Towpath Telegraph May 2021

May 2021

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

Work parties at Fenny Lock MK Community Boat countdown WAT: tip clearance trial completed New bottom gates at Leighton Lock BCS: work continues despite Covid We hope to hold a small-scale Festival at Fenny Stratford on 7-8 August, subject to Government Covid regulations and approval from IWA and Canal & River Trust. Branch members’ help will be most welcome—see the Diary pages. Above: visitors at the Festival held at Fenny in 2015. Photo: Les Franklin.

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.

f Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/iwamiltonkeynesbranch/

Welcome to May 2021 Towpath Telegraph As this edition is being prepared in mid-April, much uncertainty surrounds public events, and IWA’s Zoom meetings have proved a popular substitute. However the Committee hopes to meet members in person over the summer, perhaps at a Fenny Lock work party or at the proposed Fenny Festival in August—see Diary pages. We hope you enjoy this edition.

Chairman’s Column Work parties at Fenny Lock Covid-19, using the waterways, and Boat Examiners GDPR and new members WAT completes trial excavation of tip at Little Tring John Hopkins, 1936 - 2021 New bottom gates at Leighton Lock Diary Dredging and construction continues at Cosgrove Other Buckingham Canal Society news MK Community Boat countdown Other Bedford - MK Waterway news Red Diesel win for boaters The Editor’s Page IWA web site success Getting in touch with MK Branch

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

Chairman’s Column Since my last report, our AGM has taken place via Zoom and our Committee is in place with the same individuals and in the same roles. David Tucker changed his mind about stepping down from the Committee, and has agreed to be Vice-Chair in addition to his role as Social Secretary. Thank you, David. I for one am grateful that we have such a dedicated and enthusiastic band.

I am writing this column in midMarch and we are still in lockdown, although with the promise of a “roadmap” back to sanity. We are looking forward to once again being able to spend time looking after our stretch of the Grand Union: working with our usual partners, CRT and Parks Trust on Clean-ups, and holding work-parties at Fenny Lock. Hopefully by the time you read this we will have a clearer idea of ‘what’ and ’when’ rather than just ‘possibly’. If you would like to do something positive, enjoy fresh air and meet fellow members, please do contact Pat, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, contact details on the back page.

Hopefully we will be able to resume our Clean-ups On the social side, we are looking to soon. Photo: Les Franklin. recommence our social meetings at the Irish Centre from September as usual, but this does depend on that “road-map” panning out as promised. It will be good to once again sit and chat and socialise; it is so essential to keeping the Branch vital. In the meantime the Committee has decided to continue with monthly Zoom meetings throughout the usual summer break. They feel, rightly, that maintaining Committee cohesion, keeping up to date with developments and being prepared to respond to changing circumstances is key.

Page 2

Chairman’s Column—continued.

We do hope to stage at least one event during the summer. A small Sub-Committee chaired

by Tim Armstrong is making plans for a low-key Festival at Fenny Stratford on 7-8 August, probably on the towpath south of Watling Street. This will be subject to Government Covid regulations and go-aheads from IWA and CRT. See the Diary pages. This is an IWA-led event this year, so Branch members are very much needed to help with it if it goes ahead.

Please let Tim know if you would like to help.

Well, that’s all from me for now, I'll sign off by wishing you all well for the future, and hopefully we will be able to meet “ in the flesh” at a Branch meeting in September—keep an eye out for confirmation. If you have never been to a Branch social, please do come along and make yourself known to a Committee member (we wear badges). David, our Social Secretary, has devised an excellent programme and you will not be disappointed.

All the best, Chris Durham, Branch Chairman.

Work parties at Fenny Lock

Subject to CRT approval, we are aiming to resume work parties on our adopted stretch of the Grand Union at Fenny Lock on 4 May and 8 May, 9.30am—1.00pm.

There’s something to do for everyone looking for some anti-lockdown therapy— painting, gardening, tidying.

