Towpath Talk - March 2014 - FULL ISSUE

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Issue 101, March 2014

112 PAGES

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CO alarm worth £24

P103

NEW SCOTTISH CANAL SET FOR APRIL 21 OPENING

P3 The holiday hire base at Norbury Wharf reports an increase in holiday enquiries for the 2014 season. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

Holiday bookings looking up for the summer say hire boat firms

ALL ABOUT ALCHEMY

Boat review

P58

FREIGHT REVIVAL SPARKS BRIDGE CONGESTION P100

By Harry Arnold

A NUMBER of hire boat operators have contacted Towpath Talk about good bookings for waterway holidays for the coming year.

Despite having its offices and boatyard flooded six times since Christmas, Farncombe Boat House on the River Wey is experiencing a 250% increase in the number of advance holiday reservations.

Its four day-boats also have good bookings. Shropshire Union based

IRISH BOATERS PROTEST AGAINST NEW CHARGES P104

Canal lovers’ flood appeal

DONATIONS of £25 were requested for a St Valentine’s Day emergency flood appeal by Canal & River Trust operations director Vince Moran.

He said: “There has never been a more important time to take action to protect our inland waterways.”

He also referred to the storms’ ‘devastating impact’ on the waterways where staff were working around the clock clearing debris and keeping water moving but the situation was deteriorating and could cost millions of pounds to repair.

479 BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

Norbury Wharf has also reported an increase on last year as has Heritage Narrow Boats, based on the Macclesfield Canal.

It is also understood that 2014 prospects are good for Shire Cruisers’ Pennine based holidays too.

Bookings for ABC Leisure’s multibased fleet are 1% up and Hoseasons Holidays has said that those across its boating portfolio are up 26% compared to the same period in 2013; with the Broads top of the list of its most popular boating destinations.

P15

More locations, more choice Stourport Marina Tel 01299 827 082

Racecourse Marina, Windsor

Stourport on Severn

Tel 01753 851 717

River Thames, Windsor

Thames & Kennet Marina

Walton Marina

Tel 01932 221 689

Boat sales at seven Marinas with over 150 boats for sale

Visit:

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Upton upon Severn

Walton on Thames

Brundall Bay Marina

Tel 01189 477 770

River Thames, Caversham

Upton Marina

Tel 01684 593 111

Tel 01603 717 804

Pyrford Marina

Tel 01932 343 275 River Wey, Surrey

Norfolk Broads

However a National Canal Flood Appeal issued by the Canal & River Trust in the wake of the damaging storms in mid-February has raised concerns among operators that it could give holidaymakers a false impression.

Tim Parker, chairman of the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators said: “At this time – when the public have already booked or are considering booking waterway holidays – the boat industry is concerned that the tone of the CRT press release and appeal could have an adverse effect on this.

“The vast majority of the CRT’s canal network is unaffected and, apart from engineering stoppages, is operating as normal. Boats are moving freely across much of the system.”

He went on to say: “Our members fully sympathise with the CRT’s financial position in funding the repairs to the parts of its system affected, but the public must be assured that waterways holidays are not threatened and they can book boats with confidence.”

Turn to P53 for more holiday information.

Postcode Lottery boost New direction for trust THE Stourbridge Navigation Trust is seeking new THE Canal & River Trust was named ‘Charity of

directors to take the helm. Originally formed as a sub-group of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Society in the 1970s, it became a separate entity in 1985. Trust financial director Chris Dyche, who has been with the group since its beginnings, said they would like to hear from anyone interested in being involved in the running of the Stourbridge Navigation Trust to ensure the future of the historic Canal Street site, its buildings and canal.

the Year’ at the People’s Postcode Lottery’s recent annual Charity Gala. The award was given in recognition of the way the trust, through support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, had raised public awareness and support of a project to help save the nation’s historic hedgerows. CRT chief executive Richard Parry also collected a cheque for £50,000 which will help fund three priority appeal projects.

2 NEWS

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AS I write, March has yet to come in, whether it be like a lion or a lamb, but February fill-dyke has been living up to its appellation, the winter storms causing mayhem across swathes of the country.

With night after night of news bulletins showing flooded homes and farmland, broken railway lines and roads under water, people are understandably concerned about travelling near the affected areas and their holiday plans.

But the tourist industry is quick to point out that the UK is very much open for business and the inland waterways holiday operators have hit out at a Canal & River Trust National Canal Flood Appeal which implies that the storm has had a ‘devastating impact’.

It is in no doubt that there has been costly damage and there have been many incidents of fallen trees and rivers in flood causing temporary stoppages but the majority of the canal network is operating as normal and, to coin a phrase, things can only get better.

A common concern when boaters get together, dredging – or the lack of it – has been on many people’s lips and hopefully one of the lessons to be learned from the last few weeks is the need to keep all our waterways flowing at full capacity.

The inclement weather has not stopped people visiting the stoppage open days, see Harry Arnold’s report on page 4, and I have been finding out more about PPM, see what it’s all about on page 14.

TOWPATH

TALK

Janet

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NABO calls for boaters’ welfare support after eviction row THE National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) has highlighted the need for some additional support to boaters in the form of a Canal & River Trust welfare/boating liaison manager.

Recently the CRT legally removed a boat from its waters using the section 8 process and in so doing effectively made a boater homeless. Feelings around this event ran high on the boating forums and web journals and a petition asking the CRT to stop evicting vulnerable boaters raised more than 4500 signatures.

“NABO recently contacted CRT by email, the main content of which we hope is a serious contribution to the debate and continues in the theme of NABO wanting to be a ‘critical friend’ of CRT,” said NABO chairman Dr Mike Rodd.

“We believe the trust would help itself and some of its customers if there was a central point of responsibility such as a welfare or boating liaison manager (the job title is irrelevant) through whom both boaters and the trust’s own enforcement team could liaise.

“For a charity that seeks to increase the number of ‘friends’, volunteers, bequests etc. the one thing you do not want is bad publicity, even, as in this case, if it would appear the law is on your side. This is why its

PR office quickly circulated its rebuttal to boating associations and other organisations.”

Dr Rodd continued: “The number of boaters who need support of a social or medical nature (as opposed to just financial) seems to me to be increasing even though the numbers that reach the sanction of having their boat removed is very small.

“This is why NABO supports the need for a welfare or boating liaison manager (not officer). We believe this person needs to be skilled in the knowledge of how the social services, NHS , benefits system works so that he/she can refer the boater and involve these agencies if needed at an early stage. In our view, we need a manager at a level such that the enforcement team has to work through them if the case meets certain criteria. The manager needs to be of a level that can recommend the legal process is deferred while an interim solution is found.

Under the radar

“NABO is sure there are vulnerable people on boats who fall under the radar currently and the boating community generally are pretty good at providing self-help to fellow boaters but it would help if there

was a person who could be contacted for support by boaters, boating associations, chaplains, dog walkers, enforcement officers, volunteers etc.

“Some boaters might need help to get back on land where better care/facilities may be available. Others might need a helping hand to obtain benefits to which they might be entitled that would help them either continue cruising or fund a mooring.

“CRT is not and should not be a housing association or social service, but it needs to recognise that if some of its customers are in trouble, it in turn has a problem.”

Dr Rodd added: “We support the principle of enforcement of the terms of the cruising licence.

Perhaps a little less spent on subsidising partnerships or better still taking a small bite out of the £1.5 million towpath management budget to fund a skilled manager would pay dividends both for boaters and as a genuine good bit of PR for CRT.” ● More details of the National Association of Boat Owners can be found at www.nabo.org.uk

A chance to bend the chief executive’s ear

By Harry Arnold

CANAL & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry had a packed house for the first in a series of open boaters’ meetings; with over 100 people attending a central Birmingham venue on the evening of Thursday, January 23.

He plans to make these meetings regular events, holding them in each CRT waterway area throughout the year, and stated: “I want to make sure we listen carefully to views from the cut and openly share our ideas and plans for the future so that we get input from those whose commitment to our waterways is greatest to make sure our plans align with what our customers want.”

As attendees were lobbied as they entered by members of The National Bargee Travellers Association, which represents ‘itinerant liveaboard boat dwellers’, to quote its leaflet; it looked as if it might be a lively night, with controversial topics like living aboard being hotly debated.

However, this wasn’t the case, with this subject being hardly touched upon. Possibly also any heat was taken out of the questions by a fairly detailed and very good introduction

by Mr Parry in which he clearly outlined the current situation within the CRT, plans for the future and particularly his personal vision for the way ahead.

Questions were wide-ranging, on topics such as national standards for facilities, volunteers at locks, removal of saplings, the average cost per mile of dredging, request for more detail on the CRT’s national strategic plans, some

Richard Parry addresses boaters at the Birmingham meeting. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES detail on how the CRT will be spending its income, restrictions on roving traders and bidding in mooring auctions.

Concerns were expressed over novice boaters, especially hirers, and whether they should be required to pass a test of some sort. Having witnessed the antics of some private boaters, the words “throwing stones” and “glass houses” passed through my mind.

Not for sale

An interesting hypothesis was mooted by one questioner: that if the CRT continues to make improvements, the network could be snapped up by private enterprise in 10 years’ time. Mr Parry gave a categorical assurance that there can be no sale of the waterways to a private enterprise as both the contract with Government and the CRT’s governance absolutely prevents this.

He was asked if the CRT is getting value for money from the waterway partnerships or whether they are just talking shops? Mr Parry said that they are making a very significant contribution in drawing the CRT closer to local priorities and finding new relationships and funding sources. This was backed up by one of the two local CRT waterway managers present who praised the work of his partnership Following the main question session there were refreshments plus a chance to circulate and personally bend Mr Parry’s ear, also those of other CRT officials both from headquarters and local offices.

Altogether it was a good format and, in the general view of those boaters attending, a successful evening that was worth repeating. It also established another tier of good relations between

the CRT and users. The meeting was perhaps surprisingly amicable in the tone of the questioning but I might venture to suggest that Mr Parry may not get such an easy ride from some boaters on other parts of the waterway system.

At the next meeting on Saturday, February 8, in Nottingham, other somewhat different questions included outdoor swimming in CRT waters (an unusual one), more seats on the CRT council for boaters, the attitude of enforcement teams plus a number on continuous cruising and periods of staying on visitor moorings. ● Follow-up notes of questions and answers at the Birmingham meeting are available on the CRT website at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

TimeTo sTrikewhileThe iron’s hoT DIAGONAL Lock pioneer Terry Fogarty has added his voice to those campaigning for a major dredging programme following the disastrous floods in the South and South West.

“We should strike while the iron’s hot,” he told Towpath Talk. “Now is the time to highlight years of neglect.”

Describing this as “verging on criminal”, the Solihull-based businessman referred to a local meeting a few years ago at which he claimed the then British Waterways “completely ignored” the views of people who knew the canals.

Terry said that he had attended the first of Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry’s open boaters’ meetings in Birmingham and had been impressed with his enthusiasm but disappointed at the lack of “concrete” suggestions.

“People do not grasp that water has to run in a downward direction,” he continued. “Dredging is needed so that water can flow into the canals.”

It was a close shave for members of the Mersey Motor Boat Club at Scarisbrick on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal when this tree became one of the victims of recent gale force winds, missing a member’s boat by just a few feet. PHOTO: EDDIE BARFORD

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Can you help to find Elaine?

This poster shows the coat which Elaine was wearing when she disappeared.

FAMILY and friends of liveaboard boater Elaine Harrison are appealing for the boating community’s help in tracing her after she went missing from Nottingham Castle Marina on Monday December 9.

The 59-year-old mother and grandmother disappeared from her boat and police are growing increasingly concerned for her safety.

Elaine is 5ft 2in of large build with grey collar length hair and she wears silver rimmed glasses. She was last seen wearing a grey fleece with cream fur trim on the outside pockets and bottom of her coat. She was also wearing dark trousers and white pumps.

CCTV footage showed her at around 4pm walking along Castle Bridge Road past Homebase towards Queens Drive,

IN BRIEF

Nottingham. There has been massive support from the local community who have postered, searched endlessly and helped with social media campaigns.

The family are desperate to get Elaine home as they can’t understand how she could just disappear and there are children and grandchildren needing her to come home. Her son has been interviewed on BBC Radio Nottingham there has been full coverage in the Nottingham Evening Post, on Capital Radio and Central News.

A Facebook campaign has more than 2500 followers and there is also a campaign on Twitter at #findelaine If you can help with any information call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting ref 154 10/12/13.

Maintenance spend

MEMBERS of the Canal & River Trust’s senior management team, including chief executive Richard Parry recently met national boating group representatives in the first of a series of regular meetings. CRT’s maintenance spend was the main topic of discussion with operations director Vince Moran explaining how the trust cares for the core fabric of its waterways. Visitor moorings will be the topic of the next meeting on March 31.

Missing Nottingham woman Elaine Harrison. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

New Scottish canal ready to open in April

By Hugh Dougherty

SCOTLAND’S newest canal, the 900m stretch of waterway connecting the Forth & Clyde with the River Forth at Grangemouth, will be handed over to Scottish Canals in good time for its public opening on Monday, April 21.

The canal towards Grangemouth in February 2013, when keeping rainwater out of the works was the main concern.

Work is almost complete on the canal, with the Kelpie horse head statues in place, water in the lower stretch towards Grangemouth, Kerse Road lifting bridge ready to be commissioned in conjunction with Falkirk Council and final works going on at the lock and basin connecting the waterway to the existing Forth & Clyde Canal.

A Scottish Canals spokesman said: “We are very excited about the handover and public opening which is in good time for our Forth & Clyde users to enjoy the extension in spring and summer. The work has gone very smoothly and the contractor, Balfour Beatty, is on time and to budget. This is part of the Helix project and represents a real partnership between ourselves, Falkirk Council, the Big Lottery Fund, Falkirk Community Trust and Central Scotland Forest Trust.”

It is expected that Scottish transport minister, Keith Brown will carry out the official opening in company with the provost of Falkirk Council and other dignitaries. Mr Brown announced at the end of January that the Scottish Government would plough £500,000 into the £1.3 million Helix visitor centre, which is still being built, and is earmarked for a summer opening.

Towpath Talk’s Hugh Dougherty was the first journalist to be given a preview of the works in February 2013 when major excavations were taking place and this year pictures show just what progress has been made.

towpaths with the Black Country Living Museum.

The improvements will be made possible with a £1 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund, a £989,200 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and further support from the JP Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, The Wolfson Foundation, Dudley Canal Trust (Trips)

WESLEY Marine Windows looks forward to welcoming customers old and new at its open day in Newark on Saturday, March 15. John Dickinson and his staff will be showing the latest bi-fold shower doors as well as a range of windows and portholes.

Open from 10am-4pm, the workshop can be found at Unit 8, Sanigar Court, Whittle Close, Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2DT. Contact 01636 704363 www.wesleywindows.co.uk.

Centenary events

THE Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has been awarded £7900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to stage a series of public events in Chippenham. They will mark the centenary of the canal’s abandonment and will include a series of lock open days in the summer and half-term activities at the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, Pewsham Lock.

Gloucester live A WEBSITE which streams live

Looking up the new canal towards the lock gates and basin link with the Forth & Clyde – February 2014.

PHOTOS: HUGH DOUGHERTY

DuDley scheme gets green light FUNDING is now in place for a £3 million regeneration scheme to transform Dudley’s historic canal tunnels and mines.

Work is set to include the building of a new visitor portal where people can learn more about the history and importance of the canal tunnels and mines. A new canal bridge will also be built to help connect the portal and

Open windows

Ltd and the Dudley Canal Trust.

Jeff Luesley, chairman of Dudley Canal Trust (Trips) Ltd commented: “This is fantastic news. It means we now have funding in place to build both phases of the development in one go.

“If all goes to plan we hope to start building this summer with completion 12 months later.

“This will be a major step towards the Dudley Council’s Castle Hill project which also includes Dudley Zoological Gardens and the Black Country Living Museum and enhances links with Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve to create a major tourist venue.” ● Persistence pays off for tourist attraction P12

footage of Gloucester’s docks and river has already received more than 14,000 hits. Cameras installed in January in partnership with Farson Digital enable the Canal & River Trust to monitor water levels as well as helping boaters and anglers to look at the conditions before deciding on a visit. Docks and River Severn lock approach views can be found at www.farsondigitalwatercams.com/ live-webcams/central/severn/

Whitchurch appeal

A SCHEME to extend an arm of the Shropshire Union Canal into Whitchurch could cost up to £650,000 compared with the £475,000 originally estimated. The Whitchurch Waterway Trust is set to start fundraising for the project which it hopes will bring boaters nearer to the town centre and help boost tourism. But it believes costs could rise, especially if the soil is found to be contaminated.

Plans for the small arm extension near the Wrexham Road entrance to the town were approved by Shropshire Council at the end of November.

4 NEWS

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Nostalgic journey to the bottom of Grindley Brook Locks

By Harry Arnold

The spectacular view from the bridge of groups of visitors in all three of the Grindley Brook staircase locks. PHOTOS:WATERWAY IMAGES

OF THE wide range of the current series of successful lock open days organised by the Canal & River Trust (CRT), perhaps the most visually spectacular was that run by North Wales & Border Waterways on January 12 at Grindley Brook Locks on the Llangollen Canal.

The three-lock staircase, immediately following three single locks, is one of the fascinating engineering features of this most popular of holiday waterways; one which sometimes presents novice boaters with an interesting operating exercise.

Above: CRT chief executive Richard Parry and Nicky Morgan MP with a group of visitors in Loughborough Lock.

Left: Major engineering work on the staircase – when the middle chamber collapsed – on April 6, 1970.

Unlike other lock open days, where the public went in and out via the same stairs, Grindley Brook visitors were organised into parties of 10 which, accompanied by a knowledgeable member of CRT staff, were able to enter at the top and pass down through each chamber, emerging at the bottom. At each of the three stages the work and the special features were explained to them.

I was last in the bottom of these locks on April 6, 1970, taking photographs for British Waterways of major engineering work to rebuild the middle chamber and quite forgot that things like pieces of bullhead railway line were used as part of the reconstructed sills. A technique that perhaps wouldn’t be used nowadays, but now an interesting feature of ‘canal heritage’ to be explained to visitors.

Among the wide range of visitors was the daughter of the then lock keeper who, like me, was last in the chambers in 1970. She was just one of over 500 members of the public which included the Mayor of Whitchurch, other councillors and CRT chief executive Richard Parry, who seems to have visited virtually all of these open days.

Apart from CRT information – which included a very informative four-page give-away document – local volunteer groups had displays.

Assisting waterway operational staff were 10 CRT volunteers and others from these groups. Grindley Brook also has the handy Lockside Cafe which looked after the refreshments on the day, including very welcoming free coffee.

In contrast to the narrow confines of Grindley Brook the locals of Loughborough were able to view work

Paving the way for new lock gates

By Janet Richardson

The temporary roadway, the trees having been cut back to allow the crane and other heavy vehicles to access the lock site.

One of the lock gates is craned into position. PHOTO: CRT

ONE of the more complicated projects in this winter’s stoppage programme in the North East region has been the replacement of the lock gates at Cromwell Lock on the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Brighouse.

This lock hadn’t been drained for some 25 years so it also provided an opportunity to inspect the structure, CRT construction supervisor Eric Walker explained.

However, before any this work could be done, a £30,000 project was needed to build a temporary access road to the lock which is in a remote location sandwiched between a large lake used for waterskiing and the River Calder.

As well as negotiating permission to cross the land owned by the White Rose Waterski Club, it has also involved the removal of vegetation and fencing to enable 5km of temporary roadway to be laid between the car park and the lock site and the reinstatement of the site afterwards.

I visited the site the day before the crane was due to arrive in advance of the lock gates made at the Canal & River Trust’s Stanley Ferry workshop and costing around £66,000. Both sets of gates, top and bottom, the cills and balance beams were due to replaced, the project is expected to take around three weeks.

Construction supervisor Eric Walker.

Inside the drained lock. PHOTO: CRT

Fitting one of the new lock gates. PHOTO: CRT

They don’t make hard hats and HiVis jackets in my size! on one of the wide locks of the River Soar section of the Grand Union Canal on Saturday, January 25 in an open day organised by Central Shires Waterways.

Apart from almost 250 members of the public who turned out to view the work on Loughborough Lock the local parliamentary representative Nicky Morgan MP spent quite some time meeting CRT staff and volunteers plus some of her constituents. The technicalities of the work were explained to her by CRT chief executive Richard Parry.

Another feature of this event was a display by the local CR Central Shires Partnership and demonstrations, including participation, offered by the local canoe club.

All this was terminated, fortunately on the planned finishing time, by a most frightening thunderstorm, although people were still determinedly queuing to get a look in the lock chamber.

NEWS 5

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Narrowboat shell to become children’s Discovery Deck

By Harry Arnold

FACED with the problem of an ever-increasing number of books and the lack of a library, a Rugeley school has come up with an unusual and innovative solution – a narrowboat.

The idea came up following the discovery on the internet by governor’s clerk Sarah Mollitt – who has been on canal holidays – of a school adapting a bus for this purpose.

Although Chancel Primary School is next to the boat at Bridge 67 on the Trent & Mersey Canal, the boat is not afloat.

It stands firmly on the grass right next to the school by St Augustine’s Church, a landmark mooring for boaters calling at the town, and has already become a talking point in Rugeley.

The 40ft steel shell, complete with windows – in effect a

A reference book to start off the waterways section of the library.

PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

sailaway without engine – has been supplied at what can be described as a charitable price

by Nick Thorpe of Nick Thorpe Boatbuilding Ltd, who is also providing advice on fit-out. Nick is a few miles up the road in Hixon and builds not only boats for private owners but also does work for major companies in the industry.

Main funding was a grant of £10,000 from the Big Lottery Awards for All scheme, and it is estimated that about another £6000 is required to complete the project. However, it is hoped that much of this will be in kind, from work by parents and teachers and assistance from local companies and individuals.

Pupils, parents and teachers are very proud of their new library, as we found out when we were invited along to an early morning coffee session with the school council to look at the boat and to hear the announcement of its name. Discovery Deck was the perceptive and popular choice from 200 suggestions by the children.

The teacher’s opinion is that the unusual nature of the new library will encourage the children’s reading, particularly that of the boys. It also chimes well with Rugeley’s mining and waterway history since boats were passing this point by 1770, some years before the full opening of the Trent & Mersey Canal.

To help with their forthcoming look at canal history (pupils will be attending an educational week at Fradley Junction) we gave them a copy of Edward Paget-Tomlinson’s The Illustrated History of Canal &

Pupils proudly display the name of their new library with boatbuilder Nick Thorpe. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

The narrowboat is craned into the school grounds. PHOTO: CHANCEL

PRIMARY SCHOOL

River Navigations, our favourite reference work, to start off the waterways section of the new library.

By coincidence, the school is also on the site of the old Rugeley Grammar School and

from the plans it is believed that the boat stands right where its library used to be. If you want to follow the progress of the project – or would like to help – the school has a blog – www.chancelptfa.wordpress.com

Charity offers help to families of waterway workers HELP is at hand for West Midlands families experiencing hardship where either parent has worked on the canal or at sea.

Community engagement officer Tobias Dingwall works for the Sailors’ Children’s Society which has been financially supporting maritime families across the UK for more than 192 years.

He told Towpath Talk: “My role is to raise awareness across the West Midlands of families and parents who have worked at sea or on the canal and are financially struggling

to raise their children. This is on behalf of a number of maritime charities.”

Support can include grants for a family caravan holiday, education, school uniform, home computer or a monthly day-to-day living allowance.

The aim of the society is to provide not only the basic necessities of life such as clothing, but also to allow the children to partake in everyday activities that will enable them to achieve their full potential and take their place in society.

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Tributes to museum manager THE Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum’s general manager David Henderson died after suffering a heart attack on January 11 outside Northampton Town’s football ground where he had been watching a match with his son.

David, 57, joined the museum in 2006 and was instrumental in setting up and running the successful Village at War event.

His deputy Louise Stockwin described him as a cheerful, colourful character who delighted in his work not only at Stoke Bruerne but also by being part of the Northamptonshire Museums & Historic Houses Forum.

Writing in Endeavour, the IWA Northampton branch newsletter, the chairman of the Friends of Stoke Bruerne Museum, David Blagrove, paid tribute to David Henderson and added: “His memorial must be the revitalised and forward-looking museum which has now made itself the centrepiece round which the thriving economic community of Stoke Bruerne revolves.”

Mr Henderson leaves his wife, Amanda, three children and grandchildren.

Volunteers join forces to revive community boat service A NEW community boat organisation, Waterways Experiences (WExp), aims to be running accessible boat trips from the Nash Mills Boat Base on the Grand Union Canal at Hemel Hempstead later this spring.

After the sad news of the demise of local charity Reach Out Plus, a group of former volunteers got together to form WExp and build on the excellent work which had been started at the Boat Base.

A spokesman told Towpath Talk: “We want to offer boat trips to all members of the community, but in particular to disabled and other disadvantaged groups in and around Hertfordshire.

“Having been a crew member for ROP on several occasions, I can tell you how rewarding it is to see the delight on the faces of people when they first master a lock, or negotiate the wheelchair ramps successfully.”

He said that one patient suffering from motor neurone disease had told him, through her voice box, that she spent most of her time in hospital, and was absolutely thrilled to be able

to get out for a day in the fresh air to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canal.

“We’re honoured to be given the chance to continue to serve our community in this way,” he added.

With boats operated in conjunction with the Neighbourly Charitable Trust and an enthusiastic group of people, they are moving from an organisation which mainly relied on paid staff to one run solely by volunteers and are looking for more help to make WExp a real success.

“We’d love to hear from anyone who would be able to skipper the boats or would like to crew for our boat trips. We also need help with boat maintenance and maintaining the base and have a range of jobs available from gardening to fundraising. Please do get in touch with John Bennett if you could spare any of your time. ● Contact John Bennett on 07752 370288, email: johnbennett1@ntlworld.

Support reaches out to single parent families (many of them single due to bereavement) and to families where one of the parents is too ill or disabled to work and the other acts as carer. All the families must be in receipt of a mean tested benefit before being able to apply for the society’s help. ● If you need help please do not hesitate to call Seafarer’s Children’s Support on 0800 055 6558.

The Marjorie Steel is one of the boats to be operated in conjunction with the Neighbourly Charitable Trust. PHOTO SUPPLIED

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IN BRIEF

The pros and cons of living afloat

Wind farm

NEW continuous cruisers are being advised by the Canal & River Trust to think carefully about the demands of living afloat.

The trust is concerned that they may not fully understand the requirement for bona fide navigation and may believe it is sufficient simply to move around within a small area.

Some therefore get a shock when they find that they are in breach of the rules, while the trust is forced to embark on a time-consuming and costly enforcement process.

CRT head of boating Sally Ash said: “We want people thinking of living afloat to be fully aware of the challenges,

BOATERS and riverside walkers who enjoy the peaceful countryside around the River Witham in Lincolnshire may be concerned to hear that a wind farm of 23 turbines has been proposed by Swedish stateowned company Vattenhall on land at Nocton Fen. We have been alerted to this by one of our stockists of Towpath Talk, the White Horse Inn at Dunston Fen where a Protect Nocton Fen (PNF) action group meeting was held recently. Follow Whitehorse Inn on Facebook for further developments.

Trolley trove THE Trolleywise app is now available for iPhone and Android devices enabling you to report abandoned trolleys.

Based in Newport, Wales, Trolleywise has worked as a national UK retrieval company for abandoned and lost trolleys since 2007. Its goal is to return the trolleys back to the retailer, create a cleaner environment and minimise illegal fly tipping. For more details visit www.trolleywise .co.uk/trolleywise-app/ or email support@trolleywise

December winners

CONGRATULATIONS to the two lucky winners of the Fuel-Guard competition in our December issue. A Fuel-Guard Decontaminator and Water Separator, worth more than £200, will be going to Ken Burton of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire and Emma Lewis of Oldham, Greater Manchester.

as well as the benefits, before taking the leap.”

The trust is working to raise awareness among homeseekers and boat sales advertisers and will be contacting everyone newly registering as a continuous cruiser to ensure they fully understand the requirements.

After three months, if there is concern about a boat’s limited movement, the charity will send a reminder and invitation to contact the local enforcement officer to discuss the cruising pattern.

Ultimately if they can’t meet the movement requirements they will need to get a home mooring before their licence can be renewed.

Crown Estate funds Green Blue programme THE Crown Estate has granted the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine Federation’s innovative environmental awareness programme, the Green Blue, funding for a further three years.

It works with boaters, yachting and boat clubs and marine businesses to provide advice and guidance on energy efficiency, recycling and water use – promoting all round environmental best practice.

The Crown Estate has provided funding for the project since its launch in 2005 and from 2009 the money has specifically helped to employ a dedicated sustainability officer, who works closely with the UK’s marine leisure sector.

Since its launch The Green Blue has helped hundreds of clubs and marinas across the UK, the vast majority of whom are the Crown Estate’s tenants, to minimise their impact on the environment.

This has involved environmental audits, engaging members and berth holders to help them go green on board, advising on energy efficiency, setting up improved waste management systems resulting in millions of litres of waste being diverted from landfill to recycling and encouraging the installation of washdown and pump out facilities to protect water quality.

