Towpath Telegraph January 2018

January 2018

TOWPATH TELEGRAPH Journal of the Inland Waterways Association’s Milton Keynes Branch

Message to all Branch members—Pages 2-3 Autumn Cleanup report BCS, B-MKWT & WAT reports Meet the new Eastern Region Chairman CanalFILE

A kaleidoscope of seasonal colour was on offer at the Parade of Illuminated Boats, staged by the Canal & River Trust at Campbell Park, MK, on 2-3 December, as part of the city’s MK50 celebrations. Jonathan Brown and Athina Beckett aboard Brown Trout (two left-hand pictures) won First Prize; congratulations to them both.

Photos: Athina Beckett and Diane Witts.

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk A non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no.212342.

Welcome to January 2018 Towpath Telegraph Snow is falling as this edition is being finalised—are we in for a hard winter?

The new IWA logo appears on the front page, in line with the Association’s re-brand—the latest IWA Waterways (Winter 2017) has the full story. We will be updating our publicity material in due course.

Enjoy this edition!

Chairman’s Column—Message to all Branch members New Members Jumbo Cleanup haul includes headless elephant!

Joint meeting with MK Natural History Society Herrick family visit John and Olive’s memorial plaque BCS awarded £72,039 to rebuild Bridge No 1 Diary AGM Notice CanalFILE—part 10 Congratulations and thanks to a stalwart supporter Meet the new Eastern Region Chairman—Chris Howes Songs, stories and sleight of hand B-MKWT seeks voice on Ox-Cam Expressway What’s in a name? Rosanne Wendover HLF bid withdrawn Getting in touch with MK Branch

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

Chairman’s Column - Message to all Branch members

At November's Committee meeting, we agreed that we should make the Branch's current position clear to the membership, both at the November Branch meeting and in this edition of TPT. Not much of what I will say here will be new to you, but the simple message is that our Branch, now entering its fifth decade, is at risk after the AGM unless we find more help to run it.

As you know, I said a year ago that I would step down for a while, after nine years on the Committee, and just on three years as Chairman plus doing three other jobs. I will continue for the time being with two posts (newsletter and publicity) on a non-Committee basis.

Philip Strangeway will also be stepping down after five years as Secretary and seven years on the Committee.

I cannot fault the support I have received from all the Committee—always constructive, cheerful and “can-do”. They have helped to maintain Business as Usual in the Branch, even though we have lost several experienced members and have not had anyone new join the Committee since 2014. All seven of the remaining Committee have said that they will remain, or seek re-election, at the AGM, and I thank them for that. But they will be more severely stretched than ever.

Of the three central Committee posts – Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, two will fall vacant. There are also the other long-standing vacancies that make the Branch tick – Social Secretary and Cleanup Organiser, for example. Some form of “cabinet reshuffle” is likely, but it is not at present clear to us how we can cover any of these posts after the AGM. Tim Armstrong is willing to remain, and cover one of the three central posts, but only if the other two can be covered. We have had two recent offers of help which we will be following up, but they will not solve the problem on their own, and one of them presents some practical difficulties to resolve. Unless we receive further offers of Committee help, the situation will, I believe, become unworkable.

I am always deeply grateful for our members’ willingness to take part in our events, such as the Cleanups, fundraising weekends, and attending festivals. Others already help regularly

Page 2

Chairman’s Column - Message to all Branch members—continued. on a non-Committee basis, or pick up various one-off tasks.

But there’s a limit to what we can farm out in bite-size chunks. There’s no substitute for someone getting under the skin of a role and getting on with it. The Committee collectively takes decisions on the activities the members take part in, and on our interchanges with Head Office, CRT and others, and there’s no substitute for organising this round a table.

Now the Association’s Byelaws state that the same person cannot be both Chairman and Treasurer. They also state that, if any of the three central Committee posts remain unfilled after the AGM, the future of the Branch has to be referred to the Trustees.

In past years, we have run for quite long spells either without an active Chairman, or without a Secretary in post. On those occasions, the Trustees were content to let it ride. If two of those posts are not filled, I don't believe that they would let it ride for long before stepping in, possibly to dissolve the Branch and split it between adjacent Branches.

