Towpath Telegraph January 2024

January 2024

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

NEWS NEWS FROM FROM BCS BCS AND AND WCT WCT IWA IWA MK MK BRANCH BRANCH AGM AGM NOTICE NOTICE B&MKW: B&MKW: NEW NEW POLITICAL POLITICAL WILL WILL CANAL & RIVER TRUST WINTER WORKS CANAL & RIVER TRUST WINTER WORKS OUR OUR LEIGHTON-LINSLADE LEIGHTON-LINSLADE CORRESPONDENT CORRESPONDENT IWA IWA WELCOMES WELCOMES CANCELLATION CANCELLATION OF OF HS2 HS2 PHASE PHASE 22 Dwarfing other moored craft, Towcester and Bideford, belonging to Jules’ Fuels, were snapped at Leighton Buzzard on a bright sunny day in October. The company runs two pairs of boats offering bottled gas, coal and wood fuels to boaters and canalside dwellers on the Grand Union. See other news from the Leighton Buzzard area on Pages 6-7. Photo: Les Franklin.

Registered Office: 16 B, First Floor, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2PX Tel: 01494 783453 Web: https://www.waterways.org.uk A non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.

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Welcome to January 2024 Towpath Telegraph The recent record rainfall presumably means no water shortages for the time being, but the pleasant days between the wet spells have given the chance to see some splendid autumn colours. The Parks Trust offers a guided walk at Great Linford Manor on New Year’s Eve—see the Diary page.

Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy this edition.

Chairman’s Column New members IWA welcomes cancellation of HS2 Phase 2 Canal & River Trust winter works Car driven into canal in MK Our Leighton-Linslade Correspondent Nessie’s cousin at Leighton?

Common sense wins at Grove Lock Art at All Saints Diary IWA webinars and recorded talks Wendover Canal Trust news Buckingham Canal Society news IWA Milton Keynes Branch AGM Accolade for Campbell Wharf Marina B&MK Waterway: new political will to make it a reality The Editor’s Page Getting in touch with MK Branch

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

Chairman’s Column A sad day during the last few weeks: the day when I relinquished ownership of my narrow boat, Rock Partridge, which had been part of my life for nigh on 15 years.

Practical considerations meant that decisions were needed.

To me, the boat fulfilled several objectives. After many years pootling (love the word!) about on the South Coast, around Chichester Harbour and The Solent whilst living in Surrey, moving to Buckinghamshire meant that a trip south was lengthy and sometimes futile from a weather perspective.

Work near Ampthill provided an opportunity to sail on the worked-out aggregate pits around Stewartby, with many a wonderful summer’s evening to remember. That all ended with the sale of the company for whom I worked. This coincided with my wife Carolyn’s deteriorating health and my registration as one of her carers.

Sourcing a narrowboat provided two benefits: a continuation of my love of pottering around on the water and a valuable place to escape the daily domestic scene. The latter routine proved to be relatively short-term.

Maybe I should have sold the boat sooner, but I was hooked. The canals and all their idiosyncrasies are a fascinating part of our history and industry. I have also used hire boats on occasion, but even so have covered only a small part of our canal network. I will now admit, after about fifty years, to canoeing through Bruce Tunnel on the Kennet & Avon, two canoes fully laden with camping gear etc. – quicker and easier than a portage over the top!

My boat was originally moored at Gayton Marina. The easiest weekend trip was northwards to Whilton Locks and return: no locks and one or two pubs within walking distance. But it’s a popular stretch for moored craft, some residential, for others somewhere to just keep the thing! Going south from Gayton there was the tunnel at Blisworth and then the flight at Stoke Bruerne. For many friends who came for the ride, the tunnel was a highlight, shower included if I got the aim right! But I always enjoyed the haul through Stoke Bruerne, talking to gongoozlers old and young alike, having the eager assistance of the children hauling on gate beams while trying to comprehend how it all Page 2

Chairman’s Column—continued. worked by the simple laws of physics, and hopefully sending them on their way happy and a bit more knowledgeable and, maybe, keen to learn more.

If pushed, I would single out the Ashby Canal as my favourite of those I have cruised. In reaching the Ashby, the north Oxford has a few tedious, uninspiring bits that spoil the good bits.