The Green Blue’s project manager, Jane Swan, said: “We look forward to continuing our work with The Crown Estate’s leisure marine properties to help them achieve the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”

Agency job cuts could increase flooding risk – union

by Harry Arnold

PLANS by the Environment Agency to cut 90 residential keepers on the River Thames have been revealed by GMB, the union for staff dealing with flood defences.

It claims that a new report in March 2014 will recommend revival of rejected plans for a substantial reduction in the number of lock and weir keepers and a freeze on the recruitment of resident keepers.

The GMB union’s statement continues: “That this will further increase the risk of flooding, potentially putting lives and property at risk.

These unnecessary changes will see the response time to operate weirs and sluices increase from minutes to hours.

“That is because each weir needs to be operated sequentially and any weir that isn’t adjusted in time or by the correct amount will act as a dam.

Any delay leads to water being held back and the river level rising unnecessarily.”

A delay of only 20 minutes in fully opening weir gates and sluices can cause water levels to peak several inches higher than they otherwise might have done.

To those living in low lying areas, every inch is critical.

Under working practices proposed once a keeper has operated one weir they will have to race to the next site, which are typically in remote locations (on occasions by bus or bike) in order to operate the weir in the hope of doing so before water levels start to rise.

The GMB union claims 90 Thames lock keepers are to go.

PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

EA managers claim that they no longer needed resident keepers as they had over 200 employees on stand-by to respond to incidents on the Thames. The agency has yet to provide any meaningful evidence to support claimed cost savings.

Budget forecast

Frank Minal, GMB regional officer, said: “It comes with the River Thames flooded, and just a week after EA chief executive Paul Leinster assured the Government that there would be no cuts to front line flood defences as part of the proposed 1700 jobs to be cut. With so much at stake it’s time for a full Parliamentary Audit of the Environment Agency Waterways Department.”

An official EA statement, given to us in response to the GMB claims, says: “Our budget for 14/15 will be confirmed shortly.

However, we are likely to reduce staff numbers from the previous forecast of around 11,250 at the end of March 2014 to around 9700 by October 2014. We will then aim to keep numbers broadly at that level through to March 2015 dependent of course on future funding. The planned reductions in posts will not affect the EA’s ability to respond to flooding incidents and the EA will minimise the impact on other front line services through the changes”.

It adds: “The detail of how different teams within the EA will be affected is not yet finalised so we will not comment further, but union, staff and customer engagement is planned across the EA over the coming months.”

Marina planned for Selby Mill Site PLANS for a 32-berth marina with more than 300 homes, shops and leisure facilities next to the Selby Canal and the River Ouse have been approved by Selby District Council, writes Geoff Wood.

Another scheme for 500 homes at Olympia Park in the Yorkshire town has also been given the go-ahead.

The leader of Selby District Council, Councillor Mark Crane said: “We are sending out a clear message that the district is open for business and ready to take advantage of new opportunities.”

Councillor Crane said he hoped the marina would bring in many more visitors to the area and provide a wider

knock-on effect for the local economy.

An officers’ report to the planning committee on the marina scheme said: “The scheme is considered to represent a unique opportunity for the district which would provide a mix of development that would assist the regeneration of the town.”

Vandalised Brecon aqueduct repaired A GRADE II listed aqueduct on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in Pontymoile has been repaired, after vandals caused thousands of pounds of damage by hurling stone masonry on to the banks of the Afon Lwyd below.

Glandwr Cymru – the Canal & River Trust in Wales – has invested £45,000 in the project, which also restored 19th century railings on either side of the aqueduct and gave engineers the chance to repair long term damage caused by growing ivy and tree roots. The work took over four weeks, having started just before Christmas.

David Viner, heritage advisor at Glandwr Cymru, said: “We’re really pleased to get these repairs done. The damage appeared quite blatant. We suspect some larrikins hurled sections of the masonry on to the banks below, and quite a bit was carried off down the river. It just shows how much this sort of stupidity can end up costing.

“Because of the age of the aqueduct, and the Grade II listed status, it was specialist work. The location, effectively suspended above the river, also meant that quite a lot of effort had to go into getting the engineers in a safe position to do the job. The aqueduct is a very important piece of Welsh waterway heritage, so it’s great to see it back in top condition.”

The repaired Pontymoile Aqueduct.

PHOTO: GLANDWR CYMRU

● The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a 35-mile canal that runs through the Brecon Beacons and dates back over 200 years.

RYA SPOTLIGHT 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the national body for all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.

Sustainable boating at its best

The Green Blue – the environment project of the BMF (British Marine Federation) and the RYA – takes a look at sustainable boating in action on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

IT’S not difficult to see why Caen Hill Marina recently won The Yacht Harbour Association’s inaugural award for both Inland Marina of the Year and Employee of the Year as voted for by its own moorers and announced at the London Boat Show 2014.

The warm welcome, great customer service by managers Rob and Cara Hodgson-Reed, the community links, the facilities; not to mention the infectious passion for all things inland and superb location on the Kennet & Avon Canal at the start of the iconic Caen Hill flight of 27 locks, makes for a winning combination. But something else gives Caen Hill Marina an edge which is perhaps less obvious to the eye.

Sustainability may be a buzzword but nowhere is it more important than on the inland waterways, where the protection of rich natural assets are vital for today’s water users as well as future generations. So it is good to see sustainability in action at the 250-berth Caen Hill Marina.

Developed and opened in October 2011 by the Land & Water Group, a number of environmental considerations were incorporated into the marina’s design. The well-insulated marina office block incorporates the shower and laundry facilities and is made from FSC certified Scandinavian timber. The office also houses the

backroom for the water source heat pump system.

Ground, air or water source heat pumps are an increasingly common and cost efficient way to produce renewable energy, and a large water source such as a marina is particularly ideal, especially if it is installed early in the build. For Caen Hill Marina, heat is absorbed from the water in the marina basin through pipes submerged around the pontoons. The flow of water provides constant energy replacement and in the unlikely event that a top up is required solar thermal panels on the office roof give the system an extra boost.

Water treatment

With no mains sewerage or septic tank, the treatment and disposal of wastewater and sewage had to be another consideration, the solution being the installation of a Bio Disc.

Waste from the showers, toilets and laundry is pumped to a treatment tank where it is macerated with rotating discs. An aerobic digestion process using microbes then breaks it down further before it can be safely discharged to a reed bed pond several hundred yards away.

Appreciation of nature is without doubt one of the key reasons to go boating, hence the importance of

IN BRIEF

Photo request

CANAL societies, waterways enthusiasts and amateur photographers are being encouraged to help a campaign set to launch this spring aiming to broaden support for canal restoration. The Canal & River Trust and Inland Waterways Association are seeking striking photographs of restoration efforts over the past 40 years. Images can be sent to kate.langley@canalrivertrust.org.uk or on CD or memory stick to: Kate Langley, Canal & River Trust, Peel’s Wharf, Lichfield Street, Fazeley, Tamworth B78 3QZ. Images should be saved with the location and the owner’s name in the file name and, if possible, the approximate date it was taken.

Moorings plan FOUR new moorings are among plans

The environmentally friendly Caen Hill Marina. PHOTO: RYA sparing a thought for the wildlife in and around a marina. The clay extracted from the original cut and fill forms the bank and road, with a French drain system (a gravel filled trench) acting as a natural conduit for water run-off, but to the side is snake alley – a shallow gulley cut into the bank to allow local grass snakes to cross safely! The marina is home to carp, geese, herons, damselflies and kingfishers to name just a few.

Moorers also play their part in keeping the marina in great shape by using biodegradable and phosphate free products to avoid algal-blooms and weed growth, both of which are not only unsightly but harmful for

wildlife and occasionally for your prop too! And of course nothing is allowed to go overboard (even an apple core can take weeks to break down), a weekly litter check just to make sure, plenty of well signposted recycling facilities, low energy lighting in the pontoon bollards and careful refuelling with spill kits to hand just in case are all great examples of responsible, sustainable boating at its best, protecting the culture, countryside and heritage of the inland environment for generations to come. ● For more information about The Green Blue visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk

for a derelict site alongside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Barnoldswick, Lancashire. Proposals for the former Bank House site in the Applegarth area also include eight new homes, allotments, a woodland school and a new footpath. A 12-space car park could also be created on the site for use by allotment visitors and canal users. Barnoldswick Town Council has supported the scheme in principle and it will be determined by Pendle Council.

Towpath cycling

THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has issued new advice on towpath cycling in response to the increase in demand for new or continuing use of canal and river towpaths as cycle routes.

IWA’s Cycling Code aims to promote good practice among cyclists on the towpath and to raise awareness and improve the safety of both cyclists and other towpath users. More information can be found at www.waterways.org.uk

8 NETWORKING

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Blue’s the right colour for the BCS

SOCIETY NEWS

Pride of Bedford

THE Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’s new community boat, the John Bunyan, won the category ‘Raising the Profile of the Town’ at the recent Pride in Bedfordshire Awards. The ceremony heard how the boat had attracted visitors into Bedford and had carried 3000 passengers on cruises along the River Great Ouse since its launch last July. The boat was launched to help promote the trust’s long-term plans to link the River Great Ouse at Kempston to the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes.

THE Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) recently presented its former JCB 803 excavator to the Buckingham Canal Society.

Known as ‘Blue’, the machine was bought for WRG following an appeal to celebrate the IWA’s 50th anniversary in 1996.

Although the machine is still going strong, it is beginning to show signs of age and WRG decided that its days of

Birthday revival

PLANS are under way to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the PS Medway Queen’s launch during the weekend of April 26-27 subject to the completion of a new gangway and other safety requirements. The Medway Queen Preservation Society will also benefit from a Classic Boat Auction at Beale Park on Saturday, June 7. Special Auction Services of Newbury has offered to charge reduced commission on any lots donated in support of MQPS and any lots where a significant proportion of the proceeds will be donated to the society. www.medwayqueen.co.uk

Memorial bench

BLISWORTH Canal Partnership members recently joined Beryl Payler and the family of the late Jim Payler and local villagers to celebrate the installation of a memorial bench at the 18 mile marker and to add a commemorative plaque. Jim had an outstanding collection of photographs that he had taken over many years and had a particular interest in working boats. His photos regularly appeared in Towpath Talk.

Special weekend

A COMMEMORATIVE event will be held at Cheddleton over the weekend of September 27-28 to mark the 40th anniversary of the reopening of the Caldon Canal.

As well as working on this with the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, IWA North Staffordshire & Cheshire will also host the national AGM of the Inland Waterways Association in Leek on the Saturday of that weekend.

(Knobsticks, Winter)

Silver jubilee

THE Wendover Arm Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has asked its members for ideas to mark this milestone.

Possibilities include the rewatering of the next section up to bridge 4A and another ‘Walk an Arm’s length’ event. (Wendover Arm News, Winter)

Blue has a new home with the Buckingham Canal Society. PHOTO SUPPLIED

travelling to work sites around the country should come to an end and is looking to buy a new machine in 2014.

Expressions of interest in ‘Blue’ were sought from waterway restoration groups and Buckingham Canal Society put forward a particularly good case for taking it on.

WRG has donated the machine with BCS just paying transport costs for its delivery.

The River Foss Society learns from the Environment Agency UNTIL 1989 when the Foss Barrier was installed and commissioned by the Environment Agency on the River Foss, flooding in York was frequent during wet weather in the Foss catchment area.

Often this was accompanied by wet weather in the River Ouse catchment area backing up the usual 2.5m height difference in normal water levels in both rivers. Now when the Barrier is dropped, water can be pumped from the River Foss into the River Ouse with negligible effect on the latter but providing relief for a large area previously threatened with flooding.

The opposite problem of low water level in the River Foss has often still remained and has a number of causes, one obviously being a long, dry spell of weather. Another problem has been leakage through the Castle Mills Lock gates needing attention from the navigation authority, City of York Council – vandalism is not unknown!

For many years there has been an

Environment Agency guillotine sluice gate adjacent to the lock and this is coming to the end of its life with leakage under the sluice becoming worse.

Late last year River Foss Society members heard a fascinating talk about the new tilting weir sluice which has been fitted, but not yet commissioned, by the Environment Agency adjacent to the lock.

When commissioned the old guillotine sluice will be lifted but left in place until the new arrangement has been proved.

The new arrangement, when the old has been removed, will provide a much improved visual aspect.

The site was then visited on a lovely sunny day. A visit was also made to the Foss Barrier, last visited five years ago by the society, where another fascinating talk was heard about the barrier, its operation, future plans and work done and being done on flood control in the wider area. www.riverfosssociety.co.uk

The new weir in front of the guillotine gate with Castle Mills Lock to the right.

Living Waterways Awards are launched

School openS new boathouSe

THE Canal & River Trust has launched the 2014 Living Waterways Awards to recognise the most inspiring and exciting waterway-based projects across the network.

Building on the success of the Waterways Renaissance Awards, CRT wants to hear about those projects that have done the most to make a difference to the nation’s historic canals and rivers.

CRT chairman Tony Hales said: “We want to shine a spotlight on the most engaging, innovative and inspirational projects, to recognise the amazing work being done across the country, to celebrate success and, most of all, to say thank you.”

Led by an independent panel of experts drawn from the voluntary, environmental, heritage, engineering and architecture sectors, the Living

THE Grange School at Hartford near Northwich recently opened its new boathouse on the River Weaver at Acton Bridge.

A new boat PM Zulu was also named by World Junior Single Sculling Champion Jess Leyden and her mentor Ian John who were greeted by rowers, parents, governors and guests.

Before officially opening the boathouse, Jess and Ian gave an inspirational speech about their journey and were thanked by headmaster, Chris Jeffrey.

The rowing club also welcomed PM Zulu to its fleet of more than 30 boats. Donated by the Colton family it is named in memory of Pilot Officer Thomas Colton who navigated in Lancaster bombers during the Second World War. Formerly based at Northwich Rowing Club, the school started rowing back in 1985 with just a handful of pupils and a couple of boats. Today, the club involves nearly 100 pupils and coaches.

Waterways Awards will celebrate the work done by individuals, communities and organisations to improve their canal and river. The awards are sponsored by Keir, CPC Civils, Galliford Try and Hyder Consulting.

The nine award categories are: Interpreting our waterways; natural environment; community and volunteering; education and learning; restoration and historic environment; contribution to the built environment; water management, recreation and tourism and outstanding achievement. ● The closing date for entries is April 3, 2014 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in September. Further details can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Helping to keep Wales tidy

Virgin Media volunteers at work.

THE Swansea Canal Society is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Bernard Jones Memorial Award for 2013, presented at the Keep Wales Tidy Awards Ceremony at the Pierhead Buildings in Cardiff on Thursday, January 23.

Representing the SCS were David Henry, chairman, Martin Davies, secretary, Michelle Davidson, trustee, and Gordon Walker, councillor for Clydach and SCS member.

However, all were keen to stress that the award is, of course, for everyone who toils week in, week out, in all weathers, to make this canal such a beautiful sight.

The Bernard Jones Memorial trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the ‘river improvement’

category at the Keep Wales Tidy Awards, all waterways, rivers and canals, are included. The trophy and £250 are awarded to the group or organisation judged to have done most to improve the environment in and around a Welsh waterway.

Benefits to the community and wildlife must be shown as well as evidence of working with local schools, colleges, businesses, disability groups and other charities.

In 2013, volunteers collaborated with SCS in working on the canal from organisations including: Virgin Media Call Centre, Llansamlet; Pontardawe branch of the Co-op store; Ospreys rugby team and referrals from both the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Councils for Voluntary Services.

Members of the Junior Litter Pickers Club helping to tidy the towpath. PHOTOS: SWANSEA

CANAL SOCIETY

NETWORKING 9

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The site of the boat lift at Foxton.

A digital future for Foxton

AN EXCITING new visitor experience is envisaged for Foxton Locks as a result of a historic vote of the members of the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust.

At the recent Extraordinary General Meeting there was overwhelming support, by the largest ever vote of its members, for the directors’ proposal for a ‘digital vision’.

The Foxton Inclined Plane Trust has long advocated the physical rebuilding of the historic boat lift but will now primarily focus on using the latest digital technology to bring to life the Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift.

At the heart of this innovative vision will be a computer generated model of a moving boat lift.

In addition, it is envisaged that there will be an enhanced internet site, showcasing the computer model, downloadable Apps for smartphones and tablets as well as a major investment in materials to help visitors better understand the historical development of the site.

Museum curator Mike Beech said: “An investment in digital technology will provide the basis for new and exciting presentations as well as an opportunity to interact in real time with an operating digital model.

“This will provide a unique use of current technologies and give a greatly enhanced visitor experience. In the longer term we will look to expand the museum through the recreation of the historic Winding House”.

Cable cost

FIPT president David Stephenson was philosophical: “The trust has reluctantly accepted that the complete physical restoration of the boat lift would no longer be attainable in the foreseeable future. We have estimated the rebuilding costs would be in excess of £11 million and we believe it unlikely that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) would give financial support to the Lift replication project.

“Nevertheless, the trust remains open to the possibility of full restoration in the longer term should circumstances allow… and would

The Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift was a unique design of a lift that moved canal boats, floating in tanks (caissons), weighing 100 tons each, across a man-made slope (the ‘inclined plane’) up a vertical height of 70ft plus. It operated from 1900 to 1911, adjacent to

The Foxton Locks and museum. appreciate contact details of sympathetic millionaires!”

One factor that has led to this decision is that health and safety legislation requires that the main cables of the lift – those attaching the caissons to the main drive – must be replaced on a regular basis. The cost of the cables, at today’s values, would be £30,000 a year. This figure does not include any provision for installing them, nor any other ongoing maintenance costs, relating to other parts of the lift or payment to operational staff.

In the light of this, the trust directors have attempted, without success, to produce a positive business plan for the operation of the restored lift, and have thus proposed instead to proceed with the ‘digital vision’.

Martin Peters, chief executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, the organisation dedicated to developing tourism across Leicestershire, said: “Working in partnership with the trust, their enthusiastic volunteers and others has meant that the site is now in a much better state than it was in the 1980s.

“We already started to pursue funding opportunities with a view to helping to realise the new vision as soon as possible. I look forward to continuing to work with the trust to maintain Foxton Locks as a cornerstone of tourism in this part of the county.”

Foxton Locks, a 200-year-old flight of 10 locks, near the village of Foxton in South Leicestershire. Initially ‘mothballed’ it was scrapped in 1925 as it was no longer economic in the face of competition from the expanding railway network.

10 VOLUNTEERING

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WORK PARTY ROUNDUP WITH IWA’S STEFANIE PRESTON

Cleaning up the canals of Stoke-on-Trent VOLUNTEERS from as far away as Suffolk took part in a clean-up on the canals of Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday, February 9.

The event, which was organised by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and supported by Canal & River Trust, saw three miles of canal towpath cleaned up.

Twenty volunteers, several of them new to canal work parties, turned out to pull rubbish out of the canal and litter pick along the towpaths of the Trent & Mersey and Caldon canals. The volunteers included boaters and local residents as well as members of IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch, Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, Etruria Industrial Museum and CRT’s Towpath Taskforce.

The signing-in point was at Etruria Junction, the junction of the two canals, and volunteers worked in all three directions from there, as well as litter picking the area around the arm alongside the historic Jesse Shirley’s

Bone and Flint Mill. Volunteers from the Etruria Industrial Museum provided a very welcome place for a warm-up and a break with tea, coffee and biscuits for the hard workers.

The volunteers worked for a mile in all three directions, leaving the canals and towpaths of Stoke-on-Trent considerably cleaner. Some vegetation clearance was also carried out and the dry weather enabled the final bit of milepost painting on the Caldon Canal to be completed.

While most of the volunteers worked from the towpath with litter pickers and grappling hooks, three or four volunteers operated the CRT’s small aluminium trailable work boat. The work boat enabled the offside banks to be cleared and was used to transport much of the rubbish collected along the summit level to the skip at Etruria.

The skip was full by the end of the day, with all metal items put aside to be recycled. Volunteers recovered some useful objects that could be reused; this

Planting hedges on the Caldon Canal, January 2014. PHOTO:ALISON SMEDLEY

volunteers have renovated and widened the path from Wolseley Road, made improvements at Brindley Bank, begun to restore the old tramway, restored the pathway at the bottom of the ‘Bloody Steps’, begun work at the canal bank on St Augustine’s Field and maintained and kept tidy the new visitor moorings at Brindley Bank.

As well as achieving all this, the

IWA West Country Branch: Work party at Firepool Lock on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Tasks will include clearing vegetation around the car park and starting work to improve the area around the lock itself. Contact Bob Abbott bob.abbott@waterways.org.uk

Also Wednesdays March 5/12/19/26 Volunteers carry rubbish to the skip for sorting at the Stoke-on-Trent work party.

PHOTO:ALISON SMEDLEY

haul included a strong magnet of the type used by boaters to retrieve lost windlasses and a full spray can of white marking paint.

Approximately 40 bags of rubbish were collected in total, as well as a selection of larger objects pulled out of the canal, which included four bicycles, two shopping trolleys, tyres, carpets and some plastic fence panels.

Autumn and winter volunteering on the River Gipping Report courtesy River Gipping Trust

WORK parties on the River Gipping happen on a weekly basis, organised by the River Gipping Trust (RGT) and supported by IWA Ipswich Branch.

This autumn, the volunteers were once again blessed with a run of decent weather that lasted right up to the storm at the end of October. Since then the persistence of cold and damp weather has slowed the group down a bit and caused them to call a very early halt to one session at Pipps Ford.

However, the timber for the bridge at Pipps Ford was milled at the end of October and the members of the work party meeting at White House Farm have been able to make significant progress under cover, while the Pipps Ford group has had to deal with the weather and the after-effects of the storms.

The volunteers are near completing the first of the two side frames for the

Plans for work to be carried out during 2014 are continuously being developed and several jobs have already been identified. Old British Waterways signs need to be replaced, access at Leathermill Lane needs to be improved and work on the canal wall and towpath at Brindley Bank needs to be continued.

Plenty to keep all the IWA Lichfield Branch volunteers busy.

Cobbles exposed at Malkins Bank IN JANUARY, IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Trent & Mersey Canal Society returned to Malkins Bank on the Cheshire Lock flight of the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Having brought forward plans to work on these locks following requests from local residents, who had admired the volunteers’ work elsewhere on the flight, the group began work exposing the cobbles at locks 63 and 64.

All eight bottom gate quadrants (both locks being paired) were exposed, although there is more work to be done on the towpath ramp below lock 64. It was hoped that some painting would be completed but despite it being a mild day, the threat of rain was just too great and painting was postponed.

bridge and have prepared the laminations for the four curved bearers.

The work party used remarkable wood glue that set in minutes in spite of the very low temperature.

Away from the farm, the regular work party has been completing the replacement of the earth fill behind the new bridge abutments at Pipps Ford, so that the fill has time to settle before the bridge components are fitted into place.

One of the next jobs will be to prepare moulds and cast new coping stones for the abutments. The stones will then be put in place once the bridge is in position.

Luckily, the October storm came and went without causing any structural damage to any of the active sites, though fallen trees had to be cleared from the lock site at Baylham and we are aware of a number of other sites where trees have been weakened and are leaning over the river.

Saturday March 1

IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: Monthly work party on the Dee Branch in Chester. 10am to 4pm. Meet at Telfords Warehouse car park, Chester CH1 4EZ. Work will include painting, weeding, litter picking. Contact Mike Carter on 07795 617803, mike.carter@waterways.org.uk

More trees planted A busy year for IWA’s Lichfield Branch THE IWA Lichfield Branch logged more branch found the time to have two of its than 700 volunteer hours on the Trent & volunteers trained and assessed in the along the Caldon Mersey Canal in 2013; this is around use of CRT strimmers and they are now double the hours volunteers worked fully authorised to do so – an invaluable Canal’s hedgerow withOverthe the branch in 2012. resource for the work of Lichfield Branch year, the branch and which is often clearing vegetation.

VOLUNTEERS from IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust have been out hedge planting again.

The group met at Basford Bridge and after loading up wheelbarrows with spades, stakes, protective sleeves and a variety of hedge plants, the volunteers walked down the towpath to Woods Lock to start working back towards Cheddleton filling in the gaps in the existing hedge.

Some gaps just required two or three plants, but there were stretches where filling the gaps took up to 30 plants.

Such good progress was made that a return trip to base for further plants, stakes and protective sleeves was required. Over 300 trees were planted in total.

FORTHCOMINGWORK PARTY EVENTS

River Gipping Trust supported by IWA Ipswich Branch: Pipps Ford, Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8LJ or Baylham Mill Lock, Mill Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8LG, River Gipping. Meet at 9am to continue clearing storm damage to Pipps Ford or carry out maintenance at Baylham Mill Lock, finish at 3.30-4pm. For more information contact Martin Bird 01394 380765, restoration@rivergippingtrust.org.uk

Saturday and Sunday March 1-2

IWA Chelmsford Branch: Work party on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation in conjunction with Essex WRG. Contact Roy Chandler roy.chandler@waterways.org.uk

Monday March 3 and Wednesday March 5

IWA Warwickshire Branch supporting Canal & River Trust Towpath Taskforce: Hatton, Grand Union Canal. Tasks include lock painting, litter picking, veg clearance and path work. Meet at CRT maintenance yard, Hatton Locks, Birmingham Road, Warwick CV35 7JL. 10am to approx. 3pm. Further information info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk

Saturday and Sunday March 8-9

Worcester Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society supported by IWA Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch: Monthly work party weekend at Tardebigge Lime Kilns. 10am to 3pm each day. Meet at Canal & River Trust depot at Tardebigge, Worcester & Birmingham Canal (New Wharf, Alcester Road, Tardebigge, Bromsgrove B60 1NF). Further information Bill Lambert w.lambert@ntlworld.com

Sunday March 9

IWA Warwickshire Branch: Canal cleanup in Warwick. 10am till 1pm. Work will include removing rubbish from the canal, litter picking and vegetation clearance, so volunteers are advised to wear old clothes and stout shoes. Meet by the canal just on Warwick Old Road, opposite Morrison’s Supermarket, Leamington CV31 3NT, near the footbridge (Bridge 42). CRT will provide grappling hooks, litter picking tools and black bags.

Contact Brian Bayston 01926 831508, info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk

Tuesday March 11 and Sunday March 23

IWA Northampton Branch: Monthly work party on the Northampton Arm. Please wear stout shoes and old clothes and bring waterproofs and a packed lunch if staying all day. Contact Geoff Wood Geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

Wednesday March 12

IWA Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch: Monthly work party on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Tasks to include painting, tidying and vegetation clearance. 10am to 3pm. Meet at Falling Sands Lock, accessed via Lisle Avenue, off Stourport Road, Kidderminster. Please wear old clothes, stout shoes and bring waterproofs and a packed lunch if staying all day. Contact David Struckett 07976 746255, david.struckett@waterways.org.uk

Thursday March 13

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust: Monthly work party on the Caldon Canal at Froghall. 10am to 3pm.

Meet at Froghall Wharf, Foxt Road, Froghall, Staffordshire ST10 2HJ. Vegetation clearance and tidying. Please wear old clothes, stout shoes and bring waterproofs and a packed lunch if staying all day. Contact Bob Luscombe 07710 054848, bob.luscombe@waterways.org.uk

Saturday March 15 and Thursday March 20

Volunteers work on Lock 63 of the Cheshire Lock flight. PHOTO: STEVE WOOD

More hours of volunteering on the Dee Branch

TWENTY more hours were given by IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch volunteers on the Dee Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal on February 1.

As well as unearthing some buried mooring rings at Tower Wharf, the group cut back overgrown vegetation close to bridge 126 and collected some 10 bags of rubbish.

Volunteers at the February work party.

PHOTO: IWA CHESTER & MERSEYSIDE

IWA Warwickshire Branch supporting Canal & River Trust Towpath Taskforce: Kingswood Junction, Lapworth. Tasks include lock painting, litter picking, veg clearance and path work. Meet at Canal & River Trust maintenance yard, Brome Hall Lane, Lapworth, Solihull B94 5RB. 10am to about 3pm. Information from info.warwickshire@waterways.org.uk

Saturday March 15

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Monthly work party at Malkins Bank on the Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal. 10am to 4pm. Painting and vegetation clearance. Meet at Malkins Bank locks, off Betchton Road, Malkins Bank, near Sandbach, Cheshire CW11. Contact Bob Luscombe 07710 054848, bob.luscombe@waterways.org.uk

Saturday March 22

IWA Manchester Branch supporting Canal & River Trust Towpath Taskforce: Monthly work party at Bridge 6, Lower Peak Forest Canal, Hyde. Parking off Alfred Street, Hyde SK14 2BJ. 10am-4pm. Tasks include painting, vegetation clearance, pulling rubbish out of the canal and litter picking. Contact 07971 444258, chairman@manchester-iwa.co.uk

Friday and Saturday March 28-29

IWA Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch and Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association: Canal clean-up on the Erewash Canal. On Friday meet at 9am at The Bridge Inn, Bridge St, Cotmanhay DE7 8RD. Work will progress down to Gallows Inn Lock on the Friday. On Saturday meet at 9am at Gallows Inn Lock, Ilkeston DE7 5BN. Work will be carried out down to Sandiacre Lock. Please wear stout shoes and old clothes and bring a packed lunch if staying all day. Lifts from the finishing point to the start point will be available at the end of each day.

