January 2021
TOWPATH TELEGRAPH Journal of the Inland Waterways Association’s Milton Keynes Branch
Branch AGM Notice Alan Smith, 1935 - 2020 Autumn Clean-up report Linford Manor Park restoration Fenny Lock work parties need you! News from BCS, B&MKWT and WAT At the IWA Milton Keynes Branch Autumn Clean-up in October, the Canal & River Trust dredger prepares to compact the load on the hopper just after the two vessels and the hopper tug have passed through Leighton Lock. See Page 4 for report. Drone image taken by Richard Clark. 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.
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Welcome to January 2021 Towpath Telegraph This edition is being prepared in early December, with a view to bringing you the Branch AGM Notice in good time. It means, though, that there is little else that we can put on the Diary page; it seems that most organisations are waiting until better times to announce events. Please keep an eye on the web sites given on Page 8 and on the back page. We hope you enjoy this edition.
Chairman’s Column GDPR and new members Autumn Clean-up yields four tons of rubbish Clean-up “Lite” - 1 Fenny Lock work parties need you! Alan Smith, 1935 - 2020 Diary IWA Milton Keynes Branch Annual General Meeting Clean-up “Lite” - 2 Good progress on Wendover Arm despite Covid Dredging to start on the Buckingham Arm MK Community Boat—delivery expected March 2021 Other B&MK Waterway news Athina and other locals receive IWA Annual Awards Visit the Royal Ordnance Depot The Editor’s Page Historic water gardens at Linford Manor Park being restored Parks Trust produces Canal Map Getting in touch with MK Branch
2-3 3 4-5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16
Chairman’s Column
Looking back over 2020 I have to say that in all my 66 years I have never experienced such a strange year. We have been locked-up, let-out, locked-up again, then let-out again with so many different ‘rules’ in place at different times that progress has been pretty much like pulling teeth. What sort of year has IWA-MK “enjoyed”? Let’s have a look. (This column will form the basis of my Report to the AGM in February, including any later developments as necessary.) Early in the year we were not allowed out even to see if our boats were still afloat, and that was hard. Pleasingly there were no reports of any IWA-MK members suffering serious illness due to the pandemic. Committee meetings continued, using the Zoom app, even during the summer months when we normally shut down to go boating. It was a good move: the Committee continued to function in a practical and social way, keeping a weather-eye open for anything affecting our waterway. The downside of course was that social meetings were cancelled, as were the spring Canal Clean-up and our main fundraising event, the Lock Help Weekend at Three Locks, Soulbury. Of course not being able to raise funds was frustrating, but we have not been spending money, so Branch finances remain healthy. As the year progressed the lock-down was eased and we began to get out and about again, boating became both possible and enjoyable and we looked to start our work-parties at Fenny Lock as soon as we were allowed. Planning was somewhat complicated by the extra Covid regulations but there was nothing we could not overcome. As soon as allowed by CRT, our Adoption organiser Patricia Durham set to with her band of volunteers and Fenny Lock once again became, in the words of James Griffin (Wyvern Shipping) “the best looking lock on the network”. See Page 6. A big shout out to Andy and Caroline Bambridge, Andy and Diane Witts, and of course Alan Smith (more about Alan further on). Following a suggestion by Les Franklin, the Branch nominated our very own Athina Beckett for the IWA’s Christopher Power Prize. Announced at the IWA on-line AGM in September, Athina’s nomination was successful. See report on Page 12.
