January 2017
TOWPATH TELEGRAPH IWA Milton Keynes Branch Journal
ÂŁ3,000 bequest to MK Branch Students and Cadets help at Cleanup CanalFILE part 7 BCS, B-MKWT and WAT news A reminder of warmer days: the lock cottage on the Marsworth flight, pictured on a sunny afternoon in September. 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 January 2017 Towpath Telegraph The summer scene on the cover seems a distant memory, with frosty days now upon us—just right for a bracing towpath walk! Once you’re back indoors, TPT has lots of fireside reading, including a real winter warmer from Libby Culshaw (Page 6). There’s lots more, including the latest from the local schemes the Branch supports. We hope you enjoy this edition.
Chairman’s Column £3,000 bequest to MK Branch by John Herrick New Members Cadets and students join in the Autumn Cleanup A break from the norm at Leighton Buzzard Seen from the Tiller - Wood: fuel for thought Good food, good company at the Christmas social Diary IWA Milton Keynes Branch AGM notice CanalFILE—part 7 Woughton towpath repaired B-MKWT welcomes Infrastructure Report Good year for John Bunyan “Blue” blitzes the bridge! WAT makes first HLF bid match-funding payment Getting in touch with MK Branch
2-3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8-9 9 10-11 12 13 13 14 15 16
Chairman’s Column Just after September’s TPT was published, we received news of the death of David Blagrove, to whom many tributes have already been paid. I got to know David in 1982 when the Branches along the GU affected by the closure of Blisworth Tunnel staged a protest rally, of which David was Chairman. He entered into this task with all the gusto and good humour for which so many will remember him. We are also saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Miles, who was involved in many aspects of the local waterway scene, including the Buckingham Canal Society, the trip boat Linda, and the Friends of Raymond. He was perhaps best known as an author, both under his own name and as "Geoffrey Lewis". As well as waterway-related tales, his work includes detective fiction, books on American cars, and helping others to publish their memories. My thanks to Mike Freeman for the information. The autumn Cleanup southwards to Grove Lock was another success - thanks to all who took part. See the report on Page 4. Next year marks fifty years since Milton Keynes was begun, and "MK50" is being marked by various events in the city throughout the year. Our Cleanups in 2017 will be billed as MK50 events. We have identified two canalside stretches where a great deal of litter lies, too inaccessible to be collected during a normal Cleanup. So we are considering some additional efforts to tackle these stretches. Members have enjoyed some very entertaining Branch meetings. In September, despite the lack of a projector (our fault), Vicky Martin of CRT gave us an excellent update on the Trust's aims and priorities, and fielded some penetrating questions. Jeremy Batch's October talk on the London Docks was an informative and beautifully presented insight into a complex subject. In November, Branch members joined Leighton Buzzard Art Society members to watch artist and boater Melanie Cambridge paint a waterway scene - see Page 5. Another enjoyable Christmas social took place on 8 December—see Page 7. In February, it will be AGM time again; the Notice appears on Page 9. We are still very much in need of help to run the Branch, so may I ask you once again to please consider joining the Committee. My term of election has another year to run, and I have told the Page 2
Chairman’s Column—continued. Committee that I intend to step down at the 2018 AGM to concentrate for a while on some personal goals. However, off the Committee, I am willing to continue with producing the Branch newsletter and updating some of our publicity material. May I wish every Branch member a Happy and Healthy New Year. Les Franklin, Branch Chairman.