I am not saying much that’s new – I’ve said most of it before in this column. The news that Philip is stepping down and my understanding of the Byelaws may be new to you.

As I write this (December), there are two months and two Committee meetings before the AGM. We are happy to talk to any Branch member about how you might help. Any member is most welcome to attend a Committee meeting, by arrangement, to see how we work.

We have eight 2-hour Committee meetings a year, September to May. The time commitment would be those 16 hours, plus the time that a particular role demands – that does vary quite a bit from job to job but, if there are enough people, there are ways to share the work. And there is a wealth of experience to guide anyone settling into a Committee role.

During my first year as Chairman, I buttonholed more than a dozen members and asked them to consider joining (or re-joining) the Committee. If you were one of these, and your circumstances have now changed such that you could re-consider, please do get in touch.

With the members’ help, IWA Milton Keynes Branch - with our highly-respected Cleanups, fundraising for our local restorations, social evenings, and our watching brief over our local waterway - CAN continue into its fifth decade. I ask all Branch members to please consider whether you could help on the Committee, and talk to us soon.

Chris Howes, the new Eastern Region Chairman, has wasted no time in visiting all the Region’s Branches, and we were pleased to welcome him to our November Committee meeting. Chris is working hard to revitalise the Region, especially Region meetings, which I wholeheartedly welcome. Region meetings, at which every Branch has a voice, are an extremely useful channel for communicating ideas, knowledge and problems in either direction between the Trustees and the Branches. Chris has promised to be with us at our AGM in February, but meanwhile introduces himself on Page 12.

With every good wish for the New Year, Les Franklin, Branch Chairman.

New Members A warm welcome to the following members who have joined the Branch since the last edition, and hope to see you at our social meetings—please introduce yourselves to a Committee member.

Mr P & Mrs A Hedges, Borehamwood Mr M Champin, Pennyland Residents’ Association Ltd

Page 3

Jumbo Cleanup haul includes headless elephant!

In glorious autumn sunshine on 13 – 14 October, Branch volunteers were joined by staff and volunteers from the Canal & River Trust and the Parks Trust, for our Autumn Canal Cleanup through MK. As always, the event was supported by Canal & River Trust and sponsored by the Wyvern Shipping Co Ltd. A total of 46 volunteers clocked up over 400 hours of effort over the two days, not counting the dozens of hours spent preparing for the event.

The dredger grab compacts the load. Photo: James Griffin.

James Griffin skippered Ocean Princess as the hopper tug, while Jonathan Brown and Athina Beckett crewed the pan and its tug Brown Trout. Vernon and Marie Draper aboard Reflections provided tea and coffee, and served refreshments donated by several members.

Several CRT staff joined us, including Lucy Shakeshaft, SE Volunteer Leader, on her last day in the job. On the Friday, volunteers from The Parks Trust, led by Volunteer Coordinator Carla Boswell, carried out separate litter-picks, working not only on the towpaths but also on the Trust’s parklands adjacent to the canal. The collected rubbish was left for the main party to pick up as it passed. On the Saturday, Parks Trust volunteers joined the main Cleanup party.

As always, an amazing but depressing variety of items was recovered, including an engine, a washing machine, a dinghy, a mattress, a toilet, a rucksack, bikes, motorThe haul at Wolverton. Photo: Les Franklin. bikes and trolleys, timber, plywood and fencing panels, plastic sheeting, the usual bottles and cans, a garden heron ornament, and a headless plastic elephant!

As the workboats passed, the opportunity was taken to cut down some of the overhanging branches obstructing the navigation. Other large branches were collected from the water and the towpath hedges. These items increased the bulk of the rubbish, so the dredger grab was used several times to compact it. The rubbish was disposed of by Canal & River Trust’s contractors.

Page 4

Cleanup haul—continued.

3-day Cleanup?

Sonny King, Volunteer Development Coordinator, Canal and River Trust, said: "The Cleanup is another sterling example of how well volunteers work together to improve the canal network for everyone. These efforts go a long way in building relationships with communities and engaging them with the waterway network.

