Winding Ways 54 - Summer 2009

Winding Ways A Journal from the Leicester Branch

The ‘Big One’ Comes to the Soar The National Festival of Boats is returning to the River Soar for the first time in over forty years !

The coming August Bank Holiday will see the Festival taking place at Redhill Marina which is situated on the Soar, very close to its confluence with the Trent and in the shadow of Ratcliffe Power Station.

Suitable sites available to the IWA Festivals team are becoming increasingly difficult to find as the event grows. Not only does the festival itself require a large area of land but nowadays it is not unusual for as many, if not more caravans and tents to attend as do boats.

And then perhaps another 25 acres is needed for car parking. Add to all that the obvious site requirement of being adjacent to a navigable waterway with safe and accessible moorings for up to 500 boats of all shapes and sizes and you will understand the problem.

Your Branch Committee was admittedly taken aback when the choice of this years site was announced, but having been satisfied that plans were in place to cover all eventualities we agreed to give the Festival our whole hearted support.

The last national event of this nature on the River Soar was in 1967 when the then National Rally of Boats was held at Abbey Park in Leicester. If only there was space available there to accommodate current requirements!

If you have not attended a National Festival before, here is an ideal opportunity to do so without having to travel far. Be warned though; you may find yourself ‘bitten by the bug’ and making plans to head southwards to the Thames where the Festival returns next year!

No boat? No problem! The Ratcliffe-onSoar site is easily accessible by road, being off the A453 less than a mile from junction 24 of the M1. Alternatively, why not take a train to the recently opened East Midlands Parkway station? From train to Festival site will be a five minute walk!

For more information see the current (Autumn) edition of ‘Waterway’s or visit:

www.waterways.org.uk/Events/Natio nalFestival09

Issue 54 Summer 2009

THOUSANDS ENJOY LEICESTER RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL ( IN SPITE OF THE WEATHER! ) In spite of unsettled weather the Festival held on The Mile Straight over the weekend of June 6th/7th once again proved popular with locals and visitors alike with an estimated attendance of 9,000 over the two days.

With extended street closures there was a lot going on in the park, on the piazza and along Western Boulevard.

There were not as many boats attending as we would have liked but most of the crews of those that did, seemed to enjoy themselves either in the beer tent, at our customary barbecue, sampling the wide variety of ethnic foods or just chatting to other boat owners and interested visitors.

We again operated the WoW programme (see www.wow4water.net for further info) which prompted much positive feedback from children, their parents and participating stall holders alike.

This certainly seems an effective way of involving youngsters from an early age and it would be good to expand the programme in future years. Our thanks go to the stall holders for their cooperation and to our own volunteers who helped to run our stand. Plans are already in hand for next years Festival (5th-6th June 2010) and any comments and suggestions would be most welcome as to how we could encourage more boats to attend and what (legal and decent) activities would increase public interest on the river.

‘Dancing Foam’ leads off the Boat Parade at Leicester

NEW BRIDGE AT THURMASTON LOCK COMPLETED The Lock Bridge at Thurmaston has been replaced by one that allows access to the Watermead Country Park from Mill Lane, by all users.

The old bridge was very steep and difficult to cross by cyclists and elderly people and impossible for wheelchair users. The pathways leading up to the bridge are gently inclined and the bridge surface is non-slip and selfdraining.

The river and canal forms a boundary along the edge of the park, almost from Belgrave in the south right through to Syston in the north and offers the boater ample opportunities to moor up and explore this beautiful area.

David Hastie

( ACTING ) CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN The National Festival is almost upon us and by the time you read this a dedicated team of volunteers will have been beavering away for some weeks to have the site ready.

More volunteers will be urgently needed over the Bank Holiday week end to ensure that the Festival runs smoothly. I make no apology for repeating myself when I say that due to our Branch’s proximity to the site we really should be well represented among those who do so much to ensure the success of the event.