£3,000 bequest to MK Branch by John Herrick Many members will remember John and Olive Herrick, who died in 2014 and 2011 respectively. Both were staunch supporters of the Branch: John as a Committee member, and Olive as a participant in many Branch activities. The news of John’s bequest to the Branch was a complete surprise. His Will directs that the fund is to be used for our general purposes, but the Committee sought the views of several members who knew him, and discussed the bequest very fully at its October meeting. We decided: 1: that a portion of the funds should go to a physical memorial in the Linslade area. This will be in addition to the plaque pictured here and mentioned below. We have identified a possible site, and we will be pursuing this with Canal & River Trust. If we reach agreement with the Trust, we may need the services of a bricklayer, so please get in touch if you can help. 2: that the bulk of the fund should go to waterway causes. This should either be a specific Commemorative plaque placed by WAT project, or to augment the donations to the usuon Bridge 4. Photo: John Reynolds. al causes supported by the Branch. When possible, the donations should be made at times when they can attract matched funding. 3: that knowing of Wendover Arm Trust's imminent need to provide match funding for the development stage of its Heritage Lottery Fund bid, an immediate donation of £1,000 should be made to the Trust. This dona- New Members tion was made in late October, and WAT has placed a com- A warm welcome to these memorative plaque on Bridge 4—see picture. members who have This, we feel, is a very effective first use of the funds. Our understanding is that every stage of the bid process is of benefit to the applicants whether or not the bid progresses to the next stage. The work funded by this stage will be of great value in defining both the physical work and the preparatory work that must be done beforehand, even if the bid should ultimately fail. We will be looking for ways in which the bequest can help the other—equally deserving—local waterway causes that we support, ideally (as in point 2 above) where a donation can potentially help to unlock other funds, as with the current bid being made by Wendover Arm Trust and Canal & River Trust.
joined the Branch since the last edition. We hope to see you at our meetings—please introduce yourselves to a Committee member. Mr J Bodony, Dunstable Mr B Carpenter, Stotfold Mr A Kupper, Kempston Mr J Manley, Silsoe Mr C Middlemiss, Wavendon, MK Mr M Paris, Aylesbury Mr D Woodthorpe, Newton Leys, MK
Page 3
Cadets and students join in the Autumn Cleanup Students and Naval Cadets joined us on 14 - 15 October, for our Autumn Cleanup from Fenny Stratford to Grove Lock. The Branch is grateful to Wyvern Shipping Co Ltd for sponsorship and support, and to Canal & River Trust for the loan of safety gear, vessels, manned dredger, and other Trust staff who joined us. The effort was shared among towpath litter-pickers, the hopper crew, and the pan working on the offside. Jonathan Brown was alone on Brown Trout towing the pan; both he and Athina were far from well with 'flu, but Jonathan was judged the less unwell of the two, and gallantly turned up for duty. Among the items recovered were bicycles, motorbike frames, tyres, a tape-recorder, a laptop PC, a mattress, several chairs, duvets, blankets and pieces of carpet, a pushchair, a coal stove, a fridge comThe hopper arrives at Grove. Photo: Les Franklin. plete with food jars and packets, and a dolls’ house in good condition, now destined for a volunteer’s niece! As always, several supermarket trolleys were dragged from the canal, most of these near Leighton Buzzard’s canal bridge. An estimated total of around six tonnes of rubbish was collected. On the Friday, students from the University of Northampton came to help. Among them were art students on the lookout for items of rubbish to use in an artwork. They selected several items; these were to be cleansed and passed on to them. On Saturday, ten Cadets from Training Ship Ocean, Naval Cadets Corps, Leighton Buzzard, under their leaders Lieutenant Haley and Warrant Officer Corrigan, gave valuable help in litter-picking from the Globe Inn to Leighton Buzzard. Lieutenant Haley said: “It was good to hear some very positive comments from the public as the Cadets moved along the towpath, which always helps everyone to understand the value of what they do.” Jacqui Flint, Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, Canal & River Trust, who joined us on the Saturday, said "Many thanks to the IWA MK Branch for organising another successful autumn cleanup. The huge amount of rubbish and shopping trolleys taken out of the canal and along the towpath shows how important this event is to maintain and enhance our waterways for both boaters and towpath users. A big thank you to the volunteers from all the different groups who helped out over the two days." Thanks go to all who took part in the Cleanup, leaving one of the prettiest stretches of the Grand Union Canal as it should always look if everyone would dispose of their unwanted rubbish properly. Our next Canal Cleanup will take place through Milton Keynes in Spring 2017. Page 4
Les Franklin.