I really appreciate the hard work you all put in to make this happen and you all have a lot to be proud of!"

The Branch is grateful to Canal & River Trust for its support with staff, workboats, dredger and safety equipment, to The The headless elephant.

Parks Trust for the Photo: Les Franklin. splendid contribution made by its volunteers, and to the Wyvern Shipping Co Ltd for sponsorship, and for providing the tug for the hopper, support staff, and the specialist grappling hooks used on the hopper.

The event received good publicity. Following a report in the MK Citizen, a Woolstone resident wrote to the newspaper saying that the elephant was stolen about two years ago, and expressing disgust that it had senselessly been damaged and thrown in the canal. We can but agree.

A big "Thank you" to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, whether from the Branch or elsewhere, for a superb job in tidying up after those who dumped the rubbish, and keeping the Grand Union Canal through Milton Keynes as safe and attractive as possible for the whole community.

Les Franklin.

We are considering an extra one-off Cleanup day on Thursday 12 April, for a "quick and dirty" tidy -up between Grove Lock and the Globe, Linslade.

This would involve towpath scavenging between these two points, and grappling only at known trouble spots. The hopper would then be towed to Fenny for the start of the northbound Cleanup as usual the following day.

The background to this is that both of our 2017 Cleanups were under the MK50 banner, so were staged in MK. Our sponsor James Griffin prefers that the Spring Cleanup should always be northbound through MK. But the Leighton stretch is in urgent need of attention soon. This quick effort at Leighton could tide it over until the autumn, and from then on we would do a southbound autumn Cleanup every two years.

We will take a decision on this in consultation with CRT, and confirm details as soon as possible. See the Diary page.

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

Joint meeting with MK Natural History Society Our joint meeting with Milton Keynes Natural History Society will take place at the Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre (see right), on TUESDAY 17 APRIL at 7.30pm.

Please note day, time and venue.

The speaker will be Richard Bennett, Environment Manager South -east, Canal & River Trust, with his talk: Protecting and Improving Wildlife along Waterways of the Southern Midlands.

s

Stacey Bushes Roundabout

2 A4

H3

nk Mo

Wa

2

P A5

P A5

Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre, Alston Drive, MK13 9AP

From the A5 / A422 (H3 Monks Way) intersection, follow Monks Way to the first roundabout (Stacey Bushes). Turn right into Alston Drive.

On the left, there are two signed entrances to the City Discovery Centre. If you use the first entrance, bear right immediately.

The second entrance leads more directly to the two car parks.

The Cruck Barn is on the right of the further car park.

Refreshments will be served at 7.30pm, and the meeting begins at 8pm.

We cannot think of a more apt choice of speaker! Thanks go to the Society for engaging him. The wildlife of the waterways is a big part of their attraction to us, so we are sure you will appreciate this chance to find out how the Trust works to foster it. Also, as many members know, we have recently raised some issues with CRT in connection with its management of canalside hedges and trees, and of weed growth on the un-navigable length of the Wendover Arm. This evening is bound to be informative, and the speaker is bound to receive some searching questions. Don’t miss it!

Herrick family visit John and Olive’s memorial plaque

On Sunday 22 October, members of the Herrick family joined Branch members at Leighton Lock to view the recently installed memorial to John and Olive. Following lunch at the Globe Inn, those who needed a ride were conveyed on Dave and Annie Roberts’ boat Capital to the lock.

Dredging was in progress nearby, and a pump was in use to aerate the water in order to protect the fish.

Luckily this was turned off for a few minutes while the party viewed the plaque.

Page 6

Main picture: Martin Herrick.

Inset picture: Les Franklin.

BCS awarded £72,039 to rebuild Bridge No 1 Buckingham Canal Society has been awarded a LEADER grant of £72,039 towards rebuilding the former Bridge No 1 at Cosgrove. The project will also be supported by a £10,000 legacy grant from IWA Northampton Branch, along with direct fund raising by the Society.