The garden at Fenny Pumphouse.

Photo: Les Franklin.

If you would like to help on either of the above dates, or wish to be kept informed about future work party dates, please get in touch with Pat Durham at pat.durham@waterways.org.uk

Covid-19, using the waterways, and Boat Examiners If the Government’s “road map” goes to plan, all Covid restrictions should be lifted by 21 June. Meanwhile, visit the IWA’s Covid page for guidance: https://www.waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/covid-19-and-the-inland-waterways

Until regulations are lifted, boat owners are being asked to work carefully with Boat Examiners when they want a Boat Safety Scheme examination. Essentially, the owner and Examiner must be separated in time and space, to minimise the possibility of passing on infection. Visit: https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/requirements-examinations-certification then click the red [LINK] near the top of the page.

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

WAT completes trial excavation of tip at Little Tring 420 tonnes of spoil were transported to Peterborough during the trial. Photo: WAT.

Over recent months, important steps have been taken to remove the last obstacle to re-watering the whole Wendover Arm, by removing part of the refuse infill at Little Tring. The trial project was completed by a team consisting of Canal & River Trust, Ebsford Environmental, Aegean PLC and Wendover Arm Trust.

Although simple in principle - dig the waste up, put it into trucks and deliver it to the Aegean plant at Peterborough - there were many constraints to be met. The rubbish dump is chiefly domestic waste deposited around 1920 by the then local Town Council, in agreement with the Grand Junction Canal Company, who had effectively abandoned the Arm. The tip material was analysed, and the rubbish itself was classed as low-level hazard. However, the coal tar which had been used in attempts to stop leakage was found to be very hazardous and thus costly to dispose of. The solution was to remove the low-level hazard material - without contaminating it with the coal tar - and leave the coal tar behind (see below). The low-level hazard material would be taken to the plant at Peterborough to be mixed with non-hazardous material and thus diluted sufficiently to be taken to landfill.

Much of the excavation during the trial with a large excavator was relatively simple, but removing the last layer of refuse from over the coal tar layer and leaving this intact required expert operation of a much smaller machine.

Soil samples were taken from under the undisturbed coal tar layer. It was found that, even though the tar had been in contact with the soil for over 100 years, there were no signs of contamination or leaching into the soil below.

The canal profile required for relining with modern materials is generally bigger than the profile of 100 years ago. Thus, the coal tar must be removed from the banks before lining work can begin. As the material is now known to be effectively inert as far as soil contamination is concerned, the intention is to retain it on site, and bury it under the bed and banks as profiling and lining proceeds. This will lead to a surplus of spoil, but uncontaminated spoil can be disposed of at a local landfill site at reasonable cost.

Page 4

WAT trial excavation—continued.

Work is expected to start on the tip clearance proper in June, and should take 4 -5 weeks working virtually non-stop. It is hoped to avoid contractor costs if enough volunteer truck drivers can be found. The Trust has several volunteer drivers, but will welcome offers from volunteers who have a 9-tonne articulated dumper (25 WRG) certificate and those who have a 10B (over 7 tonne) certificate. There are opportunities for drivers who hold a 10A certificate, but they will need to have some experience. If you can help, please contact Tony Bardwell at operations@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk Besides the tip clearance, normal Trust work parties should have begun (in April) by the time you read this. It is hoped to re-water between Bridges 4 and 4A some time this year.

An excavator attachment to ease the handling of Bentomat rolls has been designed and is now being made. This entailed carrying out stress calculations to prove safety and guarantee insurance cover. The attachment will take an uncut roll and place it directly along the canal bank at 45 degrees.

The Trust has submitted an application for funding to restore the eroded towpath from Wharf Road, Wendover. This path is heavily used by commuters, walkers and schoolchildren.

The Trust has introduced a new online membership system, whereby members can revise their personal details and set up subscription payments.

From Wendover Arm News, Spring 2021.

The stretch from the figure in yellow (bottom of picture) to the red fence was cleared. Photo: WAT.

