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Issue 231, January 2025

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Not a ripple…

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GOING SOLAR – IS IT WORTH IT?

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TOP SPRING 2025 HOLIDAYS

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The water is like a mirror, perfectly reflecting narrowboat Alpha as the golden hues of winter sunshine on brick contrast starkly with the vessel’s deep blue paintwork. Alpha was moored alongside the Ashby Boat Company’s Stoke Golding boatyard. PHOTO: GRAHAM NUTTALL

Waterways need cash or risk closure – warning

DAYS OUT: PERFECT PRESTON

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A PRESSURE group has called on the Government to give more cash to maintain the UK’s waterways – warning a lack of funds may force some rivers and canals to close.

Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), which represents a wide range of river and canal businesses and users but not Canal & River Trust, a charity part-funded by the Government, has called on Labour to reverse what the

group says is underinvestment and urged it to stump up real funding to ensure infrastructure doesn’t fall into disrepair.

The organisation, which has 50,000 signatures on a petition calling for change, is unhappy there was no mention of specific funding for waterways in the autumn Budget, despite its ‘intense’ lobbying prior to the statement.

Anderton Boat Lift celebrations

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N E W N E W

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SPECIAL celebrations will mark the 150th anniversary of the Anderton Boat Lift this year. The Canal & River Trust will be transporting visitors back in time to 1875 by hosting a spectacular Victorian Fair over the anniversary weekend of July 25-27 with boat trips and events throughout the rest of the summer season. The trust is developing an ambitious Engineering the Future project to revitalise Anderton Boat Lift and Visitor Centre.

It fears a lack of investment will see waterways become unnavigable and some may even be forced to close.

Les Etheridge, chair of FBW, said: “The Government must intervene to help reverse the current deterioration of Britain’s inland waterways which is increasingly impacting businesses up and down the country. Unless funding arrangements are reviewed and improved, we fear that Britain’s inland

A PRESTIGIOUS award was given to volunteers for supporting the restoration of a waterway. The branch of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust received the Tony Davy Award. The crystal prize celebrates the team with the most support hours and the canal trust’s members donated 10,124 hours through various activities.

Chairman Howard Wilson praised the volunteers.

Recent focus has been on the restored stretch near Lacock while major projects included completion of the waiting wall at Pewsham Locks and a new bridge.

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COMMUNITIES within the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct UNESCO World Heritage Site were celebrated at a festival of art, performance and culture in November. The event was part of a year-long community art placemaking project, exploring the vibrant cultural heritage of Trevor, Froncysyllte, Cefn Mawr and Chirk. The project, The Bridge That Connects, is being delivered by Glandŵr Cymru and has shared stories, places and vibrant community voices with residents across Wrexham through art, storytelling, a unique project newspaper and film.

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waterways and the many benefits they provide will be in serious jeopardy.”

Rachel Reeves’ Budget included £400m for tree planting and peatland restoration to protect soils, rivers and biodiversity, and contribute to climate mitigation and resilience. In addition, £2.4 billion was pledged to support flood resilience.

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January 2025 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Welcome to the January edition of Towpath Talk

Waterways need cash or risk closure – warning • Continued from page 1

THIS edition will go out over the festive period, as many of you will be tucking into mince pies, sipping on your favourite tipple and perhaps stoking up the burner with an extra log or two.

So, rather than commenting on what seems like a landslide of increasing costs in every department or an endless barrage of weatherrelated damage, I’ll let you read about that for yourselves, while I instead keep things as festive and upbeat as possible… and take a moment to wish all of our valued readers, advertisers and everyone on the UK waterways, a very merry Christmas.

In keeping with this festive tone, take a look at our What’s On section (p16); you will see that Father Christmas and his elves have teamed up with the Canal & River Trust for some festive family fun, at the National Waterways Museum and the Anderton Boat Lift, on all three weekends of December leading up to Christmas, plus Monday 23 and Christmas Eve. You’ll also see, on the same page, that the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct will make its big screen debut in the new Wallace & Gromit movie on Christmas Day. Sounds like the perfect viewing material after a big turkey dinner!

However you spend your Christmas, may it be merry one.

Enjoy the edition.

Dan

Editor Dan Clare tteditorial@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales Emma Hansom – 01507 529453 ehansom@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466/01507 529451 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Tel: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue –Thursday, January 23

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DEFRA has stated the Government has pledged £401m from 2027 to support the work of the Canal & River Trust.

FBW, which has 140 member organisations, including British Marine, the Inland Waterways Association and the National Association of Boat Owners, believes it won’t be enough to make all the essential repairs and restore the centuries-old infrastructure.

It highlights the value the waterways bring to the ecosystem, tourism and jobs. According to FBW, inland rivers and canals contributed £7.6 billion to the economy in 2022/23.

In addition, it claims it supports 41,000 jobs directly rated to inland waterways and a further 300,000 jobs indirectly.

A spokesman said: “The increasing fragility of the infrastructure which supports Britain’s 5000 miles of inland waterways, combined with ever more frequent episodes of extreme weather, means there is now an urgent need to invest to save the network.

“While the underinvestment in the network is allowed to continue, we are getting ever closer to the tipping point when waterways will be forced to close, directly hitting jobs and wider tourism, and wasting the millions of hours of volunteer time and millions of pounds of public money that has been dedicated to regenerating this great national asset.

“There is ample evidence of the need to increase funding, with all the main navigation authorities openly admitting

Climate change contributes to £85m bill

THE Canal & River Trust spent £85m in the last financial year on waterway maintenance and repairs, emergency works following floods and storms, and upgrades to reservoirs.

In its annual Boater Report, the charity revealed it spent a total of £208.6m in 2023/24 out of income of £237.3m. That included £49m on maintenance and repair projects, £27m on reservoir upgrades and £9m on emergency works.

With no increase in government funding, CRT has had to increase income from other areas, such as a rise in boat fees taking effect this year and more chargeable moorings in the London area.

An increase in donations and utilities and water development helped boost the income but it stated expenditure had also risen by £7.1m.

Alongside statutory work and planned maintenance, CRT has had to deal with waterway emergencies fuelled by climate change. Storms and flooding have caused damage running into the millions.

The report said: “Our changing climate continued to have a massive impact on our waterways.

The succession of named storms wreaked havoc on our network.

Thousands of trees were blown down, towpaths were washed away, banks and culverts collapsed, and landslides occurred.”

Following its annual Boater Survey, the charity has pledged to increase boater satisfaction from 46% to 75% by 2030. Issues raised included keeping canals open, ensuring locks and bridges work, improving facilities, combating fly tipping and improving communication.

Using Artificial Intelligence to help with bridge repairs is being trialled, with an AI CCTV system

they have insufficient funding to deal with all the growing infrastructure challenges. Today there are long periods of time where sections of the network are closed for extensive repairs and other sections become unreliable due to more frequent and unpredictable closures caused by failing infrastructure. All this is having a heavy impact on the holiday hire boat trade, which in turn impacts local jobs and wider associated tourism.

“The level of funding required to restore and retain Britain’s inland waterways is tiny in the overall terms of government spending and yet it is critical to avoid a more rapid deterioration of the network which would only further burden the public purse and jeopardise the many businesses and communities which rely on

being used to watch bridges and take images when collisions occur.

The cameras send the photos to CRT, who can then pursue drivers and claim any repairs via their insurance.

CCTV has also been used in London to combat fly-tipping. The cameras allow staff to monitor trouble spots and respond immediately if there is a problem. They have also helped the CRT prosecute offenders.

“The first of these sites to go live was Little Venice. Prior to the installation of the CCTV, it was one of the most expensive and problematic sites on our network. Waste (armchairs, electrical appliances, rubble, containers of oil, etc) would typically be dumped in the bin store, blocking the bins and preventing servicing by our contractor. Within 24 hours tonnes of excess rubbish would build up on site, costing hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds to remove. This also attracted vermin which posed a health hazard.

“Since the CCTV has been installed, our staff are able to monitor conditions on site remotely while undertaking other tasks. We now can and do respond to any fly-tipping

having safe and navigable waterways.”

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: “We recognise the wide range of benefits that our inland waterways bring, and we are currently providing the Canal & River Trust with an annual grant of £52.6 million to support that.

“We have agreed to provide substantial new grant funding for the trust of £401 million over 10 years from 2027, reflecting the continued value that we place on our inland waterways.”

Defra also pointed out, according to an agreement between the charity and the previous government, that the CRT was only due funding – a total of £740m – until 2027. From then on, it would become more self-sufficient, the previous administration said.

immediately, preventing small issues from becoming bigger problems. We better understand where the waste is coming from, which led us to restrict access from the adjacent road.”

Boat licensing brings in 11% of the charity’s income, and it has now merged six regional teams into one national task force, which can respond to customers and take action against non-payers. There are more than 35,000 licensed boats and next year they will be subject to a 4% rise in fees.

According to the report, enforcement is under way with 1563 unlicensed boats with a home mooring and 1605 unlicensed boats which continuously cruise.

“While most boaters follow their licence terms, the licensing, compliance and enforcement team supports those who have difficulties getting a boat licence or meeting the requirements of continuous cruising.

“Where boaters are unable or unwilling to meet their licence terms, or where a boat is abandoned, the team will take action to resolve unpaid debt and ensure the canals are fair and safe places for all boaters.

“Our boating welfare team can offer more help to the most vulnerable people on the canals and rivers. They support those who are struggling with money, health and other issues which may affect their ability to pay for their licence or mooring. In recent years, more and more people are making their homes on the water. Our welfare team will help support boaters who are struggling so they are also less likely to fall into our enforcement processes. Among other things, our welfare officers can and have supported boaters to apply for housing benefit to help them pay their licence fees, resulting in fewer unlicensed boats and less financial worry for the boaters themselves.”

To read the full report visit the CRT website: www. canalrivertrust.org.uk

New charity will save money and boost navigation

A NEW charity will help the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation in Essex stay in use and well maintained.

The Inland Waterways Association has run the navigation since 2005, after the previous owners went into administration. Now it has set up a new charity to take over much of the running of the waterway.

IWA’s trustees and the board of Essex Waterways Ltd say the new charity will assume ownership of Essex Waterways Ltd, taking over its charitable activities, while non-charitable operations will remain within Essex Waterways Ltd. The new structure will simplify fundraising efforts and reduce administrative costs, making it easier to attract funding, donations and legacies. Plans are ongoing to implement the new structure and arrangements by spring.

Mike Wills, IWA national chair, said: “These proposed arrangements come from a joint review by both IWA’s trustees and the directors of Essex Waterways Ltd. IWA’s work in rescuing and running the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation through Essex Waterways Ltd is widely celebrated as one of the great success stories of the inland waterways. It is time for a new chapter, allowing the operation to grow and achieve greater financial stability for future investment in the waterway corridor.”

Since 2005, the navigation has been successfully managed and sufficiently restored so that much greater use of this historic waterway has been enjoyed by many, while also providing significant employment.

Roy Chandler, chair of Essex Waterways Ltd, said: “Our operation on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation has grown each year, and the waterway now provides significant employment in the area, both directly through Essex Waterways Ltd’s own operations and that of waterside businesses.

“With the support of local authorities, loyal volunteers and local businesses, especially Essex & Suffolk Water, we have provided a steady programme of improvement for navigation, recreation, wildlife and general amenity use. We have done this while preserving the waterway corridor’s important heritage.

“The proposed restructure will allow greater efficiencies of operation and help us to attract charitable funding direct for the first time. Our roots, however, are with IWA, and we will always be an IWA success story.

The continuing support of IWA Chelmsford Branch remains very important to us.”

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Dredging programme completed by canal charity on Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Pictured are members of the ANT Squad in action, combining one of their river Avon litterpicks with the nationwide The Big Paddle Clean-up. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

It’s no mystery – Toyah’s the new face of the Avon Navigation Trust

CHART star and actress Toyah Willcox is the new patron of Avon Navigation Trust, with part of her role to try to bring young people to the waterways.

The Worcestershire-based star, who has shone on stage, screen, in the pop charts and more recently on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has taken time out to sprinkle her magic on the river that has forever flowed through her life.

She is headlining its ANT Squad, which encourages young people to love and protect the waterway, just like she does.

“I am proud to be a patron,” said Toyah, who’s out on the Avon every day she’s at the Pershore home she shares with husband, King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp.

“There are three passions in my life… music, my husband and the River Avon, with all its history and wildlife. This amazing river has served nature and mankind for hundreds of years. Today it needs our nurture and protection.

“It is vital that young people experience the same sense of adventure and connection to this remarkable river as I was lucky enough to have had in my youth.”

Birmingham-born Toyah grew to love the Avon, because her dad Beric had a boat there. “It was the most wonderful time, so the connections to this river are

really powerful.”

The ANT Squad is the brainchild of the trust’s chief executive Clive Matthews, who also grew up on the river thanks to his dad Dudley, who worked on the Avon restoration and was a founder member of the trust.

Clive launched the ANT Squad to inspire new generations to learn to enjoy and serve the river.

The group of 15 – and growing – meets weekly to learn new skills, including boat handling and river safety. They also volunteer on litter picks, festivals and a myriad of events.

“We hope that giving them a love for the river will act as a psychological grounding for their future well-being and lives,” added Clive.

Mu l t i - aw a rd - w i n n i n g performer Toyah – whose career spans 48 years, 15 top 40 singles, 29 albums, 45 movies, 40 plays and four books – releases a limitededition EP of the Greg Lake classic I Believe in Fa t h e r Christmas on Christmas Eve. After a year that also included her

second Glastonbury appearance, she reports she’s already booked up for 2025, including a guest star role when the tour of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical stops off in Edinburgh in February.

Toyah Willcox is the new patron of the Avon Navigation Trust. She will focus on getting young people involved on the waterways.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BOATERS on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal should find navigation easier thanks to the completion of a six-week dredging programme by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales.

The work saw in the region of 300 tonnes of sediment removed from four different locations along the canal. It is part of a comprehensive programme of maintenance.

The dredging has improved the depth in the canal at Llangattock, Talybont, Pencelli and Brynich, while also benefiting boats mooring in these areas and using nearby winding holes – the area of a canal used by boats for turning around.

Paul Fox, senior project manager at Glandwr Cymru, said: “We identified from boaters’ feedback and our surveys that dredging these sections was a high priority, so we are delighted to have made these improvements. Dredging is part of the maintenance we carry out to keep canals open and available, and boaters will benefit from better navigation and easier mooring.

“The Mon and Brec is such a key feature of the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. As a charity we are doing what we can, fighting the challenges of the age of the canal and the impact of climate change, to keep the canal alive for boaters and the local communities it runs through for years to come.”

The canal, which has been in existence for

over 200 years, is popular today with boaters and holiday hire companies and contributes £17 million a year to the local economy.

Dredging is an important part of the Canal & River Trust’s work across its 2000 miles of waterways, costing £8m a year.

This winter, Glandwr Cymru is delivering a series of maintenance improvements to the canal as part of the charity’s annual winter works programme which includes making repairs at Brecon Basin, Llanfoist Embankment, Llanover and Llangattock.

Glandwr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, has completed a six-week dredging programme on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to improve the navigation for boaters.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

MPs form group to raise awareness of waterway importance THE importance of the nation’s waterways could move higher up the political agenda thanks to the formation of a new cross-party group of MPs in Westminster.

The Waterways All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) hosted its inaugural meeting in parliament recently, chaired by Labour MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson.

The Inland Waterways Association hopes the 21-strong group will increase the chances of more government funding for rivers and canals.

Mr Esterson said: “It is not just boaters who make use of our waterways. Canals and rivers are a valuable resource for leisure, active travel, industry, energy, and even in the case of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal as a source for water-borne district heating.

“The tranquillity of time spent by the water, along with the wildlife that thrives around

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clean waterways, is truly something to be cherished and enhanced. All these interests can coexist, and I look forward to chairing this influential all-party group and highlighting, both in parliament and beyond, the importance of waterways to our nation’s economy and environment.”

Charlie Norman, director of campaigns and public affairs at the Inland Waterways

Association, said: “The IWA warmly welcomes Mr Esterson’s appointment as chair of the APPG. It’s clear that he really grasps the importance, value, and relevance of the UK’s inland waterways and the need for adequate funding. We look forward to working both with him and an almost entirely new slate of members over the course of this parliament.”

Pictured (from left) are: Ruth Jones MP (Newport West), Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge and Brownhills), Bill Esterson MP (Sefton Central), Lord German and Adam Thompson MP (Erewash). PHOTO: CHARLIE NORMAN

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‘At risk’ aqueduct saved from disrepair by essential works

AN AT-RISK aqueduct has been saved from falling secure the stability of the aqueduct for years to come into disrepair after Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal and and remove the structure from the Buildings at Risk register. Our charity is committed to preserving the River Trust in Wales, stepped in.

The Grade-II Listed Aberbechan Aqueduct on the amazing heritage of the canals in Wales, keeping Montgomery Canal has had extensive repairs which them open and alive, and this is a tremendous result. should ensure its survival for the next 200 years.

“The Montgomery Canal is also a haven for The aqueduct carries the canal over Bechan wildlife, and we’ve taken this chance to preserve Brook, a tributary of the River Severn, and is vital and improve these habitats. Our ecologists removed for supplying water to the south of the canal from large amounts of the invasive Himalayan balsam from the site and made sure no protected species the Severn.

Made up of three arches, the aqueduct features were disturbed. The project will bring about several unusual stone cutwaters which help to deflect debris biodiversity enhancements, while the continuing and allow water to flow underneath smoothly. Over water flow along the canal will ensure habitat for the years, river flooding and leaks from the canal rare wetland wildlife is maintained.” have taken their toll on the ageing structure.

A substantial grant from Cadw, the Welsh Government environment service and funding from Glandŵr Cymru meant the essential repairs could take place.

Mark Evans, regional director at Glandŵr Cymru, said: “Aberbechan Aqueduct was completed in 1821 and still plays a vital role in supplying water for the Montgomery Canal. Aberbechan Aqueduct, saved from falling into disrepair after “These extensive Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, stepped in. masonry repairs will PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

Boaters lobby Parliament in campaign against fee surcharge

BOATERS worried about a rise in costs have taken their case to Westminster.

The National Bargee Travellers’ Association (NBTA), which represents 2000 boaters, is angry that boaters without a home mooring pay higher licence fees and claims that the Canal & River Trust discriminates against continuous cruisers.

The NBTA held a drop-in session at the end of November to publicise its case. It was hosted by Baroness Jenny Jones, a group of MPs and members of the House of Lords.

Nick Brown from the NBTA and a boater, Christine Hemsley, who claims she has suffered an abuse of her rights, made presentations to MPs. The NBTA claims boaters without home moorings pay fees 30% higher, adding these may rise by up to 130% by 2028.

It fears the increases may force many boaters to leave the water.

It adds that its casework team has helped in more than 1000 situations in which it says boaters have been unfairly targeted because they don’t have a permanent mooring.

Baroness Jones said: “The CRT is a charity created in 2012 as a hybrid body to replace the former British Waterways, and manages most of the inland waterways of England and Wales. The transfer of the waterways to the CRT removed

any ministerial oversight or accountability. The CRT has no effective regulator, making it unaccountable and this is reflected in its treatment of itinerant boat dwellers.”

A Canal & River Trust spokesman said: “We advocate for boaters’ rights to government, local authorities, and other agencies. The trust is the only navigation authority to have a dedicated boater welfare team, whichwehaverecentlymorethan doubled in size to increase our support offer to boaters. In recent years, more and more people are making their homes on the water, and our welfare team supports those who are struggling with money, health and other issues,

including helping boaters apply for appropriate benefits to help them pay their licence fees.

“The trust has an equality policy which sets out our approach to making sure everyone can access and use our waterways. We also have a specific process for making ‘reasonable adjustments’, under the Equality Act 2010, which can include adjustments to our normal cruising regulations for disabled boaters. We urge anyone facing difficulties to get in touch.

“The trust strongly denies any abuse of boaters’ human rights and welcomes details of these allegations so that they can be looked into and responded to more specifically.”

The NBTA held a drop-in session at the end of November to publicise its case against the treatment of boaters. It was hosted by Baroness Jenny Jones, a group of MPs and members of the House of Lords. Pictured are Rex Walden of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association, Baroness Bakewell, Baroness Jones, Pamela Smith and Nick Brown (both NBTA). PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After the trough of the aqueduct was drained, repairs were made to the bed of the canal which showed large voids where water was being lost from the aqueduct. Brickwork repairs have also been carried out on both piers and abutments.

Jack Sargeant MS, minister for culture, skills and social partnership for the Welsh government, said: “Our historic canals are important reminders of Wales’ industrial heritage and the engineering achievements of previous generations as well as being a source of pleasure for visitors and local communities today.

“The Grade II-Listed Aberbechan Aqueduct has been a ‘building at risk’ for several years due to damage from canal leaks and river flooding. It’s great news that essential repair work, partly funded

by Cadw’s Historic Buildings Grant, will ensure

this historic aqueduct can continue to serve a vital role in maintaining the water supply for the Montgomery Canal for years to come.”

Coun David Selby, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, said: “The aqueduct is a considerable distance from the area where the rest of the repairs and Montgomery Canal restoration work is taking place, near Llanymynech, but is very important due to its condition and because of the role it plays in keeping the canal stocked with water.

“We are looking to bring the Montgomery Canal back into use in a number of different ways that will help to boost the tourism economy and improve the well-being of the people living alongside it, while also working to enhance the ecology of the area.”

Canal and River Trust increases licence fees to help keep waterways open THE CANAL and River Trust is to increase boat licence fees as it bids to keep the waterways open and infrastructure in good condition.

The charity announced an increase of 4% in boat licence fees from April 1 for both private boat owners and boating businesses.

Surcharges for boats without a home mooring and widebeam boats, announced last year, will be applied in addition to this rise.

The news comes after the CRT asked for donations to help it tackle storm and flood damage, which last year cost it an additional £10 million on top of its regular maintenance and repair programme on the 2000-mile network.

Richard Parry, chief executive at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Boat licences contribute an essential one eighth of the income we have available each year to maintain our 250-year-old canal network.

We’re committed to keeping the canals open for navigation and, by purchasing a licence to cruise our waterways, boaters are playing an important part.

“But our charity is facing a combination of more extreme weather brought by climate change, an ageing network that is costly to fix, with higher material

prices and reducing government funding.

“We’ll continue to secure as much income as we can through our commercial and charitable activities and focus on those priority works that support navigation.

On top of this commitment, we’ve recently introduced our Better Boating Plan to tackle the smaller-scale tasks that make life hard for boaters, such as broken paddles and overgrown vegetation. The funds we receive from boat licences supplement our other income streams and help us to carry out this vital work.”

The trust is also working to generate more commercial income w h i ch underpins much of the investment in canal maintenance.

This is alongside the target of growing annual fundraising income from £6 million to £60m and funding from local authorities and other third party funders from £18m to £28m over the next decade.

The autumn budget included £400m for tree planting and peatland restoration to protect soils, rivers, and biodiversity, and contribute to climate mitigation and resilience. In addition, it pledged £2.4 billion to support flood resilience.

In addition, Defra has stated the government has pledged £401m from

2027 to support the work of the Canal & River Trust.

However, storms and flooding have put extra pressure on the charity, which has launched its first fundraising campaign to ease the financial burden.

It says last winter a succession of ‘named’ storms caused almost £10m of additional and unforeseen repairs, including a major landslip on the Oxford Canal where 4000 tonnes of mud slipped 18 metres, completely severing one of the busiest and oldest canals in the country. Just south of Leicester, a section of the Grand Union Canal bank and towpath was washed away, while in Lancashire, a breached dam caused a towpath to collapse, and there was widespread flood damage across the canals in the East Midlands.

Mr Parry added: “As we head into winter, we’re bracing ourselves for more costly damage from extreme weather but also working to make these aged former transport routes, and the wildlife they support, as resilient as possible. Our specialist teams of skilled workers and volunteers will be giving long hours, carrying out heritage conservation works, and fighting to respond to the storms that are becoming ever more common.

“Keeping the

canals open and safe requires millions of pounds and a yearround effort. We’re talking to government about the need for an active partnership, and we’re calling on people to donate and help us safeguard our canals and rivers for the future.”

The Canal & River Trust is about to start work on a winter programme of important repair, heritage and conservation tasks at 159 sites across England and Wales. 129 new lock gates, handcrafted in the charity’s specialist workshops, will be installed, while other work includes masonry repairs to centuries-old bridges and tunnels, work to fix leaks and preserve water for navigation, and inspections of important ageing infrastructure.

The charity is also using innovative techniques and materials to make the canals stronger and more resilient.

Boaters can find out how much their new fees will be on the CRT website.

The trust says it will continue to support boaters struggling to pay their licence fees on a case-by-case basis.

This may include arranging flexible payment plans and signposting to relevant services and benefits, for example the Water ways Chaplaincy, local authorities and Citizens Advice.

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Broads Authority to increase boat fees by 5.9% next year as fears rise over state of waterways THOUSANDS of boat owners and Norfolk Broads waterway businesses will pay an extra 5.9% in navigation fees this coming year.

The Broads Authority agreed the rise but has set a budget which will mean cuts in its own services.

It has contacted the Environment Minister Steve Reed for help, saying its current model of funding is “unsustainable” for an area that attracts 7.5 million people a year.

The rise in fees will affect 11,500 boats that use the 125-mile Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, but electric day boats and sailing vessels will not pay any increase.

A Broads Authority spokesman said: “The authority is acutely aware that in the current economic climate any increases to the charges will come as a blow to private boat owners and hire boat operators. Currently the only means of funding the navigation of the waterways of the Broads is through these charges.

“The authority is of the view that the current model of funding is unsustainable and has written to the Secretary of State for Environment explaining the difficulties and requesting central government funding to contribute to navigation. To date we have not received a reply.

“The income raised through tolls funds the maintenance of the waterways (including dredging, water plant cutting and moorings), fuel, rangers, maintenance staff, tolls staff

to administer the charges and chase non-payers… to name but a few. All these costs have been consistently rising way above the rate of inflation which is not based on all these items or indeed raw materials such as wood and steel which are extensively used by the authority. This comes at a time when income is falling.”

The news will not come as a shock to the Inland Waterways Association which has long argued that the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads need proper funding.

It says tourism in the Broads contributes £775 million to the Norfolk and Suffolk economies and supports over 7000 jobs.

The Broads receives £3.4m of National Park Grant funding from Defra a year and generally the government money cannot be used for navigation costs unless the work benefits the whole of the navigation. This means it relies heavily on income from boat fees to carry out essential repairs and maintenance work.

Sue O’Hare, chair of IWA’s navigation committee, said: “Through Fund Britain’s Waterways, the IWA is campaigning for adequate national and local government funding for all Britain’s navigable rivers and canals to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their many benefits. The circumstances of the Broads are unique but the need for funding is universal.”

The IWA has also lobbied the Government, citing the well-being

benefits and value to wildlife of maintaining the Broads.

The Broads Authority is the only major inland navigation authority that does not receive government funding to support maintenance of navigation.

Governments have argued that use of the Broads waterways is a private benefit which should not be funded, according to the IWA. The IWA said: “The IWA will not let the network fall into disrepair again and for this reason joined with partner organisations in June 2023 to launch the Fund Britain’s Waterways action group, with the single purpose of campaigning collectively for an increase in government funding of Britain’s inland waterways to avert their decline, and to promote awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social wellbeing value they provide.

“To date, more than 140 waterway and non-waterway organisations representing hundreds of thousands of waterway users and supporters have joined Fund Britain’s Waterways and the IWA continues to play a leading role on the steering group.

Canals and rivers are valuable assets which contribute to the country’s economic recovery, as highlighted by our Waterways for Today report, so it is vital that we act now to protect them for future generations.”

To find out more about the IWA campaign, go to: https:// waterways.org.uk

The Inland Waterways Association is calling for more government funding for the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The archaeological dig at Staveley.

Going underground in Staveley

By Lucy Wood

AS part of its Staveley Town Deal project, the Chesterfield Canal Trust commissioned York Archaeology to carry out an archaeological dig on the currently derelict canal at the end of Bellhouse Lane.

The intention of the dig was to investigate the remains of a railway bridge that was demolished many years ago and to find what was left of the old Bellhouse canal basin. This will inform plans for the design of the canal in the area which will be restored and put back into water next year.