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Chairman’s Column—continued. We then set our sights on our autumn Canal Clean-up, and how we would manage it within the “new normal”. Rightly, our Committee decided that the event should be scaled down drastically, without involving either the public or corporate volunteers, and that only handpicked volunteers (i.e. the usual suspects) should take part. James Griffin expressed a desire that we should go south from Fenny Stratford to Leighton Buzzard, that stretch not having been attended to for some time. See Page 4 for a full report on the Clean-up. The next part of our look-back brings me much sadness to write. On 16 October, the day of the Clean-up, we assembled as usual at Fenny Lock, and in socially distanced groups set off on our event. Only a couple of hundred yards after setting off, Alan Smith collapsed on the towpath. Not breathing, he was given immediate CPR. The emergency services also administered CPR for a considerable time, and were still doing so as they took him away. The rest of us were naturally shaken, and debate began as to what to do. At this point, we did not actually know if Alan was “still with us” or not. The consensus seemed to be that Alan’s issue had not been connected to the Clean-up, as he was not doing anything when he collapsed, and that Alan, very much a doer, would not have wanted the event to be abandoned. To confirm this view, I called a vote amongst all present including the CRT crew. The vote was unanimous that we should continue. The next day. Alan’s daughter confirmed that he had suffered a fatal heart attack. She also said how grateful she was that Alan, a widower, had passed whilst doing something he enjoyed, and had been amongst friends when the worst happened. A tribute to Alan is on Page 7. I will wrap up my review of the year by thanking all who contributed to Branch activities in whatever way. Despite the tragic loss of Alan, and considering the adverse circumstances, 2020 has been another year of achievement and success. We should all look forward to making 2021 a good year to remember! All the best to everyone in IWA -MK, and hopefully we will be able to meet in person soon. Chris Durham, Branch Chair.
A frosty November morning near the Globe Inn, Linslade. Photo: Geoff Gauntlett.
GDPR and new members
Under the GDPR legislation (May 2018), we no longer publish the names or localities of IWA members who have recently joined the Branch unless they have given consent. All new members should receive a welcome contact from our Membership Secretary Pete Bickers. When we can begin Branch activities again, we very much hope to see you at our Branch meetings and other events—whether in person or online. Please introduce yourselves to one of our Committee members (those wearing IWA badges). Page 3
Autumn Clean-up yields four tons of rubbish
The hopper and tug pass through Leighton Lock. Photo: Richard Clark.
As told by Chris Durham on Page 3, our Clean-up from Fenny Stratford to Grove Lock on 16-17 October, though overshadowed by the sudden loss of a good friend (see Page 7) and the difficult decision as to whether to continue, was nonetheless a success, with about four tons of rubbish collected. For this Clean-up, due to concerns about managing large numbers of participants under Covid-19 restrictions, the event was not advertised to the public in the usual way. Instead, the work party was made up of small separated teams of Branch members and friends attending by arrangement. Safety briefings, guided by entirely revised risk assessments, included Covid-19 protection measures, aimed at providing a moving Covid-safe workplace. The hopper, towed by Ocean Princess skippered by James Griffin, was manned normally to grapple items from the channel and collect towpath rubbish. However, as Athina Beckett and Jonathan Brown were unable to attend, the pan was not used this time. The tea-boat, Diandy, crewed by Diane and Andy Witts, provided welcome refreshments each day. Canal & River Trust supported the event by providing the hopper, safety equipment, and staff manning a dredger. The dredger assisted with heavy items dragged from the canal, and compacted the load on the workboat when necessary.
The Naval Cadets with their Officers in charge. Photo: Les Franklin.
On the Saturday, teams from TS Ocean Naval Cadet Corps, Leighton Buzzard, conducted separately organised litter-picks through Leighton Buzzard. The rubbish that they collected was picked up by the hopper crew. The father of one of the Cadets brought a small drone, which took the aerial shots of the event in progress through Leighton Buzzard. Page 4
Autumn Clean-up—continued Items retrieved included a large length of drain pipe, 5 supermarket trolleys, 4 bicycles, 6 tyres, and a large spring mattress (lifted by the dredger). Also, overhanging vegetation was trimmed from the far side of the canal, especially on the stretch from the Globe Inn to Leighton Lock. The haul of about four tons was relatively light considering that a clean-up has not been carried out on this stretch for two years.
The dredger compacts the load. Photo: Les Franklin.
