**FREE!!** April 2025 issue of Towpath Talk

BraveHannah’swaterside respitelodgedreamnears reality

COURAGEOUS brain cancer sufferer

Hannah Robertsishoping she will see the£203,000 watersideholiday home forotherpatientsandtheirfamilies finally become areality.

Shesaid: “Hannahis so hopefulshe will seethe build happenand handthe lodgekeystothefirst familytoenjoy.

“Weare so close; withthe support and generosity oftheacostbyMay.

The 21-year-oldhasnowraised £189,225 towardsthecostofthe respitelodge at Mercia Marina in southDerbyshireand hermother, GailIredale, ishoping they will top the buildtargetbyMay.

We would welcomeanysupportor helpfromlocalbusinesseswho may wish to helpusin ourendeavour.

“Wewillthenberacingintosee themarinateamtogothrough allthe purchase agreementsand specificationsandplacetheorder.

“Theproblem withbrain cancerisit isanuntreatable cancer.She’s doing so well andhas just hada stable scan, whichisall we everhopefor.Her scansareevery three monthsand we hopeitcontinues.Hopeisour key word.”

Floating

cafe launched on 50ft

widebeam at Mercia Marina

2Canalhasforced the relocationofapairof residentswansand raisedfearsoffurtherharmtowildlifeinthe area. Nearby residents were concernedthat theswanshadseparatedduetotherelocation andcouldn’tbereleasedbacktothecanal becausetheclean-upwasnotcomplete.Alack ofequipmenttocontainandcleanupthethin layerofoilwashamperingtheclean-up.

A NEW cafe aboard a 50ft widebeam boat has opened at the Mercia Marina in Derbyshire The Boat Street Floating Cafe has had a permanent mooring on Mercia Marina since 2021, and now the owners, Christopher Dean and Kim O’Sullivan, have unveiled their latest eatery The pair started their business in lockdown, using a boat as a takeaway. It’s grown since then, and they now have larger premises on which to run events and live music

PHOTO:GRAHAMNUTTALL

Welcome to the Apriledition of TowpathTalk

THIS month’s edition of Towpath Talk highlights twopressingbut very differentstories,both underscoring the importance of ourwaterways

First, the Canal&River Trust(CRT) continues its battle to secure muchneeded governmentfunding. With its currentallocation settodropfrom22% to just 10% by 2035, CRTiswarning of significantrisks to ourcanal network if investmentisn’t maintained. The trust’slobbyingefforts andits latest ClimateChangeAdaptation report make acompellingcasefor whythese historicwaterways remain vital –not just for leisure, butfor the economy, climateresilience and flood protection. The government’sresponse, however, remains uncertain. Meanwhile,onthehumansideofthe waterways, we featurethe remarkable storyof21-year-old Hannah Roberts, acourageousyoung womanbattling braincancer who hasdevoted herself to fundraisingfor awaterside respite lodge. Havingraised an incredible £189,225 towardsher £203,000 goal, Hannah hopestosee the projectcome to fruition by May. Herdetermination, despitethe challengesshe faces,is nothingshortofinspiring.

BraveHannah’s watersiderespitelodge dream nears reality

•Continuedfrompage1

Hannah and herfamily have raised themoneyvia ashopatthe marina,various fundraisersand a JustGivingpage.

Theyhopethe lodgewill becomea sanctuary for youngcancer sufferers andtheir families,allowingthem to relaxawayfromthe day-to-day stressofdealing with the disease and treatments

Hannah wasdiagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM4) in 2022,aged 19. Shespent oneand ahalf years underthe care of the teenagecancer ward at Nottingham CityHospital,

with surgeries at Nottingham QMC.Atthe time,she wasgiven 14 months to live Hannah,who wonthe BBC fundraiser of theyearaward in Radio Derby’sMakeaDifferenceAwards, is focusedonraising cash forthe lodge. Sheishopingafew moredonations will seethem hit the £203,000 target. To donate to Hannah’s Hope please visit:www.justgiving.com/campaign/ hannahshopeatmerciamarina

CRTramps up pressure on Government to help fill£300 million funding blackhole

THE Canal&River Trust is hopingtopersuade the Governmentithas astrong case for increasedfunding so it cancontinue to maintain and enhance the canaland rivernetworks.

to the economyand wellbeingofthe public,and the need for investmentin itsageinginfrastructure.

Public’s chance to have asay on future of boat licensing

PEOPLE arebeinginvited to help shapethe futureofboatlicensing.

TheCanal &River Trusthas appointedanindependent commission to look into licensingand howitcan be improved

Nowthe public canhavetheir say by responding to asurvey, which runs until April22. The survey canbe foundonthe charity’swebsite:www. canalrivertrust.org.uk

It is anticipated that thecommission, ledbyalawyer, narrowboat resident and former civilservant,will conclude itsworkinSeptember.Itwill look at whether boat licensingisappropriate, howitisappliedand operated,and potentiallegal changes. It will make recommendations to thetrust’s board of trustees in theautumn.

Whether it’s securing the future of ourcanals or ensuringfamilies in need have aplace to rest and recharge, this month’s stories remind us of the enduringpower of perseverance and communityspirit Enjoythe edition.

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The charitymade its case as part of asubmission to the Spending Review process, asking for“a contribution to its funding sufficient to ensurethat itscanals cancontinue to providethe significant economic,environmental, and socialbenefits it deliversintothe future”.

At presentthe trust receives around 22%ofits fundingfromgovernment and this is settodecline to around 10% by 2035, a loss of fundingofaround £300m in real termsover the next 10 years.

CRThas highlightedthe impact the network makes

RichardParry,CRT’s outgoing chief executive, said: “Our canals and navigable rivers arean extraordinarynational asset, supportingthe economy, providing watersecurity, supporting nature, protecting against floodingand offering greenspacesthatbenefit millions of people

However, the pressureson this ageinginfrastructure aregrowing and, without adequateinvestment, thereisarealrisktothe benefits theyprovide

“Asa charitywemust raisefunds through many differentroutesand part of thisisbyengaging with theGovernment in athoughtful and

Reservoirundergoes £3m upgrade to tackle climatechange

AN EAST Lancashire reservoir whichprovides avital supplyofwater to theLeeds &Liverpool Canalwill shortly undergo a£3m upgrade to ensureit remains resilienttoclimate change and continuesto meet safetystandards. TheCanal &River Trustproject will involve essential maintenance tostrengthenRishton Reservoir,nearRishton, and increase the capacity of the spillway to enable it to hold more waterrun-offin stormevents. Newaccess bridgeswill be installedas well as anew andimproved accesstrack to the site

Du ri ng the

construction phase the waterlevels in the reservoir will be reduced to facilitatethe work

JonHorsfall, North West director at Canal& RiverTrust,said: “Rishton Reservoir,likemuchofour historicnetwork,needs ongoingmaintenance andupgradingtomeet present-daystandards

The£3m worksare necessary to ensurethe reservoircan be used for many yearstocome, supplyingthe Leeds& LiverpoolCanal with watersoitcan continue to be avital habitat fornature and aroute for boaters, as well as safeguardingthe

measured way, to show howtargetedfunding could help to futureproof these vital assets and ensuretheycontinueto supportcommunities, the environmentand the economy long into the future.”

There is no indication the Government will increase the 22% funding it gives to theCRT though thecharity is hoping its lobbyingand the publication of the trust’s 2024 Impact Report in Decemberillustrating thewide rangeofpositive outcomes it delivers will sway Whitehall. In addition,the submission of the trust’sfirstClimate Change Adaptation report to Governmentlast montah demonstrated howthe trust’sageing infrastructureisrequiring

substantial future investmenttokeepitopen and safe

TheUK’scanalsand associated infrastructure–includingreservoirs,docks, and embankments –offer strategicopportunities to support issues of national importance, such as water security,flood protection, climateresilienceand economic growth However, theseassets face growingpressure from reduced funding, rising maintenancecosts and the increasing impact of extremeweather events. The trustbelieves that amodestincrease in government investment, to maintain its real terms funding,would unlock even greaterbenefits, ensuring the canalnetwork remainsresilient for generations to come.

RishtonReservoir will undergo a£3m renovation this year as part of work to futureproof the Lancashirefacility against climate change and make it safer PHOTO: SUPPLIED

localcommunities.” Built around 1829 by canalcompany engineer James Fletcher,the supply of waterfromRishton Reservoir is importantto keep boatsnavigatingon the canaland to sustain the wildlife which today lives in and alongthe transPennine former trade route. Civilengineering company JN BentleyLtd hasbeencommissioned

forthe works, which startedinMarch and are due to be completed by the endofthe year.Rishtonis one of 71 largereservoirs managedbyCRT. Asignificant programme of investmentinthese reservoirsisunderway to make sure they stay resilienttoclimatechange and complywith the strict legislation that applies to alllarge reservoirs.

The commission is beingchaired by AndrewCowan, aformersenior partner at Devonshires,alaw firm. It alsoincludes PenelopeBarber, one of theelected boatingrepresentatives on the trust’sCouncil, and trustee SirChris Kelly, aprevioussenior civil servantand former boat owner Andrew Cowansaid: “Overthe past 30 yearsthere have been significant changesinthe useofthe 2000-mile canalnetwork managedbythe Canal &River Trust. We have been askedto review the frameworkaround boat licensingand to explorewhether it is appropriate forthe network’s future.

“Aspartofthe processweare keen to hear from boatersand otherstakeholders with aviewonboatlicensing. The responses will help us understand the views of differentstakeholder groups and will be keytoformingour thinkingabout the currentlicensing system andwhether it canbeimproved.”

West Yorkshire canal path receives upgrade

ATOWPATH alongside theMirfield Canal in West Yorkshirehas been upgraded to make it accessible

FundingfromTransPennine Route Upgrade’s (TRU)First and LastMile scheme will be used by the Canal&River Trusttotarmacthe TRUroute,makinglife better for people walkingtoand from the stations alongthe towpath.

Sponsor for TRU, Rachael Blake, said: “Our Firstand Last Mile scheme is progressingwell throughmultiple projects acrossthe route, with the first of theseprojects to be completed in spring this year

“T he de ve lo pm en ts to Mirfieldcanal towpaththathavebeen made possiblebythe scheme meansbetter accessfor all, and Canal&River Trust’s work will greatlyimprove connectivity in the area.”

Mark Robinson, enterprise manager at Canaland RiverTrust,said:“Ourcharity is delighted to receivefunding through TRU’sFirst and LastMile schemefor such an importantproject,where we’ll enhance thetowpath at Mirfield along theCalder and Hebble Navigationand significantly improvethe pedestrianjourneybetween ShepleyBridgeMarinaand Station Road. “Asacharity,it’svital for us to collaborate with other organisations to preserve our historiccanals

The TransPennine RouteUpgrade (TRU) is amajor,multi-billion-pound programme of railwayimprovements acrossthe Pennines betweenManchester, Huddersfield,Leeds and York

Brave Hannah is closing in on the £203,000 target to build arespite lodge for young cancer patients.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Canal restoration could form heartof £500m Derbyshire revitalisation plan

THE RESTORATION of the Chesterfield Canalcould be at the heartofa rejuvenation projectwhichmay bring £500mtothe region.

Thevisionisfor the Chesterfield Canalcorridor to be reclaimedasaplace for the localcommunitytolive, enjoy and be employed; for tourists and visitorstocome, play and stay;for new and existingbusinessestogrow and prosper; and for nature and biodiversity to thrive

Backers believethe potentialfinancial returns could include £252 million in visitor expenditure, £132 million in artand heritage engagementand £116 million in jobcreation.

TheChesterfield Canal Corridor Projectwill provide new canaland water-based trainingopportunities, introduce arange of activities to attract tourists and local residents,supportactivities for paddle sports,introduce cyclingand walkingtrails with fitnessopportunities to improvephysicaland mentalhealth,createnew businessopportunities alongthe route, develop newcar parkingand access to improveconnectivity, introducemeasurestoensure the safetyand security of users, supportand enhance nativewildlife and habitats, and create new areasfor biodiversity

Thechairofthepartnership, Coun Alex Dale,said: “Those of us who areclosetothe mission to restorethe rest of theChesterfield Canal inherentlyknowthereare huge benefits economically, socially, environmentally and for the health and wellbeingofour localpopulation. Butasapartnership,it’s vital that we communicate the huge potentialofa fully restored andnavigable canal morepublicly,especiallyfor potentialfunders, to help securethe significantsums

of the Chesterfield Canal corridor revitalisationproject which could bring £500m of investment to the region. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

needed to finishthe job.

“I particularly want to thank the Chesterfield CanalTrust, as well as ourlocal authority partners –Chesterfield BoroughCouncil,Derbyshire County Council, NorthEast DerbyshireDistrict Council and RotherhamMetropolitan Borough Council –for their vital fundingcontribution to produce this masterplan. We look forward to working together as apartnership to help realiseour collective ambition to getthe jobdone and realisethe massive benefitsthe fullyrestored canalcould bringtoour communities and the region as awhole.”

About60politicians, local governmentofficers, businesspeople,canal enthusiastsand journalists gathered to hear that there aretwo reports–a highlevelStrategic Outline Case covering the corridor between Chesterfield and KivetonPark, and amoredetailedOutline BusinessCasecoveringthe sectionwithin NorthEast DerbyshireDistrict Council.

Thereports focuson establishingaframework for the regeneration of the

canalcorridor rather than just the restoration of the canalitself.Itwill further enhance the corridor as a place to live, visitand do business, improvingthe viabilityofhousing delivery and raisingland valueslocally to attractarange of economic investment.

Eighteen differenthubs have been identifiedalong the canalcorridor.Thereport provides asummary of each site,some background information, potentialproject ideas and howtheyalign with the driversfor change which areLive, Work,Play, Health, Heritage and Environment.

Themasterplan was compiled by Focus Co ns ultan ts and SigmaArchitects.It wascommissionedby theChesterfield Canal Partnership,whichis composedoflocal authorities, statutoryand non-statutory bodies,the voluntarysector and privateenterprise.

During the research forthe project, dozens of different stakeholders were consulted includingall the localcounty, district and boroughcouncils, theTrans Pennine Trail, Cycle

Chesterfield, the British Horse Society,the Environment Agency,Don Catchment Rivers Trust, Kiveton Stakeholder Groupand Don, Dearne &Rother Network. In addition, acommunity survey wascirculatedtoparish councils alongthe routeof the canal.

Theproject will be delivered alongsidethe restoration of the canalitself TheChesterfieldCanal, openedin1777, is one of the country’searliestnavigations Originally constructed for carrying goods, the commercial traffic on the canaldropped off with the coming of the railways. The canalfurther declinedinthe early20th century,and by 1968 onlythe 26 miles from Worksoptothe RiverTrent were stillnavigable.Since 1989, through the hard work of thoseinvolved,12milesof theChesterfield Canalhas been reinstated,along with 37 locks, 12 majorbridges and twonew marinas. There nowremains about8.5 miles of the canalto be restored betweenStaveleyand Kiveton Park to make the canalfully navigableoncemore.

Boat vandalism ‘worstcaseof wanton destruction we’ve ever seen’

ANARROWBOATthatwas broken into,vandalised and scuppered –blockingboats cruising the Hawkesbury junction area of the Coventry canal– wasthe worstcase of wanton destruction RiverCanal Rescue’s teams hadeverseen.

The distraughtowner visited narrowboat Rosie the week before it wasvandalised,and on the weekendofFebruary15/16 thieves stripped theboatclean andsunk it, not far from its mooring.

Athree-man rescue team comprising chiefrescue co-ordinator, Pete Barnett, and rescue engineersAndySpencer andAbbie Pamplinraised the boat on February20, after sealing all entrypoints,deployingpumps and emptyingher of wateruntil she wasbuoyant again.

RCRsaid thereasonfor the sinkingwas due to the bilgepump andbatteries beingstolenand thesea cock pipebeingcut and leftopen, allowing waterfromthe canaltoflood theboat. With no mooringropes,the vessel soon

drifted to the middle,causing an obstruction.

The frontportside windowwas alsobrokenand therewas damage to the port side bowhull. The rescue team believesthis mayhave been caused by another boater trying to pass the vessel whileit wasblockingthe navigation, a theorysupportedbyawitness.

Narrowboat Rosie wastowed to Coventry CruisingClub and will be inspected by asurveyor. The club helped RCRbyallowing the rescue teamtouse itsyardfor vehiclesand equipment,loaneda mooringrope and providedon-site refreshments Rescue manager, Tushka Horton,said: “Inall my 15 years and Pete’s 25 yearsofundertaking rescues, we have neverseensuch aviolation of somebody’sproperty: the thieves knewwhattheywere doingand exactlywhatthey wanted.Theremusthavebeen at leasttwo peopletobeable to remove certainthings –this is such ashockingstory and ourheartsgo outtothe owner.”

Rescue engineerAndy Spencer taking Rosie to its mooring. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Narrowboat Rosie –its raising beingfilmed. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Artist’simpressions

Artmeets nature –celebrating the River Welland

By Lucy Wood

Athree-year project to breathe newlife into asouth Lincolnshire riverand showcase the area’srich heritage has come toanend –on acelebratoryhigh.

ARTISTS,volunteersand the community came together to create beautiful willowsculptures, nature-inspired waymarkers and acommunity banner inspired by the riverside heritage of a market town

Over athree-yearperiodSpalding, in the South Holland district of Lincolnshire, wasrevitalised with acreativeand artisticshowofstrength. Twistingeelsand fish sculptures were craftedin workshops to create ariver walk and etched stone waymarkers were designed. An environmental education programme within localschools called Eels in the Classroom, floatingeco-systems and wildflowerplanting, not to mention scores of volunteeringopportunitiesand thecreation of aSpalding-themedbanner, broughtthe River Welland to life forthe community livingaround it

And the newly createdSpaldingHeritageStrategy envisions the futureofheritageinthe town over the next 10 years.

An eventwas held in Marchtomarkall the achievements of the Spalding Reconnected project that sawvisitorsand thoseinvolved enjoy talks andperformances at the WillowEel Trap,amusicaccompaniedriverside walk,and lively performances by SpaldingCommunityChoir andMorrisdancers.

Nick Jones,a co-directorofthe Arts CouncilfundedTransported CreativePeople andPlaces programme,the creativeleadfor Spalding Reconnected,said the aim wastoreconnect the town andits people with some aspects of its history,and to the riverasawildlife haven–“ajewel in thetown’s landscape crownthat hasperhaps been forgotten.”

Nick explained:

“It’scalledSpalding Reconnected,but of course it is morecomplex than achievingthatinone programme.But thisis the startofthatambition, part of regeneratingthe town and making it amoreinterestingplace to live and visit and helping to find away of contributing to the localeconomy.

“Theoverall projectincludedthe creation of a heritage strategy to underpin future projects and funding,riverside environmental enhancements by EastMerciaRiversTrust to improvethe wildlife ecology,the creation of illustrated waymarkers

Centuries-old lock gatecrafting tradition to be safeguarded

By Alison Alderton

THE BUILDING of anew craft centrein Ireland will lead to the preservation of a traditional woodworkingskill.

PatLoftus Construction hasbeen officiallyappointedbyWaterways Ireland (WI) to develop anew Craft Centre of Excellence to replace the TullamoreHarbour depot whichhas been aregional base for the navigational authorityfor thelast60-plusyears

Thedevelopmentofthe Craft Centre of Excellence will safeguard the centuries-old tradition of lockgate crafting, and theproduction of associated bespokeheritage fittings, in Tullamore, Co Offaly. UsingEkki timberimportedfromAfrica, every lock gate is individuallycrafted by specialistcarpenters to the exacting specifications required to ensure the

smooth operationof120 locksacross 420km of navigationalongthe Grand Canal, RoyalCanal andBarrowLine Mechanicalteams will continue to maintain fleets of boats, dredgers, weed-cutters,diggers,vans, lorries and other specialistequipment at the new location. Teams basedatTullamore also manage thedevelopment and maintenance of the Grand Canal Greenway fromShannonHarbour in Co Offaly, to LowtowninCoKildare. Thus, Tullamorewill continue to play avital role in fulfillingWaterways Ireland’sremit as custodians of the waterwaysfor many yearstocome

The newCraft Centre of Excellence, located1km east of Tullamore, is expected to be operational by June 2026, at whichtimethe harboursitein Tullamoretowncentrewill be vacated.

During the construction phase, it is

to guide visitorstosome of the town’s attractions andheritagehighlights,and ourproject,The Riverwalk,which from the outset included extensivecreativeconsultation to make sure we were capturingand reflectingthe views, preferences,and ideas of residents.

“Creativeconsultation is just apompous way of sayingweran arts activities,drawing,stone painting,origami, willowweaving,chalk drawing, face painting on the riverside in themarketplace, making artand asking peoplehow theyfeelabout theriver,whattheyvalued, what theythoughtcould be improved,and howthe town’s heritage could contributetofutureprojects to make the place better and for people to appreciate it more. This is the startofthe Reconnected challenge,and the celebration eventisamarkerfromwhich we will move forward.”

The projectbegan with acouncil-organised

Nature…set in stone!

Artists Emily Cartwrightand Jamie Hawker collaborated on natureinspireddesignstocreatewaymarkers depicting wildlife commonly found along Spalding’sriverside as part of Spalding Reconnected.

The 11 designs have been etched and sandblasted into slate and stone, meaning notonly can they be used as signage, but paper can be placed over them to create rubbings. They form part of the new ARTeFact Trail, another project organised by Transported, which features etched brass plaques that canbeused forfrottage art.

Emilysaid: “I tried to include things that would create astrong visual link with thearea. Oneofthe things that really stands outtome whenever I’m thereare trees, particularly thewillows.

“Whencomposing the drawings, Iwas looking at EasternEuropean folk art influences, and in particular wycinanki, aSlavic form of papercuttingthat Ireally love. It has adistinctive stylecharacterised by lines of symmetry,birds and flowers. Itried to borrow elements of this art form for some of theetchings. Ithink thelink is quite obvious in theone with thekingfisher,for example.

“And Ichose to use the grebeinparticular– notonly because they can be seen in theareaand areabeautiful, distinctive bird, but also because Idiscovered how they carry their chicks on their backs…they’resocute!

walk forcommunity organisationsto identify areasthat needed improving andareas,likethe river, whichneeded more investment and appreciation.

Thenextstepwas to draw together the expertise, experience and capacityto takesome of those priorities forward.As aresult,the Spalding Reconnected:Historic Town and Riverside initiativebecame apartnership betweenSouth Holland District Council, Heritage Lincolnshire,Transported Arts,EastMerciaRivers Trust, and LincolnshireCountyCouncil, and was fundedbyTheNational LotteryHeritage Fund and National Lotteryplayers viaa£250,000 award.

Nick told howthe projecttookinhow people feel abouta place, what they care forand value, to work togetherand “createsomething special.”

“Appreciationofthe fabric of the place unfolds; its quirky architecture,curvedwindows,and bridgesthatinspiredthe shapes of thewillows andtops of the waymarkers.And its history–eels gathering to feed on the spilledyeast-enriched washings from the beer barrels at the brewery acrossthe way, andespeciallyoffondchildhood memoriesofnear-forgottentimes eelfishinghere in the town,” said Nick Katy-JayneLintott,projectmanager(conservation andheritage)for Heritage Lincolnshire,said: “It’s been fantastic to supportthis transformational projectfor Spalding–celebratingthe town’s unique historyand heritage.Thecollaborativeand creative approach takenbyproject partners andlocal people hasbeeninspiringand is testament to what canbeachievedwhen nature, arts andheritage initiatives come together.”

anticipated that the workswill support 20-30 jobs in the region.

The Craft Centre of Excellence will serveasbasefor up to 70 staff across severaldepartments of Waterways Ireland,including operations,the inspectorate, mechanical and electrical teamand finance.Theproject will seethe construction of carpentry

andmechanicalcraft workshops, an administrativebuilding, and supportingamenities including yard areas, hardstanding anda waste-water treatmentunit

Speaking at thesigningofcontracts for construction of the CraftCentreof Excellence,John McDonagh,WICEO, stated:“The signingofcontracts for

thedevelopmentofthe CraftCentreof Excellenceisa welcome andsignificant milestone for WaterwaysIreland and for the region. It will ensure the continuation of agreat tradition of waterwayscraftsmanship in Tullamore. At WaterwaysIreland we have responsibilityfor the maintenanceand developmentofmorethan1100km of inlandwaterways and650km of paths and cycleways. Thisnew Craft Centre of Excellence will provide ourteams with modern premises andfutureproofWaterways Ireland’s capacity to developrecreational and tourism amenities for locals and visitors alike acrossthe region.”

Speaking for PatLoftus Construction, managing directorPatrick Loftus said: “Welookforward to workingwith WaterwaysIreland and the project designteaminthe delivery of this new facility.Weare excitedtoapply ourteam’sexpertise to construct what promises to be amodernand impressive base forWaterways Ireland futureoperations in Tullamore.”

Oneofthe Spalding Reconnected waymarkers. PHOTO: FAYE PARKER

An event was held to celebrate the achievements of the three-year-long Spalding Reconnected project. PHOTO: FAYE PARKER

Morris dancersentertain the crowds. PHOTO: FAYE PARKER

Pat Loftus, managing director,Pat Loftus Construction (left) andJohn McDonagh, chief executive, Waterways Ireland PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Harnessing thepower of our rivers

By Lucy Wood

Sports personality and presenter Clare Balding is fronting anew series about Britain’smost iconic rivers.

FROM the wildlife that call it home,the folkwho liveand work on riverbanks, to the many daytrippersand pleasure seekerswho visit,Tales FromThe Riverbank is showcasingthe sights and sounds of the country’sriversand its inhabitants

Viewersofthe Channel 5series have so farseenClare’s adventure begin on the Severn, the longest riverinthe country, experiencinglife at the helm of anarrowboat, then movingonto the rivers Dart,Thames and Wharfe. TheRiver Wharfe,inthe heartof the YorkshireDales,isone of Clare’s favouritestretches of water.

“Riversare the coursesthatrun through and connect ourtowns and cities,” she said. “It’ssobeautiful and interestingto see the amazingpower of those rivers

“Itreallywas such alovelyseriesto do,Ienjoyed it so much.I’vespent alot of time walkingthe country, butactually very rarely have Ifollowed oneriver from source to sea–orinreverse –and it was reallygorgeoustodothat, to understand howmuchriversmeaninpeople’s lives

“Itisalsohealing: the powerof livingnearwater,and Idon’t mean that just as the poweritcan generate. There’s obviously that, butthe sort of spiritual restoration it offerspeople.The connectednesstheyfeeltotheir river, the protectivenessovertheirriver

“I’d sayprobablythe RiverWharfe wasmyfavourite.It’sthe one I’dasked to be includedinthe series and it’s not oneofour well-known rivers.You can’t immediatelylocateitunlessyou really knowYorkshire. Ihad walked the Dales Waymanyyears agoand hadbeen struck by the bit alongthe Wharfe at Ilkley. There’sthis bit calledTheStrid at Bolton Abbey. Youwalk therefor about 20 minutes orsoand youcome to this amazingsection with moss-covered stones.Theriver gets quitenarrow there, so there’squiteadramatic rush of water. It’s so beautifuland thereisa kind of chemical reaction that happens when watergets into the air: it changes positiveionsintonegativeand negative ions arebetterfor us.Thereare times when Igot quiteemotional becauseI just thought, ‘this is so specialand I’m so lucky to getthis chance’.”