The professional team was on site preparing for two days, including overseeing a digger which was excavating to a depth of about four or five feet. A band of volunteers then came to help for four days, each day seeing a team of eight work to uncover what lay beneath.

The towpath side abutment wall of the bridge was completely cleared, revealing some holes that may have held iron supports for the original girder

railway bridge. Also uncovered were the stone walled narrows that led into a short arm of the canal built to serve the gasworks once sited right next to the canal. It is believed that coal was probably brought from the nearby Hartington Colliery, formerly New Hollingwood Colliery.

The narrows were capped with large coping stones that had random holes in them; it is thought that they were recycled from another use. The grooves that held stop planks to hold water back for maintenance were as clear and clean as the day they were cut into the stonework.

Beyond the narrows, a length of dressed stone wall was uncovered, being the bank of the short arm. Part of the wall of the canal basin itself was

discovered, as was a land drain which led into a cast iron pipe.

There were also a few finds of pottery, bottles and coal.

The final day of the dig was designated an open day for guided tours of the site with the archaeologists.

About 250 people attended and many shared tales from their childhoods when the basin still held water.

A spokesperson

for the Chesterfield Canal Trust said: “The volunteers ranged from schoolchildren to pensioners. All worked really hard, said how much they had enjoyed the experience, and wanted to know when they could come back for more.

“The excavation was then filled in again. It will reappear when the canal is restored here in about a year’s time.”

A map showing Bellhouse railway bridge. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED BY CCT.

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January 2025

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Montgomery Canal restoration work completed early

DEDICATED and hardworking volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society have finished more vital work on the Montgomery Canal – five months ahead of schedule.

Using funding from the Rural Prosperity Fund grant, they completed a towpath, canal channel and hedge-laying.

Working near the Crickheath and Schoolhouse Bridges, the volunteers

completed the towpath and bank, channel profiling and hedge laying.

The finished channel is now filling with water and it is expected that the stop planks by Crickheath Bridge will be cracked open this month or February to equalise the levels with those in the now navigable Crickheath Basin.

Further along the site towards Schoolhouse Bridge, work continued to

profile the channel. In the area worked, no lining and blocking is required and an impressive 70 metres is now complete.

Just beyond this area in the direction of Schoolhouse Bridge, hedge laying picked up from where work had finished last winter. Over two days and with a number of ‘new hands’ available, 23 metres was completed – also impressive.

Pictured at the ceremony are Derek Lord from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and Persimmon Homes West Midlands managing director Daniel Hassall.

Lichfield land gift adds impetus to West Midlands canal scheme A DEVELOPER has donated a parcel of land in Lichfield which will speed up canal restoration.

The land – owned by Persimmon Homes, which is creating its St John’s Grange community in the Staffordshire city – will now belong to Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to manage, enabling it to restore a key junction and make the movement of canal boats easier for those passing through the area.

The handover was marked by a visit to the canal by Persimmon Homes West Midlands managing director Daniel Hassall.

Daniel said: “Handing over this land to the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust is the latest example of our successful partnership with the local community around which we build our homes.”

Derek Lord, planning and technical trustee at Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, said: “We are so grateful to Persimmon Homes for this generous land transfer, which will enable us to continue the restoration of the Lichfield Canal. This follows on from the two culverts that Persimmon Homes funded to allow access over the canal into the St John’s Grange development, showing the positive difference the company makes in addition to house building.”

Daniel concluded: “It was great to meet Derek Lord to see the positive impact this land transfer will have on the trust and the wider area.

“We’ll continue to work closely with our local partners to ensure our investment makes a positive difference to communities.”

Volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society celebrate success. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Poet pens deal with Midlands canal trust

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CANAL Laureate Roy McFarlane has become an ambassador for Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT).

Birmingham-born Roy, known for his evocative poetry and dedication to exploring the cultural and historical significance of Britain’s waterways, will help the trust raise funds and awareness of its projects.

THE trust hopes his profile will help bring in new volunteers and bring them a step closer to reconnecting Staffordshire

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and the West Midlands through these historic canals.

Roy said: “I am delighted to become an ambassador for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

Canals are not just waterways; they are living histories that tell the stories of our past. I look forward to working with the trust to ensure these stories are preserved and celebrated.”

The trust’s ongoing projects, including the creation of the Darnford Moors Ecology Park and the Gallows Reach Tamworth Road project, will benefit from his advocacy and creative contributions. His involvement is expected to draw attention to the ecological and cultural importance of the canals, encouraging more people to support the trust.

Carole Mills, chair of LHCRT, said: “We are honoured to have Roy McFarlane join us as an ambassador.

His deep connection to canals and his ability to capture their essence through poetry will undoubtedly help us in our mission to reconnect our vital waterways to the Birmingham Canal Navigations.”

Roy is a distinguished poet, playwright and former youth and community worker who lived for many years surrounded by canals in

Restoration work on the Montgomery Canal was completed five months ahead of schedule by volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

Roy McFarlane, the Canal Laureate, has joined Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) as an ambassador. PHOTO: SUPPLIED the Black Country.

The National Canal Laureate and a former Birmingham Poet Laureate, he was also one of the Bards of Brum who performed in the opening ceremony for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. His poetry collections include Beginning With Your Last Breath, The Healing Next Time and Living by Troubled Waters.

The picture shows channel profiling, towpath work and hedge laying.

7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

West Yorkshire reservoir to receive multi-million pound upgrade

By Lucy Wood

HILL Top Reservoir, known locally as Slaithwaite Reservoir, is being upgraded by the Canal & River Trust to meet safety standards and withstand climate change.

Situated in the village of Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, the reservoir was opened 225 years ago.

Renowned engineer Benjamin Outram built it to supply water to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, and it remains an important water feed to the canal as well as being a wellused leisure resource.

The CRT looks after the reservoir and Huddersfield Narrow Canal and has commissioned civil engineering company JN Bentley to undertake the works to ensure that historic reservoirs like this are meeting present-day standards as required by the 1975 Reservoirs Act. Essential maintenance and upgrade works are required to strengthen

the centuries-old structure against the impacts of climate change and improve the performance of the reservoir by increasing the capacity of the spillway to hold more water and reduce leakage.

The main project is expected to start in spring, with construction work due to begin subject to the permitted

development application being agreed. Completion is due in autumn 2026.

The project is part of a wider scheme to protect reservoirs around the country; in the last financial year, more than £27 million was spent on resilience works at 19 of the trust’s 71 large reservoirs.

Sean McGinley, Yorkshire and North

Slaithwaite Reservoir. PHOTO: CRT

East regional director at the CRT, said: “Our reservoirs feed our canals and maintain water levels along the inland waterways. Their function is proving increasingly important to help us manage water levels during more frequent extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change, with drier summers and wetter winters.

“Originally constructed in the late 18th century, this reservoir, like much of our historic network, requires ongoing maintenance and upgrading to meet present-day standards. Our charity is undertaking a significant programme of investment to improve our large reservoirs around the country. This work will secure the longterm future of Hill Top Reservoir as an important resource for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.”

During the construction phase there will be times when the water levels in the reservoir will be significantly reduced for safety reasons, and this will be carefully managed and monitored. There will also be temporary footpath closures in place.

Latest updates will be shared through onsite signage and online at www. canalrivertrust.org.uk/ slaithwaite-reservoir

Volunteers pitch in to save bridge VOLUNTEERS working with the Canal & River Trust have given a project to restore a historic canal bridge in Braunston a head start by helping to repair centuries-old brickwork – thanks to a £160,000 donation.

They will work alongside a contractor to repair and improve Bridge 91A at the entrance to Braunston Marina, made possible thanks to a generous legacy gift from local resident, Peter Andrews.

On completion of the works the bridge will be renamed Peter’s Bridge. A new bridge number plaque, reading 91A, Peter’s Bridge, will be fitted, providing a lasting tribute to Mr Andrews’ generous gift to his local canal.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The volunteers have made great strides in repairing sections of the bridge, and gaining valuable skills in heritage restoration along the way.

“The intention was always to put Mr Andrews’ very generous legacy gift to good use and bring in specialist contractors to complete some of the bigger aspects of the works. The volunteers’ efforts have helped tackle some of the preliminary works and put the project in a great position ahead of contractors getting on site.

“With everything in place we’re looking forward to the main works starting in the spring as temperatures rise and seeing the final restored bridge providing a fitting tribute to Mr Andrews’ memory.”

With the volunteers hard at work on site the trust has also been working to complete preliminary surveys, obtain the necessary listed

building consents, source bricks and train the volunteer team.

Lime mortar can’t be used in colder temperatures so, with conditions becoming more wintry, the brickwork repairs are about to pause until the spring. Exposed brickwork will be covered in hessian over the winter to protect it from frost damage.

As well as repairing the brickwork, contractors will also be resurfacing the bridge deck with a resin bonded anti-slip surface, improving the approach ramps and cleaning the cast iron elements ready for volunteers to repaint them. The contractor works will take around five weeks and the intention is to have all works completed in time for the Braunston Historic Boat Rally in late June.

In total 3500 reclaimed bricks are expected to be used on the restoration and once repairs are completed the brickwork is set to be left exposed, without render or paint, taking the bridge back to its original design.

After a thorough tendering process, the trust will soon appoint a contractor who will be on site in the spring restoring brickwork on the northern side of the bridge, which faces out on to the canal.

While this process has been taking place the charity has enlisted the help of volunteers and members of the local community to carry out preliminary works. The team have been carefully removing loose mortar and crumbling bricks from the southern side of the bridge before starting repairs with reclaimed bricks and traditional lime mortar.

8

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUNDTHE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMYTILLSON

IWA response to EA registration fee increase THE Environment Agency has recently announced that even though a large majority of customers did not support the proposal, it has decided to increase boat registration fees by 9%.

The IWA acknowledges that the Environment Agency’s funding position has left it in a difficult position, considering how inflation has impacted on its costs such as building, materials and repairs.

However, as shown by the consultation response, the majority sentiment among members who use the EA waterways is that the 9% increase is too much.

This is largely due to the impacts on navigation of increased delays to planned winter maintenance works, with more and more works encroaching on summer boating. In particular, access between the Great Ouse, Middle Levels and River Nene was prevented due to delayed work. Through passage on the Nene was not possible until June 1, Denver crossing was closed until June 10, Brownshill Lock was closed until June 17 and Brandon Lock remains closed at the time of writing.

Other concerns include a significant increase in the number of lock failures, the

numerous weirs blocked by debris and abandoned boats which increases the risk of floods, various investment decisions that fail to prioritise navigation, loss of income through failure to enforce regulations, and failure to maximise commercial opportunities.

The IWA is also concerned that the Environment Agency’s navigation teams have lost many of their more experienced staff who had in-depth knowledge and understanding of the waterways when communicating with business and leisure customers. More effective management will require more responsive and well-informed operation managers.

The Environment Agency has stated that the rise in registration fees will be used to improve the experience of users. As we said in our consultation response, these are some of the aspects where IWA would like to see improvement: Greater reliability for navigation and better facilities for boaters Speedier attention to faults and shorter stoppage times Streamlining and rationalising E A’s procedures including its very

complicated charging regime Increasing revenue by better enforcement of unlicensed boats (many of which will be uninsured and without Boat Safety Scheme certificates) Reviewing the criteria for issuing and lifting strong stream advice Improving reliability of existing equipment (particularly gear boxes and electrical systems at locks) More efficient use of staff, including subcontractors, for the winter maintenance works programme.

Sue O’Hare, chair of IWA’s Navigation Committee, said: “It is understandable that the Environment Agency has felt the need to make a significant increase to boat registration fees, but it is disappointing that its funding position has made this necessary. Through Fund Britain’s Waterways, IWA is campaigning for adequate national and local government funding for all Britain’s navigable rivers and canals to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their many benefits. At the same time, it is incumbent upon all navigation authorities to ensure that their funding is used effectively and efficiently.”

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 are revealed k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath op Team award which has been Top kT Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

probe Boats gunshot investigating damage to narrowboats

POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

r The r. will take place in the new year. off a winning team receives the hire day boat carrying up to 10 people, generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. The runner-up will receive a £100 voucher to spend at Midland four Chandlers at Braunston and all donation finalists will receive a £100 towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

alk.

Tal tth T publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group aave gone that extra unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies were called UPPERMILL after starting achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

Y k city centre. Emergency services in Yor at around 8pm to Lendal Bridge on the River Ouse said officers on December 4. North Yorkshire Police f two men for attended “after concerns were raised with their touch in their 60s who had been out of bodies. Fire .” Upon arrival officers found the family.”

The deaths and ambulance services both attended. although did were being treated as ‘unexplained’ a post-mortem not appear to be suspicious and The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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In memoriam: Chris Howes Former IWA deputy national chairman and long-standing volunteer and enthusiast Chris Howes has died.

In addition to his national role, Chris also spent time serving in the roles of Eastern Region chairman and Peterborough Branch chairman. He spent much of his life living on or near the River Great Ouse and was a knowledgeable enthusiast for the area, having written the Imray guide to The River Great Ouse and its tributaries.

Chris also wrote the new Imray guide to the fenland waterways, which covers the Middle Levels and both the Old and New Bedford rivers. His navigation notes are enriched with narrative and photographs to inspire

Chris Howes (left) in Hull.

PHOTO: SIMON JUDGE

more boaters to explore these fascinating navigations.

Chris was instrumental in helping IWA Peterborough Branch to organise a series of campaign cruises in recent years. These cruises involved repeated attempts to reach the historic Welches Dam Lock, on the Old Bedford River. The lock is one of 20 Silver Propeller

Locations, having been selected to support an IWA campaign to reopen navigation through Welches Dam to Horseway Lock.

Some of the campaign cruises reached Welches Dam although other attempts proved less successful. In April 2023, a build up of silt prevented Chris from passing through the gates leading to Old Bedford River. His efforts were not in vain however, as the challenges he faced demonstrated how a lack of funding can result in waterways becoming impassable.

Chris’ family have requested that donations, if desired, can be made to Cancer Research UK or Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign either online or c/o R J Pepper & Son Funeral Directors, 14 Prickwillow Road, Ely CB7 4QT (Tel: 01353 665300).

Hanwell Flight project manager vacancy IWA’s London Region Committee is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person to manage the adoption and restoration of the Hanwell Flight of Locks, a series of six locks on the Grand Union Canal in the London Borough of Ealing, currently listed on the English Heritage At Risk register.

The role will involve working closely with a range of key stakeholders, including the Canal & River Trust (CRT), English Heritage, Ealing Council and others.

The job description says that the successful candidate will need to lead efforts to restore the locks and improve their condition, u l t i m a t e l y removing them from the At Risk register.

The details are:

Responsibilities

Project Management: Ta k e overall responsibility for managing the adoption and restoration of the Hanwell Flight of Locks Collaboration: Work with multiple contact points within the CRT to agree on the adoption process and coordinate restoration efforts S t a k e h o l d e r Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with English Heritage,

Ealing Council, and other relevant bodies who will have an interest in the project Work Party Organisation: Plan and manage work parties for hands-on restoration tasks. The first stage will be clearing out some side ponds to assess their condition and what is required to get them back into operation Ongoing: Oversee the restoration process from start to finish, ensuring compliance with heritage and environmental standards.

Requirements

Project management skills Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills Organisational skills: Ability to coordinate and manage work parties, meetings and restoration activities, sometimes when feelings are running high

Flexibility: Willingness to travel to London as required (you do not need to be based in London) Interest in heritage and restoration: An interest in canal heritage, waterways and historical preservation is highly desirable, while not necessary.

What’s on offer

The chance to take on a significant and exciting heritage restoration project Be able to make a tangible impact on the preservation of an important historical site Support from the IWA and the Canal & River Trust to guide you through the process.

If you’re interested to lead this project and play a vital role in the restoration of the Hanwell Flight of Locks, please contact the London Region chair: paul.strudwick@ waterways.org.uk

Work Parties

PLEASE contact the branch to register your interest if you would like to attend a work party. It is advisable to wear stout shoes, old clothing, and to take waterproofs. A packed lunch and refreshments are also advisable.

January 5 and 21 Northampton Branch

Work parties are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month along the Northampton Arm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks.

Contact Geoff Wood: geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk January 10 & 24 - 10.30am to 2.30pm Burslem Port

Regular work party on the Burslem Arm of the Trent and Mersey Canal, run in partnership by IWA North

Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch along with the Burslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke Street, Burslem.

All tools and equipment will be provided. Volunteers are advised to wear old clothes, stout shoes and to bring waterproofs in case of rain and a packed lunch if staying all day.

Please contact Dave Broome before attending: 07974 966253 or dave. broome45@gmail.com January 16 Cheshire Locks

Monthly work party on the Cheshire Lock flight

of the Trent and Mersey Canal, between Kidsgrove and Wheelock. Meet at the Broughton Arms, Rode Heath, Stoke-on-Trent.

We will meet as usual at 10am and work through until 3pm. If you are able to stay all day, please bring a packed lunch and a drink. Be sure to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and marked with paint. Stout footwear is appropriate and bring along a waterproof in the event of rain.

Contact Tony Walker: 07708 320470or walker.tony31@ gmail.com

9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Characters of the Cut

Karen Bent – saved by Grace

By Alice Elgie

IT WAS back in 2018 that Karen Bent, at that time a self-employed yoga and Pilates instructor, began to first experience symptoms of stress but it was after her mum died in 2019, and then 2020 happened, that the need to make a dramatic lifestyle change became increasingly apparent.

“My body had always been strong and reliable, I felt invincible, someone who others looked up to and could turn to for help and advice in any situation, and then I became someone who I didn’t recognise.

I was mentally and physically consumed by anxiety and I’ve never been so frightened and felt so vulnerable.”

With husband, Rob, in full support of a new direction, the couple decided to sell their house and everything in it and commission a new-build narrowboat. “The thought of spending our retirement doing jobs around the house, maybe volunteering somewhere and having caravan holidays felt like a slow road towards death.

We needed an adventure while we were fit enough to have one and as Rob had always said he wanted to ‘get off the world’ we had this feeling that if we didn’t do it now, we’d regret it.”

Having only spent three days on a narrowboat six years previously, some might say it was a pretty impulsive decision, but Karen and Rob were ready for a challenge. “I trust Rob implicitly. He’s very practical and although he had no knowledge of boats, he’s an engineer and can do pretty much anything so I felt very secure knowing he can fix stuff!”

Their boat is named Grace and is a 60ft semi cruiser stern which they took delivery of in June 2021. “Rob designed the interior of the boat to ensure it met all our needs. The galley is longer and we had a longer bed built as we’re both tall.” With solar panels, a strong internet set-up and a diesel-fired bubble stove, the couple were all set up to change direction and create a life where Karen, particularly, would be able to delve deeper into herself and perhaps reach some kind of clarity about her breakdown.

“Living on the boat has given me the time and space to reflect on my life. I wanted to change and have a different life, which means I have to understand the patterns of behaviour I used to

Karen practising her Pilates. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Karen and Rob enjoying their new lifestyle.

A stunning interior.

live by. I’ve learned so much about myself and I couldn’t have done this if I’d carried on living a ‘normal’ life.”

Karen and Rob continuously cruise, usually moving for just 2-3 hours between moorings.

“We both love history and walking so we research what there is to see and do wherever we go.” Their favourite canal is the Peak Forest and they love New Mills. “Being able to catch a train to the Peak District National Park in 15 minutes or so is heaven for us.” The peace and quiet, being close to nature, and pace of life, are all things they love about boating, not to mention all the places they’ve been able to explore. “We’ve been able to visit places we’d never have visited if we lived in a house and we’re very happy pootling around together, even after 39 years!”

This year, their fourth winter on the boat, they’ve made some changes to their cruising pattern, opting to stay in a marina for a while. “We’ve booked a cottage in Norfolk for a week and a month in Tenerife too. We want to do different things while we’re fit and well.”

At 67 and 72 respectively,

they are certainly flying the flag for fitness with their active life on the cut, along with regular yoga practice. “Having taught Pilates for over 20 years and yoga for six we try to do an hour’s practice three times a week on the towpath/outside, weather permitting.” The couple also take time to meditate every day. “Last week another boater said I didn’t move like a 67-yearold so all the yoga and Pilates clearly pays off!”

It’s obvious that a perhaps impulsive move from land to water has been instrumental in Karen’s recovery, and putting pen to paper has helped with her healing, too. “I’ve always loved language and reading, but had never written before but I thought writing about my experiences might help someone else.” The popularity of Karen’s blog, Saved by Grace, demonstrates that her words certainly bring support to those going through something similar. It remains to be seen how many will be inspired to sell everything and move afloat!

Blog: karenbent.substack. com Facebook: Boomers on Board

Gary Cross with his tuk-tuk after canal boat artist Alan Baillie transformed it.

IMAGE SUPPLIED

Tuk-tuk transformed by canal boat artist RENOWNED canal boat artist Alan Baillie rose to a new challenge when he was asked to paint a tuk-tuk.

A chance meeting on the Coventry Canal between tuk-tuk owner Gary Cross and Mr Baillie led to him taking on the unusual job of painting the Indian Bajaj auto rickshaw.

After a conversation, Gary gave the artist free rein to transform the vehicle.

Gary said: “The results were spectacular, resulting in a truly cultural crossover, featuring Indian elephant gods, traditional canal roses, a rampaging tiger, a Nepalese eye and local representation with a stunning image of Tamworth Castle and Ladybridge.”

Both were delighted with the results, with Gary reserving some space on his tuk-tuk for a return visit from Alan soon.

“I can understand why people become addicted to body art through tattoos as a way of expressing themselves,” he said. “Instead, I’m using my tuk-tuk to express my love of canal art and Asian culture by using Alan’s amazing craftsmanship, and I’m already thinking of future joint projects!”

Alan, who has travelled the canal network for decades creating stunning artwork, was also responsible for painting the Aqueduct pub mural at Llangollen, North Wales. This attracted nationwide media attention, due to

its three-dimensional representation of a Welsh dragon pulling a narrowboat across the World Heritage Site construction.

Artist Alan Baillie with the finished tuk-tuk owned by Gary Cross, which he transformed after a chance meeting on the Coventry Canal. IMAGE SUPPLIED

Taking in a beautiful sunset aboard Grace.

Alice Elgie is a writer and yogi who shares words about her nomadic life along with mindfulness courses to inspire self-reflection and healing: slowintotheseasons.substack. com; slowintotheseasons.etsy.com

Grace ready to go in the water.

Last month’s article which stated Stephane Chaudat was known as Noy should have said that the name was French for Noah, not ‘knower’.

Artist Alan Baillie transforming the tuk-tuk owned by Gary Cross.

IMAGE SUPPLIED

10

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

£1.1m upgrade for Lancaster Canal towpath

Work is under way on a project to improve a four-mile stretch of towpath on the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal and make it more accessible for residents and visitors.

By Lucy Wood

THE Canal & River Trust worked with the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership and Westmorland and Furness Council to secure funding for the £1.1m project, which will form part of the new Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster.

More than four miles of towpath from Field End Bridge 169, near Stainton, to just north of Holme Village will be enhanced by engineering contractor CPC Civils Group.

The works, due to be completed this month, will include widening and resurfacing the towpath using locally sourced self-binding gravel, which is designed to fit in with the rural environment, provide a hardwearing surface and reduce mud and puddles.

CRT’s North West director Jon Horsfall

said: “This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make our canals more welcoming and attractive. This much-needed work will significantly improve the towpath’s usability, offering opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in active travel, walk, cycle and run, and take part in leisure activities.”

The project is funded

by Westmorland and Furness Council, through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, as well as legacy grant funding from Cumbr ia County Council and South Lakeland District Council, and it is being driven by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership. The works have been planned and co-ordinated by the CRT. Coun Jonathan Brook,

leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “An important part of our vision for Westmorland and Furness is supporting access to the outdoors and opportunities to live well and enjoy our w o n d e r f u l surroundings.

“We allocated £8.1 million from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity funds to 22 projects, focusing on boosting communities and place. It was fantastic to see firsthand the results of the grant to Canal & River Trust on a project which will deliver far-reaching benefits to our area.”

The Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, which aims to be fully a c c e s s i b l e, will celebrate the heritage of the canal and follow the original towpath, in both the watered and unwatered sections, to

ENTER

promote walking and cycling routes.

Helen WatsonMoriarty, from the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Pa r t n e r s h i p, added: “The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership was delighted to work alongside Canal & River Trust and Westmorland and Furness Council to secure this funding and become the delivery partner for the engagement and promotion aspects of the wider project.

“It is the perfect opportunity to launch the Towpath Trail brand and tell more people about the trail and the numerous wellbeing opportunities it provides. Everyone is welcome at the events we are delivering, and we encourage everyone to check out the recommended loop walks on the new Towpath Trail website.”

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Several events have already been held to promote the new trail, including two Pie and Paddle sessions and the Crooklands ‘Canalathon,’ which saw competitors paddleboarding and either running or walking along the towpath to help raise funds towards the improvement works.

From left are Nick Cotton and Helen Watson-Moriarty, from Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC; Sean Moran, CPC’s site manager; Rachel Daley, project manager at Canal & River Trust; and Couns Jonathan Brook and Doug Rathbone, from Westmorland and Furness Council. PHOTO: CRT For further information, visit www.lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk

Canalside hedges treated to traditional trim

HEDGES alongside the Grand Union Canal are to be restored with traditional crafts thanks to a £27,500 grant from the Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax).

The project will see the Canal & River Trust’s local volunteers out on the towpaths alongside specialists to breathe new life into centuries-old hedgerows, keeping them in shape while making them healthier and more attractive for wildlife.

Works will be taking place at sites including Bugbooke, Braunston, Long Buckby, Stoke Bruerne, Gayton and on the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

Volunteers will be trained in the traditional countryside skill of hedge laying, which involves cutting hedgerow stems and bending them

so that over time they grow horizontally and intertwine, forming a thick, bushy barrier.

Many stretches of canalside hedgerow are more than 200 years old and are the canals’ oldest established habitat.

They would originally have been planted by 18th century private canal owners to protect the towpath from cattle and other livestock.

Hannah Booth, environment manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The growing threat of habitat loss means that our waterways are an increasingly important haven for wildlife, and canalside hedgerows give many of our most cherished species a valuable lifeline.

“Canal hedges are often as old as the canal itself and this project forms an important part of our overall work to keep our historic navigable canals alive

and ensure they are protected for generations to come.

“As a charity we’re grateful for the support of Drax Foundation which will help to keep this ancient countryside skill alive and reinvigorate the hedgerows, making the canal healthier, stronger and better for some of our best loved species.”

The aim of the current project is to have a trained team of volunteers that can look after the rejuvenated hedgerows on an ongoing basis.

Jane Breach, UK community and education manager at Drax, said: “Drax is committed to being a good neighbour and having a positive impact in the communities where we operate, and this project will have a huge impact on the diverse range of wildlife that rely on canalside hedgerows for food and protection.”

Tributes to waterways supporter and actor Timothy West THE Montgomery W a t e r w a y Restoration Trust has paid tribute to its vice-president, actor Timothy West, who died recently.

Mr West, a wellknown canal boat enthusiast, had visited the Montgomery Canal, which is a focal point of the group, on a number of occasions and had supported the g r o u p ’s fundraising appeals.

Michael Limbrey, chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “Timothy West was a great friend of the waterways for so many years. With his wife, Prunella Scales, they cruised many of our waterways and others further afield for the popular Great Canal Journeys TV series.

Timothy West during a visit with the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. The late actor was a valued supporter of the trust.

PHOTO: JULIE ARNOLD, WATERWAY IMAGES

“Their journeys showed why so many enjoy our waterways for their peace and tranquillity, the heritage of locks and bridges from a pre-industrial age, and the trees, plants and wildlife you can see along any canal.

“We were delighted to welcome Tim and Pru to the

Montgomery Canal with boat trips at Llanymynech Canal Wharf and on a member’s unique steam launch, which Tim later travelled on at the renowned Historic Narrowboat Festival at Braunston in Northamptonshire.

“When we came to rebuild the last blocked highway

bridge in Shropshire Tim and Pru supported our fundraising appeal, describing the Montgomery Canal as one of our most b e au t i f u l and historic canals.