Our thanks go to Canal & River Trust for their usual support with equipment and staff, to James Griffin of Wyvern Shipping Co. for skippering the hopper tug, manpower, equipment and sponsorship (£100 to the Branch and £25 fuel voucher for the tea boat), to TS Ocean Naval Cadet Corps for their litter-picks, and to all who organised the Clean-up and turned out to work a total of 170 man-hours, helping to keep this length of the canal safe and attractive for all. Les Franklin Chris Durham adds this Postscript: After the Clean-up, Mikk Bradley, IWA’s Technical Support Officer, interviewed myself and Pat, and examined our Risk Assessments and Volunteer Handout. Mikk was very complimentary about the high standard of our documentation and the depth to which hazards were identified. There were a couple of issues: Mikk felt that First Aid was not given sufficient prominence in our Volunteer Handout, and that our induction procedure on the day could be more formal as regards documentation and presentation. He was at pains to point out that these issues in no way impacted on Alan Smith’s death, and that he was impressed with our high standard of response in calling the emergency services, containing the incident and contacting next-of-kin. He mentioned that IWA Head Office is likely to review and amend its own procedures with respect to the monitoring of Branch activities. Mikk has produced a report for IWA's Chief Executive. I have seen this in draft form but, at time of writing, it remains confidential until finalised prior to wider circulation.
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d s an e k a e r t br kly hi r o e Sh we Page 5
Clean-up “Lite� - 1 Jonathan and I were very sorry to miss the October Clean up, but feel we might have made up for it. We volunteer with MK Parks Trust, and every week we do a litter pick along the towpath at Pennyland. In November, near a canal bridge and under some bushes, we found about 150 beer cans. We had to make two trips to collect all of them. The photo tells it all! Athina Beckett. Well done! Athina and Jonathan have also spent time trimming vegetation at the Wolverton Mural - Ed.
Fenny Lock work parties need you! In 2012, IWA Milton Keynes Branch adopted Fenny Stratford Lock and its surroundings, under Canal & River Trust's Partnership Group agreement. Since then we have held regular sessions painting, weeding, gardening, fence painting and litter picking. When we first started, there was a band of over 15 willing volunteers who rolled their sleeves up to make a difference to the area. We have lost volunteers for various reasons, leaving us with only a handful of helpers who can be called on. We resumed work parties after the first Covid lockdown, but had to stop them during the second one this autumn. I would love to hear from Branch members who would like to join a new "task force" to assist with making the area something to be proud of. It is a very busy spot for boaters, walkers, fishermen, and visitors. What a feather in our cap to know that it's IWA MK Branch efforts keeping it looking neat and tidy! Normally we hold morning sessions 9.30 - 13.30 Tuesday and Saturday, but I can arrange sessions around your availability once we get the thumbs up to return. So if you want to get involved, meet with other members, and have some outdoor exercise and fun, please call me on 07510 195918 or email me at pat.durham@waterways.org.uk Pat Durham.
The Red Lion at Fenny Stratford
A friendly, warm and inviting canalside pub, offering a selection of great wines, speciality gins, beers and ales. There is a tasty lunchtime and evening menu, all very reasonably priced. Why not stop by for our amazing Sunday Roast, but remember to book so as not to be disappointed. Karen and her team will be sure to make your visit a pleasurable experience. 11 Lock View Lane, Fenny Stratford, MK1 1BY 01908 372317 http://www.the-red-lion-fenny-lock.co.uk karen@the-red-lion-fenny-lock.co.uk
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Alan Smith, 1935 - 2020 As related in Chris Durham's Chairman's Column, our muchloved member Alan Smith was taken ill and died at the Branch Canal Clean-up on 16 October. Chris and Pat Durham represented the Branch at Alan's funeral at St Andrew's Parish Church, Biggleswade on 12 November. This tribute is drawn from that given at the service by Peter, Alan's brother, together with additional notes kindly provided by his daughter. Alan spent his first four years at Enfield, then the family moved to Biggleswade. The house had a long curved bannister rail, ideal for sliding down. This was banned, but he did it anyway! Aged 8, Alan joined St. Andrew's Church Choir, rising to leading chorister. A performance of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus was broadcast on the BBC Home Service. Alan began bellringing at the age of 9 with the Bedfordshire Young Ringers, travelling the country on their bikes, ringing at local churches and staying in Youth Hostels. (He was still singing and ringing 76 years later, during which time he held many offices within both the Biggleswade Choral Society and the Bedfordshire