Having said that, we ourselves are going to be short handed on the Branch stand and would welcome your contribution of the odd hour or two over the week end. But if you are able to commit yourself to more than that, I would urge you to contact the Personnel Manager, Ann Myall direct on 07789 955794. There is a huge variety of jobs needing to be done and if you have not worked at a “National” before, I can assure you that you’ll get a real kick out of being part of such a dedicated team. Go on, give Ann (or me) a call now; you won’t regret it!

You will see that Beryl, our Social Secretary, has been busy arranging another varied programme for the coming winter months. Enclosed with this mailing is a copy of the full programme, which I hope you will keep in a safe place for reference, as well as noting the dates in your diary.

I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking Andrew Shephard for putting together this issue of Winding Ways in the absence of other members of our Editorial Team.

Best wishes to all.

John Evans ( Acting Chairman )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARBOROUGH ARM !

Have you ever noticed the tow-path coping stone about 100 yards north of West Bridge in Leicester that is inscribed “ U N “ ? This was the southern-most extremity of the Leicester Navigation when the line was opened from Loughborough in 1794.

Work soon started on the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Union Canal (hence U N) which was planned to connect Leicester with the River Nene and hence Northampton.

Numerous difficulties were encountered as the navvies worked southwards and progress stopped at Debdale Wharf. The navigation was opened to traffic thus far in 1797.

The building of the Grand Junction Canal, now the Grand Union main line, brought

about a change of plan for the L&NUN which, as we know, was eventually extended to join the GJC at Buckby in 1814 Meanwhile, in 1709, a branch was opened to Market Harborough ( I’m getting to the point! ) and on 10th October 2009, ‘The Old Union Canal Society’ are celebrating the bicentenary of that event by arranging a re-enactment of the opening with a parade of boats from Foxton to Market Harborough, followed by a procession to the Angel Hotel in that town, where a hearty dinner will be taken in good company!

Call Mike Beech on 0116 2792657 for further details and bookings.

J.E.

NEW VENUE FOR SOCIALS Last year, it was decided to organise our monthly meetings at a variety of venues around our Branch area, and also to vary the night on which meetings were held.

The result was that many members found it more difficult to attend meetings, either because the night did not suit them, or because they were uncertain about finding different venues.

This year am pleased to say that we are holding most of our meetings at the same venue, which is: The Wheatsheaf Pub Leicester Road Thurcaston Leicester LE7 7JN. Apart from our stand at the IWA National Festival at Redhill, our Social Meetings for the Autumn are as follows:

Thursday, 8th October, 2009: Wendy Freer, a well-known local historian, will give a talk on "Canal Boat People."

Wendy has investigated this topic in some depth, as it was the subject of her thesis for her PhD .

Thursday, 12th November, 2009: I will give an illustrated talk ( lots of illustrations - not too much talk!) on "The River Soar - Past, Present, and Future?"

This will include some images from the time when I worked on commercial boats on the Soar in the 1970s and 80s, and changes which have taken place over the years, as well as a look forward to the future of our local river -at the Wheatsheaf.

If you have any queries about our Social Programme, please contact me by email on: beryl@nbwasp.co.uk or Mobile 07710 029247.

Beryl McDowall, Social Secretary

FOXTON INCLINED PLANE TO BE “FULLY RESTORED” Consultants Britton McGrath have been carrying out a study of the various possibilities for further improving the facilities at Foxton and it is encouraging to know that they have based their proposals on the presumption that the Inclined Plane will be restored to full working order.

The public consultation was launched in May and although this is now complete the proposals can be viewed at: www.waterscape.com/foxton The final version of the study is due to be published later this summer.

The mainly bright weather has resulted in good visitor numbers and sales in the Museum have been brisk. Another feature has been the increased number of school visits. It is becoming better realized locally that many outdoor studies can be assisted by Mike Beech (the Museum Curator) and other Trust volunteers.

A further most encouraging sign is the number of new volunteers offering their services in a variety of ways, archive work being especially popular. We can always accept more offers of help, so if this could be your scene, give Mike a ring on 01162792657. This is also the number to ring for any queries about the Museum, the site or the Trust.

We shall look forward to meeting you at Foxton this summer and if you would like to buy or sell some Grand Draw tickets for us, please pick up the phone!

David Stevenson, President Foxton Inclined Plane Trust.