The appeal was hugely successful and the new bridge was completed earlier this year.

With the bridge finished, they continued to support fundraising, asking for donations to help our volunteers to reopen more of the canal towards the Welsh border: the derelict section we call the Shropshire Gap. “Our waterways have lost a great supporter and we send our sympathies to Timothy’s family and friends.”

11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

LD

O TS A BO

An aerial view of Leeds River Lock 1. PHOTO: CRT

Leeds and Liverpool Canal lock drained for urgent repairs as fundraising appeal continues Essential winter maintenance is taking place in the heart of Leeds city centre.

By Lucy Wood

Built in the mid-1770s at the end of the canal basin in Granary Wharf, Leeds River Lock 1 was the eastern terminus of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and provided a gateway for the passage of goods down the River Aire, before going on to east coast ports.

It was awarded Grade II*-listed status and protection by Historic England in 1993 due to its architectural and historic merit and is in a conservation area.

The Canal & River Trust is draining the lock to enable repairs to be carried out to both sets of wooden lock gates, the lock floor, stop plank grooves, ground paddles and the lock walls.

Dan Timbers, project manager at the trust, is overseeing the repair programme. He said: “Built by hand about 250 years ago, our amazing historic waterways require constant maintenance. The condition and effectiveness of this lock has been deteriorating over several years and it now requires urgent and important repairs to help reduce the loss of water from the lock chamber which makes it difficult for boaters to raise the levels in the lock and loses valuable water from the canal to the river.

“Taking place during the winter months, when the waterfront area will be quieter, we aim to minimise impact on the local community and boaters and are keen to reopen the navigation and footbridge as soon as possible. We are hopeful that this project will be completed before Christmas.”

The trust has started work on a winter programme of important repair, heritage and conservation tasks at 159 sites in England and Wales.

A total of 129 new lock gates, handcrafted in the charity’s specialist workshops, will be installed, while other work includes masonry repairs to centuries-old bridges and tunnels, work to fix leaks and preserve water for navigation, and inspections of important ageing infrastructure.

The charity is also using innovative techniques and materials to make the canals stronger and more resilient.

Spanning 2000 miles across England and Wales (320 miles in Yorkshire & North East region) and dating back to the 18th century, the free-to-visit canal network is busier than

ever, with 10.3 million visits every fortnight and more boats than at the height of the Industrial Revolution. These historic canals, including thousands of centuries-old hand-crafted bridges, locks, tunnels, embankments and aqueducts, need action to ensure that they are not irreparably damaged by climate change, the CRT has warned.

As previously reported, the charity has launched its first campaign to raise much-needed support in the face of the rising cost of repairing storm and flood damage. Last winter alone, a succession of named storms caused almost £10 million of additional and unforeseen repairs.

Richard Parry, the trust’s chief executive, said: “Britain’s ageing canals are a national treasure, and while the canal network is cherished by today’s society, it is also facing a perfect storm, with costs rising and support from government reducing.

“As we head into winter, we are bracing ourselves for more costly damage from extreme weather but also working to make these aged former transport routes, and the wildlife they support, as resilient as possible. Our specialist teams of skilled workers and volunteers will be giving long hours, carrying out heritage conservation works, and fighting to respond to the storms that are becoming ever more common.

“Keeping the canals open and safe requires millions of pounds and a year-round effort. We are talking to the Government about the need for an active partnership and are calling on people to donate and help us safeguard our canals and rivers for the future.”

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In support of the appeal, a behind-thescenes open day was held at Leeds River Lock 1 in November, when visitors saw first-hand the work being undertaken to keep the canal open and alive.

Two more winter open days are taking place at Caen Hill Locks, a scheduled ancient monument on the Kennet and Avon Canal and one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, on February 8, and at the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Hatton Locks on the Grand Union Canal on February 15 and 16.

Find out more at https://canalrivertrust. org.uk/open-days-2024-25

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12

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Gerry Heward: moving forward

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

ONCE raised, the two pans – mentioned at the conclusion of last month’s Part 1 introduction to Gerry’s colourful and varied waterways career – were soon mustered behind his girlfriend’s narrowboat that was conveniently passing downstream.

The tow, soon opposite Brentford and the Grand Union, was taken up by a surprisingly co-operative Shetland pony that had the added advantage (and agility) of being able to hop aboard when negotiating towpath obstructions!

Back at the rudimentary base for Gerry’s fledgling company – Springwell Farm, near Harefield – these two craft went on to form the backbone of what might (in its early days) be described as an engineering company, under the name of the Tailored Engineering Partnership, willing to undertake jobs that others (sensibly) passed up!

Included in this category were a mobile 200-seat grandstand for a polo outfit and, inspired by the horse-breaking philosophy of the then famous ‘horse whisperer’, a circular breaking pen that, with flared sides, prevented the rider suffering kneecap injuries.

Ingenuity unquestionably abounded in spades, even if directed away from the waterways. What Gerry described as his ‘brainstorm period’ was clearly not letting up, despite still being tied into academia on a part-time basis as a dissertation supervisor and assignment marker.

By now a limited company, Wood, Hall & Heward (as it had become known) comprised Gerry, Tim Wood – discoverer of the original sunken pans – and Charles Hall, who owned Springwell Farm. It was time to move beyond ‘people turning up with a broken thing’ to something of generally more substance.

Fortunately, this was 1997 and the Fibreway Project was really starting to take off. Tentatively launched in 1994, this was a joint project with British Waterways to lay more than 300 miles of

fibre-optic cable in the towpath, in a figure of eight configuration, linking the UK’s major cities with Birmingham at the centre.

Following trials in Scotland, together with a few short runs in the North West and around London, Telewest (a cable TV company) agreed to buy and maintain a national network which is where WHH management saw their break, as conventional equipment was too large Gerry in the and cumbersome to wheelhouse doorway of Beatrix. negotiate a towpath.

A crane barge, a tug and four 67ft x 13ft Dutch barges soon joined the fleet, which steadily expanded as a divestment policy was then rife throughout both British Waterways and the Environment Agency. Waterborne equipment was developed, largely thanks to the engineering

WHH’s Everton against the backdrop of a busy Camden street scene as it takes excavated material to Powerday.

skills of Tim Wood, upon which to mount winches, handle cable drums, cable ducts and the materials required to build manholes.

When need and time permitted, further vessels were refurbished and modified until the fleet numbered close on 50 craft: some considerable distance travelled from the good offices of Mr Papadopolis, the Greek owner of two sunken flats, who was happy to dispense with them in exchange WHH’s Everton loaded with excavated for their prompt removal! material in Little Venice bound for Powerday Another outcome of the passage of time was for disposal. stricter Health & Safety (H&S) requirements and welfare regulations outlawing the onsite portable land with the right set of people’ in promoting the toilets in favour of purpose-built welfare cabins that environmental benefits of waterway freight. needed to be cleaned, serviced and certificated, Now 72 and retired, apart from the odd bit of requiring their own dedicated barges.

H&S and consultancy work, one thing that hasn’t Infrastructure maintenance went on to largely gone away is the delightful, 25ft ex-fishing boat, supersede fibre-optic cabling, with barge-mounted Beatrix, that has been in Gerry’s possession for HIAB cranes mimicking eight-wheel grab lorries, around 20 years now. The plan was to complete her enabling WHH to handle lock gate replacement refurbishment and motor around Britain’s coast, and the like. Large data centres started to demand putting into all those wee harbours that one has their own independent multiple power supplies so heard about, but never visited. cable laying didn’t altogether go away, while British So, Gerry, do remember that one should never Gas, National Grid and Thames Water also wanted put off until tomorrow, that which one should be a look in. cracking on and doing today…

Despite the 2008 crash, construction work is a steady earner with re-cladding a priority following the Grenfell Tower fire and there is still the regular weekly Camden rubbish run featured in the May 2023 issue of Towpath Talk.

WHH was taken over in 2019, leaving the three partners to focus on other things. Gerry has taken on the role of chair of the IWA Freight Group with the stated mission of ‘finding the right set of words that Camden Market waste bound for Powerday passing Kensal Rise.

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14

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Museum Focus: Exploring a historic steam tug on an Essex quayside Nicola Lisle visits the 80-year-old steam tug Brent, currently moored on the River Blackwater in Maldon, Essex, and finds out about ambitious restoration plans

MALDON’S quay, The Hythe, was once a busy industrial port, home to thriving boatyards and a fleet of barges transporting goods to Chelmsford and London. Today the remaining barges are an iconic sight along the waterfront, and instead of carrying cargoes they are now used for boat trips and chartered cruises.

Since the 1970s, this historic quayside has also been home to the steam tug Brent, the only survivor of the Port of London Authority’s postwar fleet of steam vessels and now a popular attraction along the waterfront.

Originally commissioned by the Admiralty for war service, Brent was completed in 1945 by Sunderland boatbuilder William Pickersgill & Sons, but just too late for the conflict. Instead, it was taken on by the Port of London Authority (PLA) in the dredging department at Gravesend in Kent before moving to the Royal Docks in the early 1960s and spending nearly a decade towing cargo-laden lighters from ships to the wharves.

With the growth of container shipping during the 1960s, and the subsequent decline of London’s docks, much of the PLA fleet was consigned to the scrapyard – all except Brent, which was rescued in 1971 by Ron and Janet Hall and, after extensive renovation, was the family boat for more than 20 years.

During this time, the Halls took Brent to boat rallies and steam boat festivals around the UK and cruised twice to the Netherlands where, in 1984, they took part in the Medemblik Steam Festival.

Brent also appeared in the Thames Clipper Regatta

After visiting Brent, it’s worth taking a look around The Hythe. PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

Volunteers at work on Brent.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY JANET HALL, STEAM TUG BRENT TRUST

Close-up of Brent in her berth at Maldon.

PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

Models of Brent in the exhibition space.

PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

Brent in steam, 1974. PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY JANET HALL, STEAM TUG BRENT

in 1975 and Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977, as well as winning a Best Kept Craft award from the London Borough of Greenwich in 1973.

By the 1990s though, Brent was showing its age, and problems with the boiler brought its steam days to an end.

In 2002 Brent was moved to its current berth at Cooks Yard, The Hythe, the former premises of barge maker W Cook & Son. Since then, volunteers have been carrying out ongoing preservation and maintenance. The Steam Tug Brent Trust was established in 2010 to ensure Brent’s preservation as an historic vessel, and Janet Hall donated the boat to the trust in 2011.

Brent is regularly open to visitors during spring and summer for open days, exhibitions and other events, all giving an insight into its history as a

working tug and as a family home and holiday boat.

Now the trustees have big plans for Brent, including an extensive renovation programme to restore it to working condition, more visitor engagement with exhibitions and boat trips, more community involvement, and the creation of apprenticeships in steam and maritime skills.

The trust’s vision also includes building a jetty and pontoon, enabling Brent to navigate away from its current berth, and to add a lighter barge to be used as a hub for the trust. The latter will also reinforce the historic connection between Brent and lighter barges.

All this, of course, will cost a huge amount of money. Step forward the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which in May 2024 granted the trust £97,488 in resilient funding, providing an invaluable first step towards its goal. This funding will enable trustees to explore their plans in detail, and ensure that they are fully costed and sustainable well into the future.

Successful completion of this 18-month project – which ends in December 2025 – will hopefully be followed by further funding from the National Lottery to bring those ambitious plans to fruition.

Meanwhile, you can see Brent at any time along the waterfront and find out more about the boat,

Open Day on Brent.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY JANET HALL, STEAM TUG BRENT TRUST

Visitor information

Steam Tug Brent: The Hythe, Maldon, Essex CM9 5HN Website: www.steamtugbrent.org Times: Available to view from the quayside at all times. Check the website for details of visitor open days and other events.

Parking: Limited parking at The Hythe; several car parks in Maldon within walking distance. Details: www.visitmaldon.co.uk/ parking Travel: Getting there: From M25, take junction 28, follow A12 to Chelmsford, then A414 to Maldon.

forthcoming open days and the work of the trust.

It’s also worth having a stroll around the historic quayside with its information panels, fleet of Thames sailing barges and several cafes and pubs along the waterfront. Don’t miss the 11th century St Mary’s Church, which stands high above the quay.

Known as the fisherman’s church, its tower has guided many a sailor safely into port.

Another view of Brent on its berth at Maldon. PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY JANET HALL, STEAM TUG BRENT

15

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

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January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

All aboard for Santa cruises on Cheshire’s waterways

By Lucy Wood

Father Christmas and his elves have teamed up with the Canal & River Trust for some festive family fun.

SANTA boat cruises are taking place at the National Waterways Museum, in Ellesmere Port, and the Anderton Boat Lift, in Northwich, on all three weekends of December leading up to Christmas, plus Monday 23 and Christmas Eve.

At the National Waterways Museum families can enjoy a 45-minute trip along the Shropshire Union Canal, full of carols, games and stories, before children are shown into a magical grotto to meet the man himself and choose a

gift to take home. The full experience costs £11.50, or for £8 children can enjoy the grotto experience only. Tickets also include access to the Waterways Museum, historic boats, cafe and playground for the day.

Anderton Boat Lift and Visitor Centre will run trips along the River Weaver towards Northwich. Every family will have the chance to pose with Santa for photos and each child over 12 months will receive a present. As an

extra treat before the cruise, families can also join Santa for a cooked breakfast, served in the café from 10am. Joint tickets are available for £20 each or £12 (adult)/£15 (child) for the cruise only.

Ani Sutton, the Canal & River Trust’s d e st i nat i o n and attraction manager, said: “Christmas is a special time at both our wonderful waterway heritage museum and boat lift visitor centre.

Our brilliant teams of

elves really go to town with the festivities, giving families a magical experience and a perfect start to the Christmas celebrations.”

To book tickets for the Ellesmere Port National Waterways Museum experience on December 21, 22, 23 or 24, visit https://tinyurl. com/ellesmereSanta.

To reserve a seat on the Santa Cruise at the Anderton Boat Lift on December 21, 22, 23 or 24, visit https://tinyurl. com/AndertonSanta

Famous UK aqueduct set to be Christmas film and toy star!

THE world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct will make its big screen debut in the new Wallace & Gromit movie this Christmas – and with your help it could also be a new Lego set.

The new film, Wallace & Gromit : Vengeance Most Fowl from Aardman Animations, is set to appear on BBC on Christmas Day and then Netflix. It features an aqueduct which boaters believe is modelled on the 38 metre high structure built

by Thomas Telford, which is a World Heritage Site.

It is understood the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was one of many that the filmmakers took inspiration from when designing the film.

And, with the famous 1785 structure to feature on the big screen, it could also be a new Lego set which you can build yourself. For the toy brick set to become a reality the public needs to vote for it on the Lego website.

If the aqueduct in the new movie is modelled on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, its appearance on TV and Netflix will boost the chances of the Lego vote reaching the magic 10,000 which may see it likely to become a reality.

Fran Read of the Canal & River Trust is delighted with the connection, she said: “It’s great fun to see what is presumably meant to be Pontcysyllte Aqueduct featured in the new Wallace & Gromit film – although I’m relieved to say that our regular boaters have a much steadier hand on the tiller!

“This iconic structure was built by one of Britain’s greatest engineers, so it’s only fitting that it plays a part in this film about one of today’s best-known fictional inventors. We hope the film will inspire more boaters and visitors to come and cross the ‘stream in the sky’, and support our charity to keep these incredible places alive.”

James Anelay, of Roam and Roost Canal Boat Holidays, believes the aqueduct featured in Aardman Animations film is the Llangollen attraction.

He said: “The canal aqueduct that appears in the trailer certainly resembles it. Crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is the highest canal aqueduct in the world, can certainly feel a little nerve-racking so I can see why they would choose that aqueduct.

“Whether it’s Pontcysyllte

The Lego model of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is claimed features in the new Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl and may become a Lego set you can build yourself.

PHOTO: LEON BOWEN

Aqueduct or another canal aqueduct, I’m thrilled to see our historic canal network getting some much-deserved publicity on what will surely be one of the most-watched films this Christmas.”

The six-foot Lego model of Pontcysyllte has been created as part of a community arts project in Wrexham and organisers hope it will inspire people to visit the area and vote for the project.

Mark Evans, regional director for Wales at Glandwr Cymru, said: “Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the true icons of the waterways, and the possibility of it being added into Lego’s global collection with both the historic links it has to this part of Wales and the popularity Lego’s has worldwide is incredibly fitting.

“The aqueduct draws in thousands of visitors every year who come to see this

A scene from the new Wallace and Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl. It is understood the filmmakers took inspiration from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct when making the film. PHOTO: BBC

captivating landmark which carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. We want people to get behind the campaign to see it incorporated into the Lego’s collection.”

The model of the UNESCO World Heritage Site is on display at Ty Pawb in Wrexham and needs 10,000 online votes to see it included as the first Welsh landmark in the world-famous Lego’s collection. At press time it had just short of 400 votes.

Ian Bancroft, CEO at Wrexham County Borough Council, and UNESCO World Heritage Site Board chair, said: “Wrexham has a long history of being home to innovation, heavy industry and manufacturing; the Lego’s factory was a muchloved employer providing jobs in the area for decades.”

The model and the miniaturised aqueduct has been created by Welsh-based @ Minibrickarchitecture, sometimes referred to as Lego’s Banksy, which has created several other Welsh landmarks. When it has finished its time on display at Ty Pawb, it will be part of Glandwr Cymru’s learning resources in the new Education Resource Space next to the aqueduct.

To vote for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct visit the Lego website: ideas.lego.com/ projects. Once the project reaches 10,000 votes, it will be reviewed by Lego experts who will then decide whether it becomes part of its range.

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY

If you want your event listed in our free monthly What’s On section email your entry to editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk or use the events form at www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Please check with organisers whether the event is going ahead before setting out on your journey.

Until Jan 6 Stafford riverway link artefacts exhibition: The display of artefacts

unearthed by SRL volunteers.

Codsall Library (South Staffordshire District Council offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Staffordshire, WV8 1PX) from Monday, November 18 throughout December, until Monday, January 6.

January 1 IWA Towpath Walks Society:

Regent’s Canal: Little Venice, Camden. Meet King’s Cross (meet by taxi sign, next to Pret a Manger) at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15 £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended. Contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or email: london@walks.com January 5 IWA Towpath Walks Society:

Regent’s Canal: Islington, Kingsland Road. Meet Angel at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15 £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended. Contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or email: london@walks.com IWA Lichfield: New Year’s Day guided walk.

January 14 IWA Northampton branch social meeting: Tim Coghlan - Twenty

years of The Historic Narrowboat

Rally at Braunston. 2.30pm.

Conference Room, 1st Floor, The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB. Car parking and moorings are available, and the meeting room is accessible by ramp and stairlift.

All meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month.

IWA Chester and Mersey Branch:

Talk by Ian Wilson on the beginning of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal. 7.45pm on the second Tuesday of the month.

Holiday Inn, Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere Port, CH65 2AL. January 17 IWA Lichfield: Waterways of the Low

Countries by John Pomfret. Darwin Hall, Heathcot Place, Lichfield WS13 6RQ, 7.15 for 7.30pm.

January 19 IWA Towpath Walks Society:

Limehouse, Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR by cycle hire point) at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15 £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended. Contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or email: london@walks.com January 22 IWA Chiltern Branch illustrated talk: Tim Lewis: London Canals.

Batchworth Lock Canal Centre, 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1JJ - Canalside meeting hall, start 7.30pm. www.waterways.org. uk/chiltern

17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Braunston Marina 28th and 29th June 2025

18

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The Selby Tony arts barge moored in the Foss Basin in York. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

The deck house currently under construction.

Plans to transform a former grain barge into an arts venue are well under way. Sally Clifford popped by to check progress on the historic Selby Tony.

Saturday morning when manufacturer) in Selby.

I popped by.

The 103ft long barge “The plan is to build was part of a small fleet it as much as we can of barges built to carry before winter and put animal feed, grain and the tarpaulin back on, other goods between and in the spring start Hull, Goole, Selby, Leeds and York. Hannah finishing the roof off,” says Hannah. explains the barges There are still some were all named after the children of the company’s internal jobs to finish area managers. off and they are keen to install an accessible The art therapist lift, toilet and baby says they were looking for a base for their arts changing facilities. project and turned their “The crowning glory attentions to a floating will be the accessible lift,” says Hannah.

Hannah West, who is part of the team venue to take advantage Instead of working to involved in the arts barge project. of the river setting. a time frame, Hannah Hannah explains one of the founder members had experience of running says they are managing the project step by step.

“There is nobody working on it that is getting a business on a boat and, with the help of a grant, paid at all,” says Hannah, who appreciates all they were able to purchase Selby Tony. the support the project has received so far. “It It was tugged from Waddingtons in Swinton, from where it was purchased it and where it underwent is all built with kindness.”

The transformation of the Selby Tony is a work some of the work in dry dock, to York where it has in progress, but seeing the volunteers at work remained, apart from its time at Hirst Boatbuilders – on a weekend when many may have other in Knottingley when it underwent steelwork. A commitments – demonstrates how the progress crowdfunder was set up resulting in the £15,000 and, ultimate completion, of this project is very required to insulate the barge, but only a few events much a labour of love. took place due to the Covid lockdown.

“It has taken so long – we bought it in 2013 Hannah says momentum is now picking up and and we are now in year 11 but it would be folly they are looking forward to making further progress.

“People are rocking to say when this will be done by,” says up and putting the time Hannah. in – it’s what they do for fun,” says Hannah.

Small fleet To get involved with Selby Tony was built the project or to find in 1957 by Dunston’s out more visit: www. shipyard in Thorne artsbarge.com or search Arts Barge Project on and commissioned Facebook or @artsbarge

by BOCM (British on Instagram. animal feed

Arts barge ‘built with kindness’ takes shape THE deluge from the previous days’ downpours has to be dealt with before tools can be turned to the jobs in hand. Removing water from the tarpaulin protecting the deck house so work can begin is nothing to the hands-on crew, considering the scale of this ambitious project.

Watching on, Hannah West, co-director of the scheme to transform the historic Selby Tony into a public arts facility in York, talks about this wonderful work in progress. Considering this venture is being led by unpaid supporters and volunteers, many of them like Hannah juggling the work with full-time jobs, demonstrates the strength of community spirit and teamwork by those with a shared vision of the benefits this old barge is going to bring.

There is no end date to the completion as funding is sporadic. The work now being carried out on the deckhouse is very much thanks to a recent

crowdfunder which raised £5000 for the materials to make the next stage of the project possible.

The barge is earning its keep, as Hannah explains they have held some pop-up events and have partnered with festivals in York. Being part of the events also helps to raise the profile of the arts barge and what they are trying to achieve.

Hidden gem

“We really like it here because it is in a quiet corner and it is more of a hidden gem,” says Hannah, referring to the barge’s location in the Foss Basin.

The aim, Hannah explains, is to build the deckhouse roof, cover it with glass fibre and then fit the doors and windows.

Dry spells have been few and far between of late and, anticipating winter, volunteers were making the most of the sunny September weather on the

The arts barge is a creative place for the community.

The performance space within the arts barge.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

19

20 MARINAS & MOORINGS

January 2025

TPIF

W all our ishing a Merry customers Chri and a stmas Happy New Ye ar

Award winning, family run marina on the River Nene in Earls Barton.

WINTER 2024/25 MOORINGS SPECIAL OFFER FOR TOWPATH TALK READERS 6 mon moonnttthhhss for foor the thhe pric prr ice ce off 5 Valid for December only

(Please quote – TPW12 for this special offer)

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

A marina that offers you a choice

A family owned marina set in rural Worcestershire, but minutes away from the M5, gives all boaters great travel opportunities.

The 238 berth marina is located on the Droitwich Canals, ideally situated for great cruising albeit for a short break or long holidays. It is within easy walking distance of the Spa Town of Droitwich.

PLUS FOR BOOKINGS OF 3 MONTHS OR MORE, RECEIVE:

FREE Welcome Breakfast for two at our award winning The Boathouse Cafe*

t: 01604 812057 e: info@whitemillsmarina.co.uk

www.whitemillsmarina.co.uk *For full terms and conditions, please visit our website

Northampton Marina The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways Town centre location in park surroundings

Call us on 0208 026 0890 or 07867 580129 to arrange a visit or to make an enquiry.

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm www.visitanglianwaterways.org www.northamptonmarina.co.uk

This marina offers you ■ Security for you and your boat ■ Full length jetties, in a non flood environment ■ First class facilities, including luxury shower block and launderette ■ Shop and Chandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout, Diesel, Water ■ Boat Blacking options available ■ Hardstanding, Service Area, and Cranage Pad facilities ■ Calor Gas Stockist ■ Caravan Motorhome CL site

www.droitwichspamarina.co.uk Tel: 07970 626807 or 01905 317250

Droitwich Spa Marina Ltd Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 7DU info@droitwichspamarina.co.uk Tel: 01905 317250 Mobile: 07970 626807 www.droitwichspamarina.co.uk

MARINAS & MOORINGS 21

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Blisworth Marina

FRADLEY MARINA 07941 167 087

Cruising mooring - Go cruising for 3 months and get 20% discount Pay for 2 years and get a discount of 10% on 2nd year Widebeam berths available

Private, tranquil moorings nestled in the Staffordshire countryside just a stone’s throw from historic Fradley Junction on the popular Trent and Mersey Canal.

• 60 full length moorings • Water and 16amp electric • Modern shower block • Car Parking • Electric Gates • Workshop & Slipway • Elsan • CCTV • Laundry • Fuel • Nationwide Boat Sales brokerage Our workshop and slipway is taking bookings for blacking • painting • servicing • surveys • repairs • new boat fit out • interior remodelling • furniture & cabinet making To contact the workshop please call Fradley Narrowboats on 07542 824262 or email fradleyboats@gmail.com

www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

For Boat Sales please visit our website Blisworth Arm NN7 3FG www.blisworthmarina.co.uk info@blisworthmarina.co.uk 01604 879827

Set in beautiful countryside at the junction of the River Severn & the River Avon in Gloucestershire. Flood protected moorings, water and electric at berths, fuel, pump-out, and staff on hand 7 days a week. Gantry crane and work area for blacking.

MOORINGS AND BOAT SALES For viewings and information please call 01684 293737 or email: sales@tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

Discover Our Idyllic Retreat

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

22 MARINAS & MOORINGS

January 2025

Discover your dream life on the water with Lakeland Leisure Estates Imagine the freedom of cruising the waterways, exploring scenic routes and embracing a tranquil life on the water.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first narrowboat, ready to upgrade to a

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

SEE ALL BOATS available here

spacious widebeam or after a custom every step of the process, ensuring you build, we can help you make it happen. find your dream vessel.

With brokerage services available at our We’ll even help you find the perfect marinas and partner marinas UK wide mooring to suit your lifestyle! our expert team will guide you through

Tattenhall Marina, Cheshire

Discover the joy of mooring at a Lakeland Leisure Marina...

Our nationwide marinas are set against breathtaking landscapes and come equipped with excellent facilities such as electric and water hook-ups, secure parking, and more - all managed by our friendly, professional team, and competitively priced to boot!

As an annual moorer you’ll qualify for our Rewards Club and enjoy exclusive perks, from discounts on luxury lodge stays and delightful dining experiences to exciting adventures across our portfolio.

We also offer annual moorers the flexibility to Roam Free™ across all our UK-based marinas at no extra cost.

Love where you moor, and enjoy so much moor with us!

View all of our currently available boats online at lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

MARINAS & MOORINGS 23

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

CAEN HILL MARINA • 248 berths located on Kennet & Avon canal • Near to Devizes Wiltshire T: 01380 827062 E: caenhill@land-water.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

Land For Sale Plot of land 1/3 of an acre - Freehold Off Bakers Lane, Knowle Solihull B93 8PT. Situated on the non towpath side of the Grand Union Canal, against a 1 metre depth of Water and concrete plinth.

