May 2016
TOWPATH TELEGRAPH IWA Milton Keynes Branch Journal
Spring Cleanup report BCS, B&MKWT and WAT news Looking forward: Branch meeting with a difference WAT Grand Draw tickets inside (printed edition) Under leaden skies on 14 April, working pair Towcester and Bideford head south towards Leighton Lock with fuels for sale. Photo: Les Franklin. IWA (registered charity no. 212342) is the leading membership charity that works to resurrect and protect the waterways as a vital leisure facility for everyone to enjoy, and campaigns for their sensitive development 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 2016 Towpath Telegraph As this edition is prepared, the weather is not sure if it is winter or spring, with warm days alternating with cold. No doubt it will have improved in time for our summer events—see the Diary page. We look forward to meeting you at these. See Page 14 for our plans for a Branch meeting that’s out of the ordinary and which we hope you will support. We hope you enjoy this edition.
Chairman’s Column Rodney steps down at AGM GU through MK is spick and span after the Cleanup Two Arms on two legs New Members Wendover Arm: work at Whitehouses almost complete WAT Grand Draw tickets Another bridge parapet hit Canalside art trail for MK Diary The Fenny Stratford Canal Festival Visit “G dad”! CanalFILE—part 5 Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust news BCS “cleans for the Queen” Canalside development at Fenny Stratford refused Looking forward: a Branch meeting with a difference Looking back: the Residential Boat Owners’ Association Getting in touch with MK Branch
2-3 3 4-5 5 5 6-7 6 7 7 8-9 9 9 10-11 12 13 14 14 15 16
Chairman’s Column Well, there's another AGM done and dusted. It was something of a heart-inmouth affair, as the British Legion informed us at short notice that a funeral party had particularly requested use of the venue on our evening. Luckily, Saira and Martin Flynn at the nearby Dolphin public house made us most welcome. Thanks too to Dave Porter, whom we stationed at the Legion in case any members attending did not receive our message advising of the change of venue. In my report to the meeting, I reviewed a year of successful Branch activities that broke some fresh ground, especially in the increase in our outreach work. I was at pains to thank all who have helped in these efforts - I hope I didn't miss anyone out! Foremost among these are the members of the Committee, to all of whom I continue to be deeply grateful for their unstinting support. Special thanks were accorded to Rodney Evans who retired from the Committee (see opposite). Among the other formalities of the meeting were the approval of donations of £300 each to Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, Buckingham Canal Society, Wendover Arm Trust and Waterway Recovery Group BITM, and the re-election of Pete Bickers, the only Committee member to retire by rotation this year. During question time, Jonathan Brown expressed concern at the deteriorating condition of the Wolverton Mural wall. Jonathan has spent much time touching-up the mural since its major re-paint in 2011. The chief problem is water penetration, both from rainwater and from the ground that the wall retains, leading to spalling when this water freezes. We have never known who owns it, and we are making fresh efforts to find out who does. At the March Committee meeting, I agreed to retain the Chair for the coming year, to set up the meetings for 2016-17 (delegating some follow-up contact with speakers), to produce publicity for the socials programme and for the Cleanups, as well as to continue with Page 2
Chairman’s Column—continued. Towpath Telegraph. Other Committee members have kindly taken extra jobs too. We are willing to do this for a while to allow “business as usual” and to give further time for members to come forward to take on some of the long-term decision-making roles. For my part I have told the Committee that my current level of work will be unsustainable beyond the 2017 AGM.
Rodney steps down at AGM
The membership is aware of this need for new blood, and I ask you all again to consider helping us. As I have said before, we are a very friendly and “can-do” bunch, we have loads of experience to help you, and you will have the satisfaction of making a much-valued contribution. The Committee will be discussing the future of the Branch at our May meeting, but it is ultimately you the members who will decide what that future is. I am very much aware of how much we do depend upon nonCommittee help. Vernon Draper (web site) and Tony Birch (Planning) have had ongoing roles for years, and they are joined by Rodney Evans who continues as Adoption Scheme Coordinator for the time being. Dave Roberts contributes to the Education Sub-Committee. As well as these, I can think without trying hard of at least twenty Branch members who regularly assist with the Adoption Scheme, Lock Help, Cleanups and our other outside events. I have also received five very welcome offers of non-Committee help that we will do our best to take up.