A break from the norm at Leighton Buzzard For November’s gathering, twenty-nine Branch members trekked south for a joint meeting with Leighton Buzzard Art Society. Members had been invited to submit photographs of local scenes, and visiting artist Melanie Cambridge, who is also a keen boater, had chosen one looking along the canal towards Leighton Lock. She first made some measurements to establish the composition, and sketched blocks in with charcoal. Then she loaded her brush with oil paints and in no time Leighton Lock appeared before our very eyes. A digital camera and projector allowed everyone to see clearly. As she worked, Melanie explained which colours and techniques she was using. She added a boat, walkers and a dog from photos taken on her home waterway, the Wey Navigation. The end result was fabulous. Finally the painting was put into a frame to show it off.
Photo: James Griffin; reproduced by permission of the artist, Melanie Cambridge.
During the interval we were able to admire the work of members of the Society. Les and Sheila had several paintings on display and they are first rate artists with lovely paintings of canal scenes. It was a marvellous evening—a big thank you to Les, as the idea to combine the groups in this way was his, and what an inspiration it turned out to be. Libby Culshaw. Afterwards, I emailed Melanie to thank her for the evening. In reply, she said: "It was great to be able to demonstrate to such a different audience and I certainly enjoyed the experience of combining art information with boating anecdotes! The painting came home with me in the end. It really needs quite a bit more work to be finished." - Ed.
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
Seen from the Tiller - Wood: fuel for thought By now many of you will have been burning wood and enjoying a toasty boat. Many years ago when British Waterways were clearing growth and trimming back hedgerows from the offside, they offered us their hawthorn logs. The cut wood is a lovely red colour. The BW man told us that in Irish folklore, it is said that the fairies bake their bread using hawthorn wood. This autumn, hawthorn berries have been most abundant and luxuriant and the hedgerows along the canal through Milton Keynes have been emblazoned with the scarlet fruits. During the winter months you will see the fieldfares and redwings, migrating in from Europe and Scandinavia, wolfing them down. I often take note of the logs on top of boats as I pass by. Photo: www.pixabay.com We are all aware that damp or young wood smoulders rather than burns due to the water in the wood fibres. For this reason it is best to ‘season’ (dry out) wood for a year or so. Hardwoods, being more dense, burn longer and slower than soft woods and take longer to season. Ash is always said to be the best wood because it burns evenly without being seasoned, as you can see from this old rhyme. Beechwood fires are bright and clear If the logs are kept a year. Oaken logs burn steadily If the wood is old and dry. Chestnut’s only good they say, If for long it’s laid away. But ash new or ash old Is fit for a queen with a crown of gold.
Birch and fir logs burn too fast, Blaze up bright but do not last. Make a fire of elder tree— Death within your house you’ll see. It is by the Irish said Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread. But ash green or ash brown Is fit for a queen with a golden crown.
Elmwood burns like churchyard mould— E’en the very flames are cold. Poplar gives a bitter smoke, Fills your eyes & makes you choke. Apple wood will scent your room With an incense like perfume. But ash wet or ash dry For a queen to warm her slippers by.
Many boats have willow stored on top. Apparently, it is very hard to cut, but seasons quicker in chunks due to its high water content. My Dad rarely burned willow wood because he said it sparked and didn't burn with as much heat as other woods. Wood warms you twice – once in the cutting & once in the burning. Have a warm and happy New Year, but don't go mad cutting down the hedgerows—think of the creatures which depend upon them! Libby Culshaw. Page 6
Good food, good company at the Christmas Social The usual mix of good food, quizzes, poetry and song made for another enjoyable Christmas social at Bletchley Royal British Legion on 8 December, with an excellent hot and cold buffet laid on by Joe and his staff. A photo quiz and general Christmas knowledge quizzes set by yours truly encouraged members to mingle. Winners were James Griffin and Maureen Weinberg. The entertainment, with Tim Armstrong as MC, began with Tim reading a wry poem about how everyday words have taken new meanings with new technology: Memory was something you lost with age A CD was a bank account
And if you had a 3-inch floppy You hoped nobody found out.
All sang the traditional carol The First Nowell; then a poem from Wendy Evans spelled out the all-too-likely aftermath of Christmas: ‘Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste. All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
Violin accompaniment: a first for the Christmas social?