Pennywort Still a Menace Anyone who has navigated or walked the lower reaches of the River Soar recently will have noticed that the invasive alien weed ‘Floating Pennywort’ is once again increasing it’s stranglehold on the waterway, creating difficulties for anglers and boaters alike. Last year BW spent a great deal of time and money removing vast amounts of the growth mechanically as well as attempting to limit its spread with the use of EA approved chemical spray.

As the weather gets warmer, the rate of growth increases, hence the current situation. In response to an enquiry from the Branch Secretary, British Waterways assured us that the programme of controlling the weed will continue unabated. Again the weather is not helping, as apparently the spraying can only take place in a dry spell. If

MELTON & OAKHAM WATERWAY SOCIETY New Work Boat: MOWS has acquired a new all steel work boat.

We brought it from Bugsworth Basin via a donation to the Waterways Protection Society, which used it quite extensively. The new boat has been named “Badger” and is a valuable addition to “Ratty” and “Mole”.

Braunston Working Boat Rally: MOWS attended the 2-day working boat rally at Braunston on 27/28 June and solicited some new helpers for our work parties plus a couple of new members.

Forthcoming Work Parties: 23 August at Washstones Lock (Frisby) and 13 September on the Oakham Canal (off bypass, between Ashwell and Langham Roads). For further information please see our website or contact myself on 01509 414140.

Wreake Valley Way: Walk Leaflet No 2 - Hoby to River Soar - is out now and available from Hugh Butler (01664 434549) and Melton Library.

MOWS AGM: The date of the AGM has been set for Saturday 14 November 2009. As previous years, this will be at Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road in Melton Mowbray, commencing at 10:30am. Our guest speaker is someone most of you will probably know, Beryl McDowall, who will give a slide presentation on the River Soar.

Refreshments.

All welcome.

Mick Clowes

rain falls on recently sprayed leaves, it simply washes off the chemical, thus rendering it totally ineffective The Environment Agency has undertaken to deal with the backwaters and tributaries, and we are particularly concerned that this happens, otherwise BW’s efforts will be a waste of time and money. Have you spotted ‘Men at Work’ on a back-water?

While on the subject of unwelcome species we have also reported to BW the ever increasing colonies of Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed that are invading the northern approaches to Leicester. It seems that it is the land owner’s responsibility to eradicate these monsters, so it is unlikely that anything will be done until “Britain’s First Green City” becomes just that !

John Edwards

Leicester Branch Committee: John Evans: Branch Chairman ( Acting ) 01590 416 647 David Hastie: Branch Secretary 0116 260 8027 David Stevenson: Membership Secretary 01530 458 257 Beryl McDowall: Social Secretary 07710 029 247 David Brewer Treasurer 0116 230 3144 The Committee still urgently needs new members, so if you think you might be interested, please do contact one of the committee to get more information, or have a chat at one of the socials. We just need you for a couple of hours every two months, usually on Monday evenings

Loughborough Wharf The vacant building site at the end of the wharf remains just that. We have suggested that the site be temporarily landscaped as to visitors approaching by water, Loughborough is at present ‘not a pretty sight’.

Meanwhile our spy reports that a prospective purchaser has been making overtures to the Local Council, exploring the possibility of building an hotel on the site. In our view that would be somewhat better than another soulless block of apartments. Watch this space!

Living Afloat A bottle recently fished out of the Thames was found to contain a message addressed to the Leicestershire Branch from past ‘Chairpeople’ Ian and Carol McDonald. They express regret at having been absent from recent events but seem to be enjoying their travels. Two years after moving aboard Lily Pad it seems that the original five-yearplan is likely to be stretched somewhat.

Ian writes: For those heading down to the Thames I can heartily recommend the GU. It may be a bit harder work than the Oxford, but it is certainly an interesting journey and incredibly picturesque along almost all the route. Do not hesitate to head into Central London, Little Venice is pretty but we were not able to moor there, but go down the Paddington Arm where there are excellent new moorings and security guards on patrol all the time. There are no services down the Arm, so fill up and empty at Little Venice as you pass.