Photo: Les Franklin. Rodney Evans retired from the Branch Committee after many years as Social Secretary and Pub -licity Officer. Latterly he has reported to us on the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway, and has coordinated the Fenny Lock Adoption Scheme.
Those of you who volunteer at these events are all part of the "Branch Team" (you may be surprised to see yourselves described as such), and your help is very much appreciated. My hope would be that some of you may feel able to become more involved in the central running of the Branch.
When Committee members gathered at Three Locks on 7 March for our annual dinner (always held soon after the Branch AGM) it was the Another successful Cleanup took place on 15-16 April (see occasion to thank Rodney Page 4). My thanks go to Philip, James and Athina who organ- for his years of service to the Branch. Rodney's ised it, and to the CRT staff, Branch members and other local wise counsel at Commitvolunteers who joined in. tee meetings will be much missed.
Once again we ask for your help at our events this summer, when we bang the IWA drum. See the Diary page for the details We thanked Wendy too confirmed so far. If you can help, please get in touch with me. for her support of RodCanal & River Trust and the Environment Agency have established a joint Working Group to explore options for an eventual transfer of the EA navigations to CRT, which remains Government policy. This is welcome news, but we are told that the Group is at a very early information-gathering stage, and that no decisions have yet been made. I hope that you have an enjoyable summer on the waterways. Les Franklin, Branch Chairman.
ney's Committee work, and for her own efforts for the Branch. Our best wishes go to them both. For the time being, Rodney will continue (off the Committee) as Lock Adoption Co-ordinator. Page 3
GU through MK is spick and span after the Cleanup The Grand Union Canal from Fenny Stratford to Old Wolverton is now spick and span after the Branch staged its Spring Cleanup through the city in wet and sometimes sleety conditions on 15-16 April. As usual, the Branch extends its thanks to Wyvern Shipping Co Ltd for its sponsorship, and to the Canal & River Trust (CRT) for its support.
The hopper, with grapnels deployed, is pulled in to the towpath for a well-earned tea-break.
Branch members and other local volunteers were joined by CRT staff who gave much-appreciated assistance on the workboats, and litterpicked from the towpath and hedges. They included Sam AndersonBrown, Jacqui Flint, Mike Grimes, Sonny King, Miriam Linforth and Matthew Symonds.
The CRT dredger was manned by Brian Eales and CRT volunteer Graham Newman. Vicky Martin, CRT Waterway Manager South East, visited the Cleanup for the first time. She said: “I am astonished at the scale of the operation - and the professionalism of the volunteers�. We were also joined on Friday by Borough and Parish Councillor Peter McDonald, and Emma Matthars, Assistant Volunteers Coordinator at IWA Head Office. On Saturday we were pleased to see our ex-CRT friend John Highmore. The Cleanup was organised for the Branch by Philip Strangeway. The hopper was towed by James Griffin aboard Ocean Princess. Athina Beckett on Brown Trout, towing the pan, was held up for a time with a motorcycle on the propeller. The haul was certainly heavier than at last autumn's Cleanup, estimated at about six tons. Boaters moored on the stretch had been offered a one-off chance to put out rubbish for collection, with any extra costs underwritten by Wyvern Shipping. This offer probably did not account for much of the inPage 4
The haul Wolverton.
awaits
collection
at
Old
Cleanup—continued. crease; much of the rubbish collected from the towpath appeared to have been there for some time. Items retrieved included a fridge, microwave and other electrical items, bicycle, wheelchair, sledge, car battery, and assorted timber and other refuse. Mike Grimes (CRT) even bagged a small but quite healthy -looking Christmas tree to take home and plant out! A total of 321 hours was worked on this Cleanup. Many thanks to all who turned out once again to participate in doing an excellent job. The next Cleanup will be in the autumn, and will work south from Fenny towards Leighton Buzzard. Text and pictures: Les Franklin. Right: Vicky Martin chats with volunteers.
Two Arms on two legs
New Members
We welcome the members below who have recently joined the Branch. We hope to see you at our events during the summer months— The event is open to everyone and involves running along the please introduce yourAylesbury and Wendover Arms of the Grand Union Canal, as selves to a Committee part of a half marathon or 10k challenge. A family fun run is also member.
On Sunday, 11 September, the ‘Two Arms on Two Legs’ event is being organised by CRT together with Aylesburybased running club ‘On the Run’, with support from Sport England and the People’s Postcode Lottery.
organised for younger runners at Oakfield Park in Aylesbury.