Claredescribed meetingsome ‘wonderful’ people while filmingthe series.“There’s somethingabout the rivercommunitythatmeans everybody is connected.They all need each other –and theyknowthatthe tide canturn, literally. You’re very dependentonthe weather,and you can’t move that quickly if you’re on anarrowboat. Youare going at the pace of the river.

“I thinkthere is arelaxed nature and akindofenjoymentoflife. People go at adifferentpace,aslowerpace.They go with theflow andare moreconnected to nature –veryaware of the wildlife around them,whether that is swans, otters or beavers.

“River people have huge respect forthe river. They understand the importanceofthatnetwork of rivers; notjustasa transportnetwork butasa reallyvital wildlife habitat,and howyou protectthat

“I’vealwaysthoughtthatIwanttolive by ariver and then, duringthe course of filmingthe series,itbecame an absolute necessity.Soconsequently, that’s what I’mgoingtodo.”

Clarealsospoke of her concerns.

“Whenriversflood, thereisalot of destruction. Rivers deserve investment andattention becauseiftheyare properly managed, we should never have droughtinthiscountry,and we should be able to manage flooding better.You can’t eradicateitcompletely.

“Pollution is amajor crisis rightnow There is alot of thought that needsto go into the rivers of the UK,and there is alot of powerpotential in them that isn’t maximised.Thereare some projects that areamazingly successful. We should be relyingmoreand moreon hydroelectricity.Thevalue of ariver is its power, enrichmentinour lives,atourist attraction, atransport network. With the rise in road travel andthe investment in the rail network,Ithink rivers have been slightly forgotten. It doesn’t takebillions, butitdoestaketime and thoughtand a connected approach

“Thereare issues around pollution that clearlyneed to be solved as it’s areally damaging problemand it’s ridiculous that with moderntechnology we can’t ensure that rivers areclean for us andthe wildlife that depends upon them.”

Sheadded: “This hasbeenone of the mostjoyful, uplifting, interesting experiences.I’venever delveddeep into rivers and this reallyexcited me It’s just such arichsubject–and it looks amazing.

“I hope people will feel asenseof huge passion for ourlandscape and a senseofwantingtoexploremoreofour rivers.Iloved seeingsomanypeople out

ClareBaldingisexploring

Britain’srivers in the TV programme TalesFrom TheRiverbank.

PHOTOS: CHANNEL 5

Clare’sriver facts

The River Severn is the UK’s longest river,covering 220 miles as it flows from mountains in Wales to the sea by Bristol. Flowingfromthe rugged Dartmoor landscape, theRiver Dart’sname is most likely derived from an ancient word for‘oak.’

TheRiver Thames is the UK’sbusiest inlandwaterway, carrying 60% of all goods lifted on the country’s inland waterway network.

Dubbed the country’smost dangerous river,the River Wharfe’sinfamous section named The Strid is said to have adeadlycombination of fast currents and underwater rocks. TheRiver Tyne is the only river in England wherewild salmon aredeemed not at risk.

enjoyingthe water.”

Episodes fiveand sixofTales From The Riverbankare beingbroadcast on Channel 5onThursdaysMarch 13 and 20,and the entire series so faris available to view on catch-up.

The RiverWye is known as the birthplace of Britishtourism as the ‘The Wye Tour’ was the first organised tour in Britain in the 1800s.

Claremeets some river folk.Filming the series has made

Clarereflect on the power of ourrivers.

TV spotfor floating museum

By Lucy Wood

The restoration of a 1923-built keel intoapiece of living history hasbeen featured on primetime TV

THE Humber Keel and SloopPreservation Society’s(HKSPS) ongoingworkon Comrade wasfeaturedonthe March2episodeofthe BBC’sflagship Sunday teatimeprogramme Countryfile.Theepisodefocused on the Humber Estuary, and hownatureand industrylivethereside by side Membersofthe societytold presenter Anita Rani howbeforethe advent of rail and road, waterwayslikethe estuarywere the onlyway to trade and transportgoods At the turn of the 19th century,hundredsof ships,including Comrade,usedthe estuary

to accesswaterways andcanalsthrough Yorkshireand Lincolnshire. The keel’s design made Comrade perfectfor navigatingthe canals and locksofthe area’s industrialtowns to bringthemimportedgoods andreturn with coal, andcrews would be away for three or four days at atime. Today, the HKSPSis workingtorestore it into afloatingmuseum SocietychairmanDaveParkertoldthe programme: “Thehistory of theseships goes back centuries. When Hull wasdeveloped andbig ships startedcomingin, they needed smallerships to take theircargoes into the places whichwantedthem andwherethey couldn’t go.Eventually, mills were built inland andawayfromthe waterand unfortunately, by 1973 Comrade wasobsolete.”

Builtin1923atWarren’sShipyard in New Holland, NorthLincolnshire,for Turner Carmichael of Hull, Comrade wasoriginally named Wanda and with ahold capable of

The River Project ontour

By Lucy Wood

FALLING StarsTheatre has createdanimmersive,interactive theatreperformance for primary school-agedchildren basedon the banksofthe RiverAire.

SupportedbyTheAireRivers Trust, The Wild TroutTrust and the Salmon and TroutConservation, The RiverProject imagines ahost of memorable charactersonthe banksofthe Aire.

Amelia’shomeworkistosit by the riverfor one minuteand write down what she hearsand sees At first she thinksit’sboring, but then realises there is so much to discover, from performingotters to an extremelyknowledgeable

trout. Betweenthem, canthey save theriver from further pollution… orisit toolate?

Thetheatre company said it hopes to encourageyoung peopletotakeresponsibility and ownership of protecting the naturalworld around them,

carryingupto100 tons of cargo, it initially tradedinbarleyand coal betweenWakefield and Hull. Following changesofnameand ownership over the years, it wasacquiredby the HKSPSinDecember1974 butcontinued to carrycargo untilits commitmentswere fulfilledinMarch 1975. Sincethen, thousands of man-hourshavebeenspent on restoring, maintainingand crewingitbya comparatively smallgroup of dedicatedvolunteers

Workingonthe keel gives Dave a“huge senseofsatisfaction,”hesaid, “and putting my skills back into aforgotten trade –of beingakeelman or asloop man.”

If youare interested in volunteering forthe societyorwould liketosupport itsworkthrough adonation, visitwww. keelsandsloops.org.uk

Newstudy shows swanscould spread ‘superbugs’ to humans

ASTUDY by university scientists hasshown that swans living in urban waterwayscould host deadly bacteria that could be harmful to humans

The studybythe University of Galway revealed swans in Dublin andCo Kildarefrequentlycarry antimicrobialresistant bacteria in their guts similar to thosethatcause difficultto-treatinfections in humans

TheWILD-AMR project adopted aOne Health approach to tracking the spread of AMR (antimicrobial resistantpathogens)between humanand animals

The team explored whether wild animals livingand feedinginhuman impacted habitats were potential carriers of AMR.They found ahighprevalence of it in swans, with 65% positivefor one or moreAMR ‘superbug’

Since the Humber Keel and Sloop Preservation Society purchased Comrade, many thousandas of man-hours by asmallgroup of volunteers have been spentonits restoration. It originally hadsails, and a diesel engine was installed in the1920s; society chairmanDaveTurnersaid he is unsurehow many of these engines survive today

raisingawareness and respectfor ourrivers.

Thecompany is offering performances in primary schools in conjunctionwith

Vegetation cut back at Louth Canal

By LucyWood

THEEnvironmentAgencyhas been clearing overgrown vegetation along Louth Canal, in Lincolnshire, to mitigate flood risk.

Teams have alsobeencoppicing willows and cutting grassthroughout Februaryand Marchinadvance of the bird nestingseason. a As previously reported in TowpathTalk,advisorysigns were erectedalongthe path of the navigation adjacent to theRiverhead in the Georgian market town,downtothe Louth TiltingGate. “Ifwedonot coppice and grass-cut, theriver will graduallywashawaythe defence the banks provide.Trees will topple over,damagingdefences, and causingblockages downstream,” it read

EarthDay,the week beginning April21, for the discountedprice of £350.

Visitwww.fallingstarstheatre co.uk for moreinformation.

Plea forvolunteers to aid work at SwanseaCanal and across Wales

VOLUNTEERS areneeded by the Swansea CanalSociety as it continues its vital work alongasix-mile stretch of waterway

AndWelsh ministersare hoping the good example setbythe society canbereplicated acrossthe country. The societyhas been instrumental for many yearsinlooking after the canaland is alwayslooking fornew

volunteers whocan spareafew hours. It hasanew canalcentreinHebron Road, Clydachand is also working towardsreopeningone of the locks. Sharon Blackford, atrustee,said: “The waterishome to otters and bats;kingfishers, dippersand ducks; moths,butterflies and beetles.Many of the canal’sbridges,aqueducts and locksare listedbuildings or scheduled

ancientmonuments andpartof Swansea’s unique heritage.

“Wedothings like repair the banks, which hastobedone regularlyas canals likethis one are200 years old. We alsocut back overgrown vegetation in the summer and pull a lot of weedsout of the canalbecause theycan slow down theflow of the waterand it becomes stagnant,

andsoflowingwater is obviously importantfor the wildlife.”

Welsh Deputy FirstMinisterand Cabinet Secretaryfor ClimateChange and RuralAffairs, HuwIrrancaDavies, is appealing for other groups to followthe example setbySwansea in restoringthe waterways. He addedthe public needed to getout andenjoy the canals andpaths too.

Comrade in 1934 at Stainforth. The photowas taken by Fred Schofield, whowas thelastperson to ownitbeforeitwas acquired by the HKSPS. On boardare Fred’s parents, sister Winifred and wife Lilian. PHOTO:HKSPS

Above: The River Project theatreshow aims to encourage responsibility and respect for our rivers in primary schoolaged children. PHOTO: FALLING STARS THEATRE

Left: Aposter for The River Project. PHOTO: FALLING STARS

PHOTO: HKSPS

LookingtowardsLouth TiltingGate, the freshly coppiced riverbank. PHOTO: LUCYWOOD

Boat business owner’s fears over ‘dangerous’ lock

THE OWNERofa Midlands boat hirebusiness whichisthreatenedbya damagedlockneeding vital repairshas slammedthe Environment Agency (EA) forwhathesaysisinactionand a lack of care

CliveHodgson, who owns Willy-WattMarinaat Ringstead, Northamptonshire, claims hisbusiness will suffer,private boat ownersmay be putindanger and thereisaserious risk of residential floodingdue to the perilous stateofthe sluiceand lock

Mr Hodgsonsaid he hasbeencontacting the agencysince Januarywith little success.

“I have lived and worked near to thesluice at Willy-WattMarinafor 20 yearsand they(EA)have neverdoneany maintenance on it

“This is goingtoseriously affectour business and if we have another storm, it will affectothers too, alongwith all the privateboatownerswho will struggle to usethe river. The EnvironmentAgency doesn’t seem to care.”

The problem surrounds abrokenchain which held asluice gate up in the lock on the RiverNene. Mr Hodgsonsaid the EA inspected it in January and arranged for damboardstobeinsertedto

preventthe riverdrainingdownand potentially damagingmooredboats

He says the agencyhas told himapermanent repair won’t happen until afterApril at theearliest.

“Puttingthe boards in placehas solved one problem butcausedanother

“Now theycannot open the sluice gatetokeep the riverlevel down.This means the riverinthis section is runningafoothigher than it should be Unfortunately,someofmyboatmooringsare now under water.

“Inaddition, the waterisgoingoverthe topof the lock gates, whichisdangerous when the lock is in use.

“I alsorun twoday hire boatsand it will not be safe to send thesethrough the lock while it is in this state. This means we mostlikelywill have to cancel alarge number of bookings we have for this spring and summer.Itwill alsobedangerous for privateinexperienced boat owners, as there is a higherriskoftheirboats sinkinginthe lock,due to the volume of waterpassing over the topofthe pointingdoors,floodingtheirboats

“Astheynow cannot control the waterlevels,

if we have alarge stormwhich causes the riverto rise,the chances of theeight residential properties andthe other twobusinessessituatedheregetting flooded will increase dramaticallyastheycan’t open the sluice up to discharge thewater.”

Mr Hodgsonsaid he offered to buynew chains and do therepair himself buthis offer wasrejected by the EA.“Surely,asensible situation wouldhave been to temporarilyfixthe chains and then do aplannedmaintenance of the whole structure.”

Aspokespersonfor the EnvironmentAgency said:“At the end of January, one of the chains broke on LowerRingstead sluice.Our contractorsused damboardstoensurethe safety of boatersand the navigation.Our officers investigated if aquick fix could be implementedwhile ourcontractors were on site,but ourengineersfelttherewere risksassociatedwith the methods proposed which would not addressthe root causeofthe failure

“Wehavesecured funding to carryout scoping worksbythe end of March2025. The fix will then formpartofour programme for 2025-26. We have informedthe marina owner andwill keep them updatedasweknowmore.”

Book abucketlist tripthrough UK’slongest, deepestand highest canaltunnel

INTREPID explorerswill be able to tickoffabucketlisttripthrough the UK’slongest,deepest andhighest canaltunnel this spring.

Visitors caneither canoeorrelax and be chauffeured through the 3.5-mile Standedge Tunnel, which runs under the Pennines between Marsden, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, and Diggle in Lancashire

The experience is part of aCanal &River Trust‘bucket list’ year and tickets areexpectedtobesnapped up quickly.

The tunnel, built in 1811,isone of four constructed as rail and waterway routes.Onlythe canal tunnel andone of therailroutes arestill open.

This awe-inspiringtunnel, one of the sevenwondersofthe waterways, is an extraordinary feat of engineering, takingmorethan17 yearstodig by hand. Thosetaking the trip through the tunnel cansee just howitwas constructed,while enjoyingeither auniquepaddling experience or moreleisurelyboat trip.Eachtrip, whichtakes around twohours,will be one wayonly, from either Marsden to Diggle or Diggle to Marsden

Sean McGinley, regional director forYorkshire &North EastatCanal &River Trustsaid: “A greatway to understand whyweloveour canals and tunnelssomuchistotaketo the waterand journeyintothe heart of the Pennines,with ourteam bringingthe tunnel and canalto life.It’satruly unique experience,

definitelyone forthe bucket list.”

Thecanal tunnel lies 636ft underground and wasofficially closed in 1921. Nowrestored, it is only open forthese specialvisitor trips.

Gordon McMinn, volunteer team leader and qualified paddle sports instructor at Canal& RiverTrust, is co-ordinatingthe canoetrips at StandedgeTunnel. He said: “We’re excited to announce the new dates for this bucketlistopportunityand enable even more keen canoeists to paddlethough this magnificent tunneland exploreits 3.5miles under the Pennines “Thisyear, we’reintroducinga

concurrent schedule for throughtunnel boat andcanoe trips on Saturdaystoenable both paddlers and non-paddlerstoexperiencethe tunnel on thesameday.Further datesfor 2025 will be announced laterinthe year.”

Participants will need to plan the return legoftheir trip,which could be abreathtakingand picturesque seven-mile walk back over thehill or,for those whohavehad enough exercise, there’salocal bus(Arriva 184) and localtaxiservices

Fornon-experiencedpaddlers, whynot tryatastercanoeor stand-up paddle(SUP) session? These90-minutesessions run

from StandedgeTunnelalong the Huddersfield Narrow Canaland include the useofthe canoes/ paddleboards,kit,safetybriefing and tuition. Datesfor the next sessionswill be announcedon theCanal &River Trustwebsite and usuallyrun duringthe school holidays

Forthe less adventurous,the trust alsooffers 30-minute‘discovery’ boat trips.Theserun mostFridays, Saturdaysand SundaysfromMarch untilthe end of Octoberand canbe bookedonthe Canal&River Trust website.

Hotdrinksand lightrefreshments will be available onsite duringthese weekends from theWatersedge CoffeeHouse,run by theFriends of Standedgevolunteer group. All proceeds aresplit betweenthe Canal &River Trustand thevolunteer grouptohelp maintain and further improvethe StandedgeTunnelsite for visitors

Tickets are£110 percanoe (solo or tandem) and canbebookedon Canal&River Trust’swebsite Paddlerswill usethe Canal& RiverTrust’s open canoes for the trips andwill be guidedbytrained staff andvolunteersfromthe trust. All PPE(helmets,buoyancy aids,lights) areprovided by the trust; however, participants are welcome to usetheir ownhelmets, headtorches and buoyancyaids forthe trip.Numbers arelimited, so pleasebookearly to secure your place

Visitor cottages updated on Erewash Canal

THE EREWASH Canal Pr es er va tio n& DevelopmentAssociation is planning furtherrenovation worksatits Sandiacre Cottages this year

The association carried outrepairs and upgrades last year,and in 2025 it will be spendingmoney on theroof. Thelatestnewsletter from the groupalsoraised concerns aboutwater depth in the canal, stating: “Overthe last year the ErewashCanal hasbeen

blighted, yetagain,bywater shortage problems Hopefullythisyearwill see an improvementinthis whichshouldresultinmore visitingboats travelling through the valley.”

Apaddle at Greens Lock

will be replaced by the Canal&River Trustthis spring, with assistance from the association. Further restoration work wascarried outabove Long EatonLockand hasnow progressed north of

Public asked to share memories of West Midlands canals

APLEAhas gone outfor the public to share their memories and experiences of West Midlands canals to keep thehistory alive

The Canal& RiverTrust is launchinga new heritage project, fundedbythe National Lottery, in the West Midlands andiscallingon people to help make it happen.

The trustiscollecting first-hand accounts from localcanal enthusiastsand volunteersas part of an excitingoralhistory initiative, made possible thanks to funds raised by playersof People’s Postcode Lottery.

Kate Langley, heritage teammanager, explained: “The canals of Birmingham and the BlackCountry underwent asignificant transformation from the 1960s to the 1990s These waterways, once vital to the region’s industry, were beingbrought back to lifefor futuregenerations.But many of thepeople who played pivotal roles in this work –from engineerstovolunteers–haveyet to have their voices heard.

“This is whythe trustwants to document their stories forposterity,preservingtheir experiences as part of therichindustrial and cultural history of theregion. This projectisan opportunityfor those whoworkedwith local canalsocieties to ensure their contributions are recognised andsharedwith the community.”

The charitywould love to hear from those whocontributed to the restorationand revitalisation of the region’shistoricwaterways from the1960s to the1990s.Theideaisfor people to sharetheir memories,stories and pictures–whether that wasworking on the ground, helpingrestore historic structures, planningand overseeingthe projects,or volunteering. All collected stories will be archived forpublic access, contributingtoa lastingrecordofthe incredible efforts behind therestorationofthe canals

People canshare their storybyemailing oralhistories@canalrivertrust.org.uk with details of therestoration they were involved in.Thetrust will then getintouch to collect the story. Forfurther details aboutthe project, visitthe Canal&River Trustwebsite

SandiacreLock. Th en ews let te r co nt in ue d: “O ne not-unexpected problem we hadwas the build-upof silt andreedgrowth. Special thankstothe lads who spentaday reed pulling.”

Anew oral history project aboutthe canalsinthe West Midlandsiscalling for the public to sharetheirexperiences of the waterways to ensure their stories arekeptfor futuregenerations.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Intrepid visitors will be able to tick offanamazing ‘bucket list’ tripthroughthe UK’shighest, deepest andlongest canal tunnel this springthanks to theCanal &RiverTrust. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Help compile anational picture of waterways heritage

IWA’sHeritage Advisory Panel aims to safeguard and publicisethe extraordinarynational heritage assetthat our waterwaysnetwork represents.Toaid public and governmental awarenessofthis,the groupiscompilinga ‘risk list’ of significant waterwaysheritage items that are endangeredfor whatever reason –for instance neglect,dereliction, insensitiverepair, redevelopmentor extreme weather events

Here’swhere your help is needed

Whichare the elements of heritage concern or prideinyourarea?

Waterwaysheritage canbeanything from original paddle mechanisms,rope guards,horse ramps andmileposts up to complete aqueducts, br id ge s, lo ck s, embankments,cuttings, tunnels anddocks Equallyimportant are associated buildings such as lock and toll cottages and warehouses.Thesecan be on anywaterway that is or hasbeen

IWACanalway Cavalcade 2025

BlowersGreen Lock &Pumphouse. Which arethe elements of heritage concernor pride in your area? PHOTOS: SUPPLIED responsesto: hugh pearman@waterways org.uk

navigableorisunder activerestoration. Longabandonedwaterways

Bookings nowopenfor 2025 AnnualRestoration Conference

THE 2025 Annual RestorationConference, jointly organised by The Inland WaterwaysAssociation and Canal&River Trust, is taking place on April26 at the National WaterwaysMuseum in Ellesmere Port,Cheshire.

This year’s conference will focusonthe challengesofdeliveringsustainable restorations from differentviewpoints featuringa line-up of senior experiencedspeakers.

Presentations and seminarswill includeThe Grand Union Canaltransfer projectand wider implications of watertransferfor restoration; Youth Engagementinrestorationwill be looked at through adeepdiveonthe Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardScheme.A strong focuswillbegiven to the Restoration for the Future,and what sustainable plansand designswillneedtoconsidergoing forwardwhile also ensuring acommitmentto

heritage preservation.

With itscollections andarchivesfocused on Britain’sinlandwaterways,includingcanal boats, traditional artefacts and historicalphotos, theNationalWaterways Museum will provide a unique andexcitinglocation, with thechance to visitthe Island Warehouse, thePower Hall andthe blacksmith’s forge whereironworkfor the canal andits boatswas made

The conference is avaluable chance for those involved in waterway restoration to experience newinsightsintothe importanttopicsfacing restorations today. Delegateswillhavethe opportunitytonetwork,and attend in-depth sessions andworkshops ledbyexperts across the field.

The conference will runfrom9.30am with an optional tour of themuseum in the afternoon.

structures areincluded. Thegroup plans to balancethis with examples of enlightenedrestoration, repair and protection of specific heritageassets So do let IWAknow if you have positive examples as well. Thefirst outcomes of this work will be displayed at the IWAHarborough 75 WaterwaysFestival on June 7-8. Please send over your suggestions, accompanied if possible by clear, hi gh- re so lutio n photos by March31, to givetimetocollate the information and producethe display material.

Please send your

Strapping Post at Ashtead Flight. Waterways heritage can be anything from original paddle mechanisms up to complete aqueducts, bridges, and locks.

IWAC an al wa y Cavalcadereturns to London’s Little Venice on May3 forthe full earlyMay Bank Holiday weekend. Each year IWAcelebrates the best of lifeonthe waterways in London andits community at IWA Canalway Cavalcade There’ssomethingfor everyone at thisvibrant canalfestivalinthe heart of London’swaterways Whether visiting by boat or on foot,it’sa splendid dayout for you and your family.Soakupthe atmospheresurrounded by colourfulcraft of allshapesand sizes, alongside amultitude of unique stalls,a real ale barand delicious foods for allappetites There will be eclectic

livemusic around the site,special boating activitieslikethe legendaryilluminated processionandchildren’s entertainment forall ages.You’ll also find amazingart from local schoolsondisplay and plentyofopportunities to getinvolved at IWA Canalway Cavalcade IWAiscurrently lookingfor volunteers forthe event– could youbeone?For more informationcontact em ma .g re en al l@ waterways.org.uk Boatbookingsarealso open;pleasecontact Mike Moore: mike moore@waterways.org. uk or 07545 546865. Fortraderenquiries pleasecontact: cavalcade trade@waterways.org.uk

IWAsubmission to spending review

GUARANTEE

THEoverwhelmingmajority of poweredboats on the inland waterwaystoday usefossil fuels,almostentirelydiesel. What canthe Government do? IWAhas respondedtoan invitation to make asubmission to the 2025 SpendingReview. The UK’sriversand canals are home to thousandsofboats,from leisure cruiserstoworking barges delivering freight. Theyare also vital green-blue corridors, enjoyed by millions of walkers, cyclists andnaturelovers. However, mostboats still rely on fossilfuels.IWA wantsboating to be moresustainable and even though thecurrent overall contribution to UK carbon emissions from boatsisvery small, we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.

Thisiswhy IWA’sSustainable Boatingand FreightGroups havesubmittedarepresentation to the Treasury,focusingonthe need to reviewthe supplyand

taxation of alternativefuels

Why change is needed

Environmentalbenefits:

Movingtowards cleaner energy will help protectwildlife and reduce pollution.

Economic impact: Our waterwayssupportmorethan 133,000 jobs andcontribute billionstothe UK economy.

Healthand well-being: Activeuse of canals and rivers improves publichealth,saving theNHS more than £1 billion annuallydue to the health benefitsofactivewaterwayuse

Challenges to greener boating

Whilenew boatsare being builtwithelectricorhybrid engines, most existing boats still runondiesel. Alternative fuelslikehydrotreated vegetableoil (HVO)are cleaner butremainstubbornly expensiveand difficultto

Work Parties

access.Banksidecharging infrastructurefor electric boats is also limited

What needs to happen?

To make sustainable boatinga reality, IWAiscalling for: Affordable,cleaner fuel:Tax incentivesandbetteravailability of HV Of ue l. More charging points: Investmentinbanksidecharging forelectricand hybrid boats. Joined-upgovernmentsupport: Aclear strategy that helps boaterstransitiontonet zero withoutunnecessarycostand complexity. The case forgovernment action hasonlygrown.By simplifyingthe fuel supply landscape, investingin infrastructureand ensuring a coordinated policy approach, the Governmentcan bringina fair andpractical transition towardsnet zero for leisureand commercial inland boating.

PLEASE contact the branch to register yourinterest if you would like to attend awork party.Itisadvisable to wear stoutshoes, old clothing, andto take waterproofs. Apacked lunchand refreshments are also advisable.

April 6and 18

Northampton Branch Work parties areusually held oneweekday andone Sundaya month, alongthe Northampton Arm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. ContactGeoffWood:geoff wood@waterways.org.uk April4and 18 –10.30am to 2.30pm Burslem Port Regular work party on the BurslemArm of the Trent& MerseyCanal,runinpartnership by IWANorth Staffordshire& South CheshireBranch &the Burslem Port Trust. Meet at LukeSt,Burslem. Alltoolsandequipmentwill

be provided. Volunteers are advised to wear old clothes, stoutshoes and to bring waterproofs in case of rain and apacked lunch if staying allday

Please contact Dave Broome beforeattending: 07974 966253 or dave. broome45@gmail.com April 12/13 –10amto 4pm Manchester Bolton and BuryCanal IWAManchesterBranchwill be workingwith Manchester Bolton &Bury Canal Society at Prestolee at

Characters of the Cut

MarceloDuarte –from SaoPaulotothe Kennet &Avon

By Alice Elgie

WHEN Marcelo Duarte movedtothe UK from Brazil’s biggestcity, SaoPaulo,where he hadbeenborn and raised alongside morethan22million people,hehad no ideahewas headingtowards an entirely new–and somewhat quieter –life,living on the canals of England.