John Hopkins, 1936 - 2021

Long-standing Branch members will be saddened to learn of the death of John Hopkins.

John and his first wife Chris were prominent in Branch affairs during the 1970s and 1980s.

John chaired the IWA National Rally of Boats at Milton Keynes in 1985, and was the first Chairman of the Branch's Urban Aid Scheme in the late 1980s. He also served on the Council of the Wendover Arm Trust. Later, John emigrated to Australia with his second wife Renee, whose informative obituary can be found in Wendover Arm Trust's Spring newsletter at https://wendoverarmtrust.co.uk/newsletter-spring-2021/

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

Page 5

New bottom gates at Leighton Lock

Thanks to Branch member Geoff Gauntlett for allowing us to reproduce these pictures taken during the stoppage at Leighton Lock in late February and early March. The works were to include the replacement of the bottom gates together with repointing of offside copings and masonry repairs. Some pictures were unavoidably taken through the security fencing.

The first view (above), stitched from two of Geoff’s shots, shows the fabric dam erected in the lower pound to allow the lock to be drained, and collapsed masonry on the offside below the lock.

Right: A workboat is grounded on the lock invert during preparatory work. When this was complete, the old bottom gates were closed for the last time, the lock filled, and the workboat removed.

Lower right: Another workboat carrying components for the new gates was floated in from the upper pound, and the lock was drained again. The old gates were then craned out. Serviceable metal components will have been salvaged from them and fitted to the new gates or kept for future use.

Opposite top left and right: The new gates installed.

Note the wedge-shaped timbers fitted below the balance beams (unusual to your Editor’s eye), presumably to guard Page 6

New bottom gates at Leighton Lock—continued.

against boat fenders being caught between gate and balance beam.

The new gates were left unpainted, but Wyvern Shipping hopes to find time to paint them.

Left: Top gates. We asked Canal & River Trust when these were likely to be replaced or refurbished.

They replied on 31 March: “The top gates at Leighton Lock were installed in 2011 and are currently Condition Grade 2: Good.

They were last assessed in 2019 by gate inspectors.

“Gate replacement policy is:* Replace Condition Grade 5, where life expectancy, even with simple repairs, is less than 3 years. * Replace or refurbish Grade 5 and 4 gates as part of other significant engineering works, where they would otherwise need replacement within 5 years. * Replace or refurbish both sets when the better set is Grade 4 and would need replacement within 5 years.

“A notification has been raised in our systems that there is a leak in the mitre. The team on site replacing the bottom gates used the top gates as a dam. Unfortunately this prevented any works required being undertaken to the mitre at that time and we do not think that these gates will be replaced for at least another 15 years unless there is a catastrophic failure. However if the leak in the mitre causes water loss to the pound above or difficulty in lock operation, they will be re-prioritised and added to a future programme for relining.”

Reply received from Enquiries London Southeast.

Page 7

Diary With the vaccine programme ongoing, many IWA Branches and other organisations are now planning outdoor summer events. For the moment, the popular IWA online meetings are substituting for indoor meetings. Here is a selection of Zoom meetings, followed by some of the outdoor events being planned, or cancelled when known. We hope to resume Branch meetings in the Autumn, but please take the billed September meeting as strictly subject to confirmation.

Thursday 29 April 7.30pm 1 - 3 May 10am - 6pm

Thursday 13 May 7.30pm Monday 24 May 7.30pm

Sustainable propulsion on the Inland Waterways: talk by Bowman Bradley, Chair of the IWA’s Sustainable Propulsion Group.

Virtual IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2021. Although we are unable to hold a physical event this year, we wanted to capture the spirit of “Cavalcade” through a virtual event. If you have been to Cavalcade before, please share your memories with us by emailing canalway.cavalcade@team.waterways.org.uk Crossing the Severn: talk by Brian Margetson.

Attempts to secure a reliable means of crossing the Severn Estuary included two major ferry crossings, one tunnel and three bridges.