The Ashby follows that wonderful green ribbon of tranquility between the industry and conurbations along the M1 corridor to the east and the similar blight along the M45 and M6 to the west. Indeed, I hope, now that HS2 has been shunted into its siding Tim relaxes on the Ashby in 2018. Picture: Les Franklin. of indeterminacy, that the plans to reach Measham by way of new canal may be speedily resurrected and pursued to a happy outcome.

Moving the boat to Napton on the Hill had provided fresh impetus for these trips, as it meant narrow locks via Rugby with the assistance of eager, motivated lock-keepers at Hillmorton down/up the three paired locks. Indirectly it was the cursed Covid that started the decision process to sell the boat. On my boat I was probably as secure from Covid as anywhere and I would have been quite content. But the Marina had a residential element (about 10%) and was anxious to protect that element from the ravages of Covid. Marina closed - save to residential moorers! As we know too well, boats need much TLC and I was unable to even wave a paint brush at mine!

The flame of enthusiasm flickered and died. But I secured a sale within a week of placement on the market. I await the verdict of the purchaser’s survey, but in the meantime I am secure in the knowledge of the initial offer being made at the original asking price. As they say in the Royal Navy – when you complete your final command at sea: ”Time to command a desk at the Admiralty.” Fruitful times, with many happy memories.

With my best wishes for 2024 – may it also be a fruitful and rewarding time for you.

Tim Armstrong, Branch Chairman.

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. We very much hope to see you at our Branch meetings and other events—please introduce yourselves to one of our Committee members (those wearing IWA badges).

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IWA welcomes cancellation of HS2 Phase 2 Cancellation of HS2 Phases 2a, 2b and HS2 East will avoid major noise impacts on waterway users at numerous locations and will remove the blight on several canal restoration projects. Phase 2a (Fradley to Crewe) was authorised in 2021 and early environmental work was undertaken. Its cancellation and removal of its safeguarding “in weeks” will remove the threat of major disruption and noise to the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood Marina with its semi-residential boaters.

Phase 2b West (Crewe-Manchester) is currently before Parliament. Its cancellation and removal of its safeguarding “by summer next year” will remove the threats of disruption and noise at the Middlewich Branch crossings and to the on-line moorings at Stanthorne, and also at the three proposed Trent & Mersey viaduct crossings and to residential boats at Oakwood Marina, along with the threat of possible subsidence around Billinge Flash. It is not yet clear if the current Crewe–Manchester Bill and its Select Committee hearings will be dropped, or if the Manchester section (forming part of the ‘Northern Powerhouse Rail’ route) may be retained pending a decision on a modified Network North scheme. Either way, IWA is unlikely now to be called to put its case for better noise protection, or to receive the promised response to its questions about ground stability in Cheshire.

The HS2 East (Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway) plans had not been updated since abandonment of the East Midlands to Leeds part of Phase 2b East in 2021. Its cancellation and removal of the safeguarding on Phase 2b “by summer next year” (which presumably includes HS2 East) will enable the Ashby Canal restoration at Measham to proceed. It also removes a crossing of the Coventry Canal at Polesworth.

Confirmation that the East Midlands to Leeds route has been abandoned, and removal of the safeguarding Ashby: hope for re-connection to on that section, simplifies the Chesterfield Canal resto- the isolated section at Moira. ration at Staveley which will no longer need a deepened lock and an extra lock. It also finally confirms avoidance of crossings of the River Soar at Kegworth, Cranfleet Cut on the River Trent, the Erewash Canal, Aire & Calder and Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation.

Phase 1, already under construction, will be completed but with a smaller station at Euston.

It will include the currently partly delayed section beyond Coleshill to Fradley and the Handsacre Link where it will join the West Coast Main Line. So the works affecting the Lichfield Canal restoration have not changed, with construction of the replacement Cappers Lane bridge and the canal diversion under Cappers Lane Viaduct expected to continue, although the timescale is uncertain. But the Trent & Mersey Canal bridge at Fradley and the grade separated junction at Streethay are clearly no longer needed.