Contact Alison Smedley 07779 090915, alison.smedley@waterways.org.uk For further information on any of these events, please contact Alison Smedley, IWA Branch Campaign Officer, Telephone: 01538 385388/07779 090915 or email alison.smedley@waterways.org.uk or Stefanie Preston, IWA Branch Campaign Assistant, Telephone 01494 783453 or email stefanie.preston@waterways.org.uk Information can also be found on IWA’s website: www.waterways.org.uk

VOLUNTEERING 11

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Bit in the Middle on the Wilts & Berks

The Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership needs you

THE third weekend of the month is the weekend when Waterway Recovery Group’s Regional Group ‘Bit in the Middle’ (wrgBITM) is often out restoring Britain’s derelict canals and January was no different.

Over the weekend of January 18/19, 15 volunteers cleared scrub and larger trees along a stretch of the Wilts & Berks Canal, close to the village of Foxham in Wiltshire.

Volunteers from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust had already cleared scrub from a section of the canal, leaving tree stumps to be pulled out using hand-operated Tirfor winches. One of first tasks of the weekend was to remove stumps that were lying under water, right in front of a concrete spillweir that a WRG work-party helped to build some years ago. A leak in the clay puddling in front of the concrete structure required repair and pulling out these stumps was an essential part of this process.

While the Tirfor teams worked on the stumps that had already been ‘prepared’, the rest of the BITM volunteers, together with trust volunteers, continued along the towpath side of the canal, clearing thorn thickets, bramble patches and other scrub. The aim was to remove all of the unwanted vegetation between the hedge line and the water edge, so

FREE training is being offered to new volunteers who are being invited to join the team at Stoke Bruerne this spring.

The Canal & River Trust, working in partnership with the Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership, will install new visitor information boards, purchase recording equipment, provide family tracker packs and recruit and train a number of volunteers who will provide guided tours and capture interesting stories of the waterways.

If you’re interested in local history, enjoy meeting and helping people and want to learn new skills, the partnership would like to hear from you.

that there would be better access along the towpath in the future once this section of the canal has been put back into water.

Three fully certificated chainsaw operators were on site as well, felling the heavier timber and logging up wood that could be saved for fuel.

Using bonfires, the cuttings were disposed of quickly and the condition of the towpath was significantly improved over the weekend. ● wrgBITM (or the Bit In The Middle) is, as the name suggests, a WRG group that is not based within one specific part of the country. Rather, it draws its volunteers from across a wide area, from south Devon to Nottinghamshire, and from North Wales to Kent. The group generally has a work party on the third weekend of the month, covering canal restoration projects over much of central England and south Wales. With over 25 years of canal restoration under its belt, wrgBITM has its own fully equipped van to carry its tools, safety equipment and catering kit to its work site each month.

New digging equipment on the shopping list THE Inland Waterways Association’s Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) plans to buy a new excavator in 2014.

WRG intends that the new 2.5 tonne excavator will play a key role in assisting its volunteers with waterway restoration work as well as allowing other waterway societies to undertake projects without the costs involved in commercial plant hire.

To enable the excavator to be easily transported around the country WRG also plans to buy a new trailer. WRG aims to use the excavator to train the next generation of waterway navvies in the operation of a technical, but essential, piece of equipment.

A new excavator, a trailer and other essential operational accessories (including a quick release hitch, buckets and vandal guards) are likely to cost around £30,000. The majority of this cost can be met by generous legacies already received from supporters but some further funding is needed and plans are in hand to raise this with a range of fundraising activities during 2014.

The new excavator will play a key role in restoration work. PHOTO SUPPLIED In December 2013, WRG’s old JCB excavator Blue was donated to Buckingham Canal Society, after 17 years of service to the waterway restoration movement (see report on Pg8).

The lure of the Lancaster

A TEAM of Lancaster Canal Trust volunteers, including three new members, cleared the overgrown grass verges on Stainton Bridge and checked the recently installed stop planks for leaks.

Other workers continued clearing undergrowth towards the eastern end of Hincaster Tunnel and Horse Path during the work party on Sunday January 19.

Meanwhile, at Millness depot

volunteer engineers installed a new gate post and rehung the large heavy gate while others cleared the yard of dense undergrowth and debris.

Work continues on the trust’s boat Waterwitch to make her ready for the 2014 season. A passerby was heard to remark “How you manage to recruit such a large group of volunteers on a dismal Sunday is remarkable.” Such is the lure of the Lancaster that they are prepared to travel from a wide area.

Volunteers re-hang the large heavy gate. PHOTO: LCT

Stoke Bruerne volunteer Olive Minney shows some young visitors the lock beam. PHOTO: CANAL & RIvER TRUST

On Saturday March 22 there is an opportunity to learn all about oral history, using film to record interviews, asking the right questions and encouraging responses. The next day, Sunday, March 23, there is a training session on leading guided heritage walks.

Both these training sessions will be held at Stoke Bruerne, are free and refreshments are provided.

Following an award of £67,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the partnership is working with the Canal & River Trust to ensure that the canal, village and surrounding countryside are well interpreted, maintained and conserved to provide a wonderful resource for leisure, recreation and learning for all.

The fact that the canal was driven through the heart of the village gives Stoke Bruerne a unique place in the history of the inland waterways. Many buildings and sites which are important to this waterways story remain and are an integral part of the scenery in and around the village. In the heart of the village is the museum which interprets this story for everyone to appreciate. ● If you would like to play an important part in this project please contact the Canal & River Trust lynda.payton@canalrivertrust.org.uk, or the Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership by emailing helen. westlake@stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk or by calling 01908 302542, by the end of February.

Canal junction transformed by a giant kingfisher THE Midlands’ canal network has a striking new landmark after a giant kingfisher and robin appeared on a canalside wall in Tamworth.

A giant mural was created as part of a Canal & River Trust project to transform a run-down canal junction. The trust has been working with volunteers for over a year to breathe new life into Fazeley Junction where the Coventry Canal meets the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.

The Trust enlisted the help of its Tamworth Towpath Taskforce group of volunteers who quickly got to work tidying the junction, clearing litter, removing graffiti and putting up new fences. It is also hoped to create a canalside garden in due course.

To complement the team’s efforts local arts group New Urban Era have now created a wildlife-inspired mural on what used to be a graffiti blighted wall. The wall, which belongs to H & G Gould Timber Merchants, has been entirely repainted and detailed paintings of a kingfisher and robin added by freelance artist Steve Edwards.

Tom Freeland, volunteer coordinator for the Canal & River Trust said; “This is the culmination of a volunteerled project to reclaim and restore busy Fazeley Junction for the benefit of the local community. We look forward to maintaining and enhancing it as we continue our plans to Volunteers prepare the wall at Fazeley create the Junction Garden and if anyone wants to help us Junction.RIGHT: The giant kingfisher we’d love to hear from them.” and robin. PHOTO: CANAL & RIvER TRUST

Volunteers pave the way

Braunston volunteers receive recognition award BRAUNSTON Canal Society recently had its Adoption Agreement renewed and it will now run to the end of 2014.

The group, which has been operating for two years, has also received a Recognition Award commending it as the best in the Canal & River Trust’s South East Region.

This was presented by Lee King at a meeting of SE volunteer groups held at Stoke Bruerne and not only recognises the work the society has done but also its safety record, paperwork and efforts to assist and encourage other groups.

Lee King, left, presents the award to Braunston Canal Society members Chris Burton, Nick Strivens and Graham Newman. PHOTO: BRAUNSTON CANAL SOCIETY Thanks were expressed to all members who have made this achievement possible, also the continuing help from Lee`s team at CRT.

Any old iron at Meretown Lock VOLUNTEERS from Waterway Recovery Group’s (WRG) Regional Group London WRG recently spent two days helping the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust with restoration work at Meretown Lock.

The lock had been completely filled in, and volunteers removed around 3ft of topsoil from the entire length of the chamber, using an excavator and two dumpers.

The volunteers then transported the materials 90m to build a dam at the far end of the length of canal, above the lock, that is going to be restored and re-watered.

As well as lots of soil and some rubble, the excavation job produced an interesting assortment of old iron – parts of the paddle gear including a rack and a distinctive Shropshire Union type jackhead, both of the top stop-plank grooves, and parts of the gate reinforcing ironwork – plus many reusable coping stones.

The second task of the weekend consisted of digging a 100m trench (by hand and with an excavator) to install a water supply pipe, which will be used with a pump, that’s currently keeping the length of the canal between Meretown Lock and Newport town centre in water, to re-water the new length of canal.

Volunteers also removed vegetation and trees encroaching on the towpath and offside canal bank.

WRG volunteers will return in the summer for a weeklong canal camp from August 16-23 to continue clearing the chamber and start work on the section above the lock to be re-watered. ● To find out more visit www.waterways.org.uk/wrg and click on canal camps.

ADULTS with learning difficulties have paved the way for canal volunteers countrywide, writes Geoff Wood.

Volunteers at the Adsetts Canal Project in South Yorkshire were among the first in Britain to take up the Canal and River Trust’s invitation for waterways volunteers.

They regularly cut back overgrown vegetation and carry out litter picks as well as helping to rid the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal area of graffiti.

CRT volunteer co-ordinator Claire McDonald said: “We need more people to follow the example of this group in getting out and caring for our waterways.

“Their support is invaluable to us and we hope this will act as an inspiration to others to get involved.”

Slough Canal clean-up calendar THE Friends of Slough Canal will run monthly voluntary clean-ups on the canal in and around Slough.

Dates for the remaining events in 2014 are as follows: Sundays, March 2, April 6, May 4 (to be confirmed) June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2 and December 7.

For locations, times and other information visit Facebook Group: Friends of Slough Canal or telephone 07542 168444.

12 HERITAGE

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Persistence pays off for tunnel tourist attraction Bob Clarke charts the achievements of the Dudley Canal Trust which has received funding for a £3.3 million heritage and visitor centre.

A computer-generated impression of how The Portal will look. PHOTO: DUDLEY CANAL TRUST

The Black Country Living Museum.

Visiting boats in the main Dudley Canal with queues waiting for tunnel trips. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES WHAT started out as a lively group of young canal enthusiasts campaigning to stop the proposed closure and abandonment of a historic canal tunnel, its limestone mines and its approach canals, went on to become a leading canal trust which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

And it has just been announced that the Dudley Canal Trust has been awarded a grant of nearly £1 million by the European Regional Development Fund which, together with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant also of nearly £1 million, now means that the trust can start work on building a £3.3 million heritage, learning and visitor centre – The Portal – at the Tipton end of the tunnel.

Dudley Canal Trust chairman Vic Smallshire – one of the founding members.

Today the trust is one of the leading inland waterway tourist attractions on the national canal network with its fleet of electrically powered narrowboats carrying up to 80,000 visitors a year through a 200-year-old network of canals, limestone mines and caverns beneath Dudley.

It began life as the Dudley Canal Tunnel Preservation Society in 1964 only two years after the infamous ‘Battle of Stourbridge Cut’ – just five miles away – which not only forced the Government to think again about its canal closure and abandonment policy but also marked the beginning of the canal restoration movement.

A few years later it became the Dudley Canal Trust to reflect its growing concern for the future of the Dudley No 1 and 2 Canals and in the ensuing years its members have been involved in various activities on both those canals.

The activity of its members in this field has been acknowledged, first by British Waterways and latterly the Canal & River Trust, which have carried out major improvements to both canals.

The forthcoming 50th anniversary Festival and Boat Gathering on September 26-28 is expected to be one of the biggest canal-based events of the year and will be held at Parkhead, Dudley, adjoining the tunnel’s southern portal with boats expected from throughout the network. Previous canal events in that area have attracted upwards of 10,000 people and well over 100 visiting boats.

Roller coaster ride

The past 50 years have been something of a roller coaster ride for the trust which has had to overcome a massive subsidence which closed part of the tunnel for some years and resulted in extensive volunteer led restoration work.

Immediately the group reopened the canal the trust was besieged with requests for public trips through the tunnel and the tripping business began to take off. When the tunnel had to be closed because of the subsidence BW eventually came to the rescue with a European Regional Development Fund grant to rebuild the canal which had by this time been recognised as a major canal heritage and tourism venue.

While the trust was waiting for the tunnel to be repaired, it concentrated on the northern end of the tunnel and reopened one and then two old limestone mines through which boats could travel on a circular trip. It also invested thousands of pounds in providing visitors with an audio visual presentation in both mines telling the geological and industrial history of the area and the part limestone mining played in the early days of the Black Country’s industrial revolution.

Last year the trust invested over £20,000 in a state-of-the-art audio visual presentation which by the use of computer-generated technology depicted life in the area millions of years ago when the area was submerged under a tropical sea. And the

Inside the tunnels. programme recreated the prehistoric sea creatures including the famous ‘Dudley Bug’ – a trilobite – crawling on the seabed.

The trust’s earlier investments have included an annual donation of around £30,000 a year to the Canal & River Trust towards the maintenance of the approach canals from the Birmingham Main Line and the Dudley Canal at Blowers Green and the Parkhead lock flight.

Living museum

A spectacular spin-off from the trust’s success story came with the creation by Dudley Council of the Black Country Living Museum on land adjoining the tunnel. The suggestion of a museum came from a group of trust members after the trust had been offered hundreds of items of industrial heritage

RaRe chanceto buya RiveR inspectoR’s launch A RARE opportunity has arisen to purchase a classic Broads Authority river inspector’s patrol launch.

The authority is selling two of its traditional Thames launches which have been taken out of service after patrolling the Broads for 40 years.

They are 29ft long, have a 7ft beam, are fitted with a 38hp Nanni diesel engine and will be sold with a new Boat Safety Certificate. Their traditional wooden cabins are fitted with a gas hob, grill and a diesel heater. They have

undergone refits most years so the condition for their age is extremely high.

Motor Launch Thurne, built in 1975, was originally based at Irstead helmed by Port and Haven Commissioners staff until the inspectors transferred to the Broads Authority in 1989.

During the last 10 years the launch has been used by rangers in the Wroxham area.

Motor Launch Barton, built in 1976, was always based at Ludham and mainly patrolled the middle and lower Bure.

The launches have been replaced by the heavy

weather vessel Spirit of Breydon patrolling Breydon Water and a new generation launch with a hybrid engine patrolling the River Yare.

Arrangements for viewing the vessels can be made via Broads Control on 01603 756056.

Offers over £25,000, should be made by sealed bid on a form obtained during the visit or from Broads Control by Friday, March 21.

RIGHT: Motor launch Thurne has been used in the Wroxham area for the last 10 years.

PHOTO: BROADS AUTHORITY

but had nowhere to either store or display them.

The council made a large redundant warehouse and yard available for storage while it finalised plans to build the museum. Today’s museum is huge and nationally recognised to be one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the country with the added advantage of its own 200-year-old canal basins and an original boat repair yard. It has won numerous national awards with huge visitor numbers.

And all this came to pass because a group of enthusiasts – still led by one of the trust founders, Vic Smallshire – refused to take no for an answer when BW threatened them with legal action for running boats through the canal.

Their persistence and ‘tunnel vision’ has paid off big time. And the rest, as they say, is history.

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SUBSCRIPTION 13

14 NEWS FOCUS

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Greasing the ‘wheels’ of the waterways

Janet Richardson visits the Canal & River Trust’s North East region to find out why PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) is top of the daily ‘to do’ list.

MAJOR projects involving locks being drained ready for new gates to be installed or the dredging of canals and rivers tend to grab the headlines, especially during the winter stoppage season.

But behind the scenes, teams from the Canal & River Trust are out and about on a daily basis monitoring and maintaining all those smaller structures and installations, in other words ‘greasing the wheels’ or paddles so that the network can function.

North East waterway manager Jon Horsfall explained: “Over our 2000 miles of canals and rivers nationally there are many thousands of locks, moving bridges, weirs, culverts and other bits and bobs which we have to maintain. As well as the canals, everything our customers use has to be kept in good working order.

“We want to make sure everything is capable of being operated easily and

safely by our customers. There are 6000 structures on our database nationally which need PPM (planned preventative maintenance) carried out to keep these bits of kit in tip top condition.”

This results in fewer breakdowns, more satisfied customers and costs less in the long term. Other preventative maintenance includes the infrastructure, wash walls etc.

With everything being checked twice a year, this equates to 12,000 visits a year, 200,000 tasks or 55,000 hours in terms of time spent by customer service operatives carrying out PPM. And at the same time, they often identify other work which needs doing such as the repair of defects.

“We have to be proactive, not reactive,” Jon continued. “For instance when we have a stoppage planned we will look at the bottom of a lock which has been drained and determine what we need to do.

NE waterway manager Jon Horsfall, centre, with customer service operatives Eddie Lindley and Phil Schofield who are also both lock keepers.

The inspection sheet for a lock.

“All the tasks are distributed onto the teams’ time sheets on a weekly basis.

We look at the PPM we carry out every year and look at where we get breakdowns and defects and do the task lists according to the feedback we get.”

An example of this is right on his doorstep at the Leeds Lock where the design was changed slightly a few months ago and no further problems have been experienced. During one of their regular visits the team identified that the sluice doors on the lock gates were catching on the lock wall, when the gates are in the open position. This was passed to the engineer who requested that the steel duct covers were trimmed and buffers were added to protect the sluice mechanism. This prompt action will prevent any future problems of this nature and potentially the need for a bigger repair job.

Daily checks

I met two North East customer service operatives: Phil Schofield and Eddie Lindley who are also both lock keepers on the Aire & Calder Navigation, Phil at Whitley Lock, on the Goole section and Eddie at Lemonroyd Lock on the Leeds section.

Both from a mechanical background, Phil has been with BW/CRT for 14.5 years and Eddie for 25 years so they have a wealth of experience under their belts.

They explained: “We spend 50% of our time on PPM, checking things on a daily basis. For instance when you do a lock there are about 15 tasks, the first thing is to check the traffic lights (all the locks they deal with are automated), then the safety gear around the lock including the emergency stop feature and the selfoperation to make sure customers don’t have a problem. We also clear away any vegetation and rubbish that has accumulated around the gates, make sure the handrails are tight, grease the collars and check there is plenty of oil in the reservoirs of the pumps.”

They showed me an inspection sheet for a lock – they also have these for bridges and culverts – which itemises 10 daily checks plus the site in general.

“We are currently going through the

The North East region has 350km of waterway stretching from the Tees Navigation in the north to the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal in the south.

process of making sure that task lists are specific, identifying very clear standards to what PPM we want carried out. They will be tailored specifically to that lock, for instance on the Calder every lock is different.”

Jon added: “Phil and Eddie have been feeding back what information we need i.e. what’s relevant to that particular site.

PPM is a priority for us in terms of customer service.”

Although both work on different sections of the navigation, Phil and Eddie are very safety conscious and make sure they know each other’s whereabouts. “If working alone we buddy up and let each other know what we are doing and where we will be and keep in contact with each other,” they explained.

Extra hands

The North East region has about 400 structures where PPM is carried out along its 350km of waterway, 176km of which is river and 174km canalised.

Although there are probably less structures than in other regions some of these are more sizeable and complex because they were not generally hand built.

Jon explained: “A really good example is the Tees Barrage, a very complex and unusual structure with lots of M&E (mechanical and engineering) kit which is manned 24/7, 365 days a year.

“Most other structures of that scale and size are operated by private industry and have faced massive refurbishment costs. This is very well maintained and we have not been faced with any major replacement costs.”

The Tees Barrage is at the region’s most northerly point where it looks after a 22km stretch of the Tees Navigation.

The North East region’s principal waterways include the Aire & Calder Navigation which is also a commercial waterway which has to be kept open 365 days a year. Other waterways feeding the Humber Estuary include tidal stretches of the Rivers Ouse and Trent, CRT’s responsibility terminating at Goole where the harbour and port authority takes over.

The team in the North East is split roughly half and half between construction and customer services.

“We have our M&E team who carry out planned maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems plus contractors who do inspections etc. It is all about service, being efficient and doing things proactively,” Jon continued.

But any extra pairs of hands would be most welcome. “We would like to attract more volunteers to help us out with this work, i.e lock keeping, maintenance and in the office. Although we will have had between 2500-3000 volunteer days given by the end of this financial year, we do need more voluntary lock keepers for our 120 locks.

“It gives people the opportunity to carry the values of CRT on their sleeves and talk to customers. It’s all about making a difference.”

I asked Phil and Eddie how they feel about working alongside volunteers. They replied: “It would not threaten us, it would free us up to do the PPM. Nobody’s jobs are at risk because of volunteers.”

The Canal & River Trust is also encouraging local communities and organisations to adopt stretches of waterways and some of these such as the Safe Anchor Trust in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, are already carrying out PPM in their areas.

The Leeds Lock where steel duct covers were trimmed and buffers were added to protect the sluice mechanism. A regular check identified that the sluice doors on the lock gates were catching on the lock wall when the gates were in the open position.

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52 FOOD & DRINK

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SOAR

TRENT & MERSEY

To advertise call Jason on 01507 529581

D O O F Canalside pubs & restaurants

& DRINK

to satisfy all tastes...

GRAND UNION

KENNET & AVON

New look for historic Audlem pub THE Shroppie Fly at Audlem Wharf is experiencing a new lease of life following a £300,000 refurbishment.

Owned by Punch Taverns and operated by Tim Joudrey of The Lifeboat Pub Co, the canalside pub has been redecorated with a new contemporary look and furniture while retaining the waterside theme and traditional charm, including the famous Shroppie Fly bar.

The pub also boasts a new menu, with home cooked mains including chargrilled and brasserie specialities.

Managing director Tim said that it was important that the pub kept its local identity within the community: “The customers love the fresher look but are really pleased that we have kept the authenticity. They particularly like the historic memorabilia which has been collected from boaters and historians.

“I believe we have created a great environment for all and we have been overwhelmed by the support from local residents and they are happy to have their pub back. The new managers, Tracey and Wayne, are fantastic operators with the right personalities for the pub.

They have been well received and have launched a successful new menu as well as music events which have really involved the community.”

Punch Taverns’ partnership development manager Keith

Tim Joudrey, right of centre, with the Shroppie Fly team.

The refurbished Shroppie Fly. PHOTOS SUPPLIED Roberts described the Shroppie Fly as a family-friendly pub, serving great food and drink for boaters and local residents.

Punch has around 4000 leased and tenanted pubs nationwide.

● Shroppie Fly, Audlem Wharf, Shropshire St, Audlem, Crewe CW3 0DX 01270 812 379

Anchor Inn featured in heritage guide

By Harry Arnold

TRADITIONAL boaters’ Shropshire Union Canal pub The Anchor Inn at High Offley recently featured in a new Campaign for Real Ale publication Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs because of its 19th century interior and original features.

Olive Cliff, who has been the pub’s licensee for more than 40 years, was presented with a blue plaque-style certificate to mark the entry. The Anchor has been owned by the Cliff family since 1903.

In the 1960s, when we were regulars, it was run by her aunt, the legendary Lily Pascall; in fact we simply called it Lily’s. If you knew her well enough you were allowed to go down into

the cellar and draw the beer from the barrel into an enamel jug, but you needed a pair of wellies.

My wife always claims that a

half of Lily’s bitter induced the overdue birth of our son, which involved a midnight dash from The Anchor to a Stafford maternity home.

Pub conversion A RESTAURANT built into the steep banks of the River Irwell in Manchester city centre is to close because of high repair bills, writes Geoff Wood. But the Mark Addy, named after a famous Victorian swimmer who saved many lives in the river, is to reopen under new management as a pub.

The traditional façade of The Anchor Inn, at High Offley on the Shropshire Union Canal. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

HOLIDAYS 53

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HO LIDAYS BOATING

Canal breaks and river cruising in the UK, Ireland and Europe

Back to basics on a historic working boat

HOLIDAY boat operators Tim and Bridget Carter are going back to basics by offering traditional and affordable camping afloat holidays on board a historic working boat.

William is a Royalty class narrowboat built at Yarwoods in 1931 powered by a traditional Bolinder engine – a distinctive sound of the waterways. A basic galley and bunk beds for 12 under canvas are provided in the old cargo space.

According to the couple, who have a long association with the inland waterways, this type of self-catering holiday was very popular on our canals but gave way to the high-tech, high-spec modern canal cruising.

Quince on the wharf at Norbury ready for new customers. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Norbury looking forward to ‘bustling’ canals HOLIDAY boat operators Norbury Wharf is reporting a good start to the year with lots of bookings for March.

Managing director Simon Jenkins said: “Our bookings are looking good, let’s hope the momentum carries on as we head towards the start of the season.”

The early enthusiasm may lead to a return of the days when booking early was essential to get the specific weeks of boating you need, especially during school holidays.

The hire fleet at Norbury has been updated and improved, once again, and along with the usual winter works which include docking, blacking, a bit of top side paint here and there, landlords checks, gas checks, and spring cleaning, the popular smaller boat Phantom has been treated to a new engine, while new addition Pacific has had a new power plant.

Pacific, a 68-foot semi trad boat, sleeping eight to 10 people and named by the public in a

Full circle

They’re sure that things have gone full circle and as people are becoming more responsible with the choices that they make and the impact of the current economic climate, camping holidays and holidaying at home and an appreciation of Britain and everything it has to offer, is flourishing.

A holiday on board comes with a skipper; the route can be as leisurely or as active and adventurous as is required.

Although based in the south Midlands, a holiday can be chartered further afield.

William has been undergoing winter maintenance, the Bolinder has a new hot bulb, the gunnels don’t leak anymore, sheets have new strings, new mattresses have been ordered and a new paint job will be applied soon.

Visit www.inlandnavigators.co.uk

Tim Carter working on the Bolinder engine. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

To advertise call Jason on 01507 529581 Camp under canvas on former working boat William.

The interior layout of this 1931 Yarwoods’ narrowboat.

Early offers boost in canal holiday bookings BOATING holidays agency Waterways Holidays says January sales are up 31% compared with this time last year.

Bookings from overseas are also on the increase, with travellers from Canada, Australia and New Zealand looking for a week on a canal as a good-value ‘alternative’ part of a longer visit to Britain.

“With fantastic early booking offers – families are clearly keen to secure peak holiday dates and bank holiday weekends at the best possible price,” said Waterways Holidays’ managing director Nigel Richards.

“We are also seeing big demand for higherspec boats, for example those with multiple shower/wcs on board, as well as 21st-century ‘home comforts’ like satellite TV, on board WiFi

and USB charge points,” he added.

As an example of a peak season early booking offer, families can save £359 (20%) on a week’s hire of Mayfly in August. Sleeping up to eight and ideal for larger groups or two families, 62ft Mayfly from Great Haywood in Staffordshire has a fully equipped galley, colour TV/DVD player and a radio/CD player. Seven nights in August now cost from £1436.

Cruising routes from Great Haywood include the picturesque Caldon Canal (for Alton Towers), south along the Trent & Mersey (for Drayton Manor Park), and the Black Country and Four Counties Ring.

No previous boating experience is required as full handover tuition is provided on arrival. Visit www.waterwaysholidays.com

competition run by Norbury Wharf, joins two other additions to the fleet, Quince is a 48-foot, cruiser stern sleeping four people and Axbridge won’t go into service until summer.

If the popularity of Norbury’s three day-boats is anything to judge by, the revival may have begun even before the year turned, with several booking over the Christmas and New Year period.

A pre-cruising season special offer has proven very popular with lots of bookings for March, usually a quiet month for day-boats.

Simon Jenkins said: “This is certainly a good start to the year with boat sales, hire bookings and even day-boats getting a substantial boost.

“I hope the worst is behind us, finally, and we can look forward to a bustling canal system this year with lots of families out enjoying themselves on the water.

“Some sunshine would help turn that hope into more of a certainty.”

Visit www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

54 BOAT REVIEW

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The pursuit of perfection

Polly Player meets the family who found a winning formula for their new lifestyle afloat

PAUL and Wendy Grant decided that they were ready to make the transition from living on land to living on the water after spending a significant amount of time walking the towpaths and talking to boaters in the Berkhamsted area of the Grand Union canal.

Keen to become a part of the vibrant and welcoming canal community while their sons (aged five and eight) were still young enough to fully appreciate it, they chose a new build Sheffield-style Dutch Barge shell by Tyler Wilson, only the second of its type to be built, and so the ‘alchemy’ began.

Paul and Wendy decided to go for a light, airy and modern theme for the interior of the boat, and ultimately selected Pendle Narrowboats to perform the fit-out. Paul and Wendy worked closely with Shaun Dickinson of Pendle Narrowboats to design the interior, providing mood boards for each area of the boat as guidance.

Now that Alchemy has been in the water for a few months, I visited Paul and Wendy with Shaun of Pendle Narrowboats to check out Pendle’s latest launch.

Entering the boat from the stern, the first impression that the interior presents is light – and lots of it. Warm white walls are complemented by natural wooden floors, all illuminated by portholes and a large skylight. Side hatches abound as well, although the weather was a little too chilly during my visit to keep them open for

Paul and Wendy Grant in the saloon.