Their structural engineer Keith Rawlings is holding talks with CRT on the structural design, but the design has already been approved in principle by CRT's Heritage Office and Engineers.

The rebuilding will start with preparations this winter, and actual brickwork over Summer 2018. Completion will allow re-watering for approximately a further 300 metres while the Society formulates a multi-million pound bid for the new channel to mitigate the section lost to housebuilding.

The van bought from WRG. Photo: BCS.

The Society's new Support Worker, Imogen Jackson, has been working at the Bourton Meadow site, as part of the contract with Advizor to help with rehabilitating people into work. Over the summer, IWA Milton Keynes Branch agreed to donate £1,000 from John Herrick’s bequest to fund purchase of a van for transport of personnel and equipment. A suitable vehicle has been bought from Waterway Recovery Group (WRG), and is now being used by the Support worker.

Michael Schwartz sells Three Locks pub

Michael Schwartz has sold the Three Locks pub to the Epic pub chain, who have re-opened it after a short closure for refurbishment. Michael had purchased the freehold some time ago.

We understand that Matt Jackson and his staff remain at the pub, and that the 10% discount on food for IWA members (card must be presented) and Wyvern boaters is still available. For revised contact details, see the advert on Page 15. We thank Michael for his support for the Branch, and wish him well.

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 7

Diary We continue the 2017-18 season of meetings on 18 January, when our speaker is Richard Thomas, hopefully restored to health! MK Branch events are in bold type; selected events held by others are in regular type. Non-members are always welcome at our meetings.

Bleak Hall Rbt 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.

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)

Thurs 18 January IWA MK Branch meeting: 7.45pm The steam narrowboat “President”, with Richard Thomas. Richard’s talks are always a pleasure to hear. This talk, postponed from October, will be no exception. Raffle proceeds will go to the President Boiler Appeal.

Bletchley Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, MK3 6PU Thurs 15 February IWA MK Branch Annual General Meeting, with Region7.45pm al address, and Fenland Waterways, talk by John Pomfret. See Notice on Page 8.

Bletchley Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, MK3 6PU Wednesday 28 February 8pm

IWA Chiltern Branch meeting An Idle Around Ironbridge: presentation by Clive and Sue Fennell.

This talk is sure to whet your appetite to pay the area a visit.

Little Chalfont Village Hall, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, HP8 4UD

Thurs 15 March IWA MK Branch meeting: 7.45pm Wonder of the Waterways, with waterway speaker and author Roger Butler. Canal photography through the seasons, with Roger's images as supplied to books, magazines, calendars, postcards, etc. Bound to be a visual treat!

Bletchley Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue, MK3 6PU Page 8

Diary—continued.

Saturday 24 March 7.15pm Tuesday 10 April 8pm

Buckingham Canal Society Annual General Meeting.

Speaker to be announced. Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham, MK18 1RP IWA Northampton Branch meeting The Canal Life and Times of David Blagrove: an appreciation by Tim Coghlan, Managing Director, Braunston Marina.

Walnut Tree Inn, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, Northants, NN7 3DS

Fri 13 - Sat 14 April MK Branch Spring Canal Clean-up (subject to CRT Please also see Panel, approval). Working north from Fenny Stratford to Page 5. the Galleon, Old Wolverton, overnight stop at Giffard Park. Details to be announced at Branch meetings and at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/miltonkeynes/cleanups Tuesday 17 April 7.30pm Please note date, time and venue.

Joint meeting with Milton Keynes Natural History Society: Protecting and Improving Wildlife along Waterways of the Southern Midlands, talk by Richard Bennett, Environment Manager South-east, Canal & River Trust. Please see Page 6.

Cruck Barn, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Alston Drive, Milton Keynes, MK13 9AP

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 15 February 2018, at 7.45pm. Agenda (please bring this Notice with you): 1: Apologies for absence 2: Approval of minutes of AGM held on 16 February 2017 3: Matters arising 4: Chairman's report 5: Secretary's report

6: Treasurer's report, and accounts for year ending 31 December 2017 7: Adoption of accounts 8: Election of Committee members 9: Address by Chris Howes, Eastern Region Chairman

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. Tim Armstrong, Athina Beckett, Jane Bidgood, Les Franklin, James Griffin and Philip Strangeway retire by rotation. All seek reelection except Les Franklin and Philip Strangeway, who are resigning from the Committee. Any corrections will be announced at the meeting. Candidates for 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 in writing 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, John Pomfret will give a talk on the Fenland Waterways.