Association of Church Bell Ringers.) During senior school, Alan played youth football, often travelling to away games on his bicycle, whose purchase was funded by morning and evening paper rounds. On leaving school, Alan first worked for a firm of market gardeners, working his way up to Farm Manager. A career change took him to school groundsmanship; he was later promoted to oversee the school grounds in Luton and Mid-Bedfordshire, until retiring in 2000. Alan met his future wife Sheila (see TPT May 2019) through bellringing. There was a slight hitch when they married in 1958: Alan forgot the ring, and had to rush off to get it. They raised two daughters, and in the course of years were blessed with four granddaughters and eight great grandchildren. Alan was very proud of them and of their achievements. In 1986. Alan and Sheila bought their first boat, and began 30 years of cruising the waterways of England and Wales, covering an estimated 95% of the network. Their other two boats were a 36ft narrowboat, then a 55-footer, Aliss, both moored on the Nene. In retirement they cruised during the summer, joined by friends and family. His family Alan talks to a young visitor at enjoyed the tough routes such as the Tardebigge Three Locks. Photo: Les Franklin. flight and Standedge Tunnel, and indeed became quite competitive, for example seeing if they could traverse the Northampton Arm quicker each year, weed and water permitting! Chris Durham adds: Alan will be sadly missed. His commitment to IWA Milton Keynes Branch and the canals in general will not be matched by many others. He helped enthusiastically at Clean-ups, at the Fenny Lock Adoption Scheme, and at Lock Help Weekends. Alan was at all times a gentleman and willing to help others in any way he could. His daughter said of him that it was just not possible to hold him back. Those of us who knew him personally will never forget him, his positive and cheerful disposition, and his legendary home-made cheesy biscuits! We send our sincere condolences to Alan’s family. Page 7
Diary With Covid-19 regulations in force, Branch work parties have taken place in scaled -down form. If you would like to join in future Fenny Lock work parties, please see Page 6 and contact Pat Durham for dates and further details. We also hope to organise a Spring Clean-up in some form. With the vaccine on the horizon, we can hope to resume "in person" social meetings some time in 2021. Our AGM will take place on 18 February via Zoom—please see Page 9. Our entire 2020-21 meetings programme will almost certainly be held over for 2021-22, but please keep an eye on our Branch web page at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/branches/iwa-milton-keynes-branch and our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/iwamiltonkeynesbranch/ At the time of writing (early December), other events are hard to find. However, webinars, organised either by IWA Head Office or by Branches, are on offer, but are sometimes announced at fairly short notice. Of course, you can attend without having to leave home! Currently, as IWA's new web site settles down, there seem to be three pages with details of live meetings and webinars, all via Zoom, as well as recordings of past meetings: https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa-tv IWA-TV: Most future live stream events are posted here, sometimes at fairly short notice, so it's worth checking frequently. IWA-TV also carries on-demand videos recorded from recent meetings or webinars. https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways Some meetings or webinars can be seen posted here but not at IWA-TV. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ROBJ6rpm_41BSmu-Glf2Q IWA’s Youtube channel carries video recordings of past meetings - there is quite an overlap of content with IWA TV. Joining a webinar “live” is easy, using a desktop computer, tablet or smart phone. * Go to one of the links above. The webinars are listed in date order; each has a "Book now" link, which takes you to more details about the meeting. Click the “Register now” button. * Fill in the online form that appears, and click the "Register" button. You can do this well in advance of the start time. * The ID number of the webinar and a very long web address then appear. You can save these into a Word document or text file so that they are available to you when you join the webinar. However you should also receive an email containing a simple “Click here to join” link. * Just before the webinar is due to begin, either copy the saved web address into your browser to join in, or use the link in the email—this is easier! Depending on your device's capabilities, you may be able to type questions into a Q and A box, or ask questions using your microphone if the meeting host offers that option to participants. Some Zoom meetings allow you to participate using your device’s camera. If you are unable to join a meeting “live”, you can see all previous webinars and video presentations at one of the addresses above this panel. Page 8