PHOTO: POLLY PLAYER

All about Alchemy

Alchemy has a length of 69ft with a beam of 12ft and is powered by a Barrus Shire 90 engine with hydraulic gearbox. Heating throughout the boat is provided by a centrally located Morso O6 solid fuel stove, plus a Thermo 90 Webasto, which powers cast iron radiators throughout the boat as well as glycol-filled under floor heating.

long. Alchemy is arranged in a reverse layout, and five wide storage steps lead down into the galley, consisting of a dinette to the left (which can be converted into an additional berth) and a kitchenette to the right. The kitchenette is fully equipped with all mod cons, including a washing machine, dishwasher, spray arm over the sink, and even a wine chiller.

Through the galley into the large saloon, a corner sofa sits adjacent to the solid fuel stove (a Morso O6) leaving a large area of floor space free underneath the skylight. The skylight itself is worthy of mention, having an inbuilt fly screen and blackout blind incorporated into the frame, either of which can be opened or closed in an instant. A television is hidden away in a narrow cabinet, allowing the focal point of the room to be changed at will to suit its occupants.

Alchemy’s exterior. PHOTO: SHAUN DICKINSON

Right balance

A hallway runs along the left of the boat as you exit the saloon, with doors leading off into the children’s bedroom, and then the bathroom. The children’s bedroom, shared by two boys aged five and eight, makes clever use of the available space with Jack and Jill bunk beds – bunk beds with the top berth positioned at a right angle to the bottom berth rather than stacked on top of each other. A tall cupboard takes up the second half of the width underneath the top bunk, but this space could just as easily be utilised to provide a double bed for the lower bunk rather than a single.

In the hallway between the children’s bedroom and the bathroom is a cleverly designed office area, with a cutaway desk, plug point and shelving.

Entering the bathroom, a full size shower awaits, accompanied of course by a sink and toilet, all in white ceramic with white tiled walls.

Finally, the master bedroom lies in the bow of the boat, providing just the right balance between plenty of space and a cosy, welcoming retreat for those cold winter evenings.

So far, Paul and Wendy (and their sons) are very much enjoying life on the water, and the joys of living aboard their own bespoke-built boat. As well as the high specification of both the exterior hull construction and the interior fit-out, Paul and Wendy mentioned how impressed they were with both the professionalism and efficiency of Tyler Wilson and Pendle Narrowboats respectively. Paul said: “From a simple one-line text saying ‘shall we go and live on a boat’ to eight months later our new family home being launched, our experience of Tyler Wilson and Pendle Narrowboats has been one big adventure. We have embraced canal life and been welcomed with open arms by fellow residential boaters.”

The Jack and Jill bunk beds. PHOTO: POLLY PLAYER

The saloon. PHOTO: POLLY PLAYER

SPEC SHEET Hull builder: Interior fit-out: Boat style: Dimensions and construction: Insulation: Number of berths: Fuel tank capacity: Water tank capacity: Water heater: Electrical system: Batteries: Inverter: Toilet: Heating: Engine: Transmission: Bow thruster:

Tyler Wilson Pendle Narrowboats Sheffield-style Dutch Barge Length 69ft, beam 12ft, constructed of 275JR ‘A’ grade steel Spray foam Six 350 litres 1200 litres Calorifier 12v and 240v throughout the boat, with 12v LED lighting Four leisure, one starter Sterling Pro Combi PSW 2500W Jabsco macerator pump-out with 400 litre holding tank Morso O6 8kW stove, Thermo 90 Webasto serving radiators and glycol-filled under floor heating Barrus Shire 90 Barrus Shire hydraulic gearbox Yes

Customised covers for your portholes A NEW range of internal porthole covers is currently being launched by Leeds-based business portholecovers.co.uk They come in a variety of designs and colours including bespoke patterns and are made to order.

Please provide the necessary dimensions and select from a range of standard designs and colours; these could include your boat name and or index number or why not contact 07976 556805 to discuss your own design.

Porthole covers are manufactured from durable High Density Polyethylene materials which are unaffected by moisture and can be cleaned by using standard household detergents.

They are especially useful in those areas where condensation can be a problem such as galleys and bathrooms. And when boats are left for long periods, they can be fitted between the portholes and curtains thus protecting the curtains from damp from the window.

Easily stored, the covers are made from 12mm thick material so will fit under chairs or in drawers etc.

Fitting is simple, use the cover as a template to mark the position of the mounting bosses then simply mount each boss with the screw provided.

On larger models it is sometimes necessary to mount a spacer and turn buckle to ensure the cover is securely held in place, these are also supplied in the fitting kit. ● Prices range from £28-£38 plus VAT for standard designs; for bespoke and special designs price on application.

Prices include a fitting kit.

Telephone 07976 556805, email sales@portholecovers.co.uk www.portholecovers.co.uk

BOATYARD & MARINA NEWS 55

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insider

Boat review P58 Products & reviews P59

New service launched at Fish & Duck Marina THE Fish & Duck Marina near Ely has launched a marine services department including a new slipway, improved hardstanding for secure boat and trailer storage and a boat valeting service.

Situated on the junction of the Rivers Great Ouse, Cam and Old West, the marina is at the heart of some of the best waterways the region has to offer.

The 4.5m wide slipway, located at the front of the marina, can accommodate boats up to 35ft in length and is charged at £15 each way, unless you are a mooring customer of the marina when it is free to use. Although use is currently with customers’ own equipment, the marina plans to procure its own over the coming months.

Once out of the water, boats can be transported to the marina’s hardstanding area, which can provide space for over 50 boats at any one time. It is serviced by water and washroom facilities and sits adjacent to the marina’s secure area where customers are able to store personal belongings.

Upon purchase of slipway launching

The secure storage area for personal belongings and small boats.

Cara and Rob Hodgson-Reed receive the Inland Marina of the Year award from RYA chief executive Sarah Treseder. Cara also won the Employee of the Year title. PHOTO:TYHA

P61 P64

At the cutting edge of boat design...

FROM building quality craft to becoming the largest supplier of steel kit boats in the UK, Branson Boat Design Ltd is at the cutting edge of boat design.

Now in its 35th year, the company, based at Crowland near Peterborough, also translates customers’ own designs into computer format and provides the DXF cutting disks to enable plasma profiling of parts enabling the builder to use his own profiling company or get the best rate at a convenient location.

Some of the industry’s most respected steel boat builders use Branson’s expertise which is based on experience with over 200 different designs created and many more completed vessels on the water including yachts, motor boats and its well-known Dutch barge replicas, variations including the Luxe motor, Klipper and Jalk.

Each design is created by one person who is directly responsible from conception to finished article. The complicated process whereby an idea is realised has to be undertaken with care.

It is computer modelled, checked for hydro statistics, its structure is defined, plating shapes are developed, piece parts drawn and finally raw steel is plasma cut. The process ensures the

A Dutch barge under construction.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

designer has a full and very thorough understanding of all aspects of the boat.

For the boat builder wanting to build his own steel boat quickly and efficiently, Branson’s kits are the simplest and least time consuming option.

“We use CAD (computer aided design) technology to produce the most accurate boat kits in the UK. The steel material chosen is Lloyds grade ‘A’ certified plate. The kits are delivered free (UK mainland) and are already gritblasted and epoxy primed,” said company director Nick Branson. ● Further information call 01780 783901, email nick@dutchbarges.net or visit www.dutch-barges.net

The new 4.5m wide slipway at the front of the marina. PHOTOS SUPPLIED equipment, the marina will then also offer a ‘dry mooring’ package. At £45/ft, the price will include hardstanding space and six serviced slips throughout the year.

The marine services department will be overseen by the on-site marina manager John Aldous, an experienced boat handler, and the price will include his time and expertise as well as other necessities including parking, services and CCTV security; enabling you to leave your boat out of water in confidence.

So, whether you’re looking to lay

your boat up for a period of time, slip it in order to access the best local cruising or to carry out works and repairs, the Fish & Duck Marina can offer high quality facilities, space and experience at competitive prices. ● Interested parties are asked to contact John to discuss their boating requirements.

Visit www.fishandduck.co.uk/ marine-services for more information, options, prices and photographs.

First marina awards are a great success MARINA trade organisation The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) has held its first marina awards at the London Boat Show. The awards were sponsored by GJW Insurance, one of the largest insurers in the marine trade.

The first award, presented by chairman of GJW Insurance, Mike Pope, was Employee of the Year. The winner was Cara Hodgson-Reed from Wiltshire marina, Caen Hill..

Cara was described as “extremely friendly, efficient, approachable and very welcoming”. She even provides treats for visiting dogs.

With her husband Rob, Cara was delighted to go on to scoop the Inland Marina of the Year award. She said afterwards that she was “surprised and pleased” and praised all the staff at the Caen Hill marina.

What’s on Bits & Bobs

The Dutch Barge Tulip built for the Amazon Boat Company in the USA to a 57ft Thomas design with aft wheelhouse. There are lots of alternative cabin designs for this including a centre wheelhouse. Over 23 of these have been built in the UK and abroad.

Early interest shown in Bosworth Marina THE new Bosworth Marina is taking shape alongside the Ashby Canal on the Warwickshire/Leicestershire border.

Provisional bookings for berths are now being taken and an open day is planned for Saturday April 12.

Catering for 150 narrowboats, the Lshaped basin will be divided into four areas: Carlton, Shenton, Bosworth and Sheepy.

Approved by Leicester County Council in 2011, work started last August and piling operations have been taking place to form the jetties and the canal entrance. At the time of

writing a canal stoppage was in place for bridge construction and the completion of the marina entrance.

Main contractors are GJP Marinas whose recent constructions include Yelvertoft and Droitwich Spa. The next phase will be the construction of the facilities building which will include a reception and lounge area for boaters as well as showers, toilets and laundry facilities.

Bosworth Marina is being developed by local farmers and contractors, the Trivetts. ● www.bosworth-marina.co.uk

Gold award hat-trick for Mercia Marina Staff at Aqueduct Marina showing off the award.

Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina is awarded 5 Gold Anchors status THE coveted 5 Gold Anchors status has been achieved by Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina which received the award from The Yacht Harbour Association, supported by the British Marine Federation.

Cheshire-based Aqueduct Marina directors Robert and Andrea Parton were presented with the award by RYA chief executive Sarah Treseder at the London Boat Show.

Robert and Andrea said they were very proud of the achievement. Robert said: “The staff at Aqueduct Marina all worked extremely hard to achieve this status and we are delighted to have been recognised by the Yacht Harbour Association in this way.”

Anchors away: Robert and Andrea Parton receiving the award from Sarah Treseder. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

CELEBRITY conservationist David Bellamy has hailed Mercia Marina “a champion of all things green” following a recent assessment of the South Derbyshire beauty spot.

The praise was given by the naturalist after assessors for the David Bellamy Conservation Award scheme handed Mercia Marina a gold award for the third year running.

David Bellamy Conservation Awards are granted to British holiday parks for work they have done to protect or enhance the natural environment and wildlife. The marina has qualified to apply to the scheme since it launched its luxury holiday lodges three years ago.

In a letter congratulating Mercia Marina on its achievement, Prof Bellamy wrote: “I hope that the award provides you with an effective way to let everyone know that you are a champion of all things green and that it encourages you to strive to do even more for the natural world in the future.”

He added that he was particularly impressed by the marina’s efforts to improve biodiversity on the 74 acre site, its systems for detecting any water leaks

Conservationist Prof David Bellamy.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

and the fact it had set up an enthusiastic committee of wildlife volunteers.

Since opening in 2008, a six-figure sum has been spent at Mercia Marina on landscaping and conservation projects, such as tree planting and the creation of specific wildlife habitats including a butterfly drift.

General manager Robert Neff said: “The hard work we put in towards protecting and enhancing our wildlife and natural environment is a never ending task; but it’s a hugely rewarding one as well, because the benefits are right there in front of you.”

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58 BOAT REVIEW

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The pursuit of perfection

Polly Player meets the family who found a winning formula for their new lifestyle afloat

PAUL and Wendy Grant decided that they were ready to make the transition from living on land to living on the water after spending a significant amount of time walking the towpaths and talking to boaters in the Berkhamsted area of the Grand Union canal.

Keen to become a part of the vibrant and welcoming canal community while their sons (aged five and eight) were still young enough to fully appreciate it, they chose a new build Sheffield-style Dutch Barge shell by Tyler Wilson, only the second of its type to be built, and so the ‘alchemy’ began.

Paul and Wendy decided to go for a light, airy and modern theme for the interior of the boat, and ultimately selected Pendle Narrowboats to perform the fit-out. Paul and Wendy worked closely with Shaun Dickinson of Pendle Narrowboats to design the interior, providing mood boards for each area of the boat as guidance.

Now that Alchemy has been in the water for a few months, I visited Paul and Wendy with Shaun of Pendle Narrowboats to check out Pendle’s latest launch.

Entering the boat from the stern, the first impression that the interior presents is light – and lots of it. Warm white walls are complemented by natural wooden floors, all illuminated by portholes and a large skylight. Side hatches abound as well, although the weather was a little too chilly during my visit to keep them open for

Paul and Wendy Grant in the saloon.

PHOTO: POLLY PLAYER

All about Alchemy

Alchemy has a length of 69ft with a beam of 12ft and is powered by a Barrus Shire 90 engine with hydraulic gearbox. Heating throughout the boat is provided by a centrally located Morso O6 solid fuel stove, plus a Thermo 90 Webasto, which powers cast iron radiators throughout the boat as well as glycol-filled under floor heating.

long. Alchemy is arranged in a reverse layout, and five wide storage steps lead down into the galley, consisting of a dinette to the left (which can be converted into an additional berth) and a kitchenette to the right. The kitchenette is fully equipped with all mod cons, including a washing machine, dishwasher, spray arm over the sink, and even a wine chiller.

Through the galley into the large saloon, a corner sofa sits adjacent to the solid fuel stove (a Morso O6) leaving a large area of floor space free underneath the skylight. The skylight itself is worthy of mention, having an inbuilt fly screen and blackout blind incorporated into the frame, either of which can be opened or closed in an instant. A television is hidden away in a narrow cabinet, allowing the focal point of the room to be changed at will to suit its occupants.

Alchemy’s exterior. PHOTO: SHAUN DICKINSON

Right balance

A hallway runs along the left of the boat as you exit the saloon, with doors leading off into the children’s bedroom, and then the bathroom. The children’s bedroom, shared by two boys aged five and eight, makes clever use of the available space with Jack and Jill bunk beds – bunk beds with the top berth positioned at a right angle to the bottom berth rather than stacked on top of each other. A tall cupboard takes up the second half of the width underneath the top bunk, but this space could just as easily be utilised to provide a double bed for the lower bunk rather than a single.

In the hallway between the children’s bedroom and the bathroom is a cleverly designed office area, with a cutaway desk, plug point and shelving.

Entering the bathroom, a full size shower awaits, accompanied of course by a sink and toilet, all in white ceramic with white tiled walls.

Finally, the master bedroom lies in the bow of the boat, providing just the right balance between plenty of space and a cosy, welcoming retreat for those cold winter evenings.

So far, Paul and Wendy (and their sons) are very much enjoying life on the water, and the joys of living aboard their own bespoke-built boat. As well as the high specification of both the exterior hull construction and the interior fit-out, Paul and Wendy mentioned how impressed they were with both the professionalism and efficiency of Tyler Wilson and Pendle Narrowboats respectively. Paul said: “From a simple one-line text saying ‘shall we go and live on a boat’ to eight months later our new family home being launched, our experience of Tyler Wilson and Pendle Narrowboats has been one big adventure. We have embraced canal life and been welcomed with open arms by fellow residential boaters.”

The Jack and Jill bunk beds. PHOTO: POLLY PLAYER

The saloon. PHOTO: POLLY PLAYER

SPEC SHEET Hull builder: Interior fit-out: Boat style: Dimensions and construction: Insulation: Number of berths: Fuel tank capacity: Water tank capacity: Water heater: Electrical system: Batteries: Inverter: Toilet: Heating: Engine: Transmission: Bow thruster:

Tyler Wilson Pendle Narrowboats Sheffield-style Dutch Barge Length 69ft, beam 12ft, constructed of 275JR ‘A’ grade steel Spray foam Six 350 litres 1200 litres Calorifier 12v and 240v throughout the boat, with 12v LED lighting Four leisure, one starter Sterling Pro Combi PSW 2500W Jabsco macerator pump-out with 400 litre holding tank Morso O6 8kW stove, Thermo 90 Webasto serving radiators and glycol-filled under floor heating Barrus Shire 90 Barrus Shire hydraulic gearbox Yes

Customised covers for your portholes A NEW range of internal porthole covers is currently being launched by Leeds-based business portholecovers.co.uk They come in a variety of designs and colours including bespoke patterns and are made to order.

Please provide the necessary dimensions and select from a range of standard designs and colours; these could include your boat name and or index number or why not contact 07976 556805 to discuss your own design.

Porthole covers are manufactured from durable High Density Polyethylene materials which are unaffected by moisture and can be cleaned by using standard household detergents.

They are especially useful in those areas where condensation can be a problem such as galleys and bathrooms. And when boats are left for long periods, they can be fitted between the portholes and curtains thus protecting the curtains from damp from the window.

Easily stored, the covers are made from 12mm thick material so will fit under chairs or in drawers etc.

Fitting is simple, use the cover as a template to mark the position of the mounting bosses then simply mount each boss with the screw provided.

On larger models it is sometimes necessary to mount a spacer and turn buckle to ensure the cover is securely held in place, these are also supplied in the fitting kit. ● Prices range from £28-£38 plus VAT for standard designs; for bespoke and special designs price on application.

Prices include a fitting kit.

Telephone 07976 556805, email sales@portholecovers.co.uk www.portholecovers.co.uk

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Boaters take a shine to new polish

Sailing club installs new flood warning system

A PRODUCT originally aimed at the classic vehicle restoration market is proving a winner with boaters.

Having enjoyed a very successful launch at Crick Show in 2013 when they sold out in the Midland Chandlers marquee, James and Stella Oakey of Bullet Polish Europe Ltd went on to Worcester marina to demonstrate its Bullet 357 Colour Restorer on very oxidised paintwork on a narrowboat, topping it off with the Carnauba Wax Spray QD. For tackling brass and other polished metals, Bullet also supply Diamond Brite Marine Metal Polish.

James said: “This past year has seen our marine market expand still further as more of our boat owning clients told other owners about us.”

A customer used Bullet Polish to tackle white oxidisation and stubborn streaks on his 57ft narrowboat after hearing about the products.

He said: “It was amazing, and where before I was just about to give up and have the whole boat relacquered, its paintwork now has a gleaming showroom finish.” ● For full details about the Bullet Polish range call 01886 821330 or visit www.bulletpolish.co.uk where you can also view a video showing its use on boats

Watch over your narrowboat

UK MANUFACTURING start-up MaxMon has hit on a novel way of providing affordable DIY remote security, monitoring and control to narrowboat owners.

Get yourself a spare, low-cost Android phone, install the free MaxMon app on the phone and leave it behind on your boat.

Using the phone’s built-in sensors you can then remotely monitor mains power, location and motion (acceleration) from wherever you happen to be.

You can even take remote photos. MaxMon also sells a little box of electronics called the Quatropus which plugs between the phone and its charger to add remote monitoring of motion (passive infra-red), temperature, humidity, liquid level, hatches and windows and remote control of heaters, dehumidifier or pumps.

● For further information visit www.maxmon.co.uk

BOOKS,DVDSAND DOWNLOADS

A COMMUNICATIONS system has been installed by the Haversham Sailing Club to monitor water levels and provide flood warnings.

Located at Haversham Lake just north of Milton Keynes, the club occupies a 70-acre lake, one of a series of flooded gravel pits on the River Great Ouse. It recognised the need for a flood warning system due to occasional flooding leading to an overflow into the sailing lake.

Although the Environment Agency has a river level gauge a mile away, it is employed to monitor Great Ouse water levels and does not provide data that reflects the lake’s own water levels. When water levels rise, the lake is at risk of flooding, making water sports such as sailing impossible or unsafe.

The Machine to Machine (M2M) communications system was supplied by GeoSIM. MD Ed Neal explained: “It allows members to monitor the lake level remotely which means that boats, equipment and property can be protected pre-emptively when the water level monitor indicates flooding is likely.”

Other benefits include the ability for members who live further away from the lake to monitor its levels from their home. This means they can

decide whether to travel to the lake or stay at home based on flood measurements, preventing unnecessary journeys and wasted time, fuel and money.

The GeoSIM M2M Data System (GeoM2M) is not tied to any individual mobile network and can be used in numerous M2M applications which range from GPS tracking devices, control and command systems, meter reading and flood alerts.

The gauge consists of a 2m long sensor and electronic components which record the level and temperature. There are no moving parts to get damaged or jammed up with debris, making the system efficient and effective.

GeoSIM’s service only requires a mobile phone signal to operate. It does not need SMS or a mobile data connection. When using GeoM2M, data is transmitted in data packets no longer than SMS text messages.

The data is sent from the remote device directly to the customer’s server and takes less than a few seconds, regardless of location. ● To find out more visit www.geom2m.com or www.globalsimcard.co.uk/ m2m.php

Books, DVDs and other items for possible review should be sent to:

Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Enjoy some summer sunshine from your armchair

Showing new boaters the ropes

WHAT better way to escape these wet and cold days than to ‘escape’ to the wonderful Pennine scenery filmed in bright summer sunshine.

The latest pair of DVDs from Waterway Routes features the South Pennine Ring including the whole of the Rochdale Canal, part of the Calder & Hebble Navigation, the Standedge Tunnel, Huddersfield Broad and Narrow Canals and the Ashton Canal.

Starting at Castlefield Junction and cruising clockwise around the ring, you can sit back and enjoy watching the Waterway Routes crew tackling the hard work of 114 broad locks and 92 narrow locks as well as six opening bridges.

As usual there is the Popular option (running time one hour, £12.95) like a TV programme showing the highlights of a cruise with plenty of advice about navigating the ring and the facilities along the route.

Or if you fancy something a bit different, there is the Bowcam version (running time 75 minutes, £7.95) filmed from a forwardfacing camera running all the time and then speeded up to show the whole route.

For the best of both worlds they are available in one Combined box (£19.90) saving money and postage.

These are matched by the recently updated Cruising Maps covering the South Pennine Ring available on CD and by download from the Waterway Routes website. These come with a year of free updates and are available in Acrobat (pdf ) format for £5 which are great for printing as A4 or A5 pages and viewing on screen or in Memory Map (qct) for £8 which joins into one seamless map and runs on computers, laptops, tablets, Androids and iPhones with real-time tracking on GPS-enabled devices.

THE Canal & River Trust has teamed up with Drifters, a consortium of hireboat operators, to produce a new training film to show new boaters the ropes.

A companion to the popular Boaters’ Handbook, it contains lots of ‘getting started’ tips for hire boaters and new boat owners, as well as important reminders to old hands about how to boat safely.

Sally Ash, head of boating at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We want new boaters to have a safe and enjoyable experience of the waterways. After all, we want them to come back and to recommend boating to their friends.

“The friendly spirit that pervades the waterways means there is a lot of help available on the spot but it’s obviously a good idea for new boaters to build up their knowledge and confidence in other ways too. The film covers the fundamentals of boat handling, lock operation and general safety afloat.”

It was produced by Eclipse Communications with help from Drifters, who provided the boats and crews. The DVD’s director, Dave Bowring, has spent many years cruising the system on his narrowboat Whernside and has seen first-hand the results of both good and bad boat handling techniques.

The 30 minute film is available free to stream online or as a free DVD. You can order your copy of this DVD via CRT’s online shop (https://secure.britishwaterways.co.uk/shop) or by phone from the customer service team on 0303 040 4040, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Towpath Talk readers can use the exclusive Discount Code TT837 to obtain a 10% discount on all items from the Waterway Routes website at www.waterwayroutes.co.uk until June 30, 2014.

Vital little weather book Reviewer: Gay Armstrong

THE weather is a hot topic at the moment for everyone following the recent wild storms, but it is always of vital interest to those whose livelihood – or life – depends on it.

Sailors and boaters come high on this list so a recently published handbook by expert weatherman and RYA yachtmaster Frank Singleton will be a great asset.

Reeds Weather Handbook For Sail and Power is a little book but it packs a big punch and can truly be called a ‘comprehensive pocket guide’, showing how observation, common sense and experience can help us understand how the weather will affect our lives.

This practical handbook contains all that is needed to help predict the weather and includes clear diagrams and photographs.

Frank Singleton is a former senior forecaster for the Met Office and has a popular weather website.

Reeds Weather Handbook For Sail and Power is published in softback by Adlard Coles Nautical and priced at £8.99.

ISBN: 978-1-4081-5247-8

The Gloucester & Sharpness Through Time Reviewer: Gay Armstrong

FOR those of us who are interested in the waterways and fascinated by their history, photographic records showing how canals have changed and developed over the last century are a must for the bookcase.

Latest in Amberley Publishing’s Local History Series is The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Through Time by Hugh Conway-Jones.

This illustrated history draws on contemporary sources and throws new light on the construction, operation and maintenance of the canal, highlighting the vessels that used it and the people involved.

Author Hugh Conway-Jones is a highly respected local historian and leading authority on the canal.

The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Through Time is priced at £14.99.

ISBN: 978-1-4456-1289-8

FREE DOWNLOAD OFFER FOR DEBUT NOVEL THE debut novel by liveaboard author Christine Power is a riches to rags tale set against the backdrop of the colonies before they became civilised.

Described as a “historical woman-in-jeopardy thriller”, The Abduction of Emily Byrne tells the story of a spoilt and privileged young Englishwoman newly arrived in Canada in 1858.

After a violent row with her father, she escapes on a sternwheeler ‘bride ship’, her naivety and obstinate nature leading her into many misadventures when she becomes caught up in the chaos of the gold rush.

Her journey, partly by canoe, takes her through a spectacular wilderness where she endures abduction, rape and sexual slavery, her imprisonment with other women bringing about many changes in her attitude and her life.

The Abduction of Emily Byrne will be available to download free from Amazon on March 9 and 10.

Christine lives with husband Roger aboard nb Wild Horses.

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WHAT’S ON

Compiled by Janet Richardson

Model boats return to show at the NWM

Email details of your event to: jrichardson@mortons.co.uk or send details to: What’s on, Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

CANAL ART ON SHOWATAUDLEM MILL EVERY year, Audlem Mill in Cheshire hosts an exhibition of what is probably now the largest number of canal paintings assembled anywhere.

The 2014 Canal Art Exhibition from April 6 to May 4, organised in conjunction with the Guild of Waterway Artists, will include paintings, and some photographs, by many of the best canal artists in the country.

Last year the exhibition featured over 160 works with most of the guild members represented.

The exhibition always attracts many hundreds of visitors from across the country, most travelling by car but some make it by boat. Quite a few visitors have said that they now plan their season’s boating to make sure that they are on the Shroppie at the right time, and of course they can also then enjoy the other delights of Audlem, which is a quintessential canalside village.

This is just one of many events at Audlem Mill during 2014 which will be of interest to boaters.

There will be exhibitions of needlework and canal related items and there is also the gathering of about 40 historic narrowboats on July 26-27, organised by Audlem Mill as part of the village’s Festival of Transport, which also has around 300 old vehicles on the second day – completely free days out.

One of the country’s largest exhibitions of canal art at Audlem Mill. PHOTO SUPPLIED Audlem Mill, one of the oldest and best known canal shops, is at Audlem Wharf, close to bridge 78 on the Shropshire Union Canal. For visitors by boat, there are moorings right outside the Mill. ● Further details of Audlem Mill events will be posted at www.audlemmill.co.uk, or phone 01270 811059.

Boaters welcome at Sea Shanty Festival Model boats in one of the locks. PHOTO SUPPLIED HUNDREDS of model boats will be on display when clubs from across the North West return to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port for the sixth consecutive year over the weekend Saturday and Sunday March 1-2.

Boats will occupy a large section of the canal plus one entire length of one of the locks displaying an extensive well thought out model dock system.

NWM general manager John Inch said: “The Ellesmere Port Model Boat Show will be giving members of the public the unique chance to take control and try steering the boats for themselves.

“Special highlights of the weekend include boat

races, steering challenges, free sailing, model boat building demonstration and the award for the best boat.”

There will also be multiple model boat traders selling parts and full kits as well as being available to offer advice on how to construct your own models.

Admission to the event is only £3.50 which includes access to the rest of the museum. ● For more information contact the museum on 0151 355 5017 or visit the website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

New insights into the history of Ellesmere Port THIS spring, visitors to the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port will have two great new opportunities to look back at the history of the town.

From Wednesday, March 5, to Tuesday, April 29, as part of the new Port Arts Festival Fringe, the Ellesmere Port Local and Family History Society, the Ellesmere Port Photographic Society and students from West Cheshire College will be putting on an exhibition, hosted by the National Waterways Museum, entitled Then and Now based on 10 iconic images of the town.

The iconic images have, in the main, been selected from the extensive collection in The Waterways Archive/Canal & River Trust, permanently held in Ellesmere Port. The subjects include people, the lighthouse, the oil industry, leisure, shops, clubs and pubs, the docks and flour mills, architecture, transport and general industry. The local photographic society and students have been asked to interpret them.

Their brief was to submit a ‘now’ photo to match the iconic ‘then’ photo or ‘their own interpretation’.

Funding for the project has been provided by Arts Council England.