Entry fees for the half marathon are £15 per person. For the 10k the entry fee is £13 per person. Age restrictions apply. Discounts are available to those runners affiliated to a running club or who are members of England Athletics. For more information and to sign up for the event visit: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/
Mr N & Mrs A Brenchley, Walnut Tree, MK Mr A & Mrs N Gladdish, Stoke Hammond Mr P McCrea, Leighton Buzzard Mr N Pauli, Leighton Buzzard Mr A Pegg, Clifton Reynes, MK Mr I Sells, Huntingdon
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 5
Wendover Arm: work at Whitehouses almost complete Despite poor weather at the beginning of the year, pipe capping, excavation and rough bank profiling is mainly complete to within 100 metres of the end of Stage 3. Between Little Tring and Bridge 4A, entries for water have been made at all the manholes in order to improve the drainage of the bed as quickly as possible after rain, during its continued use for heavy plant. The storage site at Little Tring was tidied, and space was made for a new delivery of Bentomat later in the year. An improved type of Bentomat is now available, and sufficient matting to complete Phase II is likely to cost less than previously estimated. The Trust is strongly recommending its use to CRT. East of Bridge 4A, a base has been prepared for a seat in memory of MK Branch member Stuart Bell, who was a staunch supporter of the Trust, and who left a bequest of £5,000 for the restoration. CRT has now completed its work at Whitehouses. The old settling tank and the adjacent manhole restored by KESCRG have now been covered with galvanised steel safety grids, which will allow visitors to view what is going on underneath. Left: Looking toWAT GRAND DRAW wards WendoTICKETS—Two books of ver, the settling tickets are enclosed with tank at Whitethe printed edition of TPT. houses, with stop We hope that MK Branch grooves for the members will again give the magnificent support adjustable weir, you have for the past few and (below left) years—the Draw provides with new grids in an essential regular inposition. come for the Trust.
The top prize is a week’s boat hire from Wyvern Shipping, and many more prizes will be added. See the current list of prizes on the WAT web site. For more tickets, please call me on 01727 860137. Please return your counterfoils and payment by 22 August (cheques payable to Wendover Arm Trust, and your address on the back, please). The draw takes place at the Restoration Open Day on 4 September. Good Luck! Michael Wright, Promoter, WAT. Page 6
Draw
Below: paddle gear reinstated in the wharf wall, ready to empty the canal in case of need. Photos by Roger Leishman and Ray Orth.
Whitehouses almost complete—continued. The paddle gear arrangements have now been altered in readiness for eventual re-watering. The settling tank incorporates an adjustable weir that will control the water level, and a new sluice will allow this section of the canal to be drained when stop planks are in place. The water will not be lost as it will drop into Wilstone Reservoir. At the Wendover end, CRT's contractors have cut a channel through the reeds and rushes that have impeded the flow from Wendover to the start of the pipeline at Drayton Beauchamp. This will restore the flow at least for the time being until they regrow. Contractors have also cut down saplings and foliage at the towpath edge. During coming months, pipe capping will continue into the Stage 4 stretch (Whitehouses to Bridge 4). KESCRG are booked to return during May, when they will landscape the Whitehouses site. If volunteers are available, general tidying of vegetation between Drayton Beauchamp and Little Tring will be carried out. On 24 April, the Southern Canals Association (a loose association of restoration groups in southern England who exchange information and ideas) was scheduled to visit the Wendover Arm, touring the Whitehouses & Drayton Beauchamp sites, and receiving talks from Roger Leishman and Ray Orth (WAT Restoration Directors), Les Etheridge (IWA National Chairman) and Richard Parry (CRT Chief Executive CRT). HLF bid: as we go to press, the decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund is still awaited. Adapted from WAT Restoration newsletter, February 2016.
Another bridge parapet hit Canal & River Trust is asking motorists to slow down when crossing 200year old canal bridges after yet another one has been hit. The latest is Gamnel Bridge (Bridge 2) on the Wendover Arm near Tring. The repair is expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds as the brick parapet will need to be taken down and completely rebuilt. CRT’s Will Swinburn said: “Each time a bridge is hit, a small bit of history is lost and it is heartbreaking to spend so much time and money caring for these amazing structures just to see them damaged”. Over the last year CRT has spend over £1 million on repairs to hump back bridges. CRT news release, April 2016.