Wendy and Rodney Evans, Michael and Maureen Weinberg continued the theme of bodily decrepitude with a song accompanied on the violin by the Weinbergs' daughter Joanna: Well, I used to be a helluva man I worked locks with just one hand, But I can't do the things I've done before.
Well it all happened kinds slow But I guess I kinda let myself go. Now I don't look good naked any more.
The entertainment ended with all joining in a rousing traditional Irish navvies' song: Here come the navvy-men, we're out to earn our pay With pick, and spade, we work to clear the way.
And when we put the puddle in, with sweat we wet the clay, We scar the face of England to make the waterway.
The raffle (tickets sold by Athina Beckett and Marie Draper) was drawn, with many prizes to be won. Finally it was time for seasonal farewells and good wishes. Thanks go to all who contributed to the evening—the staff at BRBL, performers, those who helped set up and clear away, and all who contributed prizes and bought tickets. Text and picture: Les Franklin.
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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 7
Diary Our 2017 diary begins on 19 January when John Woods will describe the reconstruction of Blisworth Tunnel. Our own meetings are in bold type; other selected events organised by others are in regular type. Remember that non-members are always welcome. Map and directions to our venue are below. From A 5: Leave A 5 at A 421 exit (signed MK South, Buckingham) on to Redmoor Roundabout. Take A 421 exit, V6 Grafton Street (signed Buckingham); continue to Bleak Hall Roundabout. Take 1st exit (signed Milton Keynes West, Buckingham), and pass over railway and dual carriageway, to Elfield Park Roundabout (intersection with V4 Watling Street). Take 2nd exit, A 421. Take next left, Denbigh Hall Drive; continue to miniroundabout, take 2nd exit, Whaddon Way. Continue past Zebra crossing at pinch point, then immediately, at Dolphin pub, turn left into Melrose Avenue. After 100 yards, take driveway on right to Royal British Legion car park. The driveway is indicated by a small sign on a lamp post on the opposite side of Melrose Avenue.
Bleak Hall Rbt V6 Grafton Street A5
A 421 H8 Standing Way Denbigh Hall Drive Whaddon Way
Redmoor Rbt
Tower block
V4 Watling Street
Royal British Legion Whaddon Way Local Centre The Dolphin
No Whalley Drive
Yes Melrose Avenue
Sherwood Drive
The building and car park fronting Melrose Avenue (marked ) is NOT the Royal British Legion. It is incorrectly marked as such on some maps.
Bletchley Park
Members from Leighton Buzzard can reach the venue via the A 4146 to the roundabout near Willowbridge, then via Stoke Road, Water Eaton Road, Sherwood Drive and Whalley Drive.
Buckingham Road
Bletchley
Water Eaton Road (shortcut from Leighton Buzzard)
Thursday 19 January IWA MK Branch meeting: The Reconstruction of Blisworth 7.45 for 8pm Tunnel, with John Woods, former Site Manager, Mowlem Ltd, with Branch member Robin Garrett, former Project Engineer, British Waterways. Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PU Thursday 16 February IWA MK Branch AGM, and Buckingham Canal Society 7.45 for 8pm Update by Athina Beckett. Agenda—see Page 9. Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PU Wednesday 22 February Chiltern Branch meeting: Canals of Paris - presentation by 8pm John Willis. Little Chalfont Village Hall, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Bucks HP8 4UD Tuesday 14 March Northampton Branch meeting: Boat Maintenance, talk by 7.45pm Tony Brooks. The Walnut Tree, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, Northants, NN7 3DS Thursday 16 March 7.45 for 8pm Page 8
IWA MK Branch meeting: Boat Safety tips and memories of life afloat, with Alan Stewart, Boat Examiner. Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PU
Diary—continued. Saturday 18 March Buckingham Canal Society Annual General Meeting. 7.15pm Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham, MK18 1RP. Dr Susan Fern will give a talk entitled Anglo Saxon Treasure: Discovering the Lenborough Hoard. 31 March - 1 April subject to CRT approval
Thursday 20 April 7.45 for 8pm
MK Branch Canal Cleanup Working north from Fenny to Wolverton. Details will be announced at Branch meetings and on the Branch Canal Cleanups page at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/miltonkeynes/cleanups If you can help, please contact Philip Strangeway. IWA MK Branch meeting: Canals in the Landscape, with Tony Conder, former Curator at Stoke Bruerne Museum and at the Waterways Museum, Gloucester. Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PU
26—29 May MK Branch Lock Help Weekend—our major fundraising subject to CRT approval event. More details in May TPT.