IWA’s negotiations with HS2 have achieved various improvements to their plans, notably avoiding three unnecessary crossings over the Trent & Mersey at Fradley Wood End. However, HS2 has never fully recognised the noise impacts on canal users, particularly on residential boat dwellers, and the mitigation measures at many canal interfaces were inadequate. Construction and operational noise will still affect the Grand Union, Oxford and BCN canals, but IWA is relieved that many others will now be spared, and that the two restoration projects blighted by uncertainty can now proceed unhindered.

IWA news release, October 2023. Photo: MaltaGC at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0.

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Canal & River Trust winter works Canal & River Trust is believed to have curtailed some major projects in the face of the Government's funding cuts, but a £50 million winter works programme has been announced on the Trust's web site, comprising 138 works on 47 waterways.

The public are being offered the chance to get behind the scenes at some of these works, either “face-to-face” or online. Face-to-face venues include locks on the Nottingham & Beeston Canal, Kennet & Avon, Shropshire Union and Birmingham Main Line, and works at Brent Reservoir in north-west London.

Virtual open days will include refurbishment of four Grade II Listed lift bridges on the Oxford Canal, dredging works on the Trent & Mersey, and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is due to be drained for inspection early in the New Year. Information will appear on CRT’s homepage at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

CRT news release, November 2023.

A number of stoppages are scheduled early in 2024 on the Grand Union in or near the Branch area: ID and dates/times:

Location:

Work:

Towpath:

24939 8/1/24, 08.00 to 2/2/24, 16.00.

Lock 26, Three Locks, Top.

Replacement of top end and bottom end gate mitre.

Not closed.

24822 8/1/24, 08.00 to 2/3/24, 16.00.

Lock 14, Top Lock, Stoke Bruerne.

Gate replacement, and fender & horn repairs.

Closed.

24823 8/1/24, 08.00 to 2/3/24, 16.00.

Lock 16 upstream of Bridge 54, Stevens Bridge, near Stoke Bruerne.

Repairs of gate planking to resolve leakage, and brickwork repairs at Bridge 53a.

Closed.

24824 8/1/24, 08.00 to 2/3/24, 16.00.

Lock 18 upstream of Bridge 54, Stevens Bridge near Stoke Bruerne.

Gate replacement & chamber/ladder/horn works.

Closed.

24831 8/1/24, 08.00 to 2/2/24, 16.00.

Lock 37, Top Gate, near Marsworth.

Removal, backfilling and replacement of copings.

Not closed.

25368 12/2/24, 08.00 to 23/2/34, 16.00.

Lock 22, Fenny Stratford.

Relining of bottom end gate mitre.

Not closed.

Fuller information at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/refresh/media/report/winter-notices.pdf

Car driven into canal in MK On 17 November, Police were investigating after a car was driven into the Grand Union Canal at Bowlers Bridge (91), Milton Keynes. The car was removed by 11.30am that day, and the navigation re-opened.

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Our Leighton-Linslade Correspondent Tim Armstrong wants to see the southern reaches of the Branch’s territory made more inclusive. To assist with this, Dave Roberts, former Branch Treasurer, has agreed to act as our eyes and ears in the area, able to gather relevant items of news and forward them for inclusion in our media outlets.

If you have any item of waterway news or information relating to the Leighton Buzzard area, please let us have details. Your contact details (treated in confidence) will be helpful, so that we may follow up the lead. Any matter may be raised, be it a social issue, planning blight or abuse, or even news relating to local wildlife. Dave will be given an “@waterways.org.uk” email address in due course, but IWA Head Office is still being reorganised following its change of address, including IT changes. While this is concluded, please communicate via Tim Armstrong at tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk or to the Editor at les.franklin@waterways.org.uk Meanwhile, here are three stories from the Leighton area; see also the front cover.

Nessie’s cousin at Leighton?

This "monster" appeared in a Facebook post recently forwarded to Annie Roberts. The location is clearly the canal north of the town bridge at Linslade.

Shall we call it Linsey? Is it a "plasticosaurus", or a building site rubbish chute?

Whatever it is, it doesn't seem very interested in the scraps being thrown by the lady, or in the lady herself for that matter.

To our knowledge, no other sightings have been reported.

We presume that this is some clever Photoshoppery, we offer no warranties, and no correspondence will be entered into! - Ed.