• 250 berths located on river Avon • 10 mins walk from Stratford-upon-Avon • Rise and Fall pontoons • Waters & elec hook ups to each berth • Free wi-fi • Laundry • Showers • Fuel sales • Pump out • Lakeland Leisure boat brokerage T: 07714 095005 E: shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

NORTHWICH QUAY • 50 berths located on river Weaver • Centre of Northwich, Cheshire T: 07967 461038 E: northwich@land-water.co.uk

Our boat yard facilities are located canal side, on the main line outside the Distillery

In a picturesque location, suitable for a variety of uses (subject to the necessary consents) with gated access from a private driveway, and walking distance from a country canal side pub. Electricity and water on site. £90,000 no offers

Telephone: 07813 156950

Sherborne Street, Birmingham B16 8DE 0121 455 6163 / 0121 454 5367 www.sherbornewharf.co.uk or email@sherbornewharf.co.uk

Prime mooring’s in the centre of Birmingham’ Canal system. Secure site, with all services available, and easy access to the lively city of Birmingham.

Just a 2 minuet walk, to the fantastic night life of Restaurants, clubs and bars, Places of interest, the International Convention Centre, also known as the ICC, off the famous board street, in Birmingham, the new library, the Cresent theatre, The Ikon gallery for art, all just a short walk away, 3- 4 minutes, All public services are available from the streets outside and you can jump on the tram from Board street. Wolverhampton, or to new street. The choice is yours.

Mooring in sherborne wharf, is quiet and peaceful, with long term residents, who have established a life here in the Marine. We are an established Company, who have been here in Birmingham for over 30yrs, friendly neighbours who get together and enjoy summer evenings on the towpath socialising, sharing the evening sun and a drink, responsibly, Service’s are based on the main line outside the round house and Distillery Pub, with a small chandlery, coal, diesel, Gas and pump out availabe on a daily basis, please note pump outs are not allowed after 11.30am, the facilities are small but can supply you with what you need.

We have no onsite parking, however parking can be found, to rent with in the access to the site and around the Marina privately.

Boat services, we have a dry dock that can be hired, for blacking, surveys, or mechanical work required. We have the contact for boat surveys’ gas inspections and repairs should they be required.

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PRICES

ANCHOR

FROZEN Until March

2026

YOUR RATE

Continue to cruise without the worry of cost increases, all while receiving the: ✔ SAME great service

✔ SAME Privilege Scheme offers and discounts

✔ SAME premium onsite facilities

✔ SAME improvements and development plans

✔ SAME onsite experts

✔ SAME tranquil, yet accessible inland locations

✔ SAME friendly communities and events

With premium marina facilities and fantastic locations, we have the perfect place for you and your boat.

Get onsite access to premium facilities and a warm, friendly boating community at our narrowboat marinas, based on the Rivers Thames, Great Ouse and Wey.

All ideal for narrowboats, widebeams, barges and river cruisers, we welcome everyone to start or continue your boating journey with Tingdene and freeze your mooring tariff for up to two years.* Contact us today to see how we can help you cut the cost of boating.

For more information: Call 01933 427808 email marinas@tingdene.net or scan the QR code *Applies to annual mooring contracts starting from 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2026. Excludes seasonal or temporary contracts. Standard mooring terms apply.

Full terms and conditions can be found on our website, www.tingdeneboating.com

At the heart of the Shropshire Union

Touring park Touring Park

Holiday Lodges Glamping Wagons

Long and short term moorings

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Coole Lane, Audlem, Cheshire, CW5 8AY telephone 01270 812677

fully serviced moorings engineering workshop cafe

MARINAS & MOORINGS / PRODUCTS & SERVICES 25

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

HAREFIELD MARINA HAREFIELD MA ARINA

Hill Farm Marina

Bridge 180, Grand Union Canal, Harefield UB9 6PD Tel: 01895 822036 muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

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

Facilities include:- Chandlery - Pump out - Slipway - Boat sales/ (up to 65ft) brokerage - Covered wet dock - Engine inboard/ - Water and electric outboard repairs points - gas and coal - Diesel

• Enjoy private access to a traditional 200 acre beef and sheep farm • Dogs run free in designated areas.

• Watch the changing seasons, the wildlife and the animals on the farm • Enjoy the complete peace, freedom and tranquillity of being in the countryside • Access some great lock free cruising for day trips, weekend or longer voyages • Easy access to motorway network, buses and trains • Onsite laundry, Hairdressers • Members benefit with a discount at our popular Restaurant

200 secure, non residential rural moorings in secluded countryside setting 5 mins from M25/M40.

One days cruising from the Thames.

It goes without saying....

• A secure place to moor your boat, and park your car • Luxurious showers, communal areas, pump out and fuel etc.

• Free unlimited WIFI • Electricity and water connections • Pump-out, fuel, coal, wood and gas available

EAST MIDLANDS BOAT SERVICES - WILLOW MOORINGS

Please watch the progress www.hillfarmmarina.co.uk email info@hillfarmmarina.co.uk or call David on 07971 118953

Moorings Available for cruisers and narrowboats at £4.60 per foot, per month.

Residential moorings available at £325.00 per month for Narrowboats only.

Powered slipway for boats up to 40 foot and a second slipway for small boats. Slipway can be hired for DIY work or we offer services for Antifouling, Painting and General Servicing. We also have a Boat Safety Examiner on site.

Located on the A6, adjacent to The Otter Public House.

01509 672385 www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk Kegworth, DE74 2EY

Kate Boats

One stop shop for your boat!

The same skills that keep our hire boat fleet running reliably and looking good can be available for your boat.

• Blacking • Welding • General engineering • Engine servicing • Engine replacement • Painting from touch up to a complete repaint • Electrical repairs and installations • Gas safe engineer on site • Heating repairs and replacement • Internal repairs and refit • BSS and hull surveys organised

Bookings for all aspects of work now being taken for 2025

www.kateboats.com 01926 492968 (Stockton Top Marina, Warwickshire)

26 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

January 2025

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Telephone: (01785) 284292 E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

One stop shop for all your boating needs

DRY DOCKING AND BLACKING from £20.00 per foot.

Liveaboards are welcomed

- Easy access to the boat is provided by our specially constructed bridge which reaches out to either the bow or stern of your boat. Free 240V hook-up is provided while the boat is out of the water.

L R I N A arine E T m S

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

TRANSFORM YOUR BOAT

REFIT, REPAIR, REPLACE, RENEW! OVER 35 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE BUILDING & REFITTING BOATS We work with our clients to achieve their vision Contact us for a no obligation discussion

TURN TO

PAGE 5

TO VIEW 1 RANGE OF OUR BOAT FOR SALE S

❖ LIVEABOARDS WELCOME ❖ DOGS AND CATS NO PROBLEM ❖ FREE ELECTRICITY WHILST ON THE DOCK

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

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Engine Service Fixed Price £185.00 inc VAT (Using our own stock filters)

Call 01299 877222 for details FUEL POLISHING & TANK CLEANING. Available from £180.00 DISTRIBUTORS & STOCKISTS FOR MAJOR BRANDS

FULL BOAT YARD SERVICES

ENGINE REPAIR, SERVICING, REPLACEMENT ALL MARINE ENGINEERING SERVICES ELECTRICS, WATER, GAS, HEATING INSTALLATIONS DIESEL, GAS, SOLID FUEL & PUMPOUTS

FOR YOUR CHANDLERY NEEDS

PLEASE NOTE:

01827 313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

Our standard curtain lining includes a Teflon finish for added protection from moisture and soiling

NARROW FURNITURE FOR NARROWBOATS

OIL, FUEL, AIR FILTERS & BELTS ENGINE SPARES, ANTIFREEZE & COOLANTS BATTERIES, INVERTERS, ELECTRICAL SPARES FULL RANGE OF DECK & CABIN FITTINGS ALL SPARES & CONSUMABLES

DIESEL TREATMENT PRODUCT

HANKOOK BATTERIES

ELSAN PRODUCTS

ENGINE LANE, STOURPORT, WORCS DY13 9EP 01299 877222 enquiries@starlinenarrowboats.co.uk Open: Mon/Fri (8.30am to 4.30pm) Emergency breakdown: 01299 877222 - 7 days a week

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock 50% OFF

Only LeeSan truly specialise in toilets

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Toilets, Tanks, Hoses, Clips, Gauges, Deck Fittings, Vent Filters and everything you need plus Advice & Guidance

ANODES W ALL HULL BL ITH & ANTIFOUL ACKING ING. FOR A QUOT CALL ATION TODAY

• Hull Blacking & Antifouling • Fabrication & Repairs • Painting & Sign Writing • Electrical • Plumbing and Gas • Paint and Boat Care • Inboard & Outboard Servicing • Fenders and Ropes • Engine Spares & Repairs

Providing the best seat on-board .....

Visit us and see the largest Indoor working dry dock and well stocked Chandlery on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal You’ll find us just 1 mile along the canal from Gloucester Docks or at

338 BRISTOL ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL2 5DH

01452 415430

sales@leesan.com T: 01295 770000

Email: office@hhdd.co.uk www.hempsteddrydock.co.uk

'''0* "0 0$

. 5# #. 5# $ # 2 – 5 & .

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# 5 & " ( & $ 2 ( "

Slots available for 2025

+ ( # $ " ( 2 / – 5/ " (. 5 #$ ( 5$ (

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Prepare for the boating season

( " & "/ ▪ ) ( – ""$ ' " $ 0 ▪ " & & ▪ -& 2 # . ' . ". # 4 " & ▪ ! ## ▪ "# ▪ % "$ & ("

+ 5 & " – ( 2 " 2 " 1$ $# – Long term moorings available.

5 ' #" $ " " . " # "0

9” x 6” Chrome Louvre vent£19.95. Other sizes available.

Rain caps and chimneys available from stock

Integrated fridge- £742.00, Integrated freezer- £740.00 delivered

4 x 4 ltr Elsan Blue£65.00

Mooring accessories in stock

28 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

FULLY SERVICED CRUISING AND RESIDENTIAL MOORINGS AND FULL BOATYARD SERVICES • Iver (Slough Arm) and Northolt (Paddington arm) • Secure sites with private parking • Delivery of gas, solid fuel and diesel direct to your boat • Electricity, water, elsan and pump out • Showers and laundry • Chandlery • Mechanical, electrical, and carpentry work undertaken • Craning, grit blasting and blacking • Two part epoxy hull treatment • Fuel polishing service

sales@high-line.co.uk 01753 651496 www.high-line.co.uk THE BOATYARD MANSION LANE, IVER, SL0 9RG

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

NARROWBOATS AND WIDEBEAMS FOR SALE IN WEST LONDON FOR SELLERS • Free moorings • Sales location with established footfall • Open 6 days / week • Trade Plates for unlicensed craft • Pre sales preparation and repairs FOR BUYERS • Free guidance and advice • Comprehensive handover • Secure clients bank account • ABYA qualified brokerage staff • Industry standard documentation PRIVATE BUYER’S SERVICE • If you are buying privately, we can offer the following services: • Advice on all aspects of purchase • Provision of documentation • Secure Clients bank account • Bespoke service – as much or as little as you want, priced accordingly

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

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

Baby Eurocruiser

£154,950 ex vat

• 60’ x 10 • 2 Berth • New Boat A New one bedroom Baby Eurocruiser features include, Bow thruster, Wheel steering, Navigation Lights, Quartz work surfaces and optional extras fitted include, A rear canopy and an impressive skylight.

A NEW RIVERSIDE mooring is available if required subject to T's and C's

Cloudbusting

£132,000

• 60’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • Brokerage

MOORINGS THAT ARE SAFE & SECURE WITH EXCELLENT FACILITIES FOR BOTH LEISURE & RESIDENTIAL visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk Evesham Marina Kings Road • Evesham • WR11 3XZ info@eveshammarina.co.uk

01386 768500

A One bedroom reverse layout narrowboat with an extended cruiser stern, Upgrades on this boat include a 43hp engine and an L shape dinette, The boat is pre measured for a pram cover at an additional cost, A mooring is available if required subject to T's and C's

30 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

S

TR

E

January 2025

AY E TH

WHARF

Coventry Canal

Lichfield

LT

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

D

Your One Stop Shop for all your boating needs Steelwork | Stretching | Chandlery | Timber Work | Shot Blasting Mechanics | Boat Safety | Electrics | Paintwork | Gas Safe | CCranage

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Highest Quality work at a Traditional Working boatyard

DAY CALL OUT

£76.95

Bottom Blacking | Full DIY service available 3 day slip, undercover plus 3000 psi hot wash £350 + VAT Telephone 01543 414808/07824 848444 office@streethaywharf.co.uk www.streethaywharf.co.uk

Shared ownership the affordable way

Ownashare manages a fleet of narrowboats which operate on a shared ownership basis.

This means that owners of 1/12th shares can enjoy at least 3–4 weeks’ holiday afloat each year, school holiday weeks are available at a small premium.

Tel: 07800 902323 for more details

1

Rural tranquility withan abundance of wildlife, located between the Watford and Foxton lock flights.

Blisworth Arm, Blisworth, Northampton NN7 3FG Telephone: 01604 879827 www.blisworthmarina.co.uk E-mail: info@blisworthmarina.co.uk

OverWater Marina Audlem, Cheshire Beautiifull • Peaceffull • Friiend dly At the heart of the Shropshire Union

01270 812677 Voted Marina of Distinction

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Audlem, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AY

m oo Le rin is gs ure av ail ab le

www.ownasharecruising.co.uk

Northamptonshire, NN6 7XT 07401 297 253 www.crickwharf.co.uk mooring@crickwharf.co.uk

2

Image supplied by The Inland

CRICK WHARF MARINA

Waterways Association

21 miles of lock free cruising

Grand Union Canal, Leicester Section

3

2

3

TO PROMOTE YOUR MARINA ON THIS PAGE CALL EMMA ON 01507 529453

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Your needs . . .

Seagoing

Saildrives

Inland Waterways

Marine Generating Sets

Spares & Support

36 years of customer centred focus, listening to needs and delivering long term value solutions.

Specialists in customer advice and support at all points of a products life.

Superb after-sales service via our network of approved engine installers and spares stockists.

D I E S E L

14 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with mechanical or hydraulic gearboxes. Full hydraulic drive option available.

Super silent acoustic housings, 3.5 or 5.0 kVA travel power and bow thruster options available.

REDUCE CO2 BY 90%! Compatible for continuous use with HVO fuel.*

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*If other FAME bio fuels are used or mixed we strongly advise use of our alternative fuel kit option. Available for new or retro fit-able to existing engines.

43 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with single or twin 48v hybrid electric drive motor/generator(s).

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NEW Beta 14 E-Drive, 14kW constant electrical propulsion power.

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32

January 2025 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Need a Survey or Boat Safety Examiner?

Cetec Marine Est. 1992

A friendly and professional fully insured service Steel, GRP & Timber craft Pre-purchase surveys Insurance surveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing

RHYS KILLIN Dip.S.C.Sur

BSS Examiner BSS Examination from £160

Phone Chris Holmes 07860 254369 01784 464899

surveyors@cetecmarine.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Areas Covered 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

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

Services

is an independent company providing professional and comprehensive support services to Narrowboats and Inland Waterways vessels.

Based in Northamptonshire we are ideally placed to offer our services.

Our services include: • Hull condition, Pre-purchase, Insurance and Valuation surveys.

(Accredited YDSA member) • Marine consultancy.

Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.

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

07903 945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

Tel 07748 861795

BOB HURST Your Local BSS Examiner

based at South Kilworth

Phone: 07720 424396 Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com Areas Covered 9 & 10

MARK

EDWARDS MABSSE

Boat Safety Scheme Examiner All classes of vessels examined Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificates Caravans, RV’s and domestic properties

BSS Examiner, Marine Surveyor & Marine Technical Consultant Powerboat, Inland Waterways Helm and Diesel Engine Instructor

Tel 07970 384047 Areas covered: 2, 4, 5

Narrowboat Surveyor

STEVE SIMCOE

Michael Clarke

BSS EXAMINER NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND SURROUNDING AREA

• A Friendly and Professional Service • Fully Qualified & Insured • Ultrasonic Pre-purchase & Hull Condition Surveys • No travelling Charges - All areas covered Northampton based

PHONE/TEXT: 07860 943714 EMAIL: bimsimcoe@gmail.com

& Boat Safety Examiner Dip.S.C. Sur AMIMarEST Areas covered: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

01604 858 868 07944 856 351

info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

FOR A PROMPT SERVICE

Dave Freeman

Over 25 years experience on the inland waterways

Marine Surveys & BSS Examinations For a Competitive Quote & Prompt Service

Tel 07918 677782

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

Pete Davidson BSS Examiner Most private craft examined.

East Midlands based.

Areas covered 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,11 07988 739136 pete@bss-examiner.co.uk www.bss-examiner.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 33

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

kc

inver anopies We’ve got yo

u cov

ered

Not everyone offers the same benefits So, why choose Kinver canopies to make your boat covers?

• Decades of experience • 5 star Google reviews • Full payment on completion only • Minimal deposit required to secure order • We don’t charge an extra milage fee • 5 year material guarantee

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• Doorstep discount permanently available • Offers for associated marinas and boat builders • Exceptional Customer care • Full vehicle fleet so warranty work is quickly addressed • Our own range of after-market cover care • Payment plans now available

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34 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

January 2025

The Ullmate Hull Proteclon Solulon

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THE MIDLANDS’

BEST EQUIPPED

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MOLTEN ZINC METAL SPRAYING

Protect your boat’s hull with our exclusive zinc plasma metallisalon & two pack epoxy blacking

• Replaces the need for convenlonal blacking • Protects against all types of corrosion • The only truly effeclve solulon for proteclng against microbially induced corrosion (MIC) • Heated undercover workshops mean all year round availability • Recommended by surveyors Now available, • 10 year warranty

0116 2793034 info@debdalewharf.co.uk www.debdalewharf.co.uk

extensive hardstanding area fully serviced

WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU CAN COUNT ON EBERSPACHER TO KEEP YOU WARM

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

HYDRONIC HS3 D4E HEATER This latest heater is now in stock. 4.3kW output and only 1.3kW at low, ideal for narrowboats.

Kits from £1795.00

LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF EBERSPACHER HEATERS & SPARE PARTS

HYDRONIC D4WSC EXCHANGE SERVICE For only £560.00 receive one of our factory reconditioned units when you send us your old, non functioning D4WSC or D5WSC*.

*Service exchange T&Cs apply

CALLSTART APP

Control your heater through your phone

Easy installation. Simple on/off.

Run time settings. iPhone & Android SMS notification. £159.00 SIM not included.

Espar Ltd T 01752 491900 web@espar.co.uk www.eberspacherdirect.com www.espar.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES / INSURANCE & FINANCE 35

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Over 10,000 claims paid to 100% owner satisfaction

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from from from from from from from

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Lowest rates for qualifying owners www.newtoncrum.com

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65 years of excellence, providing better boat insurance.

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority # 307035

Narrowboat insurance made easy Boats have been our passion for over 20 years, so we understand the joys and challenges of owning a narrowboat. Get a quote online today with our simple process, and see how much you could save.

Get an online quote today craftinsure.com call 0345 2607 888

15252

SCAN ME © Copyright Craftinsure Limited 2024. Craftinsure Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 309693. Registered in England and Wales Number 04386107. Registered office: The Royals, Altrincham Road, Manchester M22 4BJ. Policies available to UK residents only. Trustpilot rating correct as of 08/10/24.

36 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Season’s Greetings from Multicell.

Let us help you light up your Christmas!

01455 283 443 www.multicell.co.uk

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Lakeland Leisure Estates

January 2025

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR From all at Braunston Boats Ltd

www.braunstonboats.com 01788 891079

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all at

www.abnb.co.uk 01539 821381

Seasons Greetings to all of our customers.

Wishing health and happiness to all in 2025

www.ortomarine.co.uk 01299 489424

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for 2025

www.canalshop.co.uk 01604 931039

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at

Red Hill Marina 01509 672770

to old cu ustomers and new alike.

We hop pe you havve a heallthy and prrospeerouss New Year.

From all of the familyy at Oakw kwo wood Marina

www.bcbm.co.uk 01270 811500

Christmas Greetings to all our readers Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from everyone at Stoke on Trent Boats.

01782 813831

Wish hing you all Merry y Christmas and a prosperous 202 25 from

Indus strial Pl a s t i c upplies Limit ted Su

www.aqueductmarina.co.uk 01270 525040

Season's greetings to everyone from all at

Seasson ns greeti tings i

Wishing all boat-share owners, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.versatile-flooring g.co.uk Tel: 0113 2 57 9 0 0 0

‘Happy Holidays’ from our hire boat base in Braunston.

Braunston, Northants 01788 890784 www.unioncanalcarriers.co.uk

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at

www.bestcoltd.co.uk Tel: 0151 630 5111

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Seasons Greetings from all at Anglian Waterways and Northampton Marina

www.northamptonmarina.co.uk 0208 026 0890

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our customers

www.midlandchandlers.co.uk 02476 390111

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR From all at Alvecote Marina

www.alvecotemarina.co.uk 01827 898585

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from all the team at Tewkesbury Marina.

+44 (0)1684 293737 www.tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 37

January 2025

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at

Tim and d Hazel of

Cratch Coverrs & Can nop pies From the team at

www.smlmarinepaints.co.uk 01285 862 132

Call us on 01889 881960

Wishing customers old & new a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We wish all our moorers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

METHLEY BRIDGE CHANDLERY 01977 735400

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our future and existing customers from

www.kinvercanopies.co.uk Tel: 01384 394469

Visit Mercia Marina for a Santa Boat Cruise this Christmas

www.boat.st

www.yelvertoft-marina.com Office@yelvertoft-marina.com 01788 822292

All Wills and Trusts Ltd Legall Services Merry Christmas H ere Here

tto oh elp help

All Wills and Trusts Ltd T: 01283 566133 E ills@allwillsandtrustss.cco.uuk E:: w wills@allwillsandtrusts.co.uk www. allwills anndtrusts.co.uk

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our customers and friends from everyone at Strensham Mill Moorings & Boat Sales Mill Lane, Strensham, Worcester.

Tel 07767 261490

Merry Christmas & Happy 2025 to all our customers from all at

www.braunstonmarina.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Get Knotted

07787 438161 www.getknotted.co.uk

would like to wish all their custom merrs a very Merry Christm mas and a Happ py New Year.

Happy Christmas to customers old and new from all at

www.pdipaints.co.uk

ww www ww.cccanopies.co w o.uk 07717 996 7729

01782 812240

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Richard Sue and Hayden at

Portland Basin and Droylsden Marinas.

M AR

INE ENGINE

SERVICES ERVIICE ES (M (MIDLANDS) MID AN NDS))

www.portlandbasinmarina.co.uk 0161 330 3133

www.mes-midlands.co.uk

To all our members and a happy NEW YEAR for 2025

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers

Wessex Boat Store would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

www.rboa.org.uk 0330 057 7180

vintage_diesels@btconnect.com www.vintagediesels.co.uk

www.wessexboatstore.co.uk 01202 823699

MERRY CHRISTMAS

01926 356200

Why not join us and protect the Live – Aboard lifestyle of living afloat for the future

Merryy Christm mas from all att Westview Marina

014887 840089

www.westviewmaariinaa.co.uk www.westviewmarina.co.uk

Merry Christmas & Happy New year From all at Pillings Lock Marina 01509 620990

www.pillingslockmarina.co.uk

Jason and Clare

would like to thank all past, present and future customers.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025.

OODWIN GP G P L AST I C S

38 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Seasons greetings to everyone from at all

Goole Marina & The Coffee Dock 01405 763985

Seasons Greetings from Jacqueline Dorrington and the team at Otherton Boat Haven 07581 459309

Greetings from the team at Viking Marine Goole

01405 765737

shop@vikingmarine.co.uk

wishing all the readership festive greetings from Richi and the team at

www.midlandmarine.co.uk

01902 544329

January 2025

Knowle Hall Wharf

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2025

Wishing alll our customers new & old a merry Christmas & a Hap ppy New Yea ar!

Robe erts Bespo oke Canvas 07956 6 980535 5

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year From Everyone At…

www.channelglaze.com 0121 706 5777

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team at Overwater 01270 812677 www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Happy Christmas from the team at

BASIC BOAT LIABILITY CO.

www.basic-boat.com 03333 219 430

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Denham Yacht Station

01895 239811 www.denham-marina.co.uk

Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all customers and friends of John, Gez, and Tristan at

North Kilworth Wharf

On behalf of everyone at

“Hempsted Dry Dock”

we wish you all a very safe and enjoyable Festive Period and we thank you for your support throughout 2024. office@hhdd.co.uk 01452 415430

Emma & Kirsty of

Bristol Boats Ltd

would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2025. www.bristolboatsltd.co.uk 01225 872032

Jean & Steve wish all our customers and friends a great Christmas and New Year.

Stretford Marine Services

www.northkilworthwharf.com

www.stretfordmarine.com

Season’s Greetings to all Moorers old and new from the team at

Sue and Amelia wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

info@saltfordmarina.co.uk www.saltfordmarina.co.uk

01225 872226

01204 324269

www.iiequii.com 07767 262477

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Wishing all our customers both past and present a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FARNCOMBE BOAT HOUSE 01483 421306 www.farncombeboats.co.uk

Canal Yard, York St. Stourport on Severn. DY13 9EH

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025 from all the staff at

Limekiln Chandlers

www.limekilnchandlers.co.uk 01299 821111

Wishing all our customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025 from all at

www.bronteboats.co.uk 01706 815103

All of us at Bywater Hotelboat Cruises wish all our guests and friends a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! www.bywaterhotelboats.co.uk 07380 941042

39

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

MetsTrade report Products: Solar cells

P40 Holidays and Leisure P41 Tech: Sticky fuel

P42 P44

Aquavista scoops regional business award

Maritime Volunteer Service royal patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and MVS president Admiral Lord West of Spithead pictured with guests at the service of thanksgiving in London. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Maritime Volunteer Service celebrates 30 years

THE Maritime Volunteer Service marked three decades of help to communities and vital training with a celebration in London.

More than 100 MVS guests and members gathered at All Hallows by the Tower, the oldest church in the City of London, for a special thanksgiving service.

The service, which brought together more than 100 distinguished guests from industry, government, parliament, local government, port and harbour authorities, maritime organisations and MVS volunteers from across the United Kingdom, was attended by MVS royal patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and MVS president, Admiral Lord West of Spithead. Also in attendance was the the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, who during the service was installed by Lord West as the MVS honorary regional commodore for the City of London and wider River Thames area.

MVS is a recognised national maritime

THE UK’s largest marina operator Aquavista won the Lloyds Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards.

The LBBE Awards is the UK’s largest and most prestigious business awards programme that celebrates the cream of the crop in British business. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 5.5 million businesses in the UK and are responsible for the employment

of 60% of the UK workforce.

Aquavista is the UK’s largest marina operator with 29 marinas in locations across England, five of which are coastal and 24 are inland. The marinas offer residential and leisure berths, nationwide boat sales, floating homes and marine services.

Aquavista CEO Steve de Polo said: “I am incredibly proud of what our company and all our fantastic people have achieved to help us receive this level

training and community resilience organisation founded in 1994 after the disbandment of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS). It has 20 active units around the United Kingdom and provides nautical training to nationally and internationally recognised standards. It also serves local communities especially in times of need or emergency and takes part in resilience exercises both ashore and afloat.

The service offered a fitting tribute to the MVS volunteers and the work that the charity has undertaken in safeguarding our coastal and inland waterways over the past 30 years.

Lord West said: “All of the successes and achievements over the past 30 years would not have been possible without the dedication and skill of our volunteers. Each and every one of you who has answered the call to step up and serve deserves our thanks and gratitude for the role that you have played and will continue to play in the service of our cause.”

Black Prince strikes silver at national travel awards MIDLANDS canal boat holiday company Black Prince Holidays scooped a silver award at the prestigious British Travel Awards – voted for by thousands of members of the public.

Black Prince, which is headquartered on the Worcester & Birmingham canal in Stoke Prior, was a prizewinner in the Best Company for UK Short Breaks category, gaining silver in the small company classification.

The awards celebrate excellence across the travel industry, with 400,000 members of the public casting more than 1.2 million votes in this year’s event.

Black Prince operates narrowboat holidays from nine bases across the UK, inspiring guests from the UK, US and across the world to explore the UK’s canal network.

Leighton Jones, Black Prince Holidays director, said: “We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who voted for us in these awards, especially as it was the first year we have taken part. This underlines the incredible hard work from our team throughout the year, as we strive to provide the very best canal holidays for guests from the UK and beyond.”