IWA Milton Keynes Branch Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Milton Keynes Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will take place at Bletchley Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PU, on Thursday 16 February 2017, at 7.45pm. Agenda (please bring this Notice with you): 1: Apologies for absence 2: Approval of minutes of AGM held on 18 February 2016 3: Matters arising 4: Chairman's report
5: Secretary's report 6: Treasurer's report, and accounts for year ending 31 December 2016 7: Adoption of accounts 8: Election of Committee members
After the formal business, there will be an opportunity for members' questions on IWA issues—topics at the discretion of the Chairman. Under the IWA Branch Byelaws effective from 16 May 2009, last amended 11 June 2011, there is no restriction on the maximum size of the Committee. Marie Draper and Dave Porter retire by rotation, and both seek re-election. Any corrections to the above will be announced at the meeting. Candidates for election or re-election must be members of the Association. It is no longer necessary for those who wish to be elected to be nominated and seconded, but all who wish to stand must agree to do so. Written consents from Branch members wishing to stand for election should be sent to Philip Strangeway, at 3 Northwich, Woughton Park, Milton Keynes, MK6 3BL or by email to: philip.strangeway@waterways.org.uk no later than 7 days before the meeting. After an interval for refreshments, Athina Beckett will give an update on recent progress made by the Buckingham Canal Society. (Signed:) Philip Strangeway, Branch Secretary. Page 9
CanalFILE . . . . . . . . . . Welcome to CanalFILE! We’ve seen in earlier parts how the canal builders planned a level route across the countryside when they could. But when they had to gain or lose height, they built locks.
Paddle gear Balance beam
Lower water level
Top gate Chamber
Bottom gates
Upper water level
LOCK BASICS A lock is a very simple device to raise or lower boats from one canal level to another. It has a box or “chamber” built of brick or stone, big enough to hold the largest boats on the waterway. There are movable gates at each end to let boats in and out. At each end there are also sluices or “paddles” that allow the chamber to be filled or emptied. Here’s a picture of a typical lock.
In the photo, the lock has been filled, by Navigation. opening the paddles at A broad lock on the River Wey the top (far) end. This lets water into the chamber from the upper level. The crew use a “windlass” (removable handle) to operate the paddles. The top gates have been opened, and the boat is moving into the lock from the upper level. Follow the sequence of operating the lock with the diagrams opposite. The gates are of timber or steel, and are very heavy. Each has a long “balance beam” that acts as a lever to help move it. But the gates can only be moved if the water is at the same level each side of them. Notice how the closed bottom gates meet at an angle, the better to resist the weight of the water in the chamber. The top gates are made the same way, and when the chamber is empty, they resist the weight of the water in the upper level. Locks usually have a rise of about 2 - 3 metres. To overcome greater heights, they can be grouped in flights of up to thirty! Sometimes, locks are built joined together in a “staircase”, where the top gates of one chamber are the bottom gates of the next one up. The picture above is of a “broad” lock on the River Wey. Like the locks on our own Grand Union main line, it is wide enough to take two traditional narrowboats side by side. Other locks are “narrow”, and can take only one narrowboat at a time. WHERE DOES THE WATER COME FROM? On a canal, water is precious. All the water to operate each lock has to come from the canal above it. For a flight of locks climbing a hill, the water has to start at the highest level—the “summit level”. But the top of a hill is the last place you’ll find lots of water! Page 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The canal engineer must not build the summit level too high up, so that he can find springs and streams that can supply it with water. He may build a reservoir to store it, and he may build a long summit level that will serve as a reservoir too. Some canals even have pumping engines to lift the water back up to the summit level to be used again. GOING DOWN 1: the lock is set just the same as in the photo opposite. The boat has moved into the lock, and the top gates will be closed behind it.
