TOWPATH TELEGRAPH MAY 2022

May 2022

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

Spring Spring Clean-up Clean-up report report News News from from BCS, BCS, B&MKWT B&MKWT and and WCT WCT Your Your help help welcomed welcomed for for summer summer events events Towpath Towpath improvements improvements in in Leighton Leighton Buzzard Buzzard With support from Canal & River Trust, The Parks Trust and Wyvern Shipping Co, our first clean-up through Milton Keynes since October 2019 took place on 7—8 April. Passing Newlands, James Griffin aboard Ocean Princess tows the hopper with draglines deployed. See Pages 4 and 5. Photo: The Parks Trust.

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453 Web: https://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 May 2022 Towpath Telegraph April has proved an exceptionally dry month, but there was plenty of rain throughout the winter. As far as we know, therefore, the reservoirs are in good shape for the summer.

As we all “learn to live with Covid”, Branch activities are getting back to normal, and with your help they can be as successful as was the recent Clean-up (see the report on Pages 4-5).

Enjoy your summer on the cut, and enjoy this edition!

Chairman’s Column Committee notes First Branch Clean-up through MK since October 2019 New members Buckingham Canal Society welcomes Perseverance Vernon Draper, 1946-2022 Diary Mikron Theatre Company—50 years of touring “Narrows” construction begins at Little Tring Old and new boats welcomed for expert repairs Family Canal Camp at Whitehouses B&MKWT completes landing stage at Kempston Mill Community Boats begin 2022 season with new trips B&MK project is now attracting external funding Towpath improvements planned in Leighton Buzzard The Editor’s Page Jim Wright remembered Getting in touch with MK Branch

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Chairman’s Column

Following the Branch AGM in February it was the Committee’s decision that I should resume the chairmanship. I hope that I am better placed to now fulfil this role in a satisfactory manner. The AGM served to highlight that the Committee, whilst having the key officers in post, has a few gaps in its makeup, and I would be delighted to hear from anybody who feels able to undertake any one of these tasks.

We ideally need to appoint the following: a volunteer co-ordinator, a Facebook administrator (this role does have one member giving it due consideration at present) and someone who will oversee the care of our adopted stretch surrounding the Pump House at Fenny Lock. We have recently been fortunate in gaining the support of the group that looks after the planting at Fenny Stratford Station, but I feel it would be of mutual benefit if we could provide a single point of contact for them. Do please get in touch.

Most of you will be aware that as we emerged from Covid restrictions we re-located our winter monthly meetings to Bletchley Conservative Club. We have been made very welcome – several IWA members have even joined BCC – and the overall feeling is that it has been a successful change to an improved venue. I do hope that we will see more members supporting the social calendar that David Tucker is preparing for the next season.

It was a case of re-learning the ropes as we took to the water again in early April for a Canal Clean-up through Milton Keynes, after the enforced gap. See the report on Pages 4 and 5.

Especially significant was the much-reduced quantity of general towpath rubbish. May I here thank all those who supported this endeavour, it makes a huge improvement to the canal and its appearance; in this respect I extend thanks to members of Canal and River Trust and The Parks Trust for their support, along with a few “freelance” volunteers.

Although called the Milton Keynes Branch, it may well surprise many of the local membership that the Branch’s territory extends from Cosgrove Lock south through Leighton Buzzard/Linslade, through Grove and Slapton to Ship Bridge, Marsworth – not so obvious from the Branch title. I for one am conscious of this situation and feel that the Branch does not promote itself adequately in the southern part of its designated area. I would be pleased to hear from anybody who has meaningful and constructive thoughts about how we might Page 2

Chairman’s Column—continued. redress the position. One proposal is a re-appearance at the Linslade Canal Festival in July.

I have also suggested that we re-name the Branch - maybe the Ouzel Branch (after the river that links LB and MK), others are LB&MK Branch and Greensand Branch. Also floated (!) as an idea is holding one or two meetings in the Leighton Buzzard area. As always, suggestions will be very welcome whereby we might achieve improved integration. As with many charitable bodies, enlisting support (other than purely financial) from members is always an uphill task. I would hope that we could boost the Branch by implementing one or two positive steps.