He explained: “Myfirstcontact with narrowboatswas in Birmingham,which wasthe first cityIlived in. Walkingthrough the centre, there were severalcanals and alwayslots of narrowboatsaround. It wasloveatfirstsight!” He went on to do some research on the internet and when hediscoveredthat people lived on these narrowboats, his dreamwas setinmotion.

Inspired in particular by thesense of freedom and the abilitytomovearound in his ownfloatinghome,Marcelo set aboutbuyinghis ownboatand, despite beingnervous,was excitedtofinallymove aboard a1993 45ft cruiser stern, built by LiverpoolBoats,inNovember2023. “Its name is Emma Ridgeon,but my plan for nextsummer is to repaintand rename it Martin,whichismyson’s name.” Martin currentlyspends weekends aboard and absolutelyloves the experience.“When the daycomes,he alwaysasksme: ‘Are we goingtothe boat?’” Like mostkids,when given the chance to be outinnaturehecan spend hours enjoyingthe simple things,likefeeding ducks and swans,and thiswas precisely Marcelo’s intention. “I want him to getto knownature, be closetoit, gettoknow the animals and, when he’s oldenough, go outwith me on the canals to seenew places from adifferentperspective and learn aboutEngland’s history and culture, since he wasbornhere.”

With thesefuturetravels in mind, Marcelo knew he hadtobuildhis confidence in boat handlingso decided to go on aboathandlingcourse. “InJuly 2024 Iwentcruisingfor twodayswith Julie,averykind and patientinstructor Shetaughtmeeverythingshe could, and we went through severallocks,whichwas my biggestfear.”Today he is confident enough to operatelocks on his ownand hasbeenout and aboutonthe canals a few times with friends It’s quitethe change,though,asthere is nothing similarinBrazil andMarcelo admits his new wayoflife wasquitea shock for familyand friends in his home country. “I have neverheard of someone livingona boat in Brazil so some people still don’t believe me!” However, with the adventofmodern technology andthe abilitytosend pictures or have videocalls, his friends and familyare gainingalittle

moreunderstandingabout thisway of life

Leavingbehind his countrywas a relativelyeasydecision for Marcelo: “Brazilhas been in an economic and political crisis for years, and as I’mnot goingtochangeBrazil, Idecidedtostart anew life elsewhere.Iwas tired of all the violence, carthefts andotherinjustices and having alwaysworkedinthe aviation sector,Iknew Ihad skills that would be welcomedinthe UK.”

Living on hisnarrowboatnow for ayear and ahalf,hehas relaxedintohis newway of life. “AtfirstIhad what Icalla ‘technical adjustment’ becauseI’d neverhad to deal with adiesel heater,hugeengine,more

than normalcondensation, and the boat rockingonwindydays, butI cansay that it wasall very easy to adaptto. Idid alot of research,watched alot of videos and gothelp from neighbours, so Ilearneda lot and I’mstill learning!”

Marcelohas adeepgratitude for this countryand theopportunities it has presentedand nowworks happilyfor acompany that providesmaintenance, repair and overhaulfor Boeingsand Airbus aircraft.Hecurrently stays in amarinaonthe Kennet &Avon butenjoysbestthe freedom this life affords him: “I cancruisealongthe canals on aweekend or on holidays and explorenew places,whichis very relaxing for me…seeingnature, animals,locks,and people walking.” Nowwhen on holidayinBrazil, which is known by many as ‘The Stone Jungle’, he recognises howharditwould be to giveupwhathehas on the doorstep: greenspace,tranquillity, and silenceat night. “It’satotallydifferentexperience from the chaos of livinginSao Paulo!”

Facebook: Marcelo Duarte Instagram: @marcelodsduarte and @narrowboatexplorerbr

Alice Elgie is awriter whosplits time between anarrowboat on thewaterways of Englandand acottage in France. She shares wordsabout this life on her blog: slowintotheseasons.substack. com

Navigation dream edges closer with £20,000 boost

ARESEARCHproject which aims to uncoverthe history of the Melton andOakhamwaterways –and ultimately reopen it to boats– can continue its work thanks to a £20,000 grantfromthe National Lottery.

TheMelton &Oakham WaterwaysSociety(MOWS)will usethe moneytofinance an 18-month projectfor further research aboutthe historyofthe Melton Navigation,which linked the town to the national canal system in the 1800s By delvingintoarchives, consulting historical recordsand engagingwith localcommunities, the projectaims to piece together therichtapestryofstories that surround thesewaterways.From tales of bustlingtrade and transportationtoaccounts of leisurelyboatrides alongscenic routes,the history waitingtobe uncovered is as diverse as it is fascinating.

TheMelton &Oakham WaterwaysSociety wasset up 28 yearsago with the aimofrestoring thenavigation, whichfollows the course of the Rivers Eyeand Wreake.Byrevivingthesehistoric channels for navigation, the project notonlypreserves avaluable aspect of the region’sheritage but alsocreates new opportunities for recreational activities and tourism

As well as investigatinghistory, thegrant will alsobeusedtoraise awarenessinthe communityabout thenavigation.Itwillinvolve exhibitions,aseriesoftalks, informationboardsand organised walksalongthe routeofthe navigation. The projectiskicking off with adisplay at the Melton Carnegie Museum MOWS projectdirectorDrMike Pattersonsaid: “We’re delightedto receiveour first grantfromthe National LotteryHeritage Fund. Thereisstiff competitionfor grants

and we were able to produce a convincingcasefor theaward

“Our rivers areahiddengem and MOWS volunteershave worked for yearsonclearing rubbish,cuttingbackvegetation and generallymaintainingthem, all with theaim of one day reopening the navigation.

“Now with thefundingwewillbe able to highlightthe role it played in an importantpartofMelton’s history at the time of the Industrial Revolution.Wehopethat, as a result,manymorepeoplewill become awareofwhatanasset they have on their doorstep andbecome involved in this exciting project.

“Weare thrilledtohavereceived this supportfromthe Heritage Fund anditisthankstoall National Lottery playersthatit’smade possible.”

Localhistorian BrianFarewillbe undertakingthe research for MOWS.Hesaid:“Although the navigationoperatedfor nearly 100 yearsand horse-drawncargo boats broughtgoods such as coal right into theheart of the town,thereis very little existinginformation abouthow it operated and what effectithad on the villages along theway

“Itwas atimeofcanal maniain England andMelton did not miss out. We hopethatthe research will lead to alot morehistory being uncovered.”

The research will coverthe first phaseofthe projectand the talks to schools and community groups as well as organisedwalkswilltake place when this is complete

Thedisplay at theMelton Carnegie Museum,whichwillrun untilthe endofApril, tells howthe navigation wasbuilt and operated, bringing goodsfromall over the countryintothe heartofthe town It eventuallyclosed at the end of the centuryafter facing stiff competition from thenew railwaywhich ran betweenSystonand Stamford.

Son Martinclearlyapproved of life on board Emma Ridgeon;the smile says it all.

Astunning sunset seenfromnarrowboat Emma Ridgeon. It’seasy to see the appeal for Marcelo and Martin.

Marcelo Duarte, who moved to the UKfromSao Paulo, to live life on the canals of England. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Marcelo Duarte enjoying time aboard Emma Ridgeon with Martin.

Narrowboat Emma Ridgeon, which Marcelo planstorepaintand renameMartin, afterhis son

Struggling boaters get help fromwelfareteam

‘Keepingboats on the system’ wasafrequently used phrase during CRT’sonlineNationalBoater Forum. Phil Pickinreports.

THE meetinggaveCRT’s team,headedby national boatingmanager Matthew Symonds, the opportunitytooutline howthingsare now structured and what would seem to be an increased emphasis on the welfare of theboating community.

Throughout the meeting, whichlastedmorethan an hour,the phrase‘keepingboats on the water’ wasusedanumberoftimes with AmandaStratford, national customer supportand businesssystems manager under whomthe welfare team operates, keentooutlinethe work beingundertaken by her team.Its workload hasincreasedsignificantlysince the team’sreorganisation.

Matthew Aymes, CRT’scustomersupport manager: licence support, pointedout that the communityonthe waterwayscan be seen asa microcosm of the wider communityand that many of the problems experiencedby the public aregenerallyalsosuffered by boaters. He went on to highlightthat in some areas, members of the liveaboardcommunityinitiallysaw life on the system as away to escape the financial pressures of livingamoreconventional lifestyle.Asmost people know, livingafloat is rarely thecheapest option, and as aresult,the same financial pressurescan followthem on to their boat

The issues facedbythe welfareteamare notall economic; however, with adramaticincreasein the caseload –jumpingfrom33cases in August 2024 to 109 in Octoberofthe same year –itwould seem that the economic pressureswe’ve allcome under have undoubtedly hadanimpact. With CRTalsocomingunder economic strain of late,it’snot surprisingthat thefinancial benefit of keepingboats on thewater hasn’t been overlooked.When coupledwith the costs and the delaysinremoving boats, the CRTteamseemed

keen to stress that they would do everythingthey could to keep people and boatsonthe canals

Oneboaterwho took part in the meeting posed the question: didCRT seeboaters as “lowhanging fruit”when it comes to making money? Giventhe recentchanges to licence fees and rules,she felt that when thetrust needed income,boaters were its first option. MatthewSymonds wasquickto pointout that the trustgainedmostofits funding from other sources andthatoverthe next10 years, thereisaplantoincreaseincomefrom these‘other sources’ to £60m peryear. He also pointedout that forevery £1 broughtinfroma boat’s licencefee,£6comesinfromother sources likethe rental of canalside property

Afact that hasapparentlybeenwidely circulatedisthataround 10% of boatsonthe system arecurrently unlicensed, which was confirmedduringthe meeting. Apparently, 3500 boatsare beinginvestigated due to alackof licencerecords.Atatime of economic pressure, this number would make an appreciable difference to the trust’sfinances if it wasable to recoverit. The trustseems to be reluctantto go down the routeofremovingand disposing of boatsasthis is both costlyand time-consuming, with some casestakingtwo yearstoget to court.

The meetingendedwith AmandaStratford thanking boaterswho hadusedthe welfare services in the past andwho hadprovided positive feedback.She said shewas gratified that allthe hard work wasbeing appreciatedand that “theycare” aboutthe boatingcommunity.

Aseries of regional meetings will be held over the comingmonths,withanother national forum beingheld laterin2025, and Matthew Symonds waskeenfor people to keep an eyeonthe trust’s websitefor details to enable them to takepart.

Volunteering sparksfireworks firm’sjoy

WILTSHIRE fireworks company employees lit up with delightafter astintof volunteeringwith their local canalrestorationtrust

Staff from Pains Fireworks joinedthe Wilts &Berks Canal Trustfor aday of outdoor work,helpingtocreateanew wildlife habitatalongside the restored stretchofthe waterway betweenMelksham and Chippenham

The sales, operations and factorycolleagues spenta morningcoppicing at Naish Hill, near Lacock.They described it as “a wonderful experience”.

The visitwas arranged by the Melksham,Chippenham &Calne branchofthe

charity. Branchwildlife officer Howard Yardypraised everyone for their work.He said:“It wasgreat to welcome so many volunteers, enabling us to tacklesomechallenging tasks whichwould otherwise have taken alot longer without the extrahelp

“They spentseveral hours on an area of woodland betweenthe canaland the RiverAvon, clearing atangled mass of branches to create a‘dead hedge’ to protect wildflowers and saplings from grazingdeer.

“Wehopeit encourages other companies to get involved too. We’vehad groups helpingwithtree planting, hedgelaying

andinstalling birdboxes and batboxes.It’sagreat opportunityfor team building and learning new skills,aswell as supportinglocal wildlife.”

Pains Fireworksoperations managerTom Barrettsaid: “Every year we liketoarrange aday of volunteeringto connect with othersand give back to the localcommunity.

“We’re not just work colleagues,weconsider ourselvesasfriends,soit’s heartwarmingtomakea positive impact together

“Itwas achillyday,but we soon worked up asweat, and everyone wasgratefulfor the teaand cake afterwards! It was awonderful experience –we’d love to do it again.”

Wilts &Berks Canal Trust volunteer HowardYardy (standing,far left) withthe Pains Fireworks volunteers andtheir new‘dead hedge’. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Exploring your canal ancestry: accidents

Wasyour boating ancestor involved in an accident? In thelatest in her family history series,Nicola Lisle showshow detailsofaccidentscan help with yourresearch.

SADLY, accidents were common in the boating community, from injuries sustainedwhile loading andunloading cargoestothe most commoncause of deathonthe canals –drowning.

Canals and rivers have their obviousinherent dangers, butthis wasparticularly thecaseduring the 18th and 19th centuries whenhealthand safety wasmoreorlessnon-existent, and many adults and children diedorsufferedserious injuries as they journeyedalong Britain’swaterways andthrough its industrial townsand cities

Uneven towpaths,stifforheavy lock gates, busy wharves, bulkycargoes, feisty horsesand wet, slipperyboatdecks all presentedpotential dangers to boatingfamilies

The Birmingham Post of January19, 1858 reported that 26-year-old boatmanCharles Caythorn ‘met with asevereaccident’ while helpingtounload a boat ‘atthe wharfofMessrsLloyd andSummerfield, Birmingham Heath’.Thereportwenton: ‘Two boats were lyingtogether, andinthe actofstepping from one to the other,his foot slipped, and he felldown in such amannerastooccasiona fracture of the legjustabove the ankle’.

Caythorn survived his accident, butmany boatmen were not so lucky.OnJune 23,1862, the Birmingham Post reported that William Roberts wasthrownfromhis boat at Nethertonwhen it hit the buttress of abridge. Roberts‘wasconsequently thrownoffand terriblycrushed betweenthe side of the boat and the towing path’. He sustained fractured ribs and head injuries, fromwhichhe diedlater that day.

The mostcommon causeofdeath on the canals

wasdrowning, andthereare numerousnewspaper reportsofadults and children slippingfromboats or towpaths into the waterand nevermakingitout alive. Children as youngaseight were expectedto work on the family boat,and it wastragicallyeasy for them to fall into the canal, oftenwhile stepping betweenboats or leadingahorse alonganarrow, slippery towpath. Fewcould swim,sotheir endwas sadlyinevitable

Some areaswerenotorious accidenthotspots, such as SandfordLockinOxford. Oneofits many victims was23-year-old boatmanGeorgeFranklin who,inOctober 1866, wasdiscoveredinthe water near the lock after he hadbeenmissing forafew days.With no obvious injuries,the inquestintohis deathreturnedanopenverdict of ‘found drowned’

Useful resources

If one of your ancestors wasinjured or diedasa result of an accidentonthe canals,thereare many resources that cangiveuseful details.Theseinclude:

• Deathcertificate, whichshould include the date,place and causeofdeath,alongwiththe deceased’s occupation, ageand residence at

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the time of death. Search the General Register Office(GRO) index online free of charge at www.freebmd.org.uk or www.familysearch orgfor deaths from 1837 onwards, or the parish registers at the relevant localarchives fordeaths before1837.

• Gravestones sometimesinclude biographical detailsnot found on official documents Search the National Burial Index (www. search.findmypast.co.uk)for thelocation of your ancestor’sgrave.Ifitnolongerexists or theinscription is illegible, youmay find atranscript amongthe vast collectionof monumental inscriptions (MIs) available Search findmypastorrelevant regional archives

• Localnewspapers (and possiblynationals if your ancestorwas involved in amajor incident) mayinclude obituaries,death and funeral announcements, news items about accidents andinquestreports.Regional archives andlibraries hold collections of localpublications;you could also search The

National WaterwaysArchiveatEllesmere Port (www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/thingsto-do/canal-history/the-waterways-archive) or theBritish NewspaperArchive (www. britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

Canalcompany records should have details of accidents involvingtheir employees, so this is a goodsourceifyou knowwhichcompany your ancestorworkedfor.Accidentregisters usually include thedateand details of theaccident, details of injuries and whether the employee diedasa result of thoseinjuries. From 1897, the Workmen’s CompensationAct gave theright of compensationtoany employee involved in an accidentatwork, so company records from that date should include detailsofany compensation paid. The National WaterwaysArchive(seeabove) holds alarge collection of company records,but regional archives canalsobeuseful. Records for canalcompanies taken over by railway companies following nationalisation in 1947 are heldinthe RAIL series of The National Archives at Kew(www.discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ browse/r/h/C1023).

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Picturesque SandfordLock in Oxfordwas once anotorious hotspot fordrownings. PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

Visit TheNational ArchivesatKew to find details of accidents in company records. PHOTO: CHRISTINE MATTHEWS -CCBY-SA 2.0

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Whatgoes around…

Jonathan Mosse’s monthlylook at freight development on the inland waterways.

BLEATING away on amonthlybasisinawaterways magazine aboutthe discrepancies in recognitionof modalfreight paths in the UK might, on the faceof it,appeartobeafairly fruitless and thereforesouldestroyingoccupation. Butisit?

Let’sstartbysayingthatitpreparesthe ground amongthe enlightenedinreadinessfor a connection with thoseinpower,one stageaway, who aretaskedwith devisingthe agendaand controllingthe decision-makingprocess.

Exploring tworecentexamples, driven by the Commercial Boat OperatorsAssociation (CBOA) mightbehelpful in comingtoanunderstanding of what I’msuggesting. To be honest, the first example –involvingmodification of theRoadTransport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) as it affects biofuel useby commercial craftonthe UK inland waterways–is, to saythe least, hopelessly opaque inits nature, demandinghours of dogged anddeterminedreading.

Let’ssimplysufficeittosay that awell-place volunteer,recentlyretired from acareerinthe fuel industry, solemnlyreadthrough and digested the tworelevant orders–amounting to 60 dense pagesofgovernmentgobbledygook –before devising and insertingthe association’sresponses into asomewhat impenetrable Call for Evidence questionnaire, putout by the Departmentfor Transport …all to averytight deadline

On the other hand, engagementwith West Yorkshire’sClimateand Environment Plan wasfar

moreimmediate, closetothe UK inland waterways’ primarystampingground, while beingaltogether more accessible!

Carriage by barge

In introducingthe CBOA to theWestYorkshire Combined Authority, it underlinedits role in representingand promotingwaterways freight carriage by bargeonthe UK’s inland andestuarial waterwaysfor economic and environmental reasons,pointingout that it is accepted by governmentasthe representativeindustrybody.

It goes on to observethat in reading“their interestingand forward-thinking Climateand Environment Plan,itappears that freighttransport is not mentionedfor either road, rail or water transport. Thegovernmentenvironmentand transport statistics statethatabout 6% of all UK CO2 is producedbyfreight transport;ofthisroad transport contributes 92%, just 8% currentlyby waterand rail.

“Asthe watertransport trade organisation, we seek to promotefar greateruse of the waterways forfreight transportthanthe comparativelylittle usemade of them at present, both forthe benefit of the environmentand CO2 emissions.”

In supportoftheir submission, theygoonto providethe following highlypertinentdata:

• The Inland WaterwaysAssociation(IWA) has carried outresearchand reportsthatroad freight transportproducesinthe region of 207-280 g/tonne-km CO2,while inland waterway transport produces 40-66 CO2 g/ tonne-km–animprovementfivetimes greater with watertransport:https://waterways.org. uk/waterways/freight-by-water

• An actual example,frombarge operator Casper Riverand CanalTransport,operating on the Yorkshirewaterways,isprovidedon their website. In addition, their vessel uses hydrogenated vegetable oil(HVO) for fuel, providingamuchlargerreductioninCO2 producedthaniftheywereusing mineral diesel: https://casperriverandcanaltransport com/sustainability

• European studies report similar figures forCO2 reduction (using diesel) demonstratingthat freightcarried by inlandwaterways produces approximately

25% of CO2 pertonne kilometrecompared to that produced by road: https:// www.eea.europa.eu/publications/ rail-and-waterborne-transport

Connected

The CBOA points outthat “Yorkshire,asawhole, hassome of the best freightwaterways in the country– carrying vesselsofupto600 tons capacity –includingthe Aire &Calder Navigation in West Yorkshire, connectedfurther afieldtoTheSheffield &South YorkshireNavigation, the Humber,the LowerRiver Trent, the RiverOuse.

• “Theabove is not the only environmental benefit from usinginland waterway transport, othersinclude:

• Significant reduction in road congestion –HGVsare becoming amajor issuein built-up areas

• Lowerriskofroadaccidents/fatalities, particularly wherepedestrians andcyclists areconcerned

•Lower noiseonhighways

•Reducedhighway wear,tearand potholing, meaninglower long-term maintenancecosts

• Eachbarge cancarry 20 or moreequivalent lorry loads.

•Fewer particles createdinthe atmosphere from brakeand tyre dust

• The‘goodwill’thatcanal transport promotes,interms of providingan alternativetothe lorry

“Insummary,”the CBOA concludes,“useof waterfreight providesexcellentreduction in CO2 emissions.This should formanessential part of any policyorinitiativeinvolved with transport.

“Allmeans,whereverpracticalandgeographically suitable,should be used to encouragemodal shift from road to water, to assist in achievingthe environmentalbenefits required.

“Wedohopethisoutlines whywater transport should be includedinyourplan. We will be happy to advise further on anythingifrequired.”

John Branford–BranfordBargeOwners Ltd –has been one of the principaldriversof freight on the NE waterways for thepast60 years. PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE

Fuel boats areanimportant part of the inland waterways commercial mix.

When it’stoo largeto go on the road it can take to the water!

BranfordBarge Owners Ltd–father and son load sand at Besthorpe on thetidal River Trent.

The wonder of HattonLocks

HUNDREDSofvisitorsflockedtothe historicHattonLocks on the Grand Union CanalinWarwickshire. The excitingevent offered arareopportunity for the public to explorethe fascinating innerworkingsofcanal lock repairs, together with the history of Britain’s waterwaysand ahostoffamily-friendly activities Waterwayscharity Canal&River Trust invited visitorstoanopenweekend to discoverthe iconic Hatton Locks, aflight of 21 locksalongthe Grand Union Canal, in February.

Visitors witnessedfirst-hand the crucial repair and maintenance work that the trustundertakes to keep these historiclocks operational, with experts on hand to talk aboutthe work being undertaken.

Keyhighlights of the eventincluded an opportunitytomeetthe team andhearpassionatevolunteersgive talksabout the history of the waterways, seewaterflowdemonstrations,and pop alongtoameet-and-greetwith canal historian and author, SueLaw

Let’sFish ‘Learn To Fish’sessions alsotookplace,wherevisitorscould experiencethe joyoffishingatafreetaster session, supportedbySport England and PlayersofPeople’s Postcode Lottery. Therewas alsothe opportunitytostep aboard ahistoriccanal boat and discover the rich legacy of canaltransportation.

GavinPassmore, community developmentmanager,Canal &River Trust, said: “This open weekend is a celebration of oursharedcanal heritage and the communityspirit that makesit

thrive. Whether ahistory enthusiast,a familylooking for aunique dayout,or simply curiousabout the waterways, the Hatton Locksopenweekend promises somethingfor everyone.”

HenrietteBreukelaar, regional director, Canal& RiverTrust,added: “Hatton Locksisone of the West Midlands’most iconic landmarks,and ouropenweekend is afantastic opportunitytoshowcase theincredible work ourteamdoesto preserve thesehistoricwaterways for everyone to enjoy.”

Originally openedin1799, by the 20th century Hatton Locksneeded to be modernised to make them commerciallyviable.They were widened to accommodate 14ft-wide boats, or twonarrowboats side by side.Twice as much cargocould pass through each lock –a welcome improvementfor theboaters who hadtoworktheir heavyboats laden with coal, sugar, tea and spices through what theycalled the ‘Stairwayto Heaven’

Thewidening work startedin 1932 and involved the useofconcrete, arevolutionarynew materialincanal building. After two years, with more than 1000 men workingonthe project, thenew locksand bridges were officially openedbyHRH the Duke of Kent.

“They had me at ‘freecake’!”

SHROPSHIRE Union CanalSociety is on thelookout fornew volunteers to help memberskeepuptheir relentlesspursuit of closingthe ShropshireGap

The societyhas been restoring the Montgomeryfor many yearsand hasrecentlyhit major milestones with Crickheath basin beingopenedfor navigationin 2023 and Crickheath Tramway Wharfbeingrestoredand filled to the correct levelatthe end of last year

On arecentShropshireUnion CanalSociety work partyonthe MontgomeryCanal anewcomer to volunteeringarrived and was sensiblycautiousabout howmuch he would committothe projectas the weatherwas coldand damp with achillybreeze blowing.

Alexander Ford said: “I planned on volunteering for themorning butstayedfor mid-morningbreak,lunch and afternoon break. Free cake and tea–well, they hadmeat‘free cake’!”

He added: “Therewas a fantastic bunchofvolunteers from all walksoflife and from almostall four corners of the UK, some from as far as London. All gathered to help the restoration of the MontgomeryCanal at Crickheath.I foundmycalling at the bonfire, burningthe brush leftoverfromthe hedgelaying team.IfI am free next month, I will help outagain. Thank you to allfor making me mostwelcome.” If you’dliketoget involved and sharesome first-class cake,goto www.shropshireunion.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN APRIL

If you want your eventlisted in our free monthlyWhat’sOnsectionemail your entrytoeditorial@towpathtalk. co.uk or use theevents form at www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events

Please check withorganisers whether the eventisgoing ahead before setting out on your journey

March-June 21

Stafford Riverway link artefacts exhibition: The DisplayofArtefactsunearthed by StaffordRiverwayLink Volunteers at theBaswich Site is at Cannock Library, ManorAvenue, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1AA throughout Marchand until April15. The exhibitionwill then be at BrewoodLibrary, NewportStreet, Brewood, StaffordshireST19 9DT, from April29until June 21.

April6

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross –Granary Square–Camden Meet King’s Cross(meet by taxi sign,nexttoPreta Manger) at 2.30pm.Normal charge £20; concessions, studentsand accompanied children 16 andover£15; 8-15 £5; under 8s free.Prior bookingrecommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or email: london@ walks.com

April8

IWANorthampton branch social meeting: DryWood–Songsfromthe Back Cabin. 2.30pm.Conference Room, 1stFloor,TheBoatInn PH, StokeBruerne,NN12 7SB. Carparking and moorings are available,and the meeting room is accessible by ramp and stairlift.All meetings are

on thesecondTuesday of the month

April 11

IWANorth Staffordshire & SouthCheshire: Stoke-onTrentBoatClub,PostLane, Endon, Stoke-on-TrentST9 9DU. Non-IWAmembers very welcome,admission free,donations to waterways causes welcomed.