Changing Landscape of Canals in London, with Tim Lewis.

Tim will illustrate how London’s Canals have changed from an industrial landscape to the ones we see today.

Most Zoom events (including all the above) are listed at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events However, please also check the following links, where additional events, and recordings of past talks and meetings are available, sometimes at quite short notice: https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa-tv IWA-TV: Most future live stream events are posted here, also 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. 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 and microphone.

If you are unable to join a meeting “live”, you can see all previous webinars and video presentations at one of the addresses in this panel.

Page 8

Diary—continued 15-16 May

Rickmansworth Canal Festival CANCELLED.

24-25 July

Buckingham Canal Society Cosgrove Festival CANCELLED.

Saturday 31 July

Linslade Canal Festival CANCELLED.

7 – 8 August

Fenny Canal Festival. Subject to IWA and CRT approval, and Government Covid regulations, a Branch Sub-Committee is making plans for a low-key event, with stalls and trade boats, on the towpath south of Watling Street. We would welcome Branch members for two-hour stints for setting-up, chatting to the public and giving out information. If you can help, please contact Tim Armstrong or Diane Witts.

28 - 30 August

Thurs 16 September 7.45pm

IWA Festival of Water, Perdiswell Park, Worcester. https://www.waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/ iwa-festival-of-water General enquiries: 01635 414567, or email event.enquiries@waterways.org.uk

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting. Video night with David Tucker. Northern Waterways, and a musical canal number.

Irish Centre, Watling Street, Fenny Stratford, MK2 2HX Please note that this is provisional - details will be confirmed nearer the time, when we know the current position regarding the pandemic.

The Parks Trust has started outdoor activities, and is offering some guided walks. Booking is essential. There is a charge for some events.

6 May, 2pm: Shenley Wood, MK. Walk & Talk: Woodland Wildflowers for Beginners. https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/walk-talk-woodland-wildflowers-for-beginners-2021-05-06

15 May, 8.30pm: Furzton Lake, MK. Walk & Talk: Adult Bat Walk

https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/walk-talk-adult-bat-walk-furzton-lake-2021-05-15

29 May, 10.00am: Ouse Valley Park, MK. Woof Walk. Humans welcome too. https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/woof-walk-ouse-valley-park-2021-05-29

Visit https://www.theparkstrust.com/whats-on-in-your-parks/ for all Parks Trust events.

Mikron Theatre Company’s 2020 tour was cancelled, but the company hopes to do a reduced tour this year. Two plays are on offer. In Atalanta Forever, the game is on! It’s 1920, and in post-war Britain, women’s football is big news! A Dog’s Tale explores the extraordinary world of heroic hounds and pampered pedigrees through the halls and history of Crufts dog show. Local venues are: Thurs 24 June, 7.00pm: Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SE; Atalanta Forever.

Sun 4 July, 7.00pm: The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EG ) Web site does not state Tues 6 July, 7.00pm: The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EG ) which play is to be staged.

National Garden Scheme. Every summer, private householders open their gardens to visitors and, with the expected relaxation of Covid measures, the scheme goes ahead this year. At https://ngs.org.uk/ you can browse for gardens open near you on your chosen date. Many places serve afternoon tea. Prior booking is advised, and please check the web site before travelling. Just one example open on Sunday 20 June: Canal Cottage, Buckland Wharf, Aylesbury. This garden has recently been landscaped to create rooms and feeding places for wildlife. More details at https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/37498 Page 9

Dredging and construction continues at Cosgrove Because of lockdown, things have been much quieter of late for the BCS. All work parties at our two sites near Buckingham (Bourton Meadow and Hyde Lane) have stopped, but we are hoping we will have been able to start work parties again at these sites by the time you read this.

However, Canal & River Trust have allowed us to continue work parties at Cosgrove in two areas: we can continue to build a “splash wall” under the towpath near Bridge One (to separate the wet clay under the channel from the dry soil supporting the towpath), and dredging at Cosgrove with our work boat Louise.