In 2024 the company launched new boats from its popular Signature Range, created at its boat-building facility at Stoke Prior.

Black Prince also announced the launch of a brand-new boat style for 2025, with an innovative design that will showcase a new interior look and layout to add extra space and convenience for guests.

of recognition. This award is a testament to our collective hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.

While I might have picked up the trophy at the event last night, it truly is for us all. I’d like to thank our crew for their continued hard work as we create a business we can all be proud of.”

The latest award comes after the company won the East Midlands Business Masters 2024 Medium Sized Business of the Year award.

Pictured from left are: Alex Turner, managing director, The Business Desk; Deborah Hunt, Aquavista sales and marketing director; Steve de Polo, Aquavista CEO; Ross Faith, Aquavista chief finance officer and Phillippa Bailey from Freeman Clarke, who sponsored the category.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Boat brokerage marks 30 years in business

Leighton Jones, second from right, and the Black Prince Holidays team collect their British Travel silver award for the Best Company for UK Short Breaks category.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

ABNB Boat Brokerage, one of the UK’s leading inland waterways brokers, is celebrating 30 years in business this year.

Since its founding in 1995, ABNB has offered brokerage services to buyers and sellers alike from its base at North Kilworth Marina in Leicestershire.

Emma Green, managing director and co-owner, said: “Reaching 30 years is a tremendous milestone for ABNB. It reflects not only the trust and loyalty of our customers but also the dedication of our team, all of whom I would like to thank, both past and present, in providing a first-class service.

“As we look to the future, we are excited to continue growing and evolving while staying true to the values that have made ABNB what it is today.”

To mark its three decades ABNB will be hosting a series of celebratory events, offers and discounts throughout 2025. The festivities will kick off this month with a generous 30% discount on brokerage fees (terms and conditions apply), available throughout the month.

ABNB Boat Brokerage specialises in the brokerage of narrowboats and widebeam vessels from all around the UK, providing expert guidance and a personal approach to boat sales.

40

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Visitors arriving at the RAI in Amsterdam for the opening of Metstrade 2024. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The British Marine stand was busy with plenty of visitors. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Going Dutch: Metstrade 2024

Each year, the great and the good of the marine industry gather at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam to exhibit the latest equipment for the marine industry. Phil Pickin visited to see if there was anything of interest to waterways users.

THE move away from with ICOMIA fossil fuels affects almost (International Council of every aspect of our lives, Mar ine Industr y Associations) and has a and the marine industry target audience of yacht is no different. However, after a long break from builders, naval attending the Metstrade architects, refit yards, event in Amsterdam, the distributors, dealers, industry’s move towards wholesalers, captains, decarbonisation was marina owners and particularly evident. This marine equipment move was not only manufacturers worldwide. apparent on the This year, the show exhibition stands but received 31,824 visits also reflected in the from 19,779 unique awards and visitors, which was a 6% commendations presented at the DAME increase on the 2023 Design Awards for A new 25kW Combi hybrid unit on show. event. These visitors marine-related design, PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN came from 134 which were held during countries and, buoyed the event. by the increase in visitor numbers, the organisers For those who’ve never heard of Metstrade (often are looking to expand the 2025 event by adding referred to simply as Mets), it is said to be the world’s another 10,000 square metres of space. The 2024 largest trade exhibition for equipment, materials and event was the 36th show and attracted almost 1600 systems for the global leisure marine industry. The exhibitors with 245 of those being new for the 2024 event is organised by RAI Amsterdam in co-operation show. It is sadly ironic that the Metstrade event

Safety gear being demonstrated by one of the almost 1600 exhibitors. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Plenty of technical equipment on show to visitors. PHOTO: SUPPLIED came a week after the announcement of the cancellation of the BoatLife exhibition at the NEC. Despite the target audiences of these two events being different, it was nonetheless sad to learn that all the plans the organisers had for BoatLife were to come to nothing.

Mets is the place where you are likely to see for the first time the products you might well see on offer later in the coming season. It’s also the place where manufacturers look to build relationships with retailers, so it can sometimes provide an indication as to the latest trends in the market. And this year’s trend, if there was one, was towards the next generation of motors for a wide range of boats.

The number and the variety of electric motors were significant. From small and compact motors that produce, in some cases, many hundreds of horsepower, through to tiny and compact electric outboards. In fact, only a couple of stands exhibited petrol outboards at all.

With some of the show being divided into country pavilions, it was unsurprising that the British pavilion, which had 36 exhibitors, was headed by the British Marine stand, which frequently saw large numbers of visitors, so it would seem there was plenty of interest in our marine sector. Beta Marine and Wave International were just two of the familiar names who were promoting their products to an international audience. Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “Metstrade is an unmissable event for our members.

It’s the ideal platform for them to connect with key international stakeholders, forge new partnerships and drive business growth. This show is critical for the industry as it brings together the latest marine equipment, technologies and trends from across the world, making it a hub of inspiration and opportunity.”

Sadly, despite the location of the event being so close to the famous canals of Amsterdam, the inland waterways sector seemed to be under-represented.

Yes, there were many different products on show that could be used across a number of boat types, but there didn’t seem to be any that were specifically aimed at the waterways sector. Products like new toilets from Thetford, electric motors from ePropulsion and the latest in on-the-water clothing from Henri-Lloyd were on show.

Coming to a marina near you, a new style recharging point. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

One of a number of small but powerful electric motors on show. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Metstrade also includes the DAME Design Awards, highlighting the most outstanding marine technology designs. In the running were a number of British companies, including GN Espace Galley Solutions Ltd, Cyclops Marine Ltd, Garmin, Raymarine, Henri-Lloyd and Flexiteek. Sadly, none of these were successful but it was encouraging to see a number of electric propulsion units gaining awards and special mentions.

Despite the many years since my last visit, the main aim of Metstrade continues to be networking and now that is being done against the backdrop of a changing world, one in which all areas of manufacturing have to change. With 2025 being Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, it would be nice to see more of specific interest to the waterways community. It remains to be seen if this will come to fruition.

Metstrade seen from above. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Energising Britain’s waterways

41

Phil Pickin attended an interesting and occasionally entertaining British Marine Midlands annual meeting.

WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club once again played host to the British Marine Inland Conference in mid-November. The annual event was sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, Barrus, Hoseasons, ProMarine Finance, Aqueduct Marina, Waterways Holidays and Inland and Coastal Marina Systems with the aim of bringing together a mix of industry leaders, decision-makers and stakeholders for a day of networking and discussions.

More than 100 attendees representing 57 companies attended with the aim of highlighting “the growing momentum within the inland boating industry”.

Themed Energising Britain’s Waterways, it featured an agenda of keynote speeches,

expert presentations and tailored breakout sessions covering a wide range of subject areas.

The conference included the British Marine Midlands AGM and a joint British Marine Inland Boating and Inland Boatbuilding AGM. This also saw the dissolution of both associations to form the new British Marine Inland Association.

Speakers included Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, alongside Richard Parry, CEO of the Canal & River Trust and Andrew Pearce, deputy director of asset management systems at the Environment Agency. They shared updates on industry developments, including the latest regulatory changes, decarbonisation initiatives and opportunities for

growth across the inland boating sector.

The morning ’s Navigation Authorities Update featured presentations from Gareth Stephens (Canal & River Trust) and Julian Kennard (Environment Agency), providing insights into the future of waterway management. While Nigel Stevens, from Shire Cruisers, delivered an interesting session entitled Jeopardy: For Canals – Or For Boating Businesses, which focused on the CRT’s funding shortfall and the importance to the industry of CRT being able to fill the funding gap. Nigel explored the CRT’s use of jeopardy to gain more donations, but he also pointed out the delicate balance required, noting that such techniques could risk unintended negative impacts on the industry.

British Marine Midlands AGM in full swing. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Jon White, general manager of The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), hosting one of the breakout sessions. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Robert Parton, MD of Aqueduct Marina and president of British Marine, outlining the various breakout sessions on offer to attendees. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Decarbonisation

Ed Tuite, head of technical at British Marine and Jon White, general manager of The Ya c h t Harbour Association (TYHA), concluded the morning sessions covering a whole host of topics, including the new and revised ISO standards being developed, updates on decarbonisation across the industry and guidance on lithium batteries.

The afternoon breakout sessions provided delegates a chance to dive deeper into topics, many of which had been outlined by the earlier speakers. Subjects included digitising the hire boat experience, major craft conversion and other regulatory clarifications, as well as the updates on the redrafted TYHA Code of Practice and the

latest on VAT implications for the inland sector. Ross Wombwell (British Marine consultant), Ed Tuite (British Marine), Jon White (TYHA) and Jim Suswain (PKF Francis Clark) led the sessions, many of which sparked ‘lively’ discussions among participants.

The formal conference programme concluded with closing remarks from Robert Parton, president of British Marine, who emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation within the industry.

Reflecting on the event, Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “The British Marine Inland Conference remains a crucial platform for the exchange of ideas, strategic discussions and business development.

The strong turnout and e n t h u s i a s t i c

engagement at this year’s event underscore the i n d u s t r y ’s commitment to advancing Britain’s waterways and enhancing the visitor experience.”

Knowledge

Paul Knox-Johnston – Haven Knox-Johnston, one of the event sponsors, commented: “We love being here as part of this event. It’s well attended, so you get to see so many people, and there are so many great opportunities for everyone to get together and share knowledge.”

Dan Lewis of ABC

Leisure Group added: “The inland conference is always really useful, it’s an informative day that keeps all the marina operators and businesses alike in the industry up to date with current legislation, any changes that are on the horizon, so it’s always a valuable day for all of us to attend.”

From the marina sector, Janet Morn of Overwater Marina said the event was “an enlightening and informative event bringing together many colleagues from the inland industry”. Phil Langley from Aqueduct

More than 100 guests attended the event. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

More efficient solar panels under development THERE are a number of obstacles to overcome if boat owners want to be more independent when it comes to generating their own electricity. The UK’s lack of sunshine is certainly a major problem, as is a lack of space on the roof of their boats, so to optimise the space available, efficient solar panels are the way to go.

The problem is, most of the solar panels currently available are only around 20-22% efficient, so to make any appreciable amount of electricity, you need a lot of panels - and when you have a limited amount of space, that can be an issue. So it was good

to find out that, according to some new research published in Nature, monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells can achieve efficiency of up to 34%. This may not seem a lot, but when it comes to squeezing every last bit of energy out of every panel, a 14% increase is worth having.

According to reports, this increase in efficiency, if used in a domestic setting of a rooftop installation on a typical property in the UK, would see a 27% increase in savings on a typical electricity bill. With feed-in tariffs being so low now, the best way to make full use of any solar installation is to store the

energy and use it yourself. If you did this using the next generation of panels, the savings could rise from more than £550 per year to more than £700.

As we know, the majority of the current range of solar panels is made from silicon. However, silicon’s efficiency is apparently limited to 29%. So, to overcome this limitation, scientists have stacked two materials on top of each other in an effort to capture more of the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. This new sandwich uses silicon and perovskite materials, the latter of which is said to have only been discovered 20 years ago, the main benefit of which is its ability to capture light in the blue part of the visible spectrum.

Efficiencies

No boat show would be complete without a number of companies exhibiting their latest panels and associated equipment.

PHOTOS: PHIL PICKIN

With energy prices being so high and climate change being such an important subject, the scientific community has been putting in a significant amount of effort to develop solar panels with higher efficiencies, and it seems that their efforts are paying off. But before you start beating a path to your local chandlery to buy these new panels,

Marina added: “It’s been good to listen to the Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust to hear about the challenges they are dealing with and how they are dealing with these challenges, and the technical insights. It’s good to be able to get an insight into where our industry is at, what is coming down the road and what everyone else is experiencing.”

Another event sponsor, Barrus’s Phil James, said: “This is about the fourth time I’ve been to this event, and it gets bigger, better and more informative every year.”

A sizeable solar installation making the most of some good weather. it’s worth mentioning that, as yet, this new technology is only at the development stage. A company called Oxford PV has announced the first sale of these new panels, but this is very much a ‘work in progress’ situation.

In addition to the technical challenges of developing these panels, there are also issues relating to the materials used to manufacture them.

Perovskite solar cells are said to contain lead, carbon, iodine and bromine.

Hardly environmentally friendly elements and their manufacture is, at the moment, highly energy intensive.

But these are early days, and no

doubt the scientific and engineering community will work hard to overcome these issues.

The primary markets for these new panels will be for domestic and commercial installations but they will undoubtedly become available to other markets as time goes by. For waterways users this could make all the difference as it could enable significantly more power to be generated from the panels on the roof. More power coupled with better storage may encourage more owners to opt for electric propulsion, as the combination could overcome the dreaded range anxiety. If nothing else, when the next generation of panels does make it to the market and on to the roof of a boat near you, it could mean that the use of supplementary generators will be reduced. Lower emissions and less noise must be good for all users of the waterways.

Until then, we will just have to put up with the less efficient but more affordable panels now on offer. But with current panels lasting 25-plus years and the current range of diesel engines lasting, in some cases, even longer, there is time for the new panels to enter the marketplace and, almost more importantly, come down in price.

42 HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

January 2025

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Best spring canal boat holidays for 2025

BRITAIN’S beautiful inland waterways are a great place to visit in the spring. The countryside is bursting into new life, with blossom on the hedges and waterside trees. Birds are busy rearing their young, lambs are playing in the fields and bluebells flourish in waterside woodlands.

Drifters (www.drifters.co.uk) offers the choice of more than 500 self-drive canal boats from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales. All Drifters operators provide hires with boat steering tuition and canal boat holidays are pet friendly.

Drifters has published a guide to the top eight spring canal boat holidays for 2025:

Skipton Castle dominates the town’s High Street. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal to Shakerstone

On a week’s holiday from Drifters’ Braunston base on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, boaters can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. With no locks, and mile upon mile of countryside to enjoy, this peaceful 22-mile-long waterway passes the pretty town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. The journey to Shakerstone and back passes through eight locks (four each way) and takes around 37 hours.

Cruise through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh

From Drifters’ base at Falkirk, Edinburgh Quay is an 11-hour, 32-mile journey along the Union Canal, perfect for a week away. The journey starts with a trip through the world’s first rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel. Boaters then pass through two tunnels and, soon after, across the magnificent Avon Aqueduct. Then it’s on through the historic lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho. Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street and many of the city’s top attractions.

Explore the ancient woods at Skipton Castle

On a short break from Drifters’ narrowboat hire base at Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, boaters can travel to the historic town of Skipton in North Yorkshire, with its medieval fortress and ancient woods to explore. The journey to Skipton and back takes around seven hours,

The stunning Pontcysyllte aqueduct. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

The awe-inspiring approach to the Falkirk Wheel. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

travelling 13 miles with no locks. The route takes boaters through the beautiful Aire Valley.

miles through 53 locks to reach the historic town of Hungerford – perfect for a week afloat. Along the way, boaters travel up the spectacular flight of 16 locks in a row at Caen Hill and cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, passing close to prehistoric Avebury and along the edge of the ancient Savernake Forest, full of bluebells in the spring. Once at Hungerford, narrowboat holidaymakers enjoy eating in a choice of pubs and cafes, and browsing in the town’s numerous antique shops.

Glide through the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park and offers canal boat holidaymakers incredible mountain views. There are plenty of wooded sections full of the sound of woodland birds, and a series of historic village pubs to visit along the way. On a short break from Drifters’ base at Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, boaters can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back, passing the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Hotel at Llangattock.

Drift through prehistoric Vale of Pewsey

From Drifters’ base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes, it takes around 20 hours, travelling 27

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We offer every service a private boatt owner could need. Gas, Diesel, pumpout, repairs and maintenance, with fully stoccked Chandlery shop. We also have dry and wet dock. Anything from an engine servvice to a full re-paint, no job is too small, simp ply get in touch to discuss any work you may require.

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Boat to Brewood and back

From Drifters’ boat yard at Gailey on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, it takes around five hours to reach the historic village of Brewood, with its half-timbered cottages and Georgian houses. The 13-mile trip, which passes through just one lock, takes boaters through beautiful stretches of Shropshire countryside, and passes the waterside Anchor Inn at Cross Green. On reaching Brewood, there’s a choice of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms to sample some delicious food, including the canalside Bridge Inn. The journey to Brewood is perfect for a relaxing weekend away.

Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

From Drifters’ base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break, with the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to travel across along the way. Standing at 38 metres high above

The Tudor Arms Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge on the Gloucester/ Sharpness Canal

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the Dee Valley, this incredible 300-metre-long structure consists of a cast iron trough supported by 18 enormous pillars and 19 elegant arches. On reaching Llangollen, boaters can enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls.

Visit the old mill town of Hebden Bridge

From our base at Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, canal boat holidaymakers can travel along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation through the Calder Valley to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge, where the BBC’s popular Happy Valley drama was set. Climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey there covers seven miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around five-and-a-half hours – perfect for a short break.

Once at Hebden, boaters can enjoy a variety of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, as well as scenic waymarked walks in the valley and the surrounding hills.

For more information about Drifters boating holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visit www.drifters. co.uk For more information about visiting the canals go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

The Leigh Arms • Moor at Bridge 208 on the Trent & Mersey Canal • Real Ales served • Children’s play area • Traditional British and Authentic European Dishes The Leigh Arms, Warrington Road, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4QT. Tel 01606 853327

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HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 43

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Even in winter the towpaths afford an energising walk.

Winter on the cut

Periodically becoming ice-bound goes with living along the cut.

Out of their breeding plumage, during mid-November, black-headed gulls rest in a pound along the Caen Hill Flight.

By Kevin Thomas

SOMETIMES you know when winter announces its arrival before you have even stepped off your boat. Perhaps it’s an early morning dusting of frost or a gossamer curtain of fog over the water and, although barely discernible, the silhouettes of moored boats.

Out on the water, a lone black-headed gull floats patiently, only it knows what it’s waiting for… most likely, though, merely the warming rays of a late rising sun.

More noticeable, though, is the chill factor. As a boat dweller you quickly learn to dress accordingly, and wisely; layers are the key as you embrace the cold weather experience with positive language such as “Isn’t it invigorating” or “This is why I love winters so much.” Most narrowboaters are hardy folk and love nothing better than a bracing winter walk along the towpath.

As an amateur photographer I prefer winter to any other season except, possibly, the golden hues of autumn. Short days, and the biting cold aside, mean getting out along the towpath with camera in hand is energising. The sheer contrast in the canal’s constantly changing scenic panorama, following the avalanche of seasonal colour that spells autumn, gives me a deeper appreciation of nature’s ways.

I see beauty in tree silhouettes standing stark at the frozen water’s edge or in an iced-over pound between locks. A moored narrowboat covered in frost adds a silent statement to the bigger story.

By sharing these photos, I hope it will encourage more folk to get out along our beautiful waterways and canals. You don’t have to own a narrowboat to enjoy our waterways, the beauty of these sights and sounds are available for everyone.

Happiness is my moka pot

By Kevin Thomas

EVERY narrowboat should have a moka pot, either on the gas cooker or atop the raw fuel stove… and especially so on a cold winter morning!

In 2014 we went to Sicily for our youngest son’s wedding and it was there that I was introduced to really good espresso. Close family had teased how perhaps my love of espresso was because our maternal grandmother was Italian, although it had nothing to do with that. It was all about liking espresso.

More interestingly, I saw for the first time what is universally known as a moka pot.

Some months later, for my birthday, I was given a moka pot. The real McCoy. For

two years thereafter, I wondered why the espresso I was brewing in the moka pot on our narrowboat cooker was so bitter.

I could not get my double-shot espresso brews to emulate the exquisite espresso I was enjoying at espresso bars. For a while I gave up altogether until I eventually did some research and found the answer.

Moka pots trace their roots back to Italy, where they’re an almost obligatory kitchen appliance. Simplistic as they are, and lacking the sophistication of a traditional espresso machine, they certainly get the job done. Granted, perhaps the end product isn’t an espresso in the true sense, and may not have the crema or smoothness of a barista-style espresso; however, for a

Showing the three parts to a moka pot; upper chamber, basket, and the lower chamber with lid. The basket seats in the lower chamber. The valve on the lower chamber can be clearly seen and the water level inside the chamber must be just below it. Filled the basket with ground coffee, levelled off but not compacted. I find grinding my own coffee beans adds to the experience and enjoyment.

Whe en sno ow fa alls s in wintter itt adds a surre eal beauty to life e alo ong g the e cana al and d adjacentt to itt.

device that only uses heat and pressure, it does the job.

To brew a coffee using a moka pot: 1. Unscrew the base of the moka pot, remove the basket and fill the base with hot water just off the boil. Ensure the water level does not cover the valve which is situated in the side of the base.

2. Fill the moka pot basket with ground coffee until level but not tamped down or compacted. I grind my own coffee beans to the consistency of sand, and not too fine. Place the filled basket back into the top of the water-filled base.

3. Screw the top and bottom halves of the moka pot together, ensuring there are no coffee grounds on the rim. Do not

Honey-coloured coffee extract flowing smoothly from the funnel in the upper chamber. If it splutters and spits the heat source is too hot and the coffee will taste bitter.

4.

5.

overtighten, and do not use the pot handle to tighten.

Place the pot on the cooker on a low to medium heat and keep the lid open. If using a gas cooker, ensure the flame isn’t climbing up the sides of the moka pot.

When the water reaches almost boiling point, turn the heat down. At this point the honeycoloured coffee extract should already be flowing smoothly out of the funnel and into the upper chamber. If it suddenly spurts and splutters it is too hot and your coffee is guaranteed to have a bitter flavour. If this happens remove the pot from the heat and run cold water against one side of the base. If the top half is

6.

7.

not yet filled with coffee, place the moka pot back on the cooker but control the heat.

Once the upper chamber is filled with coffee extract, immediately remove the moka pot from the heat source, give the coffee a gentle stir with a teaspoon, and then pour and enjoy. I usually have a glass of cold water with my moka pot espresso, as water helps to neutralise the acidity in the coffee.

You can buy coffee specifically for moka pots, either already ground or in roasted bean form.

Having decided to take my moka pot coffee drinking enjoyment further, I moved on from buying ground coffee and purchased coffee beans.

A nice warming shot of moka pot espresso. A great start to a winter’s day aboard a narrowboat.

44

Get ready for 2025!

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

By Ben Sutcliffe-Davies

BACK in 2022, I was involved with a set of ‘winter webinars’ with Haven KnoxJohnson, giving loads of useful hints and tips for winter and spring preparation.

If you haven’t seen them, you can find them on the company’s website or my YouTube channel: The marine surveyor’s notebook. Spring won’t be far away now and getting a few important jobs done is a good idea.

Hull

If you think the underwater areas need cleaning off and re-blacking, now is certainly the time to call your local yard and book your boat in. The lack of yard facilities on the system is noticeable, with many of the yards under pressure and reporting a three-month lead time already, which really highlights the need for being ahead of the game when it comes to maintenance.

One of the most obvious clues that steel craft needs some TLC is from the development of waterline corrosion.

It’s one of the hardest areas to protect as steel hates the frequent and constant repetition of wet and then dry. If you are lucky, you may be able to see the condition of your anodes too. If in doubt about their condition you can always hang a few over the side bonded into the hull where fender fittings or lugs are located until the craft can be checked out of the water.

Many owners are now taking hull protection more seriously and are having epoxy coatings applied to all underwater areas. It’s essential the hull is deep cleaned and back to bright metal before application. Epoxy coatings are certainly far better, I also prefer when blacking to see the base plates cleaned back and protected. It’s very noticeable in my line of work how the issues of steel quality and the fact of so many craft

Watch for developing waterline and general corrosion developing. on the system using shore power and generators are causing some interesting plate damage that can be better protected with an epoxy compared with the more traditional tar coatings.

Engine

Hopefully, before going into the depths of winter, you have changed the oil and ensured the antifreeze is of suitable strength and not more than three years old. Doing a regular turning-over of the engine is also a great idea and

Here’s one of the worst gas lockers I found; it had a bit of ply dropped in the base to hide the problem! running it for a good 30 minutes helps too. But watch out for the drive pulleys developing corrosion before you start, as that can shred a belt in a few minutes.

Shaft and stern gland

Before starting to use the craft in spring it’s always a good move to check the

shaft turns freely before putting the craft in gear, especially if she has stood at a berth for some time. Every year I deal with insurance claims where logs or debris have tucked themselves into the back of the propeller and will do some significant damage when the engine is engaged ahead.

Generally, there are two types of stern glands used: the traditional type with a gland packing and greaser that does need some regular attention of greasing and occasional pulling down of the packing gland. This in itself can be an art but careful pulling down of the gland, once you understand how it works, isn’t too hard to do. Repacking is a bit more involved and ideally should really be done in a dock if you aren’t sure what you are doing! Preferably get a professional to do it if you are unsure.

One of the most important things to know about stuffing glands is that once repacked they do often need a bit of an adjustment in the first 30 or so hours of use as they will need to bed in. I’ve put a post on my YouTube channel about this too.

The more recent type of gland is the one that has a lip seal on the shaft; many owners prefer these as they are generally maintenance-free but should nevertheless be replaced at around seven years of use. Some have a breather pipe to ensure the shaft stays cooled in the stern tube. Always check the hose and stern tube fitting is in good order and not blocked! Some also have a small DZR brass ball valve that should again be checked. If it is very stiff or corroded, change it as soon as possible.

Engine compartment Here’s a worn shaft and a stuffing gland that the owner had tried to stop leaking!

Do check that the deck drainage, gutters and overboard freeing methods are all in good order and that your bilge

Typical lip seal system with a breather valve. Watch the age of the gland and regularly check the valve and hose condition. pump and float switch both work.

Likewise, it’s a good time to ensure that all is nice, clean, dry and well painted out, and that batteries are in good order and suitably fitted and strapped in.

Gas locker

Lastly don’t forget to regularly check the gas locker condition at the start of the season and before using, pay particular attention to the locker base and ensure it can’t allow gas to enter the accommodation. A quick trick is to do a bucket test and see if water flows into the hull, and check when the flexihoses at both the bottle and appliance end were last changed.

Doing a few of these little jobs at the start of the season will, I hope, give some enjoyable and trouble-free use for what I also hope will be another lovely summer of adventures on our system.

River Canal Rescue’s solution to a sticky situation

PROBLEMS associated with the storage of diesel fuel over winter have often caused boat owners numerous problems when the new season starts. To overcome this, RCR has come up with a strategy that it hopes will help boat owners.

In a bid to reduce the number of cases of sticky fuel, River Canal Rescue is advising boaters to change their winter fuel storage strategies. Sticky fuel is unrelated to the usual fuel contaminants and causes injection pump racks to seize, fuel injector and filter head plungers to fail, and return lines to block.

RCR says a common denominator in all reported cases is the use of fuel treatments. They are not at fault, says RCR, but there may be a link between fuel and chemical breakdown when they’ve been stored for a while.

With fuel suppliers advising diesel only has a shelf life of around six months and chemicals starting to break down after this time, RCR is urging boaters to take notice of this new information and take the following action.

Managing director Stephanie Horton says: “Over winter, where previously I would advise to fill

Cloudy sticky fuel (right) next to uncontaminated red and white diesel. PHOTO: SUPPLIED tanks to prevent condensation build-up, best practice now is to leave them empty and upon return, drain off any water build-up, treat the remaining fuel and then add fresh.

“If using a fuel treatment, given we know chemicals start to break down within six months and we believe this is one of the contributing factors, use it within six to 12 months of purchase.”

Identifying sticky fuel

One of the problems for boaters is the ability to identify sticky fuel, so to help boaters identify this type of fuel problem, Stephanie suggests they take a fuel sample and leave it in a clear glass jar on a windowsill in

the light. Initially, the fuel will be clear, but after a couple of days, if it is affected, it will go from clear to cloudy.

She continues: “If you are worried about your fuel or have symptoms consistent with sticky fuel, doing this test first may prevent you from having to dump what’s in your tank.”

Fuel removal

If there is an issue, RCR recommends fuel removal and disposal, using a franchise company that removes the ‘wrong fuel’ from vehicles, such as Fuel Doctor or Wrong Fuel, etc. These companies have large containers in vans and long hoses and can attend the

same day. The cost is £150-£180, with 20 litres of fuel delivered, and more can be requested.