Later this year, the National Waterways Museum is opening a new, permanent exhibition covering the History of Ellesmere Port – replacing the one that has been a popular attraction for locals for many years. This new exhibition has been developed with the help of members of the Ellesmere Port Local and Family History Society.

The Lighthouse as it is now. PHOTO: EPF&LHS

● For more details about opening hours and admission charges, please call in to the National Waterways Museum, telephone 0151 355 5017 or visit http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/nationalwaterways-museum The National Waterways Museum is open daily.

Then: The Lighthouse circa 1950. PHOTO:WATERWAYS

ARCHIVE/CANAL & RIVER TRUST

THE fourth national Sea Shanty Festival takes place at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port over the Easter weekend (April 18-20, 2014).

Coinciding with the annual boat gathering at the museum, festival organiser Shanty UK is hoping that many of the boaters will go along and join in throughout the weekend.

The festival brings together nearly 100 performers in seven different venues within the museum for three exciting days of singing, concerts, boat trips, museum tours, nautical poetry, puppet-making and face painting. Most of the music and events during the Easter weekend

are free to boaters once moored within the museum’s grounds.

According to Julia Batters of Shanty UK, the festival is designed as a fun event for the whole family. She said: “The UK has a long tradition of sea shanties and maritime singing and our festival helps keep this tradition alive for future generations.”

The highlights of the festival are two concerts taking place within the museum on Friday and Saturday nights, which feature a number of acts from across the UK and Europe. Tickets for the evening concerts are £10 and can be reserved online at www.shanty.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON IN MARCH

www.towpathtalk.co.uk If you want your event listed in our free monthly What’s On section email your entry to jrichardson@mortons.co.uk or use the events form at www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events. As always please check with organisers on the details of the event before setting out on your journey.

March 1

Waterways Craft Guild: Beginners’ roses and castles course at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, with Julie Tonkin. Members £45, non members £52.50.

Contact training co-ordinator Julie Tonkin on 01384 569198, julie@canal-art-by-julie.co.uk

March 2

IWA Towpath Walks Society, London: Regent’s Canal, Little Venice – Camden. Starts Warwick Avenue tube station at 2.30pm. Costs £9, £7 student/concs. Contact Roger Wilkinson 0208 458 9476.

March 3

River Foss Society: Foss Walk 1, Oulston to Easingwold, 4.5 miles. Meet at 9.30am in the market square (free parking behind leisure centre), drivers then take walkers to start. Meal in The George afterwards.

Contact Bob Jowett 01904 764702, bobjowett1@btopenworld.com

March 6

Birmingham Canals Navigations Society: The Smethwick pumping engine by Jim Andrew. Titford Pumphouse, Engine Street, Oldbury B69 4NL, 7.30pm.

Contact Phil Clayton 01902 780920.

Southampton Canal Society: Stuart Fisher with his canoeist’s view of the canals which cannot be reached by narrowboat. St Denys’ Church Hall, Old Chilworth Village, Southampton SO16 7NN, 7.45pm. Visitors welcome. Contact Angela Rose 02380 675312, www.sotoncs.org.uk

March 8-9

Day-Star Theatre: Roses & Castles workshop weekend at Audlem. No experience necessary, 10am-4pm each day. £75 (£25 deposit), materials, lunch and refreshments provided, bring your own item for decoration. Contact Jane Marshall on 01270 811330, jane@day-startheatre.co.uk or visit www.day-star-theatre.co.uk Waterways Craft Guild: Build your own website course at Phil’s log cabin, Cradley Heath, with Phil Stone.

Members £90, nonmembers £105. Contact training coordinator Julie Tonkin on 01384 569198, julie@canal-art-by-julie.co.uk

March 9

Kent Boat Jumble: The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge TN12 6PY (Jct 4 M20/Jct 5 M25). Open to buyers 10am. All weather indoor/outdoor event. Adults £4, children/parking free. Chaddock & Fox Promotions boatjumbles@yahoo.com 02392 381405/07887 771451, www.boat-jumbles.co.uk

March 11

IWA Middlesex Branch: AGM plus Rickmansworth Canal Trust – Mark Saxon on the work of the trust, Fabian Hiscock on historic boat Roger and David Montague on the Rickmansworth Festival. Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 2QX. Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start. Contact Lucy at middlesex.socials@waterways.org.uk IWA Chester and Merseyside: AGM followed by Reflections upon the Canal du Midi by Gillian Bolt. Tom Rolt Conference Centre, National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW. 7.45pm. Bar and coffeemaking facilities available.

March 12

IWA Warwickshire: AGM followed by The Inside Story of the Jubilee Pageant by Helen Henderson. The Sports Connexion Leisure Centre, Ryton-on-Dunsmore CV8 3FL. 7.30pm.

South London IWA: AGM followed by short presentation. The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. 7.30 for 8pm, all welcome. Contact Alan Smith 02082 551581, 07774 890750 or email alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

March 14

IWA West Riding: The work of the RNLI by Colin Senior.

South Pennine Boat Club, Wood Lane, Mirfield WF14 0ED. 8pm. Contact 01133 934517, kandal@btinternet.com

March 15

IWA Lichfield and Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust: Grand jumble sale at the Peace Memorial Hall, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, from 10am.

Refreshments available.

March 16

Northern Boat Jumble: Brookfield Farm, Sproston Green, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW5 7LN. Open to buyers 10am. All weather indoor/outdoor event. Adults £3.50, children/parking free. Chaddock & Fox Promotions boatjumbles@yahoo.com 02392 381405/07887 771451, www.boat-jumbles.co.uk IWA Towpath Walks Society, London: Regent’s Canal, Mile End – Limehouse. Starts Mile End tube station at 2.30pm. Costs £9, £7 student/concs. Contact Roger Wilkinson 0208 458 9476.

March 17

IWA Birmingham, Black Country & Worcester: AGM followed by members’ slides. Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin, Hereward Rise, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8AW, 7.15 for 7.30pm. Contact Chris Osborn 01299 832593, jcosborn@btinternet.com Friends of Cromford Canal: Steam locomotive A1 Tornado by Alexa Stott. Ironville Church Hall, 7.30pm.

Admission £2, bar and raffle available.

March 18

River Foss Society: Archaeological walk around Haxby, starting at 9.30am. Maximum 20 walkers so book in advance with Bob Jowett 01904 764702, bobjowett1@btopenworld.com IWA Warwickshire Branch: A long and short walk around Earlswood Lake. Meet at 10.30am at the Craft Centre car park. Lunch at the cafe. Contact 01926 403179.

Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust: Audrey, Evelyn and Anne – some Idle Women by Tim Coghlan.

The Royal Oak, Much Marcle, 7.30 for 8pm start.

Everyone welcome.

March 19

IWA Lichfield: AGM followed by illustrated talk on Progress on the Ashby Canal by Geoff Pursglove, Ashby Canal restoration partnership project officer. Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane (off Walsall Road), Lichfield WS13 8AY. 7.30 for 7.45pm.

March 21

IWA East Yorkshire: AGM and presentation about hotel boating by Ivor Nicholson. Methodist Church Hall, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 4BD, 8-10pm. £2 including refreshments.

Contact roger.bromley@waterways.org.uk 01482 845099.

March 22

St Pancras Cruising Club: Daffodil Cruise. Short cruise to celebrate the arrival of spring. Contact cruise coordinator Caroline Stanger on 07956 231456, carolinestanger@hotmail.com Waterways Craft Guild: Stitchcraft course at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, with Mary Parry.

Members £45, non-members £52.50. Contact training co-ordinator Julie Tonkin on 01384 569198, julie@canalart-by-julie.co.uk

March 22-23

Boaters invited to Tipton Beer Festival & Gathering

By Les Heath

FRIENDS of Tipton Cut, whose work and enthusiasm has been praised by Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry, is hosting a Boaters’ Gathering and Beer Festival over the Easter weekend, April 19-20.

The beer festival will take place in a canalside pub, The Fountain Inn, the former training ground and watering hole of the 19th century bare-fist fighter William Perry – the Tipton Slasher.

Mooring will be along the adjoining towpath and on John The Lock Moorings opposite.

Extra moorings will be available on nearby Coronation Gardens if needed.

There will be musical entertainment in The Fountain on Saturday and, hopefully, on Sunday afternoon.

Organisers are not asking for a mooring fee but would appreciate donations to help cover costs. Although there will not be any trade stalls at the event, licensed boat traders are welcome with the appropriate documentation.

Anyone who would like a towpath mooring for trading or mobility reasons should contact Wayne on 07889 962638 or Ann on ann.onthecut@virginmedia.com

Memories are made of this THE Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership is hosting a Reminiscence and Memorabilia Day on the canalside by the museum on Sunday, April 13.

It is hoped people will come to share memories of the village, the canal and countryside through stories, descriptions of events, photos or written accounts.

Admission is free and members of the team will be on hand from 10am-4pm to share your stories and memorabilia as well as a film crew to record your memories and experts who can answer your questions.

Entertainment, refreshments and exhibits from the museum will be there to enjoy aswell as a mystery object quiz, ‘where on earth image’ competition and family-fun activities.

The Reminiscence Day is part of a two-

year interpretation project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which includes the installation of new visitor information boards, purchase of recording equipment, provision of family tracker packs and the recruitment and training of a number of volunteers who will provide guided tours and capture interesting stories of the waterways. ● If you would like to know more about the project please contact the Canal & River Trust lynda.payton@canalrivertrust.org.u k or the Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership, helen.westlake@stokebruernecana lpartnership.org.uk or by calling 01908 302542.

Fun on and off the water at Leicester Riverside Festival

River Canal Rescue: Boat and engine maintenance course. Alvechurch Marina near Birmingham. For bookings and information visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk call 01785 785680 or email enquiries@rivercanalrescue.co.uk

March 24

IWA Milton Keynes: Lock Gates – building, repair and abuse by Lee King and Neil Owen, Canal & River Trust.

The Milton Keynes Pavilion, Worrell Avenue, Middleton, Milton Keynes Village MK10 9AD (accessed off Tongwell Street V11). Free admission. Contact Rodney Evans 01908 376449 rodneyevans48@gmail.com

March 25

Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society: Nigel Crowe from the Canal & River Trust. The Wilmot Arms, 49 Derby Road, Borrowash, Derby, 8pm. Admission £2 members, £3 non members.

March 26

IWA Chiltern: AGM followed by social evening and ploughman’s supper with talk on what the CRT is doing to improve the cruising experience. Little Chalfont Village Hall, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Bucks HP8 4UD. 8pm. All welcome to attend. Contact 01932 248178.

March 27

IWA Chester & Merseyside walk: Tiverton, from the Shady Oak, Bates Mill Lane, Tiverton, Tarporley CW6 9UE. This walk of about four miles covers the footpaths, lanes and Sandstone Trail on both sides of the Shropshire Union Canal and features views of the towering crag on which sits Beeston Castle. OS Explorer 267. Map Reference 533602. Starts 10.15am, open to non members. Lunch can be booked on morning.

March 28

Linlithgow Union Canal Society: Rail and Water, John McGregor examines the relationships between Scottish railway companies with canal and coastal shipping. Mel Gray Centre, Linlithgow Canal Centre, Manse Road, Linlithgow EH49 6AJ, 7.30pm. All welcome, no charge, but donations may be made to the Boat Fund.

March 29

Dorset Boat Jumble: Canford Park Arena, Magna Road, Poole BH21 3AP. Open to buyers 10am. All weather indoor/outdoor event. Adults £3.50, children/parking free.

Chaddock & Fox Promotions boatjumbles@yahoo.com 02392 381405/07887 771451, www.boat-jumbles.co.uk

Colourful boats are among the attractions on the river. PHOTO SUPPLIED ONE of the city’s biggest free festivals, the Leicester Riverside Festival, will feature activities on and off the water over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8.

Highlights on the river include colourful boats from across the region, canoe demonstrations, boat trips and the popular arts and craft street market plus a variety of tempting food stalls.

On land the festival continues to build on its reputation for great live music by showcasing bands and artists on the main stage.

There’s plenty to entertain the whole family including children’s activities, arts and crafts, music and a children’s funfair in Bede Park.

Castle Gardens will host inspiring eco activities with the opportunity to have a go and learn new skills as well as providing a relaxing space to enjoy a picnic. There will also be attractions on Western Boulevard and Mile Straight.

Once again there will be an environmental focus to the festival with the involvement of various groups bringing together workshops and displays helping to raise awareness of environmental issues. ● For more information contact: 0116 454 3600 visitleicester.info/riversidefestival

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BITS & BOBS A nod to St Patrick’s Day GREETINGS! We once chuckled about the note on an Irish menu next to a multitude of cabbage selections: “Cabbage, good for the digestion, but a bit windy.” During the windy part of March that ‘comes in like a lion’ this recipe seems a perfect complement. This pickled relative of the New England boiled dinner is a favourite of ours because it can sit comfortably on our diffuser atop the heater and simmer away for three hours or so. Rexx adds potatoes during the last half hour of stewing and a day or so later uses them along with the leftover cabbage for Bubble and Squeak (see below). The cabbage side dish only takes about eight minutes to steam separately. A quicker version for those not wrapped around their heater in March like we are, would substitute tinned corned beef, sliced and fried in butter or just some bacon grease stolen from the ingredients that Rexx uses in the leftover recipe below.

by Rexx & Phill

March top tip

The winds of March impress me as Mother Nature sweeping out the remains of winter with a large broom; it takes spring cleaning to a whole new level.

Those winds battering our steel superstructure make our narrowboat especially cold. We learned about double glazing from our neighbours who buy packages of super plastic (sort of like thick cling film in a kit that comes with double sided sticky strips) and fit lengths of the film over the windows. We make sure we have other venting and we have learned to live with the ‘sweating’ that the window creates because the ‘double glazing’ really cuts

down on the chill factor on the boat. The process is sort of a ‘takes two’ combined with rub your head and pat your stomach at the same time. If you two are still talking after the first window, you’ve got a relationship that will stand the test of time and sticky fingers.

After winter, one of our summer projects on the odd layover, is to strip off the film and remove the sticky tape residue with a soap and vinegar mixture.

Before the end of our summer cruising, we make sure we have sanded and recoated the window ledges with varnish to protect them from the winter ‘sweating’ to come.

Phill’s Cabbage and Corned Beef

Prep time 10 minutes, stew time total 4 hours, serves 4 plus leftovers Corned Beef: ● 2kg (4-5 lb Corned Beef Brisket) OR 1 tin of corned beef sliced and fried in equal parts of butter/oil ● 2 tbsp Chinese five-spice ● Mustard to serve ● Horseradish to serve

Lee Senior starts a new season of topical tips for growing your own.

HOW lovely it is to be looking forward to spring. The mild wet winter, hasn’t been particularly wintery to date.

Fingers crossed there are no nasty surprises around the corner!

Salad crops are some of the easiest and fastest food to grow in smaller spaces. Radishes will germinate in gentle heat and will happily grow in a shallow window box on the roof of your boat. Why not sow some mixed salad leaf seeds in the box as well?

These can be harvested several times and will re-grow to accompany your radish. The seed packets contain such tasty treats as mizuna, lettuce and mustard.

Meanwhile indoors on the windowsill, sprouting seeds make a tasty nutritious snack. They will germinate and grow quickly on a thick layer of damp kitchen paper in a shallow container such as an old margarine tub. The good news is they will be ready to eat in just 7-14 days.

Cress, mustard and peas which are grown for their tender young tasty shoots are particularly easy. Simply keep the paper damp but not too wet.

four wedges, and plate alongside. Tuck some butter inside the steaming cabbage leaves, sprinkle over salt and pepper, and serve. Have mustard and horseradish at the table to slather on to the corned beef. Have apple sauce on the table to add as a side.

THE owner, designer and builder of unique electric boat Nuera is looking for a partner to share in the running and possible further development costs of this well known boat.

Its construction and launching was featured on several episodes of Waterworld and, thanks to repeats on Discovery Channel, the boat is recognised everywhere it goes in and around Stourport-on-Severn.

Thanks to four electric thrusters, one in each corner of the boat, it is totally manoeuvrable, forwards, backwards, sideways and around in circles, all easily achieved by varying the speed and rotation of the powerful electric motors.

Rexx’s Bubble and Squeak

Prep time 10 minutes, cook time about 1 hour total, serves 4 Pre-step: Fry a packet of streaky bacon and set aside reserving both grease and bacon.

This recipe acknowledges the kinder, gentler part of March; the ‘out like a lamb’ part of the month when the wind has died down to a squeak. The early cooks knew what they were doing, all of the heavy comfort food of winter consumption is swept out by the odd cabbage chaser. I almost like this better than the original dish of corned beef and cabbage above, but don’t tell Phill, he’s chuffed to be primary recipe in the column. ● 1 pk streaky bacon, fried with the grease ● 1 onion, finely diced ● 1 small tin of cooked carrots ● 3 cups of mashed or grated cooked potatoes ● 1½ cups cooked cabbage, sliced thinly ● 2 eggs, beaten ● 1 tsp sugar ● 1 tbsp spicy mustard ● Salt and pepper to taste ● Tinned apricots for a side

Place a diffuser on the hob; on it bring up a skillet (we like our cast iron) seasoned with two tbsp of the bacon fat to sizzle temperature; tip in the onions and saute until golden (15min). Add the carrots and continue to saute (10min) Whisk the mustard and eggs together and set aside. In a large bowl mix the potatoes and cabbage strips together.

Pour over the mustard/egg mixture and fold in (you can use two forks but I have to do this with my hands and get nice and messy). Tip the contents on to the mixture in the frying pan and fold in. Salt and pepper (be stingy with the

Radishes will happily grow in a shallow window box. PHOTO: LEE SENIOR Chit your early seed potatoes on the windowsill too, to allow them to grow healthy shoots prior to planting outdoors next month.

Sow dwarf types of broad beans and plant shallots this month in any decent sized container, filled with a John Innes or multi-purpose compost.

Both crops are hardy. Simply ensure there are adequate drainage holes in the base and stand the containers on feet or bricks to allow rain water to drain away.

Business partner sought for unique electric boat

Cabbage and Potatoes:

● 4 medium potatoes ● 1 head of cabbage, quartered ● 2 knobs of butter ● Salt and pepper to taste ● Apple sauce as a side

Rinse the corned beef brisket and place in the bottom of a kettle (stewpot). Add water to an inch above the brisket. In our case, we put the diffuser on our heater, bring the water to a boil on the hob, then transfer the kettle with its bubbling brisket to the diffuser/heater, cover and simmer.

Note: if doing all of the simmering on the hob, bring the liquid to the boil, cover, and turn down, to simmer. Either way, simmer the brisket for one hour, then drain off the liquid and add boiling water to cover, sprinkle over the Chinese five-spice, and simmer for another hour. Then, add the potatoes, cover and simmer (30min). With 10 minutes remaining on the cooking time for the brisket, in a separate kettle bring a cup of water up to the boil, add the cabbage, cover and steam (8min). Remove the potatoes and set aside for Rexx’s Bubble and Squeak later in the week. Remove the brisket and pat dry. Slice on the diagonal across the grain and plate. Drain the cabbage, reserve half, slice the remaining quarters in two to make

Gardening afloat

salt, and generous with the pepper). Keep the mixture on low and scoop and fold from the bottom after 10 minutes.

Taste, adjust the salt and pepper. Sprinkle over two more tbsp of bacon fat. Continue to fry (10min) and repeat the scoop and fold. This gives everything a crispy edge. Then, spread the mixture out and pat it down into a large pancake. Fry for 10-15 minutes, depending on the enthusiasm of your propane hob. Use a spatula to lift up the edge and check after 10 minutes as the temperature can sneak up on the unsuspecting. When the pancake seems golden, hold a plate over the pan and invert the pancake on to it, re-season the frying pan with the remaining 2tbsp of bacon grease, bring it up to sizzle temperature and slide the pancake back in, golden side up. Brown the underside of the pancake (5-10min) depending on your hob. To plate, slice the pancake into four wedges and serve topped with crumbled bits of the bacon and a side of fruit.

Fare well!

Nuera’s classic oak-panelled interior.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

The hull and superstructure are a totally unique design, based on Edwardian Thames Launches with exterior oak detailing and stainless steel fittings.

Large double glazed tinted sliding windows ensure an airy feel with views from the classic oak panelled interior.

The design does not follow conventional narrow boats, the sides are straight up and folding rails on the nearly flat roof provide a large sun bathing/picnic area.

Panoramic views

The large forward cockpit leads into the saloon through folding ‘patio’ style doors. The saloon is flexible for picnicking or partying. This leads to the large bathroom with full sized shower and toilet.

This leads into the double berth with seating around the panoramic windows.

The boat runs on a large bank of batteries with an automatic 8kVA generator to top up the batteries and run the 240v electrics and mood lighting.

Jonathan Evans is seeking a partner to enjoy the boat on the Severn and possibly help develop further modifications including a full remote control system so it can be driven from anywhere on the boat or the bank to drive it into locks when working single handed!

The boat is securely moored outside Jonathan’s house in Stourport for use primarily on the river but Jonathan is considering moving it next year for the summer to the Thames.

For further details email Jonathan on j.evans@tdcs.co.uk

St David’s Day walk THE Friends of the Montgomery Canal will celebrate St David’s Day on Saturday, March 1, with their annual walk which will start this year from the Waggon and Horses, Lower Canal Road, Newtown at 10.30am.

Local historian David Pugh will lead the four mile walk to Penarth Weir and Freestone Lock along what remains of the towpath before returning to the pub for some warming stew.

There will be parking

on the roadside at Newtown and anyone requiring food should contact Freda Davies on 01938 552817.

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To book your advertising call Stuart on 01507 529455

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BOAT SAFETY

BOAT BUILDER

CANOPIES

ROSS BOATS Boat Safety Scheme Examinations,covering Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire. Mob: 07966 625758 or email details full for rossboats@ntlworld.com. www.rossboats.com RO507356L

BOAT SHARE

COMMUNICATIONS

Looking to buy or sell a boat share?

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EQUIPMENT

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CANALIA

For m ore details call N igelon 07989 388109

Try the narrowboat painting specialists on the North Oxford Canal

AUTO ELECTRIC SUPPLIES Everything you need for Wiring, Rewiring and Maintaining your Boat Cable, Switchgear, Fuseboxes etc. Free 100 page Catalogue available or buy Online!

Tel: 01584 819552 Fax: 01584 819355

www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk

nigel.carton@ btinternet.com

Online Boat Painting Quotes www.oxonboatpainting.co.uk

GENERATORS

Tel 07977 504766

Enter promotional code TT001 for discount

edgetechnology.co.uk Call : 01270 509 296

BOOKS

CANOPIES

COURSES/EDUCATION

LPG Petrol

FFRREEEE

(

CANAL BOOKS, GUIDES AND MAPS. Probably the best selection. www.canalbookshop.co.uk or visit Audlem Mill on the Shropshire Canal. Tel: 01270 811059 AU471593L AU507237L

Quote: ‘Towpath’ when ordering for a free Service kit

ENGINES

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ENGINES

GEARBOXES

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FUEL POLISHING

GIFTS ELECTRICIAN

CANAL CARGO BOOKSHOP www.canalcargo.co.uk Buy on Line

FENDERS

UK and Continental Maps and Guide Books Boating and Canal books including History, Boat Maintenance, Canal Crafts, Fiction Videos and DVDs • Gifts and CD roms Bert and Betty Books Model boats, Chandlery and Canal Magazines.

Mail and telephone orders welcome

23 Pine Gardens, Surbiton, Surrey KT5 8LJ

020 8399 0486 GRAPHICS

FUEL POLISHING

HEATING

INSURANCE

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INSURANCE

Boat & Narrowboat Insurance at the touch of a button Quick and easy online quotations and cover 24 hour claims help line and simple online claims tracking Monthly payments available for premiums over ÂŁ100 at NO EXTRA COST! Underwritten by Navigators & General a trading name of Zurich Insurance plc

Quality cover at internet prices!

www.craftinsure.com Go online or call us on 08452 607888 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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INSURANCE

JOINERY

MOBILE MARINE ENGINEER

F a s t, R elia b le M o b ile S er vice F o r A L L Y o u r B o a tin g N eed s 15 years’experience,fully qualified, a service you can rely on FEEL FREE TO CALL TO DISCUSS AN Y N EEDS YOU M AY HAVE

MOORINGS

0 7 9 6 20 240 9 2

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HEATING

LAND FOR SALE

MAIL FORWARDING

Land for sale, 250 x 300 ft, 1.7 acre, between Shropshire Union Canal (Llangollen branch) and Nantwich Rd. Wrenbury area. Non towpath side.

Private gate. Tel: 07896 618551 PL509161L

LED LIGHTING

MOORINGS

DIESEL FIRED HEATING ENGINEER Eberspacher, Webasto, Mikuni & Diesel Stove Installation, Service and Repair • Quality work at competitive rates • MIDLANDS AND NORTH WEST

Ed Shiers 07922 163072 www.fc-marine.co.uk ed@fc-marine.co.uk

MOBILE MARINE ELECTRICIAN P a u l Ha rris Specia lis t(M obile)

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MOORINGS

SERVICES

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ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR TRADITIONAL PROBLEMS-restoration and marinising, casting, machining and fabrication of one off parts to order. Gardner factory approved. Over 60 years of combined experience. Tel 01788 899123 www.vintagediesels.co.uk VI507364L

VERSATILE

O nly ten m inutes fro m m a inline sta tio n a nd the M 1 a nd M 2 5

NON-SLIP PLASTIC FLOORING - 300MM SQUARE - EASY TO CUT AND FIT GREAT RANGE OF COLOURS Buy online at:

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Flyscreen san d blin dsfo rw in do w s,po rts, do o rsan d hatches.

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SERVICES

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From a wiring fault to a full engine/gearbox recondition we have a fully qualified engineer in the respective field.

• Heating systems • Generators • Bow thrusters • Gearboxes (hydraulic/mechanical) • Outboard motors • Wiring faults (including inverters) • Engines (modern/traditional) • Mobile welding services We are based in Hebden Bridge & Todmorden and provide our services around Lancashire Yorkshire and Greater Manchester areas.

Insurance approved (covering all aspects of work)

So if you require any of our services here or just need a little more information on the services we provide, then why not email or give us a call!

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Ring Keith on 01530 411778 or 07961 324479 (7 days a week) for a free quotation

FOR YOUR ENTIRE SPECIALIST TANK NEEDS For water, waste, fuel, we fabricate in Stainless Steel, Poly Propylene, Mild Steel and PVC all to your specifications Trade or private also cruisers stainless work ALL HAND MADE Call Steve on 01902 427479 07966 526528

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SERVICES

STORAGE

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

WINDOWS

DIPSTOP

A45 SELF STORAGE

A.B. TUCKEY BOAT TRANSPORT SERVICE

Caldwells Narrowboat windows: See our web page @ www.caldwellswindows.co.uk or call 01942 826406 CA493401L

Locking cap for all types of fuel tanks.

Telephone John on: 01939 251351 or visit our website at

www.dipstop.co.uk for more information

A reliable personal service provided by a family business, based on 3 generations of transport experience.

Narrowboats moved up to 70ft in length and 25 tonnes in weight.

Own 35 & 70 tonne crane.

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TRANSPORT

Tel 01926 812134 Fax 01926 810354

Specialists in moving narrowboats up to 70 ft

Stockton, Warwickshire Website: www.abtuckey.co.uk email: Mark@abtuckey.co.uk

Channelglaze Ltd: See our main advertisement on page 21. Tel: 0121 706 5777 CH509184L

UPHOLSTERY Canvasman - see some examples of our work on our main advert page 17. 01943 851444 www.canvasman.co.uk CA507380L

SIGNWRITING RELIABLE: if we say we will be there at 4am you can count on it.

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TRANSPORT BY WATER The Tillerman. Boat relocations. Insured, experienced, RYA licenced, friendly. Visit www.movemycanalboat.co.uk. Tel 07804 077306 SI507755L

SKIPPER SERVICES

Deadline for advertising in the April issue is Wednesday March 12

READERADVERTS

Selling your boat is FREE for private readers of Towpath Talk

See coupon for details

Boats for sale

35FT NARROWBOAT 1980, 2berth, renovated inside, 6ft 2” headroom, fridge, cooker, wood/coal burning stove, 1500cc diesel engine, BMC renovated in 2000, BSC 2015, mooring Ringstead, £15,000. Tel. 01933 358419. Northants.

38FT NARROWBOAT 2-4 berth, ex BCN riveted (Harris’s) main hull section, welded steel counter stern, fully fitted pine cabin, very clean, full working order, sensible offer secures.

Tel. 01889 270172; 0781 5024521.

Staffs.

57FT CRUISER STERN 2000, five adult berths, complete, ready to cruise, nearly full tank of fuel, safety certificate till 2016, £35,000 ono. Tel. 07977 374116. Northants.

40FT NARROWBOAT all steel Perkins 4108 engine, needs starter motor, otherwise OK, £6000 ono.Tel. 0777 3502529.

45FT CRUISER STERN NARROWBOAT 1999, 4-berth, shower, s/f stove, full cooker, fridge, BSC 2016, full survey 2012, re-blacked 2012, Perkins engine, beautiful condition throughout, £32,000 ono. Tel. 07752 818724. S Yorks.