Louise has been used to dredge the area at the start of the Buckingham Canal where grazing cows have broken down the bank.

Volunteers working in small groups have been installing Nico span netting, supplied by CRT. We have dredged along the Buckingham Arm removing the rest of the bund by Bridge One which had been in place since the 1960s.

When work starts again at Hyde Lane, we plan to install a wooden bridge over a stream running through this site. The first job here will be to clear the area around the stream and install piling.

Above: Building the splash wall at Bridge One. Photo: BCS. Below: Louise on dredging duty. Photo: BCS.

Hedge laying was carried out at this site about five years ago, but stakes and binders erected then now need replacing.

We are lucky, as two of our volunteers have completed a hedge laying course, so this should be an easy task for them.

Sadly we have taken the decision to postpone our Canal Festival and Craft Fair, which would have taken place over the weekend of 24-25 July, until next year.

Like everybody we are looking forward to end of lockdown, so we can continue the work of restoring the Buckingham Canal.

Athina Beckett.

Following her recent award of the IWA’s Christopher Power Prize (see January 2021 TPT), Athina recalls the years she has spent as a volunteer with Buckingham Canal Society in an article in the Society’s Spring 2021 newsletter. To read it, go to: https://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk/events-and-news/newsletter/ Page 10

Other Buckingham Canal Society news The Society’s AGM was held online on 20 March. Reports from Trustees were upbeat, noting progress on several fronts in spite of the pandemic. Small work parties have continued under protocols agreed with Canal & River Trust.

As well as restoration, reports were given on the Society’s finances, its approach to social media, and GDPR compliance. A special resolution was approved for re-wording the Society’s Constitution to give proper emphasis to its environmental, community and educational aims, in addition to its restoration aims.

BCS is looking for suggestions as to how to refer to the seven planned restoration phases, instead of just Phase 1, Phase 2 etc. If you have any suggestions, please contact Rob Morris at rob.morris@buckinghamcanal.org.uk The Society is also looking for a name for its recently acquired bright orange Hitachi excavator (see picture, January TPT), companion to its existing digger “Blue”. It seems a little lame just to call it “Orange”, so ideas are welcomed. Contact Rob Morris as above.

BCS has also been offered an ex-Environment Agency dredger.

Greener Boating Guide

Find out how boating can be more sustainable, the latest on biofuels and IWA's predictions for the future. A free Guide to Greener Boating from IWA explains how diesel-powered boats can be more than 90% carbon-neutral, provides practical tips, and makes predictions for the future of boating on the inland waterways. To receive a copy, fill in the contact form at https://www.waterways.org.uk/campaigns/green-boating-guide

Anthony Savage Art If you're looking for something unusual to decorate the boat, or perhaps a gift to a boatie friend, take a look at Anthony Savage's lino cut pictures.

Lino-cut is a demanding medium. The process has to be planned carefully, especially with multi-colour work. Crucially, it encourages - even compels - the artist to stylise and simplify the subject. Some of Anthony's pictures are available as originals, others as limited-edition prints. Some are monochrome; others are multi-coloured. Many are on waterway themes, featuring bendy narrowboats navigating sinuous canals. Others are imaginative flights of fancy on various themes. All are striking.

See https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AntSavageArt

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 11

MK Community Boat countdown The name for the new MK Community Boat, Electra, was chosen from over 200 suggestions received, and was announced in January. Fit-out continues on the all -electric boat. At time of writing, delivery to Campbell Wharf is expected in April, provided that the pandemic does not delay the schedule further.

Equipment being installed includes a wheelchair lift, an internet router with external aerial, a PC for information videos, monitor and speakers, USB outlets, electric panel heating, mood lighting, and external lighting to allow views out at dusk. The galley is being fitted with a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, induction hob, microwave, water boiler and water filter. An electronic till system allowing contactless payment is also being installed. The electricity supply at Campbell Wharf will be 100% renewable, supplemented by the boat's solar panels.