If accessibility is a problem, RCR suggests using a boatyard facility to pump it out.

Stephanie concludes: “Once the tank’s refilled with fresh fuel, leave any treatments for a while as fresh fuel appears to clean any residue in the fuel system. Winns injector cleaner is also good at clearing signs of sticky fuel in the system, however in most cases, the fuel will still need to be removed.”

Background

Back in December 2020, River Canal Rescue reported a rise in the number of callouts across the UK for fuel-related issues, unrelated to the usual fuel contaminants.

Engineers found cases of seized injection pump racks with blocked nozzles, fuel injectors and filter head plunger failures. The culprit was fuel that had left a syrupy and sticky residue in the fuel system, clogging components.

RCR reported that it was ‘contamination not seen before’, and fuel samples taken from boats were sent away for analysis. Bafflingly the samples were clear – it appears the only indication of contamination is

a smell of turps/paint thinners.

This is due to any residue in the fuel being so small it is not able to be collected.

Engine distributor Barrus also confirmed the samples it sent off were returned with no issues.

However, over the past four years, RCR has been working to identify solutions to this protracted residue build-up to prevent it clogging up engine components.

RCR engineers have, how ever, s een fuelrelated callouts (injectors/ pumps/contamination etc) continue to rise and believe it’s directly attributed to sticky fuel-related issues.

Be in the know

The company has noted that sticky fuel occurs in all types of engines, anywhere in the country and with boaters using a range of different fuel suppliers; local fuel supply is not the problem. They advise that you do not store fuel for more than six months and not to store/use fuel treatments for more than a year. They also suggest that you leave your tank empty over winter, and if there are issues with the engine running and no clear cause, treat with Winns injector

treatment to clear suspected signs of sticky fuel.

Sticky fuel vs contaminated fuel

Sticky fuel looks clear and has no signs of contamination, and the filters are clean, but injectors and injection pumps collect a sticky residue that stops them from operating correctly, producing similar symptoms to contaminated fuel. It can also affect other elements, such as return lines, filter plungers and lift pumps.

Contaminated fuel is typically diesel bug, but also water, rust and debris in the fuel. The fuel will look cloudy and have clear signs of contamination, causing filters, pipes and pumps to block and engines to run rough or cut out, causing vibration and smoke.

Recently many have advocated the use of HVO fuel due to the reported lack of diesel bug problems when using the fuel.

RCR said that “there was one case reported to RCR where the boater said HVO appeared to do the same thing as fresh diesel – i.e. clean the system and get rid of contamination. But as this is only one instance, RCR would like to see more cases before confidently advising this as a solution.”

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

45

46 BUILDERS

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Tel: T e l: 0 0151 151 2 298 98 9 9602.

602. sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk 72 7 2 St St JJohns ohns R Rd, d, L Liverpool iverpool L L20 20 8 8BH BH

ONLY £1K DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR BUILD SLOT

THINKING OF BUYING A BOAT? VISIT OUR FACTORY AND SEE OUR FULL RANGE OF BOATS!

AVAILABLE NOW EURO CRUISER MK2

ABODE MK2

SHEARWATER MK2

HOXTON MK2

From Hull only to fully fitted narrow & wide beam boats built to your own design 57ft cruisers fully fitted from £125,500 Aintree Beetle range starting from £45,000 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM www.aintreeboats.co.uk 0151 523 9000 | info@aintreeboats.co.uk Units 14-16, Brookfield Trading Estate, Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AS

BUILDERS 47

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

BOOK A BUILD SLOT FOR 2025 AND GET 3 MONTHS FREE MOORINGS

FOR SALE - TOP SPEC 60FT EXTENDED CABIN INCLUDES 12 MONTHS FREE MOORINGS *T&CS APPLY*

• Narrowboats • Widebeams • Dutch Barges • Bespoke • Offering Shells & Sailaways

Lee and Garry welcome all their customers, whether first time owners or old friends, a quality shell built to your specifications at affordable prices

Now you can find us on facebook, search

‘X R&D Boatbuilders’

Come and see us at Unit 67, Road A, Boughton Industrial Estate, Boughton, near Newark, Notts. NG22 9LD D Call 01623 863576 or Garry 07830 720879, Lee 07723 021798 Our website is packed full of images of past and current builds, visit: www.xrandd.co.uk

50 years combined experience

48 BUILDERS / BROKERAGE

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Formation Plastics Dedicated team FP Technologies

Focuses on building bespoke HDPE canal boats Pioneering the future of canal boating, one boat at a time

BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST

H NOW IN THE WATER H The size is 40`x 10` and built using 20mm for the base of the boat 15mm for the sides and 12mm for the upper sections.

The process they use is called extrusion welding

which is typically done on thermoplastics due to their response to heating. Unlike other types of plastics which burn when heat is applied, thermoplastics liquefy and harden again upon cooling.

Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements.

Boats are built to order to any stage of completion – from a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished.

Extrusion welding is typically used to join components such as tanks and pipes. In trenchless construction, sections of thermoplastic (most often polyethylene) can be extrusion welded together to form a monolithic pipe structure to be inserted into the host pipe for rehabilitation.

In other applications, extrusion welding is ideal for applications that require lengthy welds to be made

in a single run. Although most commonly done on HDPE sheets, extrusion welding can be performed on other thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

This canal boat is ready to be a sail away, at present the interiors are not all complete, for future projects formation plastic have the help and expertise of a multi award-winning yacht and naval architect

We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters.

Our latest trip boats include Crusader Comunity (Widebeam with Hybrid propulsion - full MCA certification), Electra (Narrowbeam with electric propulsion - 12 passengers) and Kingfisher Mark (Widebeam with electric propulsion 12 passengers).

Our welders are coded to meet MCA requirements.

Now confirmed - we will be exhibiting at Crick Boat Show 2025.

To avoid disappointment, please call now to book an appointment For a select few special introductory offer to get your slot booked for 2025 Speak to us today to reserve your slot at this special introductory offer price.

The new era of canal boat design For more information, please tel: 01274 299055 www.formationplastics.co.uk

Purchase with confidence, sell with ease Buying

First Class

Knowledgeable & experienced in helping

Selling

A first class team delivering unrivalled

you purchase your dream Narrowboat

Giving you peace of mind when

guidance & customer service

sales@swanleybrokerage.com 01270 524 855

selling your Narrowboat

BROKERAGE 49

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

F I N D

T H E

O N E

There’s plenty of choice at Aquavista Boat Sales. With over 130 narrowboats, wide beams, dutch barges and cruisers for sale nationwide, you’ll find the one! £ 62 ,0 0 0

A M B E R

£ 59,9 5 0

B O AT S

5 8 ’

Name: Flying Mongoose Moored at: Sawley

£ 59,9 5 0

CO L E C R A F T Name: The Admiral Moored at: Sawley

CO L E C R A F T

£ 59,9 5 0

B U R S CO U G H B O AT S 6 0 ’

6 2 ’

Name: Hazelwood Moored at: Cropredy

Name: Hyacynth Moored at: Sawley

£ 59,9 5 0

6 0 ’

O R I O N N A R R O W B O AT S

£58,500

6 3 ’

Name: Amy Jackamaz Moored at: Cropredy

Start your journey to a new boat with us. We can also help you find the perfect residential or leisure mooring too. Call 01159 077 406 or email us at boatsales@aquavista.com.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit aquavista.com/boat-sales to see more boats.

PRICE

FALLOWS

Name: Lady Mickfee Moored at: Sawley

58’

50 BROKERAGE

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking - Base plate blacking now available.

BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage • Diesel Tank Scrubbing and Bug Removal.

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Hull Blacking • Base Plate Blacking • 2 Pack Epoxy Coating • Microbiological Hull Treatments • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys DRY DOCK BOOKINGS AVAILABLE – BOOK YOUR BASE PLATE IN FOR BLACKING TODAY!

BOAT OF THE MONTH

SOLD

SHUGLEY

£49,950

57ft, 1991, North West Narrowboats. A reluctant sale of a very well cared for craft, one owner from new.

Mitsubishi engine, solar panels, central heating, recent hull survey. 10/6/4 steel spec.

SIGRID

TA-RA-A-BIT

£38,500

50ft, 1997, Charlie Fox. Cruiser stern. Just arrived, be the first to see.

SARAH JANE

£64,950

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

£48,500

48ft, 2007, Viking Afloat. Just Arrived, very well maintained craft with a versatile 2 + 2 berth layout. Ideal family boat or for a couple.

TRANQUILLITY

£29,950

RAIN DOG

£37,950

RUFUS 3

£49,500

45ft, circa 1997, Ron Lloyd, traditional.

42ft Trad 4 berth, 1981 by Colecraft. Excellent condition, Hull shotblast and 2 pack epoxy, BSS expires: 11/2025. 1 owner from new very reluctant sale!

CAVALIER

£24,950

Just Arrived. 45ft, 1988, Eggbridge, traditional, BMC 1500, 2 berth, project boat. Full internal pictures and spec coming soon, now available for viewing.

60ft, 1992, Jonathan Wilson, Trad narrowboat with Beta Tug engine.

Good Hull survey from Feb 2024.

VISIT US AT Alvecote Marina, Robeys Lane, Alvecote, Tamworth B78 1AS Tel 01827 898585 narrowcraft@alvecotemarina.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 08.30 - 17.30. Sundays & Mondays by appointment

For latest info and offers, follow us on twitter @AlvecoteMarina ON THE COVENTRY CANAL - ONLY 5 MINS FROM J10 M42 BY ROAD

www.AlvecoteMarina.co.uk

BROKERAGE 51

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

New stock arriving shortly

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Norbury Wharf Limited

SOLD

REF 10570 – Abel’s Ark. 45 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £34,950.00

REDUCED

RE 10572 – Lilybel.

65 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £67,950.00

SOLD

REF 10573 - Daisy.

30 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £24,999.00

REF 10574 - Calluna.

34 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £29,500.00

REF 10575 - Home Free.

60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £69,950.00

REF 10577 - Tilly Ho Jo. 62 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £64,950.00

REF 10579 - Horace.

8 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. £53,950.00

REF 10580 - Perfick.

56 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £26,950.00.

SOLD REF 10582 - Derwent.

70 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £39,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED REF 10584 – Ocker.

70 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £49,950.00.

SOLD 10583 - Wright Away.

50 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £41,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED REF 10585 – Wotan.

50 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £29,950.00.

52 BROKERAGE

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

REDUCED PRICE - NOW £299,950

TYLER WILSON FINESSE BARGE 70' x 13' 'Northern Spirit' | thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

DUTCH BARGES & WIDEBEAMS

BURSCOUGH 70' X 12.5'

COLLINGWOOD 70' WIDEBEAM

VIKING CANAL BOATS 65' X 12' 05''

VIKING CANAL BOATS 70' X 12' 05''

'Horatio Conkerhead' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Dreamcatcher’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

Unnamed thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Persephone’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£154,950

£169,950

£179,950

£189,950

BURSCOUGH 70' X 12'

COLECRAFT 60' X 10'

PENDLE NARROWBOATS 60'

SEA OTTER SE41

'Elegant Fowl' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Irma’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Black Rose' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Freya' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£144,950

£129,950

£119,000

£64,950

AQUALINE BOATS 60' SEMI TRAD

SEA OTTER 51'

COLECRAFT 60' SEMI-CRUISER‘

BRIDGEWATER BOATS 67'

'Weyward Lady’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Forget Me Not' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'Spark' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Vigornia' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£69,950

£61,950

£99,950

£59,950

NARROWBOATS

B E R T H AT A N Y T I N G D E N E M A R I N A G U A R A N T E E D * W I T H A L L C R A F T S O L D !

LARGE CHOICE OF USED & NEW

WIDEBEAMS, NARROWBOATS & DUTCH BARGES Contact one of our specialist widebeam & narrowboat sales offices today!

CONTACT US 7 DAYS A WEEK:

Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames & Kennet Marina | 01189 477770

01933 551622 | BOATSALES@TINGDENE.NET | WWW.TINGDENEBOATING.COM

*subject to availability

BROKERAGE 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

GUARANTEE DELIVERY

TPT delivered to your door for only £1.67 an issue Issue 171, January 2020

TALK

all waterways users

TOWPATH

read for FREE The UK’s Number ONE

96 PAGES

FREE INSIDE

2020 YEAR PLANNER YOUNG VOLUNTEER EARNS AWARD

Winter waters

P3

NEW APPEAL FOR PRESIDENT

P4

NARROWBOAT’S UNUSUAL CARGO

p24

Narrowboats moored on the Leeds

West & Liverpool Canal at Parbold, W

By Janet Richardson

BOAT TREKKER AT FINAL FRONTIER

P25

FOR BREAKING NEWS & BOATS FOR SALE visit our website

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ATS FOR SALE A BOATS Starts on

P63

COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath op Team award which has been Top kT Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

are revealed

r The r. will take place in the new year. off a winning team receives the hire day boat carrying up to 10 people, generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. The runner-up will receive a £100 voucher to spend at Midland four all Chandlers at Braunston and finalists will receive a £100 donation towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

alk.

Tal tth T publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have the Chesterton told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats on for about five Field, Fen Ditton, and this went were injuries no minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

at around 8pm to Lendal Bridge on the River Ouse said officers on December 4. North Yorkshire Police f two men for attended “after concerns were raised with their touch in their 60s who had been out of bodies. Fire .” Upon arrival officers found the family.”

The deaths and ambulance services both attended. although did were being treated as ‘unexplained’ a post-mortem and suspicious be to appear not The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

To save you having to track down a copy every month, take advantage of our special offer

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Delivery from just £20 This great deal means you will pay just £1.67 for your copy to be delivered to your home.

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Call 01507 529529

QUOTE OFFER CODE: TPT05

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RED HILL MARINA

RATCLIFFE-ON SOAR NOTTINGHAM NG11 OEB

COLLINGWOOD BOATS FOR SALE AT REDHILL MARINA OPEN DAY 21st/22nd & 28th/29th December

PLEASE CALL GEORGE ON 07429 253325 FOR MORE INFORMATION

*

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“SHATTERED” - £45,000 50FT CRUISER | GREAT HAYWOOD MARINA

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“XEMXIJA” - £39,000 65FT SEMI TRAD | BARTON MARINA

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2

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“MEERU” - £110,000 60X12FT6” WIDEBEAM | SHAKESPEARE M.

“ELSA BORN FREE” - £149,995 60FT DUTCH BARGE | ROYDON MARINA

S

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M O O RIN

O N MEER

“DERBY RAM” - £89,000 70FT TRADITIONAL | ROYDON MARINA

S

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“CRAZY DIAMOND” - £129,995 60FT WIDEBEAM | ROYDON MARINA VILLAGE

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“LITTLE BEASTIE” - £175,000 70FT WIDEBEAM | ROYDON MARINA VILLAGE

MO N T H

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UNREGISTERED - “LILY PAD” - £99,500 60FT CRUISER STERN | SAUL JUNCTION

2

D

BUY, SELL OR MOOR WITH US

“POUSTINIA” - £24,995 31FT CRUISER STERN | SAUL JUNCTION

SA

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“HEWIS” - £59,995 50FT TRADITIONAL | TATTENHALL MARINA

MO N

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NEW - “HIGHGROVE” - £229,950 58FT CRUISER STERN | ROYDON MARINA 4 TO

E

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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Christmas

!*

£ 5 K DEP

DEALS OF

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January 2025

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54 BROKERAGE

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M350 - £199,500 FLOATING LODGE | BARTON MARINA

*PLEASE CONTACT OUR BROKERS FOR FULL DETAILS ON OUR CHRISTMAS DEALS.

07513 708099

07354 902086

07534 655702

07748 036638

07585 956804

SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | NORTHWICH: 07585 956804 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

BROKERAGE 55

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT

NEW AND READY TO TAKE AWAY

PECKHAM POPPY - a beautifully crafted 68ft Trad by Keith Wood, perfect for liveaboard

and leisure cruising. Powered by a Barrus Shire 45hp engine, featuring a warm interior with central heating, hot water, and solar power. The galley boasts a cooker, 5-burner hob, fridge, and microwave, while the bathroom includes a pump-out toilet and shower over bath. Accommodating up to four, it offers a fixed double bed and a saloon sofa bed. Well-maintained, Peckham Poppy is your ideal home away from home, with a BSC valid until July 2028

£57,950 KETTLE- a beautifully crafted 60-foot Trad by Dave Clarke. Powered by a reliable BMC 1.8

42’ cruiser, traditional layout, electric propulsion £140,000

60’ reverse layout narrowboat available Spring 2025 £155,000

70’ trad with traditional layout, diesel propulsion, full refurbishment £104,950

LOOKING FOR A NEW CUSTOM-BUILT NARROWBOAT? WE WOULD LOVE TO DISCUSS WITH YOU BUILDING YOUR DREAM BOAT! COMPLETION FOR SUMMER 2025

BUYING A USED BOAT

JADE OTTER - an exquisite 30-foot Cruiser by Sea Otter, crafted from marine-grade aluminium alloy. Experience comfort with an immersion hot water system and central heating. Equipped with a Kubota engine, Vetus bow thruster, and comprehensive electrical support, this boat ensures smooth sailing. With cozy sleeping for two, a convertible seating area, and a fully equipped galley, Jade Otter is perfect for relaxation and adventure. Comes with a Boat Safety Scheme certificate valid until 2028.

Own a sought-after model from the award-winning Sea Otter range—Jade Otter is not just a boat; it’s a lifestyle! £39,950 SHUNDRAW - a stunning 45ft Cruiser from Midland Canal Centre. Powered by a dependable Beta Marine engine, it offers effortless cruising. Enjoy on-demand hot water, cozy warmth from the Kubola stove and Webasto heating, and a well-equipped galley with Smev oven and 4-burner hob.

Sleep comfortably with an adaptable seating area and two single bunks. The bathroom features a hip bath and Thetford cassette toilet. With a valid Boat Safety Scheme certificate until April 2028, Shundraw is ready for your next adventure

£37,950

Pre purchase & hull surveys. Insurance and Valuation Surveys

07963 974793

engine and featuring a Rinnai gas boiler for hot water, it includes a cozy solid fuel stove. Enjoy a comprehensive electrical setup with solar panels for eco-friendly energy. The galley is equipped with a Shoreline fridge and Beko cooker, while the sleeping area offers a flexible queen-size bed.

The bathroom features a hip bath with shower. Recently blacked with 6 anodes, Kettle is ready for adventure with a valid BSC until 2025. Experience a homely retreat on the water! £49,950

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS

www.ovationboats.co.uk Unit 5 Redhill Marina, Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire. NG11 0EB

NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

Staniland Marina, Lock Hill, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5EP

Tel: 01405 816992 www.stanilandmarina.co.uk On the Stainforth & Keady Canal, convenient for all waterways in the north

Soar Valley - Galaxy Class 60 – 2018 60 x 12 Soar Valley Steel Boats Galaxy Class Widebeam. Vetus 65hp.

Constructed in standard 10-6-4 steel, this liveaboard cruiser is ideal for a couple downsizing. £139,995

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale

Tim Tyler 50’ Narrowboat. Louis & Joshua Lined and owner fit out in good order. 2 berths, ideal for couple to cruise the waterways. Blacked September 2024, ready to go! Located Boroughbridge Marina. Viewing essential! £47,995

Dunstons of Thorne - 61 Sheffield Keel – 1952 Sheffield Keel by Dunstons of Thorne. Powered by a 4cyl 4L BMC with a PRM Gearbox. Over-plated in Feb 2024, she is presented and an ideal liveaboard project £29,999

P & D Boats - Sea Hunter Viper – IN STOCK Brand New 2023 P & D Boats Sea Hunter Viper rigged with a Tohatsu 30hp outboard and snugly sat on a galvanised road trailer. £14,995 REDUCED TO SELL

SouthWest Durham Steelcraft 30’Widebeam.

Unique vessel with small wheelhouse and Lister Diesel inboard. Small project boat with great space aboard. Well worth viewing, located Staniland Marina. £19,995

Four Winns 205 Sundowner. 1997. Single Volvo Penta 5.7 V8. Excellent condition cuddy cabin cruiser, perfect for weekends away, currently lying Boroughbridge Marina. £13,995

Salter Bros - 30 Sedan – Well presented Salter Brothers 30’ ex-broads cruiser with 32hp BMC Diesel engine on hydraulic drive. Believed commissioned in 1980, this 30’ sedan is spacious and ideal for a family for holidays £19,995

Colvic - 26 Northerner – Very Well presented Colvic Northerner 26’ River Cruiser. Refurbished in 2020 to a high standard, this well respected cruiser has had very little use in its 50 year history! Powered by BMC 1.5 Diesel on shaft. £12,995

56 BROKERAGE

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

T: 01926 813757 E: boats@calcuttboats.com www.calcuttboats.com Tomlow Road, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire.

CV47 8HX CELTIC QUEST

£52,000

WHOLE OF THE MOON

D L SO

2000 57ft – Alexander Hull with a Riverview Boats fitout Powered by a Barrus Yanmar – shire 2003 BSS Until Sept 2028.

EDEN

£28,000

£45,000

34ft 2005 - Eastern Caravans & narrowboats hull and fit out powered by a barrus shire engine

THE HIVE

£21,000

SOLD 2000 65ft – Dale Narrowboats with owner fitout Powered by a Nanni diesel with a PRM150.

2017 31ft – Powered by an Beta Marine with a TMC Gearbox Boats Safety until April 2025.

Marine Engines Specialists in servicing, rebuilding and spare parts for BMC. Our respected quality re-manufactured BMC 1.5 and and 1.8s marinised for keel cooling from £2820 If it’s BMC we have what you need Call us now!

A range of high quality re-built gearboxes are also available.

Reliable central heating and hot water for boats of any size

www.dieselheating.com

ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.calcuttboatsshop.com Open 24/7 for all your BMC and Hurricane spare parts and all your other chandlery needs online.

MARINA MOORINGS Moorings available in our award winning marinas, more information available on our website.

BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Tel: (01788) 891373 Fax: (01788) 891436

Braunston Marina Ltd The Wharf Braunston Nr. Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 7JH

On the Internet: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk

REDUCED

FOR SALE JOSS

£54,950

56ft/17.06m Trad Style 2004, Hull by Price Fallows, F/O by Bollington Wharf, 2 Berth.

ZION

FOR SALE

FOR SALE LADY VIOLET

£59 950

60ft /18.3m Trad Style 1991, Hull by Colecraft, F/O by Owner, Russel Newbery DM2 Engine, 2 + 4 Berth

CUT DIAMOND

£33,000

45ft /13.72m Trad 1987, Hull by Colecraft, Fit Out by Colecraft, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE

FOR SALE CHILLI PEPPER

£35,950

40ft /12.2m Cruiser Style 1977, Hull by Hancock and Lane, 2/4 Berth

£54 950

MANATEE

£35 950

57ft /17.38m Cruiser 2010, Hull by Orchard Boat Builders, Fit Out by Orchard Boat Builders, 2/4 Berth

42ft /12.8m Cruiser Stern 1999, Hull by MCC Stenson, Fit Out by MCC Stenson 2/4 Berth

REDUCED

FOR SALE

HONEY B

£55,950

56ft /17.07m Cruiser Stern 2004, Hull by Reeves, Fit Out by Aynho Port Dock Services, 2/4 Berth

PHANTOM

£53,500

60ft/18.29m Semi Trad 2000, Hull by G T Boatbuilders, Fit Out by Blue Haven Marine, 2/6 Berth.

THEREARE MANY GOOD REASONSWHYYOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELLYOUR BOAT.....

Here are just two:  

We have a proven record for high and quick turnover of boat sales founded on our famous and prominent location An excellent and efficient purchasing procedure for our buyers backed up by our comprehensive boatyard facilities and services, and attentive, caring staff.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE THIS SEASON

A SMALL NUMBER OF WIDE BERTH MOORINGS ARE AVAILABLE! • Moorings • Narrowboat Sales • Steelwork by Arrangement • Chandlery • Pump Out • Laundrette • Diesel • Calor Gas • Dry & Wet Docks • Blacking • DIY Facilities • Engine Repairs & Servicing • Painting & Signwriting • Rope Fenders • Refits & Alterations

58 BROKERAGE

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

David Mawby Ltd

N O T T I N G H A M L A N E , O L D D A L B Y , L E I C E S T ER S H I R E , L E 1 4 3 L X T: 07721 382619 E: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com W: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisers are available to view by appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experience and 2,500 boats sold.

VIKING 28

£27,995 VIKING 23

Length 28ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1993, 6 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, toilet, hot and cold water system, warm air heating, 12 and 240 volts electrics, powered by a Honda 45Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2029, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

£18995

Length 23ftm Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1990, 4 Berths, cooker, toilet, fridge, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, recent NEW CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS, SIDE LININGS, FLOOR CARPET, excellent canopy, powered by a Suzuki 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine (new 2021), Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

New Viking Cruisers

Show Boats Now Available to view at our indoor showroom.

Prices From £32,995.

Including Outboard Engine PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST OFFERS

SUPERB VIKING 275

£57,995 VIKING 24

Superb Viking 275, Built 2023, HiLine Spec with folding windscreen, Length 27ft6ins, Beam 9ft2 ins, Rear access door, 6 Berths, bow thruster, hot and cold water system, cooker, fridge, shower, cassette toilet, heating, 240 volt mains, etc, powered by a Mariner 40Hp (only 7 hours from new) Bsc 2027, MANY EXTRAS, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles.

£47,995

Length 24ft, Beam 8ft, Built 2022, 4 Berths, HiLine Spec including cooker (2 ring hob, grill an oven), fridge, shower, cassette toilet, warm air heating, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts eletrics, Lift out cockpit sides for easy acces, Bsc 2026, powered by a Tohatsu 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available, great saving on new

NEW VIKING 23 NARROW BEAM NOW IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 4 Berths, Hiline Spec boat with Folding windscreen for low bridges, cooker with 2 ring hob, grill and oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, electric flush cassette toilet, 12 and 240 volts electrics with battery charger, powered by a 20Hp 4 stroke outboard engine

SPECIAL SUMMER PRICE OF £47,995, BOOK YOUR VIEWING NOW.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

MARGARET

£89,000

Length 70ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2012 by Soar Valley Boats with a Centre Cockpit, powered by a Canaline 52Hp, Wheel house, bow thruster, solid fuel stove and diesel heating, etc, well appointed spacious boat

JUDY B

£62,000

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2009 by Tyler Wilson with a Semi Trad Stern, powered by a Vetus 42Hp Diesel engine, 2 Bedrooms, standard layout, solid fuel stove and diesel heating, 12 and 240 volts electics, current Bsc, etc

MILES AWAY

£51,500

Length 53ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2010 by Dursley & Hurst, Cruiser stern, powered by a Vetus M4 Diesel engine, standard layout, solid fuel stove, diesel heating, rear pram cover, cross double bed + dinette, Well appointed boat, BSC Novermber 2027, etc.

MERLIN THE MAGNIFICENT

£53,000

Length 54ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2004 by South West Durham Steel Craft with a Semi Trad stern, powered by a Beta Marine 38Hp diesel engine, reverse layout, Reflex diesel heating, fixed double and L shaped dinette double, rear pram cover, inverter, charger, etc, current Bsc

Narrowboats URGENTLY required for brokerage or outright purchase.

(Free valuation, free storage, fast payout on completion, competitive rates, terms apply) Please contact David on 07721 382619

Website: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Email: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

BROKERAGE 59

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

60 x 12ft Widebeam Boat on site and in build now.

Please call for price & level of fit out.

Several boats on site at any one time. Viewings welcome!

Call Darren on 07480 248021 Email: info@newconceptboats.co.uk www.newconceptboats.co.uk Acton bridge Boat yard, Cheshire, CW8 3QB

ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

www.ashboats.co.uk

steve@ashboats.co.uk

NEW CONCEPT BOATS – NEW RANGE FOR 2025

NEW CONCEPT 57 P.C. A STANDARD SPEC BUILT BOAT FOR TODAY’S MARKET. ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE OF £110,000

Never shy at coming forward with a radical new concept, New Concept Boats are launching their latest standard 57ft cruiser style narrowbeam, with all that is needed for a comfortable life afloat, built to their accepted very high quality, at a price for the modern era.

library images

library images

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Included in the standard boat: ‘Happy Stern’ with wrap around seating and table; Reverse layout, aft galley, central living, shower room, bedroom; Barrus Shire 38 engine; Webasto heating plus stove in lounge; Victron 3.0kw inverter/charger; engineered oak flooring; fridge/freezer and Butler sink and butchers block worktop; exterior paintwork in 1 colour plus coachline. Range of extras at sensible prices. Boat no.1 available early 2025.