Canalside art trail for MK Installation is due to start on an Art Trail that will include sculptures at sites beside the canal in Milton Keynes. The trail will begin at Gyosei Gardens, the site of the former Gyosei International School. Among the artworks will be a giant stainless-steel spider's web suspended in the trees, an oak sculpture of a friendly frog, with reliefs depicting the canal's food-chain, enamel panels with Japanese-style artworks, and a life-size shire horse sculpture. Next will come a seat inspired by Japanese tatami mats, and lastly a mosaic sculpture of a barn owl in flight. The £60,000 project has been funded from the sale of land belonging to the former school. In 2012, local residents were invited to choose themes for the artworks in the belief that they would take "ownership" of the finished works and look after them. Most of the works will be sited on Parks Trust land, one on CRT land. The trail will be opened at a celebration at 2pm on Sunday 17 July at Gyosei Gardens.
Adapted from Great Linford Parish Council newsletter, April 2016.
Page 7
Diary We look forward to meeting you at our events (shown in bold text) during the summer. These are detailed below as far as possible, but some arrangements are not yet finalised and will be announced on the Branch web pages when known. If you can help at our ewvents, please contact the person named (see back page). We also list some summer events organised by others nearby. 7-8 May 10am
21 - 22 May
Roses and Castles Painting Course with Terence Edgar. Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne. 10 participants maximum; £90 per person including all materials. Course repeated on 3 - 4 September. To book, call the Museum on 01604 862229. Rickmansworth Festival—now a major waterway event. Information from Rickmansworth Waterways Trust at: http://www.rwt.org.uk/festival
Thursday 26 May 7.30pm 27 - 29 May (also 30 May subject to weather, manpower and traffic)
Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust AGM. 3rd floor, Arts Central, 106-108 Saxon Gate West, MK9 2DN MK Branch Lock Help Weekend, Three Locks. Sat evening (weather permitting): Bring-your-own barbecue. Our major fundraising event for waterway causes. Coincides with Three Locks “Rock the Locks” Beer Festival - many beers and ciders to try! If you can help over this weekend, please contact Les Franklin or Athina Beckett.
Sunday 5 June 12.30 - 4pm
Wendover Arm Restoration Open Day. Church of St Mary the Virgin, Drayton Beauchamp, HP22 5LS Guided tours of the restoration, with volunteers at work, sideshows, tea & cakes. Parking at the church.
18-19 June
Stoke Bruerne Family Festival. Theatre, dance, boats, kids' activities, live music, crafts, food, real ale. Info at: http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk/#/family-festival-2016/4591554733
16-17 July
Branch stall at Buckingham Canal Society Cosgrove Festival. Historic and trade boats, entertainments, refreshments, craft fair (in Cosgrove Village Hall). We plan to spend one day at the Festival (dependent on weather forecast). If you can help, please contact Les Franklin. Info at: http://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk/events-and-news/annual-festival/
Saturday 30 July
Branch stall at Linslade Canal Festival. Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard. Help us fly the flag at this busy event. If you can help, please contact Jane Bidgood, Les Franklin or Philip Strangeway. More info at: http://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/canal-festival-2016/
Page 8
Diary—continued. 13 - 14 August
Fenny Stratford Canal Festival. Details are yet to be announced, but IWA MK Branch hopes to be there. See below. If you can help, please contact Les Franklin.
Sunday 4 September Wendover Arm Restoration Open Day. See 5 June above. 10-11 September Stoke Bruerne Village at War event. 10am onward The usual 1940s experience, now a firm favourite. Info at:
http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk/#/village-at-war-2016/4591537411
Sunday 11 September
Two Arms on Two Legs - - A Half Marathon organised by CRT on parts of the Aylesbury Arm, Grand Union Main Line and Wendover Arm. Full details at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/
Thursday 15 September IWA MK Branch meeting: South-east Waterways update and Q&A session, with Vicky Martin, CRT Waterway Manager. Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PU
The Fenny Stratford Canal Festival
Visit “G dad” !
Following its success in 2015, this offshoot from the Fenny Poppers Festival is expected to take place again on Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 August.
Those members who like to collect waterways memorabilia may be interested to know of "G dad's Collectables" at Galleon Wharf, Old Wolverton, MK12 5NL.