As this edition was being put to bed, we received news that, following the recent departure of Phil Hornsey as CEO and the resignation of Paul Rodgers as Trustee and National Chair, Trustees met on 2 May to agree an interim leadership team. They have agreed the appointment of Jonathan Smith as CEO, again on an interim basis. A permanent successor will be recruited. Les Etheridge has been co-opted as a Trustee and appointed as National Chair on an interim basis (he was National Chair from 2012 to 2017). Members will be asked to confirm Les’s appointment as a Trustee at the AGM in September. Both Les and Jonathan have had long involvement with IWA and also bring extensive experience from the private sector. Paul Rodgers has done much to set IWA’s future direction, and we are pleased to note that he will continue to be involved with the Association.

Enjoy your summer on the canal, whether afloat or along the towpath; there is much to see and relish.

Tim Armstrong, Branch Chairman.

Committee notes

At February’s Branch AGM, Chris and Pat Durham resigned from the Committee. Pete Bickers retired by rotation, David Tucker withdrew his earlier resignation, and Wesley Harrison stood for election. Pete, David and Wesley were elected/re-elected.

At the Committee meeting on 9 March, Tim Armstrong resumed the Chair, David Tucker took on the post of Treasurer in addition to continuing as Social Secretary, and Diane Witts remains as Secretary.

In non-Committee roles, Les Franklin continues as Editor and Publicity Officer, and Peter Caswell has taken the posts of Planning Officer and Webmaster.

Thanks are due to those retiring, those elected or re-elected, and to the sitting members, whether for past efforts for the Branch, or for their future commitment.

See the back page for contact details.

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To find out more, including details of membership and fees, please visit our website at www.lionheartscruisingclub.co.uk Page 3

First Branch Clean-up through Milton Keynes since October 2019 On 7-8 April, IWA MK Branch held its first clean-up since the one held in October 2020 (southbound from Fenny) and the first northbound trawl since October 2019. The weather was cold and windy on the Thursday, making boat-handling difficult, but Friday was warm and sunny. The event was well attended by volunteers from IWA, Canal & River Trust and The Parks Trust.

Before the event, we knew that this time Coffee at Woughton Park. Photo: Peter Caswell. a dredger would not be available to assist with retrieving heavy items or compacting the load, but two hoppers were available at Grove Lock, one for each day's load. James Griffin of Wyvern Shipping, together with Diane and Andy Witts, took one of the Wyvern hire-boats to tow the two hoppers from Grove to the Wyvern yard. A private boat kindly helped by towing one hopper. At the yard, both hoppers were pumped free of quite a depth of rainwater. James took one hopper to Fenny, picking up rubbish from Leighton Lock and Three Locks on the way, and Diane and Andy took the other to Giffard Park to be ready for Day 2.

There had been some doubt as to whether a pan would be available, but in the event it was. Brown Trout (steered by Philip Strangeway deputising for Jonathan Brown) towed the pan as usual to collect offside rubbish. One hopper was left at Giffard Park for removal by CRT in due course; the other hopper and the pan were left at Wolverton as usual. The Tea Boat (Andy and Diane Witts aboard Diandy) was hugely appreciated as always. Tempus Fugit accompanied the convoy, giving the valuable impression of wide participation.

James Griffin (aboard Ocean Princess) Philip steers the pan tug. Photo: Peter Caswell. and the hopper crew bagged a typical mix of two bikes, one high-chair, a pedal car, a freezer, a large tv aerial, and lots of pipe and scrap. The crew also took time to haul out some fallen branches, missing the dredger's help. The towpath haul was described as light considering the time elapsed since the last northbound clean-up, although The Parks Trust and perhaps other local organisations had held litter-picks.

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Clean-up—continued

Already fairly full, the hopper at Campbell Park. Photo: Peter Caswell.

Several passers-by applauded the volunteers' efforts, and a few enquired about IWA membership or joining the next clean-up. A total of 328.5 man hours was put in over the two days, in addition to the time spent in organising the event. Our thanks go to Canal & River Trust, the Parks Trust and Wyvern Shipping for their support with equipment, motive power or resources, to all their volunteers, and to all Branch members who took part.

The first day’s haul moored at Giffard Park. Photo: James Griffin.

The second hopper moored at Wolverton.

Photo: Diane Witts.

As I could not attend the clean-up, I am grateful to those who took pictures and provided information for me—Ed.

New members

Under the GDPR legislation (May 2018), we only publish the names or localities of IWA members joining the Branch if they have given consent. We are always pleased to welcome new members; you should receive a welcome contact from our Membership Secretary Pete Bickers. As Branch activities return to normal, 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).