NEW CONCEPT BOATS – EX-DEMONSTRATOR 60X10FT

UBER COOL AND VERY STYLISH FULLY FITTED LIVEABOARD BOAT, OFFERED WITH VERY LITTLE USE AS AN EX-DEMONSTRATOR. ALL WARRANTIES AND CERTIFICATION INCLUDED. OFFERS INVITED CLOSE TO £145,000

The interior is themed in black and white, with contemporary lighting, black granite worktops and high level of equipment. Barrus Shire 50hp engine; Webasto heating with Squirrel stove; under floor heating; Victron 3.0kw inverter/charger; Galley with washing machine, integrated fridge/freezer, Dishwasher, Butler sink; double blinds throughout; under gunwhale lighting; contemporary black radiators. Layout with aft living area, central galley and shower room and forward bedroom. Extensive cupboards, drawers and storage.

60

January 2025 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

BALLAST

BOATS WANTED

CANOPIES

BOAT BUILDER

FOR SALE

GRAPHICS

CANALIA

BOAT PAINTERS

CLEANING PRODUCTS

HEATING

CANOPIES BOAT SAFETY COURSES

INSURANCE BOATS WANTED

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

61

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

INSURANCE

MAPS

MOORINGS

RESTORATION

LED LIGHTING

MAIL FORWARDING

SERVICES

LIGHTING

SERVICES

62

January 2025 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

SERVICES

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

TRANSPORT BY WATER

WINDOWS

SPARE PARTS

SITUATIONS VACANT

SURVEYORS

TRANSPORT BY WATER

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For Sale

NARROWBOAT fully electric 43’ Traditional Stern 2019 build, 5 years old, fully off grid! Made

by Three BZ Boat Builders, spray foam insulation, Esse Ironheart stove, 990l stainless water tank, 8kW electric engine w/panels and batts Dec 21.

Victron Multiplus II GX for mains and shore charging. Blacked 22. BSS 23 £66,800 Tel. 07717 474456.

NARROWBOAT 59ft Traditional liveaboard, excellent opportunity to purchase a homely, well maintained narrowboat home for the bargain price of £46,500, seeing is believing Tel. 07905 911322.

Brauston. Email. jo.davies9@ gmail.com NORMAN 18, Conquest, newish Tohatsu engine, diesel heater, solar panels, original gelcoat, in good condition, new cockpit cover, rear cabin model, £4500 ono Tel. 07887 622170.

KERRY LEIGH Kerry Leigh, 52ft narrowboat, cruiser stern, 6 berth, all season cruising/ liveaboard, fixed double bed, shower, pump out toilet, full size cooker, fridge, 240V inverter and shore power, solid fuel stove; diesel CH, built 1984, Creighton Boats, Lister Petter diesel engine, much loved and cared for, used mainly as liveaboard since 2001, Oundle Marina £49,000 Tel. 07970 803092.

Email. jifirm@hotmail.com

LAMPREY 1991, 48’6” beam 6’10” draft 2’ max, traditional style narrowboat by R W Davis & Sons, boatman’s cabin with stove, engine room with JD3 tug engine, bathroom, a two bench dinner, galley with storages on both sides, wood stove, £55,000 Tel. 07769 707594. Email. graham@ countycommunications.co.uk

NARROWBOAT 50ft semitrad D&D Engineering, Leeds, project boat, live aboard refurbish, open plan and ready for re-wire, re-plumbing, Hull very solid, engine good and recently overhauled, boat safety until 2026, inverter, batteries, solar, inverter, butler sink, jacuzzi bath, bed, storage, burner, dry, Botany Bay Boatyard, Leeds & Liverpool Canal Email. redbobcat99@ outlook.com

NARROWBOAT Amanda II, 42ft steel narrowboat, tug style with Gardner 4LK engine, P.R.M 160 gearbox, twin prop ‘sleipner’ 7HP Bow Thruster, traditional boatsman cabin, toilet, shower, handbasin, recent survey, £28,500 Tel. 07860 166810.

NARROWBOAT Dreamcatcher 58ft by Colecraft (1999), launched in 1999, it features a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen, sleeps 5, heating by fire, Solar panels, a reliable engine, and transferable mooring make it ideal for cruising or living aboard, £52,995 Tel. 07801 208533.

River Thames at Radcot, near Faringdon Email. dredger. brasses0y@icloud.com

VULCAN 60ft semi-trad 6 berth, 3 x doubles, 1 fixed, 2 convertable, middle galley, Nanni diesel, private syndicate owned, 4 weeks per share, 1 share available at £1997, monthly contributions £90, contact for further details, Dunchurch Pools Marina Tel. 07971 297751. Email. perrythemason@live.co.uk

WATERLINE 18ft, length 20 ft overall, Tohatsu 9.8 HP 2022, recently professionally serviced, diesel heater, solar panels and two batteries, original white gel coat, in good condition, lying Chirk marina, £4500 or offer Tel. 07887 622170.

Miscellaneous

NARROWBOAT windows full set: 5 x 36×21 and 4 x 15” portholes very good condition, one window has Perspex instead of glass as the glass broke on removal of window, selling as a full set £400, these are single glazed Tel. 07909 224541. Peterborough. Email. estelle.lomax@hotmail.co.uk

MORSO multifuel stove with back boiler stove, can be used with or without boiler almost new, £700 Tel. 07484 648873.

Parts For Sale

VOLVO Penta MD5A marine engine, in need of some tlc and fettling, turns over but missing fuel injector so cannot test if it is running, comes on a temporary stand and with a workshop manual, collection from Cambridgeshire, low price due to all of this, open to sensible offers, £150 Tel. 07936 538605. Email. arnie_stewart@ outlook.com

PAIR of aluminium framed forward side cabin windows with toughened glass for an old Norman 23 GRP canal cruiser, standard size 23 1/4” by 11”, £30 the pair Tel. 07974 966253.

Wanted NARROWBOAT wanted 45 to 55 foot in length semi trad preferred but I am open minded will consider a boat in need of work/ finishing must have a good hull and engine, please contact with details Tel. 07944 276227.

THETFORD 4 burner hob in perfect working order, complete with electronic lighter, installation manual, almost new £100 Tel. 07484 648873.

SUBMERSIBLE bilge pump, brand new still in box, Rule 1500GPH, bought by mistake, £107.99, asking £90.

Tewkesbury. Email. pam. mason@btinternet.com WATERWAY Worlds, about 50, 2014/2021, vgc, £20. Jowetts Railway Atlas GB and Northern Ireland, first edition, 1989, handwritten throughout, £20 Tel. 07946 664749.

ON IRISH WATERS WITH ALISON ALDERTON 63

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

Destination Lough Gill

As the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland turns its attentions towards the county of Sligo, Alison Alderton takes a closer look at Lough Gill, the county’s largest lake, and discovers a wealth of beauty waiting to be discovered by the masses.

LOUGH Gill lies to the south-east of Sligo town to which it is connected by the Garavogue River to the sea.

Situated 7m above sea level, this limestone lake is 8km long and 2km wide, features underwater cliffs and is listed as a protected site under the EU Habitats Directive.

Several protected species of lamprey, as well as the rare whitefish, pollen, inhabit the lake which also has an early run of spring salmon.

The lakeshores are surrounded by ancient woodland dominated by oak, rowan and willow but also home to other tree species such as yew, strawberry tree, rock whitebeam and the rare bird cherry.

The lake supports a population of wintering waterfowl primarily comprised of tufted mallard and goldeneye duck. A small colony of common terns nests on islands in the lake and kingfishers are also present.

Otters are thriving with an established community of pine martens in the surrounding woodlands.

Of the 20 or so islands on the lake, the best known is the Isle of Innisfree made famous by William Butler Yeats’s poem of the same name.

Church Island is home to the ruins of a sixth century abbey founded by St Lommán of Trim, while another of note is Cottage Island which was inhabited until as recently as 1949.

The O’Rourke clan ruled the area from about the seventh century up to the time of Oliver Cromwell. Parke’s Castle, a plantation fortified house on the northern shore, was built in the early 17th century by Captain Robert Parke on the site of a former O’Rourke tower house.

Having lain derelict for over 200 years the castle was completely restored in the 1980s using traditional 17th century carpentry techniques and is now open to the public on a seasonal basis.

In the late 18th century plans were laid for a canal of Grand Canal barge dimensions to connect Sligo to the Shannon. This envisaged improvements

Moored boats at Hazelhatch. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON the canal habitat, and its users.

Hazelhatch clean-up to WI provided three weeks’ notice

Sail boats at anchor. to the Garavogue River, linking the lough through Sligo town to the sea using a sea lock, a lock in Sligo in the vicinity of Mill Weir and another controlling the water level in Lough Gill. A 20km canal from Lough Gill south-east to Lough Allen would have exited the lough near where the River Bonet flows into the eastern end of the lake.

Following the valley of the Bonet it would have headed south-east for 3km to Dromhaire where, as the largest town on route, there would have been a small stone harbour. Then from Drumlease it would have left the Bonet valley climbing towards Drumkeel 2km south-west of Belhavel Lough (60m above sea level) which would have supplied the 9km long summit level which would have been mainly in a cutting some 52m above sea level.

From the vicinity of Liscoghil, the canal would have descended the valley of the Diffagher River to enter the north-west corner of Lough Allen 3km north of Spencer Harbour.

Due to the height gained in reaching the summit level 18 locks would have been required with a further four on the descent to Lough Allen. Several small aqueducts would also have been required to negotiate lateral streams crossing the path of the canal route, but owing to the lack of roads in the

Rose of Innisfre ee.

Parkes Castle. ALL PHOTOS: DANIEL WATERS

area few bridges would have been required. In the end, probably due to the large number of locks required (most likely 22 between Lough’s Gill and Allen with a further three between the sea and Lough Gill) the project never materialised.

However, this did not stop boating activity on the lake and in 1843 the paddle steamer Lady of the Lake started a service between Sligo and Dromhaire, where passengers could transfer to carriages to join up with the boat service at Carrick-on-Shannon.

Paddle steamers continued to provide excursions on the lake throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries until replaced by motorboats in the 1920s.

From the 1990s a boat tour was reestablished around Lough Gill. The Rose of Innisfree can carry 72 passengers in its fully enclosed heated lounge and has two starting destinations: Either its Lough Gill base at Parke’s Castle from Easter to October or during the summer months from the quay on the Garavogue River near Doorly Park (a seven-minute walk from Sligo town centre).

In 2024, Fáilte Ireland launched a new five-year plan to help drive and sustain tourism in County Sligo that aims to create a sustainable tourism destination by progressing a range of key initiatives.

As part of this, Queen Maeve Square has recently been refurbished to create an attractive public space and central hub for Sligo which will serve as an outdoor venue for concerts and events and encourage visitors to learn more, stay longer and explore the wider region.

Although Lough Gill may never be connected to the navigable inland waterways it remains a valued asset, adding substantially to the tourist destinations of the wider Sligo area.

BOATERS moored at Hazelhatch on the Grand Canal were informed, in a marine notice issued by Waterways Ireland, of a clean-up operation just weeks before Christmas.

Marine Notice 127 of 2024 stated that Waterways Ireland (WI) would shortly be conducting a clean-up of the northern bank of the Grand Canal at Hazelhatch, Co Kildare, clearing the bank for maintenance and access.

The notice went on to read that: The accumulation of materials along the canal bank hampers bank maintenance and compromises staff safety.

Objects to be removed include non-native/invasive plants and herbs, tarps, wood, stoves, makeshift structures, decorative items, paving slabs, benches, canoes, rafts, bicycles, signage and lighting nailed to trees etc.

Some of the items pose a fire risk, with an associated risk of loss of habitat and trees. All flammable materials and items including stoves and fire pits will be removed from the bank to eliminate this potential risk

of the plans and advised that any items owners wish to retain should have been removed to storage either on their vessel or elsewhere before December 16. It was also stated that WI would facilitate boat owners by retaining items removed from the canal bank for 30 days for collection, before disposing of them but that removed items may not be returned to the bank.

This clean-up being conducted

by Waterways Ireland is in accordance with the provisions of S.I. No. 247/1988 - Canals Act, 1986 (Bye-Laws), 1988. Waterways Ireland finished by thanking customers for their cooperation in this matter.

As this area is home to a number of full-time liveaboard boaters, and being undertaken over the festive season, this has proved a major disruption for some and comes at a time when those choosing this type of lifestyle already feel that they are being penalised in the revision of the canal byelaws which are currently awaiting approval.

New lease of life for the Newry Ship Canal A CANOE trail that could be developed on the Newry Ship Canal has been described as a ‘massive step forward’ in water recreation for the district.

The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) is to take on the planning phase of the project with the Newry and Portadown branch of the association designing the canoe trail. This will stretch along the 20 mile length of the waterway and include three launch and recovery locations for the boats. Three potential areas of development are Victoria Lock, WIN Industrial Estate and an area behind St

Colman’s College.

While the local council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee has agreed to the IWAI’s involvement in both the planning and funding of the project as the canal is a scheduled monument, any proposed works must firstly meet with the approval of the Historic Environmental Division.

The development of the waterway as a recreational area for this type of water activity will bring a new lease of life to the canal and perhaps aid further development of the route inland which already benefits from a popular cycle and walking route.

The Newry Canal at Scarva. PHOTO: HENRY CLARK - CC BY-SA 2.0

64 GREAT OUTDOORS

January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Lough Ree and its islands.

PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

An island for waders Over recent years Ireland has seen success in efforts to conserve its population, both residential and migrating, of wading birds, particularly the curlew. Now it has been announced that the state is to purchase an island on the northern reaches of Lough Ree for the strategic management of breeding waders. Alison Alderton reports.

TOWPATH

such as the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP), a €25 million project, co-funded by the NPWS and the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”

Minister Noonan went on to say: “In 2023, I also announced a pledge of an additional €5 million to drive targeted conservation measures and strategic acquisitions for breeding waders.

Today, I am proud to announce my intention to further increase the state’s portfolio of landholdings for nature to include the acquisition of the beautiful island of Clawinch. The opportunity to purchase an island site like this is rare, and it’s particularly valuable for breeding waders. These birds nest on the ground and are particularly vulnerable to predators. Because it’s an island, Clawinch is something of a haven for them. I’d like to thank the current owner for his willingness to see this site conserved for its ecological importance into the future.”

Lough Ree is also an important migratory stopping point and wintering site for many other species, with golden plover, whimbrel, dunlin, turnstone, common sandpiper and both blacktailed and bar-tailed godwit consistently using the site for feeding and roosting.

Clawinch island, meanwhile, has some wonderful wet-grassland habitat, with species such as water germander, Teucrium scordium, in abundance.

Otters are also recorded in the waters around the island on a regular basis.

Many of the larger Islands on Lough Ree became uninhabited in the mid

to late 1900s and, on certain islands, this has seen the level of agricultural activity decrease. Reduced grazing and less intensive land management has led to scrub encroachment becoming an issue for some species. Ownership of Clawinch will allow the NPWS and the Breeding Waders EIP to implement measures to restore habitat where necessary.

Owen Murphy, senior project manager with the Breeding Waders EIP, stated: “This acquisition is hugely exciting for the project and shows the commitment of government to invest in sites of strategic importance for breeding waders. Islands are such important sites for ground-nesting birds, as the protection offered by the surrounding water greatly reduces the risk of nest and chick predation by mammals.

“This need for scrub maintenance, and other habitat restoration measures, shows the dependency that waders such as curlew, lapwing and redshank have on sympathetic agricultural activity.

These birds need farmers, and I want to compliment the amazing work being done by local farmers in managing lands to support vibrant breeding wader populations, as well as maintaining productive farming models. This shows how farmers and conservation projects such as the Breeding Waders EIP can work collaboratively for nature. “‘Collaborative conservation’ is the key to changing the fortunes for many, many Irish species. It is only when all stakeholders and interested parties work together that meaningful actions can be

taken to avert our biodiversity crisis.”

While the purchase of Clawinch Island will go a long way in helping to protect our bird population, it is yet to see what, if any, impact the continued purchase of Lough Ree’s islands is to have on the well-established boating fraternity, many of whom have enjoyed free access to the waters surrounding

the islands and indeed, sometimes the islands themselves for many hundreds of years. As we all move towards a more eco-friendly environment let’s hope that boaters are not forgotten and that they form part of the ‘collaborative conservation’ discussions and plans which are likely to ensue.

A snipe enjoying the habitat. PHOTO: PAUL WHITE/BWI

A play on birds

TALK

LOUGH Ree, the second largest of the River Shannon’s great lakes, is a designated Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation and was recently identified as the most important site in Ireland for breeding waterbirds.

Perhaps then it comes as no great surprise that the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, recently made the announcement that it was his intention to purchase Clawinch Island to protect threatened wading birds.

The 50-acre island, which is located around 500m from the western shore of the lake, has been identified as a key site by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as it is home to breeding curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, redshank, ringed plover and snipe, as well as various duck, gull and tern species. White-tailed eagles have also been recorded roosting here.

The announcement adds to the footprint of lands already being managed for nature by the NPWS on Lough Ree, following last year’s acquisition of the nearby Black Islands, and will help to ensure that their vulnerable breeding wader populations can be secured into the future.

Minister Noonan said: “Under this government, we have invested heavily in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, increasing its funding by 170%. We have created two new national parks and have invested in the strategic acquisition of key sites of ecological importance.

We have also continued to fund and support targeted conservation projects

GUARANTEE DELIVERY From just £20

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT04

Efforts to conserve the curlew population have been a success. PHOTO:

JOHN CAREY/BWI

KEN Norman has been a continuous cruiser on NB Dædalus since December 2021. He has worked variously as banker, training consultant, groundskeeper and comedy promoter. After a few hours cruising each day Ken enjoys creating these frivolous cartoons ‘A Play on Birds’. See more on Instagram: @play_on_birds

SCOTTISH WATERS WITH CICELY OLIVER 65

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

New charity boat on the Union Canal THE Bridge 19–40 Union Canal Society has received an early Christmas present in the shape of a new narrowboat.

The society’s new craft was delivered and craned onto the water at Stewartfield, Broxburn on a cold day towards the end of November.

Describing itself as the ‘smallest and friendliest canal society on the Lowland Canals’, the volunteer-run charity offers popular boat trips for the public. Starting life as the Buchan Society in

1994, the charity changed its name in 1999.

The group is named after the stretch of canal on which it operates – between bridge 19 at Port Buchan, the first bridge in West Lothian and the society’s base, and bridge 40, just west of Philpstoun.

The name also conveys its role as a bridge between the local communities along the canal.

The society has been fundraising for a new boat since its trip boat Bluebell became too expensive to repair for use as a passenger boat. Funders include members, local trusts and committees and the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland. The purchase of the new sailaway, built

by Howard Day of HD

Heatherbell safely craned onto the canal. PHOTO: ALLAN DUNGAVEL

Narrowboats, will allow the society to offer more volunteering opportunities, restart the popular canal trips, re-engage with local community groups and take part in events on the canals.

The new boat will be named Heatherbell, following the society’s tradition of naming its boats after flowers.

Heatherbell will be painted a deep purple with cream trim, the colours echoing the flower of its name.

As a sailaway, there’s still much work to be done before Heatherbell is ready for action. The society is urgently looking for help with the plumbing, wiring and general fitting out.

Follow the society on Facebook or get in touch at www.bridge19-40.co.uk

Sustainable surfing uses canal water LOST Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest wave pool, recently opened in Ratho and it’s using water from the Union Canal.

Don’t worry if you do not fancy immersing yourself in canal water – the water is processed to drinking water standards with water treatment technology.

From time to time, when the cove needs to be emptied for maintenance, the water will be returned to the canal cleaner and oxygenated via a sustainable drainage

system. The cove uses 30,000–50,000m3 of water, about as much as an Olympic swimming pool.

The surf resort has been created in disused Craigpark Quarry, a brownfield site located just south of the canal. Years ago, cobbles for paving were extracted and sent into Edinburgh on canal barges. The area surrounding the resort is being developed as a country park with new wetland, woodland and grassland habitats.

The resort welcomes every

level of surfer, from complete beginners to professionals, as well as non-surfers.

Up to 1000 waves per hour can be generated with the Wavegarden

A Wee Longship proved popular during previous festivals. PHOTO: LARGS VIKING FESTIVAL. could also be loaned to other maritime and historical events around the country.

The Scottish Boat Building School was established in 2014 to provide education and qualifications in traditional and modern boat building and repair. The school provides its trainees with transferable skills and the museum with a source of income, through commercial boatbuilding and repair.

There may be many centuries between the

CROWDS flocked to the Union Canal in Edinburgh to enjoy the annual Ronnie Rusack Flotilla of Lights on Saturday, November 9.

Organised by the Lowlands Canal Association (LCA) and association member Pierre Potel, the procession of boats, led by illuminated model boats, ran between Harrison Park and Lochrin Basin and Leamington Lift Bridge in the city centre. Musicians aboard the boats provided live entertainment and sweets were (gently) thrown from the boats to people displaying lights and lanterns on the towpath.

A total of 19 boats took part in this year’s flotilla, the weekend starting with a celebratory bonfire for boaters, family and friends at the Almond Aqueduct on the Friday evening. Fundraising ahead of the event helped the LCA provide financial support to boaters for fuel and sweets.

The quaich for Best Decorated Boat was awarded to Valerie Lyon and Ross Samson onboard their narrowboat Evelyn. Valerie and

Ross have been on the canal for little more than a year, arriving on the waterway just ahead of last year’s flotilla. Their unique decorations were based around a washing line hung with a selection of 1950s home-knit jumpers.

Valerie’s mother-in-law, Mary, knitted hundreds of jumpers from the same 1953 pattern for a short-sleeved, round neck sweater and they starred in this year’s decorations.

The popular flotilla, held each year in early November, is named after the late Ronnie Rusack MBE, a popular and prolific charity fundraiser and strong supporter of Scotland’s canals.

Ronnie was involved with many canal organisations and campaigns; he was made an MBE for his contribution to the conservation and restoration of the Union Canal.

An aerial view of the resort. PHOTO: LOST SHORE SURF RESORT technology being us ed, adjusted at the touch of a button to suit all levels of experience.

The site offers accommodation,

Viking longboat project wins funding LARGS Viking Festival, in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum, has been awarded funding to build a replica longship – the long, narrow Viking warships powered by oar and sail.

The project will use the museum’s expertise – home to the Scottish Boat Building School – to construct the vessel, enabling apprentices to learn and develop transferable skills.

The sea-going longship is seen as a vital part of the festival’s future, with its close association to the sea and Scotland’s maritime history.

It’s envisaged that the longship will be actively used by local groups and volunteers during the festival and displayed at the museum throughout the rest of the year. It

Ronnie Rusack Flotilla of Lights draws the crowds

Vikings and Scotland’s inland waterways, but there’s a canal on the Isle of Skye believed to have been constructed by the Vikings. Discovered at Rubh an Dunain, a headland south of Glen Brittle, a stone-lined canal runs between a sheltered inlet to a small lochan. The channel is in water at high tide and would have allowed boats to be moved inland to two substantial ‘noosts’ or ‘nausts’, stone-lined trenches where boats were pulled out of

the water. On Orkney, a series of Viking waterways has been identified connecting the North Atlantic and Scapa Flow.

The annual Largs Viking Festival marks the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and the Norse. It celebrates the history and heritage of the Vikings, hosting thousands of visitors for nine days of re-enactment, traditional crafts and festivities.

The festival is organised by volunteers and there are lots of opportunities for volunteering on the Longship Project. Next year’s festival will take place between August 30 and September 7.

Visit largsvikingfestival. co.uk to find out more.

a bar, café and restaurant. If you prefer getting into the water rather than boating on it, visit www.lostshore.com for details.

Narrowboat Evelyn and the winning decorations. PHOTO: CHARLIE ROHAN

New attraction at the Kelpies, straight from the horse’s mouth AN EXCITING new attraction has been launched at the Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures sitting beside the Forth & Clyde Canal in Helix Park, Falkirk.

The Kelpies Experience will challenge participants of all ages to tackle a 25 metre aerial climb of Baron (the head-up Kelpie), taking them straight to the horse’s mouth and stunning views of the canal, Helix Park and, on a clear day, the distant hills and the town of Falkirk.

Scottish Canals has teamed up with Zone Events to develop this challenge which involves ascending inside the Kelpie, using a series of ladders, cable crossings, suspended platforms and nets before descending by abseil or quick flight, an option that gives the feeling of free falling before being gently lowered to the ground.

In the horse’s mouth, at the top of the Kelpie Baron. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS All participants will wear full body harnesses and helmets, and will always be connected to safety cables. Along the way, the expert guides will share the

history of Scotland’s canals and tell the fascinating story of the Clydesdale, the horse that provided the inspiration for the Kelpies.

The Kelpies Experience will provide a unique experience and the opportunity to generate much needed income for charities and other organisations. Initially, it will only be available to large group bookings or by signing up to support one of Scottish Canals’ charity fundraiser events.

To launch the experience, Scottish Canals teamed up with the Beatson Cancer Charity which also celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024 (the Kelpies’ 10-year celebration was held in April last year). Scottish Canals is actively seeking more charities to partner with. Find out more at www. scottishcanals.co.uk

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The landmark Nelson bell-boat buoy off Riversway at Preston Docks. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

January 2025

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Boats moored in Preston Docks. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

Days Out - Preston Our series is dedicated to showcasing unique days out near special canals.

Whether you’re into gongoozling (watching boating activities), leisurely towpath walks, wildlife spotting, boat trips or even retail therapy, our canal system has something for everyone. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Preston, with close links to the waterways and a city that has plenty to offer visitors.

By Sally Clifford

IT BOASTS the longest stretch of lock-free cruising in the country. The Lancaster Canal, linking the historic market town of Preston to Kendal, is one of the country’s few coastal canals, a 41-mile-long waterway built along the natural lie of the land.

Preston’s link to the canal network came in the 18th century and, along with the River Ribble, the docks and the railway, were integral to the town’s development. Preston’s early progression as a trading port was made possible by the River Ribble.

Subsequent economic progress was brought about largely by the growth in cotton production, although wood and pulp were important cargoes passing through Preston Docks.

Launched in 1892, it was the largest single dock in the country – the first to introduce roll-on roll-off traffic

and ferry transport and, in the Sixties, earned it the record for handling the largest amount of container and ferry traffic. However, use of the dock became limited as the size of ships increased and eventually led to the redeveloping of the site in the Seventies.

The Wallace and Gromit statue outside Preston Market Hall. PHOTO: MICK PORTER AND PRESTON CITY COUNCIL

Preston’s row of red telephone kiosks. PHOTO: PRESTON CITY COUNCIL

The construction of the Ribble Link in 2002 created what is understood to be the nation’s first purpose-built canal in more than a century linking the Lancaster Canal to the Ribble. This wasn’t the only first for Preston which, in later years, would become the first English town outside London to be lit by gas. It also boasted the first motorway, the Preston Bypass, which later became part of the M6 motorway.

While waterways played an integral part in the town’s fortunes, mills, engineering works, housing and railways also changed the landscape of Preston, whose name is derived from ‘Priest’s Settlement’ or ‘Priest’s Town’ after its founder, St Wilfrid. The town was also the birthplace of Sir Richard Arkwright and John Kay’s spinning frame leading to the development of cotton mills.

Today visitors can retrace Preston’s past through museums, including the Harris Museum and art venue, and discover more about the town’s

Avenham Park in Preston affords stunning scenery. PHOTO: PRESTON CITY COUNCIL

Wonderful water view of Preston Docks. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD important landmarks and longstanding celebrations and traditions, including the Preston Guild, a celebration with food, music and processions taking place every 20 years, with the next one scheduled for 2032.