April 12

StaffordRiverwayLinkhave regularworkparties on the second Saturdayofthe month attheirsiteatBaswich,Stafford, (What threewords:elbow Inner.spoil) andare onesite from 10am-4pm.For moreinfo contactJohn: 01785226662 –email thistlejohn@outlook com Sensible footwear and glovesrequired, all other kit supplied.

April 14

FCCAnnual General Meeting: followedbya talk on the Titanic TheAGM will be heldat the Church Hall, Ironville, Derbyshire, starting at 7.30pm

April 18

IWALichfield: AGMfollowed by an illustratedtalkby TaylorsBell Foundry, based near thecanal basinin Loughborough.How bells aremade,and the part ourcanals played in their production processand

distribution.7.15pm for a7.30start, Darwin Hall, Heathcot Place,Lichfield, WS13 6RQ. Non-members welcome

IWALichfield: Nightsky over Tixall Wide and planets in 3D.DarwinHall, Heathcot Place, Lichfield WS13 6RQ, 7.15 for7.30pm April 18-21

EastergatheringEllesmere Port:National Waterways Museum,South PierRoad, Ellesmere Port,Cheshire CH654FW

April 20

IWATowpath WalksSociety: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross–GranarySquare –StPancras. Meet King’s Cross(meet by taxi sign,nexttoPreta Manger) at 2.30pm.Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15£5; under8sfree. Prior bookingrecommended, contact LondonWalks: 0207 624 3978 or email:london@ walks.com

April 23

IWAChiltern Branch illustratedTalk:Chris Leworthy:The Battle of Britain. BatchworthLock CanalCentre,99 Church St, Rickmansworth, WD31JJ Canalsidemeetinghall.Start 7.30pm.www.waterways.org. uk/chiltern

New Shropshire UnionCanal Society volunteerAlexander Ford hardatworkafter joiningthe group. Thesociety is keen to hear from others who have time to give PHOTO: SUPPLIED

TheRoving Canal TradersAssociation (RCTA)isa non-profitmaking organisationrun to help supportand promote thediversearray of existing and potential Canal andRiverTrust (CRT)registeredRoving Tradersonour waterways.TheRCTAhas been in existence since 2013 organisingmarkets at various canal side venuesand as part of organisedcanal festival. Many traders live on their boats full time andmaketheir living sellinga wide variety of uniquecraftsand goods createdbythemselvesaboardtheir boats.We also have traderswho sell cheese,pizzas, cakes, beers, some boatsare evencafes! We canoffer yourfamily andreally fun dayout with some lovely interesting purchasestotakehome.

Listed beloware ourplanned markets for 2025. Don’t forget you canalso find us at some canalfestivals.

Youcan getmoreinformation from our website https://www.rcta.org.uk/events

Market Location

Linslade Easter 18th to 21st April

Startops, Marsworth May Day 3rdto5th May

Burton on Trent May Day 3rdto5th May

Willington. 10th to 11th May

Berkhamsted 10th to 11th May

Boxmoor Spring Bank Holiday Market 24th to 26th May

FazeleySpring Bank Holiday Market 24th to 26th May

Stone 31st May to 1st June

Atherstone 31st May to 1st June

Cassiobury Park 7th and 8th of June

Trentham 7thand 8thofJune

Coventry 14th and 15th June

Armitage Crown Pubinconjunction with Armitage VillageDay 21stand 22ndJune Rickmansworth 5thand 6th July Apsley 12thand 13thJuly Market Drayton 26thand 27thJuly Nantwich 2ndand 3rdAugust Froncysylite 16thand 17th August Ellesmere 23rdto25th August MiltonKeynes August Bank Holiday23rdto25th August Linford6th and 7th September Napton 27thand 28thSeptember

TIME TRAVEL RESCUE

Braunston Marina Weekend 28-29 June, 2025

Rally to be opened by POIROT -actorand canalenthusiast and supporter David Suchet

Eddie Stobart’scolourful canalconnection

By TimCoghlan

THE deathinNovemberlastyearofthe legendary Eddie Stobart, at the goodage of 95,reminded me that Ihad nevermadethe proper connection betweenthe Stobartfamily –ofCumbrianorigins –and theBirmingham/Braunston-based canal carriersSamuel Barlow CoalCoLtd Now, with his sonEdwardhavingdiedofa heart attackbackin2011, Iprobablynever would. But afamilyconnection there mostcertainly was, and over my Braunstonyears Iheard mentionof this severaltimes when talkingtothe former working boatmen –alasall nowmoved on.

Forproof,Iwas told to look no furtherthanthe inspiration for the Stobartlorry livery,which bearsa striking resemblancetoSamuelBarlow’s–the racing greenbase, with redframing, andgold coachlines, and averysimilar styleoflettering –especiallythe bold whitelettering. Includedhereisa photograph of the legendaryRon Hough repaintingthe restored Samual Barlow butty, the Raymond in 2003 and another of father and sonStobart with their lorries, bigand small. Take acloser look yourself

In 1997 the dynamic Edward,who hadtaken over as CEOatthe ageof19in1973, setupanew distribution centreatinthe Midlands near Crick– the operation previously beingfocused in Carlisle.The base waslessthan10miles from BraunstonMarina wherewewerecompleting awaterside housing scheme of 18 houses and 12 flats.EdwardStobart decidedthrough the company to buytwo of the houses,tobeusedbyhis staff and as an investment. HisPA, wholargely supervised thepurchase, and whomImet severaltimes before andafter the transaction wascompleted,toldmethatBraunston wasalmostahomecomingforthe Stobarts In about2002, Ivisited the Crickdistribution

centre with agroup from the localbusiness association.Theset-upwas afascinatingmixture of oldand new. Upstairs therewas alarge control room whichremindedmeofstock exchange dealingrooms whereIhad once worked beforethe adventofthe new technology.Therewas alongcentral console runningmuchofthe length of the room,with seats closetogetheroneitherside.Whathowever amazed me wasthe almosttotallackoftechnology–with only telephones,and rather old-fashionedones at that. It all seemedtobepaper-driven, with not a computerscreeninsight.Thestaffall seemed to be latemiddle-agedmales,all wearingwhiteshirts and acorporatetie.Iwas told they were former drivers, nowconsidered to be tooold to be on the road. Theywerenogoodwithcomputers,but had invaluable knowledge of everywherethe lorry driversneeded to go,and what needed to be done The phone-lights neverstopped ringing. Over subsequent teaand biscuits we guests were addressedbythe dynamic 40-somethingEdward,

whosemotto was: ‘Tocome second is to be thefirst of the losers’ –hewas akeenamateur carracing man. Besides its proximitytothe M1/M6 andthe new A43, the Cricksitehad been chosen for its link to the new nearby Daventry FreightTerminal, whichwould allowmovementofcontainersacross the UK and into the Continentbyrail. Edward spokeofthe very tightmargins in the freight-carryingbusinesswith growingcompetition with lorry fleetsfromthe likes of Poland and Romaniaenjoyinganunfair competitionoverthe highlyregulated UK market.ListeningtoEdward, I felt he wasovertrading in order to survive, and afew yearslater the businesswas bankrupt.Atfirstthe fine traditional liverywentwith it,asthe company was taken over,but Iampleased to sayitwas laterrevived Howeverona recentrun down the M1, while Isaw some lorries in the traditional Eddie Stobartlivery, I noticedother newer ones with asubtle more modern ‘logistics’ look,and the name reducedto‘Stobart’ Perhapsitwas nowjusta matter of time

While in thecontrol room,Ispoke to acouple of theolder staff and enquired aboutwhether anyof theformer workingboatmen were still employed. With thegradual cessation of canalcarryingin the 1960s,anumberofredundantboatmen had retrainedaslorry drivers, wheretheywerepopular for their hard-workethic and the immaculate condition in which theymaintainedtheir lorries

Former canalcarrierslikeSamuelBarlowhad actuallychanged their coal carryingfromcanals to road. The answertomyenquirywas asad shake of thehead. Theywerenow all retired,whereonce therehad been severalofthem. AndasresultIcould getnoresponsetomyenquiryabout anypossible Eddie Stobartlink to theSamuel Barlow livery. Oneofthose former boatmenwho hadmade thechangetolorry driving, Ialready knew well

–Ron Withey. During the early1960s he left British Waterwaysand went to work for the IWAinspired carriers WillowWren, until that moreorlesspacked up in 1968. He wasthentaken on by one of themany lorry companies nowable to operateanywhere within theUK– thanks to this mini-denationalisation of road haulage by PM Harold Wilson in that same year.Ron worked foranother road haulier,whose name Ihavenow forgotten. Ron, like many boatmen, couldn’t read or write, and thehauliers gotround theproblembyclassroom trainingwith the Highway Code,and then ‘L driving’ under supervision to all the places he would subsequentlybedriving until he knew the routes backwards.

Lorrydrivingwas not to Ron’sliking. In about 1970, he went back to hisbelovedcanals on which he hadbeenborn, to work forBritish Waterwaysin canalmaintenance.This he continuedwith until he retired in thelate1990s.Inthatperiodheand his formerboatwoman wife Brendahad the useofaBW cottage just behind the shop at BraunstonTop Lock Theythen boughta small houseinBraunston itself Roncontinued hislovetocanal boating almosttohis end, goingonall sixofthe Jam‘Ole re-enactments we organised and attendingevery single BraunstonHistoricNarrowboatRallyinhis lifetime. Ilastsaw him in September2021 at the start of the first post-Covid Narrow Boat Trustautumn coal run, whichbegan at BraunstonMarina, where their pair of boatshad been loaded. Ronwas always poppinginfor events likethis.

The motor wasthe Nuneaton whichRon had worked in the mid-1960s forWillowWren. I persuadedhim to let me take aphotograph of him, once againtouchingthe tiller of hisold boat.Itwas livinghistory,and alsothe last timeIsaw himalive. He diedthe following May, much missedbyhis many friends on thewaterways

Left: Eddie Stobartand son Edwardatthe StobartCarlisle basein1993. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The legendary canal painterRon Hough repainting the restored former SamualBarlow butty Raymond in 2003 in the small drydock in BraunstonMarina. Note thesimilarities with the Stobartlivery PHOTO: PETER ANDREWS

The butty Raymond in theparade of historic narrowboatsatthe 2004 BraunstonHistoric Narrowboat Rally,following itsrepaint by Ron Hough. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

RonWithey steering the Stanton in the 2016 BraunstonHistoric NarrowboatRally paradeof boats. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

Ron Withey on his oldboat, Nuneaton, prior to the start of the 2021 Narrow Boat Trust Winter Coal Run. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

Abrush with TheArt Boat

Artist Jan Vallance is painting her way round the waterway. Sally Clifford chats to theartistabout herwork.

SAILING alongthrough theseasons provides an ever-changingbackdropfor theartistatthe easel. Aboard her 50ft narrowboat Tonka, designedand built in 1996 and christenedafter acombination of the previous owners’ names, Janissurrounded by inspiration.

Swans and bridge holes arejustsome of thesights from her canaljourneysthat Janhas encapsulated in acrylic.Touches of metallic paintadd detail and effecttothe beautiful paintingsshe is busy creating on her appropriately christenedcraft,TheArt Boat It is morethanadecade since the business evolved fromapastime into afull-time profession Creativityhas followed Janthroughout her life, initiallyinchildhood.“Iamcreativebut if other things come along, Iwould go and do them,” she says Dancingwas her main distractionbut painting and drawingwerealwaysthere, waitingto be picked up again when the opportunity came.Studyingart and dramaatuniversity introducedJan to abstract and figurativepaintingand enabledher to lether creativityflow on larger artwork.

“Realism,alsoatmosphereand feeling of aplace is always importanttome. Thatbackground, doing all the abstract stuff,feeds into what Idonow,” explainsJan.

After completing her artand drama degree, Jancontemplatedteachingand, eventually, undertook aPGCE. Shetaughtinaprimary school for awhile but, at that time,motherhood intervenedand the following yearswerespent jugglingvarious professions to fit in with caring for her four youngchildren.

Paintingcards and sellingthem onthe internet marketplace eBay gave Janthe opportunityto return to her art. “I could sitand paintwiththe children,”saysJan.

Shealready hadexperience of running abusiness creatinghand-framedknitwear while livingin Chesterbeforeembarking on her universitystudies, so she took on astudio in Stockporttopursueher painting. The businessgaveher theflexibilitytofit around her growingfamilyuntil Covidcameand shewas forcedtogivethe studio up

Creativity

It wasboatinglife that broughtcreativitybackinto Jan’slife as sheexplains: “Mydad hadalwaysbeen into boating. He wasmoreofanarmchair boater, he liked watchingthem –mymum and dad’shouse backsontothe canaland when Iwas at university

in Chesterwetalked aboutgetting aboatsoIcould liveonitwhile Iwas at university,” recalls Jan.

The shortage of moorings closetoChester University would have meantJan wouldhaveto continuallycruisesothe plan wasabandoned It wasthe family’s garden mooringthatprovided Janwith apermanentplace to finallyrealise her boatingambition. Interestingly, her sister Katy is alsoa liveaboard boater and crafter.Katy’sboatoccupies thefamily’s garden mooringwhile Jancruises the canals selling herartwork at boat fairs, festivals and pop-up events throughout the year

“Mysistersaidtomeabout atrader’s licence so I looked into it and Ihavenever looked back,” says Jan.

“I found my wayoflife butIfell into it.Most things Itend to do happen that way.”

With herchildrengrown up andlivingtheir own lives, Janhas spentthe past decade developing her floatinghome studio.

Versatile

Although space canberestrictive on anarrowboat it hasprovided versatile accommodationover the yearsfor her children.Jan talksofher pride at dismantlingpartofthe original bedroomand using thewood to create aroomfor bunk beds.Two years lateritwas refashionedintoone bedroomagain. The kitchen is theperfect place for Jantopaint

Willington.Her final destinationatthe endof the summeristhe Llangollencanal. As well as producing artworkfor passers-by andevents, Jan alsopaintscommissions

“Itisusuallya pictureofaboatfor someonewho hashad aboatorwants apaintingoftheirboatfor theirhome.Ittends to be people whohavehad a boat andwanta memoryofit,”saysJan as it provides sufficient spacefor hertoworkon her paintings

“I have aplace in the kitchenwhere Ican prop somethingup. Ihavedone quite big paintingsonthe boat butI canonlyhave one on the go at atime,” says Jan. Nevertheless, it doesn’t restrict Jan’s productions,whichshe displaysoutside The ArtBoat.

Herplans forthis year aretospend the spring andsummeron the Trentand Mersey, travellingasfar as

Cruisingthe canals and capturingher journeysand the surroundinglandscape through whichshe sails Janismakingher own memories.

“It’sanicefeeling whenyou’reonthe boat.Itisafriendly place to be,” shesays.

To seeJan’s work, visit:www.theartboat. co.uk

Artistic: Jan with some of the beautiful artwork she paints on boardher narrowboat. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED BY JANVALLANCE

Left: Lovely landmark: The Pontcysyllte in autumnpainted by Jan Vallance.

Showcase: Jandisplays herartwork forpassers-bytoperuse and purchase.

Tranquillity: Jan captures the peacefulness of the canal.

Hanbury lock keepers honoured

LOCK keepersbased at Hanburyin Worcestershirehavebeenrewardedfor their commitmenttowaterwayusers

TheEsme DowlingAward, establishedin1998, celebratesthe dedication and outstandingservice of lock keepersand bankside staff who go aboveand beyond to assist boaters.

Namedafter Esme Dowling, a reveredlockkeeperatthe Oxford CanalatNapton, the award continues to honour thosewho provideexceptionalsupport to the boatingcommunity.

This year’s awardwinners, the Hanburylockkeepers, were nominated by Catherine Armstrong, directorofCafwin Cruises Narrowboat HolidaysLtd and chairmanofthe BritishMarine Midlands Association. Praising their commitment, Catherine said: “The Hanburylockkeepers area

wonderful groupofgentlemen and acouple of ladies.Daily, theyattend the topthree locksatHanbury Junction throughout the main boatingseason, offeringinvaluable assistance to boaters, including thosetrainingonour hireboats Their enthusiasm,friendlinessand willingnesshelp make ourcanal a trulywelcomingplace.Evenwhen ourhandovers runlate, they never hesitate to stay on past theirhome time to ensureboats make it through safely. Their dedication, oftenin challengingweather conditions,is trulycommendable.”

Beyond their hands-on support, the team takes greatpride in maintainingthe locks, planting flowers,litterpicking andmanaging waterlevels,ensuringthe area remainspristineand invitingfor all. Their efforts exemplify the very best of the waterwayscommunity.

The winnersofthe EsmeDowling Awardareannouncedeachyearatthe British Marine Inland Conference, wheretheir contributions are formallyrecognised.The2024 Esme DowlingAward winnersare:James Cowlishaw,AlanCotton, Mike Egan, Gary Bown,TrevorByng, SteveMitchell, Marlene Newcombe, John Plaskitt,Richard Wachala, Alan Gilmour,John Herring, Tony Robinson, DavidMills,AndyBishop, SteveSheppard, Gary Dunn, Keith Saunders, Stuart Benson and Mel Simkiss.

British Marine congratulated the Hanburylockkeepers fortheir outstandingservice and unwavering dedication. Their hard work ensures that boaterscontinuetoenjoy a smooth and welcomingexperience on ourwaterways

Andrew Keast, area operations managerfor Canal&River Trust,

said: ”I’m immenselyproud of theHanbury Locksteam. Their dedicationand passion shine through,makingthisaward so well deserved. Afantastic example of the invaluable role ourvolunteersplay in the trust.”

James Cowlishaw,leadvolunteer at HanburyLocks,said: “We volunteerslovewhatwedo, and it’s fantastic to have ourefforts recognised.Volunteeringis incrediblyrewarding, and this acknowledgementmeans alot to us.”

Robert Parton, presidentof British Marine,added: “Ithas been arealpleasuretopresent the Esme DowlingTrophy, especiallyas someone with apersonalinterest in inland canals.Ithoroughly enjoyed the morningspent with the Hanburylock-keepingteam, getting to knowthem and celebratingtheir hard work.”

Crowds flock to Caen Hill open day

ACANAL &River Trustopenday at Caen Hill Lock Flight allowedvisitorstosee repairs taking place to adrainedlock.

Theywereable to view the locksfroma unique perspectivebydescending into the emptylockchamber which wouldnormally be full of water.

Caen Hill is on theKennet &AvonCanal in Wiltshire. The locksweredesignedbyJohn Rennie and areamongthe longest sets of continuous flights of locksinthe country.

ACRT spokesmansaid: “Thelockisone of twoonthe lock flightundergoingimportant maintenance this winter

“Because thewater hasbeendrainedsothat repairscan take place, we offered thepublic the unique opportunitytogodownintothe two-century-old structuretosee inside the brickchamber.Our specialists arerepairing thebottomgates as part of ourannual winter maintenance programme.”

Visitors also enjoyed aguidedwalkofthe site andwereabletostepaboardthe Admiral, thetrust’s narrowboat andwelcome station.

ExploreUK Narrowboat Insurance

Visitors had aunique‘behind the scenes’ look at an emptylock which is beingrepairedand atourofthe site PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Hanbury lock keepers with Robert Parton, president of BritishMarine, and Catherine Armstrong, chairman of the British Marine Midlands Association. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

You ’reinvitedtoour

TheTattenhall Taster: 5thApril

Join us forlivemusic,floatingtradersand industryexperts, pizza from BakedOnBoard,viewour fantastic facilitiesand meet the knowledgeableteam, seeavailable moorings,booka mini boat trip,and browse ournew andusedboats forsale!

tattenhall-marina.co.uk

Crick Boat Show:23rd- 26th May

Visitour stand, tour ourboats (including abrand newwidebeambuilt in partnershipwith Kingsground -winner of last year’s “Favourite Boat in Show”),meetthe LakelandLeisure team andfind your dreamboat.

Barton Marina Open Day: 21st June

Experience live music,foodand drink, meet thefriendlyteamand boating industryexperts, explore ourtop of therange facilities, view ourresidential andleisure moorings, visit ourneighbouring businesses around themarina, andcheck outthe boatsand floating lodges forsale!

bartonmarina.co.uk

Roydon Marina VillageOpenDay:19thJuly

After theresounding success of last yearsevent,joinusagain to enjoy live music, stalls, varied food anddrink options,viewour available moorings, meet theknowledgeableteam, industryexperts, andbrowse thenew andusedboats andlodgesfor sale!

roydonmarinavillage.co.uk

Image: Tattenhall Marina,Chester Marina, Cheste

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

•Flood proof moorings

•250 berths locatedonriver Avon

•10mins walk from Stratford-upon-Avon

•Waters&elec hook upstoeach berth

•Freewi-fi •Laundry •Showers

• Fuelsales •Pumpout

•LakelandLeisureboat brokerage T: 07714 095005

E: shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

CAEN HILLMARINA HILL MARINA

•248 berthslocated on Kennet &Avon canal

• Near to Devizes Wiltshire T: 01380 827062

Berthing available for leisuremoorers Please enquirefor prices: 0116 2606166 or office@raynswayproperties.co.uk

E: caenhill@land-water.co.uk NORTHWICH

• 50 berths located on riverWeaver

• CentreofNorthwich, Cheshire T: 07967 461038

E:northwich@land-water.co.uk

Leicester Marina, Pinfold Road, Thurmaston LE48AS

Discover Our Idyllic Retreat

www.sherbornewharf.co.uk or email@sherbornewharf.co.uk

Mooringsavailable,special ratesfor newcustomers

Prime mooring’sinthe centre of Birmingham’Canal system.Securesite, withall servicesavailable,and easyaccess to the lively cityofBirmingham. Just a2minuetwalk,tothe fantastic nightlifeofRestaurants, clubs and bars, Placesofinterest,the InternationalConvention Centre,also knownasthe ICC, off the famous boardstreet, in Birmingham, thenew library, theCresenttheatre,The Ikon galleryfor art, alljust ashortwalk away,3-4 minutes, Allpublicservicesare availablefromthe streets outsideand youcan jump on the tram fromBoard street. Wolverhampton,ortonew street. Thechoiceisyours.

Mooring in sherbornewharf,isquiet andpeaceful,with long term residents,who have established alifeherein the Marine.Weare an established Company, who have been hereinBirmingham forover30yrs,friendly neighbourswho get together and enjoy summer eveningsonthe towpathsocialising,sharing theevening sunand adrink, responsibly,

Service’sare based on themain lineoutside the round houseand DistilleryPub,with a small chandlery, coal,diesel,Gas andpumpout availabe on adaily basis, please note pumpouts arenot allowedafter 11.30am, the facilitiesare small but can supply you with whatyou need.

We have no onsiteparking,however parking can be found,torentwithinthe access to the site andaround the Marina privately Boat services,wehaveadry dock thatcan be hired, forblacking,surveys,ormechanicalworkrequired.Wehavethe contactfor boatsurveys’gas inspectionsand repairsshouldthey be required

Amarina that offers you achoice

Afamily owned marina set in rural Worcestershire, but minutes away from the M5, givesall boaters great travel opportunities.

The238 berth marina is locatedonthe Droitwich Canals, ideally situatedfor greatcruising albeit fora shortbreak or long holidays.Itiswithineasy walking distanceofthe Spa Town of Droitwich.

This marina offers you

■ Securityfor youand your boat

■ Full length jetties, in anon flood environment

■ First class facilities, including luxuryshowerblock and launderette

■ Shopand Chandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout,Diesel,Water

■ Boat Blacking options available

■ Hardstanding,ServiceArea, and Cranage Padfacilities

■ Calor GasStockist

■ CaravanMotorhome CL site

Situated in the rolling countryside of Northamptonshire on the 23 mile lock free summit of the Grand Union Leicester section -Yelvertoft Marina is set in beautiful tranquil countryside, within 5minutes of the M1 J18, yet without noiseorinconvenience of major traffic.

Blisworth Marina

HillFarm Marina

South StratfordCanal

The View Restaurant is now fully open www.theview-eat.co.uk

• •Enjoyprivate access to atraditional 200acrebeef and sheep farm

• •Dogsrun free in designatedareas

• •Watch the changing seasons,the wildlife and theanimals on the farm

• •Enjoythe completepeace,freedom and tranquillityofbeing in the countryside

• •Accesssome greatlock free cruising forday trips,weekend or longer voyages

• •Easyaccess to motorwaynetwork, buses and trains

• •Onsitelaundry,Hairdressers

• •Members benefit with adiscountatour popular Restaurant

It goes without saying....

• •A secureplacetomoor your boat,and park your car

• •Luxurious showers,communal areas, pump out andfuel etc.

• •Freeunlimited WIFI

• •Electricityand water connections

• •Pump-out,fuel,coal,wood and gasavailable

emailinfo@hillfarmmarina.co.uk

Facilities include:-Chandlery -Slipway (up to 65ft) -Covered wetdock -Water and electric points -Diesel -Pumpout -Boat sales/ brokerage -Engine inboard/ outboardrepairs -gas and coal

•Chandlery •Diesel GooleMarinaislocatedina basin connectingtothe Aireand Calder Canaland closetothe commercialportofGooleinthe East Riding of Yorkshire. Themarinaprovides an idealbasefor cruising thewaterways of Yorkshireaswellasgivingeasyaccesstothe Humber Estuaryand theNorth Sea. We have amarinabasin to accommodate 150 boatsofvarious lengths& widths We canaccommodate alltypesofcraft from Cruisers to Narrowboat andBarges. Alltypes of moorings,gardenmooringstofloating pontoons, whichcan be accessed24hrs aday

Simple &Stylish Space Saving Solutions forNarrowboats! Acomfortable seating solution forlimitedspace! Fullypocketsprung | sofa or sofabed | including modular footstool spacesaving | twoseating positions foroptimal comfort

01274 800334 • info@sofabedbarn.co.uk

www.sofabedbarn.co.uk

PLEASENOTE: Ourstandardcurtain lining includes a Teflonfinishfor addedprotection from moistureand soiling

Workboat,Passenger boat and Powerboattraining courses areavailable viaour RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman, RYA Powerboat, MCA Boat Master, and InSTR Rescue boat schemes

Aid &VHF SRCby appointment.