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 as a virtual Zoom meeting (unless otherwise arranged), on Thursday 18 February 2021, at 7.00pm. Please note the time, and see notes below. Agenda (please have this Notice handy): 1: Apologies for absence; 2: Approval of minutes of AGM held on 20 February 2020 (to be distributed prior to meeting); 3: Matters arising; 4: Chairman's report (see Pages 2 - 3); 5: Secretary's report (to be distributed prior to meeting);
6: Treasurer's report, and accounts for year ending 31 December 2020 (to be distributed prior to meeting); 7: Members’ resolutions (any resolutions should be sent to the Chairman six weeks prior to the AGM, i.e. by 7 January 2021); 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. Athina Beckett, Chris Durham, Pat Durham, James Griffin, David Tucker and Diane Witts all retire by rotation, and all apart from David Tucker 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. (Signed:) Diane Witts, Branch Secretary. SPECIAL NOTE FOR FEBRUARY 2021 AGM: Unusually this year we cannot hold a meeting in person, and we will be relying on the Zoom platform. Additionally, to help the AGM run as smoothly as possible, the minutes of the 2019 AGM, reports from Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, plus the 2020 accounts, will be distributed prior to the AGM (depending on timing you might already have received them). This will provide time to read and digest them, and prepare any questions you might wish to ask at the AGM. The link to the Zoom meeting might be included with the documents or it might be distributed separately depending on timing. Please do get in touch if you have any queries regarding the above. Chris Durham.
Clean-up “Lite” - 2 On 9 December, a litter-pick from Church Lock to Slapton Lock (2 miles) was organised by Phoebe Webster, CRT's Volunteering Leader in succession to Laura Summerbell. Due to Covid restrictions the event was not advertised, but Phoebe asked if IWA could send a small team to join volunteers from CRT, Luton Angling Club and local residents. Eighteen bags plus other larger rubbish was collected, much of it from the drainage channel adjacent to the canal. Phoebe's picture shows Athina Beckett, Chris Durham, Annie and Dave Roberts, and Pat Durham. Page 9
Good progress on Wendover Arm despite Covid Work party practices have been modified in the light of the ongoing pandemic, with improved work site facilities and with teams split among two or three locations in order to maintain social distancing. Good progress has been made with new wing walls at Bridge 4, incorporating stop plank grooves. The stop planks themselves have been designed and will soon be purchased. The Trust should soon be in a position to plan re-watering between Bridges 4 and 4A. At Whitehouses, new wing walls, bonded to the existing brickwork, are almost complete, together with the underwater brickwork that will protect the installation from passing boats. In October, wet weather hampered completion of the reinforced concrete slab to stabilise the foundations of the old swing bridge abutments. During excavations for this, continuations of the previously exposed walls, were discovered. These will need to be fully exposed and built up to the height of the already exposed walls. A plea for skilled help with the bricklaying attracted a number of new volunteers. During the work, many positive comments were New brickwork at Whitehouses. Photo from WAT Operations Report, October 2020. received from passers-by. One section of the landscaped area between Whitehouses and Bridge 4 has been fenced off and handed back to the adjacent farmer for grazing sheep. Five hundred saplings from the Woodland Trust were due to be delivered in late November for planting in various locations; this is in addition to the 1500 saplings already planted. A Partnership group was recently set up to seek out and foster co-operation with, and assistance from, other bodies not engaged with up to now. Following this, two further teams have been set up, both reporting to the Operations Director: Environmental Group: Under recent legislation, development work must now yield a Biodiversity Net Gain, i.e. the site must sustain greater biodiversity on completion than before work began. The group will formulate a plan to protect wildlife, and will promote the restoration’s environmental benefits to the public, sponsors and stakeholders. The Domestic Tip Excavation Group has been set up to tackle the contaminated Council tip at Little Tring, the discovery of which led to the withdrawal of the HLF bid in late 2017. Together with a sub-contractor, the team has developed a method that will potentially deal safely with the tip material. A trial excavation and removal of part of the tip is being planned. There is also an active badger sett to be dealt with. The Trust's AGM on 28 October was held on Zoom, with 35 people present on line. The Trust launched its new web site in November, (still at www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk) and this will ultimately provide access to a new membership system. The Trust's Patron David Suchet received a Knighthood in the recent (postponed) Queen's Birthday Honours.