BIRCHWOOD 33FT CENTER COCK PIT 1978, twin Perkins diesel engines, aft cabin sleeps two, ensuite with portal, wheelhouse with VHF radio echo sounder, forward cabin with small galley, sleeps 3. Tel. 07920 232833. Notts.

CAVALIER CRUISER steel, 28ft long, sink unit, double burner grill, sea toilet, wood burner, accommodation wheel steerage batteries, pumps etc, £4000. Tel. 07795 385775. Lancs.

CHARLIE CRUISER reburbished new Suzuki engine, electric start, new canopy, sink, hob, fridge, toilet, can email photos, must sell, £3750 ono. Tel. 07889 943223. Mids.

CRUISER STERN 57ft, 2000, five adult berths, complete, ready to cruise, nearly full tank of fuel, BSC till 2016, £35,000 ono. Tel. Liz Norris 07977 374116.

CRUISER STERN 60ft, 8 berth, steel, by Hancock and Lane, rear double cabin, 4 bunks midship, kitchen and salon fore, 2 toilets and shower, sea door, £30,000 ono. Tel. 07943 369726. Staffs.

CRUISER STYLE NARROWBOAT 45ft, 2009, good quality craft, underused, ready for cruising, £38,000.

Tel. 01253 810166. Lancs.

ELISA SPRINGER semi-trad narrowboat, 1978, 38ft, engine BMC 1500, 2-berth, Webasto diesel heating systems, PRM gearbox, shower room, cassette w/c, £23,500 ovno.

Tel. 01707 880786; 07867 664890.

Herts.

D

DRAGONFLY 55FT 1998, Liverpool boat, semi trad, solid oak diagonal tongue and groove to cabin sides, side hatch, Houdini hatch, Squirrel Morso multi-fuel stove, thermostatically controlled c/h, radiators, new waste tank and macerater toilet, sign written by Andy Russell. Tel. Allison 07754 115744. Shrops.

FAT BOTTOMED GIRL 2008 widebeam, 57ft x 10ft liveaboard, Vetus 65hp engine, bow thruster, BSC till May 2015, blacked Oct 12, stainless steel water tank, Villager multi-fuel fire, £68,950. Tel. 07958 677665.

Cambs.

DUTCH BARGE 2009, 58ft, well designed, spacious, fitted out in white oak and trimmed in ash, Barrus-shire 65 engine, bow thruster, £170,000.

Tel. 07974 808277.

55FT TRAD NARROWBOAT 1991, 4-berth, fitted out in ash with mahogany trims, Squirrel stove and two radiators, Perkins 46hp engine, BSS to 2016, cooker, fridge, £30,000. Tel. 01652 678501. Lincs.

BIG NORTHWICH MOTOR 178 Tadworth, requires partial restoration, for pictures see http://s1226.photobucket. com/user/tadworth178/slideshow/Tad worth £26,000. for a quick sale Tel. 07890 604121. Herts.

L SO

GUCCC NARROWBOAT BARGUS Group owning orig GUCCC 70ft narrowboat, seeks new members, sleeps up to 7, based Milton Keynes, Lister HA3 engine, low cost. Tel. Stuart 0208 5182663 or John 07935 994025. Bucks.

IDEAL LIVE ABOARD 50ft x 10ft cruiser stern, rear kitchen, lounge, bathroom, bedroom, Squirrel stove with boiler, Isuzu 70, 3400 hours, 1000 ltr stainless water tank, £53,000. Tel. 07933 781683. Warks.

JOHN WHITE 50ft, 2012, 4 berth, Shires 40hp, BS 05/17, RCD, rev layout, cruiser, inverter, fridge, cooker TV, fixed double, s/s water tank, cassette toilet, wood burner, £39,999 Tel. 07835 643894. W Mids.

KINGSGROUND BOATS 70ft, childfriendly fit-out narrowboat, no expense spared, will p/x for wide beam/Dutch barge, £68,000 Tel. 07973 399308. Email: mjbmaritime@ aol.com for more details & pics.

Worcs.

MAREX CONSUL 7.7 28ft Yanmh, 45ft shaft-drive, diesel engine, sleeps 6, BSC 2016, anti-fouled 2014, engine serviced 2013, new canopy 2011, must be seen, £25,500. Tel. 07547 171339. Worcs.

NORMAN 18 Built 1978, BSC 2017, new canopy 2006, porta-loo, 2+2 berth, 1998 Yamaha 99, elec start, 4stroke, £2250. Tel. 01483 724169.

Surrey.

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NationalNarrow boats W anted For C ash

0800 3895325 PARIS NARROWBOAT 62ft semitrad, Emmeline, 2008, rev layout, bottom blacked Aug 13, BSS Cert til May 16, 4-berth, pump-out toilet, v well maintained, exc cond, suitable live aboard, £62,000. Tel. 07866 133777. Leics.

SHETLAND 2+2 GRP CRUISER on twin axle trailer, 1.5 BMC diesel with full recon engine, pump, injectors, starter, new prop etc, 2 ring burner/ grill, 1 fixed double, BSC 2016, £3250. 07848 986071. W Yorks.

VIKING 26FT CENTRE COCKPIT 6 berth, brand new Honda outboard, 2013, only 20-30 hrs, £8499 ono. Tel. 077638 32720 for info. Shropshire.

CLASSIC OTTER 26 electric trip boat with trailer, seats 12, diesel generator, bow thruster, new batteries, hydraulic lift for wheelchair, lying Taunton, £26,000.Tel. 01823 413439.

Somerset.

HARBOROUGH MARINE 30ft cruiser stern, all steel narrowboat, 1984, Bukh engine, BSC 2015, complete prof fit-out, two single beds/ sofas, Boatman's stove, Paloma water heater, galvanic isolator, LED spotlights, new Waeco fridge, hob, sink etc, shower room, wash basin, Thetford cassette toilet, laminate flooring, immac inside, back and front covers, TV plank etc, £15,800. Tel. 01773 744538. Derbys.

HANCOCK & LANE 40ft, 4 years BSS, year's licence, currently on Llangollen Canal at Wrenbury, needs some tlc. £10,000 ono. Tel. 07857 177053. Norfolk.

HISTORIC BOAT fully restored, full length, in working trim but suitable for conversion for a no-nonsense sale, £30,000. Tel. 07913 761871. Oxfordshire.

REEVES HULL 56' trad, professionally fitted out in oak with solid timber throughout, double bed, cassette toilet, shower, galley, ready for someone to put their own finishing touches to it.

Selling due to change in circumstances. Tel. Tom 07946 497420.

Warks.

Parts and spares

CLARKE STRONG ARM engine lift, 1000kg, hardly used, £180. Tel. 07563 188944. Staffs.

10FT WIDE BEAM CANOPY for sale, front and back, navy blue, frame work included, no tears, nearly new condition. Tel. 01296 433233. Bucks.

DANFORTH ANCHOR brand new and unused, 8kg with Force swivel connector to prevent chain locking, 3m of galvanised chain and approx 5m of rope, 8kg is large enough to do the job, £55. Tel. 01283 740389.

Staffs.

w w w .nationalnarrow boatsforcash.co.uk

DVB POTHOLES x 4 (one smoked), 38cm dia, sliders x 4, 112 x 58cm (smaller one 81 x 58cm), vgc, aluminium and quality single glazed glass, runners and catches gwo, can be viewed, £580 ono. Tel. 07427 665875. Leics.

HAND OPERATED WINCH with reduction gear, full working order, suitable for slip way, £175. Tel. 0115 9726855. Notts.

LUCAS BLOCKING DIODE 12v negative earth, £20 ono Tel. 01543 503687. Staffs.

FREEMAN BOAT SIDE WINDOWS Large, £40; small, £20. good condition. Tel. 01932 707165.

MORRIS CHAINMASTER overhead electric crane, one tonne lift, £500 ovno Tel. 07563 188944. Staffs.

FREEMAN CHROME ANCHOR TRAP can be used on other boats, £2 Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

STERLING AB12160 160 amp pro digital alternator to battery charger, unused, price new, £350 + £150 + £15 postage. Tel. 01892 834139. derekgoodsell@talktalk.net Kent.

WHALE SHOWER WASTE PUMP new, boxed, 12v or 24v, £40 ovno Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

2X BRASS MUSHROOMS 2ft chimney, with hat 1 yr, various. Tel. 07599 990402. Cambs.

ANCHOR brand boat fenders, £1.

Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

BUBBLE DIESEL STOVE 5kw, c/w flue pipe, chimney collar and manufacturers handbook, good condition, T & M Shardlow, £200 ono.Tel. 07966 670751. Derbys.

CHROME FITTINGS deck grab rail rings, bow anchor guide, vent, rings, £1; anchor guide, £5; vent, £7. Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

CLARKE FG3000 petrol generator, as new only used once, two 230v and one 12v outlets, reason for sale - no room on boat, price was £265 brand new, will accept - £180. no offers and buyer collects. Tel. 0770 3049202. W Mids.

DOUBLE WHITE STRIP LIGHT 14.5" long, 12v, 310; mini dehumidifier, 5A 12v, £20; Grapnell 4 prong anchor and chain, 3.2kg, £20; 14" white steering wheel, £12. Tel. 077910 34695.

Cambs.

FREEMANWINDOWS small & large, from £20. -£40 Tel. 01932 707165.

Surrey.

HYUNDAI INVERTER suitcase generator, used twice, offers over £350. collect only. Tel. 07775 586313.

Worcs.

PAIR NAVIGATION LIGHTS plasitc, red/green, 13 x 6cm, £10; sealed oil syringe with 200mm suction tube, metal, £10; Roberts Elise DAB radio, £30. Tel. 077910 34695. Cambs.

PAIR OF BRASS boat pole/gang plank rests, £20. Tel. 07887 512912.

Oxfordshire.

VARIOUS PARTS s/s sink, mooring pins, windlass, buoyancy aid, fenders from £1, £7. Tel. 01932 707165.

Surrey.

WAECO 12/24v, 80 ltr fridge, as new, little used, less than 18 months old, £350 ono. Tel. 07769 321147. Staffs.

WHALE PUMP shower/drain, new, still boxed, 12v or 24v, £40.Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

TWIN LISTER FREEDOM Blackstone gearbox, 2-1 reduction; also various JP parts. £3500 ono Tel. 07563 188944 for details. Staffs.

FREE

Make

2-WHEELED TRAILER 23-26ft long, up to 2000kg boat weight, cash waiting. Tel. 01757 707367.Yorks.

Equipment

USED RH 3 BLADE PROPELLER 19x15 manganese bronze, 1.5” taper fitting, new brass key stock included, good condition, (£550 new), £295 ono Tel. 07779 229923. Notts.

Model

3

COVERED CUSHIONS black leather from sofa bed, 2 no squab, 5 no back, £150; timber frame also available. Tel. 07780 605617 for sizes etc. Staffs.

BUOYANCY AID as new. £5. Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

VANETTE LPG MODEL 4021/2 HOB GG7000 oven & grill, good condition, flame failure protection and 12v ign unit, installation/user manuals, £120 ono Tel. 07779 229923.

Notts.

THORNYCROFT SERVICE MANUAL vgc, £10. Tel. 01932 707165.

Surrey.

CANAL BRASS PLAQUES mint condition and horse brasses for sale, £120 buyer will have to collect due to the weight. Tel. 07950 832060.

Leics.

Wanted

WOODBURNER STOVE I have purchased a larger stove so my surplus one is for sale, it has had little use and is in vgc, this wood burner will taken longer than normal logs, £130 buyer collects Tel. 07997 78420. Staffs.

Price

DESPERATELY SEEKING FREEDOM! Happy couple, both working, two kids two dogs, looking for a liveaboard to rent/buy. West midlands based, perm mooring available currently living on a houseboat, please phone Tel. Graham 07903 883971. W Mids.

EXCHANGE WANTED 1999 trad stern for cruiser stern, 50ft-55ft, mine has BSC 2017, river licence December 2014, good condition. Tel. 07944 815322 for more details.. Notts.

I'M LOOKING FOR A PROJECT traditional narrowboat either sunk fire damage or unfinished sail way etc, must be cheap as poss. Tel. 07591 535752. Warks.

PRIVATE BOAT MOORING 45-50ft or less on Llangollen Canal, Tel. 01270 524579. Cheshire.

STOVE TOP OVEN wanted, to fit Morso Squirrel. Tel. 07814 902484.

Bucks.

WANTED HOUSEKEEPER/COMPANION to active OAP gentleman, (position is full-time and residential in rural Herts). Interest in motorbikes and canal boats an advantage. Only 100% genuine applicants please, with fully checkable references. ApplY; 07929 919770 eves and w’ends.

WIDEBEAM CANAL BOAT wanted, in need of restoration/repair/modernising, anything considered.Tel. Ian on 0034 617 904 774. Algeria, Spain.

BRASS TILLER PIN Kingfisher, £12; brass fire trivet, wood handle, £5; dark green enamel coffee pot, £4; old brass heavy saucepan, (small), £5; fire guard, black mesh, (new), £5; large terracotta bread/veg pot, £4; 3 canal related books on walks etc, £2 each; 4 place mats canal boat pics on, £4 the set.Tel. 01773 744538. Derbys.

CANAL SCENE PLATES 8 Queensware Wedgwood decorative Danbury Mint canal scenes plates, (Rural Waters) by Michael Herring, ( one slight chip), £25. for the lot Tel. 07771 804826. Wilts.

LPG VANETTE 40002 hob & LPG vanette GG7000 oven/grill with flame failure, in good condition, green with gold coloured handles, handbooks, £100. Tel. 01782 785695. Staffs.

MORSO SQUIRREL 1410 multi-fuel stove, brand new, still boxed with full warranty. Free local delivery. £525.Tel. 01332 865506. S Derbys.

MORSO SQUIRREL 1430 multi-fuel stove, brand new, still boxed with full warranty, free local delivery, £625.Tel. 01332 865506. Derbys.

THETFORD PORTAPOTTI 465 toilet with push button flush, used but spotlessly clean, £20 ono. Tel. 01926 810757; 07986 133122. Warks.

TILLERPIN brass Kingfisher, £12; canal related books, assorted, £2 each; canal book of knots, £3; brass fire trivet, wood handle, £5; dinner plate mats, boat pictures (4), £4 set; brass horse bell, on stand, £10; tiller arm, knotted tassles, £3 each. Tel. 01773 744538. Derbys.

WATERWAYS WORLD full collection from first edition 1972, buyer collect offers? Downsizing so boss says they must go to good home please! Tel. 01323 639525. E Sussex.

Choose a section

■ For sale ■ Parts wanted

■ Parts for sale ■ Miscellaneous

■ Wanted ■ Picture enclosed

Name: .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: .................................................................................................................................................................................

Choose one of the following methods:

2

FRIDGE FREEZER Shoreline Model RT143 12 24v, ht 1160mm, width 480mm, depth 530mm, 89 ltr fridge , a/defrost, 29ltr freezer, rev door. interior light, white, 2.1 amp/hr, 2 yrs old, £400 Tel. 07711 489849. Dorset.

HONDA OUTBOARD owner’s manual for 9.9hp & 15hp, in as new condition. Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

for private readers 1

ELECTRIC BUCKET washing machine, with two buckets, sell for £25.

Tel. 01932 358449. Northants.

Canalia

GARDNER 4LK Immaculate, show piece, vintage engine, PRM gearbox, two alternators, all Gardner logos & dials, rebuilt 2010 on engine bearer, history, replacement spares list, £16,000; buyer to collect. Tel. 07973 460482. Notts.

BMC 1.8 good economical runner, regularly professionaly serviced and overhauled last year, new mounts, long engine re-con, 6000 hrs, refurbished PRM gearbox last year, double pulleyed, 75amp alternator for quick charging, needs new loom and gauges, all offers considered, available March. central midlands location.

Tel. 07740 863532. B'ham.

Miscellaneous

PartsWanted

VILLAGER PUFFIN 4kw solid fuel stove, with 1.5kw s/s back boiler, stove recently removed from narrowboat, good condition, c/w fixing brackets, and owner/installation manuals, £250 ono. Tel. 07779 229923. Notts.

TRAILER BRAKE LININGS Surrey flange, chrome taps, all good new condition, £4 each. Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey.

Selling your boat is

LISTER HR2 not marinised, air cooled, good runner, new rings, b/end bearings, good engine, £495. Tel. 01205 480693; 07948 304584. Lincs.

MARINE ENGINES Can be heard running. Sell for £25. Tel. 07858 889858. Northants.

NAUTICUS 27FT inboard engine, Seawolf, refurbished interior, cockpit re-upholstered, new petrol tank, toilet, fridge, cooker, BSC 2018, mooring available, upholstered, curtains new, £7950. Tel. 01564 793818. Warks.

YANMARYSE12 For sale in Staffordshire, complete. Ideal for spares or repair. £300. Tel. Ade 07852 999601.

Staffs.

Engines

STANDARD HOPPER WINDOWS Five 36” x 21”, anodised bronze, three 14” portholes same finish, £300 ono Tel. 07758 634599. Glos.

4 GOOD PISTONS BMC 1.5 with con rods £25 each (standard size) also other engine parts from £10 (crank chain). Tel. 07860 688134. Cheshire.

6 CHANNELGLAZE WINDOWS 2 x 36 x 18 (non openers), 3 x 36 x 21 (top hoppers), 1 x 30 x 21 half frosted (hopper not frosted, £10 each. Tel. 01926 810757. Warks.

Insta n A lw at C ash A vail y s able

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Canal traffic revival sparks swing bridge congestion

Freight traffic passing though one of Warrington’s three swing bridges. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

By Harry Arnold

INCREASING use of the Manchester Ship Canal by freight traffic is resulting in the more frequent operation of the three swing bridges carrying main roads in Warrington, with the knock-on effect of road traffic disruption in the town.

Warrington Borough Council has called for talks with canal owner Peel Ports to reduce this problem.

Container barge services on the Manchester Ship Canal rose from 3000 in 2009 to 15,000 by 2012. Customers include Kellogg’s, Princes Food and Kingsland Wines. In 2012, Peel Ports added a second crane at Irlam Container Terminal below Manchester.

Warrington Borough Council has asked Peel Ports to reduce vessel movements through the town during peak travel periods. Proposals outline that no more than 20% of vessel

movements through the swing bridges should take place at peak times, equating to no more than 150 such movements throughout the year. This would be expected to decrease to 15% in the next five years. The council states that Peel Ports has so far refused to agree to this.

Peel Ports is disappointed by the council’s statement, saying that the company had been in discussions with the cabinet member for transportation as well as with other senior highways officials within the council. Peel Ports claims it has already implemented a number of the council’s suggested measures, including increasing the number of night-time and off-peak sailings.

Warrington Borough Council has also asked Peel Ports for the provision of advanced warning of planned shipping movements through the use of an early

warning system, modernisation of bridges so they swing faster and the use of council swing bridge signs to inform the public that a bridge has swung and is the cause for traffic delays.

Peel Ports states that it has taken all the required actions to support an early warning swing bridge alert system and is now waiting for implementation of the messaging on the signage and matrix warning infrastructure by the council.

Previous Warrington administrations planned a new high level road bridge from the south into the town (and actually bought land for it) so traffic could bypass the three swing bridges.

When the M6 motorway was built, which took away much of the town’s through traffic, and freight on the canal declined, it dropped the idea, not anticipating the growth of private car use and the revival of canal traffic.

New company is formed for Pilling’s Lock Marina MOORERS at Pilling’s Lock Marina in Quorn, Leicestershire, are awaiting developments in the ongoing dispute between their landlord Quorn Marina Properties Ltd and the Canal & River Trust which has served it notice to sever the access to the Leicester Navigation by April 14.

CRT head of business boating Phil Spencer wrote to licence holders on February 7 updating them on the

situation in respect of the proceedings with QMP which is now in liquidation.

A new company called No 750 Leicester Ltd was incorporated at Companies House on February 4; its sole director is Roy Rollings. CRT has been informed that the company expects to become the owner of the marina and would be prepared in principle to enter a new Network Access Agreement.

Advice for new continuous cruisers

By Polly Player

AS PART of the Canal & River Trust’s new Towpath Mooring Management project, the trust has begun implementation of a sub-project to ensure that new continuous cruisers and people in the planning stages of making a boat purchase understand what is required of them when making a continuous cruising licence declaration.

The trust is currently planning a communication campaign aimed at people considering a boat purchase for liveaboard use, to make sure they understand that if they intend to stay within a small geographical area aboard their boat, they must have a home mooring within the area or comply in full with the existing continuous cruising guidance.

The CRT intends to highlight the fact that complying with a continuous cruising declaration, and boating life as a whole, may not be as straightforward as many new liveaboard boaters assume it to be prior to facing the day-to-day realities of life on the cut.

Added to this, the CRT has already begun implementation of a scheme to contact all new first time continuous cruisers from January 2014 onwards,

explaining the requirements of the continuous cruising declaration and how the trust monitors boat movements. So far, the trust has sent out 94 introductory letters to new first time continuous cruisers who made their declaration between November 2013 and January 2014.

The trust also intends to provide feedback to new continuous cruisers during the first year of their licence, giving early warnings to boaters who are deemed to be staying within too narrow a geographical area to be considered compliant with their continuous cruising declaration.

After the initial year is up, the trust will advise new continuous cruisers who were found to be non-compliant during their first year that they must acquire a home mooring before their licence will be renewed at the end of its term.

The newly formed Association of Continuous Cruisers (associationof continuouscruisers.org.uk) agrees that often boaters making their first continuous cruising declaration do not fully understand what is required of them in terms of boat movement, and welcomes the efforts of the CRT to contact and advise new boaters prior to their beginning their life as continuous cruisers.

IWA staff digging deep for new excavator FOUR members of the Inland Waterways Association’s head office staff are tackling a Quadrathlon challenge in April to raise money for a new excavator for the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG).

On April 5, Toby Gumm, Stephanie Pay, Gemma Bolton and Jenny Black will attempt the 50 mile challenge along the Grand Union Canal from Harefield to Wolverton in Milton Keynes.

They hope to raise £5000, around 20% of the cost of a new 2.5 tonne excavator, to replace WRG’s old JCB 803 excavator Blue, which was recently donated to Buckingham Canal Society.

As well as raising funds for WRG’s new excavator, The Acheman Challenge recognises the centenary of the birth of one of IWA’s founders, Robert Aickman, in 2014.

It will be a test of stamina, fitness and skill, taking between 10 and 12 hours to complete comprising the following disciplines: ● Bike – 40 miles ● Locking a boat – seven locks through Marsworth ● Run – six miles ● Canoe – three miles

WRG intends that the new excavator will play a key role in assisting its volunteers with waterway restoration work as well as allowing other waterway societies to undertake projects without the costs involved in commercial plant hire. The new excavator will also be used to train the next generation of waterway navvies in the operation of a technical, but essential piece of equipment.

You can sponsor the IWA staff participating in The Acheman Challenge and help raise funds for WRG’s new excavator donating: ● Online via Virgin Money Giving ● By text, text ROLT46 followed by the amount in pounds eg £10 to 70070 ● By phone, call Toby Gomm at IWA’s Head Office on 01494 783453 ext. 611 ● By cheque, payable to The Inland Waterways Association and sent to Acheman Challenge, IWA Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA www.waterways.org.uk/acheman

Rising RiveR levels Result in‘intense peRiod ofactivity’ onthethames foR emeRgency canal Rescueteam NEWS that parts of the UK experienced the wettest weather in January for more than a century – causing the River Thames water levels to reach a 10 year high – created an intensive period of activity for breakdown and assistance firm River Canal Rescue.

Managing director Stephanie Horton gave a snapshot of a typical week during the month: “We received two call-outs for a 60ft narrowboat marooned and taking on water in Reading and a 20ft cruiser which had broken its moorings in Marlow and was stuck fast.

“Teams were despatched, but found the first was inaccessible due to high flood water; the second was temporarily secured.

As high and fast-flowing water levels rendered rescues too hazardous, we had a number of spotters along the Thames reporting to us when river levels and water speed started to drop.

“Late afternoon, we were notified of a 60ft narrowboat wedged on something under the water in Reading. With river levels dropping, it was likely to be left in a precarious situation. Our rescue team attended next morning, but by this time the boat had freed itself. The team checked the craft and no charge was made.

“It soon became apparent that we would need two rescue teams covering the

Thames. Team one waded out, pumped water from and secured the listing narrowboat marooned in Reading and then checked whether the Marlow cruiser could be released and taken back to its mooring.

It was no go on this however, since the water levels were still too high.

“The team went on to two cruiser call-outs in Slough: a 22ft had broken its moorings, travelled down river and was grounded; the second, an 18ft, was grounded in the owner’s backyard. Both vessels were checked over and refloated, and while RCR was there, the team came across two other grounded cruisers in neighbours’ yards.

These were refloated at no charge.

“Team two, meanwhile, was assisting a 70ft narrowboat stranded on a bank near Abingdon bridge (having been made aware of the situation by local radio). The team tracked down the owner, donned wet suits and refloated the craft. Optimum water levels helped this swift recovery.

“Calls to assist a sunken 30ft cruiser in Whitchurch followed, but flood waters prevented an immediate rescue attempt.

“A few days later our spotters advised water levels were right to refloat the sunken cruiser and reunite the displaced Marlow cruiser with its owner. While one team pumped out the sunken craft in Whitchurch

and refloated it, a second took to the wetsuits and navigated a number of river hazards in order to get to the Marlow cruiser. They spent hours dislodging it from trees, ‘first-aiding’ the engine and pumping out water before taking it back to its moorings and owner.

“Finally, it was on to assist a sunken vessel – a floating cafe – at the Thames & Kennet Marina. Despite our best efforts (using four pumps), our teams were unable to raise the vessel and are now waiting for the optimum water levels in order to use flotation bags.”

Stephanie concluded: “So many rescues in such a short space of time illustrates the importance of having access to a support mechanism. It’s also nice to know we will support all waterway users if they’re in difficulties, as evidenced by our ‘freebies’.

We simply can’t help but help.”

Pumping out a cruiser on the Thames. PHOTO: RCR

RCR advice on how to prevent flood water damage to your vessel

When securing vessels, try to tie ropes to trees or posts where flood water will not affect your ability to adjust them, and leave them slack enough to cope with the rise and fall of the water level.

Where possible, use boards or poles at the side of the boat to keep it from drifting on to banks, towpaths and pontoons.

If you see a boat in trouble, call RCR and we will see if we can

assist before it becomes another victim of this atrocious weather.

To find out more about the work of River Canal Rescue visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk or call 01785 785680.

HERITAGE EXTRA 101

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£5.5m renovation boost for Bridgewater Canal

By Harry Arnold

SALFORD City Council has obtained a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to regenerate nearly five miles of the Bridgewater Canal between Boothstown and Barton.

This includes the original section of the waterway commission by the Duke of Bridgewater, opened in 1761, to transport coal from his mines at Worsley to Manchester.

The whole scheme will cost £5.5 million, with the Heritage Lottery Fund providing £3.4 million and another £2 million coming from the council’s capital investment fund. Peel Holdings – which owns the canal and manages it in conjunction with The Bridgewater Canal Trust – and developers will make contributions after planning permission is granted.

Possibly the most interesting proposal is to make the historic Delph basin in Worsley – where boats emerged from the 46

miles of underground canals within the Duke’s mines – navigable by pleasure craft again. It is already recognised by UNESCO as an area of historical importance Another plan is to floodlight for the first time the famous Barton Swing Aqueduct, which carries the Bridgewater over the Manchester Ship Canal and which replaced James Brindley’s equally remarkable, in its day, pioneering arched structure over the River Irwell.

Over 270,000 visitors already enjoy the canal each year and the planned regeneration is expected to boost numbers and add an extra £2 million each year to Salford’s economy when finished. Improvement works will start early next year and are expected to be finished in summer 2016.

Salford deputy city mayor David Lancaster said: “This is wonderful news. We’re looking forward to revealing the historic Barton Aqueduct and to people exploring the renovated Worsley Delph.”

The original Titford Canal Reopening Rally held on March 30, 1974.

PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

Anniversary celebration at Titford Pump House

By Harry Arnold

The famous Barton Swing Aqueduct will be floodlit for the first time. PHOTOS:WATERWAY IMAGES

Worsley Delph – currently silted up – will be made navigable again.

ONE of the first of this year’s anniversary events will be held by The Birmingham Canal Navigations Society on Saturday, March 22, to celebrate 40 years since the reopening of the Titford Canal.

It will start at 11am at the Titford Pump House, by the canal in Engine Street, Oldbury. It will commemorate not only the original 1974 reopening

rally, but also attempts to navigate the Titford Canal in 1971 and 1972, and work parties on the locks in 1973/4.

The restoration was made possible by Warley Council (now Sandwell Council) along with the BCNS, British Waterways and other waterways organisations.

A number of guests who were involved in this work and also present at the original reopening rally have been invited.

Lottery grant will help to reveal historical landmarks

Marple Aqueduct, which carries the Peak Forest Canal 100 feet over the River Goyt. PHOTO: CRT

AMBITIOUS plans to reveal some historic landmarks in Marple, Cheshire, have received a bolster with the announcement of a £1.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The bid, led by the Canal & River Trust in partnership with Mellor Archaeological Trust and Stockport Council, will help to protect and celebrate three important heritage sites and attract more visitors to Marple and Mellor.