(Signed:) Philip Strangeway, Branch Secretary.

Important message to all Branch members—Pages 2-3 Page 9

CanalFILE . . . . . . . . . .

Welcome to CanalFILE! Now that Winter has arrived, and chilly weather is the norm, it might be tempting to curl up inside by a warm fire. But those who venture outside are likely to be rewarded by nature’s Winter bounty. There are definitely some advantages to seeking out nature at this time of the year.

TREES The bare trees may not look so inviting, but pause a while and have a look at the beautiful shapes created by the bare twigs of the trees.

Different trees create different shapes. If you have identified the tree in summer when it had leaves, you will know what type of tree you are looking at in winter when the leaves have fallen. You will soon get to know from the shape which trees are which.

Winter treescape at Le Of course, not everyighton Lock thing is bare. If you were out only a couple of months ago, the hedgerows were full of the fragrance of late flowers like ivy and honeysuckle. The ivy bushes are still covered in leaves which provide shelter to birds on cold winter nights and the flowers, which attracted the late bees, wasps and flies to a welcome late life-giving abundance of nectar, will now be sporting bunches of ripening berries, which will provide sustenance to winter birds.

There are more berry-laden trees and bushes around: Holly, Rowan and Pyracantha to name but three.

Holly berries Page 10

BIRDS Another advantage when the trees are bare is that it is easier to spot birds.

The summer visitors such a Swallows and Martins have long departed for the warmer southern climes. In their place come the immigrants from the north and east such as Redwings, and Mistle Thrushes.

These spotty-breasted songbirds are usually found in small flocks and are very fond of berries

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . when they are not hunting for earthworms. When a larger and bolder Mistle Thrush finds a bush laden with its favourite berries (Holly, Hawthorn but especially Mistletoe, from which it got its name) it can become very territorial, seeing off any would-be thieves.

Cold weather and the greater difficulty in finding enough food in the hours of daylight means that some birds that were previously more secretive become less cautious so it is easier to spot them. I have seen a pair of Kingfishers on the canal near me recently and one flew closer to me than I would have expected from their usual habit of flying off whenever I get anywhere near them. Herons will also be less quick to take flight, which allows you to get close enough to observe their handsome plumage.

My walks along the canal are always accompanied by sightings of birds I see all year round such as Wood Pigeons, Crows, House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Robins and Blue Tits.

INSECTS Although most insects will have perGrey heron ished or be in hibernation, until a couple of months ago I was still seeing dragonflies on warm days, sunning themselves on the towpath. Warm weather may bring out an occasional bumblebee but we will have to wait for the spring before the early season insects will be venturing out.

DID YOU KNOW? A colloquial name for the Mistle Thrush is ‘stormcock’. This comes from their tendency to sing from the top of the tallest tree, even if it is windy and raining. Their song is one of the earliest signs of spring, and they usually start singing by late January.

THINGS TO DO Take a walk along your local canal.

• Keep an eye out for birds and see how many you can spot.

• Take a camera, and capture the beauty of a frosty morning.

• Keep an eye on any trees or bushes with berries, and see who has been eating them.

• If the canal freezes, watch out for moorhens walking on the surface.

• If there is snow, see if you can identify any animal or bird footprints.

See you in the next edition!

Jane

Text: Jane Bidgood.

Pictures: Sheila Franklin, Pixabay (holly).

Congratulations and thanks to a stalwart supporter

Celebratory plaques are being sent to those who have been members of IWA for 50 years or more. Each plaque will be posted after Christmas with a letter from Ivor Caplan, IWA Chairman. One recipient will be Branch member Mrs Diana Carter of Fenny Stratford.