We wanted to spend some time in London seeing the things we should have seen years ago and I contacted the London Narrowboat Co Ltd (number in Nicholson’s) and we were able to drop into a fully serviced mooring when one of the residents set off for his summer cruise. Their moorings are very secure and close by Kings Cross.

They welcome visitors. We used the proximity to Kings Cross/St Pancras to use Eurostar to Brussels, wonderful just walking a couple of hundred yards to get from home to Brussels!

We cruised the London Ring going out of Limehouse and into Brentford to show visitors the sights; it was a bit choppy but fantastic. If you are going to do this you need to book in advance with Limehouse and Brentford. I didn't and it was touch and go whether we were going to be able to do it. In the end we arrived at the new moorings at Brentford at 18.30. These are excellent apart from the overhead traffic into Heathrow. We didn't quite do the whole ring in 2 days, but it wouldn't have taken much more effort to have done so. It is well worth doing, but if your boat s over 45feet you will need a VHF radio, though all I did was to listen.

A few weeks later we went out of Limehouse again and all the way through to Oxford. We happened to catch up with Swan Upping at Boseney Lock and for the first time ever, the Queen had decided to see it happening, so we had a good view of her too!

Best wishes, Ian McDonald

Winding Ways: Winding Ways is the newsletter of the Leicester Branch of the Inland Waterways. The next issue will be out in November. All contributions are welcome. Please send to: Andrew Shephard, 41 Roman Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4BB or email to: andrewshephard@madasafish.com Opinions expressed in Winding Ways are not necessarily those of the Association, and the Editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish material submitted for inclusion.

A Visit to Bugsworth Basin on the Peak Forest Canal For those who have not visited Bugsworth basin in recent years, I would strongly recommend a visit. The site has been restored over the past three decades by the Inland Waterways Protection Society. The Legacy of Bugsworth Basin describes it as “A teeming, thriving industrial centre, the Basin was once a kind of open-air factory on the grandest scale” Today, it is a place of remarkable natural and manmade beauty, peace and quiet, but it still offers a fascinating insight into a unique industrial heritage. For over 100 years Bugsworth was a centre for the production of burnt lime, and from here it was transported by boat to the industrial centres - a vital raw material for building, and the booming textile and tanning industries. Gritstone was another important product shipped through the basins from local quarries in the form of setts, paving and building stone.

Turning off the T&M canal just after the Harecastle tunnel at Harding’s Wood junction (which has been described as the first flyover in the country!) we begin the twenty-six or so miles up the Macclesfield canal to the junction with the Peak Forest canal at Marple. The Macclesfield canal traverses through beautiful countryside and splendid stone built bridges, some 98 in all, (though not all stone built.) Much of the canal is built on embankments and crosses several towns high up above the rooftops. Another feature are the huge mills that can be seen alongside the canal at Bollington and Marple and in the town of Macclesfield.

Nine miles from the junction, the Bosley Locks are encountered. These twelve substantial stone built locks take you up 112ft to the summit, 518 ft above sea level.

The locks are spread over one and a half miles, and offer outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.

At the top lock there is a BW sanitary station with all facilities.

At Marple junction the Peak Forest canal takes you left down the Marple flight towards Manchester and right to Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth Basin. The six lock free miles to Whaley Bridge offer beautiful scenery giving panoramic views of hills and valleys, but two swing bridges and two lift bridges stop you getting too relaxed.

We were advised by several boaters en-route to moor in Bugsworth Basin rather than to go down to the terminus at Whaley Bridge, as there are limited visitor moorings and the canal is adjacent to a busy main road.

From Bugsworth, a brisk walk into Whaley Bridge takes 20 minutes and passes a Tesco store halfway.

Close to the top basin at Bugsworth is the Navigation Inn, the oldest still inhabited building within the site.

Originally a farm, it became a public house for the boatmen in the early part of the 19 th Century. Today it offers good food and ale in great surroundings and is full of historical canal and village memorabilia pictures and photographs.

Whether you travel by boat or car I am sure you will enjoy a visit to this historic site. There are excellent guide brochures available, along with interpretation panels around the site.

David Hastie