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Buckingham Canal Society welcomes Perseverance The Buckingham Canal Society held its Annual General Meeting on 25 March at Buckingham Community Centre - an "in person" event this time. It was a very successful evening with over forty people in attendance, and included a very interesting talk by Alison Leighton on Stony Stratford: The Boats That Hayes Built.

At our Cosgrove site we have had extra help from a Network Rail visit on 15 February and Ingram Micro on 11 March, plus weekend visits from KESCRG on 12 - 13 March and WRG BITM on 9 -10 April. A lot of work was achieved at Cosgrove including plenty of dredging.

The BCS fleet continues to grow, as Perseverance has joined our other work boats Louise and Shoveler. Perseverance comes to us on long-term loan from Rob Locatelli and Canal and River services in Basingstoke. The boat comes with a midsection skip that can be lifted out, and a turntable-mounted 8-tonne excavator forming the basis of the dredger.

She also has a very large engine which drives a hydraulic propulsion unit.

Work also continues at our Hyde lane and Perseverance, on long-term loan. Photo: BCS. Bourton Meadow sites nearer to Buckingham, where wild flower beds have been planted on the non-towpath side.

There's plenty more work to keep our volunteers busy!

Athina Beckett, Buckingham Canal Society.

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nd ks a re a e r i rt b eekly h o h S w

Vernon Draper, 1946-2022 Branch members will have been saddened at the death on 22 January of Vernon Draper. His funeral, at which IWA Milton Keynes Branch was well represented, was held on 18 February at St James Church, New Bradwell, many friends attending despite the onset of Storm Eunice.

Vernon was born in 1946 in Twickenham to Harvey and May Draper. As a boy growing up in Kingston he was a trainspotter, and enjoyed playing Rugby in his younger years.

On leaving school, Vernon went to work for a quantity surveying consultancy, continuing with the firm until his retirement. He did not talk much about his work but it is believed that he was mainly involved with construction projects in London.

He had two sons, Michael and Anthony by his first marriage. They in turn gave him two granddaughters: Chloe and Olivia. Marie came into the boys’ lives when Mike was 8.

Vernon and Marie met in London during what was originally intended to be a short-term visit by Marie from her native New Zealand. They married in New Zealand in 1982 and then returned to settle in the UK, living initially in South Norwood and Coulsdon.

Vernon and Marie were keen boaters for over 40 years. They first owned a boat called Cleopatra 2, and then Reflections which they owned for over 20 years. While they were members of West London Boating Club, Vernon became involved with the former IWA Middlesex Branch which held its meetings there, and Vernon was involved on its Committee as member, Treasurer and Chairman. In 2002 they moved to Chipperfield Close, Milton Keynes, where the house overlooked the Grand Union Canal.

In 2003, Vernon set up a standalone website for IWA MK Branch, carrying contact details, events diary, and the newsletter. This remained online until BT pulled the plug on the free service that carried it. Meanwhile, Vernon had received training to enable him to develop the Branch pages on the IWA central site, which he continued to look after until shortly before his death. With Marie, Vernon participated in many Branch activities, notably making "Reflections" available as Tea Boat for canal Clean-ups.

Vernon was Treasurer of Buckingham Canal Society from 2004 to 2013. He also worked on membership spreadsheets, proofread the Buckingham Navigator newsletter, and served on the Cosgrove Festival Committee. He also supported the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust. Amongst many tasks, he managed the “Mark the Route” post project in MK, and was a valued volunteer on John Bunyan. During his retirement, Vernon became involved in the local community at New Bradwell, serving as Treasurer for the Community Centre.

He regularly treated members of the Centre's Over 50s Club to boat trips to Cosgrove or Campbell Park.

Vernon and Marie enjoyed foreign holidays, including safari trips in Kenya and South Africa, and river cruises. In 2019 they went on a cruise on the River Seine, and visited the town of Vernon (between Paris and Rouen), which Vernon was extremely pleased with.

The Branch sends its condolences to Marie and their family.

Based on the eulogy kindly provided by Mike Draper, with additional information from Athina Beckett and Les Franklin.

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Diary Although Covid infection rates are still high as this edition is prepared, we are told that we now have to live with it. Many waterway-related events are indeed returning to a normal footing, and some of those not too far away are listed below. Our own events are in bold type, and we hope to see you there!

13—15 May

Milton Keynes Walking Festival, organised by The Parks Trust.