Courses

•Iver (Slough Arm) and Northolt (Paddington arm)

•Secure sites with private parking

•Delivery of gas,solid fuel and diesel directtoyour boat

•Electricity, water,elsan and pumpout

•Showers and laundry

•Chandlery

•Mechanical, electrical, and carpentry work undertaken

•Craning,grit blasting and blacking

•Two part epoxy hull treatment

•Fuel polishing service

sales@high-line.co.uk 01753 651496 www.high-line.co.uk

FOR SELLERS

•Free moorings

•Sales location with establishedfootfall

•Open 6days /week

•Trade Plates for unlicensed craft

•Pre sales preparation and repairs

FOR BUYERS

•Free guidance and advice

•Comprehensive handover

•Secure clients bank account

•ABYAqualified brokerage staff

•Industry standard documentation

PRIVATE BUYER’S SERVICE

•Ifyou are buying privately,wecan offer the following services:

•Advice on allaspects of purchase

•Provision of documentation

•Secure Clients bank account

•Bespoke service –asmuch or as little as you want, priced accordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk 01753 652502/ 07860 480079 www.vcmarine.co.uk

Drydockavailable forfull7 daybookings. Nowbookingfor 2025!

Dry dock services:

▪DIY drydock– free pressure washingincluded.

▪Electricity included

▪Clean off serviceavailable;

▪Blacking serviceavailable

▪Anode fitting

▪Checkingstern gear

▪Hirefor surveys

▪Docking MondaytoMonday

▪Stayaboardyourboat.

Marina Services

Coal –Chandlery- Diesel-CalorGas

Pump out– Engine Servicing– Boat repairs- Temporarymooring

Second hand narrowboatspurchased forcash, please call fordetails

We arethe onlymembershipassociationset up,in1963, to protect the interestsoflive-aboard boaters.Weneed your supporttobeableto continueour work.Sojoinus, in promotion, development, representation andprotectionofour chosen lifestyle.Interested?

Seemoreinformation on our websitewww.rboa.org.uk. or telephone 0330057 7180 to find out how to join andget involved in the safeguarding of the futurefreedom of livingafloat.

Annual membership from only£30.00.

Boat Maintenance& Repair Work Undertaken

Fully qualified, experienced andconscientious staff, providing qualityworkata fair price.

Boatpainting,hull blacking, surveys, engine servicing, repairs, gas safety check, boat safetycertification, batteries, pump out, diesel andgas

TrevorBasin, Llangollen Canal, Denbighshire, LL20 7TT -01978 821749

Whixall Marina, Llangollen Canal, Shropshire, SY13 2QS –01948 880996

Great Haywood, Trent &Mersey Canal, Staffordshire, ST18 0RJ –01889 881711

Bunbury,ShropshireUnionCanal, Cheshire, CW6 9QB -01829 260957

Wootton Wawen, Stratford Canal, Warwickshire, B95 6BZ -01564 793427

Bradford on Avon Marina, Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire, BA15 1UD –01225 864923

Over 100 tillerpins in stockvisit www.tillerpins.co.uk www.miracleleisureproducts.co.uk e: sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone: 01902 686569 or Dawn 07909 086868

Telephone 01543 414808/07824 848444 office@streethaywharf.co.uk www.streethaywharf.co.uk ork |

New leisurejetties open at Mancetter Marina

WATERWAYS specialistThe Rothen Grouphas invested

£150,000 to open 180m of new jetties so moreleisure boaterscan moor at Mancetter Marina,.

Thankstothe site’s popularity,inrecentyears thosewishingtomooratthe scenic Warwickshiresitehave hadtowait due to limited jetties.Toopenthe marina to more boatersand enthusiasts, The Rothen Groupdecided to invest in the marina and expand its capacity.

The newjetties mean that the number of boatscapable of mooringatthe marina has nowincreasedfrom60to75, dependingonthe length of theboats.Visitorscan moor for longerstays,allowing them to experience the beauty of Shakespeare’sCounty.

With easy accesstothe Birmingham,FourCounties and Leicesterrings,Mancetter Marina cancater for boats between49ft and 110ft in length with both fingerand linear leisuremooringsavailable.

To ensurethe jetties are durable andlong-lasting, The Rothen Groupdesigned abespoke steelwalkway

structureand invested in anti-slipstrips from Dura Composites, whichhelp boaterswalk safely to and from theirboats.Thejetty alsohas abollardproviding electricity, waterand low-levellighting.

Onsite,visitorscan access wastedisposalservices,toilets, showers and alaunderette alongside acar park and storagespace.Tokeepthe location sustainable,the marina promotes theuse of eco-friendly productsand services

Alongsidethis,the site’s 24/7 CCTV andgated access ensures the site’s security,givingpeace of mind for boatersmooring at themarina.

With a250m nature trail also situated at themarina, boaters canrelax at the varioussitting points while embracingviews of the Four Counties and its natural splendour

IanRothen, managing directorat The Rothen Group, said:“Thankstoitslocationand accessibilitytothe Midlands’ mostbeautiful cruisingrings, ourMancetterMarinasite is incrediblypopular with boaters. This popularity led us to invest in thecreationof 180m of new jettiesto increase

accessthe marina and enable more people to enjoy the surroundingarea.”

The marina wasbuiltbyThe Rothen Groupin2020 during the heightofthe Coronavirus pandemic usinginnovative hard and soft engineering methods andmaterials. Itsunique bowl-likeshape presentedchallengesduring its construction, butThe Rothen Group’spurpose-built

fleet of boatswas able to work on thewater andovercomethe challenges.

Iancontinued:“More boaterswill be able to relax at MancetterMarinaand useour servicessothat they canexperience the beauty of Warwickshire’scanalsand rivers.Welookforward to welcomingpeople to the site and helpingthem have agreat experience.”

TV and film successescould boostwaterwayholidays

CANALholidayscould become morepopular than ever thanks to araftofTVshows andfilms hittingour screens

CanalBoatDiaries,Great Canal Journeysand the latest Wallace &Gromitfilm have all helped to catapult waterwaysdirectlyinto thenation’slivingrooms

Hire boat companies and waterside businessesare all hoping the popularity boomwill lead to an increase in holiday tradethisyear.

The newWallace& Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl from Aardman Animations wasthe mostwatched showonTVat Christmas, with 21.9million viewers. It features an aqueduct whichboaters believeis modelledonthe 38-metre-high structurebuiltbyThomas Telford, whichisaWorld Heritage Site Aardman confirmedthat PontcysyllteAqueductwas one of many that the film-makers took inspiration from when designingthe film. Theyhave sincescooped Best Animated Film andChildren’sFamily Film at the BAFTAs,and it hasalso been nominated foranOscar On the smallscreen, Canal Boat Diariesreturns fora sixth series this year.The popular show, whichfeaturesexplorer Robbie Cumming, will retrace

itsveryfirstjourneythis summer GreatCanal Journeys,with the late actor TimothyWestand his wife PrunellaScales at the helm, regularlyattracted 1.5million viewers.

Anew show, Tales from the Riverbank,willkeepthe waterways frontand centre this spring.It features ClareBaldingand will visit different rivers in each episode. The showairsonChannel 5. Industry experts and businesses hopethe publicity and TV exposure will lead to a busy summer holidayperiod.

ACanal &River Trust spokesman said:“It’s fantastic that canals aregettingsomuch TV attention–not to mention the star turn in the BAFTA-winning Wallace& Gromit!Itmeans more peoplewill be introducedtoour wonderfulinland waterwaysand will hopefully be inspired to find outmore.

“With boatingfeaturing so prominently, we expect people will be curiousabout tryingtheir hand at thetiller. We love to see people gettingonthe water: it’s greatnews for hireboat companies and, as acharity,we’d love that newpassion forboating to lead to moresupportfor the Canal&River Trustand thework we do to keep canals aliveand available fornavigation.”

Want aslice of theaction? Makefloatingpizza business yourbase

APOPULAR floatingpizza takeaway and cafe on the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canalistochangehands after fiveyears in business

Father and sonteamPauland Chris Edwardsare lookingtosell TheWaltzing MatildaBoatpizza takeawayand cafe, whichhas been servingboaters and towpathvisitorssince it opened in 2020

The pair confirmedtheywouldn’t be reopeningthe narrowboat-based eatery this year,astheyplanto pursue new opportunities

ChrisEdwards said therewere severalpeople interested in takingit over butitwas still early stages,adding it would be heartbreakingtosee it close.

He said: “This businesshas been such ahugepartofour lives,and we’vepouredsomuchloveintoit. It hasgrown into somethingbiggerthan we ever imagined, with acommunity that trulycares aboutit. That’swhy we want to find the rightpersonto takeover, someone whosharesthe same passion and vision, to keep this storygoing.”

The pair said therehad been many greatmoments over the years, adding that theyweredelightedtosee so many new floatingbusinesses.

“It’shardtosum up thehighlights, becauseevery weekend hasbeenfilled with moments that remind us whywe started. From seeingthe same familiar faces returning week afterweek, to the quiet earlymornings on thecanal when everything feelsstill before therush begins

“We’ve hadfamilies celebrating

birthdayswithus, couples on first dates, weddingparties, and people who’vetravelledmiles just to grab a pizza and sitbythe water. Every single oneofthosemoments has meantsomething to us.But maybe the biggesthighlight? The community.

The people whohavesupported us, laughedwith us,and made this boat more than just abusiness– it became ameetingplace,ahome,alittle slice of somethingspecial. We couldnever have predictedjusthow much it would mean to so many.”

The WaltzingMatildastarted in 2020 duringthe Covid lockdown and grew from there, servingpeople up and down the canal, and at events

“We’ve hadset locations where people know to findus, butwe’ve alsotaken The Waltzing MatildaBoat to privateevents, weddings,and specialcollaborations.That’s one of the magical things abouta floating business– it’s nevertiedtoone spot, and there’salwayspotential to explore new locations and reachnew people.”

The takeawayhas been part of a communityoffloatingbusinessesin theNorth West.“There’ssomething so unique aboutfoodbusinesseson thewater –theybring acompletely different atmospherecomparedto astatic cafe or restaurant. There’sa growingnumberofincredible floating businesses, from coffeeboats to bakeries and even floatingbookshops We’vebeenlucky to be part of this small butspecial community,and it’s inspiringtosee morepeople bring creative ideas to the canals.”

With Chrisand Paul both havingfulltimejobs,managingabusinesstoo has ledthem to the decision to sell up.“It is oursincerehopethatthis storydoesn’t end here. We intend to sell theboatasa business, in thehopethat someone else

will pick up thetorch.”

The name came from Chris’sniece Matilda. Chrisadded: “Itwas amix of sentimentalityand alittlebit of fate!

As for ‘Waltzing,’wefigureditperfectly described the gentle bobbingofthe

boat

(plus,‘Drifting

on the canals

Matilda’ didn’t have the same ring to it). Butthe real reason? When Matilda wasababy, we used to play Waltzing Matildatocalm herdown, and like magic,itwould stop her crying!”

The unique businesswhich trades on the Peak Forestand Macclesfield Canal is now for sale. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Father and son teamPaul and Chris Edwards, whohave run The Waltzing MatildaBoat pizza takeaway and cafe since 2020.

New leisurejetties open at Mancetter Marina. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

NEC show delivers for watersports –but whatabout thewaterways?

Phil Pickin visited the Caravan, Camping &Motorhome Show at the NEC to see if there was anything of interest to the waterways boater

MANY yearsago the NECwas thevenue for what wasthen known as the Boat,Caravan andLeisure Show.Theevent,organised by the Birmingham Post and Mail, used to seegood numbersofexhibitors andvisitorscrowd into the main halls of the NEC. Thosedaysare longgone so it wasgood to see BoatLife popuponthe calendar afew yearsago Despitewhat seemedtobegood visitor numbers, BoatLife joinedthe long-gone Boat Caravanand LeisureShowwhen it wasannouncedlastyear that the eventwas no more. Butwhile allthis was happening, the Caravan, Camping&Motorhome Show at the same venuecontinues so it’s not surprisingthat anumberofmarine businesses opted to exhibit at this year’s event.

As theydid in 2024, British Marine organised the marine showcaseatthe Caravan, Camping& Motorhome Show.This is nowthe fourth year this showcasehas been held at the event, and this year it is aimedatinspiringadventure-seekers with anumber of entry-level watersportsand marine products Lesley Robinson, CEOofBritish Marine, highlightedwhat she felt to be thenatural synergy betweenoutdoor living and watersports, saying: “The marine showcasebrilliantlybridges the gap betweenland and water-basedadventures, offering around 100,000-plusvisitorsanexciting chance to discover watersportsequipmentranging from kayaks and canoes to inflatable boatsand

Does Debdale Wharf have the answer to boat corrosion?

By Phil Pickin

MANYyears agoafellowboat enthusiast askedwhy narrowboats were beingbuilt usingaluminium hulls.Steel rustssoquicklythatit seems ridiculous to usesteel. The answertohis question is complex, and it’s not my intention to lookinto the pros andcons of usingaluminium over steel, butitdoesbeg the question of howbesttoprotect the steelthat most waterway boatsare builtfrom and, recently, therecould be even moreimportancetothe question

Thechanges in ourclimate combinedwith the reduction of thequalityofthe waterinmost of ourwaterways is thoughtto have significantlycontributed to eutrophication, atermused to describethe processinwhich nutrientsaccumulateinthe water of lakes, rivers and canals.This accumulation often resultsinan increase in the growth of organisms that canthen go on to deplete the oxygen in the water. Theseconditions often combine with changesinthe pH of the water, the flowand the temperaturetoencouragethe growth of biofilms, which, in turn,end up pittingand corrodingthe steelofa hull. With all thesefactors causingmore damage to the hulls of the steelboats the question is:how best to protect

paddleboards.”

British Marine waskeentoprovide spacefor both returningand first-time exhibitorsinaneffortto ensure “a diverse and engagingmarine showcase for attendees”. Lesley Robinsonadded: “We’re thrilled to welcomenew exhibitorsand continue supportingthosewho have been with us from the start. We hopeeveryone enjoysa successful and fruitful experience.”

Part of themarine showcasewas BoatWorld whichexhibited compact smallinflatable boatsthat aresaid to be suited to ‘families, solo explorersand thoselooking fora more tranquil experienceonthe water’.Alongside these, arange of inflatable kayak boatsofferedoptions if your interest is in something even smaller.

What canbeofinteresttowaterways usersare outboardswithunits on offer from thelikes of Tohatsuand Ocre,alongwith E-Propulsion, of particular interest if youare keen to useelectric

propulsion. Thesequieter alternatives to a conventional outboard arealsoofinteresttothe anglerswho seem to have been well cateredfor at the eventwithplenty of stands showingthe latest fishinggear.

Although marketed as ‘accessories’, BoatWorld didn’t offer alot of equipmentorchandleryof interest to the canalcommunity.Itmainlyconsisted of compact cameras by GoPro, and the Borika FASTen mountingsystemthat would enable you to mountthe cameras on your boat,bikeoreven on yourselves

Nicola Middleton-Groom, directoratBoatworld, is quoted as saying: “Our mission is to make watersportsaccessible,exciting, andpractical for everyone.TheCaravan,Camping &Motorhome Show is the perfectplace to connect with outdoor enthusiastsand showcasehow ourproducts can complementtheirlifestyles.”

Newmarine exhibitorsincludedThanes Marine,

them? Blacking continues to be the traditional waytoprotect ahull, but around 13 yearsago,the team at Debdale WharfnearKibworthin Leicestershireperfected aprocessin whichmolten zincisplasmasprayed on to shot-blastedhulls.After an investmentofmorethan£1m in specificallydesignedworkshops and processes, Debdale’s staff areable to provideprotection to narrowboat hulls for at least10years and provide awarrantytothateffect

The plasma sprayingprocesstakes aweekper boat;this allows time for the two-pack painttocureoverthe weekendand beforethe boat goes back into the waterthe following Monday.If, during thepreparation, it is evidentthatadditional weldingis

needed,moremajor work mayresult in the need for adouble appointment or for remedial work to be completed priortothe grit blasting appointment.

The week-longprocess includes the removalofall external fittings, such as anodes and bowthrusterimpellers, and athorough powerwash before the boat is prepared for blasting. An

Your Marina,Meridian Zero,TBS Boatsand Rebel Leisure. There were alongside SandbanksStyle and XciteSports, Nestaway Boats, and Tingdene Marinasand Boat Sales whoreturnedtothe event. So,asyou cansee,there wasn’t ahugenumber of exhibitorsfor the waterwayssector, whichisa shame giventhe NEC’slocation. Having said that, there aremanycrossover products and services that were showninother partsofthe event, whichnow covers some 20 acresand boasts 420 exhibitors Lesley Robinson said in apress releasebeforethe eventthat the organisationheld acouncil meeting duringthe show andthatshe plannedtoexplore the eventand connect with the exhibitors. Let’s hopethe discussions lead to amoresignificant waterwayspresence at futureshows.Ifthe demise of BoatLife highlightedthata dedicated boat show at theNEC isn’t viable,maybe areturn to the roots of theCaravan,Camping &MotorhomesShowmay be the best option forthe future?

ingenious shroudsystemhas been developedtocover thecabin sidesand above, andthisshroudistaped to the hull to keep the chilledironparticles used in theblastingprocess outofthe rest of the boat.Areas of significant pittingare spot-welded before the plasmasprayingbegins

Once ready, theboatisliftedso that thebaseplate canbecleaned before beingcoatedinzinc before the boat is loweredand theprocessis repeated on the hull sides. Throughout the process, thethicknessofthe zinc coatingismeasuredtoensureitisat least150µm,and once all the surfaces arecoated, the hull is then sprayed with acoatofepoxy in preparation forthe final 2K painttobeapplied. When completedthe paintisleftto fullyhardenbefore the boat is put back into the water.

Aprocesslikethis doesn’t come cheap, with thetreatment of a standard60ft narrowboat costingin theregionof£8k forthe complete package. Thisisasignificant increase

on the price of the more traditional blacking forasimilar length boat whichwould probably costaround £1260, althoughtraditional blacking is often onlyexpectedtolastupto threeyears –and sometimes less, as a result of microbiologicallyinfluenced corrosion.

The result of this processisahull that,judgingbythe evidence so far, will be protectedfor at least12years, as thecompany have been monitoring thehull of one of thefirstboats they treatedand, in their words, “it’s still goingstrong”.If, as hasbeensuggested, theclimatic andwater conditions are resultinginsteel corrodingfasterthan in thepast, theeconomicargumentin favour of zinctreatments for hulls is becomingstronger. The lengthoftime (currently 12 years) duringwhich the treatmentiseffectiveonlystrengthens the argumentinfavourofthe process, plus the potentialbenefits when it comes to the resale value of aboat protectedinthisway.Moreinfo can be found at:www.debdalewharf.co.uk

Microbiologically influenced corrosionbeforecleaning and after

Shroud still in place after the paintinghas been completed.

Zinc being applied. PHOTOS: DEBDALE WHARF

Thanes Marine’sstand. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Plenty of inflatableswereonshowatthe event. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Traditionalwitha modern twist

Phil Pickin hasalookatone of the more unusual boats currently onoffer,one thatmay well appeal to those who want something a littledifferent.

ALTHOUGH2013 wasagoodfew yearsago,some mayrememberthe Best LikedBoatatthat year’s CrickBoatShow–a58ft tug-stylenarrowboatcalled Emily.Built usingaTyler Wilson hull and fittedout by the Nantwich CanalCentre, this unique boat is nowavailable to buyjustafew miles from where it all began.

Built in 2013, Emilyis aboutastraditionalasyou canget,with its longcargo area at thebow anda boatman’scabin at the stern. Paintedincolours to complementthe style, Emily will provide gongoozlerswithplenty to look at and listen to when under way.

Listed as a2+2 berthboat, much of this accommodation is locatedinthe boatman’scabin, whichisfitted with aboatman’sstove/cooker, loads of locker space and abenchseat/bed alongthe starboardside.Brass engine controls arelocated at the hatch openingand the room is fittedwith a number of wall lampsstyledinkeepingwiththe rest of the boat.

Forwardofthis cabin is the engine room with,as you mightexpect, the Gardner 28hpengine located in themiddle of the room with side hatchdoors on both sides of the boat.Sadly, Ididn’t hear the engine working, butI’m assureditprovides the perfectsoundtrackfor aboatlikethis. As youmay alsoexpect, space isn’t bountiful, and thefloor hasanumberofsteps when youmovedownthe boat, butthis is what you expect in atraditionally styled boat AVetus electric flushingtoilet has been fittedinthe washroomtogether with aquadrantshower, buteventhis hasbeen styled in keepingwith the overall theme of the boat.

Forwardofthis is the galleyand main living area,whichfeatures lots of solid oakstorage shelves,worktops and kitchen units.The worktops have been made to retain the naturallookofthe wood

and seem very solid. Navy blueand whiteceramic tilesprovide asplashbackbehindthe Heritage dieselrange cooker,whichisperfect for agalley of thistype, andthe ownershavecontinuedthis colour scheme in the crockery on displayonthe shelves andstorage units,ofwhichthere aremany.

Despitethe very traditional and, some maysay, old-fashioned appearance,the galley, alongwith the entireboat, boasts the modern appliances and features youmight expect in amodern narrowboat, includinga240v microwave, Shorelinefridge/ freezerplusaShoreline freezerinthe boatman’s cabin whichisalsothe home of aHoover7.5kg frontloader washingmachine.

Asmall desk and wall-mountedstorage/display unit make the mostofthe space on offer,and the livingareaislit with amix of LEDlightingand wallmountedlamps.These typify themix of old andnew that hasbeen used throughout Emily, and the result is very pleasing. The livingarea is alsohome to apulloutdiningtable with twofoldaway timber and leather chairs. The forwardbulkheadisthe location of thesteps leadinguptothe cabin doorsthatleadout on to thesizeabledeckareaat the bow.

The interestingmix of old styleand new canalsobeseenin

the useofcentral heatingwhichisprovidedby WebastoEvo andwiththe hotwater viaacalorifier, alsofromWebasto,and a240v immersion heater Afurthernod towardsmodern technology is the useofa580Ah lithium batteryset-up that was installedbyTheBoatBattery.AVictron Multi-plus 3000 inverter is also fittedtogetherwithfour125W flexible solarpanels on theroof. No gasisused on the boat

The result of this mix of oldand new stylingis ahighlyindividualnarrowboatthatwon’t appeal to everyone,but it is good to find that, from time to time, people come alongand mixthingsupby designingsomething different. Giventhe boat’s successatthe 2013 CrickShow, it would seem that thereare many outthere whoagree,and if youare interested in owningthisunique narrowboat,itis currentlyfor sale at Aqueduct Marina

Emily is quite acontrast to the moremodern-styled neighbours. PHOTOS: AQUEDUCT MARINA

Loads of room at the bow

Very traditional paint job.

The boatman’scabin.

Emily is currently moored, not far from wherethe journey began.

Avery impressive galley.

Cracking Easter destinations

BRITAIN’S beautiful inlandwaterways areagreat placetovisit in the spring, when thecountryside is burstingintonew life,with blossomonthe hedges and waterside trees, birds busy rearing their young, lambsplaying in the fields and bluebells in waterside woodlands

Drifters(www.drifters.co.uk) offersthe choiceof more than 500boats from 40 basesacrossEngland, Scotland and Wales.All Driftersoperators provide hirerswith boat steering tuitionand pets are allowedonboard mostoftheir boats.

Drifters’ guide to the top seven Easter breaks for 2025… Boat to Birmingham and visit the world’sbiggestCadburyshop at CadburyWorld

From Drifters’canal boat hirebaseatAlvechurch on the Worcester&Birmingham Canalnear Bromsgrove, canalboatholidaymakerscan travel lock-free to Birmingham in around fivehours, perfectfor ashortbreak.Alongthe way, boaters canstopoffatBournville to find handmade Eastereggs in the world’sbiggest Cadburyshop at CadburyWorld. With morecanals than Venice, boatscan travel rightintothe heartofBirmingham

and find overnightmooringsatGas Street Basin. From there, it’s ashortwalk to Brindleyplace and citycentreattractions,including theSealife Centre and Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank

Join the Easter Gathering at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

Over the EasterWeekend (April 18-21), theNational WaterwaysMuseum at EllesmerePortinCheshire celebrates the startofthe summer boatingseason with alarge boat gatheringand musicand activities for the whole family.FromDrifters’ base at Bunbury on the ShropshireUnion CanalnearTarporleyin Cheshire, it’s a10-hour journeytoEllesmerePort, perfectfor aweekaway. The routetravels 21 miles and goes through 12 locks. Along the way, boaters pass through the ancientcityofChester.

Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside and visit Drayton Manor ThemePark

On aweek-longholiday from GreatHaywood on the Trent &MerseyCanal in Staffordshire,narrowboat holidaymakers cancruisetomooringscloseto

Stargaze in the BreconBeacons

Isolated from the main canalnetwork,the beautiful Monmouth &BreconCanal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog(Brecon Beacons) National Park,designatedanInternational DarkSky Reserve. Stretching35milesfromBrecon to Cwmbran, thispeaceful waterway hasveryfew locks, offerscanal boat holidaymakers incredible mountain views,aseries of historicvillage pubs to visit and on clearnights, views of the MilkyWay On ashortbreak from ourbaseatGoytreWharf, near Abergavenny, boaterscan cruiselock-free to Llangynidr and back.Thejourney takes boaters pastthe Lion InnatGovilon andthe Bridge End InnatLlangattock

Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ From Drifters’ base at Chirkonthe Llangollen CanalinNorth Wales,the Eisteddfod town of Llangollenonthe edge of the Berwyn Mountains canbereached on ashortbreak,with the UNESCOWorld Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to travel across alongthe way. Standing at 38 metres high abovethe DeeValley, this incredible 300-metre-longstructureconsists of acastiron trough supportedby18enormous pillars and19 elegant arches.OnreachingLlangollen, boaters canmoorupinLlangollen Basinand enjoy visitingthe town’s independentshops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its SteamRailway and HorseshoeFalls

Celebratethe Jane Austen 250th anniversaryinBath

From Devizes in Wiltshire, boaterscan travel along thebeautiful Kennet &AvonCanal and reachSydney Wharfinaround nine hours, perfectfor aweekaway at Easter. Alongthe way, the journeytakes boaters past aseries of canalside pubs,includingthe Barge InnatSeend and the CrossGuns at Avoncliff. There areeight lockstopassthrough each way. Once at Sydney Wharf, boaterscan turn and moor up at Sydney Gardens.Fromthere,it’sashortwalk into Georgian Bath’s citycentreattractions,includingthe RomanBaths and the Jane Austen Centre, celebrating 250 yearssince this remarkable author wasborn.

Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Shebdon and back

On ashortbreak (three or four nights)fromDrifters’ base at Brewood on the ShropshireUnion Canalin Staffordshire, boaterscan cruise to the historicvillage of Shebdon and back.Thejourney takes around six hourseachway and takes boatersthrough more than 13 miles of peaceful Staffordshirecountryside,past aseriesofvillages with historicpubs,includingthe Boat InnatGnosall and the Junction InnatNorbury Wharf. Shebdon is acharmingvillage, home to The Boat Innand St Luke’s Church,datingbacktothe 12th century.There’sonlyone lock to pass through each way, so it’s agreat routefor beginners.