This three year project centres around the legacy of Samuel Oldknow (17561828), one of the most important figures of the early cotton industry and a man who left a lasting mark on Marple.

The lottery funding will help to protect and improve access to three of Oldknow’s most important legacies: Marple Aqueduct, which carries the Peak Forest Canal 100 feet over the River Goyt; a series of elaborate canalside Lime Kilns and the impressive water powered Mellor Mill and complex that sits within the valley.

It will include a series of environmental improvements to the sites as well as heritage training skills, development of walking routes and interpretation to help visitors understand how the sites would have looked at the height of the Industrial Revolution.

Describing it as “fantastic news”, Walter Menzies, chairman of the Canal & River Trust’s Manchester & Pennines Partnership, said: “The Peak Forest Canal is one of the most scenic waterways in Britain and boasts some fascinating and important historic sites. We are delighted that this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will help to improve access to the magnificent Marple Aqueduct, preserving it for future generations and ensuring that local people can explore the wonderful heritage and wildlife that the Peak Forest Canal has to offer.”

Sara Hilton, head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Our investment

Crossing Marple Aqueduct on the Peak Forest Canal. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES in Marple and Mellor is bringing real cohesion to the natural and built heritage of the area while reconnecting people with what often lies overlooked on their doorstep. Thanks to the

funding, the partners will employ a temporary project manager and an education and interpretation officer to manage a range of volunteering and educational opportunities.”

Thames lifeboat project could create job opportunities

By Elizabeth Rogers

THE project to restore some of the lifeboats built 100 years ago at the Thames Ironworks in East London has taken a major step forward with the arrival of one of the boats, the RNLB Frederick Kitchen, at Cody Dock in Canning Town.

Its arrival coincided with the official launch of the Thames Ironworks Heritage Trust, which is seeking to revive the shipbuilding and wider manufacturing heritage of this area. Cody Dock is its temporary home.

Supporters of West Ham United FC were able to read all about the project in their matchday programme for the recent game against Fulham.

Some supporters may not have known that it is from the Ironworks that their club has grown. It began life as Thames Ironworks FC playing at the site of the works. The nicknames of ‘the Hammers’ and ‘the Irons’ come from there, not from that area of London, as does the badge of two crossed hammers.

The trust aims to renew the link, with the restored lifeboats being used to provide tours of the East London Waterways and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The club is due to move into the Olympic Stadium in 2016 from its present home The Boleyn Ground at Upton Park.

Conversion work on the stadium has already begun.

Lost skills

The chairman of the trust is Gavin Redknap, a lifelong Hammers supporter. With fellow members he is aiming to provide an educational aspect to the project through the restorations by bringing back the long lost skills in shipbuilding to this area of London. They aim to create employment and to enable apprentices to acquire new skills, with training in boatmastery.

They have the support of all three local MPs and of the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

He described the project as an intriguing and valuable endeavour to support London’s unique

shipbuilding heritage. “I also support the idea of creating new career opportunities for young people in East London to develop these valuable and lost skills,” he said.

The Thames Ironworks produced more than 250 lifeboats until it ceased production in 1912. It is thought that some 30 may still be in existence.

As well as providing opportunities for young people, the trust will be seeking to involve older people who have first-hand memories of the industrial past of this part of London and to invite them to acquire new skills as tour guides.

Cody Dock is the old gasworks basin in Bow Creek and two of the lifeboats are to be put on hard standing there.

A possibility of another opportunity for the trust has now been identified. The London Legacy Development Corporation has land available for medium-term community use projects in Stratford and this will become available in April; the trust is seeking to secure a portion to occupy for three or four years.

RNLB Frederick Kitchen arrives at Cody Dock. Built by Thames Ironworks in 1912 at a cost of £3727, it is one of only four 43ft Watson-class motor lifeboats built by the company. It had a fine record of service with the RNLI at Beaumaris from 1914-1948, launching 38 times and saving 46 lives. PHOTO:THAMES IRONWORKS HERITAGE TRUST

102 BOAT SAFETY

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Stay safe on your boat

Clive Penny of the Association of Boat Safety Examiners looks at the top 10 safety checks THE Association of Boat Safety Examiners has been recording examination results electronically for a couple of years.

There are many benefits to having examination recorded in this way. One of the many uses of the system is to monitor how many boats do not comply with individual check items. This month we’ll have a look at the top 10. ● Does the vessel have adequate, fixed ventilation?

This check item is ‘advisory’ but it’s at the top. Boats failing to meet this

An extinguisher showing the fire ratings.

check will still be issued with a ‘certificate’. Every fuel- burning appliance requires ventilation in order to function correctly.

Lack of sufficient ventilation can cause improper combustion that can cause the production of carbon monoxide (see right). ● Batteries not properly secured Batteries should not be able to move more than 10mm in any direction.

I find that most boats which fail on this point have a strap to hold the batteries down, but it is just not in place. ● The fire rating of extinguishers does not meet the required minimum value Each extinguisher has A and B fire ratings. The examiner will add together the values on each extinguisher to check compliance.

For example, a 50ft boat requires a total of 21A and 144B. ● LPG tightness A gas leak – there’s not much that can be said about this one. ● Battery terminals not protected Battery terminals must be individually protected or the entire battery bank covered by a lid. ● Is the LPG pipework made of suitable material, adequately secure and free from damage?

Pipework not adequately secured is my main find here.

● Labels identifying the location of

fuel shut-off valves missing

● Labels identifying the location of

battery isolators missing ● Electrical cables not adequately supported ● Fuel hoses not identified as meeting ISO 7840 All fuel hoses need to be fire resistant and marked as meeting ISO 7840.

So, before your BSS examination is due, have a quick look at the list above. ● More information can be found on my website: www.canalelectrics.com or you can email me directly: clivepenny@canalelectrics.com ● Your local member of the Association of Boat Safety Examiners can be found at www.ABSE.org.uk and will be happy to answer any questions you may have and assist in any way they can.

Carry essential spares on board FURTHER to the recent top 10 maintenance tips (Winter boating, Issue 99, January) Clive Mant of Mant Marine Services says: “Just something to add, my experiences have been that on many occasions over the years while either servicing or looking for other troubles it is often the case that the engine mount support stud nuts do come loose, it’s usually the lower nut that runs down thread.

“This leads to confusion because most people seem to check and tighten down the top nut which leads to engine misalignment.

“I was called to one such craft that after being serviced stalled each time it was put into gear, I’d add I was not the first engineer to be asked to look at the problem!

“Previous examinations had failed to see the obvious. My advice, whenever safe to do so, with the engine immobilised is to attempt to turn the shaft by hand, if it’s free, all should be well. After tightening anything, check again, but do observe if nuts are loose and need tightening.”

Experienced engine installers will: a) Keep the engine foot as low as possible on mount stud, better still shim it up from base of mount; that way it can’t drop.

b) If the installation dictates the mount will be towards the top of stud, create a spacer to place under the mount holding down fixings. c) For a long time now, Nyloc nuts have been used on the lower nut more importantly than the upper nut. Keep the alignment.

BSS points boaters to important safety issues highlighted by recent boat tragedies THE boating community was shocked by the recent death of popular boater Ian Mason (Spike) and his dog Milly on board their narrowboat Samara on the Oxford Canal in Banbury as reported last month.

In the space of a few days, two men were also found dead on board a fishing boat in Whitby Harbour and in the context of the initial reports that these people may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is pointing boat owners to its advice to help stay safe.

CO poisoning is a significant threat when sufficient heating and electrical power is difficult to maintain for people aboard boats on the inland waterways, especially where the use of heaters and generators rises particularly in the colder, darker months.

Any fuel-burning equipment can be a potential source of CO including stoves, gas appliances and any engine exhaust.

Carbon fuels include diesel, petrol, gas, coal, wood and charcoal.

Often dubbed the ‘silent killer’, CO is a colourless, odourless gas that can kill quickly if inhaled in high concentrations. The early symptoms of CO poisoning can be masked or mistaken for colds or flu. Victims might suffer headaches, become bad tempered; feel sick and dizzy; they might be tired and confused or have stomach pains and start throwing-up.

More serious effects can quickly develop such as loss of balance, difficulty breathing or controlling limbs and eventually unconsciousness.

Graham Watts, manager of the BSS said: “Over a million people go boating safely each year including thousands of people who live aboard on the inland waterways, but our reminder to crews and skippers is to treat the risks with due respect.

“Prevention is the key to staying safe, equipment needs to be properly

Clive also recommends carrying spares on board: “It’s often the case you can find an engineer, but they may not carry every available filter, cable, belt and pump!”

The Kidde 10Y CO carbon monoxide alarm, one of the models certified for boats in accordance with the new BS EN 50291-2. PHOTO: SAFELINCS installed, well maintained and used according to the instructions.”

He added: “But CO can occur or be made worse when ventilators are blocked, or fresh air is in short supply – burning fuels need the right amount of oxygen to combust safely.

“Our belt-and-braces advice is to fit a CO alarm approved as meeting BS EN 50291-2; these are best suited for boats.”

CO alarms and/or their batteries should be replaced if they do not work when tested, or if the replacement date marked on the alarm has passed.

The All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG) is also urging boaters to follow BSS advice, which will help protect boaters from the effects of the noxious gas.

Supporting the BSS message, APPCOG chair Barry Sheerman MP, said: “Yet again we have been given a tragic reminder that carbon monoxide poisoning poses a deadly threat not only in the home, but in a variety of settings, not least on boats and in other vehicles.

“My condolences go to the families of the deceased and I implore all boat owners and operators to urgently take the necessary steps to ensure their vessels are fully protected against the threat of CO poisoning.”

He added: “If you are in any doubt about what to do, visit the Boat Safety Scheme website, where you’ll find clear and helpful guidelines on how to make your boat CO safe.”

The Boat Safety Scheme warns that CO build-up in boat cabins can occur with any one or a mix of these factors: Faulty, badly maintained or misused appliances; exhaust fumes from a boat’s engine or generator; escaped flue gases from solid-fuel stoves; blocked ventilation or short supply of air. Fuels need the right amount of oxygen to burn safely.

ON-BOARD SPARES ● ● ● ●

Correct alternator belts.

Control cables.

All filters, especially fuel.

The service water pump, often fails at the most inopportune moment. Stick to 25psi models, more pressure is not required and only goes to strain calorifiers and pressure-relief valves. ● And don’t forget that expansion vessel if you are unlucky and have to replace a calorifier.

Directive changes have potential implications for vintage engine enthusiasts

By Polly Player

A Lister SR2 vintage engine, restored by Primrose Engineering.

PHOTO: PRIMROSE ENGINEERING

THE Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), which sets standards intended to guarantee the suitability for sale of newbuild recreational boats within the EU has recently been revised to include amendments that will affect the installation of vintage engines into newly built craft.

The previous RCD, published in 2003, exempted engines built before 2005 from the regulations regarding the emission levels of engines installed in newly built boats.

However, more modern engines were expected to comply with regulations on exhaust emissions, in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint and airborne pollution generated by boats as a whole.

Although the changes to the directive

will not affect existing boats, the 2013 RCD amendments mean that as from January 2017, even vintage engines that do not meet the emission requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive cannot be installed into any new build boat intended for sale within the EU. This will potentially affect boaters and boat builders who wish to install a vintage engine into a new-build boat offered for sale after the 2017 deadline.

However, boats that are built as an exact replica of a historic narrowboat from the pre-1950s era will remain exempt from the engine exhaust emissions requirement when fitted with a traditional style engine.

This means that there will still remain at least one viable way to attain a new narrowboat build with a genuine or replica vintage engine installation.

BSS advice on avoiding a carbon monoxide incident is to:

● Install fuel-burning appliances ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

properly. Maintain appliances and engines routinely Use the equipment correctly Don’t allow engine fumes into the cabin space Deal with problems immediately Don’t allow bodged repairs and maintenance Install a CO alarm certified as meeting BS EN 50291-2 Test the alarm routinely Never remove the batteries Know the signs of CO poisoning and how to react

● The BSS has the latest advice for boaters on www.boatsafetyscheme.org/ CO – don’t let CO ruin your life.

COMPETITION 103

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20 chancesto WIN a

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On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may decide to email/fax you regarding information relating to current offers of products or services (including discounted subscription offers) which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you do not wish to receive such offers, please tick this box ❏ On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may permit third parties, that we deem to be reputable, to contact you by post/phone/fax/email regarding information relating to current offers of products or services which we believe may be of interest to our readers.

104 ON IRISH WATERS with Alison Alderton

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Boaters protest over new bye-laws

By Alison Alderton

LIVEABOARD boaters from four communities in Co Kildare assembled at Sallins on the Grand Canal on January 25 to protest about the impact new canal bye-laws will have on their lives.

Planning to take before and after photographs depicting a full and empty Sallins harbour, protesters arrived to find access hampered.

According to Waterways Ireland (WI) Marine Notice 5/2014, the Grand Canal was due to be closed from Monday, January 27, to Thursday, March 13, 2014, while new moorings are being constructed.

However, WI staff arrived three days in advance of the notified closure, placing a lock-gate arm across the canal at Sallins Bridge and removing the paddles from the 14th Lock, 2km east of Sallins.

Protestors at Sallins Bridge.

WI: Boaters were informed about Sallins closure ANSWERING claims in respect of the Sallins closure, Waterways Island has listed five marine notices which it issued between October 10 and January 24 and claimed that the harbour refurbishment had been widely communicated in face-to-face meetings with local boaters, a community newsletter and the regional press.

A contractor was formally appointed for the works on Tuesday, January 27, following a delay in the procurement process.

In order to hand over vacant possession of the worksite to the contractor by January 24, Waterways Ireland physically closed the navigation at the 14th Lock and at Sallins Bridge on that day, or run the risk of cost and time delays associated with this contract.

Waterways Ireland claims boaters should have known that it would not have been possible to plan a rally (event) at the location that they intended.

The fact that the vessels got through to the 14th lock, despite Marine Notices Nos 124 and 130 of 2013 clearly stating that this level was closed until Feb 2014, was the result of a communications breakdown at local level, nevertheless, responsibility for vessel and crew safety would have remained with the organisers and masters at all times.

In the process, six barges were trapped between two locks on a section with no turning point and no way forward to Sallins.

Marine Notice 6/2014 was issued by WI shortly after lunchtime on Friday, January 24, stating closure of the canal on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 24, 25 and 26, to facilitate preparatory works prior to Monday, January 27.

Approximately 100 people and 12 barges managed to make it to Sallins, with many others either blockaded or put off attending by news of the sudden closure. Among the protesters was Dick Warner, Irish environmentalist, writer and broadcaster, best known for presenting the documentary programme Waterways, first shown in 1991, in which he explored Ireland’s canals by barge.

A spokesman for the protesters told Towpath Talk: “Waterways Ireland seems intent on proceeding with new fees and regulations benchmarked and inspired by how things are done in the UK without due regard to the 720 existing canal users and liveaboards.

“These are the only boat owners currently paying anything to WI in permit fees out of the 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven navigations in Ireland controlled by the all-Ireland implementation body set up under the Good Friday Agreement.”

While the Kildare Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland has made it clear that it had no part in organising this demonstration, it has stated it will stand by members who attended and showed support; and added that issuing a Marine Notice on the day of closure is unacceptable and the actions carried out by WI staff destructive and a risk to the safety of boaters and their crews.

Why WaterWays Ireland Is changIng the bye-laWs

Broadcaster Dick Warner, far left, arriving at the Sallins protest. PHOTOS: DANIEL BALTEANU Waterways Ireland said that these were the first changes for almost 25 years and are intended to develop the canals as a “vibrant recreational waterway for all users by enhancing our ability to manage these navigations in a more proactive manner”.

There would be new permits for visiting boats to use the canals free of charge for up to 30 days, and for houseboats, which would be charged between €600 and €3500 a year. There would also be an extended mooring permit ranging from €160 to €1600 annually. ● More information can be found on the news pages of the Kildare IWAI website and on the IWAI Bye-laws Challenge page, addresses listed below: www.kildare.ie and www.iwai.ie/byelaws/byelaws.php

Fears that new charges could lead to a decline in boat traffic

PROPOSED amendments of the canal bye-laws by Waterways Ireland (WI) have been met with disapproval by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI).

In a recent address to the association, IWAI president, Carmel Meegan, stated: “The proposed bye-laws do not put user requirements, tourism development and local communities at the centre of the regulations.”

An end to lingering on the Irish canals?

The IWAI considers the bye-law amendments will result in a serious decline in boat traffic and a major threat to the local communities’ economic benefit on the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal and the River Barrow.

Access to the ‘Green & Silver’ tourism route developed by Dublin IWAI in recent years is also in jeopardy from the introduction of hefty tolls.

Other changes propose boats must move at least 3km in any five day period or face a €150 fine. This is a contradiction to the principles of slow tourism to encourage leisurely use of the system with the associated spend from boats stopping in towns and villages along the navigation.

While the boating community is not adverse to appropriate management, facility provision and access to waterways, boats are key attractions and as the lifeblood of the

Boating on the Grand Canal. PHOTOS:

ALISON ALDERTON

navigations need to be welcomed.

The IWAI, which criticised the extremely short consultation period attached to the proposals, holds approximately 200 events each year across the navigations. These include boat rallies, harbour festivals, walks, social gatherings, heritage activities, family and youth focused events.

As the IWAI prepares to celebrate its 60th birthday later this year, could it be about to tackle its biggest challenge to date?

WATERWAYS Ireland states that the purpose of the changes is to develop the canals as a vibrant recreational waterway by enhancing its ability to manage the investment in infrastructure and facilities on the canals for both the navigational and recreational user.

If implemented, the 2014 bye-laws will introduce a mechanism for the management of a range of permits including houseboats and introduce a fixed penalty charge for those users in breach of the Canals Act and associated bylaws.

The charging regime is being modernised after a period of 24 years without any increase while the investment in the infrastructure over the past 10 years alone has exceeded €35 million. ● In practice the fee for a Combined Mooring & Passage Permit for one year will increase by €4 to €130. ● The Extended Mooring Permit will change from a fixed €152 to a range of fees €160-€1600 which will be applied depending on the location and services provided. A town centre mooring with services for a large craft will cost more than a mooring for a small craft in a rural or village location. ● A Fixed Penalty Notice of €150 is part of the proposed changes for boaters that fail to comply with the bylaws.

Currently there is no penalty for boats blocking the harbour preventing the access of hire boats and visiting boats who visit local attractions, and spend money in the towns and villages along the waterways. ● Houseboat moorings will be provided in some locations and prices will depend on the location, size of boat and services provided. The range is €1500-3500. ● Free permit – visitors will be able to use the canals for 30 days for free.

According to Waterways Ireland, less than 3.5% of the boats registered on the Inland Waterways of Ireland are based on the canals. These proposals will open the canals up to many more users, more competition for the prime mooring and touring spots and charging appropriately for private use of public space.

It is moving from a ‘one permit fits all’ approach, which it describes as no longer fit for purpose, to a range of permits charging them appropriately for the use of what is public space.

Drumman’s Island Canal could reopen THE Boyle River Branch of the Inland Waterways of Ireland (IWAI) has expressed a keen interest in reopening the 250m long canal separating Drumman’s Island from the mainland in the Lough Key Forest Park to navigation of small craft such as canoes and lake boats.

In recent years the canal, which was constructed through a peninsula of land to create Drumman’s Island during landscaping of the former Rockingham Estate, has become impassable due to weed growth, fallen branches and trees.

The IWAI believes a joint venture between Coillte, a state-sponsored

forestry company, Roscommon County Council (RCC) and Waterways Ireland (WI) could achieve this and further enhance the tourism potential of the park. Lobbying has resulted in members of the RCC and WI showing interest in the project and walking the site. However, as this is an area of special conservation, discussions will need to take place with the National Parks and Wildlife Services to determine the impact of any such work.

Subject to approval, WI hoped to carry out light clearance work before the end of February enabling a survey of the canal and inspection of the ornamental stone bridge crossing it.

The ornamental Drumman’s Bridge. PHOTO:ALISON ALDERTON

Emerald Star hire boats will move from Belturbet to Carrick. PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

Crown Travel closes Irish base at Belturbet

By Harry Arnold

HOLIDAY hire company, Crown Travel, which operates as Le Boat in UK and Europe and Emerald Star in Ireland, has closed its Irish base at Belturbet at the head of the Lough Erne lake and river navigation. Its Belturbet hire fleet will be redeployed to its Carrick-on-Shannon base for the start of the 2014 boating season in April.

The decision was reached after an operational review which concluded that customer demand did not justify the need for a third base in such close proximity to its other bases in this region. Existing River Shannon cruising routes – from the company’s Carrickon-Shannon and Portumna bases – will still be available, including those on the

Erne network via the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

According to local press reports, four permanent jobs will be lost, four seasonal staff have not had their contracts renewed and one person has opted for redeployment to Carrick-onShannon. The base will remain open as a mooring until it is sold and a caretaker will be appointed to help visitors moor.

Emerald Star has had a base in Belturbet since 1994 and has had up to 20 hire boats running from there. Local councillor Liz McDermott said Emerald Star is a household name in Belturbet and the closure is a major blow. Another local councillor Barry Wilson said he believed there is an opportunity there for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit to take over the base.

ON IRISH WATERS with Alison Alderton 105

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Crossing borders Alison Alderton describes the Shannon-Erne Waterway – a harmonious link between two countries

Approaching Leitrim Gateway to the Shannon-Erne Waterway. PHOTO:ALISON ALDERTON FORMING part of a seamless link between Belfast in the north and Limerick in the south, the BallinamoreBallyconnell Canal was one of the first waterways to be built by the Commissioners of Public Works.

Yet despite its importance in linking the Shannon Navigation and the Erne System, a lack of industrial and mineral resources from the area combined with extensive problems on the connecting Ulster Canal meant it was unsuccessful in attracting traffic. As a result the waterway was never completed to full navigational depth, was quickly superseded by the railways and by 1880 lay derelict.

After lying abandoned for many years it was partly due to political reasons in the 1990s that restoration was pushed forward. This major north/south development scheme saw administrations and organisations from both sides of the border come together to reinstate the route for recreational use.

It is thanks to this joint effort that today’s boaters can freely travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic along a 63km state-of-the-art waterway through a mixture of canal cuts, lakes and river navigation.

Forming one of the Emerald Isle’s most popular boating destinations, it is now known as the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

Boat hirers are spoilt for choice as the towns of Belturbert and Carrick-onShannon, both situated a short cruise from either end of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, are major hire fleet bases for Le Boat. The town of Leitrim, at the western entrance, has a Locaboat Holidays base while the smaller independent companies of Corraquill Cruises and Riversdale Barge Holidays can be found directly on the waterway.

To explore in your own craft it needs

A barge in Lisconor Lock. PHOTO: STEVE WAIT

to be registered with Waterways Ireland, a simple cost-free procedure which can be completed online. With its large number of slipways offering unhindered access into the water, this is an extremely popular route for day boaters, canoeists and rowers.

The waterway’s 16 locks are fully automated and self-operated by inserting a Smart Card into a control console situated at each lockside. These cards can be purchased from local shops, online or from waterway patrollers who monitor the route at regular intervals and are contactable by mobile phone or through lockside intercoms.

Stunningly beautiful

From Upper Lough Erne to Lough Scur, the course follows the Woodford River.

Passing Aghalane Moorings and Corraquill Lock, the only ones situated in Northern Ireland, the river forms the border between the two countries for 12km before passing permanently into the Republic at Scotchtown Island.

Meandering in and out of attractive reed-fringed lakes, there are a further seven locks before reaching the summit level at Lough Scur. In an attempt to preserve the character of the waterway, the beautifully reconstructed locks have wherever possible been faced with the original stones. Each one is also accompanied by a picturesque bypass weir where care on approach needs to be taken due to the noticeable flow.

An impressive rock cutting heralds the start of the descent through the remaining closely spaced eight locks to Leitrim and the confluence with the Shannon Navigation.

There are many delightful towns and villages to explore, among them Ballyconnell, a previous Tidy Town award winner.

Ballinamore, situated beneath the

Operating a lock from the control console.

PHOTO: STEVE WAIT

Craft at Corraquill Lock. PHOTO: STEVE WAIT

Iron Mountain from where iron ore was once mined, has plenty of shops and the remains of the 1887 built Cavan and Leitrim Narrow Gauge railway. With its closure in 1959, the Ballinamore Golf Club converted part of the track into a road and erected a footbridge over the waterway to reach the golf links, so watch out for stray balls on this section!

At Keshcarrigan, walkers can explore the O’Carolan Way. Named after one of the last great Irish bards, this looped trail takes in the summit of Sheebeg, one of two fairy hills reputed to be the burial place of the giant Finn McCool.

Moorings come in a variety of styles including bustling town quays, modern floating pontoons and sleepy tuckedaway harbours. Most offer wellequipped laundry and sanitary facilities where up to five consecutive days’ stay or seven days in any one month are permitted. One of the most popular

stops is Haughton’s Shore, situated on the edge of Garadice Lough, the largest expanse of open water the ShannonErne Waterway passes through and a popular venue for fishermen.

The Shannon-Erne Waterway is a great destination offering boaters the chance to experience several different types of navigation in one cruise. By crossing previously troubled borders, this stunningly beautiful waterway harmoniously links two countries and shows just what can be achieved when people come together to work as a team. That in itself is reason to applaud its restoration.

Ardrum Lock. PHOTO: STEVE WAIT

● Many thanks to Steve Wait and his crew for their help and kind permission to use their photographic images within this article.

Usefulinformation ➔ andfurtherreading To hire a boat on the Shannon-Erne Waterway try: Le Boat www.leboat.ie Locaboat Holidays www.locaboat.com Riversdale Barge Holidays www.riversdalebargeholidays.com Corraquill Cruising www.corraquill.co.uk To register your own craft for use on the Shannon-Erne Waterway go to: www.waterwaysireland.org Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Canal – A Cruising Guide and Anthology Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI)

Peaceful cruising on the Shannon-Erne Waterway.

PHOTO: STEVE WAIT

106 TOWPATH TREASURES

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Tardebigge Lock Flight The longest in the UK Words: PHILLIPPA GREENWOOD Images: MARTINE O’CALLAGHAN

TARDEBIGGE sits at the heart of Worcestershire’s countryside in a staggering landscape that rattles with 30 locks designed to carry boats in a rise of almost 220ft in just over two miles. The Tardebigge Flight is the longest lock flight in the UK. The Worcester & Birmingham Canal is narrow, with an extraordinary number of locks all along its route, and the Tardebigge Flight is its glorious nemesis.

The canal’s original purpose was to connect from the River Severn to carry coal, grain, tea, sugar, cocoa beans, timber and other general goods.

It was a busy canal and crews of those old working boats faced a tortuous journey on a canal plagued with locks and tunnels. The Tardebigge Flight

The flight is popular with walkers.

must have been a miserable challenge, to be tackled with guts and precision if delivery times were to be met.

Crews on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal often used pairs of donkeys and mules rather than horses to tow their boats. These unfortunate creatures were cajoled through the Tardebigge by desperate crews with time against them. The lock gates were partially opened while the weight of the water was still 2ft below the level necessary to open the gate easily. The crews would wedge a block of wood between the gates to create an extra paddle in an act of insane haste. Post-Victorian society would call this a breach of health and safety rules, dubious animal welfare and vandalism of our canals, and all

Tardebigge top lock and cottage.

eyebrows would raise at the devil who would dare.

Today’s towpath tourists join in the cheery camaraderie that pervades on one of the most popular cruising rings for holiday boats. Climbing the Tardebigge Flight is an experience that bonds and cheers travellers on the water and on the towpath.

Tardebigge Top Lock is one of the deepest in Britain, with a rise of 11ft.

Originally there was a boat lift planned on the site, but it was replaced by a gaspingly deep lock in order to save money and the technical problems associated with the lift.

The Tardebigge Flight was the bulldog that refused to let any hill get in its way; now it is a rural delight set in an uplifting panorama.

TOWPATH TREASURES/ANGLING 107

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The Towpath Angler Our monthly look at the angling scene

On the way to the top lock.

Adapted extract from Britain’s Canals, a National Treasure in 100 Must-See Objects by Phillippa Greenwood and Martine O’Callaghan – published by Coolcanals July 2012.

www.coolcanals.com Well-used lockside bricks.

Tardebigge Wharf.

FACT FILE Tardebigge Lock Flight The Tardebigge Lock Flight spreads over two miles and is surrounded by open countryside. If you climb up the banks of the reservoir part of the way down the flight, you can see the Malvern Hills in the distance. Tardebigge Top Lock is Grade II listed.

Tardebigge Wharf There’s a display at Tardebigge Wharf of the hull of a former steam tug Birmingham, which started in 1877 to tow boats through the Tardebigge, Shortwood and Wast Hills Tunnels on the Worcester & Birmingham (up to then, boats had to be legged through the tunnels – the donkeys which towed them walked over the top).

Commemorative plaque Just beyond the top lock is a plaque commemorating a meeting that took place there in 1945 between Tom Rolt and Robert Aickman which led to the founding of the Inland Waterways Association.

Location Tardebigge OS Grid ref: OS SO993692 Canal: Worcester & Birmingham How to get there By train Nearest train station is Aston Fields (Bromsgrove) National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 By bus Traveline 0871 2002233 By car Park in Tardebigge Wharf near the top of the flight or roadside at various points down the flight.