Walks for all ages, abilities and interests: Bat walks, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, woodland walks, birders' walks, and Walk and Glide trips with Electra.

See: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/mk-walking-festival-2022 Other Parks Trust events throughout the summer, many canalside - see https://www.theparkstrust.com/whats-on-in-your-parks/

21-22 May Sat: 10.30am to 10.30pm Sun: 10.30 to 5.30pm

Rickmansworth Festival.

All the usual attractions - historic boats, entertainments, food and drink.

Parking off Stockers Farm Road, or in Rickmansworth town centre. http://www.rwt.org.uk/festival/visiting-the-festival

3-5 June Fri: 10am to 6pm Sat: 10am to 6pm Sun: 10am to 5pm

Crick boat show.

Crick Marina, Northants, NN6 7SQ Historic boats, boat trips, boat handling sessions, seminars and masterclasses, food, bar, music and entertainments. https://www.crickboatshow.com/home/

25-26 June

FMC Rally and Canal Festival.

Braunston Marina, NN11 7JH Details will be posted at: https://braunstonmarina.co.uk/events/

23-24 July

Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair.

Cosgrove Lock, Cosgrove.

Historic and trade boats, entertainment and refreshments. The Craft Fair is held nearby at Cosgrove Village Hall. https://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk/events-and-news/

Saturday 30 July

Set-up 9am; Stall open 11am—5pm; Clear up 5pm.

Branch stall at Linslade Canal Festival—provisional, depending on volunteer help available.

Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade.

This event celebrates canal life, conservation, the countryside and traditional rural crafts. Always a pleasurable occasion, and almost always blessed with good weather. If you can spare time to help set up, meet the public or clear up afterwards, please contact Tim Armstrong. More info: https://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/lltc_events/linslade-canal-festival/

6 -7 August

Fenny Stratford Canal Festival (subject to CRT approval).

27-29 August

IWA Festival of Water 2022.

Trent & Mersey Canal, Burton-upon-Trent.

A full programme of music and dance will take place in 2022. See:

Times to be confirmed

Towpath south of Watling Street bridge, Fenny Stratford.

A repeat of 2021’s successful event. Trading boats are already applying to attend, and we hope to have visits from the Milton Keynes Community boat Electra. Please let Tim Armstrong know if you can help on the day.

https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/

Thurs 15 September Page 8

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105-111 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN An evening of waterway videos—details to be announced.

Diary—continued IWA webinars and recorded talks Although many IWA Branches are now holding “in person” meetings once again, some are still offering these meetings as Zoom webinars too. For up-to-date details of most IWA events, please visit the main IWA events page at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events 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.youtube.com/channel/UC_ROBJ6rpm_41BSmu-Glf2Q IWA’s Youtube channel carries videos of past meetings - there is some overlap 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. You should receive an email with a simple “Click here to join” link. * The webinar opens in your browser. For “live” webinars with audience participation, make sure that your camera and microphone are connected.

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.

MikronTheatre Company—50 years of touring

This year is Mikron’s 50th year of bringing professional theatre to your doorstep, touring the canal network during the summer aboard their narrowboat Tyseley, and by road in the spring and autumn. This year, Mikron has two new shows: Raising Agents (RA): 100 years of the WI. Bunnington WI is a bit down-at-heel. Dwindling membership means they can barely afford the hall, let alone a decent speaker. So when a PR guru becomes a member, the women are glad of new blood. But the milk of WI kindness begins to sour when she re-brands them the Bunnington Bunnies. With stakes higher than a five tiered cake stand, a battle ensues for the very soul of Bunnington, perhaps the WI itself!

Red Sky at Night (RSN): the wild and wonderful world of weather.

Hayley’s beloved dad was the nation’s favourite weatherman. She is now following in his footsteps, to join the ranks of the forecasting fraternity. When the pressure drops and dark clouds gather, Hayley is melting faster than a lonely snowflake. She’s seen the future’s forecast, but will anyone listen? Bring your anorak and your Factor 50. Well, you never know.