From WAT News, Winter 2020, and recent Operations Reports.
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Dredging to start on the Buckingham Arm
Stop planks are now in place under Bridge One at Cosgrove. The main task for our volunteers was to help with removal of the piling which had been in place for over 50 years. This was carried out in November, just as the second lockdown had started. We had hoped to make the job a real celebration for members and volunteers, but CRT has only allowed us to continue running small work parties, with just a few volunteers on site plus the CRT man who removed the piling. Over the next few months, the main work will be to dredge from the dam at Bridge One to the junction with the main line. CRT have loaned us a very large hopper, now moored at the end of the Arm, which will work alongside Louise, our work boat. Dredgings will be placed in the hopper until they can be safely moved to the bank. Very muddy conditions have slowed this work. Our latest purchase is a Hitachi excavator which was delivered in November. It's not new, but will give our volunteers plenty of practice with their maintenance skills!
On 24 September, a group from the Church of Latter-Day Saints visited. From the USA The Hitachi excavator arrives. Photo: BCS. and Australia, all were spending 18 months in England. Very hard-working and interesting to talk to, this group sang as they worked! On 8 October, a group from Hallam Land Management joined us. This company is based in Northampton and Bristol. Some of the Bristol people had left home at 7am, despite a poor weather forecast—that shows how keen they were. The weather wasn't as bad as predicted, and a very enjoyable time was had. Our volunteers are catching up with the backlog of work at Bourton Meadow, removing excess reeds. If not contained, this would end up blocking the whole area. Wearing waders and life jackets, this job has proved to be very popular, and the best method of clearing the reeds. I have been surprised at how many of the volunteers from companies have tried this method and enjoyed themselves. Athina Beckett, Trustee & Work Party Leader. An honour for Athina, and a boost to BCS’s funds—see Page 13.
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 11
MK Community Boat—delivery expected March 2021 With the full cost of construction now funded, specifications were finalised in October with the builders, Colecraft, and the steelwork was commenced that month. The steelwork was expected to be substantially complete in late November, and carpentry should have commenced by the time you read this. Delivery is expected in March 2021. Funds are still being sought for the fit-out and equipment. The boat's external livery has been agreed, but the Trust is asking the public for help in naming the boat. It is looking for names that reflect the boat’s modern "state of the art" electric power and eco-friendly specification, together with its location on the Milton Keynes part of the Grand Union Canal. If you would like to suggest a name, please email it to boatname@bmkwaterway.org by 9 January. A name will be chosen in mid-January, in time for painting on the side of the boat. The Trust is looking at catering options for next year’s cruises and charters. A modest selection will be offered at first, which will grow as business develops. Work continues to add to the current stakeholder base of about ten organisations. All eleven canalside parish councils have been approached, and two have so far agreed to contribute. The project is also approaching national and multinational businesses with premises in MK, that might have corporate policies supporting worthy causes, as well as smaller companies who could contribute, or offer employee involvement. The Postcode Community Trust has provided a grant of £9,000 for training, equipment, volunteer crew accreditation, and a pilot outreach programme of cruises for isolated and disadvantaged groups. This grant will enable the Trust to run six bespoke cruises for local The steelwork takes shape. groups who currently make no use of the canal Photos: B&MKWT. or its environment. The Trust is keen to build on this, and partner with organisations who will sponsor the cost of developing a range of Bespoke Cruises – for example, boating experience for teenagers or “thank you” cruises for NHS staff and care workers. Assessors from the National Community Boat Association (NCBA) have given the go-ahead for the Trust's crew trainers to start training skippers over Zoom. Their certification as trainers will be subject to observation of them running a practical training day (hopefully in January). This should lead to MKCB’s recognition as a training centre for NCBA courses. Page 12
Other B&MK Waterway Trust news In July, at the head of navigation at Kempston Mill, the Bedford Sub-Aqua Club took measurements of the large concrete obstacle close to the northern bank of the river, and chipped off a sample. Their findings have led the Trust to conclude that the obstacle is probably too difficult to remove. It channels the river flow toward the southern bank and is thought to be helping to maintain the dredged depth in this fast-flowing stretch. The Trust has had some success with grants. The Wixamtree Trust awarded £3,500 towards disabled access at the proposed landing stage at Kempston. Through the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, Bedford Borough Council awarded £2,100 to the John Bunyan to cover fixed costs when revenue-earning trips could not run. Canal & River Trust also awarded £500 from its Waterways Charity Appeal for loss of income. The Trust's new web site brings the John Bunyan, the MK Community Boat and the Trust itself together at one site, with some new features such as an interactive waterway route map. The web address is now https://www.bmkwaterway.org
From MK Community Boat November Update .
