successful event with a company called Delico, and more are planned with companies including Santander, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and two events with the Home Retail group which consists of Homebase and Argos.

Our annual Festival at Cosgrove takes place on 19-20 July, returning to the previous slot a week before the very popular Linslade Festival. This year it should be better than ever: as well as the usual events by Cosgrove Lock, we have booked Cosgrove Village Hall and will be running a craft festival there. Our cake stall volunteers will have the extra space needed to provide tea and coffee as well as cakes in a very pleasant environment. In case of really bad weather we could move most of the Festival inside the hall, including the Saturday evening entertainment, but let's hope for the brilliant weather we had last year! If you know of anyone who might be interested in booking a space at the village hall or helping at the event, please email events@buckinghamcanal.org.uk Athina Beckett, Buckingham Canal Society.

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WENDOVER ARM TRUST NEWS Wendover Arm Trust members have been saddened at the deaths, within a month of each other, of John Brooman, Treasurer, on 8 February, and of former Chairman Paul Leech, on 6 March. Tributes to both will appear in the Trust's Summer newsletter.

The Trust is holding two Restoration Open Days, on 8 June and 7 September (see Diary page). At the second Open Day, which is hoped to coincide with re-watering the section of restored canal to Bridge 4A, the winning tickets will be drawn for the Trust's Grand Draw (see below, right). However the severe winter weather has put in doubt whether this section can be finished for September.

Re-lining work was impossible in January and February, and work parties concentrated on efforts to keep the restorations site clear of WAT GRAND DRAW water. A ditch was dug past bridge 2014—Two books are en4A to the next manhole, in an atclosed with the printed editempt to supplement pumping to tion; please spread them drain the site. This was filled in around to friends and famiafter serving its purpose, to regain lies. Apologies if you do vehicle access to the site. not require tickets, but you During March, much-needed maintenance and rubbish disposal The flooded work site in January was carried out at the Little Tring Photo: Chris Sargeant. storage area. Progress was made on the new footpath and nature trail from Bridge 3 to Whitehouses, where an information board will be placed.

might like to make a donation to the Trust instead.

Wyvern Shipping has again donated a week’s boating holiday, and Grebe Canal Cruises has donated a day boat hire. There is a flight with Virgin Balloon Flights, In April, a KESCRG work party returned to Whitehouses, to continue £100 cash from Barry Marbricklaying at the overflow weir and chamber. Pictures from this work tin, and many other prizes.

party can be seen at http://www.kescrg.org.uk/picturespage.htm

There is concern that the slow rate of progress possible in winter months, and the number and ages of volunteers, are conspiring to jeopardise the schedule for completing Phase 2 of the restoration. Council is considering how to use volunteers to best effect, whether volunteers can commit to specific days or weeks, the possibility of staging more intensive work parties in the summer months, what scope there might be for recruiting volunteer help from C&RT and other community volunteering organisations, and new sources of funding.

From WAT newsletter, Spring 2014.

THE THREE LOCKS TEL: 01525 270214

Please write at least a name and phone number on counterfoils, and return them (with cheque payable to Wendover Arm Trust) to Michael Wright, 54 Meadowcroft, St Albans, AL1 1UF, by 23 August. For more tickets, please call 01727 860137.

A very traditional canalside pub . . .

Dating from the early 1900s, the Three Locks is full of character, with the added appeal of wide country views, and of course the passing boats.

The Three Locks is now family-run by Michael and Susan Schwartz. Our focus is on customer service, with high standards in our beers, wines and soft drinks, and in the quality of our food - locally sourced and freshly prepared. We are open daily from 12 noon, and our friendly and efficient staff look forward to welcoming you.

Web: www.thethreelocks.co.uk

Email: info@thethreelocks.co.uk

10% discount on food for IWA members - please show your membership card.

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Getting in touch with MK Branch At our Annual General Meeting on 24 February, Peter Caswell, Rodney Evans and Marie Draper were re-elected, and we welcomed Dave Porter as a new Committee member.

All officers agreed to continue in their posts for the coming year. Here is the up-to-date contact list.

CHAIRMAN: PETER CASWELL Email: peter.caswell@waterways.org.uk SECRETARY: PHILIP STRANGEWAY Email: philip.strangeway@waterways.org.uk MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: PETE BICKERS Email: pete.bickers@waterways.org.uk TREASURER: DAVE ROBERTS See Page 7.

Contact via any Committee member.

EDUCATION OFFICER: VACANT—for information, see:

https://www.waterways.org.uk/support_us/volunteer/vacancies/milton_keynes_branch_education_officer

E FOR COPY DATTPT NEXT

1

SOCIAL/PUBLICITY, B-MK WT REPORTER AND FENNY LOCK CO-ORDINATOR: RODNEY EVANS Email: rodney.evans@waterways.org.uk BUCKINGHAM CS REPRESENTATIVE: ATHINA BECKETT Email: chairman@buckinghamcanal.org.uk TRADE REPRESENTATIVE: JAMES GRIFFIN Email: james@canalholidays.co.uk

AUG

MARIE DRAPER Email: marie.draper@waterways.org.uk DAVID KING Email: david.king@waterways.org.uk

ADVERTISEMENTS 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 Inserts

Per edition £32.50 £20.00 £12.50 £15.00

3 editions £65.00 £40.00 £25.00 -

Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses change frequently, but these were correct on 1 April 2014.

DAVE PORTER Email: david.porter@waterways.org.uk EDITOR: LES FRANKLIN Email: les.franklin@waterways.org.uk PLANNING (non-C’tee): TONY BIRCH Contact via Les Franklin.

WEBMASTER (non-C’tee): VERNON DRAPER Email: vernon.draper@waterways.org.uk

IWA homepage: https://www.waterways.org.uk MK Branch pages: at above address, under “IWA Local”, select “Milton Keynes”.

Canal and River Trust: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust: http://www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk Buckingham Canal Society: http://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk Wendover Arm Trust: http://www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk Friends of the Canal Museum: http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Leighton Buzzard Canal Society: website down at present

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 members and readers.

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