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 https://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

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Common sense wins at Grove Lock In late October, James Griffin of Wyvern Shipping Co drew Canal & River Trust's attention to a wide-beam boat that had been moored for some time opposite the winding hole below Grove Lock, hindering use of the winding hole. In response to his request for a "No mooring" sign, CRT first replied that the backwater below the lock did not appear to be a designated winding hole, and that "a sign in this context would not necessarily apply."

James replied pointing out that the location is marked as a winding hole in canal guides, that it has been used as such since before 1954 when Wyvern started trading, and that its use saves both water and cruising time compared with going on to Slapton to turn - useful to boats visiting the Linslade Canal Festival, New sign below Grove boats visiting the Grove public house, and indeed to CRT's own or contractors' workboats.

Lock. Photo: CRT. These points seemed unanswerable, and after some internal debate, CRT agreed to place a "No mooring" sign on the opposite bank, and it has been duly installed.

During this interchange, it emerged that since not all CRT staff have good local knowledge, bankside problems reported to enquiries.londonsoutheast@canalrivertrust.org.uk are likely to be pursued more quickly if accompanied by a what3words location and photographs.

Art at All Saints

Members may recall that in November 2016, the Branch held a very successful combined meeting with Leighton Buzzard Art Society, when the demonstrator was Guildford-based boater/artist Melanie Cambridge, who painted a splendid view of Leighton Lock. During the interval, audience members were able to look at paintings by members of both the Art Society and the Branch.

After some lean times since then, the Art Society is now flourishing under a hardworking and enthusiastic Committee. On 27 -28 October, the Society held its annual Exhibition at All Saints' Church, Leighton Buzzard, which made an ideal venue, handy for Leighton's shoppers. A huge variety of high-standard work was on show, both as framed pictures and unframed "portfolio" works. Numerous greeting cards were on sale too. There was a sprinkling of waterwaythemed work, including this charming view of one of the locks at Aylesbury, by Diana Parsons. Leighton Buzzard Art Society’s web site is at https://www.lbas.org.uk/ Report and photo: Les Franklin.

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Diary Our Branch meetings continue at Bletchley Conservative Club. Non-members are always welcome at Branch meetings, so why not invite a friend along? Our own events are listed below in bold type.

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From V7 Saxon Street, Princes near Bletchley Station, at Way RoundPrinces Way Roundabout Lidl about store (near Lidl store), turn off into Princes Way. Princes Way After 50 yards, turn right into Albert Street, then bear left at miniW ay Bletchley roundabout. ll e w way kFollow Albert Street to ens t) Caw P Que (eas end, and turn left into Queensway. (west) nsway Take 1st left into Oxford Quee Bletchley Brunel Street. d Conservative Club Roa Roundabout m Take 1st right into ha 105 Queensway king c u B Cawkwell Way. Bletchley 34 B40 Take 1st right into MK2 2DN Bedford Street.

Entrance to the Conservative Club car park is immediately on the left, at the end of a brick wall.

The meeting room is on the ground floor, with level access from the car park.

Please note that Cawkwell Way, although two-way, is narrow in parts. The route given uses as little of it as possible. On leaving the car park, Bedford Street is one-way, so please turn left and then into Queensway. Also shown is the pedestrian route (10 minutes) from Bletchley Station.

Great Linford Manor Park Guided Walk. Join the Friends of Great Linford Manor Park to discover the 18th-century features which have been recently revealed and restored as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project. Free, but donations welcomed. Suitable for all ages. No booking - just turn up. Sensible, hard-wearing footwear and outdoor clothing is advised. Meet at MK Arts Centre car park, Great Linford, off Parklands (St. Leger Drive), MK14 5DZ. More information and other walks at https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/

Thurs 18 January 2024 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: Challenging the myths and misconceptions of the history of canal folk art, talk by Kay Andrews.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Wednesday 24 January 8pm

IWA Chiltern Branch meeting: Expanding Horizons, talk by Jeremy Batch, renowned guest speaker.

Jeremy takes us on to blue waters as opposed to still, and traces a century of changes in leisure boating and marine technology over the past 115 years. His talk includes how an ice cream became a curse or just maybe a blessing, and how the most valuable cargo the UK ever sent to America is aboard many boats and is in all our homes.