The main festival is named after the Fenny Poppers - six stubby tankard-shaped cannons which are fired every November in memory of Dr Thomas Willis, grandfather of Browne Willis who built St Martin’s Church in Fenny Stratford. One of the cannons You can go by car or tie your boat up outside. will be fired during the Festival in Fenny itself. The Canal Festival is intended to draw the attention of locals and visitors to the Fenny Lock and Watling Street area. Fenny Lock in particular is an attractive but unsung part of the town that has been much improved under the Branch’s Adoption Scheme and other initiatives. The Canal Festival will be a friendly low-key event centred around Fenny Lock or the towpath south of Watling Street. A good number of trading and historic boats are expected. Local boat owners are encouraged to attend, and maybe decorate their boats or wear traditional dress. IWA MK Branch hopes to be there on one or both days, and we will welcome your help on the day to set up, talk to the public, run our activities and clear away.
The shop is over two floors plus a barn, with bric-a-brac and furniture from all eras. On sale is a selection of canal painted ware and (late April) a very large Measham teapot dating from the late 1800s. Open every day (except Tues), 10—5 (Fri 8pm). More info at: gdadscollectables.co.uk or phone 01908 226802. Libby Culshaw
For more information or to offer assistance contact Les Franklin. Page 9
CanalFILE . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to CanalFILE! Last time we looked at the coming of the canal that was built through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. We answered the question: why was it built? We found out that the engineers faced problems where the land rose and that they solved this by digging cuttings or tunnels.
OVER TO YOU Imagine you are the engineer given the job of building the canal. You do a survey and find the easiest route, keeping to flat land where you can. But there are places on the route where the land falls and you can’t avoid them. What are you going to do? One solution would be to build locks to take the canal down to the low-lying land. But sometimes you would have to build so many locks it would take too long going through them. You need another solution. EMANKMENT An embankment was a long, thin, man made mound that was built to raise the ground up, so that the canal could continue on the same level. The embankment was given time to settle, then the canal was dug along the top of it. CUT-AND-FILL When digging a cutting or tunnel, what do you do with the dirt (spoil) you have dug out? Also, where did you get the spoil to build embankments?
THE THREE LOCKS TEL: 01525 270214
uct The Iron Trunk Aqued
of 1811
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. Page 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You've guessed it - the canals (especially the later ones) were planned so that the spoil needed for the embankments was about equal to that dug from the cuttings and tunnels this is called “cut-and-fill”. AQUEDUCTS If the valley was too deep or if there was a road or river to cross, an aqueduct - a bridge to carry the canal - was needed. An aqueduct was difficult and expensive to build, and was only built if there was no other way around the problem. Just north of Wolverton, the engineers faced the problem of how to cross the River Great Ouse. The river had cut a valley into the land and the canal needed to cross it. The Iron Trunk Aqueduct that you can see today was built in 1811 (picture opposite).
Grafton Street Aqued uct, opened 1991
In the late 1980s a new aqueduct was needed in Milton Keynes. A new road, Grafton Street, was planned between Bradwell Village and Wolverton, but it had to cross the canal. The solution was to build an aqueduct and take the road underneath. The canal was closed for two winters, but some clever engineering kept the canal open at reduced width between these closures. The aqueduct was opened in March 1991. It was the first one to be built on the canal system for 50 years, and carries the canal and towpath on three spans totalling 125 metres over the road.
AMAZING FACTS * The Grafton Street aqueduct cost £4,500,000. * The Iron Trunk aqueduct cost £3,677—but it’s not as long! * Both aqueducts were designed using the modern materials of their day - the Iron Trunk in cast iron, and the Grafton Street Aqueduct in reinforced concrete. VISIT THESE TWO AQUEDUCTS A visit to the Iron Trunk Aqueduct will show you what an amazing feat of engineering it was. Walk towards the aqueduct on the towpath and descend using the steps. You will be able to see the huge embankments that had to be built to raise the canal so that it stayed level. The story of how it came to be built will be covered next issue. The Grafton Street Aqueduct is also worth a visit if you want to marvel at this modern structure.
Jane
Text: Jane Bidgood. Photos: Jane Bidgood and Les Franklin.