DraytonManor Theme Park.Thejourneythere and back travels48miles,passesthrough 10 locks(fiveeachway)and takesaround22 cruisinghours.Alongthe way, boaterswill pass through theCannock Chase, FradleyNature Reserve, and aseries of villages with canalside pubs.Thereare visitors’ moorings between Tolson’sFootbridgeand Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham &FazeleyCanal, and from thereit’sashortwalk to DraytonManor Park

National Waterways Museum,EllesmerePort. PHOTO: BRIAN DEEGAN -CCBY-SA 2.0

ShropshireUnion Canal northwest of Brewood,Staffordshire.

PHOTO: ROGER KIDD -CCBY-SA 2.0

Sydney Wharf, Kennet &Avon Canal. PHOTO: MICHAEL DIBB -CCBY-SA 2.0

New flagship tourist facility planned for Hodson Bay

Half priceoffers on pre-season boating

By Alison Alderton

CARRICKCRAFTisoffering amassive 50% off one-way cruises.Tohelp preparefor the startofthe 2025 season, some of the Carrickcraft fleet need to be movedtotheir seasonal locations;fromBanagher to Carrickon-Shannon; from Carrick-on-Shannonto Bellanaleck andfromCarrick-on-Shannon to Banagher

By Alison Alderton

ROSCOMMON County Council and WaterwaysIreland (WI), through fundingprovidingbyFáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund, areplanninganew flagship recreation and tourism development forHodsonBay in Athlone.

TheproposedHodsonBay Waterfront Park would seethe constructionofa continuous promenade alongthe length of the Hodson Bayshorelineand an extension of the WI marina,to provideupto50new berths for cruisers andvisitingboats,and the creation of anew immersive water

experienceincludingacafe and a watersportsfacility.

Theplansalsoincludeaconnection to theMid-Shannon WildernessPark Greenway for non-motorised users as well as parkingand associated facilities in anumberoflocations in theareawhich would require the acquisition of lands.

The Waterfront Park would be closetothe existingHodsonBay Hotelonthe shores of LoughRee on the RiverShannon. The finalisedplans with associated reportsand studies areexpectedto be readyfor submissiontoAnBord Pleanála (the planningboard)by February2026.

Traditional boereworswithchakalaka sauce

By Kevin Thomas

TRADITIONAL South African boerewors (pronounced phoneticallyasboravors, or booravors) is without doubt South Africa’smosticonic sausage. Alwaysunlinked and sold in coil format, it is the mainstayofany traditional braai(barbecue) Boereworsisalsomadeina variety of flavours,fromhot and spicytomild. Historically, recipes for making boerewors were often closelyguardedfamily secrets,handeddownthrough the generations Basically, the recipecomprises amixture of mincedbeef, lean pork and mutton in varying ratios,all accordingtothe maker’s preference.Spek(pork fat) is also addedtogivethe boereworsits fattiness. Alsoaddedare various spices and other seasoning ingredients.Because boerewors canbebarbecued,fried,grilled and casseroled, its versatility makesitafavourite traditional sausagetyperight acrossSouthern Africa,and notjustinSouth Africa There’salsoanextremelytasty air-driedvarietyakintobiltong and known as droewors (dry sausage). It is usuallythinner than the rawcooking varietyand

is exceedinglypopular.Sold by weight in sticks,the Afrikaans communityoften buyitaspadkos (roadfood)

Boereworsisnow made by commercial butchersinmany partsofthe world, whereSouth Africancuisinehas made its presence felt.Fortunately,itcan also be readilypurchased herein theUK. Farmers’ marketswhere aSouth African stand is present aregood places to source quality boerewors.Lidl storesalsocarry acommercial brand made by an ex-Springbok rugbyplayer.

Afterour arrivalinthe UK,we suppliedPoulshot Farm Butchery near Devizes with aprovenand populartraditionalboerewors recipeand ordered online the necessarySA-brandedOuma BoereworsSpices.Eight yearson, the boereworsmade by Poulshot Butcheryisinconstantdemand.

To those of us who come from the Southern African subcontinent, abarbecuejust isn’t the same without acoil of boereworssizzlingand spluttering over thehot embers.Thegolden rule while barbecuingboerewors, and while regularlyturningit over,istonever poke it with a

forkand puncture the skin. Doing that allows the juices to escape and rendersthe end product somewhat dry. When it is readyit will have anice patchy andslightly browned, burntlooktothe skin, and wherethe barbecue heat has ultimatelycausedthe skintosplit naturally, juices maysquirtorseep out. That is normal.

Insertingabird’seye or similar chilli into theboerewors after cooking, and beingcut into portions,alsoadds aheatedspicy flavour.Besurethough to warn thosepresent whichpieces have ahot chilli in them.Weonce hosted abarbecueatCaen Hill Marina,and afriend of afriend unknowingly took abig biteout of apiece of bird’s eye-infused boerewors.His immediate reaction and shortdashes around thecar park were an interesting study. Nottomention the litres of waterheswallowed. Becauseboerewors is so versatile, seasonsdon’t necessarily influencewhenitcan best be enjoyed which makesitideal as ayear-round boat dweller’s cuisine.Havingsaid that,the whiff of boereworsslowlycooking on a barbecue alongside the towpath certainlyactsasareminderthat the coldestmonths areoverand goodtimes lie ahead. Enjoy.

Boat typesincludethe Carlow Class, whichisperfect for couples;the Limerick Class, a4+1 berthcruiser;the Penichette 1020FB,the smallestflybridgeboatinthe fleet,comfortablysleeping four;the Leitrim Sixto, whichcan accommodate up to three couplesora larger family; andthe Galway Octo,8+2 berth, whichisanew addition to the fleet for 2025, meaning youcould be the first to tryitout

This is agreat opportunity to spend seven nights afloatonthe beautiful Irish inland waterwaysatanunbeatableprice beforethe season kicksoff. Datesvaryonoffers,with the latest availabilitybeing April5;however, interested partieswillneedtohurry as these offerswillnot be around for long!

Visit: www.carrickcraft.comand signup to the newsletter to receive notification of special offers. To enquire about booking: telephone 028 3834 4993 or email: sales@carrickcraft.com

Carrickcraft CarlowClass hireboaton the Shannon. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Hodson Bay Hotel and Waterways Ireland marina. PHOTO:ALISON ALDERTON

Definitely asausage type for ‘all seasons’ whether on the barbecue or not. Boerewors is usually cooked with asauce made from tomatoes and onions, known as chakalaka. PHOTOS: KEVIN THOMAS

Boereworsbeing fried with baby peppersasanaddition to the meal.

Acommercial tomato andonion-based sauce with the brand name Chakalaka is sold canned inSouth Africa.Brenmakes her own version and it is just as tasty

Managing membership expectations

This year,River CanalRescue celebrates its 25th anniversary and managingdirector, Stephanie Horton, has taken the time to clarify questions that appear to cause most confusion for members.

SINCE launch, thecompany hasresponded to up to 150major incidents peryear, involving submerged, partiallysunkenand grounded vessels, andresponded to up to 3500 generalcalloutsa year, typicallyfor electrical,fuel and engine issues,flat batteries,overheatingand gearboxfailures

Around 20,000 boat ownershaveRCR membership,givingthemaccess to 24/7, 365, on-call engineers. Notall callouts,however,are coveredbyRCR’s fees

Whileyou’rehere,canyousortoutthisadditional problem on my boat?

Ourengineerswill alwaystry to assist,but with other jobs to attend to theyoften have to concentrate on themostpressingmatterthatiscovered by your RCRmembership

Whycan’t an engineervisit in themiddle of thenight?

Engineers areonstandbyfor emergencies– i.e. when aboator person is in danger.Health and safetyguidelines restrict callouts if theboatisn’t easily accessible and the breakdownisn’t urgent. Forexample,we’dask apersoncallingfor help with aflat batterytowaituntil themorning,asthe boat would have to runits engine for four hours to recharge its batteryand failing lightmakes it very difficult to checkelectricalissues.Asking an engineer to takerisks late at nightonunlit slippery towpaths canonlybejustifiedinarealemergency AllpartsarecoveredunderReplacementPartsCover?

Partsnot listedinthe membership book such as fan belts and filtersare not covered. Similarly, if aleakis caused through wear andtearora part fails due to wateringress,itisclassed as agradual declineand not ‘sudden unforeseenfailure’,whichiscovered Bilgepumpsand tunnel lights arecovered?

Thesedonot affect the engine operationand thereforeare not classed as abreakdown.We’re

happytoassist, butthis would be achargeable visit. Whyaren’t Ireceiving severaldaily updates, re when theengineer’sreturning?

Staff dedicated to providingthisserviceare likely to be communicatingwith severalboaters at the same time. To avoid staff making calls wherethey don’t have anyrealinformationtogive–whichcan be irritatingfor the customer –we’dratherwait and call when there’ssomething tangible to share. Beforewemakethatcall, we’reliaisingwithparts suppliers, engineers and couriers

I’mcovered if Ihaveanaccident,hit something underwaterorsink?

Accidental damage due to athird-party, underwater obstruction or hittingsomething is not coveredby membership.Itisnot abreakdown and should be coveredbyyourinsurance policy.RCR is usually the first on site andwillalwaystry to assist and advise. Ourcanal contractingteam, soon to be

rebrandedRCR Plus,provides additional services beyond the membershipremit,suchasdomestic plumbing, electrical work and maintenance,and workswithall majorinsurance companies to make the claims and repair processaseasyaspossible Everything on theboat’scovered?

Membership doesn’tcover anything outsidethe engine and propulsion system.Ifthe fridge stops working, the lights fail, the shower fails to flowor thedomesticwater pump won’tturnoff, wecan assist,but therewill be achargedue to this being outside the membership cover. Or we canhelp find alocal contractor to putthingsright.

Canyou changemydomesticbatteries?

It isn’t coveredunder your RCRmembership; however, as above, we canhelp butthere’ll be acharge. All labour costs arecovered?

RCRcoversuptotwo hourstoattendand rectify abreakdown,additional time or return visitsare

GOWindlass offers style and safety with luxurywindlass holsters

GOWindlasshas introducedarange comprisingthree high qualityluxuryleather shoulder holster windlassesthatoffer style, comfortand functionality.

DirectorPeter Cartwright said: “We have all precariously navigatedaround narrowboatsand canallocks as safely as possible holdinga windlassormisplaced ourprizedwindlass that we inadvertently left lyingaround –simply becausewe hadnowheretokeepit uponour person. Windlass Holsters thereforecontributetoboth narrowboat and lock safetyaswellas providingconvenience.Inaddressing this we wanted to seeifwecould add some styleand choice for boaters. We areoften askedfor andprovide recommendations for holstersuppliers –but thesehavebecomeincreasingly

able we decidedtosee what we could designatGOWindlass.”

The result is the GO Holsterrange whichishandmade in the UK and consists of three luxury leather models, all with adjustablestraps, bright polishedchrome studs andfittings with gluedand stitched leather work

The three modelsare:

-TheElegance,which is aminimalistchic design, hasaslim all-leather fixed shoulder strap (with adjustable buckle) and leather holsterwith belt loop.Itcomes in BurgundyRed -TheClassic design, whichisinIvy Green leather with red stitching, hasabelt loop and comes with awider matching greenwebbing strap that is adjustable anddetachable.

-TheUtilityhas the Classic styling, again in IvyGreen leather with detachable green webbing strap(no belt loop) butcomes with aleather ‘hip panel’asacomfort paddingand protection layer.

Theseall-new leather holsters canbeordered online at www. gowindlass.co.uk retailingat£46 includingp&p

chargeable alongwithparts,unlessthe repair is coveredbyReplacementParts Cover. Eightyfiveper centofall callouts arefixable within the two-hour labour period I’mcovered for atow back to my home mooring?

We offer twohours’towingwhen avesselcannot be repaired in situ,takingittoasafehaven such as amooring,marinaorboatyard. Towing takestime andin80% of caseswe’re able to useanoutboard motor to move the vessel.Ifthe owner wishestogo further afield,going beyond thetwo-hour towing time,charges will be made.And whereatug is used, theboatowner canbeliablefor thecostofthe tug’s return journey.

RCR should carryenginespares? There aremorethan600 differentenginesonour system andalthough mostcraft have the same base engine,the majority will have differentmarinised partsand differentinstallations/modifications, making it impossible to carryall without an HGV. We carrythe majority of common partsand have accesstonationaldistributors, buttheytendto be contactablebetween 9and 5–sonot always immediatelyavailable when an emergencyarises. Parts should be availablethe same day? Most replacementparts claims arecompleted the same/following day. However, whereparts arenot easily available,weendeavourtodeliver andfit them as soon as possible.Ifparts areobsoleteora custom installation,wehavetosourcealternatives andmodify them, whichcan take time. Beforejoining RCR we used to spendsomuch on enginemaintenancebut nowthere’s no need to serviceormaintainour vessel?

Regularengineservicingand boat maintenance is not onlygood practice,it’sacondition of membership. RCRcover is for emergencies and not boat maintenance

Stephanie comments: “We’dlovetobeable to provide the additionalservices required by our members free of charge,but as abusiness, this wouldn’t be feasible. Keepingcosts as competitiveas possible and exceedingcustomerexpectations is very importanttous, butsotoo is managingexpectations –whichiswhy I’ve listedthesescenarios.”

To findout more call 01785 785680, email enquiries@rivercanalrescue.co.ukorvisit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

TO CELEBRATE River CanalRescue’s25th anniversary, managing directorStephanie Horton is giving away prizes everymonth throughout the year.This month, TowpathTalk readers canwin agold membership worth£320.

The breakdownassistance and recovery packageincludes: vessel coveredfor anyuserormember coveredonany vessel, unlimited callouts, recovery to your nearest marina or safe mooring, home startcover at your home marina/ mooring, crew relay(transport of you and your crew to home marina or location of your choice), replacement parts, an annual engineinspection andapickup/ drop off service.

Foryourchance to winyear-long cruising peaceofmind, simply answerthe question relating to the image: What is this abad case of?

Email your entrytoTTcompetition@ rivercanalrescue.co.uk Entries closeat23:59 on

30/04/25 and the winner will be drawn01/05/25. Thewinner will be notifiedwithin 14 days of the closeofentries The draw is final and no correspondence will be enteredinto. Entryis free and open to residents of the UK aged over 18. Only one entry permittedper person, thereisno cash alternativeand the prizeisnot transferable.Byenteringyou agree to be boundbyall therules and agreethatyourname and county maybereleased if youwin.

RCRengineers on arescue call. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

FORMATION PLASTICS ANDADRIFT BOATS: AREVOLUTIONARYPARTNERSHIP

Formation Plastics, based in West Yorkshireand with over adecade of experience, specialisesinbespoke HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) fabrication.This innovative project aims to revolutionizethe narrowboat industrywitha durable, lightweight,and corrosion-resistant alternative.

Adrift Boats Ltd emerged from this collaboration, founded by Curtis Oyadiran, who brings 15 years of marine civil engineeringexperience, including work in corrosionprotection for the oil, gas, and renewable sectors. Initially drawn to Formation Plastics through their pioneering HDPEboat project, Curtis transformed apersonal inquiry intoa strategicpartnership.

With Curtis’s expertise, alongside an electricalengineer andexperiencedboat fitters, AdriftBoats and Formation Plastics areredefining the narrowboat market.Together,they’releading the industry with corrosion-free materials, improved thermal efficiency,and innovative designsthat promiseasustainablefuturefor canal boats.

Your Boat• OurExpertise

Ourlong established team arehighlyskilled at selling individuallyinspected,wellpresented

your own mooring anywhereinthe

baseatNorth Kilworth Marina, LE176HY

Selling your boat?We’re heretobeyour trustedguide and represent your best interestsinthe sale of your boat.Being proactive in findingyou the right buyer, explaining thewhole processclearly and keeping youuptodatealong theway is what youcan expect

We’repart of the UK’s largestmarinaoperator– so youcan trust thatwe know themarket and howtoget the best deal foryou.

Trustustosell your boat.Call 01159077 406 or email us at boatsales@aquavista.com

aquavista.com/boat-sales/sell-my-boat

Let’sgo

BOATYARD SERVICES

•Engine and Heating Servicing

•Breakdown Calloutand Repairs

•Gas,Electrical and PlumbingSpecialists

•BSC’s &SafetyExamination Work

•Engine Sales and Installation

•Traditionalboatpainting

•Specialists in Historicenginesand craft

•BoatBrokerage

•Diesel Tank Scrubbing and BugRemoval. MOORINGS

•Marina Moorings

•Long and shortterm Moorings

•Coal,Gas,Diesel &Pumpouts

DRYDOCK

•Hull Blacking

•Base Plate Blacking

•2 Pack Epoxy Coating

•Microbiological Hull Treatments

•Anode Replacement

•Cabin Painting

•Welding

•Surveys

LandFor Sale

Staffordshire DE13 8DZ|07513 708099 barton@lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

Roydon Marina Village, Roydon, Essex CM195EJ |07801 962636 roydon@lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

GreatHaywood,StaffordshireST180RQ greathaywood@lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk |07354 902086

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisersare available to viewby appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experienceand 2,500 boats sold.

6ft10ins,Built 2006 by Taurus Narrowboatswith aTradStern, poweredbyaVetus 42Hp Diesel engine, standard layout, 4Berths with fixed double and pullman dinette, Bsc2027. Recent New Paintwork, open planlivingarea, Central Heating

Length50ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1980with aBoatman’sstern,poweredbya Yanmar inboardDieselengine,traditional layout with fixed double to rear of boat, solid fuel stove, etc, currentBsc

JUDYB

£62,000

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2009 by Tyler Wilson with aSemiTradStern, poweredbya Vetus 42HpDiesel engine, 2 Bedrooms, standardlayout, solid fuel stove and diesel heating, 12 and 240voltselectics, current Bsc, etc

Needa Surveyor BoatSafety Examiner?

BSS Examinations Ultrasonic Hull Surveys

Based on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Areas covered 8, 9,10 &14

07528 628054

angela@severnsideboatsafety.co.uk www.severnsideboatsafety.co.uk

Alan Buckle

BoatSafetyScheme Examiner

Independent friendly service

Covering the Midlands and surrounding areas. 07856 686363

bsswithalan@gmail.com

BOBHURST

Your Local BSS Examiner based at South Kilworth

Phone: 07720 424396

Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com

Areas Covered 9& 10

SEVERNSIDE BOAT SAFETY Pete Davidson BSSExaminer

Mostprivatecraft examined. East Midlands based.

Areas covered 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,11

07988 739136

pete@bss-examiner.co.uk www.bss-examiner.co.uk

Dave Freeman

Over 25 yearsexperience on the inland waterways Marine Surveys &BSS Examinations For aCompetitiveQuote &PromptService Tel07918 677782

Covering all Areas

Based Bridge 69 Trent& Mersey Canal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

Whitmore Marine Surveys

Andrew Whitmore DipMar SurI.I.M.S.

Narrowboats, Widebeams, all steel craft, GRP and Aluminium.

Areas covered 11,12,15,14,10,9,6,7

Call or email foraquoteand availability 07966 446420 aiw62@yahoo.co.uk

Boat Safety Scheme Examinations

Nick Pritchard, MIMarEST,ABSSE,

CoveringCentral England inc., Warks., Leics., Northants., Oxon., Bucks., Beds., Cambs., Lincs., Staffs. Nick Pritchard t/as Boatserve (Est. 1984) Tel: 07974 940616

Email: nick.pritchard@boatserve.co.uk, www.boatserve.co.uk

♦ Areas covered 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 14 Mob. 07831355543 Tel. 01926 499337 www.delta-marineservices.co.uk

is an independentcompany providing independentcom professionaland comprehensivesupport services to Narrowboats andInland Waterways vessels. Based in Northamptonshireweare ideally placedtooffer ourservices. Our services include:

•Hull condition, Pre-purchase,Insurance and Valuation surveys. (Accredited YDSAmember)

•Marineconsultancy Northamptonshireand surrounding areas.

AREA COVERED: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14 07903 945196

boats@jgmarine.co.uk boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

Narrowboat Surveyor &BoatSafetyExaminer

Michael Clarke

Dip.S.C. Sur AMIMarEST

Areascovered:8,9,10, 11, 12, 14

•AFriendly and Professional Service

•Fully Qualified &Insured

•Ultrasonic Pre-purchase& Hull ConditionSurveys

•Notravelling Charges -All areas coveredNorthampton based 01604 858 868 07944 856 351 info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

Dip.S.C.Sur BSS Examiner

BSS Examination from £190

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Tel07748 861795

rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

DELTA MARINE SERVICES

time and energytocarry on her work and notusing, contact for more information,£15,995 ono Tel.07912 848093.

HARE 57ft traditional with aBoatmans cabin, built by Jonathan Wilsonin1992, professionally repainted in 2023, BMC engine in engine room, layout:stern, boatmans cabin, engine room, bathroom, bedroom,galley, saloon, doors to the bow Tel. 07818 804771. Email. boatsales@ bosworthmarina.co.uk

Creighton Boats,ListerPetter diesel engine, much loved andcared for,usedmainlyas liveaboard since 2001, Oundle Marina £49,000 Tel. 07970 803092. Email. jifirm@hotmail. com

essentials included, mooring possible,suitable for cruising immediately, £29,000 to include BSC,survey and blacking Tel. 07976 746225. Email. dstruckett@aol.com

the bottom continuously throughout her life, lasttimelate last year, Ihave now run out of

KERRYLEIGH 52ft narrowboat,cruiser stern, 6berth, all season cruising/ liveaboard, fixed double bed, shower,pump outtoilet, full size cooker, fridge, 240V inverter and shore power, solid fuel stove; diesel CH, built 1984,

MINUTES MA TT ER, prestigious bespoke 57ft Cruiser Stern built by XR&D Boatbuilders in 2017 &fittedout by owners to ahigh standard in 2019, £119,950 Tel. 07818 804771. Email. boatsales@ bosworthmarina.co.uk

NARROWBOAT 56ftDavid Piper, 1979, hireboat9years, well maintainedsince, forward cabin, bedroom,toilet/shower, saloon, galley,cruiser stern, Lister 3cyl, gas cooker/hot water, 12V fridge, diesel warm air, over-plated hull, cruising

NARROWBOAT Amanda II, 42ft steel narrowboat,tug style withGardner 4LK engine,P.R.M 160 gearbox, twin prop ‘sleipner’ 7HP Bow Thruster, traditional boatsman cabin, toilet, shower, handbasin, recentsurvey, £26,500 Tel. 07860 166810.

NARROWBOAT 38ft, built 1990 by JTC Marine Engineering, 1.5 BMC water cooled diesel engine, BSS certificate until June 2027, 240V and 12V electric, 2ring gas hob, £25,000 Tel. 07800 915356. Retford Email. sue20buchan@ hotmail.co.uk

NARROWBOAT Collingwood 60’ cruiser stern narrowboat, high spec 2019 built benefiting from bow thruster solar panels 3KWinverter 240V fridge and freezermicrowave3gas burner hoband oven Webasto diesel heating wood stove, Vetus macerating toiletthermostatic shower sink canaline 38hp engine reblacked June 2024, plus boat survey and newRCD, £88,950 Tel. 07762 446822. Wolverhampton

NARROWBOAT 40ft,new engine 230 hours from new, BSS narrowboat hull survey June 2023, all newinside, log burner,diesel Chinese heater, new bathroom, x2 reclinerwith footstool, inverter breakfast bar, x2 solar panels, full-size cooker, fridge, top box, spray foamed all inside, 2x 13kg gas bottles, newcanopy front and back Tel. 07851 712571. Email. boatdukes@gmail.com

NORTON canes boat built by Malcolm Braine, Russell Newbury 2cylinderdiesel engine,traditionalboatman cabin, 60 foot, liveaboard, £47,000 Tel. 07704 409857.

LAMPREY 1991, 48’6” beam 6’10” draft 2’ max, traditional stylenarrowboat by RWDavis &Sons, boatman’s cabin with stove,engine room with JD3tug engine, bathroom, atwo bench dinner, galley with storages on both sides and oak worktopswood stove, £55,000 Tel. 07769 707594. Email. graham@ countycommunications.co.uk

Parts For Sale

KABOTA 3cylinderMarine diesel engine complete, good runner,starter motor, alternator, hoses etc, £950 Tel. Kelvin 07989 045412. Shropshire Union Canal.

BOAT BUILDER

PAINTERS

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

TRANSPORT BY WATER

SURVEYORS

TRANSPORT BY WATER UPHOLSTERY

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

WINDOWS

SPARE PARTS

Waterways Ireland appoints new inspector of navigation

WATERWAYS Ireland (WI), the crossborder navigational authorityfor the inland waterways, hasappointedPeter Hartyasinspector of navigation. In this role,Peter will promotewater safety for all usersofIreland’s waterways, as well as leadingand managingbyelawcompliance with ateamofseven staff workingacross theErne System,the ShannonNavigation, the Grand and RoyalCanals andBarrow Navigation.

Peterwillbethe principalmarine safety advisorfor theorganisation. The inspector of navigation is one of the main WI links with thewaterwaycommunity includingmembershiporganisations such as the Inland WaterwaysAssociation of Ireland(IWAI)and thecommercial sector representedbythe Irish Boat Rental Association (IBRA), arole Peterislooking forward to progressing.

Peterjoins WI bringingawealthof leadership and operational experience following 20 years’ military serviceand morerecentlyprivate sector project managementinIrish health care.Peter’s

last fiveyears have been workingwith the RoyalNational Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) whereheheld the roles in operational management and maritime safety.Here he wasresponsible for operations,safety

Love letter to Dublin’srivers

DUBLIN City Councilhas launched anew research project that takesthe form of awalkingtrail through thecity centre.

Abhainn (river) by Rosie O’Reillyisbeinghostedon theDublin DiscoveryTrails app. It consists of seven distinct episodes that create alovelettertoDublin’s rivers,tothe life they hold andmakepossibleand the people who care for them

CuratedbyRuth Carroll, Abhainn viewsDublin through its inseparable relationship to waterand its rivers.Abhainnisavailable as adigital version andalso as an analogueversion with episodes on cassette.

As theoriginofall life, waterprovidesus(humans andmorethanhuman) with everythingweneed. Withoutitthere would be nothing. In Dublin, this couldn’t be truer. A coastalcity andaport, it grew around dozens of rivers with many milessent underground so human

settlementcould spread

In herbook, Wanderlust (2001), RebeccaSolnittells us that ‘walkingshares with making andworking that crucialelementof engagement of thebodyand themindwiththe world, of knowingthe worldthrough thebodyand thebody through theworld’.

Abhainn takesits participantsona unique journey through thecityof Dublin with storieswoven together to create awalk throughthe city though a distinct hydro-lens. Abhainn askswhathappens whenweshiftthe focus and talk aboutthe city through its waterand hydrological systems.Whatcan water andthe rivers andtheir inhabitantsteach us when we acknowledgewater is thecontinuum that holds thecity together?