Here are dates and venues for local shows: Friday 17 June, 7.00pm, The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SE Wednesday 22 June, 7.00pm, The Globe Inn, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2TA Thursday 23 June, 7.00pm, The Grand Junction Arms, Tring, HP23 5QE Tuesday 28 June, 7.30pm, The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EG Wednesday 29 June, 7.30pm, The Rising Sun, Berkhamsted, HP4 2EG Saturday 2 July, 1.00pm, Lionhearts CC, Milton Keynes, MK14 5EL

RA RSN RA RSN RA RA Page 9

“Narrows” construction begins at Little Tring Wendover Canal Trust volunteers have begun work to construct a “narrows” next to the current head of navigation. This will prevent wider boats from going any further, as they will not be able to pass any other boats in the relined channel. Careful excavation is taking place, to expose the end of the Phase 1 concrete walls and lining.

Excavating for the narrows. Photo: WCT. January saw the start of largescale removal of waste from the tip site. The Trust placed a contract with FCC, a large waste disposal company, acting as a subcontractor to Canal & River Trust. This material is 100-year-old Tring Urban District Council rubbish, mainly ash. Volunteers moved some 270 loads of ash with two dumpers, and 44 lorry trips took around 870 tonnes of material (about 15% of the total to be removed) to the FCC disposal site at Calvert. Several rounds of sampling have shown that the ash (unlike the old coal-tar canal lining material) is not 'hazardous’ as sampling in previous years had suggested.

In preparation for the vehicle movements, the access slope from Little Tring Road was resurfaced, along with a turning area. The volunteers' car park was given a new layer of stone, as it had become muddy. Suitable material was spread with the excavator, and flattened using a vibrating ride-on-roller; training was given by Terry Cavender of Buckingham Canal Society. A backlog of clay spoil from previous months also had to be removed.

Following re-watering between Bridges 4a and 4 in November, tests revealed an unexplained water loss. Biodegradable dye has been used to try to trace the leakage, but so far this did not reveal the cause. During February the leakage slowed. In March, the section between the two footbridges was drained, and temporary barriers were erected at each end of the concrete canal bottom at Whitehouses. It should now be possible to find out whether the loss is occurring east or west of Whitehouses, or at Whitehouses itself.

Further relining is paused east of Bridge 4 until the cause of the leak has been found, but some profiling (excavation of the canal to the required shape ready for relining) has been done, and most of the remaining previously-laid lining has been covered with spoil.

There have been some important changes with the Trust's Council. Chris Sargeant has stepped down after eight years as Chairman, and is succeeded by Clive Johnson. Clive will continue as a restoration volunteer. Partnership Director Peter Elwin, and Honorary Secretary Mike Beckley, have agreed to act as Deputy Chairmen. Carol Williams continues as newsletter editor, but steps down as a trustee. Chris Sargeant will continue to help her with the newsletter. Chris Bent has taken over as Restoration Director from Tony Bardwell, who retires after over ten years' devotion to the restoration. Chris will be away from the end of March for three months, and Mikk Bradley will deputise during this period.

From Wendover Canal News, Spring 2022, and restoration reports January-April 2022.

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Advertisement feature

Old and new boats welcomed for expert repairs Narrow Boat Repairs resides on the old Warwickshire Fly Company site on the Kaye’s arm of the Grand Union Canal, between locks 11 and 12 of the Stockton flight, roughly four hours' cruise from Braunston. The docks are housed in a Romney fabricated building (rumoured to be possibly ex-Ministry of Defence).

Kaye’s arm was once access to one of Boats awaiting attention in the drydock. the many local cement works. These days it is just as busy, but is now used as moorings.

The site is now under the watchful eye of James Marshall and a team of five who have brought new life to the docks. Their aim is to continue the quality workmanship and standards set by both Warwickshire Fly Boat Company and latterly Graeme Pearce. Initially, James was mobile, travelling around the county carrying out repairs. He and his team have a combined experience of over 60 years.

Narrowboat Repairs took over the wharf and docks in 2021, and are steadily building a good client base, along with a superb reputation. Bookings can be taken at the point of enquiry with availability in both 2022 and 2023 remaining. Both historic and modern boats are welcomed, and wide beams up to 11ft, for dry docking.

The company offers a wide range of services including general maintenance and servicing, blacking, steel work including overplating, localised repairs and hot riveting, as well as new fabrications and modifications to existing craft. In-water work can be undertaken from the adjoining wet dock facility, fit-out and carpentry shop. The wet and dry docks are primarily used by the team but are also available for hire privately.