Embark on the Blue Plaque trail to find out more about Preston’s important buildings, and the people associated with them – the suffragette Edith Rigby and the novelist Charles Dickens, who stayed in Preston in 1854, are among the notables mentioned. Amid the historic locations, art lovers can indulge in the mural trail which has transformed some of the town’s buildings into colourful works of art. Close to Preston centre is

St Walburge’s Church, whose 309ft spire is believed to be the tallest of any parish church in England and understood to be the third tallest in the UK. For those looking for selfie snaps during their stay, the Wallace and Gromit bench featuring Preston-born animator Nick Park’s popular characters, cast in bronze outside Preston Market Hall, is the perfect place.

You can also capture another of Preston’s claims to fame on camera – the row of cast iron Grade II listed red phone boxes, believed to be the longest continuous row of kiosks in the country, which are part of a refurbishment project enabling their future use for creative installations.

The town also has a historic hostelry.

Situated on Friargate, the shopping quarter close to St George’s shopping centre, the Black Horse pub occupies a Grade II listed building and is believed to be the only pub in the country with three entrance doors from three streets.

Within the traditional setting are tiled and mosaic features while real fires bring warmth to two cosy snugs.

For those keen to explore Preston’s natural surroundings, The Guild Wheel, a 21-mile cycling and walking route, is the perfect way to savour the picturesque surroundings. Preston’s parklands are also a natural draw to those wanting to explore. The awardwinning Winckley Square Gardens is the setting for events, heritage walks and tours, and Avenham and Miller Parks are the locations for Preston’s annual egg-rolling event. This Easter Monday tradition includes workshops, street theatre and live music. Preston’s largest

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January 2025

The Towpath Ang gler Our monthly look at the angling scene

By David Kent

Preston Market is a vibrant shopping area. PHOTO: PRESTON CITY COUNCIL

Moor Park Deepdale Stadium in Preston. PHOTO: PRESTON CITY COUNCIL park is the Grade II listed, Green Flag accredited Moor Park.

Home to a cafe, sports facilities and the Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory, the venue attracted the stars when it hosted BBC Radio 2 in the Park in September 2024.

Sting, York band Shed 7, Pet Shop Boys, Gabrielle, Paul Heaton, Pixie Lott and Kim Wilde were among the performers who took to the stage over the weekend.

So why not follow the stars and make Preston your next destination…

FACT FILE: Things to do nearby: Ribble Steam Railway: www.ribblesteam.org.uk Billy Bob’s Parlour: www.billybobsparlour.com The Bee Centre: www.thebeecentre.org Flower Bowl Entertainment: www.theflowerbowl.uk Wild Discovery: www.wilddiscovery.co.uk British Commercial Vehicle Museum: www.britishcommercialvehiclemuseum.com Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club: www.royallytham.org Lytham Windmill Museum: www.lythamwindmill.co.uk Hoghton Tower: www.hoghtontower.co.uk Samlesbury Hall: www.samlesburyhall.co.uk Lowther Pavilion: www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk Useful website: www.visitpreston.com

Ride the rails at Ribble Steam Railway. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

WRITING the final article each year seems to come around all too quickly these days.

With regard to any key points in 2024, I guess the Canal & River Trust’s emphasis has remained on future funding and, in turn, the impact this will have on its many different strands of business.

From what I have heard recently, I believe some progress has been made but given the anticipated reduction when the Government grant is adjusted there is still a long way to go.

As we all know, at stake here is the trust’s ability to ensure the longterm future of our waterways whose contribution to our very society, their invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all who use them and their value as fabulous ecologically rich corridors, even in urban areas, is widely acknowledged, so there is a lot to lose.

Of course even more personal to myself, as an angler for more than 60 years and a volunteer in the fisheries and angling constituency, firstly with British Waterways and now the Canal & River Trust for almost 40 years, our canals are very close to my heart. We must not lose our canal fisheries.

Since attending CRT Council a few weeks ago I have been involved in a couple of conversations about the outcomes from the Boater Satisfaction Survey. I mentioned that people I had spoken with at council and subsequently were all of the view that the proposals are generally pretty good but that the focus has to be on a full collaboration to ensure that the approach is balanced across the spectrum and also to ensure that the aforementioned ecological value of our waterways is not compromised.

Last week saw the autumn meeting of the trust’s Fisheries and Angling Advisory Group. A large chunk of the morning session revolved around the developments regarding invasive non-native species (INNS). The representative from Natural England presented a draft paper showing a clear set of guidelines which no one should struggle to understand. It re-emphasises the need not to break the law and advises anglers who may be in doubt to contact the fishery owner. There was then a presentation about the trust and social media. It is clear that angling is ‘top of the charts’ in terms of followers.

The Let’s Fish update showed that almost 6000 youngsters had participated in 2024 and reported on the hugely successful national and global celebrations involving hundreds of young people. That said there is always room for improvement and there are some really good ideas in place for next year.

There was an update on the Angling Participation Development Strategy, which provided a lively debate with some

good recommendations being identified.

Finally, there was an update on the Towpath Group. I had participated in a previous meeting with representatives of some of the trust’s angling club customers. Topics ranged from vegetation management to overstaying boats, antisocial behaviour and general mooring issues - all of which massively impact the ability of these customer clubs to enjoy the fishing rights for which they pay (not inconsiderable) annual fees.

Interestingly I was working in my front garden one afternoon last week when a lady, whom I had never met before, walked by with a little dog. She said that the dog now struggles with humans it does not recognise after being hit along the local towpath by a high-speed cyclist who then chased the dog onto the main road where, thankfully it was rescued by a passer-by.

The cyclist just carried on his way.

Although we are now into the meteorological winter the weather continues to be quite unseasonal. Long periods of high pressure with little wind and near frosts overnight are immediately followed by Atlantic storms and all that they bring. I have not had a lot of time to ring around some of my contacts but, as an example of how this weather is affecting fishing, I know of one club which postponed a match because of the potential dangers of fishing in a storm.

Another match where some very competent anglers were taking part was won with one fish weighing 10 ounces. This is normally a prolific commercial fishery.

My own recent form has been non-existent; since writing last time I have been mega-busy in the office so just doing weekends. I still seem to be able to catch the odd fish or two, but result-wise I am nowhere at the races. One real bonus for me now is that I have no match organising to do until April so, at least when I do get out, I can simply turn up, draw my peg and go and fish just like everyone else (except the organiser of course).

As usual, at this time of the year, the maggot is now the preferred hookbait.

That said I have seen one or two anglers ‘secretly’ using bread, especially punched bread, to great effect. Worms too are beginning to find a few fish. Keep warm and safe.

Tight lines.

Changes to pre-bookable moorings for winter UPDATES to London pre-bookable moorings have been announced by the Canal & River Trust.

New, chargeable overnight moorings were introduced at five locations earlier this year, allowing boaters to guarantee somewhere to stop for the night in Central London.

These include iconic locations such as Little Venice, which was named one of 10 Marvels of the Modern Waterways in a 2022 public vote.

Following a review of usage, the pre-bookables at Camden Visitor Moorings have been returned to seven-day towpath moorings. This means they are available on a firstcome, first-served basis to all boaters

with a licence at no additional cost.

All other pre-bookable moorings will continue to operate year-round, but with the introduction of winter pricing, at a cost of £20 per night through November, December, January and February.

CRT national boating manager Matthew Symonds said: “We introduced pre-bookable moorings in response to demand from boaters who wanted to be certain of somewhere to stop for the night when travelling into London. The new (reduced) winter rate offers boaters the chance to set off with confidence and visit some of the most picturesque canal locations in the world.”

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January 2025

The Wet Web

By Helen Gazeley

has a grid layout. It’s illustrated with photos taken by members and supporters. £9.40 inc p&p: chesterfieldcanal-tr ust.org.uk/ shop/2025-calendar The IWA calendar is long and narrow, so space for jotting is limited, but it offers extra value, as its pictures double as detachable postcards. £6.99. waterways.org. uk/support/shop/ iwa-calendar-2025 The A 4 -s i z e d Wendover Canal Trust’s calendar has been improved this year to include more room for appointments in its list layout and features some rather lovely donated images of local wildlife as well as seasonal scenes. £9.95 inc. p&p: wendovercanal.org.uk/ the-2025-wct-calendar

ANYONE who is organised has probably got one by now.

However, for those of us challenged in the forward-thinking depar tment, the realisation is just dawning that 2025 is here. And if there’s one thing that those of us lacking in anticipatory ability need, it’s a calendar.

When I was younger, it used to bemuse me that my parents received calendars as presents, often from friends abroad. Now, I rather regret not only the diminution of contacts in far-flung places but also the lack of a monthly change in stunning landscape, The Chesterfield Canal Trust 2025 calendar. and the very visual PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST Other societies and reminder of the next trusts to check out are appointment. the Cotswold Canals Trust, with an A4 landscape Time to remedy the problem, support your format folding out to A3: cotswoldcanals.org/ favourite canal society and enjoy views of the shop and the Pocklington Canal Society: www. network throughout the year. pocklingtoncanalsociety.org/shop A quick perusal of what’s on offer reveals a variety Grantham Canal Society had intended to produce of designs but it’s a pity that more detail isn’t given a calendar but, due to a busy period of fundraising, about calendar layout on most of the websites. Any has put it back to 2026. It is already calling for societies reading can take this as a plea for more photos of the Grantham Canal and your pets or detail, so that one can see how the months are wildlife. Find out more on the society’s Facebook shown. A calendar is definitely not ‘just’ a calendar. page: www.facebook.com/granthamcanalsociety What best suits you?

All canal society calendars are produced with Basingstoke Canal Society has increased the the hope of raising funds. You could give your size of its 2025 calendar to A4, all the better to favourite group a boost throughout the year, as enjoy the images, which were chosen from its explained on the website of the Shropshire Union: Facebook calendar competition. This boasts shropshireunion.org.uk/give-as-you-live an international audience, with one Facebook Register on the Give As You Live website, enthusiast sending it as far afield as New Zealand choose a charity (a search for ‘canal’ will bring up for the coming year. £8.50 including p&p: a list of relevant organisations) and shop on the basingstoke-canal.org.uk/shop website of your choice (there are a wide number of Chesterfield Canal Trust’s calendar (A4, opening participating stores, including major supermarkets, to A3) offers 13 months for the price of 12, as fast food delivery services, John Lewis, utility January 2026 is included. It starts the week on a companies and much more). It doesn’t cost you any Monday (“I’ve had lots of grief for that,” says Rod extra but could add a small amount to a society’s Auton, the company secretary of the trust) and coffers every time you do: www.giveasyoulive.com

Similar to other canal society calendars, Chesterfield’s photos are taken by keen members and supporters. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

In December, stocks were selling fast of the Basingstoke Canal Society’s calendar. PHOTO:

BASINGSTOKE CANAL SOCIETY

Sustainable Boating: Power usage IWA Sustainable Boating Group member Jonathan Mosse continues his series on off-grid boating.

WE’VE made it; we’ve stored it; we’ve distributed it; now it’s time to burn it! Just how much electricity we’ve got to burn, together with the most economical way of doing so, is what we’ll look at now given that I have literally got hour-by-hour consumption and PV solar output data, going back over considerably more than a full year.

Under challenging conditions, the horizontal panels are considerably more efficient, absorbing diffused sunlight.

First, a reminder of the equipment and the ground rules for operating it.

I have a total theoretical output from my four, rigid, roof-mounted panels of 1760 watts. I say theoretical because they are bifacial and therefore pick up reflected sunlight, which can provide something between 15 and 30% of additional power. I’ve certainly experienced short bursts in the order of a 20% increase.

In the summer months I have seen a total daily output of more than 10kW, although 7kW would be more typical, remembering that I’m moored pretty much in the centre of Scotland with all that this northerly latitude implies.

Right now, around the shortest day of the year, I’m lucky to average much more than 1kW. Given that my average daily consumption is 1.2kW, there is clearly a challenge to be met for six to eight weeks of the year, and right now my greatest ally is a large 30kW battery bank, specified for my ultimate conversion to electric propulsion.

Typically, I will find myself 0.1 – 0.2kW down on what I generate each day and it is the batteries that will provide the

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Some modern inverters can be programmed to minimise parasitic power consumption. ‘padding’ to get me through and into the longer daylight hours.

What I wouldn’t be able to do is to cruise (assuming my electric drive was fitted) and expect to meet my domestic requirements without placing considerable reliance on an external electricity source, be that landline or generator.

These figures reflect the worst case

scenario given my latitude and the fact that, in the last month, I have changed moorings from one with a very open southerly aspect, having an orientation less than 10° from due south, to one shaded by mature trees and at least 30° from the ideal. I have still to log sufficient meaningful, comparative data for the two locations but, unsurprisingly, panel output is clearly down by at least 30%.

It’s probably also worth repeating, in the interests of reminding readers of the full picture, that no inland waterways vessel is likely to be able to field a sufficient area of PV panels to meet the cooking, heating and hot water requirements of a boat through the winter months, November to March. It is for this reason that I rely on an HVO-fuelled Dickinson stove to remain toasty warm, well victualled and odour-free!

I’m well past the age when I want to rough it on a daily basis, so my approach is task-by-task, meal-bymeal, to find the most energy-efficient and generally acceptable way forward.

As a starting point I’ve tried to eliminate the inverter from day-today living as, operational or not, it still consumes a certain amount of parasitic power, typically 40-50W per hour… or 1kW a day. Modern, sophisticated machines can be adjusted to reduce this to 11-15W per hour, but they are still relatively few and far between.

With the inverter out of the equation, what things, essential to a comfortable existence, aren’t going to function? In my case that’s just three devices: A large desktop computer, its printer and the washing machine. Oh, and the microwave for which there are plenty of acceptable workarounds. My work is predominantly laptop-based, which I recently realised was connected to its power brick via a USB C plug, so with suitable heavy gauge wiring to my array of 12V sockets I now rely upon, a 100W connector (nothing less for a laptop, please) keeps me operating on battery power.

With a wee bit of exploration, it will be found that very few devices that apparently require ‘mains’ electricity actually do, one of my recent ‘coups’ being to stumble across an electric shaver that charged from a USB A outlet. This simply leaves me with the need to turn on the inverter for the weekly clothes wash (0.5kW) and to power the printer for an accumulated jag of hard copy.

In the next piece I will drill down into cooking in detail but, in the meantime, I suggest viewing www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oKan-noNYZA which is an excellent overview of the electrical system on a narrowboat put out by Mothership Marine, long-time builder of electric craft and worthy winner of the IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Award

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

A passage in time

There’s more to tunnels than meets the eye on our canal network. John Souter continues his new series, exploring the wonders of our extensive range of canal tunnels.

TO FACILITATE the efficient working of the canal network, around 42 miles of tunnels were constructed in England and Wales, of which about half are still open.

This is more than the combined length of

Bridgewater tunnel – Worsley Mines: 81,000yd, opened 1761.

Originally the Duke of Bridgewater’s coal was transported by boat along the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, as well as overland by packhorse. River transport was problematic due to the uncertainty of river conditions, and packhorses were only capable of carrying a very limited amount of weight.

Having seen the Canal du Midi in France and the Sankey canal construction, the Duke decided his solution to the transportation problem was an underground canal at Worsley connecting to a surface canal that would run to Salford. This view was also shared by John Gilbert, the Duke’s land agent, who also felt that it was possible to connect the Duke’s underground coal mines at Worsley to the Bridgewater

all other canal tunnels in the world and doesn’t include the extra approximately 47 miles of underground canal at Worsley as part of the Bridgewater Canal.

As well as 583 locks, 2963 bridges and

canal. When finished, the canal/tunnel served 47 miles of underground coal mine-related waterways constructed on four different levels and connected by a water-powered inclined plane and various lifts.

Worsley Delph was the entrance to the underground Navigable Levels, as the canal was known, and this is now a scheduled monument. The initial tunnel had a height of 8ft with around 4ft water depth and 4ft headroom and could not be built in a straight line as it needed to change course in order to avoid trespassing under the land of neighbouring landowners.

The first workable seam of coal was reached in 1761, about 770 yards from the tunnel portal.

At one time, more than one million tons of coal were transported through these underground tunnels and to relieve the associated congestion a second tunnel was dug. The two entrances

Narrowboat entering Froghall Tunnel in Staffordshire.

PHOTO: ROGER D KIDD - CC BY-SA 2.0

337 aqueducts there are also 55 tunnels, ranging in length from just 25 yards to over three miles, along the 2000-plus miles of our inland waterways. Let’s take a look at this month’s offering…

were built a few years apart and were specifically designed for the boats that were used here. The entrance tunnels were 30 yards apart and were excavated in the rock face with one being for loaded boats, the other for empties. The two parallel tunnels converged inside after about 500 yards and the waterway then continued with a large number of subsidiary lines going off at right angles following the coal seams.

The width varies greatly throughout the network due it being interspersed with various loading bays, wharves and caverns.

Almost two miles of canal known as the Upper Level was 35 yards above the main system, and initially the mined coal was moved between these levels by vertical shafts until, in 1795, the construction of an inclined plane was started which was completed in 1797. The plane was 453ft long and raised or lowered boats 106ft. To make use of the plane there were two locks on the Upper Level from which two separate railway lines descended to the lower main level. Boats would enter the upper locks and be seated on wagons.

The locks were then drained and the weighted boats would descend the incline, being counterbalanced by other empty boats ascending the parallel line. The incline continued to work until 1822.

The boats in use here were double-ended and were typically 47ft long and 4ft 6in wide with a carrying capacity of 7-12 tons. They came to be known as ‘starvationers’ due to the massive internal ribs showing as part of their construction. When

being transported through the tunnel the boats were linked 6-20 at a time and were hauled out and back with ropes or legged by boys using the tunnel roof. It’s been said that one boy aged just 17 worked 21 of these boats single handedly which, at a weight of seven tons each, made a total weight of 147 tons!

The last load of coal was carried in 1887 and the workings have remained largely as they were when closed. There have been calls to open the works to tourism but so far to no avail.

CALDON CANAL Froghall tunnel: 76yd, completed 1785, no towpath.

The tunnel arose because of the desire by Josiah Wedgwood to have his Etruria pottery linked with the town of Leek, this aim being supported by the Trent & Mersey Canal Company which saw it as an additional water supply for their main summit, as well as giving access to limestone quarries around the Cheddleton area.

Interestingly the tunnel itself was needed due to the inefficiency of the existing horse-drawn railroad.

Between 1778 and the 1840s four different tramroads were built, with the earlier ones being beset with various problems, in particular the steepness of the land, thereby making them almost impassable with wagons being pulled by horses in icy conditions. In addition, the very uneven surface also caused the brittle rails to break regularly.

After many financially

TALKBACK

Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Somewhere rainbow…

over

a

Dear Towpath Talk, We have a yacht based at Caley Marina on the Caledonian Canal in Inverness. Recently, we sailed from there to Cromarty and Lossiemouth

successful years business declined, the last tramway finally closed in 1920 and the links to Froghall and Leek were declared unnavigable.

Fo r t u n a t e l y , the existence of the canal continued due to its usefulness as a water supply.

In 1963 support from enthusiasts, including the relevant local authorities, saw revival

and then back again. We took this photograph when we arrived back at base. It’s such a lovely image that I thought you may like to use it in your newspaper.

Kind regards Julie Malone and family

started with repairs to the tunnel being done in 1972, although this has not helped any boaters who choose to ignore the height gauges at Flintmill Lock 17 or the tunnel entrance and who, because of the very low headroom (maximum 5ft), find themselves banging their heads on the tunnel roof.

It’s also worth noting that the tunnel beam

is only about 6ft 8in so fenders definitely need to be raised or removed to avoid the possibility of getting wedged inside the tunnel between the walls!

Although the height restriction makes for very limited passage through the tunnel, the effort, if you can make it, is well rewarded by good mooring facilities in the restored visitors’ basin.

Mining sculpture at Worsley Delph. PHOTO: DAVID MARTIN - CC BY-SA 2.0

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January 2025

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Floating bookshop making waves

By Sally Clifford

Recognition

As I step on to the bow, the conversation soon turns to books. Victoria says they were delighted to be among the winners and appreciate the recognition for Marjorie R in her role as a bookshop.

The vessel was named after Marjorie Reed, the wife of Reginald Reed, a coal board employee.

“It’s really nice to be recognised as well. The last award for Marjorie R was for being a boat, whereas with this award she is a bookshop. The last award was for the history of the boat and this is the future,” says Victoria.

The competition, now in its second year, invited independent bookshops and booksellers from across the UK and

FOR book lover and former librarian Victoria Bonner, setting up a bookshop was a natural move to make.

Being a floating home owner for many years with her husband Chris, transforming the former coal barge, Marjorie R, has opened up a whole new chapter for the couple.

The repurposing of the 77-year-old former workhorse of the waterway built

by Hargreaves Boatyard, Knottingley, into a floating bookseller has already received recognition with an award from National Historic Ships (NHS-UK) last year.

Now Hold Fast Bookshop, launched in November 2022 and christened after the nautical saying often tattooed across sailors’ knuckles to hold on in stormy seas, has received further recognition as one of the six winners of the Booker Prize Indie Bookshop Spotlight competition.

Moored amid the trendy setting of Leeds Dock, formerly a commercial dock close to the route where the 57ft by 14ft vessel once transported coal between Fall Ings, Wakefield and Thornhill Power Station, the floating bookshop was selected along with The Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh; Fourbears Books, Reading; Bard Books, London; The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus and New chapter: book lovers can browse an Books Upstairs, extensive collection in the former coal barge.

Dublin.

PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

Ireland to celebrate this year’s Booker Prize shortlist by assembling an in-store display of the titles nominated for the prize and posting images of their activity on their social media channels.

“The Booker Prize is such a great conversation starter in the shop – people have been hearing about the shortlisted books and authors on the radio, on TV and online and there is a real buzz around the selection. Sometimes there is nothing better than a long lingering browse in a bookshop, and other times you just want someone to give you a book and say: ‘Read this, it’s good.’

The Booker Prize is a shortcut readers need when fatigued by choice or too time-poor to wander the shelves,” says Victoria.

The book lover is a great advocate for reading and championing independent bookshops.

“Having the shop has changed our taste in books – reading more widely has introduced us both to new genres we never would have picked up before.

Chatting

“If there is anything better than chatting about books all day, we have yet to find it and it’s such a vital part of independent book selling. It’s great to see interactions in a bookshop – customers often start chatting to each other about what they have read or enjoyed.

“It’s also important for readers to see a range of books of all kinds of genres.

I think most have more courage and a sense of adventure with their book choices than the dreaded algorithm would ever give them credit for.”

For Victoria and Chris, running their floating bookshop, which also offers an upper deck seating area where people can read on fine weather days, is the perfect profession.

“We couldn’t be happier. We have some really lovely customers, some regulars who come in and have a chat and people

Success: Chris and Victoria Bonner, whose floating bookshop was one of the Booker Prize Indie Bookshop Spotlight competition winners.

PHOTO: THE BOOKER PRIZES

who are passing through Leeds, a lot of visitors and tourists,” says Victoria.

Located in such a landmark location, Marjorie R is rapidly capturing attention, especially when visitors realise her role.

“There are still some people who are surprised that it is a proper bookshop.

I think they imagine there will be a little

bookcase with 10 books on,” says Victoria.

“People often ask where we got the idea to set up a bookshop on a boat – in truth, we have lived and worked on the water for 22 years so it never really occurred to us to try and find a shop on dry land.”

Plans for this year include launching a book club. Watch this space…

Floating bookshop: Marjorie R moored amidst the trendy setting of Leeds Dock. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

New year, same old financial concerns…

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues.

work tirelessly and sometimes unacknowledged. Our chair was particularly diligent at our AGM to acknowledge the work of each Council member in her report and it provided a record of just how much is done behind the scenes.

CRT forums

IT HAS been a busy month for members of the NABO council.

The AGM was held and we welcomed one new Council member to the line-up but our treasurer, although keeping this role, has stepped down from Council. Her service over the last decade reminded me of the thousands of volunteers who beaver away quietly in the background. Their essential work keeps their organisation on track without any fuss. Thank you to the treasurers, secretaries, editors, webmasters and admins who

Canal & River Trust, as part of its effort to engage with boaters in a meaningful way to improve boater satisfaction, has published a programme of both national and regional meetings and forums. NABO will be at every one to make sure that the boat owners’ view is heard. Of course, we are already at as many meetings as we can. November saw meetings of the Boat Safety Scheme, Environment Agency, FundBritainsWaterways, and the Grand Union Water Transfer Scheme, to name a few.

We also attended a meeting of the Rudyard Reservoir local interest group, who are hoping to return the feeders of this important resource to their original design which will help alleviate a local flood risk and improve water supply to the Caldon Canal. Unfortunately, the trust could not attend on this occasion.

In today’s society, volunteers do an immense amount of

work. The ‘third sector’ of not-for-profit organisations, charities, associations and clubs is a growing part of our economy. And many work at these good causes without any demand for pay. Canal & River Trust now has an army of more than 4000 volunteers taking on every kind of task from asset inspection through boat moving to vegetation control and waterway rangers.

The charity now advertises for voluntary roles. The trust does acknowledge that it cannot provide the necessary labour to fulfil its duties as navigation authority and landowner without the aid of this workforce.

Weather increases financial burden

The weather is still taking a toll. Named storms, the latest as I write being Bert, bring flooding and damage that leaves a new and everincreasing financial burden on the navigation authorities.

Excess water overtopped dams at some winter works sites and damaged lock wash walls, canal banks and culverts. The deluges sweep soil from fields into the canals, adding to the silting of the channels and drains. This leads to further flooding as the

water cannot get away to rivers and estuaries quickly enough.

The national importance of waterways cannot be understated. Every weather event highlights the need for an efficient system of waterways to provide efficient discharge of surplus water to the sea. Dredging takes money. Financial constraints continue to affect every part of the waterways and our efforts to highlight this to politicians must not stop. Drinking water demand is also increasing.

The new house building programme brings this and other demands like the drainage from the roads, roofs and other land now covered over to the ditches, streams and rivers rather than filtering through farms or woodland. Foul water disposal is required for already overloaded sewers and drains. New demand for clean water brings strain on existing reservoirs and treatment works. These new homes are not always where the existing capacity is located and the canals are envisaged to be a way of getting water from the middle of the country to the South East. Water transfer from the River Severn to Bristol via the Sharpness Canal has already brought serious silting problems to the Gloucester Docks which led to a large dredging bill.

Some of the financial burdens will be directly met by boaters as the above-inflation rises to licence fees continue. There is a shift in the way boats are being used. An analysis of the lock usage in recent years has highlighted that many boats are being used for shorter, more local cruises rather than longer ones. Lock usage has declined over the last 10 years. There has been an increase in the number of registered boats so indications are that many are being bought as homes or as a retreat, rather like a country cottage. Many are staying on their marina berth or in a limited locality for the whole year.

Environmental impact

NABO also takes an interest in other “green” issues. Alongside other contributors to the greenhouse gas effect boaters must consider ways to reduce the impact on the environment of our engines, fires and heating systems. Hydrogen-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a viable carbon-neutral alternative to diesel oil. It has been tried and tested as a direct replacement.

I use it in my vintage BMC 1500 diesel and can attest to better fuel economy, less smoke and no problems with it. HVO has a lower freezing point than diesel so is ideal for winter use.

It is not prone to ‘diesel bug’ like previous biofuel alternatives and is directly interchangeable and mixable with diesel oil with no changes to the engine whatsoever. It appears to be the dream ticket except that the Government classifies it as a fuel oil in the same way as petroleum derivatives and taxes it as such.

This makes it more expensive than red diesel. Obviously, this is a great discouragement to the majority of the boating public who find their budget stretched by rising costs on all fronts. I see it as the responsible way to go. I cannot afford to replant my 40-year-old boat with a hybrid drive chain or an electrical motor system. The change to HVO was easy and in the long run, will be a cheaper way to contribute responsibly to reducing harmful emissions. I very much hope that others will agree with me and an increased demand for HVO among the boating community emerges. This will encourage marinas and fuel boats to keep stock. Currently, the minimum quantity that I can purchase is 240 litres which means that I have to run the tanks down to very near empty before I replenish them from 20-litre ‘fuel boxes’.

I wish you all a very happy new year. No doubt it will be another busy one.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2025

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January 2025

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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