Any delays will affect equipping the boat, accreditations of trainers, and on -board training of crews. There are also uncertainties about how social distancing regulations will be relaxed, and whether trading will be possible next winter if Covid cases increase again. However, the aim is for public cruises and charters to begin in July.

A range of cruises on the MK stretch of the GU is being developed, including regular public cruises, seasonal specials, simple charter cruises, and special tailor-made charters.

As well as fostering interest in the Waterway Park, a key part of the Community Boat's brief is to offer communities and charities opportunities for cruises.

These might include trips for health workers, the elderly or disadvantaged children.

The quality of the boat's specification has proved attractive to community fund-givers, including MK Community Foundation, the People's Postcode Lottery, Parish Councils (of the eleven along the GU route through MK, five have responded to a call for contributions towards fitting-out), and of Page 12

Top: Cabin lighting and electrics being fitted.

Centre: Battery bay being assembled.

Bottom: Wheelchair lift in place.

Photos: Colecraft Ltd.

Other Bedford - MK Waterway news course Trust members. Ongoing partnerships with Parishes are proposed, in which the Community Boat's use could encourage Councils to fund canalside improvements which benefit their own communities. Funders will be offered places at an annual Stakeholder Forum which can review achievements and suggest new benefits to work for.

Meanwhile, the John Bunyan team has been planning operations for the 2021 season, with scenarios to allow for the continuation or lifting of Covid restrictions. Arrangements are being made for crew refresher training sessions and to recruit new volunteers for both boat -based and land-based roles. There has been much interchange between the two Community boat teams, to mutual benefit.

As always, the Trust is busy in the background promoting the Waterway. This work includes support for the proposals for the series of villages in Marston Vale, in which the Waterway Park plays a key part.

It is vital that the Waterway Park is included in plans at strategic level. This is not easy, as the Park's unique nature means that it falls outside the usual mechanisms for assessing investment potential. However, biodiversity and well-being are now more prominent in Government policymaking, and this holds out the possibility that ways will be found to include such considerations in the "bottom line".

Visible from Space! About 100 meters long, one of the balancing ponds that will ultimately form the Waterway route at the Marston Vale Innovation Park.

Photo: Google Maps.

The recent floods underline the projected benefits in flood management envisaged for the Waterway. At the Marston Vale Innovation Park, at Fields Road near Bedford, work is well underway on the balancing ponds that will eventually form part of the Waterway route. These do not currently form a continuous ribbon of water; eventually they will be linked for navigation and water depth will be increased.

Design work continues on the landing stage at Kempston Mill, and grants and permits are being pursued. It is hoped to complete the first phase of construction by September 2021.

Paraphrased from BMK News, March 2021.

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 13

Red Diesel win for boaters Keeping the use of red diesel for both private and commercial boats is fantastic news for the inland waterways. IWA has lobbied government about this issue for many years and it will be very much welcomed by boat owners, freight operators, boatyards and waterway-based fuel suppliers.

This is a successful outcome of IWA’s campaigning for many years on red diesel and taxation. The only disappointment is that the Chancellor has not so far recognised the significance of alternative fuels with any form of tax break. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – identified by the IWA Sustainable Propulsion Group as a drop-in replacement for mineral diesel – is currently sold at around a 10p premium over its fossil fuel equivalent. At over 90% carbon neutral, its use can reposition inland boating close to the target carbon neutral goal.

The announcement in the Chancellor’s Budget of 3 March coincided with the publication of the conclusion of last year’s Treasury consultation into the use of red diesel. It confirms that the current arrangement for private boat owners will continue. This means they can use red diesel and pay their fuel supplier the difference between the red diesel and white diesel rates on the proportion they intend to use for propulsion. The document also confirms that all commercial boat operating industries will be able to continue to use red diesel. This is great news for inland waterways freight and getting more traffic off the roads.