Page 11
B&MKWT news On 1 May, the Trust’s Community Boat John Bunyan begins its fourth season on the River Great Ouse at Bedford. Since its launch in July 2013 the boat has carried over 15,000 people on private and public cruises. The regular schedule includes cruises to Kempston and Cardington, a three-hour cruise to the Anchor at Great Barford for lunch, a cruise from the town centre to the Barns Hotel for afternoon tea, a Saturday evening Fish & Chip Supper Cruise, the Sunset Cruise, and Afternoon Tea Cruises run in conjunction with The Bedford Swan Hotel. The popular Thursday evening Jazz Cruises continue each month, featuring top jazz musicians. The John Bunyan is run by a team of well-trained volunteers in support of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park Trust. It carries up to 50 passengers and is disabled friendly, having a wheelchair access lift and toilet. The boat is also available for private charter hire for local groups, parties, wedding cruises, school parties. Full details at: www.johnbunyanboat.org. Tickets for the public cruises can be purchased on line, or by phoning 01946 817456. Behind the scenes, the Trust is working to have its Business Plan incorporated into those of partner and Government agencies. Negotiations are taking place to progress the Campbell Park Marina project. Survey work in connection with extending the head of navigation at Kempston is also being planned. Steve Parker has been appointed Programme Manager, with the task of working the project up to an implementable state. He has been asked to develop at least one project to "shovel-ready" state in case Government suddenly decides that it has spare money to spend.
From B&MK News, March 2016 and Trust press release April 2016.
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 include Chandlery & full services Workshop, slipway
Secure car parking Laundry
Boat Brokerage Widebeam facilities
MK Afloat
Day Boat Hire Book now
Pub with carvery restaurant Indian & Chinese takeaway
For Moorings Availability and Prices, visit http://www.mkmarina.co.uk Page 12
BCS “cleans for the Queen” A very successful Buckingham Canal Society AGM and Social Evening took place on 19 March in Buckingham. Terry Cavender gave a talk with photos, explaining the work we are planning at Cosgrove over the next few months. On 13 March, we took part in the nationwide "Clean for the Queen" event, organised to clear up Britain in time for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations in June. At Cosgrove, ten volunteers litter-picked in Lock Lane, clearing drink cans, dog litter and old clothing, and leaving the area tidy for the community to enjoy. Then a "towpath tidy" took place along the Buckingham Canal plus other routine work.
Athina Beckett and “Clean for the Queen” volun -teers. Photo: Buckingham Canal Society.
Following a one-off work party, the MacIntyre Centre who work with people with learning difficulties now want to continue working with us at Cosgrove on future work dates.
Work will continue to discover how much of Bridge No 1 remains. It was thought that most of this bridge was missing, but towards the end of 2015 our volunteers carried out exploration work, and a lot more of it appears to be there buried under several layers of earth. It is hoped that over the next few months our volunteers will be able to clear away the soil so that work to repair the bridge can be started by the two Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) canal camps we are hosting this July and August. If anyone wants more information about the canal camps, please consult the WRG Canal Camps booklet for 2016. Finally, our annual Canal Festival takes place at Cosgrove over the weekend of 16-17 July, and this year there will again be a Craft Fair in Cosgrove Village Hall. Bookings are going well from boat traders, private boats and stallholders. For details, please see our web site or email events@buckinghamcanal.org.uk We look forward to seeing you there. Athina Beckett and Alyssa Lim, Buckingham Canal Society.
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
nd ks a re a e r i rt b eekly h o h S w Page 13
Canalside development at Fenny Stratford refused A proposed development of 39 houses on canalside land south of Watling Street, Fenny Stratford, was refused by Milton Keynes Borough Council on 7 April. The application was made by Lodge Park Ltd, a development partner of Canal & River Trust. It related to a vacant plot of CRT land on the towpath side, formerly used for dredgings, now incorporating a small picnic area (pictured—this would have been lost under the proposal). The only vehicle access to the site is via Penn Road, and the application was refused chiefly because the proposal's 39 houses exceeded the 30 set by Planning policy that relates the number of dwellings to the capacity of the access route. Further reasons for refusal included an inadequate proportion of affordable housing, and lack of evidence that the proposal would not have an adverse impact upon existing infrastructure. The developer was given leave to appeal.