Whether you need an engine service, to take your boat out of the water for a DIY or service blacking or are considering a full or part refit, please get in touch to see how Narrowboat Repairs can help. Visit their web site at https://www.narrowboatrepairs.co.uk/, phone on 01926 815513 or email enquiries@narrowboatrepairs.co.uk

Family Canal Camp at Whitehouses Join Waterway Recovery Group and Wendover Canal Trust on 28 - 30 October for a weekend of fun environmental activities at Whitehouses on the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

The Camp is open to families with children aged 6 - 14. Activities will help enhance the waterway for wildlife and to teach children what it is like to ‘live like a Navvy’!

At he address below, and click “contact Us” to register interest. https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/wendover-canal-family-camp Page 11

B&MKWT completes landing stage at Kempston Mill After years of planning, the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust has completed the landing stage at the Head of Navigation on the Great Ouse at Kempston Mill. Eleventh-hour negotiations with the contractor were necessary due to some large increases in their price, as a result of inflation in the construction sector last year. To avoid further price increases, along with the risk of not being able to work during the flood season, the work included in this first phase was cut back.

Work was started in November. The contractor encountered a number of problems which delayed completion until mid-December, but fortunately the flood waters held off until the work had been finished. However, the late completion left the site extremely muddy over the winter.

Trust volunteers have done some remedial work, maintaining the public gravel path, and levelling off and seeding the area adjacent to the The landing stage, awaiting final work. Photo: B&MKWT. river downstream of the landing stage. Quotes are being sought from groundworks contractors for forming an access ramp, decking over the landing stage, and final seeding and tidying. A spoil heap will be removed when the ground has dried sufficiently.

Community Boats begin 2022 season with new trips The John Bunyan boat is offering new cruises which combine cruising with another activity. These include 45-minute sampler cruises, Eye Spy cruises for children, a jazz cruise, afternoon tea cruises, a curry cruise, and even a gin-tasting cruise. A local historian will host a History cruise, with commentary and explanations on the history of Bedford and sights seen from the river. For prices, times and dates, or to book tickets, visit: https://www.bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat/ Electra, the Trust's Community boat in Milton Keynes, is also offering new cruising opportunities. The works to restore and interpret the historic park at Great Linford Manor included the provision of a mooring point for Electra. This allows the boat to offer a new selection of cruises starting at Great Linford, including cruises through Stanton Low Park, and an ‘Explore the Canal’ at Great Linford, combining a cruise from Campbell Wharf with a 45-minute guided tour by a Parks Trust speaker about the canal at Great Linford and the impact it had on the Manor gardens and the village. These offerings are in addition to the existing routes from Electra's base at Campbell Wharf. More info at: https://www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/ Page 12

B&MK project is now attracting external funding The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust's own investment of around £80k in studies to attract substantial external investment in the project is now bearing fruit. Funded largely by income for its two Community boats, John Bunyan and Electra, the Trust now has: * A digital map of the route showing a wide range of features and which others can download and use (Milton Keynes section of route pictured above); * A breakdown of the likely construction cost of the project; * An analysis demonstrating how much a new waterway can bring into the local economy; * A report showing broadly that the Waterway can probably help reduce local flooding.

As a result of the evidence that these studies put forward, the project is now benefitting from significant external funding of around £250,000. The Environment Agency and Water Resources East are taking the Trust's initial flood management report and developing it into a much more comprehensive study, looking at both flood management and water transfer potential – both increasingly important in the context of climate change.

With a focus on the need to increase biodiversity and offset the impact of roads and development, National Highways (formerly Highways England) are proposing to invest in work to look at how increased planting and landscaping along the waterway can help.

At the local level, Bedford Borough Council and the Environment Agency have made generous contributions to the new landing stage at Kempston Mill.

It is hoped that these commitments will lead in turn to further large-scale investment and support for the project. Although Government is soft-pedalling its initiatives for the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, under which the project hoped to secure funding, there will be other opportunities to use the growing pool of evidence about the benefits of the Waterway.

Information on these pages from B&MK Trust Newsletter, April 2022, and news releases.

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, Nicky and their team will be sure to make your visit a pleasurable experience.

11 Lock View Lane, Fenny Stratford, MK1 1BY 01908 372317 https://www.redlionbletchley.co.uk karentheredlion@gmail.com

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Towpath improvements planned in Leighton Buzzard In partnership with national walking and cycling charity Sustrans, Canal & River Trust is planning a £500,000 towpath improvement project on the Grand Union Canal in Leighton Buzzard, starting in May and completed by September 2022.