1
2: the bottom paddles have been opened, and the water in the chamber flows out, lowering the boat. In descending, the boat takes a lock-full of water with it to the lower level.
2
Paddle open
Paddle closed
3: the bottom paddles have been closed, the bottom gates opened, and the boat can leave the lock. Notice now that the top gates are holding back the water in the upper level. 4: the lock is now ready for a boat to ascend.
3
GOING UP 5: the bottom gates are closed, and the top paddles opened. A lock-full of water enters the chamber from the upper level, raising the boat. 6: The top paddles are closed, the top gates opened, and the boat can leave on the upper level. Compare with Diagram 1—the lock is now ready for a boat to descend. So the best use of the water is for boats to go up and down by turn.
4
5
Paddle closed
Paddle open
6
THINGS TO DO Visit the Grand Union Canal at Marsworth, where there is a flight of seven broad locks, and a series of reservoirs where vast quantities of water are stored to supply the canal’s summit level. At Marsworth Junction, the Aylesbury Arm leaves the main line via a narrow staircase pair of locks. Text and pictures: Les Franklin. (Jane will be back for the May edition.) Page 11
Woughton towpath repaired After more than two years of negotiation, volunteers from Old Woughton Parish in Milton Keynes have held two work parties to improve about 100 metres of the towpath where the surface was poor. On each of the two days in September, about a dozen local volunteers removed the old surface, and spread about four tonnes of aggregate supplied by CRT. This built up the level of the towpath with the aim of eliminating the muddy potholes that appeared in wet weather. A whacker plate was used to compress the aggregate. Sonny King, Volunteer Leader, Canal & River Trust, brought the Trust's "comfort van" (mobile refreshments and toilet). Completion of the job was celebrated with some home-made vodka!
CRT’s Sonny King (3rd from right) with some of the volunteers. Photo: Judith Howson.
As the parish has one of the smallest populations in Milton Keynes, it faces quite a challenge in looking after approximately 2½ km of towpath. Nevertheless, the Parish and volunteers are keen to take on more, and CRT are willing to continue to support them. Further work parties are being planned. Sonny King hoped that more people would follow this lead and adopt their local stretch of waterway.
Information from Philip Strangeway and Sonny King.
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10 & 15 year Leasehold moorings available at discounts
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Secure car parking Laundry
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Pub with carvery restaurant Indian & Chinese takeaway
For Moorings Availability and Prices, visit http://www.mkmarina.co.uk Page 12
B-MKWT welcomes Infrastructure Report The Bedford - Milton Keynes Waterway Trust has welcomed the publication of the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) report into the infrastructure and approach needed to underpin the successful economic growth of the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford corridor. The report, published on 16 November, points to the need to promote new east - west road and rail links as a context for housing and economic growth. The report gives very strong emphasis to the need to create inclusive liveable places, connecting people and communities with work and leisure opportunities—something in which the Trust believes the Waterway Park can play a key role. Jane Hamilton, Chair of the Trust said: "The NIC report provides a tremendous opportunity for us to work with our partners to demonstrate the key role the Waterway Park can play in creating a very liveable and joined-up environment for people to live and work in at the centre of the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Corridor.
Good year for
John Bunyan
Despite cancellations due to poor weather in June, sales reached the year’s target well ahead of schedule. Passenger donations are also well above budgeted figures, and by the end of October the boat had carried 7,000 passengers. Since cruises began in 2013, over 22,000 have been carried. Plans are well advanced for 2017, with the usual mix of public cruises, Afternoon Tea Cruises, Lunchtime Cruises, Evening Fish & Chip Supper Cruises and the highly acclaimed jazz cruises. Charter hire bookings are flowing in too.
"Running through the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale, the creation of the first new Waterway in 100 years is a fantastic opportunity to create a sense of place which people will want to identify with. There are many examples of how a waterside environment and well planned parkland can contribute to the For the first time, John Bunyan organisers are success and health of new communities. "In a strong and healthy community, it is the spaces between the buildings which are as important as the buildings themselves and the Waterway Park set in the Forest of Marston Vale can provide that critical element. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get it right." The NIC report recommends that Local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, government departments and national delivery agencies, should work together to develop an integrated strategic plan for infrastructure, housing and jobs across the corridor. As part of the next stage of its work, the Commission will continue to work with urban planners and the design community to understand how infrastructure can enable new and expanded settlements which incorporate the highest standards of design and place making. The Trust believes that the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Park can and should be the catalyst for bringing forward the aims and objectives of the NIC Report in and around the Marston Vale.’