Abhainn grew slowly within thecouncil through aseriesofconversations, findingsand encounters, research within thecityin

National Heritage Week 2025

THEHeritageCouncil hasannounced that National Heritage Week 2025 will takeplace from August 16-24. The themefor this year will be Exploringour Foundations and invites all of us to delve into the buildingblocksofwho we are. Foundations arenot just thebuildings andstructures that shapeour urbanareas but alsothe landscapes, floraand fauna, thecultural activitiesthatdefinewho we areand much more.

The popularWater Heritage Day, held in partnership with the LocalAuthority Waters Programme,will take placeon Sunday,August24and will providean opportunity forall of us to celebratewater as an integral part of ournatural heritage as well as avital part of ourfuture. It also gives us the opportunitytoreflectonthe

management, employeerelations and maritime safetylearning. Peter’srole at the RNLIwas instrumental in fostering apositivecompany culture, enhancing safetypracticesand empowering teams acrossthe island of Ireland.

Speaking on hisappointment he said: “I have adeepadmiration and passion for ourwaterways,and Ifeeltruly honoured to join WaterwaysIreland as inspector of navigation.This role is ahumbling opportunityallowing me to contribute to thestewardship of theseremarkable natural and cultural treasures. Ihavebig shoes to fill. Ilookforward to progressing thesafeguardingour waterways, while promoting theirinclusive andsafeuse for allstakeholders. Through this role,I am committedtohelpingpeople live, enjoy and work on ourwaterways.”

Peterholds aBachelor of Science in DisasterEngineeringand Management and aMasterofBusinessAdministration, complementinghis extensiveexperiencein operational leadership, safety management and organisational development.

theareas of flood defence, rivermaintenance, biodiversity andparks, thecity archiveand a public callout for wider communitystories.Through interviews,field recording, textsand soundresponses, this series of water-walks have been composed with musicianColmO’Cíosóig to tell Dublin’shydro story with photographybySean Breithaupt This project is funded by

importance of waterand waterquality to ourdailylives and consider what morewe cando to conserve this valuable resource

As an island nation, ourhistory and ourheritagehavebeenshapedbythe seaand the greatIrish rivers,lakes and wetlands.Water Heritage Daycelebrates waterthroughout Ireland,its history and heritage and ourconnections with it National Heritage Week organiserswill

CreativeIreland,through theCreativeClimate Action Fund andDublin City Council. The Dublin DiscoveryTrails appwas initially developedbyPeelX in partnership with Dublin City Counciland Fáilte Ireland.

Abhainn, awalking trail of 9km with sevenepisodes, is free to download through theDublinDiscovery Trails appat: www. dublindiscoverytrails.ie

behostingarangeofwaterheritageevents and projects on this day, such as boat tours,river walks, marine biodiversity talksand children’sworkshops

National Heritage Week is part of the EuropeanHeritageDays,ajointinitiativeof theCouncil of Europe and theEuropean Union.

Discovermorebyvisiting: www. heritageweek.ie

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems headquarters in Banagher,Ireland,awardedcovetedISO certification for Environmental Management.

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems receives top environmental award

INLAND and Coastal Marina Systems(ICMS)has been officially given ISO14001 certification, an internationallyrecognised standardfor organisations that meet strict requirementsfor their environmentalmanagement systems (EMS).

Afterdecidingtogothrough theinternal processesand works necessary for compliancein early2024, theICMSteamat its Banagher headquartersin Ireland worked tirelesslyto achieve certification within ayear, highlighting the effectivenessofits existing managementsystem.

TheISO 14001standard provides aframework for organisations to design and implementaneffectiveEMS and continuallyimprove their environmental performance, takingproactivemeasuresto minimisetheir environmental impact,complywithlegal requirements and achieve their environmental objectives

The frameworkencompasses variousaspects,fromresource usageand wastemanagement to monitoringenvironmental performanceand involving

stakeholdersinenvironmental commitments

This addition to theISO certifications represents a majorachievement forthe companyinits accreditations ICMS hasbeencertifiedfor its QualityManagement(ISO9001) since2014and for itsHealth &Safety(ISO45001) since 2019, spearheadedbyShannon McDermott, ICMS’s qualityand health and safety manager, whose knowledge, dedication and supporthas proved invaluable throughout.

Thelatestachievement completes the company’s enduringcommitmenttoquality, environmentalmanagementand occupationalHealth &Safety. ICMS is renowned for designingand manufacturing awide rangeofbespoke water accesssolutions,fromwater sports pontoons andsuperyacht marinastoheavy-dutycrew transfer vessel berths,and is committed to its ongoingmission to geteveryone on boardsafely. Find outmoreabout the ICMS rangeofpontoons and unique deckingoptionsat: www. inlandandcoastal.com

Head to Enniskillenfor awarm welcome

SEASONED travellers havenamedEnniskillen as one of the most welcoming townsin the UK accordingtothe latest survey carriedout as part of the Annual Traveller Review Awards by Booking. com

This is not the first time that the waterside county town of Fermanagh hasbeenrecognised for its warm welcome and is not the only Irish location to be named. NewryinCo Down,Portstewart in Co Londonderry andNewcastle in Co Down alsofeature in thesurvey’stop 10.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Peter Harty PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Discover Dublin’srivers with new walking trail Abhainn PHOTO: COURTESY OF FÁILTE IRELAND

Enniskillen Castle andwaterfront. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Irish heritage boat Dabu PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Springtimeblooms

Barge Beagle –sniffing outgood finds forcrews with canines

WITH the lengthening days and warmer weather,thoughts of long walksinmeadows andwoodlands full of new spring growth are appealing, especiallytoBarge Beagle who hasbeenona short lead through mostofthe dismal winter weather! While this sounds reallyinvitingthereare afew plants that arepoisonous to dogs to look outfor at this time of year

Many of the first flowersto appear such as the spring bulbs, wood anemones,lilyofthe valley and bluebells,although undeniably pretty,can be poisonousifingested. Some,suchasthe wood anemone, canevenhaveaneffect on skin if brushedagainst. All flowering spring bulbs, from snowdrops to daffodils,are generallyonly poisonous if ingested with the actual bulb itself beingthe mostdangerous becauseof concentrations of the toxins found throughout the whole plant.

Generally, mostdogswillhappily play near ourbeautiful spring flowers without consequence.The problems onlystartiftheylay or roll in them,lickthem or physically tear them up and eatthem

Symptoms of ingested poisoning canrange from mildindigestion and diarrhoeatorapid heartbeat, vomitingand breathingdifficulties. Some contact poisoning cancause mild skinirritation or even balding and eczema-typesymptoms If yourdog shows anysigns of thesesymptoms after cominginto contact with spring flowers,itis

Barge Beagle poseswith canalside tulips.

PHOTO:ALISON ALDERTON

time to consult your veterinarian Bearingall thisinformationin mind, pleasedonot overconcern yourself or preventyourdog from exercising and enjoying themselves.Springisavibrant season with many plants emerging that aretotallyharmlesstodogs, sodoallowthemsomefreedom Butbeaware of thesituation and surroundings –after all, being forewarned is forearmed!

Have ahappy springtime and, as Iintend to with BargeBeagle,enjoy the improvingweathersafelywith yourcanine companion

Gardeningafloat

By Lee Senior

APRIL is awonderfulmonth of tree blossomand spring bulbs interspersed with wonderful flowers such as primula, wood anemone and cowslips Thereisafreshness, acleannessin the airwhichsymbolises this unique season of excitinganticipation. Meanwhile wild garlic is at its freshest in woodlands and on riverbanks It isn’t just the horticultural world that is springingintolife.Thenatural worldisawake again as birds make their nests and mammals and insects go abouttheir dailybusinesswith the ultimateaim of reproduction. Attractive bluebellscometothe

foreasthe month wearson. Both English and Spanishbluebells adorn ourwaterways and hedgerowsin spring and thereisaneasyway to tell themapart.TheEnglishbluebell has arichscent, while the Spanish oneisa palercolour with no discernible scent. Anotherdifference is that Spanish bluebell flowers areborne on allsides of the stem.Englishbluebells only have flowers on one side Aprilisabusytime in ourown gardens too. The seed sowing season continues apace forboth flowers and vegbut if youdon’t have the time or space all isnot lost! Mini

Wonderful

web

If youare uncertainabout any plantsthat your dogmay have come into contactwith, try using theplantidentification app PictureThis. It’s a favouritewithBarge Beagle, who has also sniffed out some good websites where youcan search for plants that aretoxic to dogs. To discover more, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk www.rspca.org.uk www.gardenersworld.com www.thekennelclub.org.uk www.bechewy.com www.purina.com

plug plants areavailable to buymail order from seed companies such as Suttons Seeds. Theysimplyneed pottingupand growingoninfrostfree conditions andthen plantingout at theend of May.

Garden centres arealsofull of small pots of plants such as cucumbers, peppersand tomatoes.Dwarf bush or trailingvarieties of tomatoes will grow happilyoutside on boatsincontainers or,insomecases,hanging basketstoo, once the risk of frosthas passed!

Outdoors,April is amonth to plantout seed potatoes and prepare the land forsummercrops such as courgettes and runner beans

FollowLee on his Instagram pa ge :I ns ta gr am .c om/ lee_senior_gardening

Open Encounterand enjoy close encounters withnature

Phil Pickin looks at anew appthathelps us all engage more withthe natural world.

OVER the past few months I’ve been lucky enough to have been giventhe opportunityto tryout anew phone app. I’ve alwaysfeltthatthe waterways communityhas aclose affinity with thenatural world. After all, for mostusers,itisveryclose and providesa varied backdrop wherever youare travelling.

Quiteapart from providinga nice environment through which to cruise,naturecan alsoprovide many other health benefits, many of whichhavebeenwell documented. Couple this with the mental health benefits of journallingyourthoughtsonyour day-to-day life anditiseasyto seewherethe ideacame from to combine thesetwo core elements of the new Encounterapp

Thenew mobile appis designed to provide usersacross Britain and Ireland with afree, guidedjournal designed to increase and enhance theuser’s connection with nature.Itdoes this by offeringseasonaltips as to what you mightsee alongside suggestions as to what mightbe foundlocally.Theapp doesn’t just focusonwhatcan be seen butalsowhatyou mighthear while outinthe natural world. What maybeofparticular interest to theusers of the waterwaysisthatthe appaims to connect people with nature in their locality, whereverthat is in the UK It’s an ideal function for thosemoving throughdifferinghabitats. To do this, Encounterincludes adatabaseof species that learns from what users arejournalling about, whichalso helpsthe appgrowtoprovide more useful identification information, ideal for thosewho struggle with identifyingplantsinparticular

TheEncounter app’swelcome screen. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“Moreand morepeople want to reverse the lossofnatureintheir lives and the lives of their children, either because theyknowit’sgoodfor their well-being or becausetheywanttodotheir bit to help.But many don’t knowwhereto start–and that’s whereEncounter comes in.”

The appisthe brainchild of Melissa Harrison, an acclaimednaturewriter, novelist,podcaster,children’sauthor and columnist. Shehas alsoappeared on Springwatch, Springwatch Unsprung and Countryfile, and regularlyspeaksonthe radio. In short, sheknows what she’s talkingabout!

Over the past 15 years, she has observedapositiveshiftinattitudes towardtheenvironmentasmorepeople seek to rebuild their relationship with nature through mindfulness, wildlife gardening, conservation or activism

Havingusedthe appfor some time, it’s obviousthatMelissa hasdonea good jobinproviding background informationand finding technical developerswho canproduce an easy to use, stable product. If,likeme, you struggle to identify some species (be theyplantsorbirds)and wouldalso like to privatelywrite aboutwhat you’ve seen,I’d heartily recommendit. The Encounterapp is available for free download for both iOSand Android, andcoversBritain and Ireland.

consultant, groundskeeper and comedy promoter.After afew hours cruising each day Ken enjoys creating these frivolous cartoons ‘A Play onBirds’. See moreonInstagram: @play_on_birds

KEN Norman has been acontinuous cruiser on NB Dædalus since December 2021. He has worked variously as banker,training

Bluebellsbythe Bridgewater Canal. PHOTO: PHILIPJEFFREY -CCBY-SA 2.0

Historic discovery on the UnionCanal

Theremains of a200-year-old wall have been discovered duringthe towpath improvement work taking placeinFountainbridge, closetoEdinburgh city centre. THE wall wasdiscoveredbeneaththe modern towpathsurface and behind a concrete wall constructed in the1920s Scottish Canals’researchreveals that the historicwall maydatebackto1822, when thecanal wasfirstopened. The slopingmasonrysuggests that it was built to protectthe canalembankment from the wash of passingboats.Similar examplesexist at other locationsalong the canal.

Thepresent concretequayside wall wasconstructed when the two historiccanal basins,PortHopetoun and Port Hamilton, were closed in 1922 after the decrease of commercial traffic alongthe canalinand outofthe city. Port Hopetoun wasthe original Edinburgh canalterminus.Passenger boatsoperatedfromhereand coal and other materials unloaded.Thevolume of traffic ledtothe openingofa second basin, Port Hamilton.

Thehistoricdiscovery is being carefullydocumentedand will be left in situ under the newsurface.The towpathupgrade includesnew paving and lightingtoimprove accessibilityand safetyfor towpathusers andboaters

Popular annualwaterway festival cancelled

THE annual KirkintillochCanal Festival hasbeencancelledbyEast DunbartonshireCouncildue to financial constraints

Council chief executive AnnDavie said: “Asper thebudgetdecisionmade at Council in March2024, with an update in December2024, the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival will not takeplace in 2025.

“For the festival to takeplace in future, external fundingtocover the full costs of £120,000 would need to be secured in enough time to plan its delivery. Unfortunately,external funds weren’t available for 2025.

“While the eventwill notgoahead this year,wewill continue workingtoidentify relevant external fundingopportunities for futureyears.”

Aspokespersonfor Scottish Canals said: “Canal festivals and activities on the network areessential in helpingtokeep ourcanals vibrant. We hopethatwewill be able to work with differentpartners to exploreifthereare alternativeoptions available.”

Thousands of people visit the town

Annie finds scents of

purpose on the water

duringthe main weekend of the festival. In thepast, festival events have also includedcanal boat trips, storytellingand other events in the week leadinguptothe weekendcelebrations

With disappointmentthat the festival will not go aheadthis year,and concern aboutthe impact on localbusinesses, locals have launchedapetition urgingthe counciltoreinstate the festival for2025.

The Forth&Clyde CanalSociety(FCCS), basedinSouthbank Marina in the town, have addedtheir support, puttingout a call to localbusinessesand organisations with aview to holdingasmaller event, morefocused on the canal.

Canal society celebrates 50 years

The LinlithgowUnion CanalSociety(better knownasLUCS) was founded50years agoonApril 18, 1975. At that time the canalwas blocked betweenLinlithgow and Edinburgh,the buildings in thecanal basinwerederelict and restoration was still adream.Today the societyisthriving and continues to be operated solelyby volunteers. With charter and self-driveboats,a

tearoom, Scotland’s only canalmuseum and the society’sbase, Manse Road Basin, to care for, thereisalwayslots to do and new members and volunteersare always welcome Fittinglythis year, LUCS’flagship Victoria hasbeenrecognised with alistingonthe National Historic Ships UK register. Victoria is areplica steampacket boat builtin1972by BraunstonBoatof Daventry.She wasfirst

runasarestaurantboat atKnowleBottomLock on the Grand Union Canaland continued to be operated on the Grand Union until LUCSpurchased Victoria in 1978. She’swell-known on the LowlandCanals, operatingregular trips on theUnion Canal and representingLUCS at events on the canal betweenEdinburgh andGlasgow Victoria is currentlybeing refittedand LUCS is on afundingdrive to replace theold diesel engine with electrical propulsion. Go to lucs org.uk/tofindout more.

AROMATHERAPIST Annie Simpson-Elder livesonher 43ft narrowboat Baba Yaga in Edinburgh on theUnion Canal. Shehas spent many yearslivingand working abroad in countriesincluding Spain, Indiaand Cambodia,where shetaughtEnglish andyogafor 18 months,alsovolunteeringfor awomen’sspa projectrun by Cambodianwomen. Familyneeds broughther back to theUKand to Edinburgh.Living in aflat andworking a9-5 job, Annie still wanted to experience new adventuresafter her time spentoverseas. Shedecidedtodo somethingshe reallyloved and took the plunge of startingher aromatherapy business. Findingthe costoflivinginthe city achallenge, one of Annie’s sons suggested she liveonaboat, and so her new adventures began. Annie hadno ideaofhow to go aboutbuyinga boat,eventuallygettingadvicefrom TowpathTalk’s JonathanMosse after acall forhelp on aboating forum.

The search for hernew home was not inspiring, with Annie unable to find asuitable boat in Scotland and the purchase of potentialboats from south of theborder fallingthrough Oneday,enjoyinga coffeeand a bitofgongoozling beside Lochrin Basin, shespotted aboatmoored acrossthe basinand sportinga‘For Sale’sign. Although Baba Yaga wasn’t exactlywhatAnniewas lookingfor,she decidedtogofor it Annie lovesthe community she’s foundfromlivingonboard.She describesher boat as her happy place,enjoyingthe calm andpeace on the waterand the knowledge that shecan up sticks andvisit another spot on thecanal if she wishes. Used to livinginsmall spaces abroad, she wasn’t fazedbythe thoughtoffitting her life into a43ft narrowboat, and says sherelaxes in organisation. Challengeshaveincludedfinding people to fix things on board(a businessopportunityfor someone, surely), andstayingone step ahead of the weather for the practical tasks such as emptyingthe toilet and gettingwoodfor herstove.Annie stayed on boardduringJanuary’s stormÉowyn in January, knowing she’d be worrying aboutthe boat otherwise. Although probably favoured by the wind direction, thestronggusts andthe physical rockingofthe boat were scary. Forthosethinkingabout living

aboard,Annie’sadviceistoreally acknowledge that you’ll be on a boat andnot in aflat or house. Considerhow you’ll live–how will you deal with showering, washing andrubbish?Declutter, think small andplanstorage –wherewill your ‘musthave’ items go –and have a place foreverything. Annie audited herelectricalitems,makinga list of everythingshe uses andthe duration it’s switched on, and calculated thepower she needsin relation to that from the shoreline powerbollard.She knowsthat sometimes sheneeds to turn things off whenusing electricity-hungry items likethe kettle butusesher wood burning stovefor hot water and cookingwheneverpossible Herdaily routine includes cleaning outand preparingthe stoveeach morning, so that it’s readyfor when she’shome in the evening. Anniehas alwaysenjoyed learningand hasbeenstudying and collectingaromatherapyoils formorethan30years,creating productsfor herown use. Online courses, readingand practical lessons duringher travels gave her aromatherapy, herbalistand other relatedqualifications. Business GatewayinEdinburgh gave her the business know-how. Apothecary AlmaCalmacame into beingin April, three yearsago.Products include sprays,oils andcreams for massage, bath and shower, soaps andevenproducts fordogs. Annie gets alot of joyfrommakingthe products andhopes that thepeople whobuy alsoget some of that. You canfind AlmaCalmain‘Makers’ shopsaroundEdinburgh andfollow AnnieonlineonFacebook and Instagram@almacalma1803.

Aview of the masonry wall sitting behind and below the present concrete quaysidewall. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS

Inside Annie’sboat BabaYaga. PHOTO: ANNIE SIMPSON-ELDER

Annie’saromatherapy includes products for dogs and dog owners. PHOTO: ANNIE SIMPSON-ELDER

The Saturday night fireworks display was atraditional part of the canal festival. PHOTO: EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL

Victoria leading acelebratoryflotilla at the opening of Winchburgh Marina in May 2024. PHOTO: MIKE WILKINSON

Days Out- Oxford

Our series is dedicatedtoshowcasing unique days out near special canals. Whether you’reinto gongoozling (watching boating activities), leisurely towpath walks, wildlife spotting, boattrips or even retailtherapy,our canalsystem has something foreveryone. Thismonth, we’re shiningthe spotlight on Oxford, with close links to thewaterways and acity thathas plentytooffer visitors.

By Sally Clifford

DEFINED by ancienthistory and beautiful architecture,Oxfordhas providedthe backdrop for many bigand small screen productions

HarryPotter, InspectorMorse, Lewis, Endeavour, DowntonAbbey and Midsomer Murdersare amongthe films and programmes to have scenes filmedinoraround thesebeautiful surroundings

Referencedasthe ‘cityofdreaming spires’bythe VictorianpoetMatthew Arnold in his poem Thyrsis, thecounty town of Oxfordshireisrenownedfor its medievalhistory and educational excellence

Home to the University of Oxford, an educationalestablishment with

39 independentand self-governing collegesforming acoreelementofthe university,towhich they arerelated in a federal system,Oxfordisone of the most centrallylocated cities in England. Interestingly, it is alsothe birthplace of the OxfordUniversity Press, one of the largestuniversity presspublishers in theworld,where thefirstbookwas printedin1478. The cityalsohas its own patron saint, St Frideswide,whosename combines the noun meaning‘peace’ (frith) and theadjective‘strong’(swith), foundedthe religiouscommunityon whichthe cathedral is based.

It is understoodOxford’sdevelopment into acityin1542 grew from theearly economies of potting, tanningand weaving. Dominated by buildings whose eclecticarchitecture exemplifies the periodsoftime past and present, Oxford

is acitywhich prides itself on learning. Oxford’sstory from Saxontimes topresent dayistold at theMuseum of Oxford, while theAshmolean, the University of Oxford’sMuseum of Art andArchaeology,delves deep into the city’sfoundations andboastsworld famous collections forvisitorstoview. Of particular interest to bibliophiles arethe Oxfordlibraries,amongthem The Bodleian Library, understood to be one of the oldestinEuropeand the country’ssecond largestlibrary. It is

alsoOxfordUniversity’s main research library. Toursare available to explorethe libraries anddiscovermoreabout their importancebothinthe past and present. Literary fans canretrace thebeginnings of an enchantingtale around the Oxford locations that inspired theauthor Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, alsoknown as LewisCarroll, wasa mathematicianatChristChurchCollege and the creatorofAlice in Wonderland, the fantasytale that hascaptivated and entertainedgenerations of children.

Fulfilledbyfact-findingwithin this walkable destination butinneed of refreshment, you’ll be spoilt forchoice with Oxford’s extensiverange of bars, bistros,cafes and restaurantsoffering everythingfromlight bitestofine food and mouth-wateringmeals to temptall palates.

Once refuelled, youcan return to thesight-seeingtours or discoverthe moregentile aspect of Oxfordlife Beautiful gardensand statelyhomes withinthe city andbeyond provide the tranquillityand spacefor savouring Oxford’sbreathtakingsurroundings Blenheim Palace,inWoodstock, is one of thecountry’s largesthousesand a

designated UNESCO WorldHeritage Site

The former birthplace of SirWinston Churchill is locatedaround 20 minutes away from thecity.

OxfordCanal is one of the most scenic waterways. This picturesquepassage wasdug by hand morethan200 years agotoserve the original purposeof transportingcoalfromthe coalfields in Coventry to Oxford andthe River Thames

Winding its way77.5 miles from the universitycity, through Worcester College Gardens to the three spires of Coventry,the canalpassesthrough beautiful countryside,its southern part largelyuntouched by mid-19th century straightening programmes

With onlyafew lock flights to navigateonthisprettystretch of canal, it provides apopular mooringplace for narrowboatersinsettlements such as Thrupp,Cropredyand Aynho. Beside this largelyunaltered stretchofwater, the towpath, providinganatural habitat for wildlife,takes usersfrom OxfordtoHawkesbury. FollyBridge, just ashort walk from the city,overthe RiverThamesand flowing through to

Birthplace: Blenheim Palace, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill. PHOTO: BLENHEIMPALACE

Quintessential pastime:Wolfson Bridge andpunt. PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY CHERWELLBOATHOUSE

Shoppers’ delight: Bicester Village luxury shoppingdestination. PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY BICESTER VILLAGE

World famous landmark:Stonehenge, the world-famous prehistoric monument. PHOTO: ENGLISH HERITAGE

Allaboard: Steaming along at DidcotRailway Centre. PHOTO DIDCOT RAILWAYCENTRE

Historic: Carfax Tower,also known as St Martin’sTower,is the remaining part of St Martin’s Church. PHOTO: OXFORD CITY COUNCIL

Openspace: BroadMeadow,one of Oxfordcity centre’slargest outdoor public spaces.

PHOTO: OXFORD CITY COUNCIL

London, marksthe finish of the famous Cambridgeand OxfordUniversity rowing races.

The RiverCherwell is apopular place for the quintessential Oxfordtraditionof pleasure puntingwhichdeveloped from thetraditional useofthe flat-bottomed boatsfor carryingcargo,orfishingin Victoriantimes. Puntingtours and river cruisesare the perfectway to explorethe

city’simpressivewaterways and absorb the sights in this stunningcity. Another traditionisacelebration datingbackmorethan500 years, when crowds gather alongOxfordHighStreet and Magdalen Bridge at 6amfor May Morningwhen the Magdalen College Choir sing in spring on May1

Whatbetterway to step into spring than avisit to Oxford

FACT FILE:

Thingstodonearby…

Bicester Village luxury shopping destination: www.thebicestercollection. com

Westgate Oxfordshopping centre: www.westgateoxford.co.uk

Crocodiles of the World: www.crocodilesoftheworld co.uk

OxfordPhilharmonic: https://oxfordphil.com

Blenheim Palace: www.blenheimpalace.com

Kelmscott Manor: www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

Bicester Heritage: www.bicesterheritage.co.uk

River and Rowing Museum: www.rrm.co.uk

Didcot Railway Centre: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Cherwell Boathouse: www.cherwellboathouse co.uk

Stonehenge: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Useful website: www.experienceoxfordshire.org

The Towpath Angler

Our monthly look at the angling scene

By DavidKent

HOWtime flies…itonlyseems five minutes sincewewereall enjoying Christmas! As we move into MarchIam already busy preparingfor club AGMs and that entails,alongwith colleagues, tryingtopromotethe benefitsof membership forthe ensuing year.Last week Imet with my fellowclubtrustees and we spentsometimeconsidering what canbedone differentlywith regard to marketing.

Theclub hasalwaystried very hard to provide decentfishingona varietyofwaterswheremembers can genuinelyfeelthattheyhavevalue for money. Sadly, this is becoming more and more difficult.Higherangler expectations,younger adults probably have lesstime for activities such as fishingand, becauseitisnot necessary to be amemberofaclub to fish stillwatersthese days,anglers aremuch moreselectiveabout whereand when theyfish –often basing their decision on such availability of tackle andbait, cafes and the proximityofparking. Facilities whichthe vast majority of clubsare rarely able to match.