Looking forward: a Branch meeting with a difference The 2016-17 programme of meetings begins on 15 September with a South East Update by Vicky Martin, CRT Waterway Manager. Other speakers include Jeremy Batch (authority on London’s Docks), Tony Conder (former Curator at the Gloucester Waterways Museum), Robin Garrett, (former BW Engineer), Athina Beckett (for a BCS update), and Alan Stewart (Boat Examiner). At the March Branch meeting, we mooted the idea of an evening with a difference: a joint meeting with Leighton Buzzard Art Society, with an artist demonstrating painting a waterway scene. I explained that the meeting would have to be in Leighton Buzzard, as our venue is not big enough. Nonetheless, the response was encouraging, and we have agreed with the Society that this meeting will take place on 17 November. The Society uses a digital camera, projector and screen to produce a big live image of the painting under way that everyone can see. Art Society members often use canal scenes for their inspiration, and surely one of the reasons why we love the waterways is their visual appeal. So here’s the chance for us to get some tips on putting that love into paint, and perhaps for the Society’s members to find out a little more from us about the waterways. The demonstrating artist, Melanie Cambridge, often paints views of the River Wey from her narrowboat studio. She is willing to consider doing a canal-oriented scene, if we send her some photos. So this is your chance to see your picture turned into paint! We’re looking for atmospheric views of attractive canal scenes, local to us or anywhere on the system. So please have a look through your collection and email any likely shots to me. Or why not get snapping? Top tip: get up early and catch that lovely morning light! Final choice of subject will rest with the artist, but this should be a most enjoyable and stimulating evening. I hope that you will appreciate and support this opportunity. Les Franklin Page 14
Looking back: The Residential Boat Owners' Association The guest speaker at our April meeting was Ivor Caplan of the Residential Boat Owners' Association (RBOA). Ivor has lived on his boat for almost fifty years, and during this time he has served many waterway causes. For fifty years, the RBOA has campaigned to promote the interests of people who live in boats on canals, rivers and estuaries. It encourages responsible living, safeguards existing moorings, and campaigns for an increase in the number of permanent moorings. It originated in 1963 when “a loose group of boats” moored on an island in the Thames formed an organisation to stand up to their landlord who was trying to evict them. In those days a basic boat would cost approximately £1350. The benefits of residential moorings are many. The boats provide life and colour to the waterways scene, particularly on less-used sections and out of the main cruising season. They contribute towards security for all waterway users. They also provide focus for visitor moorings, and members are encouraged to give visiting boaters local information. Residential boaters are able to flag up any problems promptly to the navigation authority. The RBOA also aims to maintain and improve derelict areas by putting boats there. It seeks clarification on issues such as Council Tax, current consultations and legislation. The Association is always pleased to advise those considering embarking upon a life afloat. It produces a regular newsletter entitled Soundings. In the second half of his talk, Ivor showed us example of all kinds of boats - house boats vs vessels. We saw some very fetching shapes, sizes and colours. The two-tone purple one was rather eye stopping! Find out more at: http://www.rboa.org.uk/ Libby Culshaw
Willowbridge Marina http://www.willowbridgemarina.co.uk
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 15
Getting in touch with MK Branch MK Branch Committee is always happy to receive your waterway news and comments. This is your contact list as it stands since February’s AGM.
E FOR COPY DATTPT NEXT
1
AUG ADVERTISEMENTS are welcomed to assist Branch funds. Charges are as below and are subject to VAT. Payment must be made before copy date to ensure insertion. Please contact the Editor for further details. Whole page Half page Qutr page
Per edition £32.50 £20.00 £12.50
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 30 March 2016.
Chairman and Editor:
LES FRANKLIN les.franklin@waterways.org.uk
Vice-Chairman:
VACANT
Secretary:
PHILIP STRANGEWAY philip.strangeway@waterways.org.uk
Membership:
PETE BICKERS pete.bickers@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer:
TIM ARMSTRONG tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk
Education Officer:
JANE BIDGOOD education.mkbranch@waterways.org.uk
Social Secretary:
VACANT
Publicity Officer:
VACANT
Buckingham Canal ATHINA BECKETT Soc Representative: athina.beckett@buckinghamcanal.org.uk B-MK Waterway Trust Reporter:
MARIE DRAPER marie.draper@waterways.org.uk
Trade Representative:
JAMES GRIFFIN james@canalholidays.co.uk
Cleanup Supervisor: VACANT Committee member: DAVE PORTER david.porter@waterways.org.uk Fenny Lock Adoption Scheme:
RODNEY EVANS (non-Committee) rodney.evans@waterways.org.uk
Webmaster:
VERNON DRAPER (non-Committee) vernon.draper@waterways.org.uk
Planning:
TONY BIRCH (non-Committee) Contact via Les Franklin
IWA homepage: https://www.waterways.org.uk MK Branch pages: at above address, under “IWA Local”, select “Milton Keynes”. Canal and River Trust: https://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
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. Page 16