Education Centre, Batchworth Lock Canal centre, Canal Bridge, 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1JD Parking: Council car parks at Talbot Road, WD3 1EY or Ebury Road, WD3 1BH, free parking after 6.30pm. Fuller parking info at: https://waterways.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Chiltern-branch-meeting-venue.pdf

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Diary—continued.

Tuesday 13 February 2.30pm (note time)

IWA Northampton Branch meeting: Curious Cuts! Phil Clayton presents this entertaining talk, looking at some of the has-beens, never-weres, oddities and eccentricities of the waterways.

The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, Northants, NN12 7SB

Thurs 15 February 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: Annual General Meeting (Agenda: see Page 13), and The Bata Canal, talk by Hana Wilson (postponed from April 2023). The Bata Canal, in the Czech Republic, was largely financed by the Bata shoe company. Severely damaged during World War 2, much of it has now been restored.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Thursday 21 March 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch Meeting The Buckingham Canal, Update with Athina Beckett. Catch up on recent progress, and prospects for the future, on our local restoration project.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Thursday 18 April 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch Meeting Illustrated talk by Simon Judge: Oxford to Cambridge—pictures from a waterway trip.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Friday 19 Saturday 20 April

Branch Canal Clean-up, from Fenny Stratford to Wolverton. Subject to CRT approval. Details to be announced.

Find all IWA events at: https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events

IWA webinars and recorded talks Many IWA Branches are still offering their “in person” meetings as Zoom webinars. 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.

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Wendover towpath upgrade completed The upgrade of the mile-long towpath from Wharf Road, Wendover, to Perch Bridge, Halton, has been completed and is fully open, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use it whatever the weather. Work on the remaining stretch from Perch Bridge to the centre off Halton was expected to start on 16 October and to be completed by mid-December, weather permitting. A YouTube video by Gordon Findlay shows the improvement from Wharf Road to Perch Bridge in just over 6 minutes. View it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_-71gpqNwk In the last edition we reported that Canal & River Trust had paused Wendover Canal Trust's restoration work pending tests on soil and groundwater, to ensure that the buried former bitumen or asphalt lining material will not present a hazard in the future. Agreement has been reached upon what testing should be done. Southern Testing were on-site during the October work party, taking samples, and a report from them was expected in the second half of November. The results will be discussed with CRT and any necessary steps agreed.

WCT has been discussing how to progress some projects unaffected by the CRT pause, including tidying up the canal entrance at Wharf Road, Wendover, with new brickwork and railings, and extending the Little Tring towpath improvements as far as where the Bentomat lining has been laid. At the Trust's recent AGM, it was concluded that some volunteers would like to progress this, and that the benefits of achieving this outweigh the risk to WCT funds if the Trust itself has to fund the materials.

At the October work party, stop planks were placed in the weir at Bridge 4a to ensure the canal remains dry in the section to Bridge 4, to allow inspection and repairs to the joint at Bridge 4. The supply of water from Stop planks at Bridge 4a. Photo: WCT. Wendover had largely dried up due to reed growth blocking the channel. However, CRT’s contractor was expected to start clearing the reeds, so the water level is likely to rise soon.

Some safety and site security tasks were carried out. Fencing at the new narrows and the green netting along the towpath were checked and secured. Banners on the bridges were secured. A vandalised bench was returned to its location at Buckland. At the request of IWA Chiltern Branch, the picnic table at Marsworth Lock 39 was cleaned, the metalwork painted and the table top and seats replaced with planks of recycled plastic. Site signage was audited and a list of new signs required has been prepared.

Other general tasks included replacement of black polythene on the stored Bentomat, return of surplus building materials to the site compound, and tidying the site compound.

Holes made by those hunting for buried bottles in the tip were filled with tip material. A section of towpath hedge between Whitehouses and Bridge 4 was cut back. On an extra work party day, grass cutting was carried out at Whitehouses. These tasks having been completed, the November work party was cancelled.

From WCT Restoration Reports, November 2023.

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Volunteers and stakeholders thanked at WCT event On 1 November, Wendover Canal Trust staged a community engagement event with more than 100 guests from 85 different organisations, to mark the 25th anniversary of work starting on restoration of the Wendover Canal. The occasion allowed the Trust to provide an update on its activities, hold a dialogue with representatives from local organisations and thank its current supporters.