It must be said toothat, forthose very reasons,manymorepeople are still fishingtoday than almostcertainly would have been the case.Looking at theangling demographicithas been clearfor some yearsthatthe only agecategoryconsistently growingis the seniors– i.e. peoplewho are60 and above. There is no doubt that the facilities Ihavementioned arekey to the anglerswithin this agecategory. They arelesslikelytoventure on to acanal or riverdue to factors such as vehicle safety and long walks. Safeguardingisalso crucialand many parentsare not keen to allowtheir children to fish on rivers or canals without adult supervision. While youmay think Iampromoting commercials at theexpense of our ‘natural’venues Ican assure youthat is not the case.WhatIamsayingisthat we have to up theproverbialanteto attractthe ordinaryanglers back.I have spoken frequently over the yearsabout howbusytowpaths arethesedaysand know from talkingtoa varietyofpeople that their experience on thetowpath hasdiminishedsignificantly. It is vital that we collectivelyfocus on this going forward.Not onlyisitimpactingon the organisation of high-profile events but, crucially, on the public’s general enjoymentofbeingonthe waterside Isaidlasttime that,increasingly, anglersare “hanginguptheir rods” during thewintermonths.Theweather hasbeensostrange this year that Ican fully appreciate why. Ipersonallycannot remember awinterwhen catchingfish

has been so difficult. Even many of the reallyprolific commercial anglershave struggled to getabiteonoccasion. Iguessitissoeasytoblame it on the effects of climatechangebut all manner of fisheries acrossthe country aresufferingsoitisa conclusion that perhapshas some merit.Interestingly, someone said to me last week that things have not been thesame since StormBabet in October2023. ReportsIhavereceived recently seem to reflect thecurrent problems. My friend in SouthYorkshirehas fished acouple of matches on the Stainforth &Keadbyrecently. He caught just over 2lbonthe first butonlyhad one fishon the second. As usual, it lookslikethe Shroppie remains quite consistent. My localcanal, the Erewash,isproducinga fewfish here and there; so much so that acouple of matches have been booked forMarch.Match catch data is apretty reliable wayofassimilatingdataonthe qualityofthe fishing so Iamreallykeen to seethe results

Stillnot fishing much myself as yet. In truth,the waythings are, Iamstruggling to findthe enthusiasm.Nothinghas changedsince last monthwithregard to howbusyIamawayfromthe bank butevenwhen Ihaveafreeday Iseem to ponder longand hard over whether I reallywanttogo. To be fair though,when Idoget out, the company and banter make it all worthwhile! Hopefully,Iwill be fishingtomorrowina weekly match forveterans at afisherycloseby. In the past,Ihavehad some good results here usingpellet on the hook.Certainly, the weather lookslikebeinggoodsothis methodmay work.However,because things aresohard, cautious feedingwill still be the order of the day. Also, the ‘dobbing’methodmight alsobeuseful especially to startwith. Iamactually lookingforward to it

No doubt youwill be temptedtoget outfor afew hourswhile the weather is so good.Dobbing is definitelyworth a trynomatterwhereyou choose to fish. Maggot as bait appearstobeworking all over at the momentinfindingthese oddfish

Good luckand tightlines

Cafe bargeplans rejected afterbeautyspotfears

PLANSfor acafe bargeatthe HicklingBasin near Melton Mowbrayhavebeenturneddown after concerns it would harm the naturalbeautyofthe area

The teambehind the OldWharf TeaRooms on Main Street in Hickling, on the NottinghamshireLeicestershire border,wantedto useamooredcanal boat to increase capacityatits riversidecafe.But the plans were rejected by Rushcliffe Borough Council, with councillors saying the increased parkingand the extensionofthe carparkwould affectthe appearance of the area and its panoramicviews

Thebusinessappealedthe decision butthat hasnow been dismissedafter theGovernment’s PlanningInspectorateruledin favour of the council

The report said that while the moored bargewould fitinat the canalbasin, the increased number of customersand subsequentparking demand, traffic and noisewould hurt thelocation

The OldWharf building, which wasa canalwarehouse until permission wasgranted forittobe turned into acafe in 2015, is Grade II listed due to its historicimportance and character

‘Boatiful’ view: boats on the River Cherwell from Magdalen Road PHOTO: OXFORD CITY COUNCIL

Sightseeing: Oxford’scastle and prison give ataste of thecity’shistory PHOTO:CONTINUUM ATTRACTIONS

Going underground: thecrypt at OxfordCastle &Prison. PHOTO: CONTINUUM ATTRACTIONS

TheWet Web

By Helen Gazeley

YOUnever know what’s roundthe corner.For musicians Jane Rouse, StephPirrieand Charlie Henry, it wastheir shared interest in aHeritage Lottery-fundedproject that createda chance meeting. All singers, theydecidedtoband together as Three Idle Women, to performjustthree songsto raisemoneyfor The OxfordCanal Heritage Project (oxfordcanalheritage.org).That wasin2013. Twelve yearson, theyare closelyknit friends who have recently launchedtheir first album,All HandsTogether It’s been enthusiasticallyreceived.Oxford’s musicmagazine Nightshift praised the“haunting beauty”ofits closeharmonies,aswell as thetrio’s abilitytoevoke “not just aplace,but away of life”

(nightshiftmag.co.uk/2024/dec.pdf).Neil King of Fateamagazine (bit.ly/3QFIuB2), long associated with theCambridge Folk Festival, says:“Ihave occasionallymentionedthat alot of really good albums arefull of people,places and history lessons.Well, that’s three boxestickedfor Three Idle Women’s debutalbumand bonuspoints awardedfor includingmodern history as well.” John Barlass’ detailedreview on At theBarrier (bit.ly/43jS0Bo) simply concludes:“Don’t missit.”

Amix of traditional and original songs, thealbum is full of rich vocals backed up with interesting instrumentation. It’s been alongtimecoming. The intention to releaseanalbum hasalwaysbeen

there, butprogress wasinterrupted by Covid, and, as it’s selfpublished, it’s been a longlearning curve, notonlywithregard to making the physical recording, butalsoin musicaladmin such as registering songs. “It’s taken us 18 months from thestartof recordingtothe finish,” says Charlie. “Itbecame quiteembarrassing, as regulars were comingto gigs and asking when it wascomingout.”

Thesympathy betweenthe three singersispalpablein the songs, as is their sheerenjoyment in performingthem Andtheyall write, so there’snoshortageof material,fromtheir ownexperiences to

stories told to them by audience members in the interval at agig “Jane keeps alonglist. There’sinspiration everywhere; it’s just so exciting,”saysCharlie Their second album is already under way. It’s clearthat they areableambassadors for thewaterways Theyget plenty of the usual questions about howthe toilets work from non-boating audience members

Buttheir stories often arenew to boaterswho aren’tfamiliar with the history,too.Thetrack Castles and Roses, for example, hasnothing to do with painting, and everythingtodowith thetriptaken by then Minister of Transport Barbara Castle with workingboaters Jack and Rose Skinner in theircampaigntosave the OxfordCanal.

Of course,Jane, Charlie andSteph are not theonlycreatives to findinspiration in the

canals.Inrecentyears,thereseems to have been an upsurge in waterways-focusedsongs.“The canal is awonderful muse,” says Charlie.And doesn’t this make it strangethatsofew songsabout canallife seem to date back before the20thcentury?“We don’t knowthat thereweren’t any,”she adds.“My feeling is that theyjustweren’t passed down.Collectorslike Cecil Sharp went to pubs to make arecordofsongs, butboaters were in thecommunity.” Whether songshavebeenlostinthe past or not, thoseonAll Hands Together have the air of becoming classics themselves and you canhearaselection on

Heritageunder thehammer

Geoff Courtney reportsonprices achievedbyrailwayana memorabilia at specialist auctions in recent months.

MAPS, guidebooks, ariver plan andawarningsignwereamong the items of canaland inland waterways interest that sold at recent auctions for up to £260.

The twomapswentunder the hammer at the Paperchase Auctions’ quarterlyemail and postal sale held from January14-28, with the oldest beingaW&AKJohnston’smap of the canaland railwaysystems of England and Wales that sold for£130. It was afourtheditiondatingfrom1901 comprisingacoloured cloth-bound mapwith title in gold on the front, while behind at £46 came acirca 1920s Roberts’scanal and railway mapofBritain.

In the same auction a1938 Tees ConservancyCommission plan of the RiverTeesfromStocktontothe sea went for £110, a1915 London &South WesternRailway‘Inland Retreats’ publicity booklet with coloured pictorialcoversofriver and village viewsmade £60, and acirca 1920s 127-page London Midland &Scottish Railwayguidebook to the English Lakes by BasilMBazleywenttoanew home for £16.

Another new year sale that includedcanal and inland waterways memorabiliawas held by GreatCentral RailwayanaAuctions on January9/10, andwithin the 1000 lots wasa BR carriage printillustratingleisurecraft on theRiver Ouse at York.Theprint wasthe work of Anglo-CanadianGryth Russell, ahighlyrespected oiland watercolour marine artist,and sold with aHarrogate printfor £40. Russell wasborn in Nova Scotiain 1892, andafter studying artinAmerica andParis launched afascinating career

SoundCloud (soundcloud.com/three-idle-women). Alternatively, Three Idle Women will be supporting BBCFolkAward-winning singer-songwriterSam Carter (samcartermusic.co.uk)atHarwell VillageHall, near Didcot,onMay 16 andperforming at theWharf Theatre,nexttothe Kennet andAvonCanal in Devizes, on June 7. Checkout theirwebsite for moregigs. Finally, Jane,Steph and Charlie arelooking for canalimagestoincorporateintotheir show. If you have any35mmslides from the 50s through to the 90s that you’d be happytosend them, do getintouch viatheir website(www.threeidlewomen.com).

by beingappoi an officialFir WorldWar artistfor the Ca na di an Government, following which he settledinBritain. In theSecond Warhewas an pettyofficer in NavalPatrolSer electedmembe four royalartists’societies,including the RoyalSocietyofMarine Artists.In the 1950s he movedfromYorkshire to Penarthsouth of Cardiff,wherehe diedin1970. Alsointhe GreatCentral sale were at £260 aShropshire UnionRailways &Canal Co weight restriction cast iron

wa rni ng sign that would be an ealcandidate restoration new owner nd aGreat ay andSevern no public road’ wood with cast iron letterssignthat fetched £100. Oneofthe pleasures of seeking canaliainauctions is that not everythingsells for three or even double figures, and the aforementionedPaperchasesale in mid-Januarywas acaseinpoint,

for within thecanal and inland waterwayscategorycamehistorical itemsofpaperwork that fetched£7 and £5. The former were twoCalder and Hebble Navigationdirectors’ reportsand statementofaccounts for the years1897 and 1898 that sold as asingle lot, while the £5 item was aThamesand Severn Canalheads of agreementfor the acquisitionofthe canalbyneighbouringcanalswhich wasundated butbelieved to be from the 1850s The pricesfor the Paperchase items exclude buyer’spremium of 12½%, and thosefor theGreat Centralsale 15% (+ VAT)

All HanddsTTogetther isavaiilabbleasa CD fromwww.tthreeiidlewomen com. PHOTO: THREE IDLE WOMEN

Three (not so) Idle Women: Charlie Henry, StephPirrie andJane Rouse. PHOTO: THREE IDLEWOMEN

Below: This GWR andSevernCommissioners sign sold for £100 at auction in January PHOTO: GREATCENTRAL RAILWAYANA

Inland retreats were thesubject of an LSWR bookletthatwent underthe hammer for £60 at auction in January.

PHOTO:PAPERCHASE AUCTIONS

Left: Abid of £260 at auction in January secured this Shropshire UnionRailways &Canal Co sign. PHOTO: GREATCENTRAL RAILWAYANA

Apassage in time

There’smore to tunnels than meets theeye on our canal network. John Souter continues his newseries,exploring the wondersofour extensive range of canal tunnels.

TO FACILITATEthe efficient workingofthe canalnetwork, approximately42miles of tunnels were constructed in England &Wales,ofwhich abouthalf arestillopen. This is morethanthe combinedlength

of all other canaltunnels in the worldand doesn’t include the extraapproximately47miles of underground canalatWorsley as part of the Bridgewater Canal. As well as 583 locks, 2963

bridgesand 337 aqueducts there arealso55tunnels,rangingin lengthfromjust25yards to over threemiles,alongthe 2000+ milesofour inland waterways. Let’stakealookatthis month’s offering…

GRAND UNION

CANAL

Shrewley tunnel –433yd/396m long,completed 1799, no towpath.

SHREWLEY village

pr es en te da n obstruction problem to the tunnel builders as it is perchedon ahill and therewas no waythereforeit could be traversedby locksoneither side as therewas no adequate source of water. Unfortunatelyneither wasthereany space to build areservoir of watertosupport anysuchlocks and

the engineerscould notconstruct adeep cuttingasthis would have destroyed half of the village.

The solution wasto digatunnelunder the villagewithcuttings beingmade on either side to minimise itslength.Fromthe wayinwhich it was all designedand constructed there is no evidence that canbeseenfromthe waterway that avillage is perchedright on top of the tunnel!

Thetunnelhas a bore twoboats wide whichruns directly under thevillage, butitdoesn’t have a towpathsothe horses hadtobeled up over

the hill andthrough the village. To reduce the effectofthis and to minimise the efforts for the boat horsesofa steepclimb up the hill,

aspecial horse tunnel 41yd/38m long was dugnearthe north portal,takingthe towpathplus the horse to the topofthe hill.

TALKBACK

Your chance to write to us on anytowpath topic: Towpath Talk,POBox 99, Horncastle, LincsLN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Young people, canals and boating Dear TowpathTalk, It certainlywould be good if thereweremoreyoung people readytoreplace grey hairslikeme. Ifind it more difficult to do as much as I have in the past,orasmuch as Iwould liketo. Idon’t think Iamparticularly unusualnoticingthe number of olderboaters Beingout on the cut, messing aboutonboats,or even just sittingbythe wood burner gets into the blood butthe body makesitharder to do locks, getdownintothe bilges, or even stay warm

In one of his articles,Phil Pickinmade thecasethat the financial situation of many youngerpeoplemakes it difficult to getinvolved in boating. Forthe many who arestrugglingtoget a mortgagefor ahouse aboat is asteptoo far.For those who have given up on owningtheir ownhouse,or prefer amoreitinerant way of life, liveaboards have become agrowing option in recent years. Buthow much does canalboatinghavean imageproblem over and abovethe financial problems? Is canalboating seen as basicallyfor older men, older whitemen at that (ofwhom Iamone)?

It didn’t help that CRT chosetoadd additional licence fees forthe younger, and usuallypoorer, continuouscruisers. But thereismuchtoattract youngerpeople onto the canals.Gettingout into the country, exploringthe towns andcities,enjoyingand learningabout the abundant wildlife must be attractiveto younger generations concernedabout the environment. Howevermy observations indicatethat it is largelyonhireboats that one sees youngpeople,with privatelyowned boats usuallywith older couples or

single older men. My experiencewithmy twochildren is that it is possible to encourageyoung people to getfully involved butalsothatthere are considerable obstaclestobe overcome.Mytwo (now12 and 14) have been out boatingsince theywere babies and have gradually learnednot only allthe skills of moving theboatsafely alongthe canal, through locks, and mooringupbut also thedemands of repairinganageing, temperamental boat that needsregular attention.

Iamsurethatmanyyoung people didget the bugof boatingfromhireboat holidays(as Idid as achild) buttoo often Iobserve the youngpeople on hireboats sittinginside the boat (often on their phones) while the male of theparty as at the tiller. Theyoung people emerge,sometimes reluctantly, to help with the locks. Youngpeopleshould be encouraged to takethe tiller,use the ropes, check the engine,etc.Ifyoung people do gethookedthey will often return in laterlife

Sometimes it is oldmen on boatswho not onlytake on the role of beingcaptain tooseriously butalsofeel theyhavethe rightto pontificatetoother boaters, particularly youngpeople, on howtooperate locks, and thelike. My twochildren have been at the end of instructions on the ‘right’ waytodoit, even thoughI suspecttheyhad been doing it longerthanthe ‘know-italls’and were fullyaware of the risks.

Acontentious but importantissue is how youngpeopleontowpaths aretreated by boaters. Particularly in townsand cities young people congregateatlocks and underbridges to ‘hangout’ with theirmates.They can

seem threateningtopassing boatersand often boaters will move on even if theyare lookingfor amooring. There is reason to be cautious;I have hadyoung people throwingstones at my boat and tryingtojumpaboard butI do think that these young peopleare often reactingtohow others assume they area threat. The etiquette of acknowledging other boaters, walkers, cyclists,evenfishermen is an attractivecommunityaspect of the canals yetrarelygets extendedtoyoung people

My view is that usually if one does acknowledge the existence of youngpeople theydorespond positively. I rememberhalfwayupthe Wolverhampton21coming to alockbeing used as somewhere to sit, talk to their mates and smokea jointortwo.Iwas nervousin asking them to move but when we gotintohow locks work,when they were built and why, theybecame really interested and helped me through the lock Thereispotential for schoolsand youthgroups to getmoreinvolved in boating, beyond the considerable work involved in canoeing, kayaking andpaddle boarding. Unfortunately,the youth work boatsin Birmingham have been sold off as fundingcuts have decimated youthworkso maybeitisthe time forolder boaterstoshare their knowledgeand enthusiasm for boatingwith younger people.I’m not sure howthis couldbedone in practice but Iknowthat when Iamno longerable to go boating myself Iwillbepleased to know that my old boat will be passed to youngpeople who will continue to enjoy and learn aboutthis wonderful activity. And hopefullytobe able to continue to paythe licence fees!

John Holmes

The main tunnel below andthe horse tunnel above at thenorth portal of Shrewley Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal. PHOTO: AJPAXTON -CC BY-SA 2.0

The south portal of the Shrewley Tunnel. PHOTO: DAVIDPHOWARD -CCBY-SA 2.0

Apodcast that encapsulates the calm of thecanal

Phil Pickin catches up with Richard Goode, theman behind the Nighttime on Still Waters podcast,tolearnhow it has evolved over the pastfew years.

BACK in 2020, the countrywas aboutto go into lockdown, and it wasinOctober of that same year that RichardGoode launchedhis podcast Nighttime on Still Waters (NToSW). Apodcast described by its creatorasa“narrowboat-based audio journal on canallife,living aboard,the elements,and the night. Perfectlate-nightlisteningfor dreamers, insomniacs,night owls,nocturnalists, drifters, and nomads.”

Twoyears laterwevisited Richardand hiswifeDonna aboard a58ftnarrowboat called Erica,namedafter Richard’s mother

At the time theyhad onlylived aboard fora couple ofyears,but lifeafloat was notunusual for the university lecturer who wasbornonthe canal. As Richard pointedout at thetime,his family lived on aconverted ship’s lifeboatin the south of England for many years before movingon land, somethinghis motherfound hard to acclimatiseto, and something Richardhas documented in his podcastwhenquoting from his mother’s journal.

Despitehis background on the canals,the move to liveonthe system wasn’t onethatRichard initiallyfound appealing. Hismemories were of acanal system that hadfallen into disrepair and he needed acouple of holiday hiresto convince him it wasthe rightthingto do.Eventually, the couple bought Erica, hadafew alterations made and moved aboard.Home for them is nowinthe Warwickshirearea, falling,asitdoes, convenientlybetween Richard’sand Donna’sworklocations

Since thoserelativelyearly days when we last spoke, the NToSWpodcast has steadilygrown with listenersnow regularly downloadingand listeningto the regularhalf-hourmix of canaland nature “narrowcasts”asRichard calls them.Based on the format of late-night radiolisteningthathas alwayshad a specialplace in his affections.Helong remembers the nights searchingacross the wavelengths to listentobroadcasts for far-flungplaces. He remembers this

often happeningwhen, as ayoungster, he should have been in bedasleep. As aresult, theseradio scanswere done usingasmall radio tucked under theblankets, oftenwiththe rain beating on thewindoworthe wind blowing through adjacenttrees.Itisthisfeeling he setout to conveyand onehehas been very successful in producing. He even includes aweather report at the end of each oneasa homagetothe shipping forecasts many of us grew up with

Onehundred andseventy-six (atthe time of writing) episodes later, NToSW nowhas listenersfromacrossthe globe with,unsurprisingly,the majority of canallisteners comingfromthe UK Subscribersfarther afield tend to be those intriguedbythe lifeofacanal boat dweller, with many asking questions aboutlifeonthe waterways. ButNToSW is not acanal podcast;itisprimarily a journal usingthe spoken word.There is alittlemusic at thebeginning and

end of each episodebut,asyou might well expect,itissoothingand gentle. If you area loverofpoetry, excerpts of descriptivewritingand soundscapesof the past week’s activities,this is probably apodcast foryou Richardhas wovenintopastepisodes thehighs and lows of life,includingthe passingofthe couple’s beloveddog Pennyand their eventual decision to have another dog, Maggie.Ihesitate to usethe term ‘replace’asdog lovers everywherewill know,you cannot replace adog you have lost. He also spokeabout the loss of his father and the weeksleadinguptohis eventual passing. Butitwould seem thepodcast has– andcontinues to –provide solace to thoselooking foraquiet oasisinan all-too-often troubledworld.

RecentlyRichard hasnoticed an increaseinthe interaction and feedback he hasreceived from listenersinthe US.Given the turmoil that seemsto be growingonadailybasis,itisn’t surprising that aregular half hour-ish of escape is beingsoughtbya growing number of people

Althoughthe frequencyofthe episodes hasslipped slightly over the past few weeksdue to aboutofill health,Richard hopes he will be able to getbacktoweeklyepisodes sometime soon. And forthosewho areinterested in gettingmoreregular updates, NToSW canalsobefound on mostsocialmedia platforms.

If youwanttofind outmore, thebest thingtodoistolistenfor yourself and to do so when you areinapositionto relaxand appreciate it.Idon’t think Richardwould be insulted if youdrifted off duringanepisode!

Nighttime on Still Waters canbe downloadedfromall majorstreaming services or accesseddirectlyvia:www. noswpod.com

Atimefor change… andtobethankfultoothers

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some moretopical issues.

SPRING is blooming, Ican seedaffodils and primroses from my windowand thereare plenty of birds on the feeders in the garden. Thereisa bustle in the air and expectation for a rare sunnybreak in theweather However, on the canalthe traffic is stopped. In many places the winter works programme continues Thereshould be few of these essentialprojects hanging over into Aprilsothe canals will be open andfreely

available to boatsand boaters once again except of course wherethereisparticularly devastating damage like the BridgewaterCanal breach and the Huddersfield Narrow Canallockcollapse.Thesewill not be fixed for some time. The workaroundsfor thesewill takeplanningand maybring their ownstrainsinthe formof waterresources or lack of them as the year unfolds

ToddbrookReservoir works arenot dueto be completed until summer thisyearbut therehas not been an update since last autumn so we have not heardanythingabout rewatering plans.Iamsure that this toowilltakesome time.Quiteafew boatershave told metheyare planningto getnorth from the Midlands by usingthe Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals so traffic could be considerable in the summer months

CEO steps down

Iwas very pleased that Richard Parry, the CEOofCanal & RiverTrust,sentmeapersonal messagetolet me know that he wassteppingdowninthe summer after 12 yearsatthe head of the charity. Iwantto saypublicly that Ialwaysfind Richardtobeapproachable anda good listener.Heis

enthusiastic and engaged with the boatingcommunity. At everyopportunityhevisited many canalfestivals and other gatheringseachyearand was nevertoo busy or rushedto have aconversation with me

Aprilalsobringsthe recruitment procedurefor his successortoacloseand we look forward to meetingthe newchief executive in due course.Thecandidatebrief forthe role waspublished in Januaryand NABO was interested to find that there wasnouse of the word ‘boat’ in the document and onlyone instance of the word ‘boating’ to be foundhere: “Ensure the successofthe trust’s relationships with thetrust’s stakeholders,including the boatingcommunity. ”

successful candidatedoesnot ignore the contribution to the well-beingofthe waterways that boat ownersprovide by volunteering, restoringand caring forthem as we useour boatsinmanydifferentways.

Everyboatowner makesa largecontributionthrough licensingfees, mooring fees,surveyfees, boat safety examinationfees, boatyard engineeringandotherservices, the marina services andfuel suppliers. Boat movement

We hope that thenew post holder will soon noticethat22% of thetrust’s income currently comesfromthis sector.

clears silt from the channel and keeps the waterfresh and oxygenated,promotingplant andwildlife. Thatiswithout mentioning that we need to eat anddrink usingthe many pubs andshops near to the canals and rivers

We hope that thiswillnot be overlooked as it wasa very importantinclusion:we hopethatthe newpostholder will soon notice that 22% of the trust’sincome currently comes from this sector NABO will make sure that the

Case studies concerning boaters

NABO hasbeenasked by the independentCommission on Boat Licensing fordetails and case studies concerning boaters’ problems with the Canal& RiverTrust.Weare

pleasedtobeabletoprovide some of the detailsthatwe knowatpresent.NABOhas always takenthe view that we supportthe trusttodoits job withinits powers under Actof Parliamentand object to the impositionofany ‘terms and conditions’whichthe atrust hasnopower to apply.

ANABOcouncil member recentlywrote:“Overall I concludeitisnotthelegislation that is in need of change.Itisa change of attitude by CRT. It is impossible to deal with people who operateasa monopoly; failtotakeactionagainst persistent overstayersand non-payers;constantlymake mistakes in enforcementand equality provisions;inventnew rules basedonnoevidence; refuse to discuss,consult or engage on rules,terms andlegal issues;manipulate consultationstosuit their own wishes;considertheyhavethe onlyinterpretation of the law; fail to fullyuse the powers of the actstheyhave.”

NABO is encouraged that the commission is seemingly notjusttoeingthe trust’sline buthas made astand to treat its work with diligenceand integritytakingintoaccount all aspects of the charitable aims with regard to the rivers andcanals andtheir use. To

thisend thecommissionis callingfor allstakeholders to be involved

Wildlife and nature Lookingout againatthe daffodils,the primroses and the birdfeeder through the steamed-up windows and the currentspell of teemingrain, I am remindedthatweneedto keep ourviewdeeplyfounded in reality. The weatherdoes bringwith it achallenge andthereare many who are stepping up to meet it We arethankful to those who areworking through the weathertocompletethe winter worksprogramme on time.Weare thankful to thecoaland fuel boatmen up anddownthe country who service the floating communitybyboatand by road when stoppages hinder boat movement. We are grateful to thearmyofmarine engineers, boat painters,boat fitters and constructorswho have been ensuringthat ourboats areready forthe comingspringand summer. Iamlooking forward to being outand aboutagain andonce moreenjoyingthe beauty and peace of the canals from the water. Thereissomuchto be thankful for.Enjoyitall, slowly

Wildlife andnatureconstitute asignificantpart of Richard’s podcast. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

RichardGoode recording aforthcoming episode of the NToSW podcast.

PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

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