The project builds on previous towpath improvements undertaken in Leighton Buzzard in 2015, between Leighton Road and Leighton Lock. It will add a further 2.9km of Improvements imminent north of here. Photo: Les Franklin. improved towpath, resulting in a 4.1km stretch of continuous high quality towpath through Leighton Buzzard and surrounding areas.The towpath south of Leighton Road currently has an unbound, uneven surface and is narrow in many places. The project will resurface and widen a 780-metre section of towpath running south from the B4032 Leighton Road Bridge 114 to Bridge 115A (Mentmore Gardens). This will require the towpath to be closed from the end of May for approximately 10 weeks. A signed towpath diversion will be in place.

The project will also improve a 2,100-metre section running north from Lock 27 (Leighton Lock) to Bridge 110 (Sandhole Bridge) in Old Linslade. Here there will be surfacing improvements, vegetation trimming and biodiversity enhancements. Any closures will be kept to a minimum and will have signed diversion routes in place.

Canal & River Trust ecologists and heritage advisers are involved in the design, to ensure the works are sensitive to local wildlife and heritage structures, making enhancements where possible, including hedge laying, vegetation and tree management.

The towpath in Leighton Buzzard forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network ‘Paths for Everyone’, which aims to deliver a traffic-free, more consistent and accessible network for everyone, including walkers, cyclists, families and people with mobility requirements.

The project is one of a series of Department for Transport (DfT) Active Travel funded towpath improvement projects being delivered by the Canal & River Trust across England and Wales, helping the nation’s waterways to provide high quality off-road routes for walking and cycling, and an important ‘natural health service’ across the country.

CRT held a community information event on 23 April at Linslade Memorial Pavilion, at which local people were encouraged to find out more about the project, view the plans on display, and ask questions. CRT was also seeking volunteers to get involved in delivering some of the wildlife or heritage improvements, or to help look after the new towpath environment once it is complete.

CRT news release, April 2022.

Page 14

The Editor’s Page It’s a short step from our home to the canal in Linslade, so the towpath often forms part of our walks. On one walk in April, Sheila snapped this heron who, as we approached, waited until the last minute before flying off. He was a splendid sight both before and after taking to the air.

We will be interested to see the projected towpath improvements taking place south of Bridge 114 and north of Leighton Lock (see opposite). In the last edition I commented on the risks to heritage features on the canalside when “improvements” are carried out, but we will hope for the best!

One thing that needs putting right is the very low towpath north of Bridge 115A, where canal water can often be seen flowing over the path into the parallel stream. Apart from the loss of water, this leads to hazardous walking, especially in frosty weather.

Whether we like the improvements or not, let’s hope the heron approves of them!

Les Franklin, Editor.

Jim Wright remembered

Jim Wright was an active participant in many waterway spheres, including early IWA restoration work parties, and membership of the Grand Union Canal Society and Wendover Arm Group (now Canal Trust). He was an early Chairman of IWA MK Branch, its Editor for several spells, Habourmaster at the 1985 National Rally in MK, and latterly Planning Officer.

When the Branch took part in the replacement of missing local Grand Union mileposts, Jim sponsored the one near the Globe Inn, not far from his home in Linslade. Unfortunately his plaque below the milepost disappeared some years ago.

His sons Nick and Andrew have had a new plaque made, and it has been fixed to the milepost in renewal of his memory.

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 15

Getting in touch with MK Branch After February’s AGM, the Committee was able to elect the officers essential for the Branch to continue, but several roles remain vacant (see right), covered meanwhile by existing Committee members and others. See January’s TPT for details of these vacancies. YOUR help would be welcomed!

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Per edition £32.50 £20.00 £12.50

Chairman:

TIM ARMSTRONG tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk

Secretary:

DIANE WITTS diane.witts@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer and Social Secretary:

DAVID TUCKER (non-Committee) dt_boats@hotmail.com

Membership:

PETE BICKERS pete.bickers@waterways.org.uk

Buckingham Canal Soc. Representative:

ATHINA BECKETT athina.beckett@buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Committee member:

MARIE DRAPER marie239@btinternet.com

Trade Representative: JAMES GRIFFIN james@canalholidays.co.uk Committee member:

WESLEY HARRISON wesley.harrison@waterways.org.uk

Vice-Chairman

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LES FRANKLIN (non-Committee) les.franklin@waterways.org.uk

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Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses can change, but these were correct on 29 March 2022.

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 Canal Trust: https://wendovercanal.org.uk Friends of the Canal Museum: https://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.