At the event, which was held in Aston Clinton, WCT Chairman Clive Johnson recalled the almost impenetrable condition of the canal route when restoration began, and paid tribute to the progress made since then by the volunteers. He hoped that by the end of 2025 the re -lining of the section which has always leaked would be completed. The water level could then be restored for boats to reach Buckland, and eventually Wendover. The canal and its towpath were becoming a green corridor, accessible to all, and with increased biodiversity.

Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust Director for London and South East, proposed a celebratory toast. Other guests included Commodore Tim Hennessey, RN DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire; Wing Commander Anna Toothill, Deputy Station Commander, RAF Halton, and Councillor Christopher Townsend, Mayor of Tring.

IWA has supported the project throughout those 25 years, both nationally and through IWA Chiltern Branch, while IWA’s Restoration Hub has been providing significant support recently. IWA's Technical Support Officer, Mikk Bradley, worked with Canal & River Trust over drawings and designs for Whitehouses sluice structure. He has also prepared detailed drawings for the repairs to the foundations of the swing bridge, including stop plank design, the Narrows structure and towpath strengthening wall. Mikk has also taken on an active role in training WCT volunteers in levelling. The WCT Environment Group were trained on Biodiversity Net Gain by IWA’s former Volunteer Co-ordinator Alex Melson, who led a training afternoon walking along the Wendover Canal and highlighting many aspects which were of value to the wildlife at Whitehouses Pocket Park.

Over the years, local Waterway Recovery Group volunteers have joined in the Trust’s regular work parties; this summer two WRG Canal Camps were held on the Wendover Canal.

From WCT and IWA web sites, November 2023.

Wendover Canal Trust’s 2024 Calendar The Wendover Canal Trust's 2024 calendar shows a different aspect of the canal for each month, from boats to wildlife. Income from these calendars helps the restoration work.

Calendars can be purchased via this link: https://wat.whitefuse.net/events/2024-calendar Important: Calendars are in packs of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Packs are called "tickets" by the web site.

Please only order one of whichever pack you need.

1 at £10 each + £2.40 postage: £12.40 2 at £10 each + £2.70 postage: £22.70 3 at £9 each + £2.70 postage: £29.70 Robbie Cumming, WCT Patron, with 4 at £9 each + £2.70 postage: £38.70 the 2024 Calendar. Photo: WCT. 5 at £9 each + £2.70 postage: £47.70 Page 11

Sir David Suchet “launches” Diana at Cosgrove Diana the dredger was "launched" on Saturday 2 September at Cosgrove by the actor Sir David Suchet, who is a very keen supporter of canals. Sir David had met BCS people previously at the Braunston Historic Boats Festival, organised and run

by Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina. Tim had approached BCS earlier in the year, asking if we had a project he could support, and agreed to contribute towards refurbishing the dredger. He loved the idea of naming it Diana after his late wife, and had then invited Sir David to attend our event and "launch" her, which he was very pleased to do. The "launch" was a very successful day for the BCS with about fifty people in attendance.

Before her recent purchase from Canal & River Trust, the dredger was the one provided

by CRT for Milton Keynes IWA clean-ups. When first purchased, Diana had sunk, and was brought back to life

by BCS volunteers including Alan Mynard who has restored her engine.

Diana now joins Louise and Percy in our fleet of work boats at Cosgrove, where they will be continuing the work of dredging the Buckingham Canal and other similar work for Canal & River Trust in the future.

Athina Beckett, Tim Coghlan, Sir David Suchet and Terry Cavender aboard Diana at her launch ceremony on 2 September. Photo: BCS.

Work is continuing at both our Cosgrove and Bourton Meadow sites. This year we have had a record number of over thirty visits from outside companies. This means a lot of extra work achieved with all the extra people on site. We are already receiving bookings for 2024 from companies who want to join us again next year.

Our BCS AGM takes place on Saturday 2nd March at Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham, MK18 1RP. All IWA members are welcome.

Athina Beckett.