We offer her our congratulations and thanks for her long-standing support for IWA. Page 11

Meet the new Eastern Region Chairman - Chris Howes As mentioned elsewhere in this edition, Chris Howes has taken over the Chair of the Association’s Eastern Region. MK members will be able to meet him at our AGM in February, but meanwhile he introduces himself as follows.

I’ve spent most of my life on, and often unintentionally in, the water, messing about in boats. A couple of years ago I graduated from small self propelled boats, when my wife and I bought a narrowboat, which we keep on the Middle Level. The boat and I are these days rarely parted!

I am now approaching 60 and, having retired after nearly 20 years as a local authority councillor, I welcomed the new experiences and challenges that came with boat ownership and IWA membership. I’m a Committee member at Peterborough Branch [now Chairman] and have thrown myself enthusiastically into Branch activities, including work parties and the recent successful campaign cruise to Welches Dam. I have also been using skills acquired and honed in my days as a councillor to correspond with the Waterways Minister and challenge the actions of the E.A. in closing navigations. Between all this, we’ve found time to do some ‘serious’ boating. Our ‘lock tally’ last year exceeded 900 locks!

I believe it is important for Eastern Region to talk with one voice, not least in the light of the current E.A. threats to navigation in the Region. I intend to visit the Committees of the Region’s other four Branches, to learn what are their individual concerns and aspirations. I will consult with Branches on whether they want to resume a cycle of Regional meetings, or whether this function can be fulfilled in this modern age by electronic communication and ‘virtual’ meetings.

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

Songs, stories and sleight of hand Our third Christmas social at the British Legion on 7 October fizzed with good cheer to accompany the splendid meal laid on by their staff. The entertainments were compèred by Tim Armstrong, and punctuated by stories and one-liners from Rodney Evans. Graeme Lockhart, on keyboard, set the festive mood with medleys of old-time and Christmas tunes as guests arrived, dined and departed.

Dave and Annie (above), and budding artist James (left).

Annie Roberts appeared as a somewhat manic schoolgirl with unruly blonde tresses of bass, singing: I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, A hippopotamus is all I want.

I don't want a doll -

A dinky tinker toy I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy.

Dave Roberts applied half a dozen hats in succession to portray the characters in his song "Chastity Belt", the words of which we'd better not print in this family publication!

Inspired by the demonstration at our joint meeting with Leighton Buzzard Art Society, ‘James van Gogh’ (or was it ‘Vincent van Griffin’?) in smock, cravat and beret, painted a lightning watercolour sketch of two working boats, with helpful hints on materials and techniques. When placed in a frame, always flattering to any picture, James’s effort was miraculously transformed (photos above) into something worthy of a really accomplished waterway artist such as—say—Brian Collings!

Vernon Draper won the quiz set by yours truly, with 45 points of a possible 60. Athina Beckett and Jonathan Brown supervised the raffle which raised £141 for Branch funds.

Well done to all who contributed to a most enjoyable evening!

Text and pictures: Les Franklin.

B-MKWT seeks voice on OxCam plans Highways England is studying potential solutions for an Oxford to Cambridge Expressway (Ox-Cam), using both existing and new roads.

This is to meet the perceived need for a fast road route through the OxfordCambridge corridor, the future development of which is gaining increasing importance. BedfordMilton Keynes Waterway Trust, though not initially on the list of Strategic Environment Bodies for the Ox-Cam initiative, is submitting a request to be added to the list.

Page 13

What’s in a name? Rosanne A boat regularly seen passing through Milton Keynes, laden with young people, is the cruiser-style narrow boat Rosanne. She was built for the Bromley Youth Trust at the Cammell Laird training school in Birkenhead.

The head of the training school was Mr Harry Canal. He led the apprentices in the work from the steelwork to the fitting out, including the electrics and plumbing. The top steel work is 1/8-inch and the hull 1/4-inch thick. The apprentices learnt how to bend and weld metal sheet during this process.

As if this was not enough of a great source of pride, the apprentices even made the furniture - tables and stools as well.

Bromley Youth Trust was set up as a registered charity in 1985, the International Year of Youth.