Athina and other locals receive IWA Annual Awards Congratulations to our own Athina Beckett on winning the IWA’s Christopher Power Prize. The Prize is awarded annually to a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway. Athina was nominated by Chris Durham for her dedicated and enthusiastic contribution to Buckingham Canal Society's ongoing efforts to restore the Grand Union Canal's Buckingham Branch. Athina receives the Prize itself, and the Society receives a cheque for £1,000. Announcing the award at IWA's on-line National AGM in September, former National Chairman Audrey Smith said: “I am delighted we have been able to recognise the work and success of such an extraordinary woman”. Athina joined BCS in 1993 as a volunteer, and in 1997 took on the job of work party leader, a role she still holds. She has been particularly successful at encouraging corporate volunteering. Athina is a Trustee of the Society. She has also volunteered with Waterway Recovery Group’s BITM group, getting involved at many restoration sites. In addition to all this, she is deeply involved in IWA MK Branch in many ways. Other local active members were honoured in this year's awards too: John Pomfret of Northampton Branch received the Cyril Styring Trophy, awarded for an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to furthering the Association’s campaigns. An ecologist by profession and an IWA Trustee, he has fulfilled many waterway roles in the past, both within IWA and elsewhere. The John Heap Salver, for a member who has made an outstanding contribution to raising funds for the Association, went to John Brice of Chiltern Branch. John is believed to have raised over £50,000 during his 25-year involvement with the Branch. Another Chiltern Branch member received one of this year's Richard Bird Medals. For 25 years, Colin Bird has organised the Branch's well-known annual weekends away and, as Programme Secretary, has brought an interesting array of speakers to Branch meetings. From IWA web site, November 2020
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Visit the Royal Ordnance Depot When Peter Caswell was boating at Weedon in September, he discovered that the Royal Ordnance Depot had been opened to the public in 2018. It was built in Napoleonic times as a central small arms facility as far from the coast as possible. Peter writes: “Although most buildings are occupied by businesses you are free, with care, to walk around them. One is an antiques centre, so you can see inside this unit. There is a small Visitors' Centre with a video presentation, timeline boards and site map on the ground floor, (but no disabled access to first-floor exhibits), café and toilets, and free parking and admission. Access from the canal is down the steps opposite Weedon Basin, turn right, then under the canal and railway arch. Take the first right. The Depot entrance is then on your left. A very interesting place if you are an anorak like me!”
Photo: Peter Caswell.
Lionhearts Cruising Club Great Linford, Milton Keynes
For further information, please visit https://the-depot.uk/visitors-centre/ or phone 01327 226812. Opening hours may vary from those advertised due to Covid19 restrictions, so please check times before you visit.
The Editor’s Page
There’s not much room for the Editor’s Page this time, but here’s a quick personal thought. Recent discussions on Global Warming have stressed the value of trees in absorbing carbon. Could CRT and other navigation authorities follow the lead of Wendover Arm Trust and other restoration groups by planting more trees in carefully selected areas? CRT often seems to view its own trees and those on offside land as a liability (yes, they are if neglected), but it has initiated small-scale tree-planting at Marple and elsewhere. Oh, well, I must be getting old: “Old men plant trees; young men cut them down”. All good wishes to you for 2021! Les Franklin, Editor. Page 14
MOORINGS AVAILABLE
Secure moorings · Car Parking · Paint Dock Slipway · Clubhouse · Work Parties Friendly · Cruises · Socials · Wi-Fi Beautiful Grounds and People!