BCS appeals for volunteer help on all fronts Buckingham Canal Society is experiencing interesting times, with good progress on restoration beyond Bridge One at Cosgrove, a way forward defined for crossing the A5, and continued work at its other sites. The Society is appealing for more volunteer help on all fronts, from the heavy work of piling and dredging at Cosgrove, maintaining plant and machinery, to scrub bashing and admin. Running this year's Cosgrove Festival fell to a very small team, and whilst provisional dates have been fixed for the 2024 Festival, Society members have been asked to complete an online survey to decide the event's future. If you would like to help, please contact Athina Beckett at athina.beckett@buckinghamcanal.org.uk or Terry Cavender at terry.cavender@buckinghamcanal.org.uk Page 12

IWA Milton Keynes Branch AGM Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Milton Keynes Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will take place on Thursday 15 February 2024, at 7.45pm at Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN. Agenda (please have this Notice handy): 1: Apologies for absence; 2: Approval of minutes of AGM held on 16 February 2023; 3: Matters arising; 4: Chairman's report; 5: Secretary's report; 6: Treasurer's report, and accounts for year ending 31 December 2023;

7: Members’ resolutions (any resolutions should be sent to the Chairman six weeks prior to the AGM, i.e. by 4 January 2024); 8: Election of Committee members.

(Branch posts are allocated at the first Committee meeting after the AGM.)

Under the IWA Branch Byelaws, last amended 11 June 2011, there is no restriction on the maximum size of the Committee. Athina Beckett, James Griffin and Diane Witts, elected 2021, retire by rotation and seek re-election. Emma Caswell, co-opted during the year, stands down, and will continue to support the Branch on a non-Committee basis.

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.

Accolade for Campbell Wharf Marina

Congratulations to Campbell Wharf Marina, Milton Keynes, which was declared the Yacht Harbour Association's Inland Marina of the Year 2023, at the Southampton International Boat Show on 20 September.

The awards, sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, are voted for by marina berth holders. Shepperton Marina, River Thames, was runner-up.

TYHA news release, October 2023.

Jonathan Charles Marine

07375 138182

A small family-run business offering Boat Safety Scheme examinations.

Rest easy in the knowledge that your boat was examined by trained professionals and meets the requirements of the Boat Safety Scheme.

We carry out examinations on private boats, residential* boats and hire* boats. * If fitted with a bubble tester.

We cover Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Bedfordshire areas, but please call as we are happy to travel.

W: https://www.jonathancharlesmarine.com/

E: jonathancharlesmarine@outlook.com Page 13

B&MK Waterway: new political will to make it a reality Since the recent local elections, Trust Chairman Simon Clewlow has sensed a renewed political will to see the Waterway become a reality. The Trust is in contact with the new teams leading Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils, and is working to harness this enthusiasm. Contact is also being kept with Milton Keynes Council, and a recent conversation took place with Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, who is now Chair of the influential House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

The John Bunyan team has been celebrating ten years of cruising on the River Great Ouse.

During over 1,300 cruises, 65,000 passengers have been carried. During 2023, John Bunyan in association with Bedford Rotary Club and the BRASS organisation, provided cruises for people from Syria, Afghanistan, Vietnam and several African countries. A cruise in memory of the late Graham Mabbutt hosted 26 young carers from Central Bedfordshire.

On 7 October, the boat also took part in the Bedford River Clean-up, providing free tea and coffee to volunteer divers and litter-pickers.

The Electra team submitted a bid for the New Business category of the Beautiful South Tourism Awards. An assessor visited for a cruise aboard Electra on 17 September, and the team has been selected as one of the finalists. On 12 December, the team will find out whether it will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award.

Electra’s volunteers hope to partially occupy their new Welcome Centre at Campbell Park by Christmas, with final work hopefully complete by April. The team is recruiting volunteers who will handle enquiries about Electra’s cruises, and provide information about B&MKWT, the Parks Trust, Canal & River Trust and other organisations active on and around the canal. Those interested in volunteering at the Welcome Centre are asked to visit https://www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/volunteering/ Local schools are using trips on Electra to introduce pupils to the environment, local history and battery technology. Sponsorship by local Councillors and donations by customers will allow Electra to offer free trips to stroke survivors, people with dementia and other groups. A free cruise will also be run each year in memory of Graham Mabbutt. For Electra's Christmas public cruises, see https://www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/programme/

Painting under way at Electra’s Welcome Centre.

The landing stage at Kempston has proved popular with river users including canoeists and paddleboarders. Volunteers are being sought to maintain it, and the Trust has received £1,000 towards maintenance from the Ward funds of Councillor James Valentine.