During 1987-1988 the Mayor of Bromley, Christopher Reeves, chose Bromley Youth Trust as his charity and he worked hard to raise in excess of ÂŁ16,000 for the boat project in order to develop capabilities of young people through education, training and leisure. He named the new boat Rosanne in memory of his wife.

Rosanne at her Wyvern mooring.

Photo: James Griffin.

Rosanne is 70 feet long and 7 feet wide, and has 13 single berths. She was delivered and launched in 1989. She is kept at Wyvern Shipping Company, so this is why we can observe her passage between Linslade and Stoke Bruerne throughout the summer months.

Libby Culshaw.

Willowbridge Marina http://www.willowbridgemarina.co.uk Willowbridge Marina is a working boatyard specialising in lifting boats in and out of the water, as well as on and off transport. We are a family-run business, working hard to provide services to canal boat owners and users in the Milton Keynes area.

We offer the following services: - Well-stocked chandlery, including stainless steel fastenings and Calor Gas fittings; - Red diesel; - All boat services, including coal, LPG and pump-out; - All mooring services, including limited linear moorings, wireless internet and power, toilets, showers, laundry and extensive storage ashore.

We offer a 10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard to IWA members.

Page 14

01908 643242 office@willowbridgemarina.co.uk

Wendover HLF bid withdrawn The discovery of an infilled section of the canal line at Little Tring containing contaminated material has prompted Canal & River Trust and Wendover Arm trust to withdraw their bid for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. CRT and WAT released the following joint statement on 3 December: “The Canal & River Trust and the Wendover Arm Trust are postponing their Heritage Lottery Fund bid towards the cost of restoring a further 2.7km of the Wendover Arm to navigation.

“In working up their bid, the partners identified substantial costs beyond the available funding, largely due to the need to remove contaminated material in the canal - previously assumed to be domestic rubbish - to a landfill site.

“Whilst the two organisations have been working exceptionally hard to overcome these challenges, and at the same time reduce costs, it has become apparent that these cannot be fully resolved before the Lottery deadline of March 2018.

“Consequently, the partners have decided to withdraw the existing bid and concentrate on solving these challenges so that a fresh submission for funding could be submitted in due course.”

Discussions with CRT have identified possible ways forward, but it would not be possible to thoroughly develop and cost these and still meet the current bid submission timetable.

After discussion with HLF, the two Trusts agreed to withdraw the present bid and present it afresh once satisfactory strategies have been fully developed and costed to overcome the problem.

Much of the work done to date will still be relevant and will not need to be repeated. A stronger end product is likely to emerge in the longer run.

Meanwhile, WAT volunteers are continuing with bed lining towards Whitehouses, with 221 metres of the 350-metre Stage 3 length now fully lined. CRT has now finalised the design of the "psuedo-weir" at Whitehouses (necessary to prevent boats grounding on the underwater brickwork), and this is being costed. It is hoped that this “weir” can be installed by the time re-lining reaches it, so that this work is not held up.

Joint statement (quoted in full), and other information, from CRT web site.

THE THREE LOCKS TEL: 01525 270214

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.

Our focus is on customer service, with high standards in our beers, wines and soft drinks, and we strive to serve you delicious food using the freshest ingredients. We are open daily from 12 noon until 11pm, and our friendly and efficient staff look forward to welcoming you.

W: http://thethreelocksstokehammond.com

E: thethreelocks@epicpubs.com

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

Page 15

Getting in touch with MK Branch The Branch AGM takes place on Thursday 15 February. Les Franklin and Philip Strangeway are leaving the Committee. It is crucial for the Branch’s future that the positions of Chairman Treasurer and Secretary are filled.

PLEASE READ Pages 2 – 3.

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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.

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Per edition £32.50 £20.00 £12.50

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Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses change frequently, but these were correct on 28 November 2017.

Chairman and Editor:

LES FRANKLIN (Chair vacant after AGM) les.franklin@waterways.org.uk

Vice-Chairman:

VACANT

Secretary:

PHILIP STRANGEWAY (vacant after AGM) 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 Leighton Buzzard Canal Society: https://en-gb.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.

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