We provide excellent facilities and moorings for boats up to 38 feet. In return we do expect strong participation by our members at work parties, in running the club and in social activity. No Residential Boats accepted. To find out more, including details of membership and fees, please visit our website at www.lionheartscruisingclub.co.uk CORONAVIRUS: The Club is closed during the emergency. Please submit any enquiries via the Contact page at the web address above.
Historic ponds at Linford Manor Park being restored In October, contractors to the Parks Trust began landscaping works at Great Linford Manor Park. The Trust was awarded a ÂŁ3.1 million grant in 2018 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to "Reveal, Revive and Restore" the historic landscape and upgrade public facilities. The Park's history can be traced back to Saxon times. Many of its historic features date from the 17th and 18th centuries when it was created to provide the setting for the Manor house (now a private property). Our former Education Officer Jane Bidgood wrote about the Park in TPT (September 2018), recalling that recent history has not been kind to it: "After a good deal of haggling, land was sold for the building of the Grand Junction Canal. While the family made money from the transaction they paid a heavy price in other respects. One of the ponds in 2018, photographed by [One] of the four ornamental ponds was Jane Bidgood. destroyed when the canal was built [and another] became isolated. The building of the railway line parallel with the canal has left this pond in a wooded area between the railway and the canal and its condition has deteriorated. The manor estate itself also declined when the canal was built. With a canal only a few hundred yards from the house and constantly in use by horse-drawn narrow boats, the site lost its privacy and security." These Water Gardens or ponds, fed by a natural spring, are among the most important features of the Park. In February, self-seeded trees were removed from around the ponds, preparatory to restoration work. They were blocking light, dropping leaf debris into the water, reducing the flow, and degrading the pond wall structures. During the work, the spring will be made more visible, the cascade between the ponds will be restored, and new paths around them will be created. The work will also include restoring and interpreting the Doric Seat, a little-known 18th century folly that was destroyed in the 1970s and excavated by archaeologists last year. Across the park, signage will be improved, providing information about the restored heritage features, and new paths will provide better access for all visitors. The park will remain open to the public throughout the work, but some areas will be cordoned off to be worked on. More information at:
https://www.theparkstrust.com/our-work/great-linford-manor-park-heritage-fund-project/ Information from Parks Trust web site.
Parks Trust produces Canal Map
The Parks Trust has produced a handy downloadable map of the Grand Union Canal through Milton Keynes. Complete with Bridge numbers, it shows pubs and restaurants near the canal, as well as historic features and nearby facilities such as stations and shopping centres. Download the map at: https://www.theparkstrust.com/media/5352/grand-union-canal-map.pdf Page 15
Getting in touch with MK Branch The Branch AGM takes place in February (see Page 9). This contact list is valid until then. As always, the AGM is your chance to contribute your ideas and perhaps offer to help run the Branch.
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Chairman/Social CHRIS DURHAM Media/Data Holder: chris.durham@waterways.org.uk Vice-Chairman
VACANT
Secretary:
DIANE WITTS diane.witts@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer:
TIM ARMSTRONG tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk
Membership:
PETE BICKERS pete.bickers@waterways.org.uk
Social Secretary:
DAVID TUCKER david.tucker@waterways.org.uk
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
Fenny Lock Adoption Scheme / Volunteer Contact:
PAT DURHAM pat.durham@waterways.org.uk
Clean-up Supervisor:
VACANT
Education Officer:
VACANT
Editor and Publicity:
LES FRANKLIN (non-Committee) les.franklin@waterways.org.uk
Webmaster:
VERNON DRAPER (non-Committee) vernon.draper@waterways.org.uk
Planning:
TONY BIRCH (non-Committee) Contact via Les Franklin.
Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses can change, but these were correct on 24/11/2020. IWA homepage: https://www.waterways.org.uk New web site recently launched. MK Branch pages: https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/branches/iwa-milton-keynes-branch MK Branch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/iwamiltonkeynesbranch/ Canal and River Trust: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk Bedford-MK Waterway Trust: https://www.bmkwaterway.org New web site recently launched. Buckingham Canal Society: https://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk Wendover Arm Trust: http://www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk New web site recently launched. Friends of the Canal Museum: http://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Leighton Buzzard Canal Soc: 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.