Quotations are being sought from surveying companies to carry out a land survey at the Marston Vale Innovation Park, Fields Road, Bedford, where balancing ponds have already been formed (see TPT, May 2021). The aim is to decide upon work at the site to underline the intention to incorporate the ponds into the future Waterway. Volunteers will be welcomed to assist the professional surveyors once they have been appointed.

Information and photo from B&MKWT News, November 2023.

Page 14

The Editor’s Page

It is disturbing to read reports about IWA in the waterway press using phrases such as "uncertainty", "serious turmoil", "crisis", to learn of a £450,000 deficit, and to read also of the reported reason for the resignation of the latest in a succession of five Chief Executives since Neil Edwards retired in 2020.

As a modestly-sized Charity, IWA has always punched above its weight. Even with a membership figure now somewhat below its peak, it is still respected by Government, by Canal & River Trust and other navigation authorities, and by the many restoration groups throughout the country. In my view there are two reasons why it has retained this respect.

First, much of its work is done locally by a very knowledgeable membership. We are unusual in this. In many other organisations the tasks of lobbying, campaigning and negotiating are more centralised, the grass-roots members being mainly occupied in fund-raising and running events. Second, we are unusual in that we are a Charity that spends a lot of time monitoring the work of another Charity (Canal & River Trust), and this is almost always done, both locally and nationally, with tact and moderation.

Some have said that IWA is not needed any more. We have surely not reached this point yet, especially considering the threat to the waterway network represented by the Government’s cut to CRT’s funding. The threats to canal amenity and to upcoming restoration schemes posed by the northern phases of HS2 may have receded for now (see Page 4), but they could well be revived if the economy takes an upturn in future.

I agree, though, with those who say that IWA must somehow broaden its appeal. It is to be hoped that the Trustees will see a way forward, that ideas from the membership survey (members should have received an invitation to take part) will help with this, that the rise in subscription rates will do something about that deficit without eroding member numbers, and that a future Chief Executive is fully equipped for the task he/she is taking on.

This edition has been prepared earlier than usual, due to family commitments and the need to publish the Branch AGM notice in good time. My thanks to my contributors for their promptness, and for their input throughout the year. Thanks are also due to those groups (particularly the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust and Wendover Canal Trust) whose web sites and publications provide much material that is both local and topical.

Best wishes for the festive season and the coming year.

Les Franklin, Editor.

The Red Lion at Fenny Stratford

A friendly, warm and inviting canalside pub, offering a selection of great wines, speciality gins, beers and ales.

Terry and the team will be sure to make your visit a pleasurable experience.

11 Lock View Lane, Fenny Stratford, MK1 1BY https://www.facebook.com/TheRedLionFennyLock

01908 372317 tpcheese@aol.com

Page 15

Getting in touch with MK Branch It’s AGM time again in February. Several Committee members are retiring by rotation and seek re-election, but it’s also your chance to put yourself forward for election. Please speak to Tim or Diane if you would like to consider this. The contact list is valid until the AGM.

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APR 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 3 editions £32.50 £65.00 £20.00 £40.00 £12.50 £25.00

Chairman:

TIM ARMSTRONG tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk

Secretary:

DIANE WITTS diane.witts@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer and Social Secretary:

DAVID TUCKER dt_boats@hotmail.com

Membership and Data Holder:

PETE BICKERS pete.bickers@waterways.org.uk

Buckingham Canal Soc. Representative:

ATHINA BECKETT athina.beckett@buckinghamcanal.org.uk

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

MARIE DRAPER marie239@btinternet.com

Committee member:

WESLEY HARRISON wesley.harrison@waterways.org.uk

Vice-Chairman

VACANT

Volunteer Contact:

VACANT

Clean-up Supervisor:

VACANT

Education Officer:

VACANT

Webmaster and Social Media:

EMMA CASWELL emma.caswell@waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer:

PETER CASWELL (non-Committee) peter.caswell@waterways.org.uk

Editor and Publicity:

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

Fenny Lock Adoption Scheme:

MIKE HARPER (non-Committee) Contact via Diane Witts

Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses can change, but these were correct on 20 October 2023.

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

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.