On foot The Worcester & Birmingham towpath down the Tardebigge Flight is extremely popular with walkers and cyclists.

By boat Nearest boat hire: Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays, Tardebigge. Holiday and day boat hire. 0117 304 1122 www.anglowelsh.co.uk

Black Prince Narrowboat Holidays, Stoke Prior. Holiday boat hire 01527 575115 www.black-prince.com UK Boat Hire, Alvechurch.

Holiday boat hire. 03303 330590 www.ukboathire.com Moorings There are plenty of visitor moorings above and below Tardebigge Top Lock and below Tardebigge Bottom Lock at the foot of the flight.

Local Tourist info Tourist Information Centre Bromsgrove www.visitworcestershire.org Worcester Birmingham Canal Society was formed in 1969 and still plays an important role, working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust to conserve and improve the canal. www.wbcs.org.uk Canal & River Trust Use the Canal & River Trust website to find specific local information. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

SINCE New Year I have given some thought to what I would like to see by way of priorities on our waterways. I have been around long enough to know that, in life, you cannot please all of the people all of the time so, usually, the only solution to even the most complex problem is compromise.

Historically compromise, particularly across the user community, has been quite rare. In fairness I suspect that much of this stems from the overwhelming desire to protect one’s sovereignty i.e. a group is reluctant to give an inch in case its members consider it a weakness or an ‘opponent’ is given an advantage. This situation has prevailed in many a dispute over the centuries and, no doubt, will continue to do so. That said, if we are to maximise the opportunities presented by the Canal & River Trust, compromise we must.

I have consistently supported the idea of wider involvement on the waterways but, at the same time, maintained that those user activities which pay should be somewhere higher up the pecking order than those activities which do not pay. I acknowledge straight away that this concept can impact on if or how any compromise is reached.

While the payment for ‘rights’ argument is still very valid I personally feel, these days, that more significant is the massive variance in the degree of control and accountability applied to those sections of the user community who pay and those who do not. If you pay then it follows there will be a formal agreement and/or licence with all the implications these bring whereas those activities which do not pay are largely unregulated to the point where they can behave exactly as they like with no fear of repercussions. I know this is a view shared by others.

Since the trust’s formation I have consistently said that the willingness to work together at the user level is greater than it ever was previously and yet I feel some barriers still remain.

Therefore, coming back to my opening remarks about priorities, I would like to see the evening out of responsibility and accountability across all users of the waterways. Something which the trust, at all levels, should direct some attention to in the coming year.

David Kent

Bailiff attacked

At Angling Trust strong representations have been made to Defra with regard to the proposed large-scale reductions in staffing levels at the Environment Agency. This is of particular significance since flood prevention is one area most likely to take a big hit. AT’s Voluntary Bailiff scheme continues to flourish. That said a bailiff was viciously attacked by two unknown assailants who were fishing near Burton upon Trent. It is vital that all agencies involved increase their efforts to stamp out this criminal behaviour.

The Jet Stream-driven storms from the Atlantic seem to have petered out for now so the weather is rather more settled and, of course, the temperature is dropping so we soon may need to carry our ice-breaking gear when going to our local canal or stillwater. At least the river levels are starting to recede now so there will be opportunities to try and tempt the odd big barbel or chub.

Fishing on many of our canals has remained pretty good. Indeed I was told of a small match on the Grand Union near Loughborough where the top weight was over 30lb of mainly roach. The bigger South Yorkshire canals usually come good at this time of year and my information is that 2014 is no exception. Roach and skimmer bream seem to comprise the bulk of catches. Bread punch and maggots are the successful baits.

Nothing much to report about my own form at the moment so it is perhaps quite timely that my wife and I are off for a few days in the sun (hopefully).

If you are thinking of grabbing a few hours make sure you wear your thermals and do not forget the flask.

Tight lines.

Angling Trust says it remains committed to rescuing ‘Keith’ THE Angling Trust has confirmed that it intends to continue seeking a humane relocation of ‘Keith’ – the seal stuck in the River Severn freshwater system for nearly two years.

Having successfully applied for a licence from Natural England to rescue the seal during the close season (September-December 2013) AT was prevented from doing this because of the extensive flooding. That protective period, however, has now ended but no further licence is required until September 1, 2014.

The trust remains committed to working with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) animal rescue charity to safely rescue and remove the mammal from the Severn – both to ensure that the seal comes to no harm and protect vulnerable and fragile freshwater fish stocks.

These species include the endangered shad and eel, and threatened Atlantic salmon. Moreover, this female seal will not find a mate unless returned to the ocean.

AT chief executive Mark Lloyd said: “Local anglers remain rightly concerned about the impact of the seal on vulnerable fish stocks. The situation has not been helped by members of the public feeding the seal as if it was a pet rather than a wild mammal with a natural fear of humans.

“We are particularly concerned that the seal has been seen predating on highly protected fish species in the River Teme – a Site of Special Scientific Interest noted for its eel, salmon, shad, lamprey and barbel populations.”

Last year’s agreement between AT and BDMLR has the backing of the Environment Agency – which fully supported the trust’s original licence application to prevent further damage to local fish stocks.

108 WET WEB

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The Wet Web This month Helen Gazeley finds some fine art within easy reach of the canal network.

GIVEN that water and light have always had a special place in art, it’s surprising there aren’t more galleries turning their faces to our waterways. The reflected light would surely be perfect for illuminating pictures and sculpture alike. Even when they’re not on the canals, though, this year sees galleries offering stimulating exhibitions, absolutely free.

The Lightbox www.thelightbox.org.uk is one right on the water. Next to the Basingstoke Canal

The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry.

at Woking, it’s showing Renoir in Britain until April 20. The UK holds one of the most important collections of Renoir’s work, and the exhibition, which has taken five years to organise, draws together 28 pictures from around the country, including The National Gallery, V&A, Ashmolean and Fitzwilliam. There are also letters exchanged between Renoir and his London dealer and photos of the original London shows.

Curator Michael Regan said: “The exhibition not only presents a unique opportunity for visitors to see, under one roof, what are regarded as some of Renoir’s most quintessential works, but also tells the fascinating story of how they came to be in British art collections.”

This feels like quite a coup for a gallery that only opened in 2007. More dignified in years is the internationally renowned Ikon, Birmingham http://ikon-gallery.org situated not far from Gas Street Basin. This year a series of exhibitions, Ikon 50, shows significant artists who have contributed to the gallery’s reputation since its opening, in 1965.

Also currently on display is the colourful ‘flat sculpture’ by David Tremlett, painted directly on to the walls. It not only plays with visitors’ perception of the space but is colourful enough to lift the spirits during these rainy days.

Incidentally, the Ikon might not face the canal, but it does embrace it. Funding has just been received for a second three-year programme on its converted Slow Boat. The crew includes 15- to 19year-olds from the Ikon Youth Programme, who will host performances and workshops, working with local authors, photographers and artists as they travel the Black Country. Ikon director Jonathan Watkins said: “The canals in this region are under appreciated, but for Ikon they are an extraordinary network joining the dots of local communities that will be new audiences for the very best contemporary art.”

Work being carried out on Ikon’s Slow Boat, which will travel the Black Country.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Lakeside Landscape The National Gallery, London. Bequeathed by Helena and Kenneth Levy, 1990.

Mandy Ross leads a workshop onboard Ikon’s Slow Boat.

More contemporary art is on view at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum www.theherbert.org Not far from the start of the Coventry Canal, it gained high praise from Steve and Maggie Parkin on nb Albert http://nbalbert.blogspot.co.uk when they visited: “The range of activities and exhibitions going on was very impressive. Being a relatively small gallery the collections on display were not extensive but they made up for it by being displayed well. They were particularly child-friendly.”

Currently on show is Walls with Wounds, graffitistyle works from Coventry University graduate Dale vN Marshall, brimming with emotion and energy. Also on show is Exposed: The Body in Art from Dürer to Freud (£4, children free).

Pierre-Auguste Renoir akg-images

London provides ample opportunity for free viewings, of course. Opened only last October on the Regent’s Canal, however, is The Proud Archivist www.theproudarchivist.co.uk which combines gallery, bar, cafe/restaurant and event space. It aims to reproduce the stimulating atmosphere of 18th century coffee houses and until March 30 is showing 51 Faces of Hackney Town: images of East London characters, including Joseph Markovitch, photos of whom feature in Martin Usborne’s book, I’ve lived in East London for 86.5 years.

The light-filled interior of The Proud Archivist which recently opened on the Regent’s Canal in Hackney.

PHOTO: LUKE HAYES

Exhibits at the child-friendly Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.

more information ➔ For Do you have a favourite website?

Email Helen at helengazeley@aol.com

TALKBACK

A warning and a big thank you I RECENTLY had a fire on my canal boat on its mooring in Otherton Boat Haven at Penkridge, Stafford. My thoughts after the fire is how many of us boaters only keep our fire extinguishers inside our boats, I tried in vain to gain access into the front of my boat by kicking in the front doors to get access to the extinguishers just inside the doors, to no avail (too hot). I then went to the back of the boat where I had two fire extinguishers on the back, outside steps; my thoughts are most boats have them inside the boat but not outside, something for all boaters to think about Now a big thank you to Paul and Kevin who helped me in fighting the fire via the side hatch with flames going at least 4ft high with black toxic smoke; we managed to put it out just before the fire fighters arrived, and to the lady who turned up with a tray with cups and a big pot of tea. It felt like the blitz, everyone wanting to help and the lady who brought me a cooked dinner just after the fire fighters left, also to the people who offered me a bed for the night on their boats. Don’t the boating

fraternity come together when there’s a problem?

Thank you to all who were on the marina that day.

I lost most of my possessions in the fire but I’m one of the lucky ones who has insurance, also a big thank you to the owners of Otherton Boat Haven who have allowed me to site a small caravan near my boat, somewhere to lay my head until things get sorted.

To all the staff and customers at the Cross Keys, Penkridge, who have offered me help and support, from showers to meals; you find out who your true friends are when something like this happens. I would also like to thank the lads in the Penkridge part-time fire fighters who managed to get to my boat well before the full time ones, they made sure everything was out and well soaked. On a funny note my smoke alarm which had melted beyond recognition – a big blob of plastic – was still bleeping two days after, I couldn’t get to the battery to stop it so they do work and are very sturdy.

Andrew Hendry By email

109

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TALKBACK

Your chance to write to us on any Towpath topic:

Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Putting money into waterway partnerships

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Carrying coal and corn to Stratford re-opening I WAS very interested to read about the celebrations planned for the 40-year anniversary of the reopening of the upper Avon (News, Issue 100, February). Can it really be 40 years since I took a load of coal down to Stratford on the big Northwich motor Tadworth to be in the park for the opening ceremony?

My friend Nicholas Hill brought his Josher motor Jaguar from Sharpness with a load of corn for the flour mills in Stratford of Lucy & Nephew. My trip down the southern Stratford Canal was the first loaded boat for many years and I had come from Atherstone with nearly 20 tons on board. The National Trust was not very keen on me proceeding but with friends and members of the Stratford Canal Trust helping I did eventually get there.

Nicholas had an even more eventful trip up the river and got caught on the remains of a weir and some of the cargo had to be off loaded.

There was a great party in the park with pig roasts and the Sealed Knot who kept

Boats gather for the re-opening of the Stratford Canal in 1964.

David Warren forces Tadworth into a lock on the way to Stratford. PHOTO SUPPLIED firing their cannon across the boat depositing bits of cardboard and straw into the coal.

The Queen Mother arrived in a red helicopter and after looking round went to the lock to perform the official opening and, as I was then a council member of the IWA, I was also at the lock side. Speeches were made by David Hutchings, Robert Aikman and then John Betjeman read his poem Inland Waterways and the Queen Mother declared the lock open.

Jaguar got unloaded in the following week and I set off up the canal selling some coal to Dusty Miller and a few others but there was almost no water coming down and by the Fleur de Lys pub we stuck fast and were there for a week. The supply to the canal had been turned off by BWB who wanted the water for themselves! It was to get much worse that summer… the year of the big drought and many canal closures.

But we eventually got to Braunston and sold the rest of the load.

David Warren by email

PHOTO:WATERWAY IMAGES

The Canal & River Trust to the rescue RETURNING from a cruise that took in the Thames, Grand Union, Nene, Middle Levels and Great Ouse, we were moored up between Whetstone Lock and Gees Lock on the GU Leicester section in a fairly rural setting with the plan to travel all the way through Leicester the next day.

Only one boat passed us, they had ascended Gees Lock at around 5pm. We cooked dinner and then sat down to watch Strictly Come Dancing. This finished at 10pm when I got up to visit the bathroom where I realised that the trim of the boat did not feel quite right. Taking my spotlight, I looked out to find that the water had all but disappeared leaving several metres of canal bed showing each side. Our Vee-bottom boat (32ft Sea Otter) was sat on the bottom and only held upright by the centre rope that I had added to the bow and stern ropes that afternoon for no real reason that it presented a further rope to undo should local lads decide to undo them – not unheard of in this area.

My wife and I rushed to Gees Lock some 100m away to find that not only had a top ground paddle been left open, but a bottom gate paddle was also half open with the water just rushing through! I closed both and rushed back to the boat where we proceeded to move mooring ropes up to the top hand rails until we had four ropes now preventing the roll over. (The original top rope had all but pulled the mooring pin out of the ground).

Next job was to call the CRT emergency line at about 11pm. It was very helpful and set about getting a crew on site to re-water the pound. This did not start until 1am in the morning as the crew had to come from north of the region as the local group had people off sick. By 4am the offside of the boat was just beginning to be supported as the ropes showed signs of slackening. In further discussions with CRT the crew stayed on until 6.30am to reinstate a usable level.

All in all a very stressful experience and not one to be repeated. We were just thankful that we were not in bed otherwise the consequences do not bear thinking about.

It just shows what problems a small lapse in concentration can cause and I calculate that the best part of 1.5 million gallons of water was lost. This obviously had knock-on consequences further up the canal next day as CRT struggled to reinstate water levels in many other pounds.

My thoughts on the bottom gate paddle being half open – may be due to the forbidden practice of lifting the latch and letting the paddle drop instead of winding it down?

Finally, a big thumbs up for CRT, we must thank its staff whose prompt actions averted a more serious outcome for us, and appreciated being kept informed during the crisis.

Dave Fincham By email

A FEW comments upon Old Bilge Pump’s column (Last Word, Issue 96, October 2013): Sir, you speculated at length on the first year of the Canal & River Trust charity.

One comment was: “These partnerships have undoubtedly been a success in raising money.” Now that may have been a tongue-in-cheek comment. If not, the reality is however very different.

For each of the trust’s 11 waterway areas there is a Waterways Partnership allegedly drawn from local communities, plus a couple more partnerships thrown in for good luck, with around a dozen or more people on each partnership. Each individual is encouraged to have a view and therefore a different agenda.

The role of Waterways Partnerships is completely advisory as are the roles of various other groups involved in the governance of CRT. The cost to us of all these ‘incidental top level volunteers’ getting involved in the governance was £662,000 last year or £4243.58 each.

The partnerships were supposed to be self-funding, and any surplus generated was supposed to go into CRT’s coffers. At the moment CRT is putting money into the partnerships. That is an ongoing situation and I fear it is not going to change any time soon.

In reality the partnerships seems to have all the

hallmarks of a job creation scheme. I had to smile at your comments about partnership chairmen and canal ownerships. It does appear on first glance that some are setting up their own little fiefdom and that nepotism is still alive and well.

As for the ‘find-a-friend’ chuggers, I have fond memories of being accosted by a chugger in Birmingham just after the ‘grand opening of CRT’ in Gas Street. The company of chuggers that CRT employed then promptly went bust after a few short months. The two ‘friends’ figures I have seen touted around are 4000 and 5000. Both figures woefully short of the target set for the first year.

But why doesn’t CRT set a low figure and then have something to celebrate rather than a figure it can’t reach and then have to defend the situation? Unless of course, it was a low figure that it set and then completely missed even that by a country mile? Somehow a charity asking the public for donations with ‘canal’ in its name is not as catchy as one like ‘British Waterways Trust’ would have been. Plus it would have saved a fortune on the rolling out the new name and a logo encapsulating the posture of an angry swan.

Make CO alarms a compulsory BSS requirement

Round two from Victor

IN THE last few weeks I have heard of the deaths of three people and a dog, one of which along with his dog was a friend, due in all probability to carbon monoxide poisoning.

My question, after hearing of these unfortunate incidents is, why weren’t they prevented by having to have a CO alarm fitted to conform to the Boat Safety Certificate?

The alarms are easily available, fitted in minutes and inexpensive (often less than £20).

I know people don’t like more things becoming compulsory, but when it comes to saving lives surely something needs to be done?

At present it’s up to you if you fit one; several people have said to me: “I keep meaning to get one, but haven’t yet,” so why don’t BSS make it a part of the safety scheme, even get examiners to carry a few and sell them to clients at cost?

Both our previous and present boat have them, it’s not rocket science.

So come on BSS, how about it? Help save a few lives.

On a further rant, Old Bilge Pump (Last Word, Issue 99, January) why has CRT made all these new waterpoints out of stainless steel, the most stolen metal around?

Andy Nichols nb Cousin Jack

Mick Fitzgibbons By email

WE HAVE for many years had double-barrelled shotguns and surnames. Now apparently we also have double-barrelled emails. Greetings to Trevor MuntonWillis by email. Your letter (Talkback, Issue 99, January) tells me a lot about your goodself. You state, boaters have the audacity to shake their fists after you have passed. What alternative do they have, if as you suggest, you pass at such speed, by the time they know you are coming, you have already gone.

During a lengthy, prearranged meeting with a Canal & River Trust manager, I was invited to report boats seen speeding, noting name and number, time and place, after which a warning would probably be issued, pending further incursions.

So far I have restrained from such activity, but it might be noted, at 2mph it should take any point on a passing craft, 20½ seconds to pass my 60ft boat. Many take considerably less, even than the 10¼ seconds at 4mph beyond which speed they are damaging the canal banks and reducing the available cruising depth.

I always slow to tickover, even for boats known not to.

Two wrongs don’t make a right and while writing, it might be noted, I am not afraid to state my full address and boat name, bearing in mind the very old saying ‘If you can’t do the time, don’t commit the crime!’

Victor Mildew (sic) (alias Alan Berry) nb Sigma-Alpha-Mu

Are all keyholders paying their way?

Bristol welcomes visitors with open arms

I am emailing about the letter ‘A menace on the waterways’ (talkback, issue 96, october); it was bad that the toilet locks were super glued.

It is the second part of the article I want to query, quote: “anybody who has a key – boater, fisherman, cyclist or walker – can use these facilities they are not solely for boaters or those on long term moorings nearby. Anybody who visits the trust’s property can use these facilities.”

I know there is a deposit to pay for a key and keys were only for boaters. Do these non boaters pay anything towards the upkeep of said facilities? Are these non boaters paying or willing to pay a fee every year for the privilege to use said facilities? Or are those boaters who paid the £800 plus licence fee subsidising the non boaters and licence fee dodgers?

I REFER to the article on Bristol headed Bristol Floating Harbour on pages 90 & 91 (Treasures, Issue 99, January).

My brother, who lives on his canal boat at Pillings Lock Marina in Leicestershire, recently came to stay with my wife and I in Bristol, and he naturally thought we would find this article in the paper interesting.

While the article talks eloquently and in detail of the many wonderful places to visit in and around the harbour in Bristol, I was saddened and quite shocked that no mention of the SS Great Britain was made. As a native of Bristol for over 15 years now I have been fascinated and delighted with my many visits to this wonderful ship. Since I retired in 2012 I have also been an active volunteer at the ship for the last 18 months, working with visitor services, classroom assisting, and in the workshops with technical services.

I cannot understand how you could, as editor of a water-borne inspired publication, miss referring to this most revolutionary and magnificent example of the Victorian age of maritime invention. Your ‘Fact File’ on Page 91 mentions the Arnolfini, The M Shed, and the Watershed, but not a word about the SS Great Britain.

That noise you can hear is Brunel turning in his grave.

I could write many lines on the amazing story of this ship, not least on the passionate, dedicated work done to restore it to its present glorious state, but I will just add the link to our website so that you can peruse its story at your leisure www.ssgreatbritain.org/ Also I would like to add that we are currently the number one tourist attraction in Bristol on the Tripadvisor website, though we are constantly striving to improve the visitor experience further so we maintain our enviable reputation as one of the ideal locations for your ‘Grand Day Out’(as you put it).

Please notify your readers that we look forward to welcoming them with open arms whenever they happen to visit Bristol, and should they return to the city any time afterwards they can visit the ship for free – our tickets are valid for 12 months.

Keith Stubbs, nb JesseJoy

View from the canal, not the towpath MANY boaters myself included have become critical of CRT as time goes on when we see the amount of work appearing to be done on towpaths as apposed from essential simple work needed on the canal.

No wonder it is being referred to as the Cyclist & Ramblers Trust!

Perhaps it is because it is viewing the system from the towpath. If, as in the days when directors would cruise on inspection launches to view their asset, the CRT did the same; it would quickly see the branches and shrubbery sticking out, ready to shred expensive paintwork when trying to pass another boat.

The overhanging tree branches remove Chinese hats or even complete chimneys and the shrubbery makes bends blind and bridge holes undefined.

Come on CRT, Veg Pledge is one sided at the moment ‘towpath’.

Brian D Jarrett nb Kyle

John Richards By email

110 THE LAST WORD

Old Bilge Pump

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Trust the Trust – getting the message across

Opening the channels of dialogue at the first boaters’ meeting THE other evening I went to one of the Canal & River Trust briefings by the chief executive, Richard Parry. It was very well run with an introduction from the CE and then an opportunity for anyone to ask any questions. There was a very decent buffet with unlimited tea and coffee laid on, followed by a chance to mingle and ask more questions, with a couple of trustees, several directors, head of boating and groups of senior managers present. I thought it was in great contrast to the ‘closed’ AGMs of the old British Waterways. The

impression given was that the trust was prepared to listen to grievances, problems and outline the future.

One thing surprised me and that was that at each large round table were two ‘flyers’ from the National Bargee Travellers Association. One was a membership application form and the other a sheet boldly headlined Don’t Trust the Trust. I thought how broadminded and democratic it was that the trust would allow this propaganda to be distributed at an evening it had paid for and arranged. Would any other charity

Is this what the majority of cruising boaters wish to be the future for the waterways?

PHOTO: DAVID SCOWCROFT

The Environment Agency and Defra jokers

LOOKING at the unholy mess the Environment Agency seems to be heading for, the Canal & River Trust – as well as over 30,000 boat licence holders – have cause to be thankful that the former BW escaped from Government clutches and into the undoubted safety and financial stability of a charitable trust.

I remember how many boaters on the Thames and other agency waters jumped up and down with fury at the suggestion they too should move into the CRT. I have no doubt they now bitterly regret not moving. But at least they were warned by the Inland Waterways Association of the consequences of remaining within the EA – and now the chickens have come home to roost, particularly as there may not be another occasion for them to transfer. Nevertheless the IWA continues to quietly lobby for a future transfer.

But just look at what has happened since the CRT move. Boat licences at the trust rose by 2.8% in keeping with the earlier promise that licence charges would only move in line with inflation – a full 2% less than EA licences. And the agency has been forced to reorganise its management structure to cut costs as well as being bounced with another cut in funding, with more to come, whereas the CRT has a contract with Government guaranteeing funding for several years.

Now we have the farcical behaviour of the agency and Lord Smith openly referred to on a BBC TV news broadcast by flood-stricken residents of the

allow minority ‘anti’ groups to petition at one of its meet and greet evenings?

Would the National Trust, a similar type of organisation, allow singleinterest groups to distribute recruiting documents at one of its properties? I very much doubt the aggravation would be allowed.

The NBTA was allowed to place these documents on every table and to ask the CE any questions it wished. It did not raise any questions concerning NonCompliant Continuous Cruising (NCCC). It was the dog that did not bark in the night. I wonder why it did not raise questions. Was it that members knew that the vast majority of boaters did not agree with their views about living on the canal without a designated mooring and that they would have received a very cool reception? I firmly believe that it was. I have tried to discuss their views with the National Bargee Travellers Association but have never managed a logical polite response.

Taking the Bargee sheets home I took some time to study them. The ‘Don’t Trust’ paper read: “CRT claims to be ‘opening up channels of communication for any future consultations’. This is a ploy to split boaters. CRT is trying (to) persuade some of us that our interests are with the trust, knowing they can’t persuade us all.” As far as I am aware the trust has opened many channels of dialogue with those who do not wish to obey the terms and conditions of their licence. Indeed, many of us who have diligently paid our licence, mooring and marina fees believe that too long has been spent in discussion and consultation and that legal enforcement is the only way forward. Any future on the waterways without rule obeying and enforcement will result in the law of the jungle. The stronger, more bloodyminded must prevail.

I have experienced waterpoint access obstructed by boats moored, the rear of

Somerset Levels as “a joke, a clown, a disaster” and even “a git” for his lack of action. Mind you, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson hasn’t done much better. When he arrived he had somehow forgotten to take his wellies!

Both of these jokers only arrived in Somerset after Prince Charles had said it was tragic that nothing had been done sooner.

And with these two clots holding sway at the EA and Defra, the future looks bleak. I’m glad I’m not an EA boater!

Action is their password

I never cease to be amazed by what the Waterway Recovery Group does in caring for our canals and in their restoration work. Yet it wasn’t that long ago when the ‘Wrgies’ (as everyone knows them) were regularly denigrated and ridiculed (always behind their backs) by many senior BW staff who regarded them as interfering young busybodies and positively dangerous when at work. Yes, that is true and I have heard that sort of language straight from the mouth of a manager.

Happily, in recent times, BW has finally realised the true value of the Wrgies and this continues within the CRT. And it is worth remembering that the group has a safety record equal to that of the CRT – no mean feat considering they are all volunteers all of whom have been trained in various disciplines from bricklaying to

the boats covered in empty beer tins. I have seen boats moored on 24 hour visitor moorings for weeks on end. I have seen a long line of boats moored against the bank for months on end.

The sanitary arrangements are only to be guessed at. Is this what the majority of cruising boaters wish to be the future for the waterways? Without being a fascist, society must have order and laws which the populace agrees to obey; without order we degrade into a country where the thugs, criminals and heavies rule.

A better alternative

Let me stress, for I have been accused of painting every continuous cruiser as a layabout, workshy drug-taker; they are not. I was a continuous cruiser for over three years. I know the problems of finding work while on the move, of finding a doctor, a dentist and of obeying the terms and conditions of the licence. During my time continuous cruising I did receive a patrol notice and a visit from an enforcement officer when my alternator broke down and I was awaiting a visit from Beta Marine. I found him very understanding and helpful. In the end we found our glorious mooring in Gas Street basin and now cruise six to nine months of the year.

The trust is what we have; almost everyone I meet agrees that the trust is a better alternative to the old British Waterways. More money is being spent on dredging, vegetation clearance and repairs than ever before. It is now possible to raise money through methods which were impossible for BW. Volunteers are coming forward to help with maintenance and the Waterways Partnerships is bringing sponsorship from businesses.

I fervently believe that we must Trust the Trust. The people running the trust are not alien demons. There is not one director that I have approached and

driving and operating heavy plant and machinery.

Amazingly, the group never seems to be short of volunteers and when they go on one of their camps they cheerfully pay up to £56 each for their food and stay in quite basic accommodation. Equally amazing is the age range of members – from 18 to 70 or more years.

Not a pretty sight

Recently I was watching an excellent programme on TV entitled Walking Through History presented

by Tony Robinson. In this series he was walking the length of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

I hope the CRT’s chief executive Richard Parry was watching for he would have seen a disgraceful stretch of grossly overgrown towpath between Liverpool and Wigan with some waterside weeds almost waist high.

When I first boated along that stretch 50 years ago, the towpath was a mess but it was at the time the canals were being deliberately run down.

But today, with all the environmental PR spin about towpath cleanups, I would suggest that someone in the local waterway office gets a swift kick up the pants.

Do you agree or disagree with Stillwater’s comments? Send your views to Talkback (see previous page)

discussed waterways matters with that has not been polite, knowledgeable and interested in my views. Even the property director who I accused of getting a bad deal over Wood Wharf entered into a fun discussion.

Do I agree with all the trust is doing? I do not. I believe it is wasting money on silly peripheral projects, such as poetry of the cut and modern art installations.

I believe it is taking far too much money from its moorings while providing a very poor service to its mooring customers. I believe that licence fees are far too high and yearly on the way up. I have been given a licence application form from about 1965; the price of a licence for a 50ft plus motored boat was £16. The last licence I paid for my 57ft narrowboat was £833 (Trading Business Craft Licence). That is a horrendous increase over the years, far more than overall inflation.

However, people are wrong to automatically take issue with the trust; it has normal human beings doing the best job they can. I have found them approachable, fun people, who constantly disagree with my views and politely decline my advice.

TowpATh TiTTEr

CONTINUING our light-hearted look at life on the cut with another contribution from Les Heath.

Oops – don’t try to empty your Elsan here at Radford Bottom Lock on the Grand Union, it’s for rubbish only despite the sign indicating otherwise.

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