B-MKWT press release, November 2016.
partnering with Heritage Bedford to bring coach tours to Bedford for a cruise on the river and a visit to some of Bedford’s attractions. B-MKWT members are being offered a special 10% discount on chartering the boat for the spring months April, May, and June 2017. Please quote your membership number when contacting the charter hire office. Cruises in 2016 finished at the end of October and John Bunyan is now laid up until early next year, when volunteers’ training starts for the new season.
Condensed from B&MK News, November 2016.
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“Blue” blitzes the Bridge! Really exciting news to report: CRT have now given the BCS permission to start work on exploring what remains of the first bridge on the Buckingham Arm at Cosgrove. To help us with this task we will be using “Blue”, our excavator donated by the IWA. Our recently purchased dumper truck is also speeding up the work. On 17 September a group of Milton Keynes Young Explorers carried out two sessions at Cosgrove, doing a marvellous job in clearing the foliage from the site to allow the next stage of exploration work on the bridge to start.
“Blue” gets to work. Photo: BCS.
Whilst the work at Cosgrove is possibly the most important project at present, work has continued over the summer at our other sites, particularly at the Nature reserve where we have had visits from NHBC, Santander and Argos. This extra help by outside companies means that work on the first dam has been completed and the second dam almost finished.
Oak planking from a WREN grant has been installed along the edge of the canal bank, and volunteers helped by Buckingham Community Payback people are now backfilling behind the The Society's AGM takes planking. Extra work at this site has been carried out by a small place at 7.15pm on Saturday 18 March, at Buck- group of people on Tuesdays to help move this project along.
BCS AGM
ingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham, MK18 1RP. As well as the formalities, Dr Susan Fern will give a talk entitled Anglo Saxon Treasure: Discovering the Lenborough Hoard (now on show at the Old Gaol Museum, Buckingham).
THE THREE LOCKS TEL: 01525 270214
The group from the MacIntyre Centre has also been helping, and over the next month will carry out a litter pick along Lock Lane, Cosgrove, and down the towpath. So there's a whole variety of work being carried out. We are always looking for more help with all our projects. Even if you can only spare a few hours occasionally, please contact me for more information about our work parties and the various tasks happening over the next few months at all our sites. Athina Beckett.
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 14
WAT makes first HLF bid match-funding payment The first 50% of Wendover Arm Trust’s match-funding contribution (£5,600) for the development stage of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid, being made in collaboration with Canal & River Trust, was paid in November. The balance will be due in early 2017. IWA Milton Keynes Branch has contributed £1,000 towards the first payment, with funds from the bequest by John Herrick (see Page 3). At the Trust’s Annual General Meeting on 19 October, members heard reports on the bid process and on recent restoration work. Even if the bid ultimately fails, this development work will still be of benefit to the Trust, as it will define and cost the work that the bid covers. Volunteers are, of course, continuing to re-line the Phase 2 stretch, pending the outcome of the HLF bid. Progress through the winter will very much depend upon the weather. Meanwhile, the Trust is seeking help from charities, commercial organisations and other local groups to adopt the corner of land behind the Ray Orth explains the work going on at rushes at Little Tring winding hole, and perhaps the Trust’s Open Day on 4 September. other small parcels of land along the route. The opportunity might suit a group that wishes to enhance its “green” credentials. Text and picture: Les Franklin.
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 It’s AGM time again, and as always it’s your chance to put yourself up to serve on the Committee—we would love to hear from you if you can help us run the Branch. This list of Branch officers is valid until the AGM.
E FOR COPY DATTPT NEXT
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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. Per edition £32.50 £20.00 £12.50
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
APR
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Chairman and Editor:
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 13 November 2016.
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 Leighton Buzzard Canal Society: https://www.facebook.com/LeightonBuzzardCanalSociety/
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