The decision overturns the announcement from HMRC last July, which stated that privately owned pleasure craft would not be able to use red diesel from April 2022.

Boat owners will welcome this change of plan, along with boatyards and boat-based fuel suppliers who would have had to invest in new equipment.

IWA HO Bulletin, April 2021.

Arrangements will be different in Northern Ireland in order to honour the Government's agreement with the EU. Boaters who have a separate tank for non-propulsion use will still be able to use red diesel. Otherwise, they will have to use white diesel, but will be able to claim relief on the proportion of fuel they use for non-propulsion purposes.—Ed. Page 14

Red diesel stays for boaters.

Lionhearts Cruising Club Great Linford, Milton Keynes

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.

The Editor’s Page On 11 April, BBC Countryfile was themed around the waterways. A most interesting item reported on a Canal & River Trust initiative to heat canalside buildings with heat recovered from the canal. Everything around us has some heat in it— even freezing water is 273 degrees (Kelvin) above absolute zero. With refrigerator -like techniques, this low-grade heat can be “concentrated” to have a useful effect.

A refrigerant fluid is circulated through pipes buried in the canal, has its heat extracted, and is circulated again. It’s only useful for buildings very close to the canal, but there are plenty of those, especially in cities! I imagine that it is easy to use this method to pre-heat water in conventional central heating systems too.

The report said that the technique is usable even with the canal as cold as 4° C. CRT estimates that their waterways could provide 650 megawatts, enough to heat 250,000 homes. Already, the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield is being heated in this way, and schemes are ongoing in Docklands, Liverpool and Birmingham.

A useful potential source of income for CRT and other navigation authorities, and how about doing this on the Bedford-MK Waterway through the proposed new settlements beside it? Another big green plus-point for the Waterway!

Les Franklin, Editor.

IWA web site success One of the aims of the updated IWA web site launched last October was to increase the number of new members, donations and volunteer enquiries through the site. Nearly six months on, IWA reports that membership sign-ups are up 47%, 15% of new members are contributing more than the minimum £36 joining fee, £4000 in one-off donations has been generated, and more than 2000 orders were taken through the new online shop in the lead-up to Christmas.

The launch of Phase 2 of the web site is expected soon. This includes the new Volunteer Hub, the Restoration Hub, and the Account Area. The Volunteer Hub is where IWA volunteers will find all the documentation and guidance that are key to their role. It’s also where volunteers can read the latest news and information related to their role, and find links to events and training.

Volunteers will also have access to the Restoration Hub, which will carry all the relevant documentation and information that’s specific to this specialist area of the organisation, as well as news, training updates, case studies and reports.

The new Account area will allow all supporters to better manage their account and relationship with IWA, online. You will be able to find your membership details, manage which newsletters you’re signed up to, review Club 500 subscriptions, and check your contact details. You will also be able to update some of these details or correct anything we might have wrong.

The new area will also make visible the extra things you could access from IWA. For example, if you are not a subscriber to Navvies magazine or Club 500, you will see this and will be easily able to sign up.

Page 15

Getting in touch with MK Branch The Committee remains unchanged after February’s AGM, except that David Tucker has agreed to take up the formerly vacant post of ViceChairman. As always, the Committee welcomes your news, views and comments.

E FOR COPY DATTPT NEXT

1

AUG ADVERTISEMENTS are welcomed to assist Branch funds.

Charges are as below and are subject to VAT. Payment must be made before copy date to ensure insertion. Please contact the Editor for further details.

Whole page Half page Qutr page

Per edition £32.50 £20.00 £12.50

3 editions £65.00 £40.00 £25.00

Chairman/Social CHRIS DURHAM Media/Data Holder: chris.durham@waterways.org.uk Vice-Chairman

DAVID TUCKER david.tucker@waterways.org.uk

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 12 March 2021.

IWA homepage: https://www.waterways.org.uk 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 Buckingham Canal Society: https://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 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.